You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

iPhone

2012-01-31T18:44:00.001-08:00

Yeah I'm cool, I got one...

after having an old school phone, this phone pretty much rocks...

one of my most favorite parts is the camera...

i love laying in bed at night looking back over my day...

after starting the the week extremely sleep deprived, with cold and flu symptoms on the rise... we jumped in the car to head to the Y this morning and well we never made it out of the driveway... someone's breakfast ended up all over the place. so, barrett and i have been eating toast and laying low... and its been nice.

so here's what we have been up too... and thanks to my sweet iphone camera, it helps me remember the details...

we've been making trips to visit nanny and pawpaw several times a week... its a nice little drive that gets us out of the house, and barrett enjoys getting all the attention, while i enjoy chatting with nanny... they are pretty special to us...

(pawpaw sneaking barrett cookies)

loving my little corner nook to read during B's naptime and enjoy my coffee... thankful for the little blessing each day... and my house just doesn't feel complete without some colorful flowers... this week, i'm craving anything PINK :)

the picture says it all, MY CHILD IS LEARNING TO FEED HIMSELF.... yiyiyi!!! he pretty much rocks at eating cereal, but anything else... not so much. its a milestone i just have to embrace.

(we take about 2 baths a day because of this whole learning to feed himself thing!)

barrett and one of his favorite buddies, ty... i have never laughed so hard watching these 2 play for hours.... mainly laughing at each other!! there was pushing, truck throwing, pulling each other in the wagon, and lots of balls everywhere... i guess this is how boys play... sweet!

ok, so i'm not on pinterest.... just cause i pretty much refuse. i know it would be a time waster for me... anyway, occasionally i will see people post there pinterest crafts on facebook... and well, this one was easy and i ABSOLUTELY love it... because it fits right in with my pink craving!! and its pretty tacky and cute for valentine's day!!! love it!

a little family trip to the zoo made for a fun outing... barrett loved watching the giraffes! we're still waiting for him to stop calling everything a dog!

and with all the warm days lately, park trips have been a MUST... i love watching him explore and try new things.

and a blog post of what we have been doing lately would not be complete without a picture of barrett's best little buddy... william :) thankfully, will's mom is pretty much one of the coolest moms ever and lets barrett hold will and kiss him and love on him... and that means alot to me too :) every night barrett puts his finger up to his lips and tell ray and i, "shhhh, baby sleeping." i guess he thinks william lives in the guest bedroom.... he's always very concerned that we are taking care of the baby... its really cute...

i am such a sucker for pink, red, valentines, & decorations.... and well, my husband says we need to get stock in Target.... yikes! i always get carried away in that store!!!

"Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep." ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

never knew the love my heart was capable of... but it just somehow keeps growing and growing..

happy rest of the week!

Dreams, Direction, Desires, & Dallas!!

2012-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

thoughts of future hopes and dreams have been filling my mind lately...

i usually come up with my new years resolutions and i am ready to jump in head first on january 1... this year, it has taken me a little longer...

honestly, i know that this year is going to be packed with CHANGE. a word that used to send me running to hide... but a big deep breath of change is sometimes just what we need... to push us into our calling or make us more of the person that we were meant to become.

when ray and i got married

we knew that we just didn't want

to settle down and live with our God

in a box.

but barrett came, jobs changed,

finances were tight, and the dreams that

used to fill our minds slowly drifted

away...

of coarse, loving Jesus, growing in grace, caring for my husband, raising our son, and being a compassionate nurse are at the top of my list for what i am living for... but something in my heart, His whisper, tells me there is more... more to live for... not more to things to add to my plate or more legalistic rituals to do... but,

people are hurting

children are dying

families are homeless

women are sold

sickness, cancer, & death

are all to close to home

i have been reading the book, Radical, and God has been opening my eyes to the nations... and to His call on each of our lives.

after returning from Africa (medical mission trip in 2009), i remember telling ray, you have to see this... it will change your life... and i guess it really did change mine, because i still can't get the images that i saw out of my mind... and i believe that is God's precious grace in my life. as much as i would like to forget most of what i saw... i can't. those are His children...

"Now, we know that each of us has different gifts, different skills, different passions, and different callings from God. God has gifted you and me in different ways. This was undoubtedly the case with the disciples. Peter and Paul had different callings. James and John had different callings. However, each follower of Christ in the New Testament, regardless of his or her calling, was intended to take up the mantle of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. That's the reason why he gave each of them his Spirit and why he gave them all the same plan: make disciples of all nations." (Radical, 73)

again, we're not all missionaries, we're not all pastors, we're not all businessmen... but we are all called to PROCLAIM HIS NAME TO THE WORLD...

so for us, for our family,

we have to decided where that

calling lies. where to put our

passions. where God is directing us.

what that will look like, and how it all will play out is unknown to us... but our hearts are full of faith... and we are ready. like one of my favorite worship songs by Chris Tomlin says, "Where you go I'll go, where you stay I'll stay, when you move I'll move. I will follow you."

what i love is that God is with us, He is for us, and He has much to accomplish through us... not because of us, but because of His great love for us! how can we just sit and watch our lives pass by... having the newest car, prettiest outfit, best behaved kids, perfect marriage, nice facebook quotes and pictures, and having the most pins on our pinterest boards with hopeful decorations for our home. i'm guilty of it all!! i spend so much of my life with this inner tug... but Lord, i want all the newest things! i want the most beautiful house! i want people to think our marriage is perfect! etc... but the truth is, do i really want all that?? can i really relate to my friends that are struggling in their marriage if God hadn't taken us through difficult times? how easily would my heart be filled up with idols if i really had everything i wanted? what are His dreams for our family?

we all have to ask ourselves these questions.

we all will struggle, because we are human

and our hearts are idol factories.

and we are drawn to living the American Dream...

where does our satisfaction come?

how are we fulfilling His purpose right where we are?

are we proclaiming the gospel... to the nations?

all that to say, we are heading to Dallas, Texas to visit Christ for the Nations Institute next week. over the past 9 months, the Lord has been opening our hearts to His call and opening doors for us to walk through in this direction. this is kind of the final door... to see Dallas, to see the school, to meet people, look at job opportunities, and get a sense from the Holy Spirit if this is where the Lord is moving us. please keep us in your prayers as you think of it... we are wanting more of Jesus... and needing Him so desperately to lead us...

David Platt says in his book, Radical, "After spending a week around precious children who eat a small cup of porridge a day, the question I have come back to Birmingham asking God is why he has blessed me when others have so little. And this is what He has shown me: 'I have blessed you for my glory. Not so you will have a comfortable life with a big house and a nice car. Not so you can spend lots of money on vacations, education, or clothing. Those aren't bad things, but I've blessed you so that the nations will know me and see my glory.'"

so whether we end up in Dallas or Africa....

Let the Adventure begin :)

2011 into 2012

2011-12-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

well, i am ringing in the new year on the couch with strep throat... but the Lord must have known that i needed a little extra rest before heading into 2012! i am pretty confident that this year holds some some exciting changes for our family... but for now, i just want to sit here, looking at my christmas tree, and remember... remember all the sweet sweet times i was blessed with... i've been a little teary all evening just thinking about how much Raybo and B mean to me... and how seriously blessed i am to have them in my life...

there is no one else in the world that fills my life with so much laughter... when i want to cry, he brings my smile out; when i want to get angry (usually at him), he makes the giggles start; and when i want to bust out laughing, my mans got the jokes!! my heart can barely fit all the love i have for you, honey... xoxo

and then there's this little football player that loves his mama, and he completes my world...

so glad that the Lord allowed these 2 precious boys to color my world with so much fun!

mommy's boy... man i'm one super blessed mama

thankful for all the "smiley faces" this little one has given his dad & mom

Psalm 23:5-6

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

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a little update on my sweet friend Kim... last week, because of so many GENEROUS people, i was able to take her and her husband $800 and many presents for her 2 children! It was a precious moment as we opened the card with the money... her husband, had tears running down his cheeks and Kim kept mouthing, "You all did not have to do this for us." Nhu, Kim's husband, wanted everyone's addresses to send thank you notes. When Kim saw all the presents for her kids, she was overjoyed! They were both speechless and grateful! Thank you all that gave out the goodness of your heart. Above all, I know it was a fragrant offering to Jesus. Each of you hold a special place in my heart, and now in Nhu & Kim's heart... so thank you, thank you!!

Please continue to pray for Kim to have strength and motivation for the days to come. Her recovery will require much grace and strength... She also asked for prayer for her back pain, as she sits in bed most of the day, and also for her itching from certain medications. Above all, pray for salvation!! Jesus is in the midst of this suffering... I see His hands...

this is the only picture i have of Kim, from a while ago..

but its precious, and its a beautiful picture of such a sweet woman...

the Perfect christmas card

2011-12-15T08:28:00.001-08:00

I ordered our Christmas cards a few days ago... I dragged and clicked all the "perfect" pictures into their appropriate places. I liked what I saw. Its easy to look at the Christmas cards that come in the mail... everyone looking their best, all smiles... and think what did it take to get here? What did these families go through this year that rocked their world? Would they describe their year as "perfect", all smiles, having everything together... probably not. I know for this family, that is not the case. I love our happy moments for sure... and looking at all the Christmas cards makes me so grateful for so many special people in our life... But...

The reason my mind has wondered to "what's behind the pictures, the smiles, the perfectness," is a dear friend of mine that is going through horrendous suffering. Let me tell you about my special friend Kim...

When Ray was working at Verizon, he would take his shirts and pants to be dry cleaned (I know, I'm just not that kind of wife... hehe... plus I had just had a baby...) Anyway, we would go pick up clothes at Tailor Cleaners right by our house every other week. My favorite part was catching up with Kim, a beautiful vietnamese seamstress. She was always smiling, joyful, and kind. She and her husband, Nu, became our friend. She helped alter my wedding dress. She tailored Ray's jeans perfectly (just like he likes!). She has our christmas cards up in her shop. She is one of the most gifted women with her hands. When I got pregnant, she loved touching my belly... and she knew within a few weeks that I was having a boy! After I had Barrett she fell in love with him. She would make others wait to pick up their clothes so that she could hold my boy. As he got a little older he would run around her shop and she would chase him and make him laugh. I love chatting with her about life... She is my friend.

