Lent 2011

Every year Jim and I try to give up something that requires quite a bit of discipline for lent.  And this year has proved no different.
This year, I am following a book called the Makers Diet.  In short, it takes you back to eating how they did in the old testament.  There are also many different vitamins and supplements that should be taken.  Since financially I couldn't follow the book completely as they suggested, I am just doing the food part.  I am taking all processed foods out of my system and replacing them with natural fruits, veggies and meats.  There is one day a week that should be spent fasting.  During that day, any time I feel hunger pains, I pray.  And I do A LOT of praying. 
Jim has given up his morning routine of getting on the computer, checking email and reading up on sports and news.  This is a big deal for him because he LOVES his morning routine.  He is replacing that with reading the bible and following a series on Luke our church is doing together. 
This lent season is way different from any year passed.  This year, we are asking God to do some amazing things in our life.  Before, we've given up things just to show discipline.  But this year, we're taking it a step further and asking God to guide us.  We have been praying for a few very specific things.  You'll soon find out what those things are! 
I am writing this not only to share my excitement of growing closer to God, but also I want to remember this year down the road.  I want to be able to come back and see where we came from and how far we've gone.     

Matthew 7:7-11
Keep on asking, and you will given what you ask for.  Keep on looking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and he door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.  You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?  Of course not!  If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Ainsley's birthday eve

This is the eve of Ainsley's first birthday.  I can't believe how fast a year goes.  At this time last year, Avery was at my parents house and Jim and I were relaxing on the couch getting anxious about the next morning's events.  Although our original intent was to do a VBAC delivery, our final ultrasound the week prior caused us to change our plans.  She was measuring big and the doctors were afraid I'd have the same problem that I had with Avery.  We scheduled a last minute C-section, but decided not to tell our family and friends so it could be a surprise to everyone else.  Our parents were the only ones who knew.  Needless to say, at 9 lb 15 oz, I think the doctors were right.  She came out looking like a little sumo baby.  I was so excited to be a mom of two and had no idea what I was in for.  It has been an amazing year.  God has blessed us in so many ways.  Tonight, I watched my two girls play and interact together and it brought tears to my eyes.  It is amazing watching a bond form between sisters.  They are so similar and so different, it is crazy.  Avery won't eat anything, while Ainsley can't stop eating everything. (Tonight, there was a banana on tv, Ainsley screamed and crawled to the tv wanting it so bad, I was cracking up)  They laugh and cry the same.  Avery is always on the go ready to try the next thing.  Ainsley, however is content just sitting on my lap or reading books by herself.  I am so thankful and so blessed by the amazing family God has given me.  I cannot wait to see what the future holds.  Happy almost birthday to my beautiful little Ainsley Jazelle!

My first blog

Since I am so bad at writing things in my girl's baby books, my husband suggested I started a family blog.  So, we'll try this out and see how it goes!  Yesterday, while at my friend Elizabeth's, Ainsley was doing some of her typical Ainsleyisms and Elizabeth said "I hope you are writing these in her book because you'll soon forget these little things."  As many of you know, Ainsley LOVES to eat!!  And I mean eat!  There is no sneaking a snack without her crawling and screaming to get a bite of whatever it is you are eating.  While we were eating lunch yesterday, I mistakenly placed my quarter of a sandwich on her plate to help Avery get situated with her lunch.  It took all of a minute to put her sandwich and a few strawberries on her plate.  When I went to grab my sandwich back, it was gone.  Yup, Ainsley ate the whole thing!  This was no small sandwich.  She just smiled as if she knew what she had just done and continued on eating her own lunch.  When I finally got her to finish eating (which usually means screaming for more before realizing she isn't going to get anymore), she started happily playing on the floor.  Elizabeth then gave Annalie (her daughter) a half a cookie to have for dessert.  Annalie took the cookie to the playroom to eat.  Elizabeth went to check on the girls and said "oh, how sweet, Ainsley and Annalie are playing together".  Then she said "Oh, Ainsley took Annalie's cookie".  I came into the room to take the cookie back.  I took one look at Ainsley, she smiled her mischievous smile and shoved the whole cookie in her mouth... and swallowed it.  It wasn't like I was on the other side of the room.  I was right next to her and she knew she was going to lose it.   I couldn't believe it and Elizabeth was cracking up.  My daughter only has 2 teeth!  She looked at us, shook her head yes and then grabbed a book to look at as if nothing had happened.  This is a normal day in our home.  She never puts toys in her mouth.  But when it comes to food... watch out!!
I hope you enjoyed my first blog!  I'm excited to keep updating with more missadventures!