A Veteran to remember

Flags were waving on Saturday morning while the Patriot Riders stood guard, in honor of a veteran that had served proudly years ago. 

That morning, we celebrated a life, or more accurately as expressed by most, a legacy that was taught through example down through the generations. 91 years of age. A WWII veteran. A carpenter. A farmer. A husband, father, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa. 

To me, he was Grandpa and he will be greatly missed. 

Full military honors were performed with such care and precision that led me to reflect on this Veteran's day of the sacrifices made by veterans presently and through the years. Of the prestige that we should bestow upon them for their duty and honor for their country.

Quite simply, I say thank you.

 

Halloween 2013

So I'm not really one to buy holiday clothing for Mason (well, not yet anyways), so I decided to try my hand at making him a Halloween shirt after reading this post

The bleach pen shirt, which was not only inexpensive to make, but also cute! All you need is a plain shirt and a bleach pen. I googled various Halloween clip art to find a design that would be relatively easy, which in this case turned out to be the spider with its web.

 Before you start, make sure to cover a piece of cardboard with foil and place inside the shirt, so the bleach does not soak all the way through. 

For this design, I traced around the outside of the web, and filled in the rest of the details freehand. 

Here's how the shirt looked once I completed the drawing. I did have some trouble with bubbles in places, but overall I was pretty happy with the outcome.

Then just leave it alone with around 20 minutes or so and let the bleach really do its job. Once you notice that the design is set, rinse off with cold water.

My design ended up turning orange, not really sure how that happened, but it worked perfectly for Halloween! And here's my model (can I just share how difficult it is to take pictures of a 14 month old)

And for his actual costume (I had grand plans to make one, but life happened so mom picked one up for us), he makes one adorable lion cub.

Doesn't that expression say it all?

Just a lion cub protecting his own, making sure grandma doesn't get attacked.

Actually, he wasn't too sure what was going on with grandma continuing to open the door to various kids/creatures and giving them treats. He kept walking to the door to check it out.

A treat at the end of the night. 

Hubby's entertainment for the evening. 

We hope you had a roariffic Halloween!

(nothing quite like making up a cheesy word)

from our family to ours!

Be Still

I spent dusk sitting in a deer stand in the woods behind our house. No, I'm not a hunter (though Hubby is), but I couldn't resist taking some time out of this constant life of mine to just sit, without distractions. I always enjoy watching the wildlife that our farm offers and what better way to really savor it then to sit in the midst of it all. 

I let my mind wander, just sitting up there in that stand, soaking in the fading sun. I needed this quiet time. This week has been tough. Medical issues with various family members. So I just sat and watched God's handiwork around me. 

"Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him..." ~Psalm 37:7 

Hope Spoken

 

Hi ladies! My name is Jayme. I am a wife, momma, daughter, sister and grace giver/receiver (although I struggle with that last one at times...well, if we're honest here I struggle at times with all of my titles) :) I work part time as a paralegal at a small law firm here in western Kentucky and the rest of my time is spent chasing around a 14 month old boy.

 

I'm so excited to be attending this conference in March, but at the same time somewhat hesitant. Part of this is because I know absolutely no one, but thankfully with this link up I can meet some friendly faces. The other part is I pray that I can be real to myself and really take away what God wants to share with me. I want to wholeheartedly embrace all of the love and grace that will be shared throughout the weekend.

 

Random fact about me: I'm addicted to reality tv shows (bachelor/bachelorette, anyone??).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listening

"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. ~Psalm 34:8

My daily calendar at work brought this verse to my attention today and it was a reminder that was desperately needed. This verse evoked the picture of someone with face upturned, arms wide opened, fully exposed and trusting. Then while driving, my radio turned to K-Love, the song "Live With Abandon" by the Newsboys came on. Have you listened to the words?

Chasing after this world makes me tired

Praisin' my own name leaves me dry

There's gotta be so much more to life than this

A higher calling that I missed

I want my life to count, every breath

I wanna live with abandon

Give You all that I am

Every part of my heart Jesus

I place in Your hands

I wanna live with abandon

I'll drop everything to follow You

It's only Your hands I hold onto

There's gotta be more to life than this

A higher calling that I missed

I want my life to count, every breath

I'm not looking back

I'm done with that

Wanna give You all I have

A song that I have heard multiple times and really enjoy. Today though, the Lord knew that I needed to hear this, to reinforce what I took in this morning on my daily calendar. That I need to "live with abandon" with my arms wide open, face upturned, fully exposed and trusting. Running to Him. No hesitation and I will be blessed. Why? Because he is good. Oh so good. 

