be you bravely

Hello. It's been an easy Monday so I'm taking advantage of some free time (Annalise's nap time) to take some time to blog, to think, to pray. I haven't been consistent on these things and I want to do better.
I need to make sure I am taking care of myself physically, spiritually and mentally and I'm not doing a good job of it these days.

 I'm trying to set new goals and live life on purpose. I feel that some of that has slipped away from me. I feel like I've gotten a little lost in who I am and what my purpose is. Sometimes I think that I am too hard on myself. God blessed Jason and I with our beautiful daughter and I have the privilege of staying home with her so I need to give it all I've got. I don't want to mess up on this. I know that God has equipped Jason and I with the tools to raise her. I am constantly reminding myself of that.

It was so nice to get away this past weekend. We, along with other children's leaders from our district, had a time of refreshing. WE got to stay in a really nice hotel in Branson. It was wonderful. I defiantly missed Annalise but really did need a break. I don't get "me time" often. We met some really wonderful people and got some good ideas and inspiration for children's ministry. I felt so bad for Jason though. He got sick (tummy troubles) and was only able to join us here and there. I guess God needed him to really be still and for him to stay more secluded. He works so hard in ministry and has a second job on top of that. He's so dedicated to providing for us and always giving it his 110%. He inspires me. I can't say that I always do the same. He's a brave man. He keeps his head up, always looks forward and keeps moving toward his goals until they are accomplished.

There were many brave people at this past weekend's retreat.  At the end of the weekend, we shared prayer needs and lifted one another up in prayer. I was really impressed with several children's pastors who were going through huge struggles in their personal lives but were such bright spots. They were so positive and always smiling, so encouraging. They probably had no idea how brave and inspiring they are.

God is teaching me something. I am a part of a group of moms that meets twice a month. It's called MOPS (mothers of pre schoolers). I am absolutely in love with this year's theme.

It totally speaks to me and to where I am right now. I feel this is what God is calling me to in this season. I need to be myself as a mom, as a wife, as a minister, and not be afraid of that. I need to step out and be who I am in God and work towards what he wants me to accomplish without backing down. It's such a deep feeling, it's hard to put into words.

I absolutely love our family pics from this past October. I love how the photographers captured us as a family.. just being us. I don't really care for the way I look In a lot of these pics (I need to lose 20-30 lbs. and I don't like my teeth) but it's ME.

Be encouraged today friends.

Be Brave, Be You, Be Free

hello again

Hi! It's been a while. A long while actually. A LOT has changed since I last wrote and I regret not documenting all of it. Being a new mom is overwhelming. There is so much to learn and I want to make sure I write it all down before I turn around and my baby girl is a teenager.

I don't even know where to begin. Our baby, Annalise Grace, was born on Fathers day weekend of 2013. June 15 to be exact.  She is the light my life. Of our life. Instead of writing a novel here, how about some highlights? I will do my very best not to over share photos of our beautiful baby girl. I am constantly taking pictures of her and I just can't seem to stop. It may be an addiction. ;) Being a mom is WONDERFUL and hard and stressful... well.. it's the best thing EVER. I stay at home now. I get to raise my girl. I'm here for everything. It's the most challenging and fulfilling job I've ever had. I"m living my dream. I am a wife, a mom, and partnering with my husband in ministry. We are children's pastors and it's so much fun! We have some incredible kids. We are so very blessed to have been appointed with this responsibility, this privelidge. I also co teach a high school girls class at church. I love it. I've always loved teenagers. They are so fun and so full of life and so in need of love and encouragement. I love that. I love being a part of their lives and helping them navigate life God's way. Sigh.  GOD IS FAITHFUL.

I need to rewind to just a little before Annalise was born. It really was such a beautiful time.

Jason and I could hardly wait to meet our little girl. I had a really easy pregnancy I'm ready to do it all again. I loved the preparation for our little love and sharing it with family and friends.

Our church friends also threw us a shower. They went all out and it was a huge blessing. We have a great group of couples our age and this incredible group  of creative ladies made it so special.

