Sisters!!!

Okay-I am sooo bad at this!! It's been almost 2 MONTHS since my last posting!! How ridiculous, but really-my time flies! I am currently experiencing the life of a mother of two right now. Paris has been with us a little over a week and while she doesn't require ANY effort in managing, I do find myself worried constantly about: Why does she sleep so late? Who is she hanging out with?What is she doing? Does she REALLY need a boyfriend? How do you enroll in a convent? It is quite a change from a baby who I constantly worry about: What are you chewing on? Is that poop I smell? Why do you have a gigantic handful of fur? Oh no....where is the cat? That was poop I smelled-and it is almost up to your neck...
I cried when I saw Paris for the first time in a year. She has grown up considerably!! The trip up to fetch her was a girls day adventure for me, mom and Jorja. 3.5 hrs to Chicago, being nervous for the two girls to meet, seeing Jorja waste no time at all reaching up for Par like she knew exactly who she was, and finally driving home to meet Grandma and Grandpa Walker. The day was exhausting, but a lot of fun. I look forward to the many adventures Paris and I have planned. We are going to see a few concerts (New Kids on the Block/Jesse McCartney & No Doubt), many trips to the Zoo, Museums, a few camping trips, etc. It's hard to pack a years worth of fun into 2 very short months.
Jorja is deciding she wants to be a blond. There isn't much of the golden locks, but they are there. She's harvested 2 teeth that hurt like razors when she bites down on you, and she's graduated to big girl food. I've slowly introduced her to shaved lunch meat, cheese, cottage cheese, and canned fruits and veggies that she can smash while eating. It sure does save a lot on groceries that is for sure. She is still taking at least 2-3 bottles a day, but has been filling up on solid foods quite nicely! She's completely mobile now too-yesterday I was putting on my makeup in the bathroom when I heard "pat-pat-pat" I look down and there she is smiling up at me.
I am loving life with both girls. I can't help but be in denial that the summer will go by fast and soon I'll be shipping Paris back to AZ, but for now we are enjoying life together!!

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Can you believe it? Jorja is 6 months old already!! Time is sure flying by! She has become such a big girl, and her big personality is starting to show! More than once I have been awakened by little fingers in my nose or strumming my lips. I have to say-it's the best way to wake up. She aways smiles when she wakes up-then talks very loudly-then if she still doesn't have our attention-she will scream. I wish I had that kind of patience!! She is fascinated with faces. She must touch all faces and study them closely. We had a great Easter back at Gra' Soni and Pa's. It's always very relaxing to go "home". Jorja got some new maryjane's and frilly socks and got all girly for the big service. She was so cute! We also discovered a few new things-she's got a tooth coming in on the top gum, her hair is growing to the point where her baby mullet is disappearing, and she is going to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Big dogs only please. The crawling project is coming along slow and steady. I have a video and I'll post it as soon as I figure out how. : )
Paris called me last night to share some wonderful news! Paris has been invited to be a member of the Jr. National Honor Society!!! She was nominated by her teachers and has a meeting this week where she becomes an official member!! HOW PROUD COULD I BE??? Not only is she drop dead gorgeous-but she is so smart! We talked about how excited she was to come and visit and it seems it's right around the corner!
Prayer Requests:
My cousin Emily Sims is due at the end of May. She's had some difficulty the past 3 wks and was put on strict bed rest in the hospital though they are talking about sending her home. She had the same issues that my friend Emily had a few months ago and they are going through exactly the same thing! Thank God Friend Emily has been sent home and gets to spend the rest of her bed rest party at home. Cousin Em may get that gift, but may end up getting the big gift soon!! She is nearing 34 weeks and the Dr is confident the baby would be ok.
One of my best friends has been diagnosed with MS. While this disease is very tough to battle-I am completely confident God is by her side and carrying her through the toughest times. She is already putting herself out there as the face of MS and I feel she will be a complete inspiration to her peers who are fighting the same battle. Please pray for her comfort and strength to continue.

