Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

I often hear how cute Zoe is (Oh, and I totally make sure I tell her about 1 million times every day).  However, she is cute, but more than that she is Fearfully & Wonderfully Made.  God knit her together in my womb and He knows all the plans He has for her.

From those tiny fingers and toes that somehow are able to bend and work despite being so small, to the blood vessels in her eyelids (that to be honest kinda creep me out), to the dimple in her right cheek (just like me), to the random patch of hair on the back of her head, to the extra fold in her forearm, God had designed it all to work perfectly in this beautiful child.

From the giggle I get when I growl at her, to the way daddy can make her laugh by being a troll, to the snuggles I get when she's fighting sleep, to the wide eyed wonder that is so often visible, God is knitting together her personality in ways that are pleasing to Himself.  And somehow, He has called us to raise this wonderful little being.  I admit at times I'm terrified that I'll do a horrible job, but I know that what she learns will be not from our words but more from how we live.

What she learns about relationships between a man and wife, she will learn from her parents, so we will not shy away from showing affection in front of her.  What she will learn about loving her own children someday, she will learn from us and we want her to learn to be affectionate, compassionate, and yet firm when necessary.  We want her to learn to love the Lord with all her heart and to seek to preach the Gospel, so we need to be doing that as well.  If you ever need to be convicted and know some things that need to change in your life, have a child.  It has changed me for the better.  Now I am seeking even more Philippians 4:8.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "

I pray that Aaron and I can raise her in a way that honors the Lord Jesus.

Oh and lately I've been very much desiring to pass out tracts.  She's totally going to be my ticket to doing so (just as soon as we decide which ones to purchase). Just look at that face!

Sweetest Birthday EVER!!!

Saturday after our baby shower, Aaron and I took the baby shower gifts home, unloaded them and then he told me to get changed into clothes appropriate for hiking.  So I changed into some jeans and a hoodie.

Then we went to Presque Isle, "the Peninisula" for a beautiful walk at sunset.  We've been trying to get more exercise, I love seeing the sunset, and it was a beautiful November evening. 

 Yup we live here.  So gorgeous!!!

Well this photo turned out not so great, but we have to leave the park by dusk so we didn't have a ton of time to take one.  But it was so nice taking a walk and talking about our marriage and things that are going well/what we can improve upon.  It's so great to take those times to reflect. 

Then we came home, and since we had an hour or so to kill, Aaron and I spent some time in prayer, which was awesome.  

Next, Aaron informed me it was time to get dressed up, we're going to a fancy dinner. 

So I got back into my dress from the baby shower, and ironed his outfit for him. 

We got in the car, and I had to have my eyes closed the entire time, well, this frustrates him because even though my eyes are closed, my sense of direction is still on so I usually know where I am anyway :). 

However, he did do some tricky maneuvers that had me a bit confused. 

He parked, got something out of the trunk, went inside, and then came back out to get me. 

WAITING IS TORTURE, not my favorite, but usually it's worth it. 

So when he let me out of the car I knew where we were:

Chick-Fil-A

I was THRILLED!!! I love Chick-Fil-A. They're a Christian company with great food, and even more amazing sweet tea! What's not to love???

Anyway we walked in the doors and Aaron told me to go to the right, we had a booth all set up for us. 

If you look closely, there's a sign that says, "RESERVED: Wood."  Aaron took in the candles, but Chick-Fil-A provided the rest.  

So incredibly sweet. 

And then, the manager came over to take our order.  He asked if we'd like to start off with salad.  If you know me, you know I don't DO salad.  Lettuce is super gross. I've tried eating it, I just hate it.  

Aaron MADE me order a salad with ranch dressing.  Gag me with a spoon please! I hate ranch dressing. 

Then the manager appeared with our salads:

My sweet, sweet husband, got his salad (on the left), and purchased my salad (on the right).  I LOVE calla lilies!  They are my FAVORITE flower.  He said he got me one because we didn't have live callas for our wedding.  What a thoughtful man I've married.  SOOOOOOO BLESSED!

Then, our server, Frank, came back and offered an appetizer to me and got our drinks.  I, of course, got sweet tea, and Aaron got lemonade.  I also got a super tasty fruit and yogurt cup! YUM YUM!