Three months ago we went to pick up our clothes and the sign on the door said that a family member was sick. Every time Ray or I would go to see if they were open no one was there. Last month Ray finally was able to talk with Kim's husband. Her said that the family member that was sick was Kim. She had a terrible infection and has been in the hospital for the last 2 months. When Ray told me I was devastated. I stopped in the shop a few weeks ago to get an update on Kim and find out if we could go visit her. Expecting to hear good news, I could tell by the look on Nu's face that things weren't good. He said that Kim was still in the hospital and with tears in his eyes he told me that they had to amputate her hands and feet because the infection had caused them to die. I cannot tell you how deep my heart sunk. Her hands... her hands... that was her livelihood... that was their main source of income... that was her gift. Why Lord, why would you take her hands... and her feet...

I went home in a ball of tears...I had to at least see her. Saturday Ray, Barrett, and I went to visit her in the hospital. It was much worse than I thought it would be. I'm a nurse, I have seen suffering beyond belief. I have seen families devastated. I have seen death. But this, this was heart wrenching. I hugged and kissed her... and tried to not look at the missing pieces of my precious friend. Ray and I were in faith to bring Barrett to just let her see him... Barrett smiled at her. She smiled back. Her eyes looked at me as if to say, please help me, I don't know what to do... there was fear and panic in her sunken eyes. I touched her shoulder and Ray prayed for peace and healing from the pain. She was so grateful. I could tell.

So... there is no place to go from this devastation but to Jesus. He is a real source of comfort. I have seen that in Kim's life and in my own. He has not forgotten her as she lays helpless in her hospital bed. He has not forgotten her children. He has not forgotten her husband. He is counting every tear. I believe He is calling Kim and her family into the family of God. I don't believe that they are Christians, but I know that God is at work! I want to show her His love.

I stopped by their shop a few days ago... After much persistence, Nu said that we (and our caregroup) could bring Christmas presents for their kids. Their daughter is 10 and their son is 14. He also said that financially things are very hard because they will have to sell the business. I told him that we (and our church) would do whatever we can to help take care of them. I know that their greatest need has to be met in Jesus though. I am praying for their salvation. I know that their family would appreciate any prayers.

So... Christmas cards... they are wonderful! They show God's faithfulness in amazing ways! We are smiling because of Him! We may look perfect, but its His righteousness that covers us! Show off your kids and your families because we are RICHLY blessed! This year has been filled with a world colored with Jesus... and I am grateful! But... I am also aware that there is suffering, and it is real... the pain is deep, physically and emotionally. Jesus wants to come... right there where the pain is so deep and raw and He wants to pour Himself into that wound.

Oh, Jesus, minister your healing and comfort to your people today... and make us more aware of the simple gifts in our life... I have my hands to pick up my son today... I have my feet to serve my husband today... I am your Child. Thank Him. Thank Him today.

Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. Matt 12:13

(If there is any way that you would like to bless Kim's family this holiday season, please let me know...)

good good news!

2011-11-11T07:34:00.001-08:00

some of the most fundamental aspects of the gospel are being re-awakened in my heart lately.

partly thanks to the author, Elyse Fitzpatrick, and partly because of a dear friend that has also been experiencing the same thing... basking in Jesus! but ultimately, Jesus is opening my eyes to see more of the glories of the gospel and it is seriously blowing my mind and changing my heart!

i've always seemed to get weighed down by my works... my sins... comparing myself with others... feeling like i'll never get it right... oh the weight of carrying such a burden! why don't we just give up?

"that would seem reasonable if it weren't for the gospel. the gospel teaches us that instead of focusing on ourselves and our closely clinging sin, we've got to focus on, to consider, Jesus. we've got to look away from our sin, whether because its alluring and drawing us toward it or because it's condemning and pushing us into ourselves and away from the Savior. we must patiently focus all out attention on him. we've got to think on, ponder on, consider, Jesus. every aspect of the gospel is meant to encourage us in our war against sin. of coarse, we should be aware enough of our sin that we seek to repent of it and are grateful for the cross, but thats not where our thoughts should settle. our thoughts should be steadfastly riveted on what Jesus has done. he began our faith, and he's committed to bring it all to completion. we will have victory!" Elyse Patrick Comforts from the Cross

this is the best news i have ever heard!

but there is more...

when i get angry at ray.... i must remember Jesus never got angry at ray. that has been credited to me! when i sinfully judge... i must remember Jesus never sinfully judged. that has been credited to me!! when i gossip... i must remember that Jesus never gossiped. that has been credited to me!!!

no matter what i have done... Christ's righteousness is credited to my account. i am learning what it means to apply this to everyday life... being a nurse, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, and a friend!

and that brings me to the next INCREDIBLE, MIND-BLOWING part of the gospel...

"be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as Christ in God forgave you!"

How much easier it is to forgive your husband, your mom, your children, or your friend... when you think on how much Christ in God forgave you! You see the nails in His hands for you... and then you immediately see the nails in His hands for them too!

these are all things i have heard about my whole life from my parents, read about for years, seen lived out in my church, and i believe these truths are tucked away in my heart... but i am overwhelmed that Jesus would open up my eyes to see Him more clearly... to love Him more than i ever thought i could... and to see the gospel in a new way... a way that frees me from selfish ambition, a way that breaks loose the chains of legalism... a way that turns my marriage upside down and causes me to see my husband in a whole new light... a way that makes me anticipate each day with my son, praying that i can make Jesus beautiful to him... a way that makes me want to run to my neighbors and my family and tell them this good good news! it is life-giving!

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been THROWN DOWN, who accuses them day and night before our God." Revelation 12:10

live today applying the gospel to your life... not because your told to do it... or because it sounds good... or just because its the moral thing to do... do it because He loved you so much that He sent His precious Son, who lived a perfect life, to die for you, to be raised for you, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father!

beloved Staunton

2011-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

mom's house in October.. LOVE her little fall touches...

i SO enjoy coming to visit the quaintest, most adorable little town...

Staunton, Va

it pretty much just screams FALL!

pumpkin cheesecake, oh yes

vanilla nut coffee, mmmm

sweet chats with mom, make me happy

barrett off the chain excited to see Grammy, sweet

gdaddy and barrett football games, awesome

dad and ray traditions

love our visits to Staunton!!

HAPPY FALL

to my sis with love...

2011-10-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

to betsy joy:

so... i sat down to write in my sister's engagement card... but somehow i ended up sitting down at my dining room table... whew... sometimes all it takes to get the sentimental juices flowing is a blank engagement card, a fall candle burning, a picked up house, a little background music, a sleeping baby, and a husband at a softball game... so here i am thinking about my sis... my closest friend besides my husband... she is my heart. she knows my heart. she loves me. and i really love her. more than words can express exactly...

my mind is flooded with memories tonight... my first real sister memory is actually recorded on an old home video... but i remember it... my little sister just learning to crawl, and me a crazy 4 year old... both of us trying to race up the stairs... me belting out Psalty the Songbook songs! i about sent my poor little sis plummeting down the stairs. she was cute, and just tried to keep up with her crazy big sis. we had no idea all the ups and downs we would go through together... and that we would really become best friends, not just sisters.

as we grew up, betsy always wanted to dress like me... and i'm not really sure why because my lack of style was serious! (and she is now the stylin sis!) my mom always told me that she just wanted to be like her big sis... i was thinking, "are you serious?? this is not cool?"

we had our ups and downs... our fights... our disagreements... our irritable moments, but honestly, they never lasted long. i needed her laughter, her smile, her fun personality... her... i just needed that sweet girl in my life no matter what season i was going through. :)

when i got my drivers license, our relationship got a little closer... we would go on drives just because we could. we would drive out middlebrook avenue into the country and sing our hearts out to all kinds of music! it was a blast because there is no other voice in the world that blends with mine like hers and vice versa. its another special sister thing i guess. :) we would talk between songs... boys, future, life, our parents, and Jesus. sometimes i go back to these times in my mind... and just pretend we are belting it in the car. it makes me smile.

i also remember a special time when we just stopped at our old church, Staunton Grace Covenant... i jumped on the piano and we grabbed one of my dad's worship music books and sang as loud as we could in the sanctuary. it was so fun. but Gods presence was there too... He gave us a sweet time of prayer and worship together... just the 3 of us. and it was so special. how thankful i am that i can worship the same God with my sis... there is nothing else like it.

then i left for college... it was hard. we missed each other, but somehow we never drifted apart. we only got closer... through phone calls, holiday breaks, and weekend trips. we stayed in touch... she knew me and i knew her. she was going through all the issues that can accompany high school. there were break ups and friendship problems... and i would just want to come home and get under the covers with her and whisper, and laugh until mom and dad tapped on the wall, and cry with her. but i was adjusting to a whole new life at college...

no friendship, no relationship seemed to take away from us...

college flew by for me and before long i was headed to TN with my family to drop my sis off at college. i remember my poor mom couldn't keep it together. her baby was being dropped off 7 hours away and they were now "empty nesters." (i think they are enjoying it now though!) anyway, i remember a twinge in my heart when we pulled away... we were so far apart and we both had totally separate lives now... would she still know my heart? would we still share everything? well, she is a senior now and we have. we have shared it all.

my wedding day... i'll never forget, my sweet sis bawled all the way down the aisle. i knew she was happy. i knew she was feeling the bittersweetness of me getting a new best friend. it hurt, but she was excited. she knew it was right. i can't imagine a more precious treasure standing next to me on that day.

i just love that no matter what... some things only sisters get... it might fly over my husbands head or my parents too... but my sis got it... and we smile. i like that.

i love that i didn't loose a sister or a best friend... i just gained another best friend and he gained another sister...

i think one of my most special memories is a few months after being married we went to visit staunton... my first trip with my new family, the Hunts. my sis was home on fall break. it was so fun! pumpkin patches, all things fall, mountains, family time, yummy food... it was perfect. but my heart, on the inside, was in a complete knot... and she knew. my sis knew there was something. that night, with my husband asleep on the floor next to the bed... my sis and i were tucked in together (just like old christmas memories) and i knew i had to share it with her. no one else knew yet. "boo, i just found out i'm pregnant..." we had not planned to be married only 3 months and get pregnant... we had hopes and dreams and traveling... and... and... my sis kissed my head and said, "ash, its gonna be alright." i don't remember everything we said, but i shared my heart... she knew my heart, like she always did. she gave me strength. she prayed for me before we left. she called me often when we got home. she encouraged me with His Word. she was a pillar for me. and she was right. everything is more than alright... its perfect. our Jesus wouldn't give us more than we could handle. i am so thankful that she was next to me that night...

and now.. my sweet sis is embarking on a new journey. i am glad that i was able to go before her... :) just because i can tell her in those moments... "its gonna be alright." there will be ups and downs in marriage. there will moments of, "i'm done", there will heartbreak... but i can promise there will also be fun, companionship, love, laughter, and adventure (and much more good than bad!) this is just the beginning of a very special journey. i will no longer be #1 best friend, because Patrick will now have that place... but I will be right there... still a close second (you got that Pat?? :)

i can hardly envision her on her wedding day. i know she will be a thousand times prettier than i can even imagine... because her heart has always shined so brightly! :) so i know she will shine. i can't wait. i really can't wait.

so boo, just know that i respect you. i am honored to be your sis. i am more than thankful for all that you have done for me. i am humbled at how you have responded to so many things in your life. i am overwhelmed at how much you love and care for others. i appreciate your selflessness. i see your heart to walk in wisdom and to grow in love. i see Jesus in you. you are an example of a godly woman. a woman who loves her Savior. and now you get to be a wife... and Patrick gets to benefit from all that you are! and i know you will a beautiful example of that as well. i'm always here for you. i seriously couldn't love you more than i do right now! you are a treasure in my life. you have given me more than you will ever know.

i love you, boo.

i'm always here if you need me... always...

p.s. its gonna be the best day of your life. i can promise you that ;)

i LOVE mommy & barrett days!

