Show Us Your life - Tell Us About your church

So we are back to SUYL Fridays!! I had originally thought of this idea because I LOVE my church. I know this is not true for everyone but church is one of the most important things in my life. Especially as a SAHM - church is my lifeline! And I wanted to share about mine and I wanted to hear about yours!!

But last night - a light bulb came on (probably around a 2 a.m. feeding!). So many of you have mentioned you are looking for a church - or maybe you haven't mentioned it - but you have been thinking you would like to go to church but don't know where to start. So I hope that as each of you write about your church -PLEASE put in the link- the name and city of your church. So hopefully those of you are searching - might find ideas in your area!

I belong to First Baptist Bentonville, AR. I am Southern Baptist. I grew up Southern Baptist but that's not why I'm still there - it's because they align with what I believe. We believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God. Every word is true. I have been a member of a lot of churches in my life and what I love most about my church is it is a fairly large church (around 1000 members or so) but feels small and the people in the church are GENUINE Godly people who love Jesus and want to serve Him and others. I could tell you stories about almost every member and how they have inspired me to be a better Christian.

Honestly - I could go on for HOURS about how much I love my church. We have an amazing pastor who preaches the truth - and not just what is popular or politically correct. We have a worship pastor who works SO hard and does an amazing job with our music. One of the most important things about church to me are youth and children programs because I think if you can get kids involved in church and raised to love the Lord - they will hopefully be set apart and avoid so much heartache that so many kids go through. Our youth pastor is SO awesome and week after week I watch the youth in our church sit at the front and raise their hands to praise God during worship unashamed and go on mission trips and go into the ministry. I just pray my girls will be in that kind of youth group one day.
I also love that our church has a heart for reaching our community to meet not only their physical needs but their spiritual needs. Our church has a heart for evangelism and the lost.

And of course one of my favorite things about church is the fellowship of believers we have found. My very best friends are all members of my Sunday School class. We spend as much time together as possible. We are raising our kids to all be friends and we are there for each other - to meet needs, to pray, to encourage and to grow each other's faiths.

I don't take it for granted that God has led us to the best church for us. Scott and I have both grown spiritually by leaps and bounds since we joined our church about 8 years ago. I think I was spiritually STUCK before I was challenged to grow my faith by our pastors and Sunday School teachers and friends.

I just want to encourage you SOOOOO much - if you don't go to church or don't go regularly - FIND somewhere you feel comfortable and go! If you are single - trust me - I know how hard it is to go alone - but GO! If you have a family - there is nothing better you can do for your marriage or for your kids - then to get involved in a church. If you are lonely - you can find the BEST friends in church. If you are married and your husband won't go with you - go anyway..............you never know what God might do.

Going to church won't save you - a relationship with Jesus Christ is what you need. BUT God knew it was so important to have consistent fellowship with other believers and to be challenged to grow and learn and worship Him..............so church is important.

I'd love to hear about yours......................
PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF YOUR CHURCH AND CITY WHEN YOU LINK UP!!!!

Kelly

Prayer Requests

Hollis and I are hanging out tonight watching American Idol. She is loving it..............

And I thought I would share a few prayer requests with you!

* Miabelle is a one year old twin who was diagnosed last month with a rare blood disorder. She must have a bone marrow transplant or the disorder is fatal. Please pray for their family and also consider registering to donate marrow - not just for Miabelle but for all children needing transplants. Read more at http://miabellegillier.blogspot.com

* Gabi Shull is a beautiful 9 year old who just found out she has a rare cancer a few weeks ago. She is undergoing chemo right now. Read more at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabishull

* Baby Emry was born at 29 weeks and weighed 1 lb 3 oz and is having some issues. Please pray for her family. http://walkerfam05.blogspot.com/

* Pray for the family of Andy Struck - a 38 year old who died from cancer this month - leaving behind a wife and baby daughter. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andystruck His brother Michael was killed in a tragic backhoe accident last week - leaving behind a young family as well. Pray for the parents of these men.

* Jack Zimmerman is from the same town as the Struck brothers and was injured in Afghanistan recently and will be in the hospital for over a year. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackzimmerman/mystory

*Emily is 16 and has leukemia. It just came back after remission. Her blog is http://life-with-emily.blogspot.com/

* Please pray for the family of Brittany Pugh of Alabama who was killed in a car accident earlier this month along with her 14 month old son Shep.

