Brad, Julie, Peyton, and Mason

2011-05-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

2011-05-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

9 months!!

2011-05-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

2011-05-06T12:56:00.001-07:00

2011-05-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

2011-05-06T12:55:00.001-07:00

Playing!

2011-04-24T06:42:00.001-07:00

8 months

2011-04-24T06:41:00.002-07:00

Blessed!

2011-04-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 8 months old today. Time has flown by. I am so thankful, lucky, blessed, overwhelmed with joy etc etc to be able to stay at home with my little guy. I went to college while brad sacrificed, I got my masters while brad sacrificed, and now I'm staying home with our boys while brad sacrifices. I hope one day he will let me sacrifice for him. I can only hope my boys grow up to be as godly of a man their daddy is, because he truly puts his families happiness in front of his own. I am getting emotional because I am so thankful that I do get to stay at home and enjoy all the things I missed out on with Peyton. Thanks brad I love you. Speaking of sacrifice, Jesus Made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I am overwhelmed by his unconditional love also, so that we may have eternal life. He is risen, thank the lord He is risen.

patty cake!!

2011-04-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

"The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27.1

My little ham!!

2011-04-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

2011-04-05T17:34:00.003-07:00

2011-04-05T17:34:00.001-07:00

Playing before bedtime

2011-04-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

Who says boys can't have cute shoes!

2011-04-05T17:26:00.001-07:00

Masons birth

2011-04-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

Masons birth

2011-04-02T19:42:00.002-07:00

Mason 1 month

2011-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Mason 2 months

2011-04-02T19:41:00.002-07:00

Mason 3 months

2011-04-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Mason 4 months

2011-04-02T19:40:00.004-07:00

Mason 5 months

2011-04-02T19:40:00.002-07:00

Mason 6 months

2011-04-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mason 7 months

2011-04-02T19:37:00.001-07:00

Who couldn't love this smile?!

2011-04-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

2011-04-02T14:48:00.002-07:00

2011-04-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Saturday!

2011-04-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

We met my sister for lunch at maccaroni grill and then we went shopping for baby Holley. We went to babies r us and gordmans. We looked at bedding for boys and girls and nursery furniture. Baby Holley has almost everything he/she needs from mason, but of course will need its own room. Peyton is going to a birthday sleepover tonight, so brad and I will probably rent some movies and cook dinner. Brad is starting his grass and flower bed obsession since it's beginning to be spring. I love that about him and I think its so cute how meticulous he is and that he cares about our flower garden. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

Peyton!

2011-04-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

TGIF!!!!

2011-04-01T09:31:00.001-07:00

2011-03-31T15:45:00.001-07:00

Making up for lost time!!

2011-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been months since I've updated. I am going to get back in the habit of blogging so i can keep up with my boys and remember these precious days. Im going to fly through the past seven months. I was induced with mason on august 23, 2010. I got to the hospital at 5 am. He was born at 3:19 and weighed 8lbs 7 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Labor and delivery was kind of rough. Mason had swallowed a significant amount of muconium, which is his own poop. He came out blue and wasn't breathing. I was getting an episiotemy at the time, but Brad stayed right by him and made sure he was going to be ok. His first apgar score was 2/10. They took him back for several hours, I didn't even see or hold him until 7:30 that evening. He developed a quarter sized strawberry on the back of his neck due to lack of oxygen. He still has it, but they think it will dissapear with time. He was required to stay in the nursery overnight for moniotoring. The nursery kept giving him hearing tests and he kept failing them. After the third time, they made an appointment a month later to come back. I had a meltdown. I was so hormonal, but I was just so worried that something was wrong with his brain, causing his hearing issues, since obviously Faith had neurological issues. He went back in a month and passed the hearing test. He had a rough start, but thank GOD he is perfectly healthy now. He is a pretty big boy, so he loves to eat. His favorite food is fruit, specifically, apples, bananas, and blueberrys. He weighed 18lbs at his 6 month checkup. He is in the 95 percentile. He got two teeth on February 20th. He is always smiling and loves his big brother so much. I could just eat him up. He is seven months now and he is rolling over, pulling up on some things, trying so hard to crawl, and standing with support. He screams alot! Happily! He is always smiling but he wants to be held 24/7, which I think is my fault :) I pretty much sit at home and stare at him all day. I was due back to work from maternity leave on October 18th. I quit on October 15th. I was so anxious and physically sick just thinking about leaving my baby. Thanks to my wonderful and supportive husband, he agreed that I could stay home with him. Now I just got my masters in teaching so I am hoping to be in my own classroom by August 2011 and until then I have subbed a litte bit. But I am so thankful to be able to stay home with my baby and enjoy this time with him. I remember when Peyton was this age, I missed out on so much because I was in school and work. Life is good now and we are enjoying our little bug! Peyton just started spring ball and we are really excited. We think he will be pitcher this season, so I am a proud mama! We bought a nikon d3000 so I have got to learn about it and start taking more pics. On another note, I am going to be an aunt! I am so excited to be an aunt, my sister is truly my best friend and I know she is going to be a wonderful mom. She will be finding out if the baby is a girl or boy on April 1. I can't wait! I am going to be one cool aunt. And my other best friend, Sierra, is having a boy!! She is due August 21st and my sister is due September 12th. So I will have two babies to love on and spoil! YAY!