The flowers on the left, from Chick-Fil-A, the flowers on the right from Aaron and our drinks.  I think it just puts the night into perspective.  It was sooo incredibly funny, but really special and sweet at the same time.  Perfect for our marriage.  

Next came our entrees, 

Aaron enjoyed a spicy chicken sandwich and some waffle fries, while I enjoyed some yummy chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  Yes, you see that correctly, Chick-Fil-A served us on real plates, bowls and with real silverware!  They are AWESOME!

The problem with having others use your camera is that sometimes, you don't get great photos HOWEVER, I still love this photo because it was such a special night!

Our "server" came back to take our dessert order.  I was stuffed and couldn't even eat the rest of my chicken so I asked if we could get dessert to go.  Aaron ordered us a brownie to go. 

BUT THEN

Our server came out with THIS!!!

 Why yes, that is an absolutely delicious DQ Ice Cream cake!!!

I had to have a slice, they gave me ICE CREAM CAKE!!! Yummy ice cream, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy, fudgy, cookie center.  

And this is when I had to hold back tears.

Are you ready for this?

When Aaron called to set this up earlier in the week, the manager thought it was a great idea. 

And then said, that the entire night was on the house.

Chick-Fil-A provided a FANTASTIC night for us, free of charge.

For those of you who don't know, we have been struggling lately financially as Aaron continues to work two part time jobs.  He hadn't planned on them offering to pay for the entire thing.  However, they just did.  

Coincidence??? 

I think not!

I think that we serve an AWESOME GOD Who provides for us EVERYDAY in amazing ways. 

I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my birthday.  And God provided it for us.  The people at Chick-Fil-A didn't know our financial situation, they were just being servants of Christ.  

That's why I love Chick-Fil-A!  They show the love of Christ so well!

As we ate our slices of ice cream cake, I told Aaron I wanted to bless them, for blessing us.  So we got several paper plates from the staff, and cut the cake to serve the staff and try to feed as many of the guests as we could.  Sure, we could have taken the cake home with us, but we'd rather serve others!  It's the least we could do after God had blessed us so much.  The staff had been so incredibly kind the entire night, and I could tell THEY were excited for us as well.  It was just so incredible!

Then after that we decided we needed to be just a little silly:

Because well, it's us, and it's what we do! =D

This was by far, the best birthday I've ever had.  

God is so incredibly GOOD!

Providing not only for our needs, but also for some of our wants.  

My husband planned a great night, but GOD made it come into fruition. 

To God be the Glory!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

What was your best birthday? Do you have a most memorable birthday?

*Even though this doesn't fit normal Tickle Me Tuesday posts, I'm linking up with Sarah,

Because this date certainly tickled me!*

Thankful Thursdays

This wasn't as hard as I had anticipated it would be for this week.  Here are some things that I am thankful for this week.  Please be sure to link up!

1. God's grace, mercy, faithfulness.  I'm trusting Him so much more in this matter than I ever have before.  Why I feel such a great peace about this I just don't know.  He's sooooooo good to me.  I mean, I should have peace about it, but I'm still suprised because it's not like me to be this calm.  Thanks Lord for Your peace which surpasses all understanding.

2. The sunshine/warmer temperatures.  How about you?

3. Spending time at the library reading to the girls.  My goodness how they love it.  We've come to know most of the librarians by name.  Today in the car, 2-year-old was singing, "Mr. Bob, Mr. Bob, Mr.  Bob, Mr. Bob."  I said, "M, what are singing?" She said, "I sing a song bout Mr. Bob."  He's her favorite librarian after he copied a princess picture for her to color.  He calls her princess every time he sees her.  The girls are just smitten with him.  It's too cute!  They love all of the workers there though.

4. God's miraculous provision.  We received, almost EXACTLY the amount of money that we needed to be able to pay our taxes on time.  I think we have to pay about 50 out of pocket.  How's that for God's awesome provision???  Thank you Jesus for using Your Church to help us.  God is sooooooo good.

5. I get to visit my family this weekend.  I'm very excited to see them as I haven't spent any real time with them lately.  This also comes with a request for prayer.  Most are unsaved.   We desire that they come to know the Lord.  Please pray with us. My great-grandmother is not doing well.  This may be the last time we see her.  My grandparents on my dad's side are getting a lot older and may not be around much longer either. Please pray that God prepares the way for us to share His Word.