Miracles and the Power of Prayer

It's one word, but it has many different meanings to many people. I for one, believe in "miracles" but I believe in Gods Will more. Today has brought to my attention a few things to mind and I would like to share what is on my heart.
While checking in on a few of my fellow bloggers, I came across the blog for the mother of a little girl who has become well known back home as a survivor. She is such a tiny little thing-but her heart is massive and her strength and courage is even more inspiring. Willamina has been a name that I've heard in passing, and through my home church in Danville but I never had the opportunity to really get involved in what is going on in her life. Today I did. Today I cried harder than I've cried in a very long time. As a mother-I just looked at a picture and lost it. I ask that you all pray for this beautiful little girl. She is in so much pain, and has been through so many trials that I feel horrible for each and every complaint I have ever made in my life. God is working through her, and as I learn more about her I want nothing more than to read the next posting "She is cured!!" but it's not coming. Her life could be described as a Miracle. But this little girl is working for Jesus, and she is not a miracle-she is an answered prayer on so many levels.
I have also spent some time talking, emailing and IM'ing my friend from Covington-Jennifer (Myers) Murray. She has always been a fantastic friend, and her husband is just as fantastic-but I never knew her entire story "post-high school". Jen and Brad are the parents of quads. 4 boys. 4. FOUR!!! They are 2 years old now and are as cute as can be. (Jorja will marry one, I am sure of this) After reading about her battle with infertility, high risk pregnancy and life with multiples you have no choice but to think "How on earth does this woman do it??" Miracle? Or did God have so much trust in Brad and Jen 's faith and love that he gave them this opportunity to have a very public life to spread the Word? I think choice B is accurate!
A couple from my small group battled infertility, miscarriage, and the ultimately a high risk multiple pregnancy as well. They are having twins, but their story is a little different. Emily went into the hospital over a month ago because her body was preparing for pre-term labor. Had the babies been born at that time, it would have been a very scary and heartbreaking journey. After MUCH prayer and faith and hospital meals-Emily has finally reached yet another milestone of 30 weeks and her body is REVERSING it's need to give birth!! The doctors say this never happens, and is himself a Christian and simply put it-Prayer did this!! Do you believe it? I do!!
I have several instances that come to mind of miraculous cures, and people fighting their way through cancer, disease and physical trauma. Instead of calling these miracles-I call these taps on shoulders. God is there just aching to be a part of our lives and he is showing us that we can do anything through Him.
I didn't start this blog to preach, I started it to keep everyone in touch with our family and what is going on. However, I find myself needing to pour my heart out and say what is on my mind more and more in a public forum with the hopes of touching someones heart. Continue praying everyone. Pray for our country, pray for our President, pray for the lonely, pray for the poor, pray for the hurting, pray for the angry....just pray!

Oldies, Hummies and Such

The past few weeks have been incredibly hectic for me with trips to see old friends from home (top left)and from PU (Bottom right), work, and being a "work from home mommy". It's not as easy as it would initially seem, but each day I learn new tricks to make life and work easier. It helps that I don't have to give her a bottle every time I turn around these days. That's right! Jorja has become a vegetarian. So far, she has had quite the variety of tasty treats-some tastier than others. Below is a list of her new favorite foods rated on the hummy scale. Yes, I said "hummy". Apparently Jorja likes to hum and sing when she is eating good food. 1=not so hummy 10=Super duper hummy:
Sweet Potatoes-9
Carrots-7
Peas-4 (has an initial "gives me the willies" factor at first, then not so bad)

Bananas-8 (has an initial "gives me the willies" factor but then it rocker her world)
Squash-8
Peaches-6 (has a very big "gives me the willies" factor then this is FANTASTIC!)
Just in the past two days she has rolled over, held the bottle on her own, sat up on her own, and unfortunately for our cat MaryJane-discovered fur. She was nice about it at first, but I just had to release a handful of unattached calico.

I spoke with Paris the other day and we are counting down the days until she comes to visit us for a LOOOONG summer stay. I cannot wait and have been planning and planning in my head. Zoo, camping, museums, camping....camping....: ) Maybe an airplane trip some where cool. I have always wanted to take her to NYC and have already broken 2 promises to do so. I am so excited to see the two girls meet for the first time. Jorja will be 9 months old by then but at least she will be old enough to really play with her big sis. That will be a sweet moment for Aaron and I-I get teary just thinking about it.

Prayer Requests: Thanks to God that my girlfriends 2 year old quad baby made it out of the hospital and they are all on the road to health after a long sickie winter. I saw Jen at a gathering of oldies this weekend and she is amazing and beautiful.
My friend Emily has reached week 29!!! This has been a prayer request for a few months for me and it is working!! Her body no longer feels the need to give birth and is actually going backwards which according to Dr.'s "never happens" Good thing God is in control and makes scientific things "happen".
My friend Anne has a little guy named Jackson who has been experiencing seizures. This in and of itself is hard to handle, but her husband has recently been laid off causing much unneeded stress. Pray that he is able to get a job soon and that the Doctors learn what is wrong with little Jackson and that they are able to cure him.