Our last getaway before the baby came at the end of May. We joined Jason's family at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson. This is a family tradition the do every Summer. The moved it up a little for me. =)

It was the perfect getaway before the baby came. We had no idea her arrival would be sooner than later.

My blood pressure had been up for several check ups and on that last checkup, June 14, 2013, my Dr. asked us if we were ready to have a baby that day and I was like.. what?! It's time already?! My due date isn't for another couple of weeks. Well.. I was full term and bordering on pre eclampsia. My dr. didn't want to take any risks. Both the baby and I were healthy and in good shape and he wanted to keep it that way and induce that evening. I had heard scary stories about being induced so I was hesitant,  but agreed. I'm not the type to buck or argue what the expert is suggesting that I do. If you know what you are talking about and you tell me to do it, I say Ok, lets do it!

It actually worked out pretty perfectly. Jason and I were able to go home, no rush, finish up packing, and call our parents. There were no contractions, no panic. It game my parents enough of a heads up to make their 5 hour trip from Memphis and my brother an 8 hour trip from Nashville. Jason's parents were so excited that they arrived at the hospital the same time we did. It was cute.

Now that I've teased you with the story of Annalise's birth, i'm going to save it for another time. I've got some packing and cleaning to do. Jason and I are leaving for Branson in a few hours for a childrens' ministers retreat. Annalise is in Memphis with mom and dad. This is the first time she's stayed away from home and it's kinda crazy not having her talkative happy little self around here. I am missing her already and it's only been 1 day. I will enjoy this break though. It's already been a relaxing and productive day- I love those!

I can't leave without sharing at least one pic of our beautiful daughter. I have so many pictures..so much life to share... and so little time. One day at a time. =)

Love,

Christa

baby baby baby!!

Things have kicked into high gear around our house getting ready for baby Annalise. As of this past Friday, I am 30 weeks pregnant. I just can't believe how close her arrival is now. It's almost surreal. I'm so ready though. I'm not nervous at all.. should I be?

A few days before Easter a very special delivery arrived on our doorstep. Friends from Memphis blessed us with a crib

He had it up in no time

 There's something about having a crib in a room that makes it feel so complete and so ready for baby. Does a momma's soul good. =)

After Jason did an amazing job in our church's Easter play (as usual) we spent the afternoon with the Waln family at his parent's house.

Jason got an Easter bowl. (this may be his last) I have a feeling next year Easter activities and traditions will take on a whole new look. ;) It will be so fun!

The next weekend we headed on our last road trip for a while- to Memphis for a shower thrown by sweet friends from First Assembly, the church I grew up in.

Their generosity blew me away. I had several of my girls there~ besties for life~ and many many more ladies who I have grown up knowing and who mean so much to my family.

These are the ladies who worked so hard to go above and beyond for this amazing shower. So special.

Funny story from that day. We didn't realize this at first, but there was another baby girl shower being thrown down the street and some guests who were on their way to that shower accidently showed up at my shower. They saw the pink balloons and came right in. The funny part was that both groups of women had people in them that I knew from high school. It totally threw me off to see them because I hadn't kept up with them and was like "why are you here?" It was pretty funny. A great memory of that day for sure.

Before I went to Memphis, I discovered these cute burlap wreaths who happen to be made by a girl I know. Check out her Etsy Shop. SO CUTE! I'm hoping they will let me hang this on our hospital door and then of course when we get home.. this will go on our front door and then eventually in her nursery somewhere. The "it's a girl' can always be taken off and used for another purpose. I love that!

Jason and I have been trying to take advantage of spending as much "us time" as we can before our family has a third, very time consuming, member. Now that the weather is nicer, we love going to the park for walks. I wish we had time for a walk every day. Doesn't my hair look kinda red here? Humm... hormones maybe? Or maybe just the fact that I hadn't had it highlighted in forever and maybe that was more my natural color... Hard to know what my natural color really is ;)

Here's another date night we had just this past weekend...

We went to a movie theater where they have full restaurant with servers. You sit in a recliner and they bring whatever you want right to you. This includes all the traditional movie snacks. It was so cool. It was definately a prego's dream come true. Jason loved his slightly odd burger and popcorn combo. He's got an interesting palet. We had so much fun.

