Snow angel!

Cris' friend Jeremy gave us this adorable snow outfit so we just had to take her out in the snow! The snow flakes were landing on her face and they were just so perfectly formed! Beautiful snowflakes for my beautiful girl. However they melted before we could try to take pictures of them.

Oh my goodness....

my baby is one month old already!! I can't believe it! It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming her into this world. And now she is already 9 lbs 3 oz and half an inch taller...thats 50th percentile for both. She sleeps well through the night, 3-4 hour streches, and is starting to eat 4 oz at a time. She is still in some NB clothes but is growing out of them one by one. She still has her long dark hair but I can tell it is starting to get lighter. Her eyes are getting lighter but are still blue, they might stay that way... we'll see. Next milestone: Smiling.

Keeley's 1 week photo

1 month ...professional ones to follow!

tag...

Here's how it works: Bold all the things that you have done in your life.1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing- 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie- 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake(not swam,seen,it stinks!)97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee
Have you done most of these? 38 Anything that shocks you? nope

I am thankful for...

• My Salvation
• My Daughter
• My Husband
• My Grandma
• My Aunt Lila
• My Family
• Cris' Family
• My Church Family
• My Friends

Amen!

She's here!

Here she is Miss Keeley Elizabeth!

She was born Saturday November 15th at 9:00 in the morning. Labor went very well, especially after the epidural! We were in labor for about 16 hrs and pushed for one. We were able to go home Sundy morning. We are all doing very well and I will update more later!

Photobook!

This is the book I made with Oprah's giveaway! I only had to pay $7.57 for shipping! Soo cool!!

Giveaway

Oprah is giving away free photobooks from snapfish. Go here!


*This offer is only good for one standard 20-page 8" x 11" custom-cover photo book per household. Coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and handling changes or additional pages. Offer applies only to mail-order delivery to U.S. customers. Offer cannot be combined with other coupon codes. Coupon cannot be resold or otherwise transferred and is void on the earlier of redemption or the offer end date.

Veteran's Day

I have this on a shirt I got when I was in ROTC. It is by far my most favorite poem about our soldiers!! May we remember all who serve, have served, and have died protecting this country that we love! God Bless Them!

It's the Soldier, not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

It's the Soldier, not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trail.

And it's the Soldier who salutes the flag,

who serves the flag, whose coffin is draped in the flag,

that allows the protester to burn the flag.

~Father D. E. O'Brien

To you all, THANK YOU for the job you do or have done!

The long awaited update!

Ok, I know it has been a while since I have updated you all on what has been happening in the good ol' life of Jess. I have just been getting everything ready for Keeley, washing clothes, blankets... being very nesty! Friday was my last day at work, and I am so glad to have the time off. I have had all my baby showers and everyone was very generous! Thank you all! The nursery is almost finished...I just love her bedding and curtains...its so cute! I'll post pics when I am totally finished...just a few things left to do. I have been having some contractions that have been more intense than the ones I've been having... we'll see what happens ;) I will be texting everyone on my phone with updates, so if you want want the latest info better make sure your in my phone! Well, that's about everything going on... I will try to keep you all updated!

Some pics from my family baby shower:

Prayer for our President Elect

Thanks to my friend Becky, I have been following a Christian blog called Girl Talk. Today I read this and was very moved. It is exactly how I feel.

The following is an open letter from a girltalk reader to President-Elect Barack Obama. Her words eloquently capture our hearts on this historic day.

Dear President-Elect Obama,
Today I shed tears of joy, along with hundreds of thousands of Americans, for the great victory of your election. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Our African-American friends have been oppressed and cast aside for generations in this country of ours. Now, may the shame be completely wiped away and may the glory that this nation represents and strives for become a reality for more and more of our once silenced citizens.

I confess I did not cast my vote for you. Not because you failed to inspire me with your speeches, because you did. Not because you do not impress me with your leadership and vision, because you do. I cast my vote for another based upon my concern for another segment of our society which is downtrodden and cast aside, the weak, the innocent; the unborn.

Mr. President-Elect, I pray that your heart would be burdened as well to do all in your power to encourage the life that is even now forming in many to come to fruition, to share in this great moment in our nation’s history. We all know the times are difficult and no one will escape the trials at hand. Just as this is true, so is the gift and privilege we have to live it. May the millions of unborn get this chance as well. May the virtue of responsibility reign as mothers choose to carry the fruit of their wombs to term, to give the gift of life to another. I ask, President Obama, that you would prayerfully consider your pay grade since indeed it has now risen at this moment in our history. May you be the champion of all those who are weak yet share the same right to life.