2011-10-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

finally made it through my work week... now for a 3 day weekend... yeah!!

today... barrett and mommy day... played ball, got dressed in some fall colors, ran to target with our buddies nadine and will, and came home for lunch with daddy and nap time.

i have felt more refreshed today... sipping my coffee, rather than throwing it in a to-go mug only to get cold by the time i get to drink it at work... it's nice to just sip :)

instead of shoving down breakfast and jumping in the car to get to the Y for the 8:30 cycling class, we just stayed in our pj's a little longer and played with every toy in the living room...

i normally try to clean up the kitchen while B runs around eating cherrios and watching mickey mouse clubhouse in the morning, but today we just left the dishes (which i need to get up and do) and read all the books on the shelf... well, attempted to read all the books on the shelf...

b is hating shopping carts these days, so as embarrassing as it was seeing him meander up to random people and say "craca" (cracker) and pull things off the shelf, and run around yelling "fooball" (football)... so today he got to get "down" and run around target, while people were looking around for that little boy's mom :)

we are pushing back nap time and trying (and i use that term lightly) to get rid of the paci... so he lasted until about 1:00 and he was over "pushing back nap time." so we got in the car and he then he began yelling "papi, papi, papi" (pacifier).... so i gave in.... we came home for a nap with paci in mouth and little eyes shut tight... but i hear someone in their crib now whimpering... so it looks like the afternoon festivities of mommy and barrett day are to be continued... :)

thankful for a day with my little one :)

HE builds this House... thankfully!

2011-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

i've lost count of the number of cups of coffee i have consumed today... the caffeine is only lasting about 5 minutes.... whew!

i am exhausted... to say the least... i am sure that ray is ready to lock me in a closet today... because everything just seems off... mainly me...

i haven't felt this run down in a long time. i was feeling pretty charged up and ready for my super mom week... balancing the whole be a good wife, great mom, and awesome nurse! well, that all came to a crash landing by tuesday morning. my work schedule has included days, nights, classes... and everything in between... causing my sleep to be broken and just not very good. barrett is in the midst of changing from two naps to one. and ray and i are usually so tired by the time we sit down at night... we fall asleep on the couch!

if you know me, you know i love a new fresh calendar month, cleaning my weekly white board "to-do" list, and planning the events of the week... meals, play dates, work schedules, etc. everything has been falling into place, following the schedule to a "T". then, my over zealous passion to live life to the fullest slows me down... making me realize my frailty, my dependence on Jesus, and my utter need of Him for every task! i am sitting here completely aware of this fact... "Unless the Lord build the house, its builders labor in vain." Psalm 127:1. yes, Jesus, i remember, you are building this house... you are in control... you will give me strength and wisdom in how to pursue this week...

last week was filled with some sweet play dates... causing my heart to be filled to over-flowing! encouragement, laughter, and just all being in this journey together causes my heart to sing... and make me long for even more of these precious times with dear friends and their little ones! but i also must remember that my heart needs rest as well... there are times that we just stay at home in the quiet of the moment and soak up those times. i want my heart to be just as readily open to receive from the Lord in these moments too.

so... i already over-did it this week... and i still have a LOT of things that have to get done... that will get done... and i will make it... even in my exhaustion... we will get through. and not just "get through it"... we will smile and laugh, and make memories, and spend ourselves to the fullest... but we will also rest, and be quiet, and know our limitations.

this week is a "one moment at a time" kinda week. so in this moment... the house is trashed around me, barrett is running around yelling cracka, and we are counting the seconds until dada comes home to rescue us!

"He knows our frame, He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 104:14.

*** after re-reading my post, and looking at the cute pics of my B, and remembering God's promises... I already feel encouraged!! :) we're having a dance party in the bath tub now!!! ***

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oh! and my sweet sis is getting hitched!!! :) she is engaged to her best friend Patrick! Can't wait to start wedding planning with her!!! Plans for dress hunting in the near future!!! Yeah!!

Shining Promises

2011-09-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

How sweet the promises of the Father are...

"Those who sow in tears, shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seeds for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities, for when I am weak, then, I am strong!" 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it!" 1 Corinthians 10:13

"The Law of God does revive! Psalm 19:7
"God does lead us to springs of water!" Psalm 23:3
"God does show us the path of life!" Psalm 16:11
"Joy does come in the morning!" Psalm 30:5

"Lay aside very weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us! Hebrews 12:1

When my tears come, when sad things happen, when old wounds are opened, when there seems to be no way out of the darkness, when things didn't turn out as I thought they would, when my heart is troubled, when my nights are sleepless, when the load seems too heavy to carry...

He reminds me of His promises...

They are balm to your soul, medicine for your diseases, peace to your heart, and joy everlasting!

The sun will shine always shine again...

Thanking the Lord for his promises today!!

Oh the places you'll go...

2011-09-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

"Oh the places you'll go"

Dr. Suess

I can hardly believe just a few days ago my "little" boy turned 15 months! Has it really been that long?? Has he really been ours for 15 whole months?!? Time has flown by... Not a day goes by that I don't think about what he will become... What he loves... (favorite toys, things to say, and foods to eat!) Its been so fun to watch him grow... and grow he has!

My friend invited us to go with them to the Children's Museum... and it was a blast to say that least!! I watched Barrett march himself right into the building, just like a big boy, and upon entering he yelled, as loud as possible, for all to hear.... DAAAADAAAA!! haha! No Barrett, dada is at work...

Anyway, he proceeded to "run" (he is still learning that his head picks up more momentum than his feet at times!) all around! He couldn't believe there were so many cool things in one place... and he could touch them all! That was mama's favorite part too... I didn't have to tell him no over and over... i just let him run wild!!

It was so fun to watch his eyes light up in the bubble room because he thought that every bubble was a ball... he ran in circles yelling "ball, ball, ball!"

I loved watching him learn his confidence... usually by trying to stand on one foot... but he's getting it! He's realizing there are alot of things he can do by himself! I love being right next to him when he learns how to do something new... and he looks at me... and i clap and say, "Yeah!! You did it!" my heart smiles :)

Barrett's buddy Ty... they love each other! Ty is always giving Barrett hugs! So sweet! I love that Barrett is learning how to play with others.... we're working on the sharing thing! :)

Barrett has always loved to "drive the car." Occasionally Ray or I will let him sit on our laps in the driveway and turn the steering wheel and use the windshield wipers... He thought he was hot stuff doing it all by himself at the Children's Museum! He was turning that wheel as fast as he could!!

intermission: more hugs!!!

Now its time to turn one back!! haha! These boys went shopping in the market... it was so fun because they were able to pick up whatever they wanted!

Human Body Room~ I think I just might have a heart surgeon on my hands :) He loved taking the body apart... His favorite part was the heart... I think mainly because it looked like a ball! :)

The boy loved the "nanas" aka bananas at the market! He was yelling "cracker, nana.... and of coarse ball... for every apple, orange, and lemon was a ball! Thats my boy :)

Dog!!! Another one of Barrett's favorite words! He loved putting the dogs in the kennel and he even decided to drag one of the dogs with him around the museum for a bit! Slamming the kennel door was another highlight of this room!

The big chair~ My little boy in a HUGE chair! He was rolling around in it, jumping on it, sitting on it, laughing his head off!

Fire Truck~ Boys + trucks always = FUN :) He tried on the firman suit and had a little break in the fire truck eating some goldfish! You know fireman have to have energy to fight the fires!!

This is where we were both getting a little tired, but there was still the WHOLE upstairs... so we snuggled in the train room for a little rest and re-geared to head upstairs!

We had an amazingly wonderful afternoon! At the Children's Museum I swear you forget all your worries and you feel like a child again :) I ran after my boy, not wanting to miss one little thing he discovered! Sometimes I watched from farther away and other times I was right there holding his hand when he looked up with his big blue eyes and said, "is tha", which means, "What is that?" I would start to explain what it was and he would run off to the next thing or sometimes give me a puzzled look :) We made some pretty cool memories here...

We were not even out of the parking lots and little mans head rolled to the side and his heavy eyelids shut and I am sure he was dreaming of all the fun he had at the museum :) This will have to become a frequent afternoon outing!!

BEACH!! As long as the Barrett has come water and a ball he is happy :)

We enjoyed a fun morning at the beach with Aunt Betsy, Uncle Kyle, and Uncle Caleb a few

weeks ago! I love making memories with family... and it was extra special to have

Aunt Betsy with us!

my sister, my best friend <3

I can only imagine all the "other" places Barrett will go... the interests he will have... the memories he will make...

and for now I am going to soak up the fact that he loves to have his mama right there next to him!