On Friday afternoon my co-workers threw me a shower at this amazing party space that is owned by our company. So chic. They catered a lovely lunch and gave us a bath duck full of goodies. The bonus: a former co-worker, Jessica, was able to come from boliver for the occasion. She is having a baby girl a week before me.

 Jessica has been a huge blessing of a friend to me during my pregnancy. We e-mail all the time comparing notes. She gives me tons of advice and we've even hit up a huge baby consignment sale together. I'm excited for our friendship to continue to grow and our girls to be friends as well. =)

Here's another peek at the nursery in progress. Jason and I spent Saturday morning hanging pictures and deco. in Annalise's room. I also had some time to do more organizing. I felt super productive. It was wonderful to have a good stretch of time to get all of this accomplished. This is the wall above her crib. I saw the idea for the framed "A" made of buttons on Pinterest and just had to make one. Mom took charge of the project and made it just in time for my Memphis baby shower. I plan on adding more colors in the form of tulle balls and probably some rosette balls as well in soft pinks. I can't wait for the finished product. I already love it!

 This was our Saturday night~ definately a fun memory! =) We watched our friends kids so they could go on a date night. It was so much fun making homemade personal pizzas with Alex, Bitsy and Tate. They had a blast getting all messy and making their own pizzas. Their parents have done everything to help us out from helping us paint our new house to filling in for us during our Sunday night kids class while we were in Memphis. They are true servants and it was wonderful to bless them by giving them a night out.

30 weeks!! This was taken yesterday. Reality is definately setting in. I had a great doctor's appointment today. He gave me a great report and told me to get ready... She's coming! He even said I could have her at 34/35 weeks if she's full term. Crazy huh?! Definately motivates me to get things organized and ready to go. I feel good about what we've done and the progress we've made. It's been so much fun. Who knows.. maybe the next time I get on here to post.. she'll be here. I don't need to wait that long.

Thanks for sharing my life. I don't want to miss a minute of this amazing season.

spring snow

I've never lived in a place where we get snow at the end of March. Last Thursday, March 21~ the first day of spring~ we got LOTS of it. It started snowing an hour or so before I left work. It was beautiful! It was just wet enough and the ground was just warm enough nothing really stuck. The ground was just wet. I was very thankful for this as I drove home in rush hour traffic. I was still cautious~ you can never be too cautious in snow~ that's my motto.

I heard of people taking an hour to get home that night. I am extremely thankful we live close to my work. It's been a hug blessing.

Here's our neighborhood from my front porch.

 

I just love snow~ even if it is unseasonably late. We got snow off and on the whole weekend and early the next week. Today is the first day it hasn't snowed at least a little.

 

 

I went inside and cuddled in my favorite blanket to enjoy this view~ So pretty! It was so relaxing and peaceful just to sit and enjoy.

It won't be long and it will be too hot out. I am enjoying our extended winter weather. We'll have plenty of warm weather to soak in~ flip flops and tank tops aren't far away now. =)

In other news.. I found a way to enjoy sewing the baby's quilt~ sewing to worship music. There is nothing quite like it. I had the house to myself while Jason was at Easter play practice so I turned up my tunes and made some progress on the baby's quilt. (one more row to go!!) It didn't take long that I was crying and worshipping. It was such a swet time in God's prescence. I love it~ he meets us right where we are..

Here are some other sights around our house these days... Jason's family had a baby shower for us a couple of weeks ago. We were so blessed by everyone's generosity. I definately breathe a sigh of relief when we recieve just one more thing that baby Annalise will need. It was such a fun time with the ladies of the Waln and Marshall family. It's rare for just the ladies to get together and the time was sweet. =)

I don't have any more pictures because I've misplaced the connecter cord that allows me to load them to the computer. Pray I find it!It's a big deal that it's missing.