2010-05-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

23 weeks and 3 days!

2010-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

21 weeks

2010-04-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a disgusting preggo pic of me! I look like I am nine months pregnant! Oh well they say that happens with your second one. Anyway this is for those of you who don't see me all the time, you can thank Brittany for taking the pic at work! Also, this is Peyton's spring picture from school, both pics aren't the greatest because they are from my phone. Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Easter and Baseball

2010-04-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Easter bunny brought Peyton a Lego City firetruck and boat and lots of chocolate and candy. He had just woke up and found all the dyed eggs the bunny hid. The bunny had stayed up so late fixing his basket, gift, and hiding eggs, that he was still asleep on the couch! Hopefully I can get some better baseball pictures soon, especially with him smiling!

Busy Bees!

2010-04-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

So I am super busy, but wanted to update the blog world. I went to my last UAMS diagnostic/genetics appointment and they cleared my baby boy of any health issues AT ALL! It was very bittersweet since I remember that place as being the most horrid of all places I've ever been to and now a place of thankfullness and relief. I am getting my new bed this week, which I am so thankful that I am getting because I am so uncomfortable. I am only halfway done with the pregnancy, but I can't sleep at all. Our bed is 25 years old and was a hand me down, so it was past time. It is a good bed too a King size pillowtop that I am hoping will be a piece of heaven. I am stressed with school and work this month, just because the end of semester assignments and end of school year reports. But I keep thinking hopefully this time next year I will have my own kiddos and will finally get to do what I love, teach. We had a great Easter with family and baseball season is going strong. So every night is busy busy! I'm going to try and post some pictures of baby stuff that I am going to get, when finances allow, and although I am thankful we don't have any credit card debt (anymore! whew!) I sometimes wish I could pull out my plastic and just get the room fixed all at once! I am impatient. But until then, I will just look at his room online! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Hallelujah, He is risen!!!

2010-04-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

BABY STUFF!

2010-03-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

So I am getting so excited about a baby boy! I was very worried, hence my previous post, about not having a girl. It took a day or two to kind of realize wow, this is for real, because let me tell you there is no denying that this baby is a boy! :)
As soon as I found out that it was a boy, any and all health concerns flew out of my mind. I do not stay up at night and worry, or spend hours examining my ultrasounds and googling. It is a God send that I have a peace of mind. I don't know if it is because I sub-consciously associate a daughter with the horrible experience from before, which I hope that is not the case, but I really think in my mind I did sort of think of this baby as the last one, but now he is a he, he has a whole new identity. I also wanted to post two comments that my best friend Sierra and my sister said that made me chuckle.

Sierra: "This baby will be the perfect little baby God intended for you, penis or no penis". LOL!

Natalie: "Boys are so much better than girls, girls get upset about silly things and are way over-dramatic, such as you being dissapointed your baby is not a girl. A boy would never do that".