May God bless you and your beautiful family.

Sincerely,
Margaret Buckley

Voter's Prayer...

Lord you have had the plans of this world before we were ever breathed into exsistance! Today is all in your hands in the reguards of the new leader you have chosen for us! Keep us in your protection thru all that is to come! Lord you are the the only ruler of all! Protect those that are in our military fighting for our freedoms and our rights. Lord with all the things on the ballots I ask so boldly that you strike down all the wrong and grothesque causes!Let the world go to you for guidence in decisions that they need to make. Thank you Lord for your unfailing love. Bless this nation with all your love as well! Thank you Father! Amen


** Thanks Wendy!

McCain & Palin all the way!!

**don't worry an update is coming soon!

My Nephew!

Welcome to the family Calvin Joseph Montoya!!!

Baby Shower

Here are some pics of the baby shower my wonderful and loving church threw for me. I am soo blessed to be surrounded by such a great church family!! Thank You guys for making this time so special for me!!

Fall

Since Fall isn't my most favorite time of year, I thought I would list my 10 favorite things about it.

10. The decorating...Gourds, pumpkins, Indian corn, corn stalks...such fun
9. The church ladies retreat.
8. The smell of the spices used...Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove...mmmm
7. Family gatherings
6. Keeley will be born!
5. The laziness of the sun during the day.
4. The fresh, crisp cool air.
3. The smell of a pile of freshly raked leaves as I jump around in them!
2. The smell of the rain.
1. Cozying up under my mink blanket in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or cider.

Tag I'm it...

Since I have been tagged *thanks Keren* to tell 10 of Cris's favorite things I guess I might as well!

10. Being outdoors
9. His motorcycle
8. His mustang
7. His house
6. His guns
5. His Family
4. His Grandparents
3. Keeley!
2. Me!
1. God!

I'm Tagging:
Apryl
Ann
Sam
Amy
Mandi (yes I know Keren already did)
Anyone who reads my blog!!

Thanks Uncle Van and Aunt Tracie!!

Cord Blood

So today at work a lady came in to talk to us about Cord Blood Registry and research. Being a soon to be mommy, I was very interested in what I was hearing. Pretty much what happens is you either sign up to save your baby's cord blood from the umbilical cord for future, or donate it to a public bank. The blood is then separated and stem cell's isolated. These stem cells are stored until they are needed for extreme and unforeseen illnesses such as cerebral palsy, leukemia, type 1 diabetes and anemia. Then they are transplanted back into the person who is sick. Researches are unsure of exactly how they work but studies are showing great results especially in instances where the persons own blood was used. When donor blood is used, only 4 of the genetic markers have to match compared to 6 in the case of blood marrow transplants. What has pretty much sold me on it was that stem cells from cord blood are not the same as embryotic stem cell research, which I have moral issues with being that most embryos used are from abortions. Also it is good to know that embryotic stem cells have not been at all successful in research as they are not mature stem cells! The only thing that concerns me is the potential for cord blood stem cells to be used in cloning. Thankfully they are not being used for that at the moment. So in the light of all this, I am thinking of donating my baby's cord blood since I cannot afford to have it stored for me ( $1500-2000 + $125 a year). The only center in our area that accepts donations is the Puget Sound Blood Center. I will be praying about this decision.

Pregnancy Brain Incident

On Saturday I experienced an incident that I can only blame on being pregnant. Getting ready to leave the house, and of course totally not paying attention to what I was doing, I went to close the garage door. Reaching up, I just grabbed on and pulled. This lead to me getting my fingers stuck between two panels of the door. Of course I was at home alone so there was no one to call out to. So I had to push the garage door back up using my knee to get my fingers out. My fingertips are still sore! I just can't believe I did that!

Another OB appointment behind me!

So I had another OB appointment yesterday. Everything went great. Keeley is head down, low in my uterus (I was a little shocked when the midwife showed me how low). My uterus is measuring right on schedule. The midwife I saw (my midwife was delivering) told me I am doing great with my skin, no stretch marks at all! Woo hoo! She wanted to know what lotion I was using, and just all of you know for future reference I use Fruit of the Earth (FOTE) Cocoa and Shea Blended Body Lotion. It isn't organic but it is "100% American owned and operated" with no animal testing, and with the exception of ingredients grown outside of the US it is also made here. I really like it because it isn't greasy, it smells good, and it lasts on the skin a long time. And its not expensive! (I get it at Wal-Mart) I have used FOTE before and have always loved it! Highly Recommended! Check it out!