*SMA is a terrible disease similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease in adults. Addy Grace is a little girl who has this and her parents have started a foundation for SMA. You can read more about it here - http://www.hope4addygrace.blogspot.com/

I'm sure there have been requests I have missed in my comments or emails. I have a hard time keeping up with everything especially now............but please feel free to leave your requests in the comments and I hope as a blog community we will pray for each other.

Perspective

My mom took Harper home today for the rest of the week. (You might want to pray for her and my dad!) Yes - I realize I am SUPER fortunate to have parents willing to do this for me.  I'm VERY thankful.  So I'm home all alone with just Hollis this week.

It's so funny because when Harper was a baby - I thought it was the hardest thing I had ever done.  I was so stressed about everything and thought I couldn't clean or even take a shower most days.  Which now I think is hilarious because she mostly slept and if nothing else - I could lay her in one spot and take a shower.  Now that I have a two year old - I realize just how easy newborns are and I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance because I'm loving every second this time around. I realize now how quickly this phase goes by and I know that before I turn around - she will be the wild toddler running through my house and climbing on everything.

I also realize all of you with older kids are laughing at me (and maybe even rolling your eyes) and saying "Just wait............TWO is EASY!" and I'm sure at some point - I will think it was.  But for now - two is HARD for me.

But I've also thought a lot about the wonderful things that come with both ages along with the hard things.  Newborns ARE stressful.  They cry and sometimes it's hard to get them calmed down.  You can't communicate with them and you don't know their personality yet.  They need a lot of attention and having to constantly be tied to a feeding schedule makes it difficult to do much else.  And don't get me started on the lack of sleep.  I have HUGE bags under my eyes right now to show for it.  BUT it's so sweet to hold a newborn and just look at them. It's so wonderful to be able to put them down and know they won't be tearing the house apart. They smell so sweet and make the cutest noises.  It's so sweet to look at them and wonder what they will be like and what their little life holds. They are miracles and I don't want this stage to end ever.

And toddlers are physically exhausting. At least mine is.  It's so hard to learn the best discipline methods. The days can be long keeping them entertained and from making messes constantly. BUT hearing "I love you Mommy" daily and having her hug me and kiss me is the BEST thing in the world.  Watching her little mind learn new things every day and seeing her personality start to come out is SO fun.  And you don't realize how simple a lot of things with toddlers are like not having to carry a big diaper bag anymore, not being tied to a feeding schedule, being able to go places for hours at a time, going out in public in general.

I'm just so thankful for both my girls and trying to enjoy their ages.  Before I turn around they will be fighting over make-up or picking prom dresses and going on dates and I will be WISHING for this time back.

Our friend Bethany brought us dinner tonight.  Our Sunday School class blesses one another with meals for new babies or illnesses and it's a HUGE blessing!  I'm so thankful to not have to cook right now and I love to return the favor to everyone else.  Bethany looked so pretty in pink - she matched Hollis! 

I forgot to mention last week that I guess you all noticed I have a new blog look! I wanted a spring look and with BOTH my girls on the header.  Danielle did my blog makeover and I love it.  I bet a lot of you would like to get a makeover!!! Now through the rest of the week - you can get $5 off a pre-made template and $15 off a custom design!!! And Danielle is AWESOME to work with! Go visit her site! When ordering - let her know you came from here!

http://www.danielle-moss.com/

Doctor Appointments and Misc Stuff

I forgot to share these precious cookies my friend Robin made for me to give out at the hospital. She even made Harper a few of her own! I had asked her to make some with little white dresses on it.  I wasn't even thinking at the time that the dress looked just like the going home dress the girls wore but it does!

I have this basket for Hollis' room so I just used it and tied all the cookies up in sacks with cute ribbon to give out! I attempted to do this for Harper's birth and things got so crazy - I had to just give the basket to the nurses' station but I was so happy this time I could actually give them out!!

I brought down this little play mat for Hollis yesterday.  A certain 2 year old HATED this when she was a baby but she thought it was a new toy for her. She wouldn't get off of it and thought it was the greatest thing.

And we saw our first sign of jealousy when I let Hollis get on it. Hollis really seemed to like it!

Hollis had her first doctor appointment today.  Doesn't she look precious???? I thought an outing deserved a dress up day!

I love this of the sisters looking at each other!

Hollis did really good at the doctor. He said everything looked good and she had gained weight. She is up to 9 lbs 2 oz! I'm so thankful she is a healthy girl!