I also realized that the past week, I actually grieved properly for Faith. Last year, I knew she was gone, but instead of mourning her death, I went straight for the infertility obsession and focused on getting pregnant again. I know it was my way of coping but I never properly said goodbye. So, I may not be meant to have a daughter, and that is ok. The condition Faith had affects 80% of females, so that may be the reason this baby is a boy. Whatever the reason, the Good Lord knows best and I am finally at peace. And for those of you that are sick of me talking about this, I'm done! Ha! Now onto the boy things.

Mason Reid is his name. Pics to come of his room, cherry furniture and nautical bedding from Pottery Barn. He is going to be a precious addition to the Turner's!

It's a BOY!

2010-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

So we found out the baby is a boy today! I am so excited that I can't stand it! I must have been very hormonal last week because I could not be more grateful and pleased that I have another healthy baby boy on the way! My house is full of baseball equipment and legos and we get to start all over again! Brad and I are very blessed and I just want to thank you all for your prayers and support. Now I get to go shopping and decorate a room which is just awesome!

2010-03-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am having some issues, all emotional, and I thought of venting through my blog. So, I find out the baby's gender on Tuesday the 23rd and I really don't know how I feel about that. I am scared to know because it means I am that much more emotionally invested and that really scares me. I know everything is looking healhty but until I see and feel the baby in 4 months I will not be certain. I'm very jaded, I know! Also, I am apprehensive because the baby I lost was a girl and so I am so scared if this one is a girl I will feel guilty for 'replacing' my last daughter. And I feel guilty because I think I want a girl. I want to do the girly things and I have a boy so it would just be perfect to have one of each. On the other hand, I will be upset if it is a girl because of the replacement issue or how could I love this one and not transfer my love from that one to this one? Also, if its a boy what if I am upset that it's not a girl? And for months of infertility and anxiously waiting for a positive pregnacy test now I am being so picky about gender!? Come on Julie, you just wanted a baby just be happy with the baby! So now you probably think I need Prozac, and you are probably right. I know whatever God chooses for me and Brad will be exactly what we need and I will be ecstatic with either outcome. I am just having really mixed emotions and I am sure pregnancy hormones are not helping. If you could say a quick prayer that I will find peace and know as long as my baby is healthy I don't care what it is! Thanks gems!

Christmas 2009

2010-03-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

This is a video my mother in law, Becky, made from our Christmas trip to Branson and then Christmas day. I thought it was really awesome!

toilet shot and profile!

2010-02-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

Update

2010-02-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well I am 13 1/2 weeks which means I am in my second trimester. I went to UAMS Tuesday and was so relieved to have so many disorders ruled out. Down syndrome, all of the trisomy ones, spina bifida, and anacephaly. I can't tell you how freakin excited I was to see a perfectly round head on the big screen. They did a level 2 ultrasound and got a great toilet shot but they were not able to discern what parts went to what gender. I will scan the ultrasounds and ya'll can put in your two cents, girl or boy! I love the people at UAMS it was the same DR, tech, and specialist who helped us earlier last year. They remembered our previous circumstances so they were so accomodating. I will be going back in about four weeks so they can examine the heart for defects, but those are almost always genetic and I have no reason to think they will find anything. I am very glad they are staying on top of this. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, I think I can finally get excited! I go March 23rd and Dr. Martin will be able to tell me the gender. I will be a little over 17 weeks then. I'll update soon!

Exciting News!

2010-02-10T13:40:00.001-08:00

I'm going to have a baby September 1st! Please pray for a healthy baby! I go to UAMS February 23rd for a 4d ultrasound and possibly some invasive tests (if the Ultrasound suggests more tests) so I will know for sure then if everything is normal and probably the gender. I'll update how the appointment goes soon!

Lil Dribblers

2010-01-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Peyton is on the Lil Dribblers team and here is a video of one of his perfomrances. He is on the front row and is the one very far right. The girl he is next to, was his Fall Festival queen! Please forgive the poor video skills!