I have a girlfriend from back East who is one of my East Coast besties who is having some strange nervey things happening to her. Please say a prayer for her as she has endured a lot medically in her lifetime and it's time for some good stuff to happen to her. We should be getting some test results soon and I pray to God they are good news.

Every Day Love!!

Traditionally I have despised Valentines Day and everything involved with it. Gifts are expensive, chocolate makes you fat, and when you are single-couples make you self-loathing. I remember walking on the campus of Purdue University and seeing the chalkings on the sidewalk, the fliers on every post, pole and wall about "BUY YOUR SWEETIE ROSES!! ONLY $50 FOR A DOZEN!!" Only?? $50 in my house buys the best gift ever-either food or gasoline! These announcements always created a heavy heart for me because I was that girl who DESPERATELY wanted a valentine but never got one. Instead I got a dinner with my friends and SEVERAL discounted beers to numb the idea in my head that I was a loser. **Little did I know at the time, that it was the BEST way to celebrate! The minute the red hearts start going up the day after Christmas in Walgreens, CVS and Walmart I think to myself " why do we limit love to just one day? I try to show love to everyone I know at each and every moment in my life. (Aaron my disagree at sometimes!) But today I would like to list the everyday reasons that I love my husband.

1. I love how you bring me a 'treat' each time you go out. Either my favorite Chex Mix or my version of crack cocaine-V8 Fusions.
2. I love how you are constantly telling both your daughters that you love them. You are embedding it in their head that no one on earth can take that deep love away and no one will love them like their daddy loves them.
3. I love how God gave you the ability to create such gorgeous children.
4. I love how you and I can talk all day-yet still want to txt all night while you are at work. We never run out of things to say to each other.
5. I love it when we can take 18+ hr road trips and never once have to turn on the radio because we don't need the filler noise.
6. I love the feeling I get when you come home from work.
7. I love it when it snows for 2 days equalling over 12 inches and you get mad at me for attempting to dig out my car by myself. You wanted to do it for me, and you did even after 2 days of being frozen!!
8. I love how the highlight of our night is staying in, and catching up on our favorite shows on DVR.
9. My favorite part of the day is being in bed with you, Jorja and the dog talking and playing.
10. I love you because no matter what trials, obstacles or heartache life has brought to our door, you have been man enough to bring your family through it!

Happy Valentines day to you all!!! Now, I am off to spend my night with my college girlfriends having dinner and drinks!! I may be married-but it's still the best way to celebrate a day of commercial love!! Be sure to show your love every day.

4 Month Update!!

Happy 4 months week! That's right, Jorja is another month smarter, stronger and funnier! She had her appointment with her new pediatrician Dr. Fledderjohn (or as mom calls her-Dr. Nutterbutter) on Monday. She weighed in at 16 lbs 12 oz's and is 27 inches long. Her projected height will be a minimum of 6'2. Yes. MINIMUM. Oh I feel for this child already. I remember not being able to fit into jeans growing up b/c they were simply too short. She will be just as bad! The shots this time around were just as brave as the 2 month shots. She has been showing her temper more and actually semi-yelled at the nurse. Guess who she gets the temper from? Thanks daddy for passing along that charming trait. The Doc told me things I already new-Jorja was perfect. Duh. : ) She started eating sweet potatoes this week and she loves them dearly. Last night she started singing while eating her 'taties'. (this was before she learned she could gargle them.) Next up-Carrots. Blech!!!

Paris is doing very well though we don't get to hear from her much these days. She is very busy with school and wrestling than is off rendezvous-ing on the weekends. She has become quite the wrestler as I have mentioned before. She did lose her last meet, but it was because she was laughing. She said she loves it and has so much fun that she laughs through the entire match. This of course really irritates the boys she is wrestling and one of two things will happen a) they will get furious and beat her b) they get nervous and she whoops them and makes them cry. Both scenarios are hilarious to me and I wish I could see her wrestle at least one time before it's over.
I am doing great-I've been able to pick it up at work which is great timing! I was given a special assignment to help out with the President/CEO . So far so good, she's very impressed with my recruiting abilities per my director and I am so thankful for the opportunity. Aaron loves his new job!! Despite a rough beginning he has really made a name for himself as well. He is sent on road trips on a regular basis to fix planes that are in airports with little or no maintenance support. He's made some good friends and actually likes everyone he works with!! That in and of itself is an amazing feat!
Prayer Requests:
Please continue to pray for my friends Matt and Emily who are expecting twins in April. Last month Emily was put on strict bed rest, and now she is in the hospital! She must stay in the hospital to be monitored until the twins are born and they have had a few scary moments. They are currently 26 wks and almost had Bailey and Ethan last Friday. 26 wks is just too early for these little guys and please pray that they stay safe and sound in their mommy's tummy until they are strong enough to be in the outside world.