Just Thinking

So since I haven't had to use birth control in a while ;) I have been thinking about what I am going to use after Keeley is born. Working in an OBGYN clinic I have all the information I need on any particular type of birth control. Because of my religious belief on when life begins (for me its conception) I like to know exactly how the birth control works. I know I don't want any type that prevents implantation of a fertilized egg which leaves out an IUD. Even the Mirena IUD which has a small amount of hormone isn't guaranteed to prevent conception. In fact when reading the info it says and I quote "Mirena may work in several ways. It may thicken your cervical mucus, thin the lining of your uterus, inhibit sperm movement and reduce sperm survival. Mirena may stop release of your egg from your ovary, but this is not the way it works in most cases." The combination of "thin the lining of your uterus" which translates to not allowing an fertilized egg implant, and "may stop release of your egg from your ovary, but this is not the way it works in most cases" concerns me when thinking about using it for myself. I absolutely do not want to take the risk of conceiving and it being my fault that the baby does not implant. Or of having a tubal pregnancy and putting myself at a serious health risk. So I started to investigate Implanon, an insert under the skin that releases hormones over a 3-year period. For a forgetful and lazy person such as I, it sounded wonderful. Until I discovered that it contains the same hormone as the Depo shot which has too many side effects for me to consider. So I am back to either using the nuva ring, which has a certain side effect on me that I don't like; or trying pills again. I know that I can't use any of the ortho products as all of them make me extremely nauseous. And as there is so many pills to look into, I just don't know where to start. So I am asking for any advise on any type of pill you may have tried. So let me know!

** All information quoted on the Mirena IUD was taken directly from the Patient Information Guide which can be found on the Mirena website, the Mirena brochures, and in the Mirena package.

Feeling Better

Just to let everyone know: I went to the Dr's, got an antibiotic, and am now feeling better! I also had my OB appointment and my midwife confirmed that Keeley's last ultrasound was absolutely perfect. All parts were growing right on schedule including her tummy! So now we just let her grow fat and round 'till its show time. Well, hopefully not too fat and round!

Sick

Today is not a good day. I have a cold, I have an infection of a hair folicule that is causing my lymph nodes to swell and its really painful, my back hurts, and I am tired because the pain from the lymph nodes wouldn't let me sleep. I have an appointment tomorrow so hopefully we can get it cleared up and I can start feeling better!

Just an update!

So I know I haven't posted anything lately, mostly because I really don't have much to say. Everything is going well for me, Cris , and Keeley. She just keeps growing and kicking. I am sooo excited to meet her! So Keeley is good, Cris is good, and work is good. I do ask that you all pray for Cris's cousin, she needs many prayers right now. And pray for Roger as he is just such a teenager. I'll keep you all updated on any new and exciting news.

Me at 28 weeks!

My Reminders!

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-29





"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

Staying Strong

This is the new blog created by my friend Sam. Her husband is being deployed to Iraq and they just got married. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

Staying Strong

More for Sam!

The Soldier's Spouse Creed

I am in love with a United States Soldier.

I will support him in his defense of the

Constitution of the United States of America.

And I will understand that he must obey

the orders of those appointed over him.

I represent the true backbone

and fighting spirit of the Army.

And for those who have served before me

I salute you with all the strength

and loyalty my heart can muster.

I proudly stand by the one I love

with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to support my soldier

and the United States Army.

New Family Addition!!

Welcome to the family!!!

From Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul

Baby's Choice

Did you ever think, dear Mother,
As the seeds of me you sowed,
As you breathed new life inside of me
And slowly watched me grow,
In all your dreams about me
When you planned me out so well,
When you couldn't wait to have me there
Inside your heart to dwell,

Did you ever think that maybe,
I was planning for you, too,
And choosing for my very own
A mother just like you?
A mother who smelled sweet and who
had hands so creamy white,
A tender, loving creature
Who would soothe me in the night?

Did you ever think in all those days
While you were coming due,
That as you planned a life for me
I sought a life with you?
And now as I lay in your arms,
I wonder if you knew
While you were busy making me,
I was choosing you!

~ Colleen M. Story ~

I pray I can be the mommy she thinks I am!

For Sam

Deployment Prayer

Dear Lord:Give me the strength to say goodbye.

Hold back the tear in my eye.

Cure my insomnia so that I may sleep alone.

Give me a reason to awake when I’ve none.

Dear Lord:Please help me pace myself.

Allow me to turn to you for help, And please let me be strong for him,

Even if I’ve reached the brim.

Dear Lord:Please make time go fast.

I don’t know how long I can last.

This is the hardest time of my life, But this is my job: the soldier’s wife.

Dear Lord:Let them all stay strong.

Give them the will to go on, And Lord, Please bring back all our men.