Barrett Boy, you will go many places... I know the Lord has many incredible journeys for you to go on... praying for you everyday little one...! xoxo

His name and the Hurricane

2011-08-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

its lunchtime for me while my little post-sickness boy is napping... AND i'm eating my dessert first :) i love doing that!

just made some monster cookies to prepare for the hurricane that is headed directly for us! yikes!! my cookie is melting in my mouth, its peaceful outside, and its hard to believe that a hurricane is coming right for us! everything seems to like normal.... other than...

my little guy got the stomach virus (or so i think...

after 6 episodes of cleaning up throw up and

changing pj's multiple times). he is so

pitiful when he feels bad... he wouldn't even lift his precious little

head off my shoulder... all night! therefore, mommy got

no sleep last night either and ended up calling out of work...

my sweet friends at work were all so gracious and said...

family first! what a gift to have

friends that understand how important family is... i'm grateful that i

have been able to be with him today... lots of snuggling, naps,

crackers, and pedialyte....

oh that brings me to another thought...

ray left to go out of town yesterday... not a good

weekend to leave,

yeah...so sitting in the rocker with my

puking baby and my

thoughts, i decided i needed help.. and so my sweet friends

came to my rescue with pedialyte

and a surprise visit from another

couple just to check on my boy and i.

man, i was really overwhelmed that my friends

were so willing to help

and just be there for me... i even woke up

to numerous texts to check

on barrett... thats jesus... thats his heart

and i am so grateful to

have friends like that... thanks guys!! xoxo

anyway, back to the original post... :)

so... hurricane irene... pretty scary from the looks of it, but we are all just sitting here anticipating what's to come. i've been watching the news, listening to all the changes, and just waiting! i think my heart has been beating a little faster the past 24 hours... with ray leaving (which he did come home late last night.. thank you lord!), barrett sick, having to work, and a hurricane coming.... i was starting to get anxious!

one word has been on repeat in my mind...

JESUS

i can call his name out when i feel alone,

i can call his name out in the middle of the night

i can call his name when my son is sick

i can call his name for protection

i can call his name for wisdom

i can call his name when i'm scared

there is power in the name of JESUS...

"Your name is a strong and mighty tower,

Your name, let the nations sing it louder,

Nothing has the power to save,

But your name!"

(from a favorite song by Paul Baloche)

cookies made, candles ready, flashlight in every room, food prepared, cars gassed up, water stored... but the most important thing... HIS NAME... i can call on Him at anytime, no matter what is headed my way... hurricane irene, sickness, fear, loneliness... JESUS... JESUS... JESUS...

What "name" has you terrified for your life?

Whisper "Jesus."

Jesus. What a beautiful, powerful Name.

oh, and more to come on my amazing time with my sis...

she just celebrated her birthday and is heading into

her senior year at Lee University...

i'm so proud of her...

she's an awesome girl and i love our times together!

Question...

2011-08-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

one question i have been asking myself lately...

WHAT AM I LIVING FOR?

(before my dear friends jonathan and sharon left for china, they shared this video with

me... and it has radically changed ray and my perspective on what we are living life for.)

DON'T FORGET TO TURN OFF THE MUSIC AT THE BOTTOM...

psalm 27:4

one thing i ask of the Lord, this is what i seek;

that i may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple.

asking the Lord to blow us Away by His glory...

to sweep us of our feet in love with Him...

and to shatter our dreams of living a nice pretty life...

whatever the cost.

busy with my boys

2011-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

been busy chasing my little guy around, cheering him on as he learns to walk (still hilariously wobbly!), going to my big guys softball games, late night chats together, and just living life!

my dear family arrives on saturday to OBX... i am eagerly awaiting some SERIOUS SISTER time! there are so many things i want to share with her... and the phone just doesn't cut it sometimes... so we have LOTS to talk about, laugh about, and who knows what else! oh, and i can't wait for her to get some time lovin on her nephew too!

more pics to come of our laundry mat fun!! :)

the WoRd

2011-07-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

"be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways..." Psalm 37:7

"but the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

"surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days if your life." Psalm 23:6

"for the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land - a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills... you will lack nothing!" Deut 8:10

"and in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes... no, in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us. nothing can seperate us from the love of Christ!" Romans 8:28, 37-38

thankful for His promises

thankful for His Word

thankful that He is alive

thankful that He is at work in us!

now to Him who is able to do IMMEASUREABLY more than all we could ASK or IMAGINE,

according to His power that is at work in US,

to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout ALL generations

forever and ever AMEN!

NYC just us :)

2011-07-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

decided to share a few pics from our Anniversary trip to NYC...

our hotel... called yotel

Dates!

dinner out with my raybo

ferry ride :)

2 peas in a pod

statue of liberty!

mine :)

Mary Poppins!!

Saw Mary Poppins on Broadway! loved it!

Yankees Game with my boy :)

yanks hall of players

met up with jon murray (ha... ray looks so serious!)

entering the stadium!

the field

all things nyc!

loved come back to our room... little bed... and everything nice and clean!

ready to hit the town every night!

the rush of times square... ah, i love it!

taxi taxi taxi

we made precious memories together on our trip :) just being together was very refreshing! we are both up for adventures and this sure was a fun adventure! making marriage a priority, especially after having a child, is so important! it felt like a second honeymoon... and there is no one else i would have rather spent it with! here's to many more years, by God's grace!!

but there was no denying...

both of us were so excited to get to our little munchkin... who was a very good boy for grammy and gdaddy!! my mom had prepared so much to make it special for barrett... she called her house, "Grammy's Resort"! though barrett couldn't say thank you with his words, i saw how close he had gotten to them in just a few short days! it was hard for my parents to say goodbye, but we were so grateful that they were able to care for him while we were away! but we couldn't wait to get our hands on him and make up for all the days we missed with him!!

and now its back to real life...

but i love real life...

2011-06-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

HEADING TO NYC WITH MY LOVE FOR OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!

can't wait to spend time with my boy... just us!

making memories, cuddling time, and lots of laughing...

can't wait to be in one of my favorite places with one of my favorite people!

ready to feel the rush of the city!!

i love you ray hunt!

so excited...

my dad & my boy's dad

2011-06-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

got off the phone with my dad yesterday morning... so thankful for him. thankful for every moment we have shared... i'm sure he could fill ya in on the ups and downs of raising daughters and all that entails, but i'm sure he would also tell you that there were alot more ups than downs. my sis and i have always been "daddy's girls." i'm so glad i was and still am his girl.

one of my first memories as a little girl was standing at the front door waiting for my dad to come home from work. my dad had many difficulties with jobs for several years when i was young and i know that just seeing my face at the door every evening made every second of it worth it... i'm pretty sure he would tell you that too :) my dad and i would get very silly sometimes... laughing our heads off downstairs... my dad taking a joke and running it into the ground, but i was his little giggle box... i seriously thought he was the funniest person in the world! i still do. :) my dad would announce his plans for his day off, and they were always my plans too. i wanted to go wherever he went... guitar store, tennis shops, church music practice, walking the park, and taking drives to harrisonburg to just be together. when my heart was crushed... by boys, school, friendships, disappointments, and the many emotions that girls have... he was always there for me. i would just sit in his lap and cry... sometimes i never even had to say anything. he was always gentle, kind, caring, and i knew his love for me was strong... nothing in the world could take it away. he walked life right by my side. we hiked up a mountain one saturday, just me and my dad, we talked about the Lord, things i was struggling with... he was there, he was present, he knew what was going on in my life. that is a dad. that is a father. that is a strong man. that is my dad.

sweet sweet memories, precious times... i will never forget growing up in a home where my dad was there... to love us, cheer us on, and hold my hand every step of the way. even today, a married woman now, i call my dad... we laugh, i cry sometimes, he listens, prays, gives wisdom and encouragement, and he always tells me before he hangs up... "you can always call me, ash, if you need anything. i love you." and i will always call him. i will always look at him as the first man in my life. the man that showed me what love was... and loved me as my Father loves me. i know His love for me, because i experienced dad's love for me. that is an inheritance that can never be replaced.

thank you dad for being the man that you are. father's day is just one day out of the year to honor father's, but not a day goes by that i don't think of you and thank God for the amazing gift that you have been to me. i love you, dad.

happy father's day, dad

______________________________________________________

i have another "father" that i get to see everyday. the father of our son. watching my ray be a dad is one of the coolest things i have ever seen. :) sometimes i smile so big when i see those 2 boys together it makes my face hurt! i love watching ray's reaction to barrett... if barrett falls, ray is right there to pick him up and dust him off, if barrett is in a silly mood, ray is right there to make him laugh so hard he can hardly breathe, if barrett is tired, ray scoops him up in his strong arms and carries him up to bed, praying for him faithfully each night before bed, if barrett learns something new, ray is right there to clap his hands and say "good job dada boy!"

from the moment barrett was born, ray held him close and i knew that they would be forever friends... i know that as the years pass they will only grow closer. barrett can't thank his dad right now for all the times he has watched him while mommy works night shifts, changed his diapers, dresses him cool, takes him to see the dogs at the pet shop, plays fun games with him, teaches him new things, reads to him, prays for him, feeds him, gives him baths at night when mommy is tired, and loves on him! but if barrett could thank him, i know he would... because he has a pretty cool dad. a dad that has constantly loved and cared for him for his first year of life. there will ups and downs, but barrett is ray's boy and i see that faithful love everyday.

i don't want to forget the analogy our pastor used last week at church when he spoke on Psalm 121: he saw ray holding barrett on his lap, ray was holding his feet and barrett was swaying all around... he just learning to balance. but ray was holding his feet so tight, barrett wasn't going anywhere! that is such a precious picture of Jesus holding us. when we are swaying all around, our Father is there to hold us tight, secure, unmoveable... what a picture of our Father's care for us... and what a blessing to know that i have a dad like that and so does Barrett.

thank you, love, for being an amazing "dada" to our little guy. he is blessed more than he knows to have you in his life. and one day he will thank you. :)

Happy father's day, babe

sunny with a high of POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE

2011-06-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our dear little brother, Kyle, graduated from high school this past weekend! It has been awesome to watch him grow into a Godly young man... He has such a kind, strong, and compassionate heart... I love how he comes to Ray and I to "talk" about things :) I love that he called the morning of his graduation and asked if Ray and I and Barrett would come on stage with his family. It meant so much to me to see his love for our family! He is a special guy and I am so excited to watch as the Lord guides him into this next season of life! Love you, Kyle! So so proud of you buddy!!!

senior board ( i like to call it God's faithfulness board!) :)

pomp & circumstance

go Kyle go!

you did it!

graduating class of 2011

me & my boys

Then we headed off to OBX to a beach house with all the Hunts!! We had a wonderful time making memories, laughing, playing in the pool, hanging with family...