Jorja's Pictures

We had Jorja's pictures taken this weekend by a family friend who did an AMAZING job! Thanks so much Staci!! As you can see-Aaron wasn't there, we'll have to do it next time when we are both together! You can see all of the photo's on my facebook and myspace accounts or ask me about our login for walgreens and I'll share the info for you.

Watching the Beautiful Dazey's

I spent the past few days watching all the beautiful Dazey's. No, I didn't spell it wrong-The Dazey's are my extended family on my mothers side. (Grandma Sims' sister) I was with them this week to celebrate the long and beautiful life of my Aunt Ruth. I loved my Aunt Ruth. She was always glad to be there for my showers, my wedding, Thanksgiving, Easter...most any event where our family gathered. Her death wasn't a surprise, but it was not ideal for anyone. But oddly enough, on the way to her funeral my parents and I heard Jeremy Camp's new song about the day we come face to face with Jesus. At the age of 28 (MONTHS from turning 29..) I've come to really look forward to that day. Now, more than ever because my Cousin Steve (Ruths son) pulled me close at the burial site and whispered in my ear "Ever since the day your grandmother died, my mom has wanted to go be with her." What a thought!! How amazing, joyous and FUN 3:25 on Monday morning was!! Aunt Ruth got to see Jesus, her husband, her sister, brother and her parents again!! I can imagine the hugs and kisses and the love that radiated! I'm amazed at this and desire it like nothing else on earth. The day we buried my grandmother I decided that I would live my life as Jesus did and love Him and obey him so that I can spend eternity with Him and the rest of the people I love dearly.
Back to the beautiful Dazeys...they cried, but mostly I saw smiles and heard stories and giggles. They are so close and loving to each other that it makes my heart swell to know that I have some wonderful people in my life. I don't see them much, in fact-some I hadn't seen in years-but they hugged me, they fought over Jorja and played with her and just LOVED. (I would like to mention that Jorja loves the men in my family and they love her equally as much, 99% of them are the construction/carpentry men who look so tough and hard on the outside-but they are bubble gum on the inside.) I loved watching the kids play with the 1980's WrestleMania figurines and giggled when little Nathan couldn't figure out why Jorja didn't want to play Hulk Hogan. In this world full of hate and despair, seeing a family who is so loving to each other did my heart good and proud.
I spent some special time alone at a few plots from family that I've lost that worked in my heart. I still hurt sometimes at the thought of losing my cousin and my grandmother, and it's amazing at how healing it is to spend some time being quiet and still and crying.
Speaking of special time-I got to spend a few hours with my friend from HS being goofy and giggly. The Adventures of Beth and Becky seem to only get funnier as we get older. I had a blast and can't wait to do it again.

PRAYER REQUEST-
My friend Emily has been admitted to the hospital because she is having trouble with her twins. She is currently at 25 wks and her body feels its time to deliver. Please pray that Ethan and Bailey STAY PUT! They are blessing from God, and the trip was heartbreaking. Keep Emily and her husband Matt in your prayers.
Also-my girlfriend with the quads has been asking for prayer. Their little Clark is in the Pediatrics ICU with a very bad respitory problem. This is a scary time for them so please pray for Brad and Jen Murray.

OH HAPPY DAAAY!!

