When I woke this morning and began thinking about all I needed to do today, the first thing was pay the credit card that I forgot to pay last night. I went ahead and paid it right then. But it just got me to thinking how much longer will we live this tight? Taxes hit hard this year, and I finally think we have recovered and now it's time for termite renewal and Terminix yearly payments and registration renewal all this month. What else? I begin thinking to myself...stay out of Target this week, stay home so I don't have to get gas as often, and so on. I got ready for church and the boys and I went. Late of course, but so were a few other teachers so I didn't feel as bad!! :) Almost immediately as I got in church and began singing, the Lord spoke to me. I felt him saying, "Do not worry about what you have to do. Bless and thank me for what you have. I have and continue to provide for your family." Right then, I stopped and thanked him for my blessings. Church was good, and on the way home I got a text from a friend needing Spark. To me, this was just reassurance of our needs being taken care of. We are very blessed and I am humbled by the season of the life we are living. Time is special to us right now and these moments with these boys are priceless.
I hope when you read this post that you needed to hear this too. Don't waste this day worrying about tomorrow. It does NO good. We are too blessed to be stressed. We met Mark after church and headed to the zoo for the afternoon. It was hot, but fun and free because we already had a zoo membership. Prayers for a good week!
~Amber
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Mommy & Me Time
This month Mark is working a crazy amount of hours, so the boys and I have been having a lot of quality time together. No school or anything we have to do and it's been nice! We went swimming a few times last week, babysat a sweet baby one morning, made cookies to take to the hospital for Daddy and his friends, had blizzards to support the Children's Hospital, and made it back to the gym...finally! This afternoon we went to the movies and saw "Planes." It was cute, but Anderson was finished when his belly got full of popcorn. Plus, we had been going to the $1 movies over the summer and they weren't very busy. Well today it was busy and he didn't know how to react to someone sitting next to him. They are enjoying Mark working so much because that gives them a few nights a week to sleep with me! I don't complain because I enjoy the company.
They had a wonderful time, or so it sounds, in Louisiana with out me. They came home with a lot of loot from various family members! My conference was good and it was fun to get back in the swing of teacher mode even if it is part time. However, it was way in the country with horrible cell service, scary sleeping arrangements, and the food was cafeteria style (ick!!!) So happy that I packed my own snack bag and plenty of water. I just don't do well with all of that. But overall, it was nice and sponsored by the Baptist Convention so super sweet people! I met Mom half way Sunday to get the boys since I was 5 finishing Saturday. The drive is LONG. And I say I am open minded about fellowships and a permanent spot, but boy that sometimes narrows my decision after making the trip. I know we won't go any further than 11 hours or at least I pray! It's exciting to think that next October we will know something, but that also means we will be closer to having to say good-bye to our friends here. That, I am not looking forward to.
I went last Tuesday for my 2 week check-up and all was great. I can't say enough what a super doctor I have here. The boys have still been asking about the baby. Bently wants to know when we can see him again and why the doctor gave him to Jesus. Anderson just says that since I don't have a baby in my tummy then I can carry him! Love the way they each think so differently.
We took them to get a fish this week. They had a gift card left over from last birthday and since it's almost been a year...we decided we best use it! Mark wanted to dive in to a bigger aquarium, but i knew if I couldn't keep one fish alive, a big something would be a waste. So Goofy and Charlie Brown were welcomed Tuesday evening. Charlie Brown died Wednesday!!! Not sure what happened, but Goofy is going strong!
We have one more week until school starts for me, so I'm looking forward to more Mommy time this week. If Mark gets rest tonight, we plan to go to the zoo tomorrow afternoon. If not, I'll just take sometime this week. I hope all of you reading are having a nice weekend. We love you and miss you!
They had a wonderful time, or so it sounds, in Louisiana with out me. They came home with a lot of loot from various family members! My conference was good and it was fun to get back in the swing of teacher mode even if it is part time. However, it was way in the country with horrible cell service, scary sleeping arrangements, and the food was cafeteria style (ick!!!) So happy that I packed my own snack bag and plenty of water. I just don't do well with all of that. But overall, it was nice and sponsored by the Baptist Convention so super sweet people! I met Mom half way Sunday to get the boys since I was 5 finishing Saturday. The drive is LONG. And I say I am open minded about fellowships and a permanent spot, but boy that sometimes narrows my decision after making the trip. I know we won't go any further than 11 hours or at least I pray! It's exciting to think that next October we will know something, but that also means we will be closer to having to say good-bye to our friends here. That, I am not looking forward to.
