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!