6. The support of friends.  My friend Melanie came over on Tuesday (when I found out my job will be ending) and just talked with me and took me to the mall to get my mind off of things for a little while.  I've also gotten phone calls and emails from friends and it's so encouraging.  Thank you for all of your prayers.



What are you thankful for this week??? Please feel free to share through the weekend as well.  As you can see this is going up late this Thursday.  I just didn't have time to type it up before now.

Please link up:

You Give and Take Away

In August of 2009, I was about to move back to Pittsburgh, I had spent most of my savings living in Erie while still trying to find a job.  Nothing seemed to be happening.  Maybe one week before I called my landlord to let him know I'd be moving out, a family contacted me about a possible nanny position.  I was so thrilled.  I got an interview on a Thursday (or Friday, can't really remember).  When I pulled in the driveway, the truck had a WCTL sticker on the back.  A great sign to me that this might be God's leading (WCTL is the gospel music station in Erie (I don't say Christian because music can't be a "little Christ")).  I met with this wonderful family.  I found out Friday evening I got the job and started the following Monday.  What a huge praise that was.  I've watched the youngest girl grow from 5 months and not even rolling over yet, to become a talkative 2 year-old.  I enjoy having deep conversations with the 10 year old (or at least relatively so).  Oh middle child, you are God's way of teaching me patience, that doesn't mean I don't love you because I absolutely do, but I think God is using you to prepare me for kids of my own someday!  You are strong-willed, determined, incredibly intelligent, snuggly, sweet, and just very, whatever you are at a time you are very that adjective.  I will miss you.  That's right, I will miss them.

I love this family so much, but do to many difficulties, unfortunately my job will be ending in June.  I found out yesterday.  I cried, a lot.  Mostly because I don't want to miss out on the fun things that I get to do with the girls, the cute things they say, they do, the way they act, singing "the Haitian song" with them in the car, "playing shapes" with the 2 year old, dancing to Ga Guys, etc.  I will miss the fights over brushing hair, the snuggling up while watching movies, baking with the girls, the trip to Port Farms where we all had a fantastic day despite my losing my keys for a bit of time.  Mostly I've loved teaching them about Jesus.  The 2 year old will always remind me before lunch we need to "pay" (pray).

Aaron and I would appreciate prayer very much.  Right now we are living solely on my income as he's student teaching.  We're going to take a week to pray and see where God is leading us before rushing into anything.  We're not sure where He wants us.  I know He keeps putting orphans on my heart for a reason.  LORD, please show me!


Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.


The Lord gave me this job, and He has also now taken it away. I'm just praying He would show us where He wants us.  What He wants us to be doing.  Lord, if you want me to step out of my comfort zone and move I will, just show me!  I need your guidance everyday!

Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your Name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your Name

Every blessing you pour out 
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Blessed be Your Glorious Name

Blessed be Your name 
When the sun's shining down on me 
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name












Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Chorus 2x
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Matt Redman 2002

This song played tonight immediately after I had heard some decently bad news. I started crying even more.  I love this song it speaks so deeply to my heart.  I will explain more later but for now this is the cry of my HEART!!!! Lord let me praise You in the good times and the bad!  You are AWESOME, Holy, Mighty, Wonderful, EVERYTHING TO ME!!!!  If I had nothing but still had You, that'd be more than enough!!!

You don't have to watch the video, just listen!  This is the CRY of my heart tonight!

A special thank you to my husband and my friend Melanie for being there for me tonight! Love you both!

Thankful Thursday

Hey everyone!  It's Thursday again!  Time to share what makes you thankful!

1. God's mercies which are new every morning.  I was feeling really down last night when I messed up a lot.  But it's a new day and God's mercies are new every morning and I'm so thankful for that.

2. This guy!  I love him, I'm thankful for him everyday. I'm thankful that he puts up with me and that he is so willing to serve our new neighbor.  We haven't been home much to actually spend any time getting to know her yet, but hopefully this weekend since the gas prices have sky rocketed in our area I hope not to drive at all this weekend except to church. 

