Family

     Spent the day enjoying time well spent with family. :-)  I know I've said this a million times but I am BLESSED, BLESSED, BLESSED!!! Getting ready to get off of here and head to bed. Just wanted to reflect on the memories we made today. God is so good! 

Blessing after Blessing

    Currently sitting here listening to hubby give the kids their bath. :-)  I gave the kids paintbrushes and shaving cream to paint the walls with. They are having a blast. Haleigh is finally to the point where she doesn't try to eat everything she sees. I wish you could have seen her sweet face and squeals of delight in discovering she could paint the walls. It was a completely new experience for her and it made her day. Noah, also a master of painting, added to her already beautiful masterpiece. I didn't take pictures because I was too busy enjoying the moment. 
     Life has been going quite well these days. I've consistently been trying to improve my attitude towards life; working on being a better disciple, which in turn has strengthened my relationships with others. I, overall, am a much happier person which makes life easier for those around me. I had a really rough few months after having Hales, suffering from postpartum depression, which made life a nightmare. I went on medication (which worked wonders) and prayed that the Lord heal me from it. I am thankful to say that He did....another HUGE blessing. 
     Anyways, it's off of here now to play with the babies for a while before they head off to bed. Get to wake up tomorrow to another pretty day so that makes my outlook even brighter. Any day spent outside relaxing in God's beautiful universe is a day worth many smiles. Hope each of you has a blessed upcoming weekend. 

Birthday Fun

     Made a trip to Gatlinburg for Noah's 2nd birthday. This is a picture of me and my angel in front of the shark tank at Ripley's Aquarium. I can't say enough how much fun we all had that weekend. But, the highlight of my week was all of us cuddled up in bed together Saturday night. That was the first time Noah had ever slept in the same bed as us. From the first day we brought him home he either slept in his pack n play or his crib. So, this was a big step for us all...and I LOVED it! It was so nice to be able to reach over and play with his hair or snuggle with him...to be perfectly honest, I haven't slept that well in a long time. *smile*  
     The first word out of Bug's mouth Sunday morning was, "SIS!"  He then started getting upset and said "home...sis!" Caleb asked him if he wanted to do some more fun stuff in Tennessee and he passionately shook his head NO. Again, he shouted "SISSY!!!"  Caleb said, "Do you miss Sis, buddy?"  He said "yes, Dad...wanna see sis!"  So, we ended up stopping at Bass Pro for a few minutes (a must for our family, lol) and then headed straight back to Craig to pick her up. It was so sweet when they saw each other again because Hales looked at Noah and shouted "BRUBBA!!!" and covered him in kisses. They sat there hugging each other for the longest time and I seriously almost cried. Have I mentioned that I have the sweetest kids in the whole wide world? 
     So, now it's back to the daily grind. Praising God for the warmer weather this week. Taking the kids for a walk tomorrow, visiting with my grandparents on Wednesday, and possibly getting together with some more of my Mom friends on Thursday or Friday. Can't believe all the ways God continues to bless me. 

Multitudes Mondays

     Blessings this week have included:
January 16th: Three ways you wittnessed happiness today: Giggling babies, a kiss from my husband, beginning to study the book of Joshua 
January 17th: One gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet: listening to my Mom talk about how Haleigh is me made over, my husband helping me to realize my mistakes, ''
January 18th: 3 gifts from God's word: realizing that God doesn't expect me to be perfect, it makes God happy when I admit my wrongdoings and pray for forgiveness, patience
January 19th: a grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that may have never been: plenty of food, sunshine after the rain, forgiving others for hurting me
January 20th: 3 gifts you saw only when you got up close: a newborn's tiny fingernails, my husband's stress, a baby shark
January 21st: one thing in the sky, one one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly-beautiful: rain, birth of my son, my sins and God's forgiveness of them
January 22nd: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded: my husband's dress shirts, my daughter's hair, hands after prayer
January 23rd: 3 gifts found in Christ: Love, Forgiveness, Patience 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!!!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TO MY PRECIOUS NOAH BUG! 

I will never forget the day our midwife told us you were going to be a little boy. Your Daddy was so excited to know he was going to have a little "mini me" following him around! All I can remember is squeezing your Dad's hand, laughing and crying, and thanking God for you. From the moment I found out you were going to be our firstborn up to this day, I knew/know that God has special plans for you. 

January 21st, 2011...I finally met you, sweet boy, and fell in love with you the second they laid you in my arms. I will never forget the way you looked up at me...and almost smiled, even though you were only a couple hours old. (Sadly, Mama didn't get to hold you until a couple hours after your birth because I had an emergency c-section) 

                                          I can't believe how much you've changed, sweet angel. 

Happy Birthday!