Challenge

2010-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, Brad and I were discussing our New Year's Resolutions and I mentioned that I want to lose 40 pounds this year. He told me if I was successful, I could choose three places I would like to visit and he would pick one and we would go there together. So, my top three are Honolulu, New York, or Greece. I think Greece is def out of the picture, so we'll see about the others! I have a great incentive and my good freind Alexis lost 90 pounds doing Metafast. It is expensive but I think I am going to give it a try. Excercising and eating 1300 cals. a day isn't cutting it. I do cheat on weekends and I have hypothyroidism which makes it SUPER hard to lose. Wish me luck!

Getting my 2010 on!

2010-01-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hello! Long time no blog! And no exscuses either because I have been off work/school for two weeks. I can truly say this Christmas was the best Christmas that I have ever had! For several reasons. We started by going to Branson with Brad's brother, sister in law, and mother and we really had a blast. Then we celebrated Christmas together with great food and fellowship. I am so blessed to have the family I have. I am going back to work tommorow and starting school in the next few weeks, which I do not want to do. I am really looking forward to 2010 because 2009 was not a good year for me in many ways, but I still have so many blessings and we did receive several answered prayers from God in 2009, for which I am very thankful. I know this year will bring smiles and happiness. My camera's battery was not charged on Christmas morning so I used Becky's (my MIL) and I will post when I get them. Happy New Year!

New Year's Resolutions:

1-Of course, lose weight. I gave up cokes and sweet tea in September which was a big deal. I have not had either since and I feel like that is a great way to cut calories. I eat fairly healthy, but I need to incorporate working out more than two days a week. I am so busy but that is no exscuse. I pay for the gym so I have got to use it to lose it!

2-Strive to be a better mom and wife.

3-Be a better Christian. I really am lacking in this area. I have got to start reading scripture daily and getting back into my bible study.

4-Get organized! I organized several areas over the break, but I still have the office to do and I want to deep clean weekly! Brad has been wanting to hire a house cleaner and I may give in. I just have to much going on and I can't keep up.

It's beggining to look a lot like Christmas!!!

2009-12-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! We are getting ready for Christmas around the Turner house. This is probably my favorite time of year and I can't wait to spend time with my family over the holidays. Peyton lost his third tooth, but it is one of his top front ones, so he is extra cute. I am totally done shopping and have everything wrapped. I always try to do that so I can relax and not be stressed and worried. Here are some pics of our house decorated and our Christmas card. I still have the pic I used for last year, so I thought I would post that too, so you could see how Peyton has changed.

2009-11-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

Where is your cell phone: purse
Your hair: straightened, for once!
Your mother: Amazing
Your Father: funny
Favorite Food: Italian
Dream Last Night: ???
Favorite drink: diet coke/starbucks
Your dream goal: happy healthy family
What room are you in: Living room
Your hobby: reading-Twilight Saga!
Your fear: something happening to Peyton
Where do you want to be in 6 years: home with family, everyone happy and healthy
Where were you last night: home
Something you aren't: good with directions
Muffins: Blueberry
Wish List Item: Canon xsi or bedroome suite
Where did you grow up: Conway
Last thing you did: had dinner with Natalie and Tre
What are you wearing: yoga pants and tshirt
Your tv: cake boss
Your pets: Brinkley and Colton
Friends: Miss them!
Your life: grand!
Your mood: thankful and a little stressed/anxious
Missing someone: yes-grandparents
Vehicle: dirty
Something you are not wearing: shoes
Favorite store: Target/Hallmark
Favorite Color: Pink
Last time you laughed: today
Last time you cried: ???
Best Friend: Brad/Natalie
One Place you go over and over: work!
One person who emails you regularly: MOM
Favorite place to eat: Brave
Thanks Kristen for the questionaire!!

2009-11-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I have several things to be thankful for, here are just a few:

My wonderful, handsome, and supportive husband
A healthy, smart, and fun son
A great family who is always there for me
Perfect friends who I could call anytime when I needed anything
A dog who really does live for me, brad, and peyton
resources to be able to get things we need and want
military personnel who have fought and are fighting for our freedom
and most of all...
a God who died on the cross for an undeserving mankind, thank you God for loving me even though I am not worthy of your love and salvation. I am so thankful for the many blessings, and I have a heavy heart tonight for those who are not as blessed as I am. Please be with those less fortunate and those who do not know your love and salvation.

Please Pray!