Auntie Kate & B

COUSINS!!

Justin & B

the awesome beach house!!

barrett LOVES waving to everything and everyone

beach baby

hmm i think people forgot to tell me that boys love to climb up everything!!

beautiful view

poppop & gg trying to enjoy the hot tub... little boys were surrounding them... haha!!

little luke has grown into quite a big boy... he loves playing in the pool!

hour and hours of chess...

salmon from Alaska

B was lovin some MAJOR attention and new found toys everywhere

uncle caleb and b... good buddies!

barrett in the boat :)

auntie/cousin jessi & ferf!! :)

Then we headed down the road a few miles to give kisses to little "sister" Sophia for her 3rd Birthday!!! Happy birthday Sister... You are such a joyful, adventurous, fun filled, smily, and just TOO darn cute little girl!! So thankful to be a part of your life and watch you grow up! Love you Sophia!!

b & sophia

happy 3rd birthday sister!!

b adores his nanny & pawpaw! :) (especially pawpaw's cane!)

It was a beautiful weekend celebrating our family! I love being a part of such a big family that loves each other and loves the Lord! We are blessed blessed blessed!! Taking all the fun times from the weekend and jumping into this week full of life!!

post birthday...

2011-05-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

whew... post birthday mess all around!! had a fun filled weekend watching my little baby turn 1... this has truly been the fastest year of my life!!

mom & dad were in town for the weekend to enjoy the festivities... we also celebrated dad's birthday! my dear college friend julia came into town as well... she's always a helping hand and a happy face! it was wonderful to have her here! lots of other friends and family came out for barrett's surf's up beach party (which my amazing friends, amy and mel, helped to put on)! we made sweet memories and we all love to party! it was a blast!

that night barrett open his gifts... and it really is true, he loved the wrapping paper, bags, and tissue paper more than anything! he has chased the deflated balloons around for 2 days, playing with the left over decorations and party favors for hours, and gone from toy to toy to toy! though he doesn't really have a clue... we are grateful for all that everyone did to celebrate him! there is nothing like thanking the Lord for His sweet faithfulness to us in this first year!

the house is a mess, toys and paper, dishes, dirty floors, dirty diapers, full trash cans, a fridge full of "bad for you" left overs, but my heart is full... full of memories, family, and friends!

my focus has now shifted from barrett's birthday to celebrating my little brother, kyle's high school graduation! he did it... and he did it well! i am working on his senior board this week... i am so excited to fill it with pictures of friends, family, and memories for him! its another reminder of God's faithfulness to him and our family! excited for saturday!!

uncle kyle holding barrett when he was first born

its back to work tonight... i always feel refreshed going into my night shift, but by the morning i am drained! hoping for a quiet night at work... and that those 12 hours fly by! it has been nice to know that ray will be home before my night shift... so we can say a little hello to each other... and its also very nice knowing that he is with my boy at night! we are continuing to pray for grace with his transition to the new job, but over all we have felt peace knowing that we are in faith for what the Lord has for us!

one thing that has kept me going... in the back of my mind i know that we are headed to NYC in a few weeks!! just me and my raybo! my parents are super excited to have barrett with them for a few days too! i know that it will be a time of refreshing for us and our marriage... it is much needed as the past 2 years have been jam packed with new changes!! nothing like time with my best friend :)

so... i hear my little man stirring in his crib, so its off to play for a few hours! busy week ahead, but excited to be with family!!

sWeeTLy OveRwHeLmed

2011-05-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

my little boy is turning 1 in just a few days...

lots of birthday planning...

making cakes...

and decorations...

planning...

preparing for my family and friends to come into town...

looking forward to the new memories we will make this weekend...

and just remembering... remembering how my life has changed...

for the best...

GRATITUDE:
i have been very overwhelmed lately... in a good way...
my heart is so full of gratitude it just might bust! as i was inviting family and friends to barrett's party i remembered all the ways that people have blessed us, supported us, encouraged us, and just plain walked through life with us in our first year as parents. seeing how much our family and friends love our son is one of the most precious gifts i could ever recieve. how can i say thank you to so many people that have already touched his little life... and ours! there are no words, but i am thankful... so very thankful!

FAITHFULNESS:
thinking of where i was this time last year... the fear, the aprehension, the frusteration that God would mess up my plan with a baby...
how humbling it is to look back and see my Savior's faithfulness to me when i was so far from faithful to Him. He never let me go... He was my constant... He opened my eyes to the wonder and priveldge of being a mom... He reminded me that He was always there when i needed Him... He was and is faithful and that overwhelms my heart.

DADDY LOVE:
i have lots of little snapshots in my mind... and i realized that many of them are memories of barrett and ray. there are no words to express the love that i see in ray's eyes for his son...
from the moment barrett was born, that was his boy... and he was going to do everything in his power to love that little boy with all that he had. he is a proud father... in a very sweet way. he is so attentive to barrett's needs, so playful with him, loves making him laugh hysterically, prays over him every night (and i literally mean every night), and i'm sure he would give his life for him. it is one of the most precious things... watching my love become an amazing dad... that overwhelms my heart.

BOY:
i always thought i would never know what to do with a boy... well, today i was sitting on the floor crashing trucks into each other saying "vrooom!" and then it hit me... this is what you do with boys! :) my little guy is such a boy... he loves loves loves balls, trucks, anything that makes noise, and he loves to just sneak off and crawl up the stairs at rapid speeds even as i am saying no no no! barrett is always finding something to get into... his adventurous little spirit and joyful heart bring so much happiness to our lives! he is our boy... and there is no other like him!

PRAYER:
wow... how many conversations have i held with God this year!?!? a million at least! ...from protection in his crib at night to his salvation one day... my God has heard it all! He has answered us everytime... with protection, care, safety, favor, rest, peace, mercy, provision, and lots and lots of grace. how many tears has he wiped from eyes? how many sleepless nights has he brought me through? how many months did he always provide for us? How many fearful nights did he bring His peace? there was always grace... grace upon grace upon grace! and that just totally overwhelms me...

so... for tonight i am just plain overwhelmed with God's goodness towards us... even when we don't deserve it, He lavishes His children with good gifts... and that overwhelms me! thank you Lord for your good and perfect gifts...

busy busy baby

2011-05-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

___________________________

been enjoying watching daddy play lots of softball... but barrett just mostly enjoys his date night with lucy :) they are sweet buddies!!

_______________________

we got to spend a weekend in OBX with nanny and pawpaw for mother's day! it was wonderful to just be away... feel the breeze, take walks, sit on the beach, eat yummy food, and watch my little guy get loved on by his nanny and pawpaw... it makes me heart full... i love family time!

barrett LOVES his pawpaw!

i treasure the moments he still falls asleep on me

cards

barrett plays with pawpaw's cane for hours!!

_____________________________________

some one has learning to climb the stairs :) i gotta get him a helmet! ha!

__________________________________________

so, my raybo started a new job on monday... i cannot even begin to express how God has met us in this decision. it has been a long time coming... i am in faith for this decision as i see confirmation of the Lord's leading! it has been so wonderful having my man home every evening at dinner time... no more waiting until 8 or 9 at night!! after 2 years of spending MANY nights alone, i feel like we are a real family now... we even get to eat dinner together!! :) my heart is encouraged... thank you Lord for always providing for your children!

chicken tortilla soup... yum!

____________________________________

we celebrated ava, our littlest neighbor's, 1st birthday yesterday! i love celebrating life... ava, you are beautiful little girl... we are praying you continue to grow strong and happy!

happy 1st birthday!

barrett and ava last year right after they were born!

barrett and ava this year! so cute!

friends :)

________________________________________

i love that i have so many little reminders that i am a mom... that we have a son...

barrett and daddy's hats

just added little man's toothbrush and toothpaste to the bathroom supplies

sippy cups and cereal every morning

and the monitor that ray keeps telling me to cut off... just can't bring myself to do it yet!

bottles and oatmeal baths at night

lots of shoes like daddy

toys... toys... toys...

even though our baby has added to our clutter... i love it... and i love that it reminds me of who i am and how blessed we are!

in 2 weeks...

2011-05-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

This time last year I had no idea how much life would change in just 2 short weeks... in the most amazing way!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above."

I love you Barrett David and I cannot wait to celebrate your birthday in just 2 weeks! You are growing into such a big boy... your mama is always proud of you!

... memories... overwhelmed... blessed...

easter

2011-04-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

had a wonderful easter with grammy and gdaddy! sweet memories and lots of laughs. always good to be home. thankful for the reminder that easter brings... that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me new life! thank you Jesus for abundant life in You!

abundant life

2011-04-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

do you ever feel those little self centered thoughts creeping in...

why am i the only one that does the dishes??

why am i the one that changes most of the poopy diapers?

why can't i just have one night out with my husband?

why can't i just have one day where it is all mine?

why do i have to do everything?!?!?!

First of all... I don't do everything... I don't do all the dishes or change all the poopy diapers... I have a wonderfully involved husband and dad... but sometimes my thoughts tend to pile up and I start to miss my days of freedom... doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Now I have much more responsibility and stress! Not that I would ever take back my little boy... its just that baby raising season and it can be challenging at times. After this past week of sickness I saw that even when everyone is sick, mom has to keep going, keep taking care of the baby, etc.

Its a hard thing for a girl to learn :)

I guess what got me missing my freedom was the thought that my birthday is tomorrow... what are we doing?? nothing really... now don't feel sorry for me... I know that it will be a GREAT day and I am sure that Ray is planning something fun for the next day that he is off! :) But Ray is working and I am hanging with my little man and not too much is different from any other day. In my crazy selfish mind I want to run away with my Ray and have a whole day and night to ourselves... and I want to get my hair done, get a pedicure, massage, you name it I WANT IT!! haha!

I love my days with Barrett. I love my days working hard to clean the house and fold the laundry. I love my times at work with my patients and nurse friends. I love making dinner. I love having people in my home. I love seeing Ray come home from work and sit in his chair. I love all of these things... but it is different. My life has changed alot in the past year and half... courtship, engagement, marriage, baby... yeah... thats how we like to do it... ha! :)

Though my life looks different than it ever has, I am learning things that I am sure I would not have learned without being Ray's wife and Barrett's mom. One of the primary things I am learning (and have been learning for a while) is that God is for me! He had this current season for me picked out before the foundation of the world. He has good for me... and I truly believe that with all my heart. It is a daily struggle to allow Him to make the plan for the day, to set the schedule... but ultimately His plan is much better! I want to LIVE wholeheartedly in every season of my life... not wishing for another one and contemplating the past season... this present season cannot slip by without me LIVING it!