Here I am at 26 weeks. Baby girl is growing! I am feeling (and seeing on occasion) her moving all the time these days. Jason even been able to feel her moving and kicking. ~LOVE~

I can't wait to take tons of pictures of her and share them here with you. =) For now, the bump will do. ;)

words of wisdom

My lovely friend Jennifer who is amazing in every way shared this encouraging blog post yesterday. I had made a comment on Facebook about how frustrating pregnancy brain can be and how my day was effected negatively by it. I'm not a fan of feeling this way, but I have ejoyed this pregnancy so very much. Jennifer has encouraged me several times along the way to enjoy every moment of pregnancy.. it's fleeting... it's a gift from God... a miracle. I know that Jason and I have been chosen to be parents to this precious baby girl that he has given us and I want to be the best mom I can be.. full of love and support and and to reflect Jesus and  his love to Annalise Grace. I want to post the words from the blog post entitled "99 Tips for New Moms" so I can see them every single day. I want the words to resonate in my mind and stick with me. I don't want to be stressed all the time or to overthink every little thing that goes on with my child. I don't want to be consumed with what other people tell me to do or beat myself up because i'm not doing things the way others day I should.   I want to enjoy her in every stage of life. After all, she's a gift from God, a blessing, and a miracle.. life is fleeting..I know that I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me. I know that the more I look to him for wisdom and guidance, the more I will remember these things and be the kind of mom God created me to be.  I strongly encourage you to check out "99 Tips for New Moms"  (even if you aren't a new mome) and then have a wonderful Thursday! xoxoxox!!

life lately..

 I've been a little slow in posting these days.. I don't want to miss a moment of this wonderful transition that we're in. Here are some highlights from February until now.

My valentine and I had so many things we wanted to do for Valentine's day, we split them up into two nights. Funny story.. Jason ordered those beautiful tulips (pictured above) to arrive at my work on Valentines day.. Well.. abbout 5 min. after I got home that day, Jason was like.. "so you didn't get your flowers today.." Nope! Another 5 min. passes.. he got a call from the florist saying they were behind and wanted to know what time my workplace closed.. oops!! Too late buddy. Needless to say.. I eneded up getting my flowers the day after Valentine's day. He felt so bad! There was absolutely nothinghe could do about it. That  night we had dinner at Jason's favorite steakhouse- Re Rico Brazilian Steakhouse. It's one of those places they keep bringing meat~ total man joint!

After dinner we  took a stroll through the mall~ it was way too cold for a walk outside. Jason pulled out a beautiful ring with a sapphire stone.. It looks a lot like Kate Middleton's engagement ring~ LOVE IT~ love her! Once we were home, Jason got his gift. I couldn't resist getting him something special related to the baby. He's all about having his daddy's girl, so the red "I love Daddy" onesie seemed to be the perfect fit. He loved it! I also framed a prego pic of me with "We love You" written across the bottom. I figured he could change out the pic as Annalise grows and always have a pic of his girls in there. ;)

 That Saturday night we extended our Valentine's celebration and ate at our favorite restaurant in Branson~ "The Worman House" The first time we ate there was on our Honeymoon. It will definately always be a favorite.. not only for the food, but for the sentiment as well.

 We both got a snow day so we used the bonus day off to work on getting Annalise's room ready for her arrival. Jason did a second coat of paint and I worked on giving the antique dresser we bought  a facelift.

Ta Daa!! Doesn't it look much better? So girly! I'm in love with the glass knobs. They look like roses~ makes me happy.

Week 22. She's grown so much! I am finally feeling her move around and her kicks are getting stronger and stronger. It's such an amazing feeling. I have heard that I will miss feeling her in there once she's born~ I totally believe it.

I've been working on a baby quilt for Annalise's room. I'm loving how it's turning out, but it's been one of the most frustrating/ trying craft projects i've ever done. Jason stepped in with his mad measuring skills to get me over a large hurdle~ I love him so.

I've been having a blast buying little girl clothes and I'm very proud of myself.. it's mostly been consignment. I will definately have to hold myself accountible.. I have a weakness..

I found these today.. got a great deal~ non consignment. Too sweet!

I saw this quote today and it made me think of just how special/important/ valuable it is to be a parent and to do it God's way. I want to be a parent with purpose and be a godly example to my daughter. Jason and I have a book of prayers and blessings that we read every morning. It's geared toward praying God's word over your child. We are loving it. There is so much power in prayer. I have absolute faith that God is working in Annalise.. even now.