2009-11-06T08:10:00.001-08:00

I follow Kelly's Korner Blog and I wanted to spread the word to pray for these three families:

"And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."Romans 1:17

There is a little boy named Noah is who probably not going to live until Christmas - he has cancer. His family is celebrating Christmas this week with him and he has requested that people send him Christmas Cards. We can all do that, huh? So go HERE and read more about it and if you have an extra card maybe from last year - send it. Let's FLOOD their mail box and make that little boy happy!
There is also a 13 year old girl name Lauren Smith who also was told she would not live until Christmas - she has bone cancer. They have a site set up for her with all kinds of things you can do for - fundraisers for her family or just prayer sites. Go visit and see if you can encourage or help. Pray for a miracle above all else.
I wrote recently about a young mother, Danielle Cripe, who was told she would not live until the end of the year and who has two children - one with special needs. There is an update you can read HERE. They still need our prayers and support if you would go visit them and share with others.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T07:44:00.001-08:00

Here is Darth Vader. He was very scary! We had a great Halloween, we just went around our neighborhood and trick or treated! My sister came over and we had a blast. Brad decided he was going to carve a pumpkin and found a pic online. I can't believe he did it free handedly! It is really great! Can you tell which one he carved and which ones Peyton and I carved?

2009-10-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

The past month has been extremely hectic for me, but I did want to post that Peyton got voted king of his class and then the whole month of October was dedicated to a Fall Festival fundraiser which allows parents to compete against one another as if their tiny children were adults and see who can raise the most money. Whoever then raises the most money, their children get crowned King/Queen of the whole Distric at a huge coronation ceremony at the Panther Pavillion. Yes, Peyton and his Queen Kylie won! I was a very proud mama! Here are some pictures of the ceremony.

Beth Moore

2009-10-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

I stole these from my sweet adorable friend Rachel's blog! They are too funny not to share! I cannot tell the story as well as she can, but we ending up getting lost in a parking deck in downtown Mephis...not good I know, but we did find our way and we did get back safely. Rachel, you are the best van driver EVER!

2009-10-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

beth moore-cute as a button

fed ex forum-13,300 women!

alot of worship going on!

2009-10-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Brad is very proud of his grass, it really does look great compared to our neighbors, lol :)

Lazy Sunday

2009-10-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post some pics of the Beth Moore conference (and my halloween decos). Beth Moore is very down to earth and makes learning about God easy and fun and also acknowledges the fact that everyone sins and although we should be ashamed and repent for our sins it's ok not to be perfect and God knows we are not. I have a hard time with this, I am a good pretender. But this is why he sent Jesus Christ to earth because we are sinners! I feel like I have made many, many bad decisions in my life, but I know God is love and God forgives. He forgives things that people do not think he should forgive. We can't comprehend his unbounding love. I really feel like I can get through some things that our family has been faced with, with the help of God. Thanks Antioch girls for such a great trip!! Some highlights of the lesson, based on Exodus 4, in God's self disclosure to Moses:

God never withdraws his love from us, but he does withdraw his blessings. Just like we should do with our disobedient children! God is scandalously forgiving and compassionate. There is no sin he will not forgive. We must heal the wounds we have and get over them. And have faith that he can move our mountains. He may not move it when we want him to, but he CAN. Have faith. Read Ezekial chapter 1 when you get a chance.

He heals the brokenhearted and he binds up thier wounds

Psalm 147:3

Happy Birthday Brad!!!

2009-10-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Brad and I had an awesome time in Dallas. His birthday was Sunday and I really think the best present that anyone could have ever given him were tickets in a box at the Jerry Jones stadium watching the HOGS! It was so awesome. There were drinks and food and tons of room with a great view. Not to mention the hogs kicked butt so it was a great game to watch. We went with Brad's boss and all the guys he works with. It was so much fun, we all went out to eat Friday night and went to the Buzz tailgating party Saturday. I really cannot remember the last time I had so much fun. I will post some pics so you can see for yourself. The guys we were with were so funny, I could not have laughed any harder. Brad got some great gifts from his family and mine when we got home and I know he isn't very good at calling or sending letters, but it really does mean a lot to him and he is very thankful that you guys thought of him on his birthday! He is gone all week and when he gets home Friday I will have already gone to Memphis for the Beth Moore conference. So my week will be lonely but that is ok. Happy Birthday Brad! I love you very much!