HEY EVERYONE!!! AARON GOT THE JOB!! AARON GOT THE JOB!! That's right! God works in wonderous ways-it really is so incredible. It got a little tense there for awhile-but here is the complete rundown- Aaron had been calling Pinnacle on a regular basis to stay fresh in their minds. First, we found out that 2 of the 3 spots had been filled already and the 3rd would be filled "at the beginning of the year". Then on Wednesday, Aaron was catching some heat from Blakely's to join the union which would cost some money (sometimes more money than what was coming in) and he was afraid that he would not be allowed to work much longer without joining. So yesterday morning he called again only to get bad news. There was an offer out for the 3rd and final spot-Aaron was not selected. My heart was broken for him, he had been so excited for this opportunity and the idea of staying in the airline business was all he wanted. As unsteady as it was-being an aircraft mechanic is what Aaron J. Walker was meant to be, and it's what makes him happy. He came home early due to a machine breaking down with Blakely's and got a phone call just as he walked in the door...I hear "uh huh, yes ma'am. Yes. Ok. Ok. Thank you." then a loud "I GOT IT!! I GOT THE JOB!!" I'm screaming and crying, the dog is barking-Jorja is freaked out beyond belief. Total blissful chaos!! We stopped to thank God for the blessing and then I finally asked what happened??? Turns out the guy who received the offer was out of the country and not returning phone calls. They waited until Wednesday (the day Aaron called) before deciding to make Aaron the offer. (remember when we were praying the other guy would have something else going on?? Yea??? ) We also found out that the only reason he was not #1 pick was b/c the other 3 had buddies working for Pinnacle in Indy. So he starts on Tuesday. Would you like to know the kicker in all of this?? This morning Blakley's laid off everyone. So Aaron would have lost his job this morning only to have nothing lined up and he would probably not have had unemployment benefits b/c he never joined the union. God is incredible isn't he?
Oh Happy Day Reason #2- Today is the day that every father dreads. His gorgeous, smart and funny daughter turns into a teenager. That's right! Today is Paris' birthday and she turns 13 years old!! I got her gift out a little too late-but she is forgiving. (and used to it...lol) so HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAR!!
Life is turning around for us!

**Sorry for the abrupt cease in photos. Our hard drive took a poo and we can't access any of our things.

Prayer Request-JENNIE IS PREGNANT!! Please pray that she continues to have a healthy pregnancy and that the baby develops appropriately. Lauren and Allie are praying for twins and two hats. (??) ha!

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.

Just Call her Toots

The past few days, Aaron and I have had a growing concern for our daughter. Yes, it's true....Jorja has a gas problem. The poor dear can't yawn, stretch, cough, sneeze or breath without letting out a little 'love'. It's come to the point where we call her Toots Walker more than her real name. They've even become a little on the stinky side. My fear is that she will move on in her life to become the gassy girl in school who will be made fun of. Good thing she's cute!
Still no news yet on the job front for Aaron. He's at least getting some information now on his unemployment-please pray that they get that set up, it would be a blessing. I've seen on the news where IN is in a budget crunch with their unemployment and VA (where IN says he needs to get paid from) is at an all time high of 9% (32,000 people) so he could never get through. But now-we've made contact! I hope this is the start of something good!

Be Patient, God's Not Finished Yet!

Wow-my maternity leave is nearly finished! The time is certainly flying by me. I was going to go back to work tomorrow, but it seems as though I've run into a few roadblocks with company "protocol" and can't go back until Monday. Lot's of things got miscommunicated on a few different subjects today, which makes me remember a quote I saw one day. "Be patient, God's not finished yet." I've repeated it several times to myself today!

Jorja is growing so fast! I swear I pulled my back out of whack picking her chubby self up this morning! She's started a few new tricks including rolling onto her belly while sleeping and then back on her side again, she's found her voice and coo's at us several times a day (it is the sweetest sound!), she's even put her pacifier in her mouth all by herself!! I can't believe how each day brings new and exciting developments. She has finally started going to church with me and does very well sleeping through the entire service. Our only issue is getting her gas problem under control or at least work on her timing. The week before last she tooted during prayer, and last week she belched during communion. I'm glad everyone thinks it's so cute because when she's 14 no one is going to think it's very funny.

We've spent a lot of time with the grandparents. It seems we've been alternating back and forth each week with Grandma Soni and Pa and then with Grandma and Grandpa Walker. It's very important to Aaron and I to have our daughters experience an established and loving relationship with both sides of the family and I think the four of them wouldn't have it any other way! We can't wait for next week when everyone on each side of the family meets her!!
Aaron is hoping to hear some positive news tomorrow about his interview he had last week. Please pray for this situation as well as my work situation. It's going to be tough the next few weeks getting back to work and dealing with some issues with that.

Hopefully by my next post-I'll have some good news! Until then: Be Patient, God's not finished yet!

Life is Good!!