We love our pediatrician.  He always takes his time with us and listens to any crazy questions or concerns I have.  He went to OBU with me and his wife was one of my good friends at school.  They have four kids and I love to consult her on things because she always has great advice.
I also had to go to my doctor after this visit to have my incision checked.  We had a girl from church babysit Harper so my mom could take me to these visits and we didn't have to wrestle Harper too since I can't pick her OR the baby in her carrier up.  I really need to get some kind of wrap to carry Hollis in.  Hollis was so good - she just slept for most of the time we were out.

The girls got a sweet package today from a very special friend we have named Randee who lives in Texas! They wanted to say Hi to Randee and thank her for being such a sweet friend!!!! We love our gifts! :-)

Weekend

I don't have a lot to share right now.  We are just on baby duty.  I haven't left the house in over a week and haven't been out of my pajamas.  I'm thankful to have my mom's help.  We have had a quiet weekend.  Friday we had a few visitors.  Laurie brought her mother-in-law Kay over to meet Hollis. I totally forgot to take any pictures.  Our old Sunday School teachers moved to NC last year but were here for Spring break so they came over. This is Michelle holding Hollis and Amy our current SS teacher's wife.

 I love this picture because Harper is looking at Jason like "What you talking 'bout Willis?" We miss Jason and Michelle.

 Scott and I took some pictures of Hollis on Saturday.  We got several we loved.  She is just the sweetest baby.  I can't say that enough.

We've had some great nights of sleep and the last few nights she has been up every 1.5 to 2 hours. I think she may be hitting her two week growth spurt a little early.

Scott took Harper to church this morning.  I knew she would be so excited to go see her friends. I think she has missed going to MDO and church over the last week.  I miss going to church so much today! A few more weeks and we will feel safe to get Hollis out and I can be back!

I hope you have had a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Scott

When you are looking for someone to marry - there are so many important qualities you hope to find

Someone who loves Jesus and will be your spiritual leader, a hard worker, someone who makes you laugh, someone who is smart.............................

One of the most important things is marrying someone who will be a good dad.  But that's hard to know when you are dating.  I lucked out because I married someone who had everything I had hoped for AND he's the BEST dad.  My favorite memories are of watching him with his girls and just how sweet and gentle and loving he is with them.  Harper and Hollis are so lucky to have a daddy who loves them so much!

Happy Birthday to the man I'm lucky enough to spend my life with and to share two daughters with.  I wish I could do something great to celebrate Scott's birthday this year but I can't drive and I'm limited on getting around.  I hope he knows how proud I am of him and how much I appreciate him and how thankful I am that God thought enough of me to let me marry him!

I think I'll tell him.

Happy Birthday Scott! I love you! All 3 of your girls love you!

Thursday..............

I didn't update yesterday.  We seemed to have kind of an off day and I just didn't have the time.  Scott and I tried to take newborn pics and it was a big fail.  This was the best one.  We are going to try again this weekend when Scott's not working and we have more time to work with it.  

Dawson seems to not mind having another sister around the house.  He HAS been super attached to me ever since I got home from the hospital. He will not leave my side for a second. I can't even go to the bathroom without him following me in. ha!

My friend Melissa let me borrow her Nap Nanny and Hollis really loves it but I think Harper loves it even more.  She sits in it every chance she gets.

We had a change of guards today at our house.  Scott's parents went home and my mom came and is staying with us for a while. I can't tell you how thankful I am for all the help.  I had the girls by myself for a few hours last night and a few hours this morning and I was worn out.  It's definitely going to be a challenge with two 2 and under.  Hollis is SOOOOOOO good and easy and she is sleeping SO great at night (which I feel like God is blessing me after Harper who still rarely sleeps through the night).  But Harper is well.......TWO.  And she has had a few very rough days lately.  I know so much of it is all the company and momma with a new baby and having her schedule way off.  But it's been meltdown city.  And it's also a huge challenge trying to feed Hollis and keeping Harper under control.  So many of you have suggested special "quiet time" baskets for her to sit and do while I nurse.  I love the idea but Harper doesn't have "quiet" or "sit" in her vocabulary.  I know we will figure this out...........but it's overwhelming to me right now.

As overwhelmed as I feel ................I also feel overwhelmed with blessings! I am SO thankful for my two beautiful girls.  As much as I wish I could keep Hollis a precious newborn permanently......I look forward to all the months and years ahead with my girls and I know our lives are just getting started! 