I went last Tuesday for my 2 week check-up and all was great. I can't say enough what a super doctor I have here. The boys have still been asking about the baby. Bently wants to know when we can see him again and why the doctor gave him to Jesus. Anderson just says that since I don't have a baby in my tummy then I can carry him! Love the way they each think so differently.
We took them to get a fish this week. They had a gift card left over from last birthday and since it's almost been a year...we decided we best use it! Mark wanted to dive in to a bigger aquarium, but i knew if I couldn't keep one fish alive, a big something would be a waste. So Goofy and Charlie Brown were welcomed Tuesday evening. Charlie Brown died Wednesday!!! Not sure what happened, but Goofy is going strong!
We have one more week until school starts for me, so I'm looking forward to more Mommy time this week. If Mark gets rest tonight, we plan to go to the zoo tomorrow afternoon. If not, I'll just take sometime this week. I hope all of you reading are having a nice weekend. We love you and miss you!
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| Big Boys at the dentist while they got their teeth cleaned! |
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| My Native American combo at the conference! |
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| Babysitting Silas! |
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| Basketball at Chuck-e-Cheese |
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| Swimming fun!! |
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| Making homemade pizza! |
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Baby Shrub Brown Banks
This afternoon has been a sad one for me, so I thought there is no better way to get over it than to share my thoughts and our story of this sweet baby. For those that don't know yet, we lost him/her (I believe it was a he) last Friday morning early.
Before we moved last year, we met with our fertility doctors about using one of our frozen embryos late last year. When i called to start everything last October, I found out that LSU was revamping their program and I wouldn't be able to get in for a transfer in December. So we decided to transfer them out here to us. So as of now, our other 3 babies are here in Augusta with us! I had hoped to start the process in December, but timing wasn't right and all happened while they were off for Christmas. I was bummed because I knew with my body that it could be another 2 months before I was ready again. January came and God had another plan. I started and we started treatment. Several months of ups and downs and medicine and money and come late March we decided to take a break. After several planned transfers not going through, I couldn't physically or emotionally take any more at the time. We knew we had a busy summer and you must commit to this process. You are at the doctor several times during each week. So we talked and decided come September we would begin again. I was happy because we had a plan again.
Come May, I had a funny feeling that I may possibly be pregnant. I was late again (which to me was no surprise) but just felt funny. I decided to take a test and sure enough it was positive. I called a friend to check it out too just to make sure. I kept to myself for a few days and finally broke down and told Mark. It was another special Mother's Day gift! How could it be? How did this happen? I felt so undeserving, but was elated! We wanted to wait to share until we heard a heartbeat and knew all was well. We went June 3 and there it was. A sweet baby with a strong heart. The boys went with us. I was further along that what he/she was measuring, so they moved my date back a few weeks. I visited with high risk the 24th and all looked great too! We announced at the beach when we saw my family for the first time in a few months. I had more sickness with this one than I had with either boy. I was tired. And I wanted salt! I went for a check up on 9th and saw the baby again. After leaving, I began cramping and feeling funny. I went back in that Friday to reassure myself. Saturday night, I began bleeding and we went to the hospital. I again saw the baby and that was the last time until I had the miscarriage. It was tough to bleed all week long and try to stay strong. I kept hoping it was blood clots or something crazy, but Friday morning I knew. We saw our sweet baby and don't know why it ended this way. I am so thankful Mark had not left for work and was there for me. I had a peace and never asked God why he took this child from me. I know there was a reason. And I know that I will see him/her again when I get to heaven. I have tried to stay strong. But telling Bently that the baby had gone to heaven was not easy. His question was how did it get from my stomach to Jesus. I replied with I am going to the doctor Monday and he will take it from me there.
Luckily my Mom has come to stay. It's helped having her here keeping my mind off of things. She left to take them to a movie a little while ago and I fell to pieces being here by myself. I know that girls go through this all the time, but I have a whole different level of appreciation for them now.
The good that has come from this. I know God is faithful and we will have a baby in our arms again one day. I love that his brother named him and that we had not found out yet, so that name remains. I love that I had a great ultrasound picture of him. I'm thankful that I had not bought one thing, so I have nothing to save or take back. We have amazing friends here. They have called, checked in while I was in hospital, and brought food. God has once again put us in a place that we needed to be.
I hope this wasn't too graphic for anyone, but I needed to get off of my shoulders! Love to all and we appreciate your prayers.
