Turkey Day done 2 Ways (Picture overload)

First up is the Baise side.
The past few years we have celebrated the weekend before actual Thanksgiving so that we can all veg out an entire whole weekend, not be rushed through our digestive comas and truly enjoy each other...which is EXACTLY what we did.

The Spread

I love my husband. He is so handsome and especially in sweater vests and ties. What can I say, I am a major sucker for a nicely dressed man. (We literally had just gotten back from Church)

All the adults had a blast....but the cousins definitely had the MOST FUN! 

Here's the proof.

They could pass as brother and sister!

All weekend long Mady and Luke had this fun game of "chase" going. They would run from the kitchen through the living room into Mimi and Pops room, screaming the whole way! 

The most fun memories I have from my holiday celebrations are always time well spent with my cousins. They are starting young :)

Uncle Andy and Layton

I mean really....how cute are they???

More running and on a different day....seriously, this was the best thing since ice cream, to them. 

Little Luke just tagged right along to chase Mady. She loved it. 

Isn't it funny how this is really the way it is for boys and girls?

Boys chasin' girls (although Mady certainly asked to be chased).

 We may live in KY, but we ain't no kissin' cousins!

Hahah! Innocent fun.

Mady fell in love with the rocking horses. Each cousin had their own "thing" to ride. Two were horses, one big and the other was this one. Another had a Zebra to ride and bounce. Too funny to watch.

They each took turns from one to the next.

Don't mind my ghetto child in nothing but tights and a shirt. Haha. 

Its casual.

Post Thanksgiving day crafty project.
All my sister in law's plan.
She had to bring a snack to Layton's preschool "T-Day Party" and this is what she found online.
I helped execute.

They turned out super cute!!

Thanksgiving Day Part II, My Family
Now since the majority of my family lives in Maryland, we have planed to travel back to MD every other year for Thanksgiving. This year was our year to be here in KY. Bryan decided that time and a half at Starbucks for the day was well worth missing out on our small T-Day. He was right. Our Christmas budget thanks him for this sacrifice. We kept him a large plate of goodies. 

Some one please help me shoot a moving toddler on Manual??????
Its IMPOSSIBLE! She is always blurry and the background is usually crisp!
SO annoying.
I had to change settings five million times and NOTHING worked!
So heres what would have been a really cute picture, but because I am photo illiterate, here is what I actually got.

She still makes it cute :)

Dessert(s)....

Pumpkin Cheese Cake

Apple Pie

Yum.

Post Thanksgiving activity: Re-creating Noah's Ark/ The Louisville Zoo.
Not sure which she was doing, but she was having lots of fun with her Uncle Shawn.

Hope your holiday was truly a time of reflection over your life and the many ways God has blessed you. We are so very thankful for Christ and our salvation and hope in Him. Everything else is but a gift and a grace.

***These pics were all from my phone***

(Thanksgiving according to the iphone)

 The dog literally slept this way on the way down to C-Ville. 

My Mother-in-laws fun decorating! 

 "Sexy Bryan" circa 2002, Senior Pictures

"Sister's without our Misters or kids"  Play-date

Pedis!!!

Please don't hate me Britt for putting this up. You look beautiful!

I will neither confirm nor deny that we are a little obsessed with Instagram

and this picture....

 We were literally like two teenagers dropped off at the mall! 

I'm sure we annoyed everyone in that place, but we didn't care. We had fun!

Safe in "Big Cousin Yayton's" arms.

 He's her favorite :)

Here is my favorite.

 My two babies droolin'/ sleepin' all the way home.....

"Are we there yet Bryan???!!"

At last, home sweet Old Navy?? Hah, later that night we ventured out (after we got home) to shop the local sales.  Mady found a friend.

That was our ENTIRE Thanksgiving Celebration (and done two ways). 

Thankful hearts=Thankful lives

Somewhere someone said something that went sort of like this: 

True/right theology (knowledge of God) dictates a true/ right doxology (worship). 

