15 years ago- I was one week from turning 21 years old. I was living in Louisiana on my own. Sitting out of college and working two jobs. Lonely and knowing that I wanted something more out of life that what I'd experienced so far. It was only 3 months later that I moved away to be with my mom, step-dad, and sisters in NJ. Hardest thing I ever did. BEST thing I ever did. I was able to get back into school, find a great church and awesome friends. The first few years of living in NJ were times of the most spiritual growth and changing in my life.
10 years ago- I had been dating Andy for 10 months and was quite sure that he was THE ONE for me. Things were good... I was in love and lovin' it!! I was the Children's Ministry Director at church and I was working at a private learning center as the Assistant Director of Education. And, if the truth be told, I was anxiously awaiting becoming engaged (which happened 5 months later).
5 years ago- After several hard, long years of battling infertility, I was about 1/2 way through my pregnancy with Emma. IT WAS GREAT! The Lord had finally blessed us with the desire of our hearts... a child. We'd spent the year prior to this taking care of my nephews for the entire school year. They were in second and fourth grade. Another one of the best things I ever did... it was a sacrifice and it forced Andy and I to lean heavily on the Lord for wisdom, patience, and strength... as did our fertility battle.
3 years ago- Emma was a year and a half and I was just about to turn 33. We'd been married for 6 years and since we didn't get to go away for our 5th anniversary, we planned nice trip. We went down to a place called the Whitestone Inn in Tennessee. I HIGHLY recommend it for a romantic get-a-way. It's owned by Chrisitans, there's a chapel on site, an amazing restaurant, beautiful grounds, and awesome rooms. Anyway, it was our first time away from Emma and we had a nice, relaxing trip.
1 year ago- Genevieve was six months old and I finally felt recovered from her birth and my pregnancy w/ her. It wasn't easy... gestational diabetes that was tough to control, very tired and uncomfortable, sick more... after the c-section: ER visit when she was only 6 days old... I had a kidney infection, nursing had to stop for a week or so b/c of meds, developed a major incision problem that lasted over a month. It was a hard time, but I was so full of joy at this new little lady in our family. Genevieve was and is a total Mama's girl, so we dealt with alot of separation anxiety and such. I remember thinking that 35 was OLD, but now I'm almost 36...
NOW- We just began our journey as a homeschool family and it is going great so far. I still need work on being more self disciplined and going to bed earlier... I'm writing this last part at nearly midnight. We'll be celebrating 9 years of marriage soon. I love Andy so much more now than I did 9 years ago, not that I always show it, but I do. I feel joyful in my life right now and blessed beyond belief to have my husband and our precious girls... especially in light of two different friends who lost a child and a wife this past year to cancer. I desire to be a more godly woman, mother, and wife... to be about the things that Jesus is about and to let the rest fall away.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Misty
It's not showin up right now on the first screen, but please scroll down and read a tribute to Misty... it's the third entry before this one.
Out of the Mouthes of Babes...
Genevieve is becomig a little, shall we say "spoiled". We've spent much of the last 16 months telling Emma, "She's a baby, she doesn't understand." "Just let her have that toy so she won't cry." (especially in the car, which is G's least favorite place).
Well, now this little lady does understand... she cries at increasingly loud and dramatic volumes if we say no or take something away. Well, this morning I took something from her and she laid down on the ground screaming. I said, "no pitching fits"... that's southern for "no temper tantrums".
Emma procedes to get down on the floor and lay down. She says, "Genevieve, it's not nice to flat yourself out on the floor like this- it's naughty."
Flat yourself out... that's Emma's 4 3/4 (she quickly reminds everyone she meets) way of talking about a tantrum.
A week or so, she flatted herself out on the floor while she was with her daddy. Later on, she tattled on herself and told me (it's good for us that she will still tell on herself).
Anyway, it was a cute moment... we have lots of them around here, but I don't always take the time to record them and then I forget.
Here's to hoping that none of your kids flat themselves out today!!
Well, now this little lady does understand... she cries at increasingly loud and dramatic volumes if we say no or take something away. Well, this morning I took something from her and she laid down on the ground screaming. I said, "no pitching fits"... that's southern for "no temper tantrums".
