Happy New Year, Indeed

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Welcome, New Year. I have to say that I am very glad to see the New Year roll in. There is so much expectation that goes along with a new year. What blessings will await us this year? What struggles might we have? How will the Lord reveal himself to us? What good will we do for His kingdom? Which lives will we impact? I'm ready, Lord!
I have to say that 2012 took its toll on me. We suffered a miscarriage in March and then again in June.  Miscarriage changes you. Praise the Lord that after some pretty scary depression, He used this awful experience to draw me unto Him- To show me that He loves me, is and always will be my "keeper." The thing about miscarriage, the thing I never want to forget is that "it's not about the babies you have and it's not about the babies you will have. It's about that baby. The one you will never hold, kiss, or tell 'I love you!'"  I pray that I will be able to use this to help other women in their pain.
Not that 2012 was all bad. There were lots of blessings. Our family stayed healthy, minus a couple bouts of strep throat for sweet Liza and a touch of bronchitis for Greg. God brought us new people in our lives to love and allowed us to love those we already had a little longer. Izzie started pre-k and is doing fabulous! Liza is potty trained! Our marriage is strong and healthy. My band kids have had a successful year. Greg and I finished reading the Bible for the very first time. Izzie talks about "Jesus in her heart" often. Lots and lots of good stuff!
We started trying to get pregnant in August, but it just wasn't the Lord's timing. Month after month and no baby. I had people ask me daily when we were going to have another baby. Although I never said it aloud, my heart screamed," I have had 2 miscarriage this year. I am raw inside and out. I would give anything to have another baby. But God is the only one who makes life, and he has told us to wait!"
God is faithful! This morning I had a positive pregnancy test at approximately 450am! It was light, very light! I had to examine it very closely to be sure. I got down on my face right there in the bathroom and thanked God. I'm not scared. Not at all. This child's life has been ordained by God! Greg, however, is a little gunshy. Can't say that I blame him. Miscarriage was just as hard on him as it was for me. Pray for him, won't you? God is speaking to my spirit. His peace and his goodness are amazing. The same spirit who spoke to me to tell me that our baby would not make it back in May, tells me that this one is perfect and will be used in God's kingdom! All I can say is THANK YOU. PRAISE THE LORD!

The Big News

So, I guess we are telling!  We are getting a new baby sometime in early September.  Some people have guessed, and we thought it would be prudent to tell the girls tonight.  We've had 2 great ultrasounds, and our newest little addition is doing awesome! 

Liza's 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated Liza's 3rd birthday yesterday with a cowgirl/cowboy party! 

We started the party by issuing all our little 'partners an iridescent cowboy/girl hat.  We took them to the table and glued jewels to the top and all around the brim.  (Sorry there are no pictures, I was a little busy helping our little 2-5 year olds with this project). 

We ate cup cake and hay bales (rice krispie treats,) and cactus (white chocolate dipped pretzels with green sugar.)  The cactus were a big hit even with our pickiest big sister. 

We played pin the tail on the donkey.  Most of the tails ended up above the animal, but Sarah Rene got it pretty close, so she won the grand prize ( M&M's.)

Liza had a blast opening the gifts, which were mostly Minnie Mouse items.  She got dolls, and a play camera, a play cellphone, and a Minnie Mouse yacht.  The toys were hot items, and none of our little girls/ guys were big on sharing. ;)  Overall it was a great party!  Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!