So.... there is much to be thankful for and there is precious time each day that is waiting to be filled with night time talks with my Ray, walks to the park with Barrett, long conversations with my sis about what the Lord is teaching us, and lots of laughs! I don't want to allow my focus to slip into the mundane daily tasks and checklists, but I want my life to be enveloped with Jesus and His perfect plan for my day!

Can't wait for tomorrow... my first birthday I get to celebrate with my Barrett boy!!! It will be extra special because this time last year we went to get a 4D ultrasound of that sweet little guys and not he is here with us! And... my sweet Nanny called and is a planning to take me to lunch! No matter what the day holds we are going to LIVE it... abundant life baby!

John 10:10 I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!

Saturdays

2011-04-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Saturdays...

Most Saturdays are filled with lots of family time for most people... but many Saturdays Ray has to work. So most of the time Barrett and I go to swim lessons, take naps, play, and clean the house. But last Saturday we were all off together and got to go to swim lessons! It was so much fun to watch Barrett and Ray interact... they are buddies and I love that! Barrett wears his sweet little swim trunks and rash guard with his scrawny white arms and legs sticking out! Barrett loves the water and loves splashing, clapping, licking the water, and playing with his buddies in the pool! Its so cute!! I think that being in the water with us every week has helped to build his trust and show him how fun the water is! He is doing great :)

He loves the kickboard and little red octopus toy!

Learning to float on his back... He stiffens up like a board!

Playing on the floating duck!

Trying to teach him to blow bubbles, but he just wants to lick the water!

Learning how to do a sit dive!

I can't believe it is already Saturday again... this week has dragged out... with the nasty GI bug running havoc on our house!! First my sweet little baby came down with it... then onto daddy... and just when everything was washed up and pretty much back to normal mommy got it!! Nothing will slow you down like sickness. I'm thankful for family coming to our rescue to help. I am also thankful that we are all feeling much better! I missed cuddling with my Ray, playing with my happy smily baby, and of coarse being able to get out and visit friends. Hoping to rest this weekend... I think we all need it!

I think the worst part for me was not being able to get fluids into Barrett. He could not keep anything down. It broke my heart to see him so lethargic and sad. He liked eating popsicles with his dad... Poor little guy can't afford to loose anymore weight... he already so tiny!!

I hear my baby crying in his crib, so better go grab him :) Daddy is on his way home from work now! I think the only good thing about us all being sick was that we were all home together... and I wouldn't trade time with my boys for anything!!

Heres to another Saturday!

just lovin

2011-03-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

i am loving...

our new beautiful bed and comforter!

my new organized closet

(thanks to my dear friend donna... who even color-coded everything!)

and these amazing blue eyes

(even with the sweet potatoes all over his face!)

2011-03-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Books Books & More Books...

Barrett LOVES this little Vtech Rhyme & Discover Book

It talks to him, sings, lights up, and teaches him little songs like...

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Hey Diddle Diddle

BINGO

When he is calm and able to pay better attention we pull out our

BIG BOY BOOKS (these are the books with paper pages that

are easily ripped... he can only have these when mommy is sitting right there!)

GG bought him the book Full Moon Rising.

It is a wonderful book about God's Glory... and its all about

the moon stealing glory from the Son!

This book has an important message about humility and the dangers of pride.

I pray that Barrett one day understands this...

but for now it is a fun book to read together!

And another FUN book that we love...

Barrett's picture book!

It is a blank book that you can add photos to...

We are working on learning who Aunt Betsy is now :)

(he wanted to eat his book, not look at it in this picture.. ha)

Watching Barrett's love for reading so cute!

More of our favorites to come...

Love for Reading

2011-03-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

I have loved reading to Barrett since he was born...My mom (an amazing elementary school teacher) read to my sister and I so much as we were growing up.I want to pass that love for reading on to my little boy...

So the beginning of our reading journey started with Barrett just laying in my arms,

not really caring what I was reading, then he began to hit the little books, and babble

while we read, and then he would chew on the books, and drool on them, and now he sits up and I try to read them with much inflection in my voice and even act out some of the words, he flaps his little arms, interacts with me, claps his little hands, and gets totally excited!

I want to remember some of our favorite books we read together in this first year!

This is one of MY personal favorites!

Its based on Psalm 139... How your little one is "fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Its based on the theme...

YOU ARE THE ONE AND ONLY EVER YOU!

My favorite part:

"Not once had there been such eyes,

such a nose,

such silly, wiggly wonderful toes.

In fact, I think I'll count to three

so you can wiggle your toes for me."

(I always tickle B's toes and he wiggles them around and laughs!

yeah, its pretty cute!)

This is one of Barrett's favorite books!

We sing the Barnyard dance song...

"Stomp your feet

Clap your hands

Everybody ready for the barnyard dance!!"

Wanting to pass a love fore reading and learning to my little cutie pie!!

More of our favorite books to come....

"The more that you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn to more places you'll go!"
Dr. Seuss

inchworm, toys, and talking

2011-03-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my little Barr Baby!!! What a fun day we had today!!

Today was just supposed to be a "regular day" with nothing too exciting... but when I laid my boy down for bed and he rested his little head of my shoulder, I wanted to hold him for just a little bit longer... today was actually a "special day!" My boy was happy, playful, and becoming more and more adventurous! I love watching him learn to conquer his inchworm crawl... becoming more and more proficient with each day (especially when he is going after my coffee mug!). I love seeing him interacting with his toys and baby einstein movies! And I love hearing him babble up a storm and say his favorite word about a million times a day.... "dada!!" Oh we played our hearts out today! We laughed... yeah, me and my 9 month old... we laughed it up baby!! :) His sweet personality is rockin... and I love the time that I get to spend with him! Everyday is a SPECIAL day!

Ray was off more than usual this past week so we were able to spend some quality time with family and friends! I love my days with my little man, but my times with my big man are just as amazing!! Ray brings me so much joy! I love the little ways he is always thinking of me and what I prefer... I love watching our favorite shows together... planning our future (or at least a tentative plan, right Lord?!?), how he remembers every patient I have ever told him about, seeing him dive into the Word whenever either of us have questions, and of coarse, the way he makes me roll off the couch laughing ALL THE TIME!! We were just made for each other... and I love that!!! I love how I see the beautiful hand of God woven through our relationship! I can't believe we are coming up on our 2 year anniversary!!

Nanny (Ray's grandma) is taking care of Barrett while we both work tomorrow because GiGi is out of town!! I am so thankful for all the people that have cared for our little boy since he was born!! To see how our family, friends, and church have come along side us has been overwhelming... I am grateful... and I know that Nanny will give Barrett just as many kisses as I would!! I always LOVE hearing about his day when I get off!

And whether my work day is done or just a day at home being a wife and mom is done, I feel carried on His everlasting wings... knowing that this is the season that He has called me to and IT IS AN HONOR to be what HE has called me to be... knowing that His grace is sufficient for me!

"This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness."
— Elisabeth Elliot

comfy bed!!

2011-03-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

So...

Just wanted to say...

had an AMAZING sleep last night :)

Our nice new comfy bed did not disappoint!

I lay down and sleep;

I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

—Psalm 3:4-5

good night, sleep tight

2011-03-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

My days are so full... by the time I put Barrett to bed at 8, I am ready to hit the hay myself :) Though the days have been quite packed, they are stuffed full of new milestones, lots of laughs, and making fun memories! So here's a quick update on some of the fun around the Hunt household lately :)

My sweet boy was dedicated to the Lord at church a few Sundays ago...

So fun to watch his personality start to shape into an individual

He rode around in the bike basket for a long time and loved it!

Grammy, Gdaddy, Aunt Betsy, & Patrick came to visit for Barrett's dedication...

It meant so much to have my whole family together!

Barrett is learning to skateboard :)

We also celebrated Uncle Caleb's 9th birthday!

Caleb is such a sweetie... growing into a thoughtful, caring, and very athletic little man!

i l o v e m y f a m i l y

play dates with kaden rock!!

even when they steal each others toys :)

uh just gotta say it...

2 of the cutest boys in to world!!

They play so well together

Little B's first wagon ride with Lukie!!

Luke was so cute to hold B and make sure he didn't tip over!

Barrett is also enjoying a little "Into to Water" class at the YMCA! He loves to splash the little girls, lick the water, kick his feet, and chase the little toy octopus! It is fun seeing him learn to love the water! (pics to follow of swim class!)

One big news flash is... Barrett is finally crawling (started about 8 months and 3 weeks).... well, I guess you can call it that! We fondly call it "the inchworm". He goes from belly to all fours until he finally reaches his destination. It is so cute to see the look of determination on his face! Sometimes I forget he's mobile... like the day that he ended up in a different room while I was in the shower! Yikes! So... we are in the process of baby proofing the house!

Little tidbits are... he loves to drink out of a straw, he claps ALL the time (from the minute he wakes up, until we lay him down for bed), has to turn off the light switch before we leave the room, got his first tooth on the bottom (not a very fun few weeks!), he is taking 2 1/2 hour naps (sweet!), got hsi first pair of sunglasses, loves to "inchworm" over to outlets on the wall and hit them, and he loves to scrunch up his face when he laughs (hilarious!). Anyway, I try to keep up with his baby book, but the blog helps to remind me of the things that he is doing!

Barrett pretty much fills up the majority of our day... but one thing that Ray and I both enjoy is laying down at night in the quiet and getting a good night sleep :) Lately we have both been waking up alot and in the morning we awaken with the worst neck and back pain. Ray's poor mattress has been through many years of faithful service, but time was up! We pulled together our coins (hehe) and purchased a big (yes, king) comfy (pillowtop) mattress! Tonight will be our first night sleeping in it! I feel like its Christmas! We are both so excited to go to bed tonight! :)

So... needless to say, I am signing off for now because my big, beautiful, comfy bed is calling my name!! warm sheets just came out of the dryer... its gonna be a good night!! :)

sLeEp TigHt, Don'T LeT ThE BeDbuGs bItE!!

Remembering my Perspective

2011-02-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

Where is my gaze today...

