My Little Ladybug!

I am so truly blessed and thankful for everything God has done in my life! There's a long list of things to be grateful for! I have diligently prayed and asked for things to happen and He has made them come to pass! 


I have been seeing a midwife, Quincy Bates, and my husband and I decided on a Home Birth! I'm super excited! I don't feel stressed, worried, or overwhelmed with drs, nurses, or hospitals. So far I've only had two appointments...and each one has been wonderful. No waiting, no hassles, no pressure, ask all the questions I want, on-on-one care, and so personable. Another exciting part was having an ultrasound tech. come to my house and do my ultrasound! It was so cool! Lois Field, was such a profession, fun, exciting, and overall wonderful lady. She did the full anatomy scan and measurements, then played around with images. For the grand finale of it all...I'M HAVING A GIRL!!!!! I'm so thrilled to know that she was healthy and everything was great! 


I'm super excited to dress and doll up my little ladybug! Since, I have a thing with ladybugs...I've decided to call her that until we pick a name. I'm hoping to have a ladybug themed shower which will be thrown by my dear friend, Kelli. I've already spent some of the day looking, pinning (for pinterest), and researching tons of ideas. I have the best of both worlds! One adorably rambunctious boy and one girl to be welcomed! I couldn't have asked for more, better time, or better order!


Speaking of my little boy! He's growing, learning, and maturing right before my eyes everyday! He learning more and more words, ABCs, numbers, real-play (like gardening, pet care, cooking), and drawing. It's such a blessing to be home with him and watch all the areas of his growth. He's going to be such a wonderful big brother! 


Other then my babies...my life has been pretty busy planing events for two wonderful friends...I'm planning a bridal shower for Kelli, which will be this coming up weekend. I'm also helping with wedding stuff which will be in May. In June will be my dear friend, Jen's baby shower! Then Jen's due in July. My shower will probably be in July...then I'm due in August. Whew...talk about one busy mama (and family). I'm also hoping to have my family/maternity photo session done in May/June. Oh and in all the mean while...maintain my Etsy shop. Which I'm excited to say I finally launched my new Catnip Square "Mice" toys last week! Whoo Hoo! Praise be to God for all the strength and wisdom I need to get everything done!


Lord,
You are so amazing in all You do! Thank you for all your many blessings and answered prayers! May you continue to give me the strength to accomplish all that needs to be done in my near future and present time.  Protect my loving family and friends everyday! And may you use me to show them Your wonderful works.  Amen

Was Taking a Break

It's been some time since my last post. I've been taking a break from everything. Also, during my break I was dealing with morning sickness, the start of terrible two's, the hubby busy with work, and all the difficulties of doctors, insurance companies, and lab work. Whew! Was that interesting. When I was pregnant with my son, I had different insurance...and everything was simple and easy. This time around on the other hand has been the complete opposite. I learned no matter what, to keep being persistent in the situation. Things are finally looking up. Started crafting again, taking better care of my house, staying focused, and spending more time with family and friends. It's been extremely fun and kept be busy!


For those who are following...I'm sorry for the long gaps in-between posts. Now that things are somewhat back into swing, I'll try to become better about sooner posts. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I also updated my Etsy blog, so if your interested...stop by and check it out. www.blogger.com/snugglewithlove


Dear Lord, Thank you so much for showing me my many life lessons. Thank you for giving me the strength, wisdom, and knowledge that I needed to get through them. You are truly amazing! I also wanted to thank you for your many blessings in my life.                  Amen

A New Blessing!

As it says..."ask and you shall receive"...well I did! I asked God to help my dear best friend become pregnant...God answered! Then I asked God for me to become pregnant around the same time...God answered that too! God is amazing! I didn't think my prayers would be answered so quickly...but they did and it's wonderful! I'm so truly blessed! My son will have two new playmates! I'm so excited to share this experience at the same time as my best friend. We can converse back and forth our daily symptoms, emotions, challenges, and whatever else. She is almost nine weeks...and I'm almost six weeks along...talk about quickly answered! I'm so excited for our little blessings coming our way. Thank you Lord!


Lord, Thank you so much for quickly answering my prayers! You truly are amazing! You knew the desires of my heart. May you please continue to bless our families and guide us in your ways! May my friend and I have safe, enjoyable, easy, and safe pregnancies. May everything go well along the way! Thank you for this beautiful day you have given us and for your many blessings.                             Amen

It's Been Awhile!

I've been meaning to blog...but one thing leads to another and I get caught up in all my daily work, and every time I try to sit and write...I forget what I wanted to say. I always get inspired about something to write and then poof...it was just a thought that came and went. My mind has been too busy thinking of other things. I've also been super busy creating items for the craft fair which is almost here! It's been one huge learning process for me. Someone once told me, "If you ask for patience...you'll be tested. If you ask for something...you'll be tested some how." And how true that has been! I have been asking for strength, wisdom, patience, and many other things along the way...and I have been tested all the way. But I am so grateful that I have such encouraging, loving, caring, and understanding family and friends through it all. (And of course God is always on my side) I recently read in a devotional God's Calling by A. J. Russell these encouraging words:


New Forces
 Remember that life's difficulties and troubles are not intended to arrest your progress, but to increase your speed. You must call new forces, new powers into action.
 Whatever it must be surmounted, overcome. Remember this.
 It is as a race. Nothing must daunt you. Do not let a difficulty conquer you. You must conquer it.
 My strength will be there awaiting you. Bring all you thought, all your power, into action. Nothing is too small to be faced and overcome. To push small difficulties aside is to be preparing big troubles.
 Rise to conquer. It is the path of victory I would have you tread. There can be no failure with Me. 
 "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before presence of His glory with exceeding Joy..." 