Emma procedes to get down on the floor and lay down. She says, "Genevieve, it's not nice to flat yourself out on the floor like this- it's naughty."
Flat yourself out... that's Emma's 4 3/4 (she quickly reminds everyone she meets) way of talking about a tantrum.
A week or so, she flatted herself out on the floor while she was with her daddy. Later on, she tattled on herself and told me (it's good for us that she will still tell on herself).
Anyway, it was a cute moment... we have lots of them around here, but I don't always take the time to record them and then I forget.
Here's to hoping that none of your kids flat themselves out today!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fireproof!
I just saw some information about a new movie, Fireproof. It is from the makers of Facing the Giants. It came out on 9/26, but is only in select theaters around the country. Go to the website and check it out. It seems like a good movie and hopefully for some of you it will be playing close to home. Can I hear you say, date night?? What a novel idea.
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/
In Memory of An Amazing Woman of Faith!
I wrote this in memory of Misty LeBlanc, who went home to be with the Lord on 9/23/08, after a brave, faith-filled battle with brain cancer. Although I knew Misty when she was younger and hadn't seen her in quite a while, through her husband's blog I was able to re-connect with her and in the months that I read it daily and prayed for her, I loved her more and more as a sister in Christ. I hope that in some small way my remembrance of her will provide a bit of comfort to Darren. I also hope that when Olivia is old enough to read it, that it will encourage her to know what an amazing mother she was blessed with. That she will see how her mother impacted lives of many people.
If you want to make a memorial donation in Misty's name, please visit http://www.leblanclife.com/ and look for the post on September 24th and scroll to the bottom for details. I ask that all of you continue to join me in prayer for Darren and Olivia as they grieve.
In Memory of Misty LeBlanc
Seems like so long ago when I first met that sweet, blonde girl who could sing such a beautiful song. Her faith and love for Christ was evident all along.
Although I haven’t seen her in quite a few years, I prayed for her daily and shed many tears.
She was not that young girl anymore, but a loving wife and mother… whom her husband and daughter adored.
She was strong, having to endure illness and pain that most of us cannot understand, but she never lost her faith, she trusted her Savior and held tightly to His hand.
Misty’s legacy is so powerful that none of us will ever fully comprehend- What an amazing woman of faith she was, right until the very end.
She was wise, too, because she chose a husband who would know just what to do…
He loved her, cared for her, fought for her, prayed for her, cherished her, spoke out for her, sacrificed for her and hoped for her healing too.
Not a wishing kind of hope, but a steadfast, faith-filled, hope- based on the Word of God.
Misty and Darren shared that hope with thousands… being vulnerable enough to share their story… they did it because they knew that it was Jesus who’d get the glory.
I know that now that sweet, blonde girl is once again able to use her voice. She’s able to sing praises to her Father and for that I rejoice!
There is still sadness when I think of her beautiful Olivia growing up without her mommy and of Darren without his love. Although it doesn’t make sense to me right now, I know that God has a perfect plan that He’s working out from above.
I’ve been changed by Misty’s life… a more faithful and hopeful Christian, mother, and wife.
I know that I am not the only one… the stories of Misty’s impact have just begun.
As she settles into her heavenly home, may it bring peace to Darren and Olivia to know that they are never alone.
The same God who created the universe and sent His Son to die, gives power, comfort, and more hope for each day. He has you wrapped in His loving arms of compassion and there He wants you both to stay.
-Stacia Jacob (September 2008)
If you want to make a memorial donation in Misty's name, please visit http://www.leblanclife.com/ and look for the post on September 24th and scroll to the bottom for details. I ask that all of you continue to join me in prayer for Darren and Olivia as they grieve.
In Memory of Misty LeBlanc
Seems like so long ago when I first met that sweet, blonde girl who could sing such a beautiful song. Her faith and love for Christ was evident all along.
Although I haven’t seen her in quite a few years, I prayed for her daily and shed many tears.
She was not that young girl anymore, but a loving wife and mother… whom her husband and daughter adored.
She was strong, having to endure illness and pain that most of us cannot understand, but she never lost her faith, she trusted her Savior and held tightly to His hand.