Counting Blessings

    Woke up this morning around 5am with a killer migraine; two Excedrin and a cup of coffee later, it’s still lingering. Any light at all is excruciatingly painful but by the grace of God, I managed to drag myself out of bed and take care of the kids. I felt terrible because I had to keep telling Noah “Mommy’s head hurts, buddy. I just need to lay on the couch for a few minutes.”  He then would look at me with those adorable, big, blue eyes and say “peas, Mama?”  (please, Mom?)  I prayed to God to give me the strength to make it through the morning and, I did.  I normally don’t put the kids down for their naps until around noon, but at 10 this morning I was like, ok, babies…quiet time for an hour. I don’t really force my two year to take a nap because sometimes he doesn’t really need one. Instead, I set aside an hour each day that he has to spend in his room, quietly playing or ‘reading’ his books. He seems to really like it and it gives me an hour to get household duties accomplished, or resting with this headache. The migraine went away, but now I’m left with this soreness in my head…something I get each time I have one.

     I still feel so blessed, though. God gave me the strength I needed to take care of my babies even though I could barely open my eyes without feeling sick. He has blessed us so much, it’s impossible to keep track of it all. J  In fact, yesterday, we were able to do our taxes and found out we are getting enough back to pay off almost all of our credit card debt…which was quite a substantial amount due to the debt we racked up during college. Our cards were used for books, meals, and paying towards our school loans…so you can just imagine the hole we had dug for ourselves. It’s nice to be out of that hole finally and building up a savings account finally; not just for ourselves, but one for our kids. That account won’t be touched until they graduate from high school and then it will be divided evenly among them. 

     Anyways, got a little off track there; just got caught up in counting blessings.  I’ve been studying the book of Joshua recently and I am reminded that I am commissioned to dwell in God’s word.  God, through the book of Joshua, states

⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1; 8)

    Well, it’s off of here for now. Going to go do my bible study before the kid’s quiet time is finished. Hope each of you has a blessed day and a great weekend. Tomorrow morning we leave for Gatlingburg. It’s also Noah’s 2^nd birthday; we are taking him to Ripley’s aquarium to see the fishies!! 

Engagement Photos

   My sister in law has been sweet enough to let me do her engagement photos. I will be adding the best ones to my portfolio. I can't believe how quickly I'm getting this together. I thought it would take FOREVER  to build up my experience but the Lord is really working in all of this. I don't know His full plan for getting this business together, but I know that it is definitely a God thing. Praising Him for every blessing. So excited to see the plans He has for me, my family, this business, and all other aspects of my life. 

God is Bigger than my Problems

     Woke up this morning to two big grins and lots of giggling from my little ones. Just seeing their happy countenances reminded me that I should be joyful in all that I do. And if I'm doing everything in the name of the Lord, and truly letting Him work through me, I will be JOYFUL. God is so much bigger than any problems I might face today. Praying that each of my readers has a very blessed day. 

Multitudes Mondays

10. A gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's just right:  Lemons, Cake, A cup of coffee from my hubby
11. 3 yellow things that strike you as as fresh mercy: Sunshine, yellow roses, my son's golden hair
12. something above you, something below you, something beside you: The roof over my head, our new rug, my hubby and son
13. 3 sounds you hear: Toy Story 2, Noah talking to his Daddy, toy game
14. 3 ways you glimpsed the startling grace of God: my daughter kissed me for the first time, starting my photography business (a feat I didn't think possible), the Lord blessed us with money to take our son on a birthday trip
15. one thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared: new high heels, cd with pictures on it, the word of God with my babies
16. 3 ways you witnessed happiness today: my kids playing nicely together, giggling children, husband is excited to take me on a date today


     So many blessings I've overlooked this week. I spent the week with an overwhelming feeling of boredom, which sounds crazy, because I have two little ones to keep up with. I know a lot of it has to do with the cabin fever we are all experiencing. I am so thankful for the cold weather and I see it as a blessing from God. But, in my selfish human way, I am counting down the days until warm weather; when our kids can get outside and run and play without dealing with cold fingers, toes and noses!  God is good and I am blessed beyond belief.

Photography by Raquel

    Currently trying to start up a photography business. Right now I'm just getting my portfolio together so I will only be charging for my time/materials for the next few months. If anyone is interested in having their photos done, sent me an email:
rlspitzer@mail.roanoke.edu




Click here for a sample of my work:
http://photographybyraquel.blogspot.com/

Parties and Pictures

     Yesterday went really well. By the time the party was over I went straight into the photo shoot while hubby took the kids over to a friend's house. Needless to say, I was exhausted. Noah had a fantastic time celebrating his 2nd birthday with friends and family. We are so blessed to have a network of amazing people in our lives. Here are a few pictures from our day...