Monday

2009-09-28T18:33:00.001-07:00

I am having a pitty party for myself so come on over! Yesterday I washed my iphone and I am sooooo sick over it! I waited almost two years for my upgrade and if you know me well I would frequently say well if we had an iphone we would know where to eat or wouldn't be lost. When I finally got my upgrade on my birthday, August 13th, I was so excited. I have never been a technology person, but it's the best invention ever especially for those that sit in countless hours of meetings. And I had to go and wash it! Then I started thinking why does everything always happen to me? I have always had bad luck my whole life! POOR ME! Brad and I are getting away this weekend for Dallas and it's also his birthday, so hopefully my week will brighten up. Thanks mom for always making me feel better-love you lots.

2009-09-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

2009-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my fall things, I couldn't fit them all in. Also, notice that Brad so graciously put my BMI scale together and I am so glad! It is much more accurate that my other one, and I have lost about 6 pounds. I am still a little frustrated, just because it has been almost four weeks, and I have made some major changes. BUT I am not going to get discouraged because at least I have lost some. Brad's mom always tells me it is not about how much you weigh, but your inches and how things are fitting. I have no idea if I have lost inches or not, but I am keeping that in mind when I weigh. As for Brad who is not even trying to cut back or diet or excercise, has lost 12 pounds since the last time he weighed. I think that was actually in January of 2009. I know that is 8 months, but still! How can you lose 12 pounds and not even try? Although I am happy for him, even though he could care less, he is at least healthier. And an update for my mom and sis, I still have not been an overall winner, but I think they felt sorry for me and gave me a nice fall candy dish for my coffee table.

We have so much going on, as I mentioned in my last blog, but please keep us in your prayers this week. I have so much going on, I hope I don't lose my mind.

2009-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

WHY???

Brinkley!

After our walk!

Peyton is sitting closest to the camera, at the game

Here are some pics, some random, some not! Peyton got elected to be 'king' of his class for fall festival. I later found out it is a HUGE deal and something I do not necessarily have time for. It is all a fundraiser and whichever queen and king of each classe raises the most money, is the king and queen of the school, and they receive tons of prizes, trophies, a limo ride, etc. The winner is announced October 24th and we must rent a tux, I was told. Also, a fellow baseball mom told me they raised over 4000 dollars and still lost!!! I was thinking a few hundred! But it is an honor for Peyton, and he is very excited.

I am going to the Beth Moore conference in Memphis TN, the second weekend in October which I am soooo excited about. October is going to be busy busy! It is the first day of fall today, and my next post will be pics of my fall decor!

Another Peyton Story!

2009-09-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

A quick story before I forget...I love blogging because my child says the funniest things and this is a great way to remember it!

On our way home from church around 8:30 p.m....

Peyton: Mom Mom stop at Sonic! I'm thirsty!!!
Me: No honey we are two minutes from home, maybe tommorow.
Peyton: MOOOOOOOM PLEEAAAAAAASE!!!!!!
Me: No Peyton, I think they are closed.
Peyton: Mom, they are open til midnight or later!!

It was hillarious! That was a good lesson from the Lord not to lie!

2009-09-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

I am so over the rain!!!! But I have had a great week, despite the rain. I got my haircut by someone other than my sister, the first time since January I believe. I know pathetic. I went somewhere I have never been before and will never go back. It was one of those things where on my lunch I decided I was getting a cut and so it was a walk in deal, which can never be good for a classy cut. No disrespect, but a black woman cut my hair and she put a 'mask' on it that I swear was pure baby oil. I washed it as soon as I got home and it is still in there today. Hopefully it won't cause my whole face to break out since I feel like I rubbed oil all over my body. Other than that it looks good, almost two inches got cut. I am making homeade beef strogonoff a recipe from Paula Dean, which I am excited about. Also, I am very pumped about the New Moon trailor that was shown on the VMAs, pretty much the only good part of the vmas, and I love the twilight saga! Team Jacob! Brad told me today that his boss bought us a sky box for the dallas/arkansas game in Dallas, so I am excited about that trip on October 2nd, which I am sure we will also celebrate Brad's birthday. And this weekend we are going out to eat with some of our best friends, Brook, Will, and Drake. Other than that, life is good. Also, the school nurse at the school I work at today commented on my weight twice today. It must've been what I was wearing because I went to the gym yesterday and haven't lost since last week. It still made me feel really good! Now to end on a story about Peyton:

Peyton: I told my teacher that my dad got stopped by the police and they almost took him to jail because he had a gun in his truck!!!
Me: Really?! Did you also tell the teacher that daddy showed them his concealed handgun liscense so they did not take him to jail and told him to go home and buckle up?
Peyton: No I didn't tell her that, she just looked at me and started talking to another teacher.

So, I am sure Mrs. Barnett thinks daddy is a convict!

Faith

2009-09-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

I thought I would write about Baby Faith. I've been thinking about her a lot lately since she was due on September 15th. Several people have asked me what happened and I don't mind sharing because her life and death is a part of my life. To start from the beginning, Brad and I have had trouble conceiving for several months. When we were successful, it ended in miscarriage. So, we went to the dr to find out what the problem was, and she confirmed I was not ovulating and if I was, it was not a good egg which was causing the miscarriages. After being offerred several vigorous and very expensive options, we decided to chill for a couple months and after Christmas do something. Well in December we got pregnant. It seemed like a miracle at the time. In April I went in for my 18 week checkup to find out that my baby was a girl and get a few blood tests. I did not want to take the AFP test, because with Peyton I had it and they said he likely had down syndrome. I was worried my whole pregnancy. Since the test was optional, I opted out of it with Faith. Well Brad being the practical person he is talked me into getting it. So I did with the mindset that I didn't care what my baby had it was my baby and I would love it anyway. We got the results back the next week as being 'abnormal' but not to worry because it was just a screening not a confirmation. We went to the specialist at 21 weeks and they did a very high tech ultrasound that showed our baby. I knew right away, actually I knew my whole pregnancy something was wrong. I think Brad and my close family thought I was crazy and very pessimistic. I guess mother's instict is true. Anyway, the baby had a serious birth defect called anacephaly. It is a neural tube defect, which means her neural tube did not close all the way causing her skull not to form completly. Due to her skull not being formed totally, the brain was exposed. This condition is not compatible with life. The other neural tube defect that children can live with is spina bifida, which is when the neural tube doesn't close at the bottom of the tube or the spine. We were given two options. terminate the pregnancy or deliver on my due date. The last option was not recommended because the baby would undoubtedly die within hours or minutes of being born if not be a stillborn as well as pose several serious health issues for the mother if carried full term. Apparently since babies cannot swallow the amniotic fluid being produced due to the anacephaly, this causes it to build up in the mother and causes many problems. We decided to terminate the pregnancy. After thinking long and hard about it, we thought it was the best choice for everyone affected. I was very angry because instead of just feeling sad and devastated, I now felt sad, devastated, and guilty. How can a mother terminate her child's life regardless of the circumstances? We chose the name Faith because Faith is something hoped for but never seen. She went to heaven on May 14th to find the healthy body and mind she deserved. Hopefully we will have a healthy baby soon. I did find out I had a folic acid deficiency, which probably caused the anacephaly. I am now taking as recommended by my DR, 8X the normal dose of folic acid as well as a daily vitamin and a prenatal vitamin for the past four months. My dr also confirmed that I am ovulating, which is great news. Brad and I are very thankful to have one healthy sweet child, which is more than many people get. I wanted to post some pics of Faith, for those of you not experienced in ultrasounds, one is a picture of her very long leg which I love to look at. The other is a side pic of her whole body. Thank you for reading about our angel, and please pray for her spirit.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
From Psalm 48:14

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Psalm 116:15

2009-09-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

BTW sweetheart, I don't have a scale to weigh on because you haven't put it together for me!!!!!!! Hopefully the dr's measurements still count even though I don't weigh on it consistently!