Pretty in Pink

 I know it's crazy that I'm blogging every day with a new baby.  But right now she is sleeping all the time and I have a lot of help.  Plus she is so easy (and fun) to take pictures of that I just have to post them!

 Honestly - y'all probably aren't too interested in this ................but Hollis has grandparents and an aunt and uncle and a Great grandma and a Great Aunt and a few other family and friends that I know want to see her picture ..........

 And well - I'm just deeply in love with this sweet thing.  I could just cry she is so precious and sweet! She is just the easiest baby.  She had a GREAT night last night! We are SO, SO blessed!

 And I PROMISE her name is not on everything.  I just bought her (and was given) a few special things that were monogrammed and I can't help but to dress her up in all of them right away.  We will be breaking out sister's clothes soon enough!

I am a huge fan of all these gowns.  They make diaper changing so easy and they are so comfy.  I have decided over the last two years that snap pajamas are the enemy.  I am refusing to use them anymore.  And at the rate Hollis is going through diapers - I can't imagine snapping and re-snapping over and over! ha!

And I will warn you - Scott and I are planning to take newborn pictures of her tomorrow so I'll probably have another post full of pictures.  Don't feel like you need to comment...............I just need to satisfy Nonny and Poppa's love for the day! :-)

Sisters

The desire to be and have a sister is a primitive and profound one that may have everything 

or nothing to do with the family a woman is born to. 

It is a desire to know and be known by someone who shares blood and body, 

history and dreams, common ground and the unknown adventures of the future, 

darkest secrets and the glassiest beads of truth." Elizabeth Fishel

We are getting settled into being home.  We have had two tough nights at home.  Hollis seems to have her days and nights mixed up and we are getting the nursing under control.  There is so much I have forgotten about having a baby.  I haven't had a lot of sleep but I'm so thankful my in-laws are here helping or I'm not sure how I would do it.  They have helped so much with Harper and laundry so I can just rest and take care of Hollis.  I would be lost without their help.  My "sister God let me choose" Laurie brought us dinner tonight and it was so good! I'm pretty sure she was loving the chance to hold a baby.  I'm sure Hollis will love her as much as Harper does.  

(her gown is from www.sheshemade.com)

Mini Me

 In case you were wondering who Hollis looks like...........................

 I think you may see in these groovy pics from the 70's

That she is me.........................

Bless her heart! :-)

I'm Coming Home to the Place where I belong

I ended up staying an extra night at the hospital and I'm so glad I did.  I'm not kidding when I say it was like a mini vacation.  Although last night was a little rough - sweet Hollis was a hungry girl who wanted to eat about every hour.  So we were ready to come home this morning!

I have to say Hollis is the sweetest, easiest baby.  I would have 10 more if they were all like this!

We got Hollis dressed up in her coming home outfit and took a few pictures! This little knitted cape was made my my mam-ma and my brother and I both wore it home and so did Harper and now Hollis!

 My sweet girl! I am so crazy about her!

Harper and Hollis wore the same sweet dress home from the hospital. And once I can get out and around again - I plan to take it to Hobby Lobby and have it made into a neat shadow box!

It's so funny - my girls look NOTHING alike.  I know that could change as they get older.  Harper looked so much like her daddy when she was a baby and Hollis looks SO much like me as a baby.  I'll be curious in a year or two if they favor or all or look completely opposite.

 Nonny and her granddaughter.  My mom went home today.  Scott's parents are staying with us now and then my mom will come back once they leave.  I'm so thankful for all the help. 

 All bundled up and ready to go!!!

 Leaving the hospital!

 This is my sweet friend Tracy and her husband Shaun.  Tracy made us the BEST dinner tonight. She is this super human kind of girl.  She has two young girls and works from home and yet is constantly painting furniture or throwing parties or having huge family dinners or redecorating her house or doing something nice for someone.  I wish they could bottle up her energy and sell it in a bottle. I would buy boxes full!

 Laurie gave Harper this little outfit at her baby shower.  It says "Daddy's little monkey" and it was my favorite outfit for her to wear - so sweet and soft. I couldn't wait to put it on Hollis today!

And I can't forget Big Sister.  She has been so sweet - constantly wanting to look at the baby and asking if the baby is hungry or why the baby is crying or wanting to hug the baby.  I'm so glad to be home with her - I missed her so much!

 Hollis got her first little bath from us tonight. She did not love it but she was so sweet and clean when it was over. I could just eat her up with a spoon!