This is very important to our lives and especially in our Thanksgiving. When we have the correct and biblical views of who God is and who we are in relationship to Him, we can then understand truly how to be thankful to Him.

    

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. "

James 1:17

"Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow"

~Fernando Ortega

Unashamed and Freely Content

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" Romans 1:16a. 

I have no idea where to even start with my thoughts today. 

I am so overwhelmed with the loving kindness of the Lord lately. 

I cannot even articulate just how thankful I am for His sweet mercy and provision for us. 

I have found so much joy in meditating on all that I have in Christ, as a Believer found in this verse and these lyrics to an incredible song, that has proven to be my anthem these days:

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

2 Peter 1:3-4 

"For freedom You set me free/ And yes, I am free indeed/ You rewrote my name/ And unshackled my shame/ You opened my eyes to see/ I am free!" 

Liberty, By Shane and Shane

Just a week ago I wrote about how I desired to be content. I wrote about how I felt a lacking in my life and longed to see the Lord fulfill that unanswered prayer. Longing to see Him give us a good gift; another child. What I found is that the art of being content is both a journey and a secret.  

    "...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

(Philippians 4:11-13 ESV) 

 Well right after I wrote that post I found out I was pregnant. Days after that I found out my HCG levels were very low and not increasing as they should and that we would probably miscarry, again. A few days after that we did miscarry. And all this just days after my heart had been meditating on contentment God called us to walk through yet another miscarriage. 

Now, here we stand and I am saying, un-ashamedly so that it is the power of the gospel that I am even able to stand. Who wants to keep on suffering and walking in a trial? NO ONE! Who wants to see a good, god-given longing/ prayer left un-answered....NO ONE! But who wants to face those trials without a saving relationship and knowledge of the ONLY source of real comfort and joy that there is in this world? The answer should be, NO ONE!

I am actually happy to suffer in this trial because I have this new "platform" to share the hope I have in Christ. I have a new opportunity to bring God more glory with my life through this suffering!! 

Now, of course I wouldn't have written this into the story of my life. But thank goodness I am not the author of my life. Someone greater is and thankfully He sees the "big picture" of my life and I am just expected to do the best with the opportunities (Col. 4:2-6, Eph. 5:16) I have to glorify Him. 

"let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12;2

 Given this opportunity I feel compelled to tell you that the "storms" of life are coming. And the "sea billows will roll". You will be swept up with the tide. You will be rocked by wave after wave and it will be unbearable. (Psalm 107:23-27). I am not telling you this to scare you, but just to be honest.  The very best thing I can tell you is what we find out from the Psalmist right after this awful picture of life in the world: 

   " Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
        and he delivered them from their distress.
    He made the storm be still,
        and the waves of the sea were hushed.
    Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
        and he brought them to their desired haven."
(Psalm 107:28-30 ESV)

Only God can bring you to your "desired haven". Your desired haven is NOT the answer to your prayer either. Your desired haven is actually HEAVEN! An ETERNITY in paradise with the Lord. No more suffering, no more pain, no more waves to swallow you. Much greater joy found than in the actual answer of your prayer or removal of your suffering!! 

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

2 Cor. 4:16-18 

So my prayer for you is that you would contemplate "things unseen". That you would consider the state of your soul. Are you being tossed around by the waves of this world? Are you unsure what will happen or where you will go when you die. There is 100% assurance when you repent of your sin and run to the forgiving arms of Jesus. The answer to your prayers for help in the midst of the flood have already been answered and His name is Christ. HE died for you even before you knew you needed saving. He will quiet and calm the storms because He is the author of your life. He knows each storm and offers you a desired haven that is beyond any thing you could imagine! 

"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

^"16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
2 Cor. 3:16-17 

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll: Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul." 