Fast and Furious

2009-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

That seems to be what our life is right now...But all is well! Brad has been out of town all week which is always a bad week for me! I miss him and I am scared at night. But I am just thankful that he has a job and I have been praying for courage. Ha Ha. I have actually talked him into contributing to our blog so hopefully he will be writing soon. I have been sick all week and went to the doctor Tuesday. I thankfully do not have the flu, but a 'viral infection'. On a better note, I have lost four pounds! I am contributing it to the fact that I have started eating better because I have always worked out. Ok so not as vigorously but still. I did miss women's bible study and Peyton missed AWANA because I didn't want to spread my viral infection. This weekend is going to be full of relaxation because I have had a quiz, a lesson plan, an exam, a reflection, and my big certification exam tommorow to study for as well as regular work, baseball, church, and PTO. So I am worn out. I am feeling better and more optimistic about life which is a sign that everything will be ok.

2009-09-07T15:07:00.001-07:00

Ok, I had to post about our competition, mom and Natalie. Right now, Natalie is in the lead but I am determined to beat her at least one time. We are doing the game on diet. The rules are eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, excercise at least 20 minutes, eat 3 vegetables and 2 fruits, and drink 3L of water a day. Also, pick a new habit and an old habit you want to ditch and do them both daily. Mine are floss daily and read the bible at least 20 mins a day. I have been doing good so far, except for the water. I have totally cut out cokes and sweet tea and now drink diet and unsweet, but still can't seem to drink 3 liters of water. I have a work out buddy and we do women on weights at least twice a week at the gym, so I work out there and try to walk the dogs every day. My habits are good, but its easy right now because I just started my women's bible study so of course I do that, we'll see if I can keep it up when I am not 'supposed' to. The prize is 60 dollars. I have put on about 20 pounds over the past two years. I would like to get the weight off for several reasons, but a big one is so I can be at my optimal health when I get pregnant. A lot of birth defects are more common in overweight women, so if I can't lose weight for myself then I will for the hope of having a healthy baby. So, Game on (as my mom would say) Bitches!

2009-09-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Labor Day, and we are relaxing at home. We had a very busy weekend, but it was great. Peyton is starting Fall Ball and he moved up from t-ball to pitching machine. He has already had one game and I can tell a huge difference, it is way more exciting. ;) Brad is working in the yard, he has become very obsessed with that. I am about to go walk/jog for the second time today and try to study. I have a huge test on Friday that will certify me at my job as a specialist, which will also get me a raise. Let's hope I pass! Also, my very best friend passed the BAR exam and she is a lawyer officially! I am so proud! This week will be good and I am just dying to decorate the house for Autumn, maybe I'll do that today.

Thank God for the veteran's who fought and are fighting for our freedom!!!!!!

2009-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, then you know that it is very hard for me to turn down a stray dog. I have a soft spot for stray animals, probably because I have had three very special dogs get killed and I shudder to think of animals getting hit by vehicles which is most likely what will happen to strays. So, when I find a stray, which is more common in Greenbrier because they do not have an active animal rescue, I immediately put them in my backyard and run an ad in the paper. I have always found a home for every dog I've found-until now. I can't catch this dog, but he stays in our yard. He is a beautiful male yellow lab, who is not neutered. So last Wednesday we went to church. Came home, and Brinkley had dug a hole and escaped the fence. I am guessing because she is in heat or something because she has never done that. So we found her and the male dog, which Peyton has named Cowboy, roaming around the neighborhood. So we are wondering if we are going to have puppies. Hopefully not, that is the last thing we need.

2009-09-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

We decided to start a blog so that we can keep up with our memories better. This is an exciting time of year for us. Brad's job is going extremely well, which is truly an answered prayer. . I am working on my master's in teaching from UCA and I have about one more year until I am a teacher! I can't wait! Peyton just started first grade at Greenbrier Eastside and he loves it! We are very very blessed and God keeps blessing us. Oh and we just got a jet ski which we are super excited about. I will post pics soon. Can't wait for the Razorback game this weekend, we have great seats and it's the first game that all of us three will be going to together. It's usually Brad and Peyton and I stay at my sister's tailgate, So I'm excited to join the boys. Woo Pig Sooie!!!