I've Got A Man

We made an offer on a house today. Kind of a random time, the week of Thanksgiving, but if it all works out we will be minutes from the church in a great neighborhood. The house has a fenced back yard, garage, loads of storage space, fireplace and hardwood floors. Pray that we will buy the house that is perfect for us. We want to live where God wants us.

I'm gonna be sappy here for a moment, not like me I know, but I've got to give props where props are due every now and then......

I love being able to stay at home with Emery. I am so thankful for Benji. He is the hardest working man I know. People give pastors a hard time for "not having a real job", but Benji's job never ends. He is a pastor 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Benji has worked his share of "real jobs".......

Everyone knows he got up at 5:30 every morning during seminary to drive a school bus, only to then go to class during his afternoon break, go back to pick the kids up, then go back to school for night class.

During the summer and on the weekends he would caddy at Valhalla. Some times carrying two bags at a time, walking up to 14 miles a day. He would then come home and do homework.

Before he drove the school bus he worked at Home Depot pulling huge lumber orders and collecting shopping carts in the freezing Louisville winter. He also worked in the stock room at Ann Taylor, yes, Ann Taylor. Laugh if you want, but he did it to pay the bills. Something that most men have forgotten how to do these days.

I can't end a post about giving props without giving props to who taught Benji how to work, and work hard. He was raised by two amazing parents who taught him the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. They taught him that it is important to get to work on time. It is important to do what you say you will do. Keep your word. Show gratitude to those who help you. Have humility and show grace.

Most importantly, Benji's parents taught him how to love his family. He is the most caring and loving husband and father ever. He provides for us in so many ways. I thank God every day for blessing me with the honor of being his wife.

Kicks and Giggles

Emery is starting to laugh. It's more like a kackle....

It is the most precious sound I've ever heard.

She loves her feet. And her Mama.

The past 4 months have flown by.....I am so thankful for every second.

Well, almost every second...those first few days at home trying to breastfeed, not so fun.

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom

My life has changed completely in the past 4 months. I have to say that I am having the best time of my life. I've heard people say before that life doesn't really begin until you have children, I would have to agree. I have never been as happy and fulfilled as a human as I am when Emery smiles at me.

That's all it takes is her smile. I know that my life finally counts for something. Benji and I want a few more children, so I know that I will be spending the next few years of my life primarily being a mom.......

Here is the issue: Most of you know that I graduated in May with my Master of Divinity from the school of Theology at Southern Seminary. I spent 4 years, 94 credit hours, 2 semesters of Greek, 2 semesters of Hebrew........ I'm not trying to impress anyone, just trying to make it clear that it was a lot of hard work. I shed a lot of tears and pulled many all nighters......

Benji graduated with the same degree and is now a high school youth pastor. I am staying at home with Emery. Which is what I WANT to do. I went to school knowing that I would stay at home with our children.

I went to seminary because I wanted to learn. I wanted to be immersed in the Word of God. I wanted to study the history of our Christian fathers and learn the original language that the Scriptures were written in.

Isn't education it's OWN reward? Do we educate ourselves for the sole purpose of making an income?

So why is it that I am constantly being asked, "so, what are you going to do with your degree?" (if you've asked me this don't take this blog personally, TONS of people have asked).

I am tired of feeling like I have to defend my decision to go to school and then to stay at home.

I went to school because I wanted to and I am staying home because I want to. It's that simple.

Besides, next week I'm gonna start teaching Emery how to memorize the Westminster Confession.

Heart Attack

I'm working on my blog layout. I just thought I had lost all my posts.

I almost had a heart attack.

Save The Day

Heirs To The Kingdom

Many of you know that my sister and I are adopted. My parents always made us feel special for being adopted. It was never a secret, and they always told us that "that we were chosen, prayer babies....."

I have always loved the fact that I know first hand what it feels like to literally be adopted into a family. When I became a believer in Christ I always related to the passages on being adopted into the family of God, and being heirs to God's kingdom.

Now that I am a mother I am sure that there is no greater thing that a mature, Christian family can do then to bring unwanted children into the fold of a loving family.

Pray for Benji and I as we consider the future of our family. We definitely want to have more biological children, but the Lord has put a desire in both our hearts to give the gift of family to children who are alone in the world.

Watch this special story of a family who felt the call of God on their lives to give the gift of adoption. The result of their obedience gave them far more in return....

It's Not Whether You Win....

...It's about how cute you look in your onesie.

Emery The Kewpie Doll

My friend Carla took this pic of E. She told me I should google the "Kewpie doll" to see how similar they look.

Emery is definitely the cutest baby I've ever seen.