Uh its really sunny out... and it has been one of those days... that actually goes as planned... no random breakdowns (so far)! It is totally gorgeous outside and I LOVE LIVING within walking distance of such a beautiful park! Barrett loves stroller rides and watching the kids on the play ground and swinging and cooing and throwing toys out of the stroller and just about tuckering out as we round the bend up to the house! I am so excited for the summer with our little B. Ray and I both LOVE taking walks to Starbucks or the park, love days at the pool or beach, early morning trips to Nags Head to stay with Nanny & PawPaw, playing on the deck, and just being outside! It will be so much fun to make more memories and to do it with our little man. Last year I remember taking a walk and talking about pulling him in a little wagon! Awww... and now he is here! The Spring air has definitely brought with it much anticipation!

While my boy was napping I started reading THIS blog that a friend had posted on facebook. It was just exactly what I needed to be reminded of. I can tend to look at all the things that are "wrong" when really nothing is wrong... I am just not fixing my gaze upward... I see the lack of money, the hurting friends, the cancer, the marriage struggles, the fears, the stress, the hurt, the pain, etc... and my mind is honestly filled with doubt. How can I trust you Lord? Everything just seems to be in chaos?!? But after reading this article I was reminded to REMEMBER... to remember HIM and all that He has done for us... all that He has PROMISED... all that He IS. He is I AM!! He is trustworthy, faithful, and compassionate. He has not forgotten me or my situation. He is filled with LOVE as he looks upon His children. How could I doubt my Savior, my Friend, my Love? He is here and He is working in all that concerns me today, tomorrow, and forever!

As I was pondering this I happened upon my friend Libby's blog... She has been such an inspiration as she, a young mom and wife, has battled cancer. She has been honest, humble, and always trusting in her faithful God. I want to have that same faith and trust. To know that no matter what comes... He is in control and will not let me go! Oh, God I pray for faith like my friend Libby!

Perspective is everything... Faith, Hope, and Love...

I want to remember... God is who says He is and God can do what He says He can do!

Filled with Fresh Hope today... This is my perspective today!!

2 loves

2011-02-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

i LOVE these 2!!

I cannot imagine life without my cutie-boys!

and i LOVE these 2!

Nanny & PawPaw bring so much joy to our lives!

And these 2!

Barrett & his buddy Sutton!

and of coarse, these 2!

Sweet Uncle Caleb & Bear Bear!

sitting on the couch finally... had a very quiet night just relaxing, watching American Idol... after a very busy day of 7 loads of laundry, folding it and putting it away, cleaning out ray's drawers, cleaning every room, going through mail, catching up on the "to-do" list that i have been putting off, and preparing for my family to come this weekend....whew! ...but as i was sitting here, i started remembering so many things that i am thankful for. i was "remembering His benefits"... and they are MANY!

i also was finally able to go to meet with the girls in my caregroup for ladies night! i cannot even express how encouraged i was... seeing their genuine hearts to grow, their love for the Lord and each other, their wisdom and insight into certain situations, and their passion to be the women that God has called them to be was just what i needed. oh to just sit and be real, vulnerable, honest... and to see their love for me was so overwhelming! though i am not able to be as involved and committed as i would like, i know that i was meant to be at that meeting and to fellowship with those girls. so overwhelmed with the truth because of these precious girls :)

tomorrow my cleaning friend comes to help me get some deep cleaning done in prep for my family coming. i love the days when she is here... she is such a speedy, thorough cleaner! i always love my house more after she is done!! :) anyway, i am just thankful for a little help before my family gets here!

i am bubbing over with excitement to see my fam... especially my sis! she is one of my best friends and it is so hard to be so far apart. so i treasure the times that we are together. i love having my family here with me... i feel like they are actually part of my life here when they come visit and that makes me happy. i miss them so much and appreciate all that they do for us. speaking of that, as i was going through the mail tonight, my mom had mailed B a little Valentine card... and it was super cute!!

ray & i had a sweet valentine's... lauryn hill concert :) it was fun just being together and making a memory!

oh, and one last thing... i worked all day on Valentine's Day... after work i went to pck up B from Sharay's and she had done a little photoshoot with him dressed in a red shirt and jeans. his pictures were all over her kitchen, framed and absolutely adorable! it was one of the most special valentine's ever!!

GOODNIGHT

Mama Said They'll be dAyS like tHiS!!

2011-02-10T16:10:00.001-08:00

i just gotta remember days like today... the day after i work my night shifts... this too shall pass :)

anticipation to get home to my boys. a little surge of energy that

lasts about 5 minutes. talking to my mom on the drive home. seeing little b's

big smile when i get home. also seeing the relief in ray's eyes... ah, mom's

home. fighting the need to sleep and the want to hang out

with my guys. pj's. maybe an hour of sleep. ray sneaking in to lay b next

to me for his nap. hearing him coo and babble and play with his silky blanket.

then the dreaded cry that wakes us up in about an hour and half. i am

thankful for that hour and a half. feeding him his lunch. watching him play

with his toys. fuss at times. want attention. making coffee.

calling friends to come over and help me stay awake (today that sweet

friend was Amy... she even brought me tropical smoothie and played

with b for a while!). watching baby einstein about 10 times. i know i know i only

do that when i am about to fall asleep. most days he only gets to watch it once.

just counting down the hours until my dear raybo gets home. and

sometime i head to my mother in laws house for b to have some

play time with people that are actually coherent and to get

some yummy dinner. toys scattered everywhere. dishes in the

sink. pacifiers scattered all over. bedtime bath. and the the big moment that i

anticipate all day... bedtime! haha :) i seriously only feel like this on

days after i work a night shift (which is actually translated : i have been

up for over 48 hours without sleep... sweet!!) so its 7:20 and munchy is asleep.

i feed him. warm up his blanket in the dryer. cuddle him. kiss him

about a 100 times. pray for him (and usually tear up). put on his

music (the music that he has listened to since he was born). and watch

him just for a second... rubbing his eyes and rolling around and finally

giving into his tiredness. and then i get my blanket. cuddle up

on the couch. feel like i have 10 lbs on each eye. and wait for

my love to come home with dinner. whew. long hard day.

thankful for my family. thankful for my job (most of the time). thankful for bedtime. thankful for grace. strength. peace. thankful for fresh eyes for my duties as a wife, mom, and nurse. and if i'm completely honest... i'm thankful for tv, movies, friends that visit. coffee. food (like tropical smoothie). my cell phone. toys that make lots of noise to keep b's attention. american idol and other various shows where i can just turn off my mind for a bit... i know that some of these dont sound super spiritual, but hey... i'm thankful :)

well, i have made it through another "day after the night shift"... all by grace and God's strength in my weakness... now i'm off to cozy up on the couch and relax... and maybe even fall asleep at 7:30 :)

(I just want to remember what this season was like... in all its glory... :)

just another day :)

2011-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Just Another day...

Sometimes the mundane morning routine wears on me... getting up early to feed B, longing for more sleep, making my coffee, thinking of what to pack Ray for lunch, playing with B, feeding him again, making breakfast, yada, yada, yada....

This morning I got up early and forced myself to get to the gym.... ugh... nothing in me wanted to go, but I remembered that this would most likely be my only time to myself today... so off I went. Believe it or not, I actually had a good time. Nothing special... just a treadmill, ipod, and my little worn out legs trying to run :) I am always thankful when I do get up and get to the gym. It gives me time to think , pray, and just be alone without the messy house, little baby, and hubby :) As much as I love them, need them, and enjoy every moment with them... I need to be refilled. By the end of the day, my cup is usually empty and I am drained of all energy! So, I am thankful for a nice work out and a little time to get focused before the craziness of the day starts!

We have all been battling the remains of the nasty cold... B started waking up at night because he couldn't breathe... his little nose was all stuffed up. He slept fairly well last night and I am very grateful for that. We are eating vitamins like candy, drinking lots of hot liquids, and just trying to rest as much as possible (ok, the last part hasn't really happened, but oh well!).

We got a new grille for Christmas from Ray's parents to go with our new deck! Ray and his Pawpaw finally got it all put together! We made hamburgers the other night (pretty yummy, but gotta learn to cook them on low... oops!) and last night we made rock fish and had his grandparents, uncle, and cousin over! I'm not a big fish fan, but it was pretty good all grilled up!!

Barrett had a BIG accomplishment yesterday... he actually drank out of his new sippy cup!! He LOVES straws... especially when Ray and I are drinking out of it... so I found a little sippy cup with a straw and he LOVES drinking his apple juice out of it!! He is still trying SO hard to crawl... he gets up and rock and rolls and does whatever it takes to get to his toys, but he just doesn't get that it would be so much simpler if he just used all fours!

Oh well... I love my little munchkin and i love watching him grow into his own little person... he makes Ray and I pretty happy :) Oh, and I did sign him up for his first swim class at the YMCA!! Its basically an intro to water class and the parents get to do it too!! Ray's grandparents and uncle have a little trailer in Nags Head so we are planning to spend some time there this summer... plus he LOVES his bath time in the sink... so we decided that it might be fun for him! I splurged and got him a new rash guard shirt and little pirate swim trunks yesterday... I cannot wait to see him in them!!

Barrett and I worked on a Valentine's Day package to send to my sis at college and my mom :) He drew on the Valentine's and helped me pick out little goodies to send to them... we stickered up the outside of the envelope and headed to the post office! "Will you be my Valentine Grammy & Aunt Betsy?? Love Barrett" :)

Well... off to get somethings accomplished for the day... gotta work all night tonight!! Sleep is over-rated!! :) Oh, and tonight is Barrett and Uncle Dan's first little babysitting time together!! B loves Dan, so we'll see how it goes!!

Just another day... what could be better... :)

In His Hands

2011-02-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Well... I think I got a little glimpse of what it is like for the parents of my patients at the hospital. My sweet boy got sick for the first time... nothing huge, just a fever, runny nose, cough, and a little throwing up. :( It broke my heart! When his fever finally reached 103 I decided to call the doctor. We went... they think its something viral. I just needed to hear the doctor say he was ok. I know I'm a nurse and all, but when its your own child you forget everything you have ever learned! My sweet boy slept on me most of the day, whimpering and burning up! Thankfully, this morning he is all smiles and playing with his toys! I have been alternating Tylenol and Motrin for him. I have always dreaded that first fever... that first sickness.... whew... you just want to take it away and put it on yourself. I am thankful for the Lord's peace and healing over the past few days. I am thankful for Ray and the way He always takes me and little B to the Lord, praying for us and speaking truth to me. I am thankful for work, being understanding and knowing that I am a mom before I am a nurse. I am thankful for prayers from our family. I am thankful for our boy... for his sweet smile yesterday at the doctor even when he felt bad, for being such a good boy at the doctors, for snuggling with me, for making my life so full!! I am thankful that the dreaded "first sickness" is just about gone and I have seen the sweet hand of the Lord watching over us... surrounding my boy. I know that there will be more "dreaded firsts" but for now I am resting in the provision of the Lord. He is near to us and my heart is grateful today.

