Writing Out Loud-Christmas, The Forgotten Pea and Other Ramblings

Well...the most eventful year of my life is nearly over! Christmas was great! We got to see all of our family from both sides and enjoy everything there is to experience with the season. Other than being slightly disappointed with our church's Christmas Eve service it was all I had hoped to be-but I can't wait for the years to come. Each year, the possibility of Jorja sleeping through the gift exchange becomes less and less! Everyone is asking me how it was-and honestly it was just like it usually is except I had a lot more presents to open and EVERYTHING WAS TOO SMALL! I'm definitely bigger than 3-6 months! And honestly, so is my baby. That's right folks. Jorja has yet to see her 3 month mark and she is busting through the footies of her 6-9 month gear. Oh man I think Aaron and I are in trouble! Speaking of the thumb-sucker-she's got so many new tricks now!! She's determined to sit up soon. I swear she says Mama...I just know it! She's moved on to cereal b/c formula is for babies-she can't get full enough on it! She has a new best friend. He/she/it is funny, charming-the whole package. He seems to be wherever she goes too, which makes her happy and that is all her father and I want. Next time we are together I will introduce you to the ceiling fan. You'll fall head over heals in love with him/her/it.
Paris is doing good. Thankfully she liked all the gifts we got her this year. I've learned I haven't lost my fashion sense in the years gone by which is great news to me. She gave Jorja the most thoughtful gift ever-an embroidered blanket with her name on it and she sent us a great family picture frame with all of our pictures in it. That meant a lot b/c we haven't been able to get family pictures taken since June of '06. We won't get to see her now until this summer so we'll get one big picture then! I can't wait!!
I'm not calling it my New Year's Resolution b/c it's honestly my "New Life" resolution. I MUST lose this weight. If I hear "Well Beth, you did just have a baby" one more time I'm going to scream. Why you ask? Because I had her almost 3 months ago-time enough for me to lose 50 lbs right after birth...gain 20 of it back due to cookies, turkey, cranberry bread and yes...the vice of them all-Chocolate in all forms known to man. This is not Jorja weight...this is HERSHEY WEIGHT! So I've changed the way I think and cook. I've been using foods that I've either forgotten about or just never thought about such as honey. My father raises honey bees and I've never really realized how awesome honey is!! I use it now instead of sugar. I heart honey. I also heart chick peas aka the garbanzo!! I use it in everything!! Veggie soup, chili, snacks...high in fiber, low in fat-what more could you ask for in a pea? I am drinking more coffee b/c Bob on the Biggest Loser said it was the best thing ever. I believe Bob! I drink coffee when I want a snack and when I need more energy. I joined a gym that has so much to offer in terms of workout gear-cardio and weights. I'm going to look like I did for my wedding in no time!!! Well....give me some time. I did just have a baby.

Prayer Request-yes...we are still asking for prayers for the Pinnacle job. They've selected 2 of the three new employees and Aaron is one of 2 applicants they are eyeing for that 3rd slot. Pray that the other guy gets a great job elsewhere. That way Aaron will get the job and everyone will be thrilled.

NEWS ALERT!! NEWS ALERT!!

THIS JUST IN-GIANT BABY CONQUERS GREENWOOD!!
Jorja had her Dr. appt on Friday. She's weighing in at 13 lbs 10 oz and is 25 inches long. Allow me to remind you she is only 2 months old!! Cripe!!
She had her shots too-she's a big brave dawg and didn't cry hardly at all!!!

A Look Back-2008

What a year! To think that last year this time we were in the middle of so much heartbreak and the Lord has brought us through to a place that I've desired for so very very long. My heart is full right now thinking of all I've been blessed with, and all the trials friends and family have endured. Last December I was recovering from losing our first child and losing my beautiful Grandmother in less than 3 wks of each other (as I write this, her favorite song "Ava Maria" has started playing). After Aaron got laid off for the third time we learned that we were pregnant again and that's the turn of events that created one of the best years of my life. The trial of unemployment in the DC Metro area led us back to where we belong-with our families and friends in Indiana. While we are currently going through something similar my outlook on it is totally different. I saw no hope then, now I see only potential. Being home has made my relationship with my husband more fun and meaningful as we can relax in knowing we are not alone anymore. It just proves that God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and when you look back it makes you STRONGER and SMARTER! And for me-it's made me love my husband more than I can even imagine! Man do I love him, and I don't think he even knows exactly how much. We've been through more in one year than most couples go through in decades and I really don't know that I would change a bit of it. So a look back on 2008 is a little sad, but in the end we made it! And I know that my God will never push too much on me. And when I get to the point where I start to wonder exactly how we're going to do it-my family and friends show up. We are truly blessed beyond believe and this Thanksgiving/Christmas time I have so much to thank Him for. Just a few things:
My Daughters-I've had Paris for a few years now and each year she surprises me with her uniqueness and generosity. She is by far the smartest, funniest, loving and loyal young woman I know. I couldn't ask for a better stepchild and I'm so proud of her. Jorja has brought a new hope in my life. I now know why I'm here on earth-to create a life so precious and pure and teach her to make the world a better place. I know for a fact that my girls will change lives and make the world a much better place.
My Family- When I say family, it includes those who most people would call friends. Aaron and I are lucky to have such a good spread of friendship that they have become our family. My East Coast girls took care of me after my miscarriage and surgery, and really made me feel at home in a place where I never thought I'd feel it. The clan here took care of me when I had Jorja and made sure Aaron was taken care of as well. My father is my sounding board, my mother never left my side and my sister became my backbone. Without them, I would be a soggy mess. (As Corinna would put it)
Faith- I'm lucky enough to have been raised in a family who taught me where my blessings come from, and where my strength lies. I have come to realize that faith isn't something everyone has and it's my daily prayer that my friends and family come to feel the safe and secure part of being a Christian. Without my faith-my life would be dark, lonely and painful. I have such love and light in my life that I know I can get through anything! Though some people don't like to recognize or admit it-Jesus IS the reason we have Christmas. And I don't know about you-but I have a lot to thank Him for.
Number one on this list-LOVE. I feel it each day. I give it each day. And without it-we are nothing.
Jorja is soooo done with the sappiness-I must go tend to a not so touched baby right now. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Prayer Request-Aaron had a great interview with Pinnacle Airlines. This is the job he's been after since April. Please pray that this is it! It's a great company with fantastic bennies including FREE FLIGHT BENEFITS!! That's right folks-I'll be coming to an airport near you.