3. God prevented an accident last night.  I was at a stop sign, looked both ways didn't see anything, went to pull out and then saw a car right in front of me.  Woah SCARY!!!!  The car didn't have their headlights on, it was like 8:45 pm, super dark and rainy.  I'm not very good at driving under those conditions anyway but when someone doesn't have their headlights on and the car is a dark color, it makes it nearly impossible to see them.  Thank you God for your protection!

4. Veggie Tales. . .I love them, the kids I watch love them.  God definitely uses these wonderful videos in their lives.  M always asks to watch Bob and Larry.  We also now have a Veggie Tales worship cd which is awesome, we put in on when we're coloring, painting, playing, a lot of times.  It's fantastic!


5. God providing for us financially this week.  Things went awry but, thankfully He provided for us super well!

6. Good friends!  I spent some time with my friend Melanie on Tuesday and I love it :).  What a blessing that is to me!  Love being able to have "girl time." 

7.  Seeing my mother-in-love and sister-in-love.  I also got to see and snuggle with the puppies!  I love me some doggies!  I miss having some of my own. 

8. It's mom Mom's birthday this Saturday!  I love her she is a very good mommy so thankful for her! 

9.  For youth group to be back to normal tonight! YAY!

Those are just some of the things I'm thankful for this week.
What are some of the things you are thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

I've decided I'm going to start a new series on my blog called "Thankful Thursday."  The only problem is that I decided that today, Friday.  So I'm doing a thankful Thursday for yesterday.

Things that I am thankful for this week:
1. God's mercies which are new every morning.
2. My dentist.  My tooth was bothering me sooooooooooooo badly recently that Wednesday night I was crying from 6pm to 4:30 am.  I finally passed out from exhaustion and got up at 6 am for work.  I had a dentist appointment yesterday at 3.  The dentist shot me up with some novocaine (my new best friend) and then drilled in my tooth to relieve pressure and put in a sedative filling to calm the nerves down so they can work on my tooth in a week and half.  Yesterday he said he wasn't going to talk about what we'll do with my tooth in the near future because I was too emotional, tired, and pain ridden to think clearly.  I can appreciate that.  Very thankful for my dentist.
3. My employers.  The dad came home yesterday early so I could make it to the dentist.  Then last night he told me he was taking the day off and I should stay home and get some rest.  Praise and thanks be to God.
4. The Go-Fish Guys.  These guys are fantastic.  They are great at amusing the 2 year-old that I watch which was sooooo important yesterday as I was just in agony all day until I got to the dentist.  This is one of my favorite songs of theirs.  They are great ministers of the Gospel to children.  If you have children check them out.



And for the fun side of the GoFish Guys.



5. The 2 year-old that I watch.  She is just turning into the sweetest little girl in the world.  Love her.  "Madda, why oo cying?" (Manda, why are you crying.) Me: My tooth hurts a lot M.  M: "Dat's sad.  Ov oo Madda"  (That's sad, love you Manda).
I handed her her milk, M: "Dank oo Madda" (Thank you Manda), Me: "You're welcome.  Nice Manners, M." M: "Dank oo Madda"
Gah, she's so cute.  Love her!
6. My husband, the guy pictured below.  I love him sooooo much!!! He takes good care of me.


7. That I get a day to clean. (and hopefully craft).  YAY.

Waiting. . .

for my first ever loaf of homemade 100% whole wheat bread to come out of the oven.   I'm so excited.  If it turns out well  I'll post a link for the recipe.  The dough rose really well which is fantastic to me because I've never made bread before (well other than quick breads, which don't count).  I've taken a picture before.  I've also worked on doing a lot of dishes tonight and cleaned out the oven (as much as my back allowed).  My back has been very sore lately and it's not my favorite but praise God I'm able to do all of these wonderful things.

Aaron says if the bread turns out well, we won't be buying store bought bread anymore.  I'm down with that, it gives me practice for being a housewife/stay at home mom someday! :D

We're also listening to Slacker and singing along, there is NOTHING like singing God's praise to boost my heart.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.


To quote Lincoln Brewster, "I won't worry about tomorrow, giving you my fears and sorrows, where you lead me I will follow, I'm trusting in what you say, Today is the day."








****Stay tuned for pictures of the bread.