Wow-what a gorgeous fall day! You know it's a good day when you can drive your big truck with the windows down, classic rock up and enjoy the busy farmers harvesting. I love it when the stations play CCR, Tom Petty AND Pink Floyd all in a row. Jorja does too. She will have the best taste in music ever-the only child in class who knows who Steven Tyler is and all the words to the song Free Fallin'. Jorja and I got up and started a "ladies day" full of getting mom's hair cut finally!! Then we went shopping and then off to see Dr. Cline for a follow up visit. Dr. Cline said that I am healing nicely and I can finally start weening myself off of my medications! No more pills! (for a few days at least, I've been ordered on birth control b/c I'm one of the most fertile women ever...good in some ways-not so good right now. )

We've been working on "tummy Time". Jorja says "Tummy Time is for chumps". Daddy lays down with her to help her enjoy it more and Lazer totally digs tummy time. He loves his little baby.

Good News!! AARON HAS AN INTERVIEW ON MONDAY!!

I'm Official!

That's right folks-as of this morning, I am officially Bethany Anne WALKER!! I know...I know...a year too late-but it's done now and everyone in my family now has the same last name. It feels great and I'm very excited to get my new SS card soon! Oh-and get my new drivers license too! :)

The weather has been incridible and fairly odd. Who has ever heard of 75 degrees in November?!?!!? Not I said the Walker. I took Jorja out for her very first walk around the block yesterday. She didn't care about the sunshine in her eyes-but that wind was something very strange to her. She kept looking around as if to say "WHO DID THAT!?!?!?" I found it pretty hilarious and walked a little faster just to see her do it over and over again. Yea, I'm going to be that kind of mommy. We are hoping to have decent weather in a few weeks so Aaron's father can take us out to get catch the Midwest Fall colors for our first "family" picture. It's not really a family picture b/c we are missing a vital part of the family with Paris in AZ. We'll get official FAMILY pictures whenever we have her here for her next visit. Speaking of the diva-she's doing super awesome in school, she just finished up her volleyball season where she totally ROCKED! She played on the 8th grade team (she is in 7th grade) for their final tournament and is getting ready to start yet another season...the question is wrestling or basketball... because as most of you know she is a local celebrity with her wrestling skillz. She makes boys cry and let me tell you-that makes her mother and I so very very proud!!

Not much else to report today-Jorja is about to attend her first playdate at the park and she's pumped up for that.

Intro and Updates Since Jorja's Arrival

Good Morning!
As promised, I've set up this blog to update everyone all across the country on what's been going on with the Walker family since our newest addition. Jorja Kinsley Walker was born at 10:39 a.m. on Thursday, October 09, 2008. She clocked in at 9 lbs 6 oz and was 21 inches long. Turns out Walker/Holmes hybrid babies are gigantic. The actual c-section went well. I managed to totally freak myself out before the proceedure causing them to monitor my blood pressure and vitals a little closer than usual. They asked if they could do anything else to help comfort me and that's when I asked for someone to pray with me. Surprisingly, Dr. Cline had everyone in the room gather around me and she said a very nice heart felt prayer. This means quite a bit, but I'm not sure where she stands in her personal faith-so the fact that she cared enough to pray with me means the world to me. A few days after coming home, I was feeling pretty sick to my stomach and a little woozey. I started to throw up and that caused a sack of fluid and blood to burst out my incision and elsewhere. I want every woman reading this to know and to pass the word along that this is completely normal. No one told me that so when it happened I was sure I had ripped open my uterus and was either dying or no longer able to have babies.
Now that I feel human again, and am able to keep food down I've gained about 10 lbs in a week. Usually this isn't the right direction, but I had lost over 50 lbs of baby weight and other weight in less than 2 wks. THAT is not good!
Jorja is absolutely perfect. We spend our days on a schedule! YES! A 3 wk old can in fact be on schedule. This might be totally accidental but we're taking it while we can. She is nursing, however I'm not able to feed her enough. She will nurse about a hour then take about 3-4 oz's of formula in addition to that. She's quite the eater! The past few days we've noticed a considerable change in her movement and in her vocal attempts. She coo's and kicks and plays-Aaron and I stood at her crib for a good amount of time last night before bedtime just watching her. It's better than any movie ever made!
That's the quick version of the past few weeks. Jorja is just days shy of her 1 month birthday-I can't hardly believe it. I will update this when I have the chance to let everyone know how she is and to post the newest pics etc.

Prayer Requests- Aaron was laid off from Eagle Creek Aviation with a less than ideal severance when Jorja was just 2 wks old. Please pray for him to find a job that suits him, and hopefully one to get him out of the dreadful aircraft business.