Noah Bug

     Woke up this morning feeling so blessed by the Holy Spirit. Spent the morning playing with my kids enjoying the reminders from God that He is my amazing creator; the beauty of the sun shining through our window warming my skin, the sounds of giggles echoing throughout our home, and the joy in knowing that my husband is blessed to have the weekends off.  I just want to shout it to the rooftops that my God is everything...and without Him, I am nothing. 
     This morning we are off to Pet Smart to buy Noah Bug his very first pet...a FISH! He has fallen in love with them almost as much as he has "choos" and we think this is a great first step in teaching him responsibility. He will be responsible for feeding his fishy and will get to help Mommy and Daddy clean the fish bowl. This is one of his birthday gifts as today we are having a birthday party for him (the first party this week...he has another one Friday-talked about BLESSED). All morning long he keeps asking about his "peasants" (presents) and it is the most adorable thing ever.
      I spend today remembering the week before giving birth to our first; the nervousness and excitement that came during that period of waiting. The preparation that went into making sure all the details were finished, the bags were packed, and begging my midwife to go ahead and induce me. She refused saying that the longer the baby was in my belly, the better, so I waited until January 20th when I went in to be induced. They started me on pitossin around noon that day and I labored until 2pm when they broke my water. I had hard contractions until around 5pm when they gave me my first epidural (talk about HEAVEN) and labored until 9pm when my epidural wore off. I then spent the next three hours in complete misery as my contractions were coming every two minutes and extremely painful...a feeling I will never forget. I knew something was wrong because after laboring for 12 hours I still hadn't dialated past 3 1/2 centimeters, so my midwife ordered an emergency c-section. My son entered this world at 1:57am on January 21st, 2010...and my life hasn't been the same since. *big grin*  I can't imagine life before my little Bug and as I spend my days keeping up with him and his baby sister (a gift born to us only 13 1/2 months after her brother made his appearance) I am continuously reminded of the love of Christ! 
   

Emotions Equal Confusion

"Women are made to be loved, not understood."

~Oscar Wilde~

     The quote describes my mood perfectly. I've been an emotional wreck today and I honestly have no clue why. But, I can explain it away with the oh so popular phrase, "I'm a girl!"  In other words, sometimes our emotions gather together and take on a life of their own, getting in the way of our true selves. It's on days like these that I have to constantly remind myself that God created me in HIS image. I am forced to live with sin, as it's impossible to escape while living outside of Heaven, but God loves me regardless. I feel so guilty when I start sobbing over what seems to be nothing, but through constant prayer, I've begun to learn that the "nothing" I feel is actually "something"; simply that I haven't quite discovered what lies behind it. So, tonight I'm praying that God will work through me to use these emotions in a positive way. Sometimes when I get overly emotional I snap at my husband, my kids, friends etc...and that makes me feel even worse. I want to be the loving, joyful woman God created me to be...and with His help, I know that I can be. Life on this Earth can be so tough sometimes; not to mention confusing, haha. :-)  I know this was a pretty random post but it was on my heart. Writing really has a way of lifting my spirits. Praying that each of you has a blessed Wednesday. 

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Can't believe how much our little girl looks like me! 

Daily Grace

    As I started my Multitudes Mondays post it made me realize how many blessings I overlook each day. Most of the time I take the multitudes given to me for granted. Reading over the list I realize that even the simplest things in life are gifts from the Lord. For example, I am blessed with having a cell phone. So many people don't even have a home to live in, let alone a phone, but yet, I constantly take that for granted. Yesterday, we drove by the Samaritan Inn, a place in downtown Roanoke devoted to feeding and clothing the homeless and poor. My heart broke in half to see so many homeless families including many small children. I (only half) jokingly said to my husband, "I want to adopt the homeless!"  I even felt guilty in knowing that I was going to go home and enjoy the warmth, the food in the refrigerator and a hot shower later that evening. Most of the people standing outside the Samaritan Inn didn't even have blankets to keep warm. And I spend some days worrying and obsessing over what I'm going to cook for dinner. Instead, I simply need to bow my head, close my eyes, and thank God above for providing for us in every way. 


"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6; 25-34

The Joy Dare

One Thousand Gifts in 2012



January 1st-Three things about yourself you are thankful for: My vision, my walk with Christ, and my love of learning


January 2nd-A gift outside, inside, on a plate: play area behind our apartment building, pitter patter of little feet, cupcake from a friend


January 3rd-3 lines you overheard that were graces: "please, mama" "I love you" "An anonymous donor paid your electric bill for December. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"


January 4th-one gift old, new, and blue: Salvation, Camera, Voucher for a date night with hubby (written in blue ink)


January 5th-Something you're reading, you're making, you're seeing: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, crayon creations with my Noah, the smile on my son's face


January 6th-One thing in your bad, your fridge, your heart: Diapers, leftovers, a desire to strengthen my walk with Christ


January 7th-3 graces from people you love: Apologies, Understanding, Love for the Lord


January 8th-light that caught you, a reflection that surprised you, a shadow that fell lovely 

January 9th-a gift in your hand, a gift you walked by, a gift you sat with: my cell phone, our car, my daughter

CHOO CHOO

Visited the Transportation Museum in Roanoke today. It was a hit!!! 