In the name of our country. Amen.

~By Leanne Thomas~

An Update

I know its been a while since my last post so I just wanted to update you all on how things are going. The baby is doing great, I feel her kicking all the time. I just went in for my latest OB checkup. My uterus is measuring right on schedule and the heart beat was a healthy 137 BPM. I had my glucose test on Saturday ::yuck:: and the results came back normal. The other blood test however is showing that I am anemic so I have to start taking Iron supplements. This really didn't surprise me since I have problems with it if I give blood. So my already slow digestion is just about to get slower :( Anyways, I am feeling fine most of the time. I have painless contractions everyday, but nothing at regular intervals. I am getting bigger and bigger everyday, although I am holding steady at 155. That's only 15 lbs off my pre preggo weight. We are almost there on the name, we are just trying it out to make sure we like it and it fits for her. What so you think? Keeley Elizabeth Murry. I just love Elizabeth but Cris only likes it for a middle name and Keeley is Irish/Gaelic for beautiful which I just love. So maybe it'll be the one!
Moving on, work is going great, I really love my job. It is so great to work with women who are in the same shoes I am! Cris is good, working hard. My brother Steven is contemplating joining the Navy. I really hope he does, he so needs the discipline in his life. His fiance is doing good, they baby continues to grow beautifully. Keep them in your prayers. Cris' cousin Rachel is dilated to 1 cm but still has a good 3 weeks to go. Please also keep them in your prayers as Rachel has gestational diabetes (which she is controlling beautifully with diet) and her husband suffers from PTSD. Roger is doing good, he is 16 now about to get his licence and already has his own truck. YIKES! Pray for him also as he wants to move back in with his mom. Pray for me as I struggle to be close with Cris' family, my brother, and his fiance.

Love is patient; love is kind.

Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way:

it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

And now faith, hope, and love abide, and the greatest of these is love.

Corinthians 13

New Job!

Ok, I know this has been a long time coming...a whole 2 weeks! So on July 21st I started at Madigan Army Medical Center as a CNA in the OB/GYN Clinic. I just love my job! I pretty much just check people in, take their vitals, show them to there rooms, get the supplies ready, assist the Dr., and clean their room. Sometimes it can get busy and there are difficult moments when women are in pain (due to contractions, miscarriages, or the procedures), but there is no heavy lifting involved. It is amazing to me how God has prepared my heart to be in this position through my work with CareNet and being there for my friends during their own difficult moments, so that I may have the compassion that will really make the difference to the women I work with. Some of them have no friends or family around to support them, and often their only contact outside the home is when they go to the Dr. I pray that I will be a light and a comfort to all those around me!

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Ultrasound

So I got the results of my 21 week ultrasound, and everything looked great except that she has a small stomach. This could be nothing more than she had a growth spurt and the stomach hadn't caught up to it at that moment. So I will have another ultrasound at about 28 weeks to see how things are going. Other than that she is doing great. I feel her kicking all the time, can feel her through my clothes, and even see her move my belly. I can already tell when she has the hiccups. I am not so worried as long as I can feel her. In fact I feel her kicking now!

Home again!

Well here I am, home at last. I had a great time at Apryl's. I totally forgot what true humidity feels like. It hit me when I hit Washington D.C. Had me wishing I had thought to put my inhaler in my carry-on. But I put it in my purse first thing in Virginia! The first two days we just sorta hung out around the house and played games. Then we ventured out into the heat and humidity. We went to the Zoo, and we had an absolute blast! It was soo hot we had to drench ourselves in water every fountain we came to. It was great. The next day we went to the Aquarium and then to Virginia Beach. The aquarium was great, even lil Christian was watching the fish! And it was air conditioned!! After it closed we went down the road to the beach. We went late in the afternoon so it wasn't too hot! We all had a blast in the water although we couldn't do any real swimming because of strong rip tides. But we had a fun anyways! The next day we went to church with Apryl and Tom. It was a decent biblical sermon, accompanied with a lot of prayer and music. However the music was way too loud and I had a hard time keeping up. I don't think Ryan can even play his guitar that fast. I am defiantly grateful for Valley's more traditional style. The people were all very nice and friendly, in fact while we were there they brought Apryl and Tom meals and have been for about 6 weeks. It was good to see they found a good church to go to. We played more games that night, in fact, a game of Scatagories is what prompted me to write my last blog. So we had this category that asked for words with double letters. So I put Aaron (A being our letter). Apryl and Emily both voted that I was wrong (which is how a dispute is settled according to the rules...I think they were just jealous because I was winning). They both thought that a name is not a word. Knowing I was right I had to prove to them that a name is indeed a word. Now I am not so good at grammar but I at least know what a word is. So I got on the Internet and looked up the word word on dictionary.com. It said:
A unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning. Words are composed of one or more morphemes and are either the smallest units susceptible of independent use or consist of two or three such units combined under certain linking conditions. Words are usually separated by spaces in writing, and are distinguished phonologically, as by accent, in many languages. Ok a little confusing! So I looked up the definition of name, and it said: A word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known. Eureka! There is nothing like the sweet taste of victory! A name is a word! Even though Apryl is still sticking to her guns that a word is not a name and a name is not a word :P Anyways, the rest of the time we spent resting and shopping. I got some of the cutest baby things on clearance and Apryl bought a onsie that said " I love my Auntie". So very cute! Wednesday I had to fly back home. It was really hard to leave after missing her so much for such a long time and having such a great time there, but I was missing Cris and knew I had to go home. My flight was pretty uneventful, with the exception that I had a one hour delay in new york and the lady that checked me in in Virginia only sent my luggage to Denver, but they delivered it yesterday so no big deal. I did get to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time from my air plane, that was pretty cool. I am glad to be home now and sleeping in my own bed!