Horatio Gates Spafford

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

In spite of having some rough patches over the past few months we are delighted to remember Christ and the many reasons we are Thankful this Thanksgiving season!! Hope you were able to reflect on what you are thankful for this season, while entering into Christmas; where we, as Christians remember Christ, our Savior in his birth and sinless life. We are most thankful for His life and how we are made new in light of His perfect work on the cross. (2 Cor. 5:17)

We live life with this on our hearts and are thankful to endure life (the good and the bad) for His glory. That means being thankful, in all circumstances. Remaining steadfast and joyful as we trust in the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.

"..let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
    Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
(Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)

There are thousands of places in the Bible that point to Thanksgiving rather than fear. Look at David in the Psalms. He prays fervently, letting his requests be known, while also thanking the Lord constantly for his steadfast love and continuing to relay his trust in the Lord. I have been most encouraged by his prayers and songs of Thanksgiving. 

Here is just one Psalm that has been an encouragement/prayer/song/ etc. to me during our suffering and especially in light of this Holiday Season.

Psalm 86

Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
        for I am poor and needy.
    Preserve my life, for I am godly;
        save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
    Be gracious to me, O Lord,
        for to you do I cry all the day.
    Gladden the soul of your servant,
        for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
    For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
        abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
    Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
        listen to my plea for grace.
    In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
        for you answer me.
    There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
        nor are there any works like yours.
    All the nations you have made shall come
        and worship before you, O Lord,
        and shall glorify your name.
    For you are great and do wondrous things;
        you alone are God.
    Teach me your way, O LORD,
        that I may walk in your truth;
        unite my heart to fear your name.

    I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
        and I will glorify your name forever.
    For great is your steadfast love toward me;
        you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

    O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
        a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
        and they do not set you before them.
    But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
        slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
    Turn to me and be gracious to me;
        give your strength to your servant,
        and save the son of your maidservant.
    Show me a sign of your favor,
        that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
        because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Praise the Lord for His goodness to us that while we were sinners He died for us!! (Romans 5:8)
That is something to be thankful for 365 days a year!

Weary Words

We've proven that the old saying of "3rd times a charm" isn't exactly working like a "charm".
You'll have to excuse my cynicism, but I am a little emotionally raw as we experience our 3rd miscarriage in just 6 short (yet longest) months of my life.

My body, my emotions, my everything is spent. I am so weary. So tired of crying the same tears, saying the same prayers and reminding myself of the same things. I know they are true, but you come to a certain point in the road and you just want to know that you are ok. I think this is not only wise, but responsible after 3 consecutive losses.

When I say "ok", I mean physically. Because, spiritually I am so clinging to the Lord and I have experienced sweet intimate times with my Heavenly Father that I wouldn't trade for a thousand beautiful babies. I know through this suffering that His Word is true. I am not afraid to suffer because of His surpassing faithfulness. He has proven Himself, over and over. I am just exhausted of this journey.

I am, at this point concerned with my physical well being and the underlying "issues" surrounding these miscarriages, physiologically. I have now had two related miscarriages (early / chemical ) and a missed miscarriage which occurs when the pregnancy goes on and the baby dies without the body detecting it.

I feel like knowing some of the answers to my questions will help me rest.
All I want to do is rest. Every time I feel like I am turning a corner there is a reminder of the void and emptiness. Satan so tries to steal, in every way through this. However, the Lord has been my main stay, every present comfort....but boy do those fleeting thoughts grip you. Seize you. Take you over in a heart beat.

I am having a hard time. Mainly because I am so so so desperately tired. Weary. I have no other words. Just seeking your prayers and asking faithful believers to bring my "plight" before the Father who knows. He knows the number of my days, the number of hairs on my head and the number of tears I have shed while walking this journey. I am tired and desperately clinging and trusting these verses.

^"16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal........

⁵He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

2 Cor. 4:16-18, 5:5 

Fall....oh how I love thee

and so does someone else....

Say What!?

Mady had her first introduction to Popcorn the other day. Which surprises me it has taken me this long to share this tasty treat with her. It is my a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e favorite snack....maybe even food. I will go to the techy-est of guy flicks if it means I can have a bag of popcorn (hold the butter). I know I am weird.