"Your right hand upholds me"

2011-01-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

quick trip to staunton:

driving over sweet afton mountain * healthy/yummy dinners made by my mom * little b all smiles with gdaddy & grammy * barrett showing off his new skills * lots of laughing * reading crazy love * journaling * catching up on my one year bible reading * long talks with dad about life and future * barrett trying new foods * actually getting a little more sleep than usual * missin my best friend * little munchkin turning 8 months old * asking mom lots of questions about being a mommy * meeting the newest murray addition josiah * celebrating stephanie & andrew's engagement with friends * passing barrett around to the staunton clan * my boy making me a proud mama * watching my mom rock Barrett when his teeth hurt at night * falling in love with my little man's sleepy eyes and new squinty smile * missing daddy * b rockin the bumbo at dinner * celebrating zeke's first birthday * chatting with my old pals that are now amazing moms * encouraging each other * texting ray * watching barrett throw toys across the room ha * stopping in to see great-grandma mccarthy * jj & pearl (grandma's dogs) keeping barrett's attention * little boy eating yogurt melts for the first time while being pushed around the grocery store * mom's little portable fire-place * bringing roses from my hubby with me in the car so that i can enjoy them * b laughing at new things * reading books with grammy at pufferbellies * really missing my raybo * buying presents for zeke & kayden at pufferbellies * thinking how fast time flies * tearful at times just remembering how precious life is * talking new recipes and healthy ideas with mom * church friends * i LOVE memories... i love remembering them, making them, and being a part of them, and cherishing them!

Our sweet Barrett boy

2011-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 4:1-6

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

Sweet Barrett, Mommy & Daddy are praying for you daily:) We are so glad you are our son! You are a gift and we know that God's got wonderful things in store for you! Love you Forever!

no one can LOVE him like you

2011-01-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Good Reminders for Marriage here :)

my favorite: "No one can love him like you!"

We are finally getting to go a date tonight!!

Just the 2 of us!

Excited to spend special time with my man!!

Yeah!

Maybe we will actually take a few pics :)

To love Him more...

2011-01-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes; so you can see." Revelation 3:15-18

"Jesus' call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. The thought of a person calling himself a 'Christian' without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurd... God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our lives by how we love." Crazy Love

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast, it is not proud or rude. It does not insist on it own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoings, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all thing, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends... faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:4-8,13

In the book, Crazy Love, Francis Chan ask to insert your name for the word Love in this passage. As I started to do this little exercise I felt like a liar. Is this really true?? Ashley is patient... yeah right?!? Ashley is kind... not always.

I am very aware of God's grace and mercy in my life, but I have also been made aware lately that I have been making Christ part of my life, rather than my WHOLE life!

Reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love, has really started to rock my world! What am I living for? Where do I place my energies? "But we need to realize that how we spend our time, what our money goes toward, and where will invest our energy is equivalent to choosing God or rejecting Him. How could we think even for a second that something on this puny little earth compares to the Creator and Sustainer and Savior of it all?" Crazy Love

Oh that my life would be lived out of LOVE FOR GOD, rather than checklists, what other are doing, guilt, fear, obligation, etc. Why do I get up and read His Word in the morning... BECAUSE I LOVE HIM! Why do I reach out to my neighbor? BECAUSE I LOVE HIM! Why do I strive to honor and love my husband and son? BECAUSE I LOVE HIM! I am realizing more and more that all that matters in this life is if I have loved God and His people. What could be more rewarding....

More love to Thee, O Lord,
More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make
On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Lord, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek,
Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Lord, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me,
More love, O Lord, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Lord, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/368#ixzz1BVohOXCo

lost

2011-01-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

May these words from 1 Chronicles 16:23-27 ring in your heart as you watch.

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be held in awe above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.

LOST (click here)

Into the New Year we gOOO...

2011-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

With a little snow...

into the New Year we go!

So far our days having been filled with spending time as family, nights hanging out with Ray's family, watching Barrett investigate everything around him.. and then put it into his mouth, working long days as a mommy & daddy... and a nurse & a salesman, learning new healthy recipes, hanging with friends, enjoying out home, and just taking it one day at a time!

"I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it."
— Elisabeth Elliot (Through Gates of Splendor)

December Days

2011-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Last few days of December have been full of friends, family, and lots of fun! Here's a few pics of what we have been up to...

My besties came! It was AMAZING!

We are going to try to start a tradition for a once a year reunion!

I cannot tell you how good it was to catch up with my best friends...

I am so thankful for how honest, encouraging, loyal, and godly these girls are...

So so thankful that even in the distance, our hearts have remained close~

Christmas Eve Service at SGC...

dressed all adorable in his Christmas pj's

and a new hand-made hat from Mrs. Mimi!

All tucked in bed Christmas eve...

See you in the morning sleepy boy!

Ray has continued the tradition that my family had of

reading the Christmas story before we open presents.

It was cute to read it to Barrett... he even helped his daddy hold the Bible!

After our Christmas we headed over to Barrett's GiGi

for Christmas with them! Barrett was taking it all in!!

Uncle Caleb was sweet to help Barrett open his gifts!

Caleb got Barrett a new little football!

Us on Christmas!

Barrett playing with one of the two gifts he got from mommy & daddy!

He loves things that make noise!!

And then we got a HUGE snow the day after Christmas!!

It was beautiful!

And a quick, but wonderful visit from my family!

Aunt Betsy just couldn't get enough of her nephew!! :)

We have also done alot of...

Cuddling with mommy!

Eating his first pancake! LOVED it!

Waiting for daddy to come home from work...

It is adorable to see the big grin that Barrett gets as his dad walks up he

driveway!

Staying in our Pj's all day! :)

And driving his new car around the living room!!

December 2010 proved to be an amazing month! We packed it full of memories and fun thats for sure! I must say that this was probably my favorite Christmas yet! It was so special to be a family this year!! Even though Barrett didn't understand much, my heart was so so happy to have him here with us! The love in our hearts for our son seems to grow with each day...

In all the trials and hard times, we are blessed and our lives are truly full because of all that we have in Christ! He is our life... and I pray that we know that even more through 2011!

Taking a deep breath....

And jumping head first into 2011~

As good as it has been... I know that it can only get better...

With hearts full of faith and excitement for what the Lord has in store for us this year...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Bestie ReUniOn 2010!! :)

2010-12-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

So excited that my 3 best friends from college are on their way to my little house right now!! I am SO excited! For 2 days we are going to pretend to be college girls again!!! (with a few breaks for nursing my son, changing him, and of coarse lovin' on him!!) I cannot imagine my life without these 3 amazing girls! Can't wait to pack this weekend full of sweet memories!!! Whoohooo!!

My room-mate for 4 years, Sarah!

(and thats sayin alot)

My dear friend Julia, better known as Hules!

And my fellow nursing friend, Kristi!

We shared many memories right from the start of

freshman year... Sarah, Julia, & I lived on the same

hall together! It was totally the Lord that brought us together!

We had some VERY silly times freshman year!

And then, sophomore year came our little Kristi!

Love you girls! Can't wait for you to get here!!!!

Soaking up the Sweetness...

2010-12-12T17:16:00.001-08:00

Sitting here with my latest yummy night time snack... peppermint icecream (Edy's brand is the best!)... working out schedules, packing the diaper bag for Barrett's day with Sharay tomorrow, organizing, preparing, and intermittently running up the stairs to put Barrett's pacifier back in his mouth since he keeps popping it out! Life is sweet tonight... and I am gonna soak it up...

I had a sweet lady, that normally cleans Sharay's house, come to help clean and organize my house yesterday! It was amazing to finally see the finished product last night. There is still much to do, but we definitely got a jump start. I was telling Ray last week that I just felt like I could never get ahead. The feeling of always trying to catch up has become overwhelming lately. Balancing baby, hubby, work, house, bills, family, friends, dinner, laundry... yikes!! So, Ray called the "cleaning lady" and I am feeling much better about life! :) I finally feel like I can actually sit and address my Christmas cards, play on the floor with Barrett, or just sit and talk to Ray after dinner without the dirty house calling my name!

I can not believe that Christmas is just 2 weeks away! All the anticipation seems to have just flown by this year in all the busyness! I have had so many moments just sitting and thinking about where I was this time last year. Sometimes I wonder if I have even grown at all... and then I remember... I remember where I was this time last year and my heart is full of gratitude to the Lord.

I was filling out my new 2011 calendar... which happens to be one of my all time favorite things to do!! Filling out the next years calendar brings a feeling of a fresh start. I was putting the important dates to remember in the calendar when I came up to May 29... wow... that will be my son's first birthday. How quickly time has passed... I thought I would be pregnant forever, and now Barrett is 6 1/2 months old! Again... Gratefulness!

So... here's to another week... full of new trials, fresh laughs, and of coarse more memories awaiting us!!!

"Just as an artist who paints pictures and portraits exercises great care in his work, so each of you, mothers and fathers, must be attentive to these wonderful images [your children]. Each day, a painter adds what is necessary to the picture. Sculptors do the same, removing excess stone and adding what is lacking. You should do the same: as makers of images, devote all your time to the task of fashioning wonderful images for God. Remove the excess; add what is lacking. Each day, examine the images closely. Cultivate the natural excellence that each one has, removing what is by nature inferior....teach them to be sober, vigilant, watchful in prayer, and to place everything that is said and done under the sign of the cross."

--John Chrysostom (c. 347–407), On Vainglory and the Education of Children, 22:

enjoying the season

2010-12-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

So... Its been a while :)

We had a wonderful time with my family for Thanksgiving!

Barrett's latest tricks...

Scooting on his back where ever he would like to go! :)

And... sitting up all by himself!

Finally got the Christmas tree and decorations up!

I hate that the month of December always seems to just fly by! But we are totally soaking up every moment! I mean, hey, its Barrett's first Christmas! He has no clue what's going on.. haha! But we're making memories and loving being together as a family!!!

Enjoy the Season!