For those of you who want to see pics, Apryl has some up on her blog and on her myspace!

I need your opinion!

So I am having a little "trouble" with whether or not a name is a word or not. There is a story that goes along with it, but I will tell you all about after I get some answers! So let me know what you either know or think!!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

I am so excited to be having a little girl. I got out all the things my grandma gave me that was hers or my moms. It all very cute and very girly! I am so excited to put my daughter in them. Oh, "my daughter"! That just make my heart flutter!! Anyways, all the things are all over 50 years old so I will probably put them on her, take a pic, and then I want to put them in shadow frames and use them as decorations in her room! I am so blessed to have such great family heirlooms to give to her!




On to other things. I am going to Apryl's tomorrow! I am so excited! I miss her so much! Its going to be a great time. Our friend Emily will be there too! Its going to be great! I can't wait for all the great things we'll do, the shopping, and getting to hold lil Christian for the first time! Its going to be great! Thank God for wonderful friends!

So if I don't post something, you'll all know what I am up too!

Also I need to give a special shout out to my BFF Mollie for being so gracious about me visiting Apryl instead of her. I LOVE YOU MOLLIE! Your next!

Amazing Grace in Action!

These last few weeks have been especially hard for a close friend of mine who recently had a miscarriage. I myself have been greatly sorrowed by her loss as I am pregnant with my first child. Over the last few weeks I have really seen God work in her and her husbands life. As a counselor at Carenet Pregnancy Centers of Pierce County I have had training in some grief counseling, but have never really had to be personally involved. I have been simply amazed by God's healing grace in their life. And I am reminded of what a wonderful caregiver He is! He has surrounded them with Himself, His word, and His people. I am reminded of a song by Natalie Grant called Held, one of my personal favorites!

Two months is too little.

They let him go.

They had no sudden healing.

To think that providence would

Take a child from his mother while she prays

Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?

What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?

We're asking why this happens

To us who have died to live?

It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.

We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.

The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.

If this is only the beginning.

Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

He has truly held them close to Him as He walks them through their pain and sorrow. He is truly Amazing Grace in action!

I love you Ryan and Amy!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with me!!

It's going to be a good month!

I have determined that July is going to be a good month. I no longer work at a nursing home...yay! And because I am not working right now I got to spend some quality time with my wonderful friends Amy, Becky, and Mandi. Yay! Cris and I just found out that we are having a girl!! *I really wanted a girl* Double yay!! The 4th was great, we had a great time with our church family and then we went to Cris' co-workers for fireworks. We had a great time and met some really neat people. Not to mention, being thanked for our service to this country by total strangers felt really good! Now I get to spend more time with friends *HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY* and I get to visit my BFF Apryl in Virginia for a whole week, holding her new baby boy in my arms! After that I have four more days to myself until I start my wonderful new job. I will be working at the Madigan Army Hospital OB/GYN Clinic. It will be Mon-Fri, 8 to 5, paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid maternity leave! And I will be making more money! So, yes, July is going to be a GREAT month!!!

Here by popular demand!

Since so many friends are either abondoning myspace or have never had one, I have been asked to start a blog. I must warn you all that I have never been very good at this sort of thing. In fact I have made several attempts at having one, all of which have failed...miserably! Another disclaimer I must make to all of you is that I will never be grammatically correct and I will most likely jump from one subject to another without rhyme or reason! But if you are willing to hang in there with me, I am going to give this a try!

So welcome to my blog! Wish me luck!