Can I share how thankful I am that I actually listened to Him today? So many times I fail at the listening part. I let my own thoughts, doubts, fears, insecurities consume me. But now, for today, I want to live with complete and utter abandon. 

And honestly I'm living with a wonderful example because that little boy in my life is full of trust and genuine love.

So what's He sharing in your life?

  

Party

As promised, here is Mason's first birthday party. Since we now live on a farm, what better theme to take advantage of for a party?!? Especially since I found the perfect invite on Etsy. 

The cake (courtesy of Connie Bobo) was designed using the invite and it turned out perfect. And delicious!

Decorations were simple and went along with the theme. 

Mason's cake was made by his grandmother and the creative topper was made by a family friend and coordinated perfectly with the theme.

And the birthday boy...well, he wasn't quite sure what all the fuss was about. 

Just eating some grub before the main event.

And the main event. Well, in our minds. His, not so much.

(Really, must everyone take pictures of me??)

(See ya!)

The farm party was a success and everyone enjoyed coming together to celebrate this little guy's first year with us. Because that's what it is really all about. A celebration of life, of the joy (and survival) of our first year of parenthood and the appreciation of the "village" it takes to help out in this journey.

(Photos courtesy of my brother who did an excellent job!)

Hello? Remember me?

So I woke up earlier than normal and ran today. Well, maybe not "running" the whole time exactly, but I was moving, which is something, right? I've been in a funk lately. I decided that I needed this. This early morning time to myself to prepare for the day. Just me and the road. Hopefully, this can become a daily routine.

 

 

This picture. Just a drop of what we have picked over this summer. I must admit I enjoy eating food that we have grown, though sometimes the sight of Hubby carrying in more of these black buckets makes me want to lock him out.

 

 

We celebrated Mason's birthday which will be an entire post by itself.

 

I participated in my very first mug swap which was the greatest thing ever! Who doesn't love happy mail?? And a chance to be the giver for a new friend? THE BEST! Once again, a post of its own needs to happen about this.

 

 

This guy LOVES being outside. Exploring the great outdoors is his thing. And yes, he's a walker now. All the time. Yikes.

 

He's also learning to take on a few chores around the house. Such as

watering the flowers

 

 

and helping me cook.

 

 

Our little observer.  

 

 

 I hope to update this little space of mine with a little more consistency when I'm not chasing my *gulp* toddler.

 

 

40 weeks + 5 days.

This is a story that is extremely close to my heart. A story to be documented.  The story of Mason.    

I started my maternity leave on the first of August (keep in mind my "estimated" due date was the 5^th).  Most people just knew that I would have him early since I seemed to be a good size.  Well, I heard this quite a bit, and started to believe it as well, even though my due date had never changed.  This is not the mindset that you want to have, especially as you watch your due date come and go. 

On Tuesday, the 7^th I had a doctor’s appointment to make sure that my fluid levels were still good and that Mason was still okay. (Just in case, I had my bag packed and with me.)  My vitals were great, fluid level was where it needed to be and most importantly, Mason was healthy.  My body had begun the labor process.    My doctor said that one week past my date was the recommended extended time to go and at that point I would need to be induced, so I was scheduled for Monday, the 13^th.  I did not want to be induced…I wanted labor to progress naturally (even as miserable as I felt). When Hubby and I left that appointment, I cried.  Oh how I cried.  I was so ready to meet our Mason.  My body was huge.  I was tired and extremely uncomfortable.  I was tired of being watched for labor symptoms.  (With the big move to the country, while Hubby was at work all the way in town, someone would hang out with me, just in case I needed to be taken to the hospital. I do appreciate my family, especially my brother, for taking his time to come over.)  

I had been experiencing Braxton Hicks on and off for several weeks, so when on August 9^th I started cramping, I didn’t think too much of it.  As the day progressed, I began to pay more attention.  My dog, Savannah was sticking extra close to me and I was feeling uncomfortable with pains in my lower back that wrapped around through my front.  The times were not consistent though…not what is drilled into your head, but still, something was different.  10:00 p.m. that evening rolls around and I’m still having pains.  I’m debating in my head and with Hubby if I should actually go to the hospital.  I was even texting with my best friend to see what she thought.  I definitely did not want to drive all the way to the hospital and then be sent home…I did not want to experience that disappointment.  And my contractions were not to the point where talking was difficult and the times were still inconsistent.  But I could not get comfortable no matter what position I was in, so Hubby decided for us to just go on and see.