Even through all the trials and difficulties there is some good and wonderful thing. There has been lots of wonderful things happening along the way. It's so wonderful, mysterious, confusing, questioning, and yet enticing about how God works things out. I know we all at some point ask God, "Why?" One day we will know God's perfect plan. Until then...we will all sit back and wonder. 


Lord, thank You for all Your marvelous works and plans for us. I know to many (including myself) wonder why certain things happen for a reason...and I know we may never know, but give us the ability to see the Joy in them. Continue to guide us in Your ways. Thank You so much for blessing me with such wonderful, loving, caring, and understanding family and friends. May You guide me in how I can return the favor.    Amen 

Perfect Timing!

God is truly amazing! I was feeling overwhelmed, achy, and just plain old poopy...then I read my devotional. And what do you know? The messages were perfect for me today! If I give God thanks no matter what the situation is in my life...then I will experience God's peace! Here are the verses that were in the message that really spoke to me and helped encourage me. 

John 16:33

New King James Version (NKJV)

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will^[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Like I mentioned...perfect timing! Sometimes we focus and get stuck on what's going wrong and the trials that we forget that God truly is in control. He knows when we need peace, rest, and little reminders throughout the day to be joyful.

After reading these verses and thinking about them over a wonderful cup of coffee...I feel so much better! I'm still going to force myself today to stop and relax for a bit...maybe even take a little nap.

Lord, thank You for this day and blessing us with Your encouraging words. You care so much about me that You are giving me little wonderful reminders that I need rest, peace, and a thankful attitude. I know I get stuck thinking about everything that needs to get done and feel overwhelmed by it...thank You for all those reminders along the way. And remind me that my work is never done in vain. Also, thank You for always protecting and guiding my family and friends.                        Amen 

Brain on Over-Drive

Have you had those days when you feel like your on over-drive? Well...I've been that way for a few weeks now. I enjoy being so busy...keeps my hands and mind busy as well. I'm so excited about the up coming craft fair. I hope and pray I do great! Doing this craft fair is such a huge leap of faith. I'm learning so much as I go. I learning how to manage my time better, mange my money and investments, research better, and how far I can push my limits in creating. 


Other then getting ready for the fair...helped my dear friends move, helped another dear friend pick her beautiful wedding dress, trying to always keep up with my son (who is now walking), and juggling daily tasks. Whew! Talk about one busy lady...right? Right. Although I seem to be slacking in spending time or communicating with family. It's been difficult to do everything. 


This Friday is my husband's birthday! Hoping to make him a pie or do something simple yet special for him this weekend. He's such a hard working man...he deserves to have a wonderful weekend! 


Finally fall is in the air! Time to bring out the jeans, boots, jackets, and cute hats for the season! I love wearing my boots and hats! Last night I made the first stew of the season. It was so yummy! Everyone had seconds! Also, during meal-times...teaching the "little man" how to use utensils, bowls, and plates. It's quite messy! He really seems to like his new plates better than the bowls. He's growing and learning so fast...it blows my mind! He's figured out when certain game or TV controllers don't work, knows how to manipulate the iPhone, tease and chase the pets, and walk! His walking is improving everyday, yet he still favors crawling. He knows that he can crawl around quicker! So glad that I decided to baby-proof the house way before he got moving. Well...I better get a move on some more sewing and dishes. 


Lord, Thank You for this beautiful day You have blessed me with! You are amazing! May you continue to protect and teach my family of your loving ways. Thank you for giving my the ability to make my sewing creations. I pray that I will be successful! Give me the strength, courage, and wisdom I need to get everything I need ready for the fair.                           Amen

Life Happens!

It seems like forever since I've written last. I've been busy...I know, I know...I always say that right? Don't we all say that? It's like a generic phrase that most of us say...but it's true for most. I've been focusing on spending more time with teaching my little one and being with family and friends. My computer will always be here, housework will always need to get done, errands run, and so on...but it's important to put things special in our lives first like: our walk with God, family, and friends. I've been feeling much more satisfied with my day knowing I put God, family, and friends first. At times it's very hard to juggle the whole mix together and try to get everything imaginable done. I wish I could be SuperMom! But I'm not...just a regular and practical mom trying to stay afloat while juggling everything. I seem to be doing alright. 


I do wish my Etsy shop (Snuggle With Love) would pick up in business more. I have heard from several other sellers that things take time (even up to a year) just to get your items, name, and shop out there. Whew...talk about patience on my part! God's been really teaching me that through my shop and with my munchkin...especially the munchkin. He's discovered the screaming for some time now for when he wants something. Ugh! At times, I try really hard to ignore it...and other times it drives me nuts. I'm unsure how to really go about it. I've read all kinds of ways...but none seem to work to well. I guess over time he'll understand. Well...off I go...nap time is over. 


Lord, thank You for this beautiful day You have blessed us with. Thank You for continuing to give me the courage, wisdom, and patience to get through each and everyday. Continue to guide and protect my family and friends.                                       Amen