Misty’s legacy is so powerful that none of us will ever fully comprehend- What an amazing woman of faith she was, right until the very end.
She was wise, too, because she chose a husband who would know just what to do…
He loved her, cared for her, fought for her, prayed for her, cherished her, spoke out for her, sacrificed for her and hoped for her healing too.
Not a wishing kind of hope, but a steadfast, faith-filled, hope- based on the Word of God.
Misty and Darren shared that hope with thousands… being vulnerable enough to share their story… they did it because they knew that it was Jesus who’d get the glory.
I know that now that sweet, blonde girl is once again able to use her voice. She’s able to sing praises to her Father and for that I rejoice!
There is still sadness when I think of her beautiful Olivia growing up without her mommy and of Darren without his love. Although it doesn’t make sense to me right now, I know that God has a perfect plan that He’s working out from above.
I’ve been changed by Misty’s life… a more faithful and hopeful Christian, mother, and wife.
I know that I am not the only one… the stories of Misty’s impact have just begun.
As she settles into her heavenly home, may it bring peace to Darren and Olivia to know that they are never alone.
The same God who created the universe and sent His Son to die, gives power, comfort, and more hope for each day. He has you wrapped in His loving arms of compassion and there He wants you both to stay.
-Stacia Jacob (September 2008)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Prayers for Misty... and Darren and Olivia!
I have a heavy heart this morning for the LeBlanc family. I've been thinking of them and praying for them all weekend. I woke up this morning, looking for an update, but there isn't one, so I am praying today that the Lord of the Universe would reach down to Misty and heal her broken body... that He would wrap the entire family in His loving arms, giving them strength, comfort, hope, and whatever else He knows that they need for this day. Please join me in praying today!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Life
It's been almost a month since my last post. Why? I am not sure... each time I sit down at the computer and think I may write something... I don't. I feel distracted and overwhelmed; like my mind and fingers aren't working at the same time. That's partially because I have been having a lot of unexplainable pain and numbness on my left side, especially my elbow, hand, and fingers (maybe my carpal tunnel acting up, but that doesn't explain my shoulder, hip, and leg).
Also, I've been busy this summer. Between family things (picnics, birthdays, parties) and church and friend activities, swim lessons and Andy building a shed... we haven't had much of a breather this summer. Not how I had invisioned it when I was looking forward to summer last spring.
The girls are growing and learning so much each day. They bring us so much joy! Don't get me wrong, they are also a lot of work, but worth every bit of it.
I guess that I've been overwhelmed and worried (obviously I should read Philippians 4 a bit more... I read it last night and it was a good reminder to me about worrying less and praying more) about my questionable health issues and a bit apprehensive to begin our homeschool journey. I know it's the right thing for us this year and I have all the resources I need, but I just need to get started and see for myself that it's going to be a good fit for us. So now I am officially rambling.... see why I haven't blogged in a while? I'll be back with some photos of our summer fun... hopefully soon.
I did have one cool additon to my blog this summer... the playlist. I was oh so proud of myself for figuring it out and getting it to work... on my own. I've said many times before that I am not the most computer savvy chick on the block, so that was a nice accomplishment!
Also, I've been busy this summer. Between family things (picnics, birthdays, parties) and church and friend activities, swim lessons and Andy building a shed... we haven't had much of a breather this summer. Not how I had invisioned it when I was looking forward to summer last spring.
The girls are growing and learning so much each day. They bring us so much joy! Don't get me wrong, they are also a lot of work, but worth every bit of it.
I guess that I've been overwhelmed and worried (obviously I should read Philippians 4 a bit more... I read it last night and it was a good reminder to me about worrying less and praying more) about my questionable health issues and a bit apprehensive to begin our homeschool journey. I know it's the right thing for us this year and I have all the resources I need, but I just need to get started and see for myself that it's going to be a good fit for us. So now I am officially rambling.... see why I haven't blogged in a while? I'll be back with some photos of our summer fun... hopefully soon.
I did have one cool additon to my blog this summer... the playlist. I was oh so proud of myself for figuring it out and getting it to work... on my own. I've said many times before that I am not the most computer savvy chick on the block, so that was a nice accomplishment!
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