While gathering my stuff, it hit me.  I was going to be bringing a child into this world.  Our dynamics as a family were shifting.  At that point, my emotions overwhelmed me.  I literally stopped in my tracks and just started crying. So much was going through my mind.  I was excited to meet this little one and ready for him to come out, but also scared.  Scared of the actual delivery, of both of us being okay.  Aware that our life as we knew it was getting ready to change.  Hubby reassured me that all was okay, that I could do this.  And with that, I gathered up my bag, took a last look around at our home and waddled (yes, I admit, I waddled) out to the car.

There was no crazy driving with our hazard lights flashing speeding through traffic.  Just a regular drive into town.  At one point we were even stopped at an intersection for an extended amount of time due to the power company putting up new lines and poles.  My pain still wasn’t too unbearable during all this.  At the hospital we parked in the parking garage and made our way towards labor and delivery.  In order to enter, you have to be buzzed in.  Apparently the magic words to enter are “I’m in labor” because the doors swung open instantly. The nurses got me checked in and dressed in my snazzy gown by 11:00 p.m.  

Yes, I finally got to stay.  I was almost 4 centimeters and my water was on the verge of breaking.  Then we settled in for the wait. I continued to listen to the comforting sound of Mason’s heartbeat and watched my contractions come and go. Several hours later, my doctor came in and broke my water. Can I just say that is the craziest feeling ever… This really moved my delivery along and about an hour or so later, I was dilated to 7. At this point I received my epidural and was able to rest up for a bit, until I started experiencing contractions on one side. Evidently, Mason’s head was positioned in just the right spot where he was blocking the effectiveness of the epidural.

 Finally the nurse declared that it was time to push. Now, during this time, my mother was in the delivery room but the plan was for her to leave before I actually started to push. Well, plans change and before we could even think, the nurse had Hubby and my mom helping. For 2 hours, I pushed and I prayed for strength. Strength to keep pushing as the waves of contractions swept through my body.  

At 10:21 a.m. on Friday, August 10^th, Mason made his appearance. 8 pounds 14 ounces 20 inches. A head full of dark hair. At that moment, my heart was open and exposed for the entire world to see. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I took in this miracle of life that was given to us. That first feeling is unlike any other, that first time you see this life that has been growing and nourishing within you, that first time your baby is placed on your chest, that first time your baby instinctively latches on to feed. The magnitude of what your body has accomplished. Unreal.  Life changing. It’s an experience that I want to forever hold in my heart.

One year ago, we became a family of three. Honestly, we had no idea what to expect, no idea what that first year would bring. Parenthood was and is uncharted territory. I will tell you that you learn a lot about yourself and you realize that you are stronger than you can imagine.

     Mason, you are my greatest accomplishment. You are beautifully and wonderfully made.

Mason James :11 months:

     

         
 This little guy is days away from being one. As you can see, he is constantly on the move, making picture taking quite interesting.

Mason, we are enjoying getting to know your personality as you get older. You bring such laughter into our home.

You have 2 little bottom teeth now. You want nothing to do with your homemade baby food, and that's just fine with me. It's whatever we eat that you prefer. Despite having only a few teeth, you certainly chew up your food well and give your little jaw a workout. You really enjoy feeding yourself.

You received your first haircut. You sat in my lap with the cape on just like a big boy. It was just a trim, but you looked older. You're such a handsome little guy, Mason. 

You have quite the throwing arm. Who knows, we may have a future baseball player. You enjoy throwing just about anything you can get your hands on and you get so excited, clapping your hands and moving your feet. Catch is one of your favorite games.

We definitely know your path around the house. You tend to leave a trail wherever you go...

Mason, you are our little explorer and we're enjoying viewing the world through new eyes. You definitely keep us on our toes, but we wouldn't have it any other way. You keep us present and living in the moment. Continue on Mason. 

We love you!

Mason James :10 Months:

(Please note: So I'm behind, really behind on my Mason updates seeing as his first birthday is quickly approaching. Yikes!!)

Oh Mason, life with you is always changing, which makes things exciting around our household!

You are a crawling machine. Always the little explorer, checking out all that our home (or wherever you are for that matter) has to offer.  

 

 

You enjoy talking and singing to us or yourself.

 



 

You enjoyed your first sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house. You know your grandparents and always have a cuddle and smile for them.

 

You experienced the pool for the first time. You were a fan and loved to splash the water.  

 

 

These days you like to ride around with style and will even push it around the house yourself.

 

The toy that you want the most is usually at the bottom of your container, so of course, you have to pull out everything. We have even caught you head down, feet in the air, trying to get want you wanted. So funny. 

 

You are light in our eyes and you keep bringing smiles wherever you are. We can't help but stare at amazement that we have been entrusted with you. Keep exploring little one!

 

We love you!