Momisms

Saw this and giggled. It's amazing how many of these phrases I've already used on my own kids. I always said it would never happen, but I think I might be turning into my Mother! :-)

My New Years Resolution

   

Romans 12:12 

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

 PATIENT    The verse above is the one I've chosen  as my verse of the year. I got the idea from a blogger friend over at To Show Them Jesus. I have spent the last year worrying constantly over every little thing and relying on myself when I should have been putting all faith and trust in God.  It's only been during the past month that I've immediately turned to face Christ when problems arise and I can promise you that life has been made easier because of it. Not that life is ever really easy this side of Heaven, but knowing that I have God guiding me in working out my problems takes the weight off my shoulders and the worry out of my heart. 
 JOYFUL...as I begin this year I will have joy in knowing that God is leading me where I should go. I will follow in His footsteps and TRUST Him with relationships, finances, struggles of parenting and so much more. I will rely on Him throughout EVERY. SINGLE. SITUATION. This year will not be an easy one and I know that. We are quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my father in law's passing. I know this will be hard on so many people that I love, as well as myself. I find myself praying daily that God will work through me and provide me with the ability to comfort those around me. But also this year, we face many celebrations...Chuck is with Christ in Heaven. I smile as I typed those words. Although we miss him greatly, he is talking with Jesus, singing with angels, constantly praising God. What a place to live for eternity!!! I can't wait to walk through those pearly gates into the arms of Jesus and of all the loved ones who are already there with Him. Also this year, we celebrate the birth of our two precious babies. Noah turns two this month (January 21st) and baby Haleigh turns one on March 30th. Life passes by so quickly and I want to focus on having JOY throughout the upcoming year. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I want my approach to be glass half FULL.
FAITHFUL   This is probably the most difficult one for me. I always seem to find reasons for being too busy to study my bible and converse with my Savior. And in reality, I have more than enough time to devote to strengthening my walk. This year I want to pray diligently and earnestly seek the Lord. In doing this, I know that I will be greatly rewarded. 

Haleigh Marie

     Took baby girl to the doctor today for her 9 month checkup. Needless to say, it went wonderfully. She has gained two pounds (now weighing in at 15 pounds) since her last visit and is two inches longer (26 inches).    I couldn't get over it, but while we were there, Haleigh kept mimicking almost everything the doctor was saying. He would say a phrase and then she would try her best to repeat it. He looked at me and said that Haleigh was one of most advanced babies he had seen. Which, of course, brought a huge smile to my face. And then, on top of that, he said, and I quote "Don't be going and trading in this Mama for a new Mama. She is doing a great job with you!"  I almost started crying at the compliment. I'm not good at many things but being a Mommy to my babies is something I have never had a problem excelling at. They are just so darn cute...and I love them so much.  And of course, we ended our visit with a shot, but Halebop handled it like a champ, only crying for a few minutes. I figure she has to be tough to keep up with her big brother. :-)  
    Speaking of brother, Noah is doing very well, too. We are currently working on getting him to use "please and thank you" instead of fussing or whining to get his way. He actually is doing quite well with it, too. Just this morning he said, "milk peaze" (milk, please). I love that he is talking in sentences...it makes life so much easier these days. And last night, Caleb had forgotten to shave his face the night before so he had a bit of scruff...well, he went to kiss Noah Bug goodnight and Noah started laughing. Caleb asked him what was wrong and he said, "Itches, Dada!" and pointed to his chin. That kid cracks me up. I can't imagine life without my two precious babies. 
     Anyways, I'm going to get off of here now. I'm going to relax for a few minutes while the kids are down for their naps. Ciao!!

Pitiful

     Currently snuggled up in my robe lounging on the couch. I've felt totally crummy today and it stinks. I haven't even had the energy to play with the kids and that always makes me feel bad. Caleb took the kids out to Wal*Mart with him to get Mommy some medicine. I'm pitiful, lol. :-)  Didn't stay up last night to bring in the New Year as I was super tired and I figured the kids would have us up early this morning. To my surprise, and delight, they slept until 8:45!  It was so nice to get a good night's sleep finally. Even though this New Year has started off with me being sick I can't wait to see what this year holds. I am so excited to see the plans God has for me and my family.