Anyway. Its a great snack and not too bad for you, if you buy the right stuff.

I have won Mady over. She loved it!
The best part....which is the "Say What!?" moment was later in the evening she asked for more popcorn by saying: "More acorns please Mom?" Translation: "More popcorn, please Mom?"
Acorns/ popcorn. Pretty close, if you ask me.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

So the other day, as I was explaining all the things we had to do that day to Mady while getting her dressed and ready to go. We basically had to run a few errands. I used the word "errands"....not thinking that she had no idea what that meant. But actually thought that I was talking about my friend named "Erin" who is mom to her friend "Tim" and "Baby Justin".

So as we walked into the Bank, to run errand number 1, Mady asked with much excitement: "Where is Erin and Tim?" I didn't actually put it together until today...that she thought the word "errand" was my friends name, "Erin". Sorry baby, next time I will have to be more specific and really speak clearly. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________   

Whenever I am feeding Mady and she has a last bite to finish I will say: "Last one."
or
when we are reading books, or playing something and she has to finish up soon I will say "Last one" again.

Mady has figured this out. So now, when I am about to say it....she likes to say it for me.
However her version of "Last one" is "Last more". 
You can tell that she actually wants "more" of whatever it is we are doing, but knows its actually the last "one"...too funny. I also love that it is all the while spoken in the same exact tone that I use with her. What a little Mama she is. I already fear how she will boss her siblings around one day. Hope not!
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The last "more" story (hah) comes from something that actually happened today. I decided, don't ask me why, but today I decided to wear my HUGE fake pearl earrings while we ran some erins errands around town.

If you know my daughter, you know that she notices everything and LOVES jewelry.

I was carrying her into the Library for Story Time with she turned to me and noticed my earrings.  She immediately touched them and said "Earrings!!!" 

Then it was (and I am not making this up)...."Princess Mommy, getting marriages!" Translation= "Princess Mommy, getting married!" This basically means (translation of the translation) that when she looks at her princess books she notices that all the Princesses have on earrings and look like Brides (or are Brides) depending on which story and what "scene" the picture is depicting. Even if they are not getting married and its just a "Prince and Princess lived happily ever after" type ending, I usually add "They got married and lived happily ever after". I am all about not putting the cart before the horse, if you know what I mean.

So, now Mady associates all things Princess's with Brides and Earrings with both Brides, Princesses and Marriage. So sweet.

So yes, my darling. Mommy is a Princess Bride and I am married to your Dad, the Prince....and one day, your Prince will come for you and you too can wear Earrings on your wedding day.

Cousins and the Zoo

Our 2 favorite things!
Cousins and the Zoo. We love our cousins almost as much as we love the animals. Hah! Just kidding.
One warm November day we had a visit with Layton, Luke and Aunt BB, who also brought a friend with her two children. We had lots of fun.
Mady loved being with the older kids!

I love Layton's expression as he hugs Mady!!

Mady loves her some Gorillas!

Me and my beautiful SIL.

We all a great time together.
Such a fun day.
We have definitely enjoyed our zoo pass this year. This was just one of many trips to the zoo adding family to our trip is always a major bonus!

1 Day Apart

Meet Moriah.
Mady and Moriah are only one day apart.
They are also great girl friends.
One day we had the pleasure of having Ms. Moriah over for a play date.

First we started off with lunch.
"Grilled Cheese Please!"

And then we moved on to playing and posing with our puppies! 

Say "Cheese!!!"

"Hooray!!"

I'm loving these silly faces...

Remembering just a few short months ago we had Moriah over for a play date.
The girls were 18 months old.

Now they are 2 and they grown since this last picture.
Love these sweet girls.
We had fun.
The older they get, the more fun we have.

Come play again soon "Riah!!" (Translation "Riah"="Moriah", in Mady-Speak)