Before we moved last year, we met with our fertility doctors about using one of our frozen embryos late last year. When i called to start everything last October, I found out that LSU was revamping their program and I wouldn't be able to get in for a transfer in December. So we decided to transfer them out here to us. So as of now, our other 3 babies are here in Augusta with us! I had hoped to start the process in December, but timing wasn't right and all happened while they were off for Christmas. I was bummed because I knew with my body that it could be another 2 months before I was ready again. January came and God had another plan. I started and we started treatment. Several months of ups and downs and medicine and money and come late March we decided to take a break. After several planned transfers not going through, I couldn't physically or emotionally take any more at the time. We knew we had a busy summer and you must commit to this process. You are at the doctor several times during each week. So we talked and decided come September we would begin again. I was happy because we had a plan again.
Come May, I had a funny feeling that I may possibly be pregnant. I was late again (which to me was no surprise) but just felt funny. I decided to take a test and sure enough it was positive. I called a friend to check it out too just to make sure. I kept to myself for a few days and finally broke down and told Mark. It was another special Mother's Day gift! How could it be? How did this happen? I felt so undeserving, but was elated! We wanted to wait to share until we heard a heartbeat and knew all was well. We went June 3 and there it was. A sweet baby with a strong heart. The boys went with us. I was further along that what he/she was measuring, so they moved my date back a few weeks. I visited with high risk the 24th and all looked great too! We announced at the beach when we saw my family for the first time in a few months. I had more sickness with this one than I had with either boy. I was tired. And I wanted salt! I went for a check up on 9th and saw the baby again. After leaving, I began cramping and feeling funny. I went back in that Friday to reassure myself. Saturday night, I began bleeding and we went to the hospital. I again saw the baby and that was the last time until I had the miscarriage. It was tough to bleed all week long and try to stay strong. I kept hoping it was blood clots or something crazy, but Friday morning I knew. We saw our sweet baby and don't know why it ended this way. I am so thankful Mark had not left for work and was there for me. I had a peace and never asked God why he took this child from me. I know there was a reason. And I know that I will see him/her again when I get to heaven. I have tried to stay strong. But telling Bently that the baby had gone to heaven was not easy. His question was how did it get from my stomach to Jesus. I replied with I am going to the doctor Monday and he will take it from me there.
Luckily my Mom has come to stay. It's helped having her here keeping my mind off of things. She left to take them to a movie a little while ago and I fell to pieces being here by myself. I know that girls go through this all the time, but I have a whole different level of appreciation for them now.
The good that has come from this. I know God is faithful and we will have a baby in our arms again one day. I love that his brother named him and that we had not found out yet, so that name remains. I love that I had a great ultrasound picture of him. I'm thankful that I had not bought one thing, so I have nothing to save or take back. We have amazing friends here. They have called, checked in while I was in hospital, and brought food. God has once again put us in a place that we needed to be.
I hope this wasn't too graphic for anyone, but I needed to get off of my shoulders! Love to all and we appreciate your prayers.
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| Only bump picture taken the Friday before I lost him. |
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| Baby Shrub Brown! |
Boy It's Been Awhile..
Forgive me for not posting the past few months. Life has been busy and I honestly was tired and had no motivation to sit down and blog! The boys are growing and are loving the summer life. They enjoy going to the cheap movies each week, swimming, and just playing with friends. It's been way too hot and too many mosquitoes to play outside, so we've been inside a lot. It rained for almost 4 weeks straight and that was tough trying to entertain and not lose my mind! :) They are really learning and maturing right before my eyes. I can't believe that they will be 3 & 4 in a matter of months. However, they will not let me forget. Everything revolves around, "I'm almost 4 or I'm bigger because I'm going to be 4!" Needless to say, he is excited about turning 4! Mark is doing well. We just got back from a conference this weekend in Hilton Head. It was a nice getaway for us. The boys prefer Destin beach, but made themselves at home at the nice pool here. He has had several things accepted to the ASA in San Francisco in October, so we will be headed there soon. I can't wait because it will be sans kids. Can't remember the last trip we had like that. I love my boys and love having them with me, but a long flight does not sound appealing!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Cinco de Mayo and May Fun!
We started May off with a Cinco de Mayo party with friends! Mark and I have always wanted to have one, but the schedule never allowed. We just did taco salads and quesadillas for the kids. Of course, it rained, so 12 kids along with the adults hung out in our garage/house! It was fun, though. We ate leftovers for several days. Soccer is still going on, but I've come to the conclusion that our white boy can't play that well! He loves it, but sure doesn't stay focused on that ball. Next week is the last game and they get trophies!! Next week is the last week of school for the boys until summer camp starts. It'll be nice to have a break, but we'll also be bored! And we have started counting down for our beach trip...only 6 weeks! The boys are so excited and I can't wait to get there. ;)
Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers that read this blog. You are special and loved. I can't put in to words how happy I am that I am a Mom. It's a title that I hope I never take advantage of. There are days when I wish so much I could share my life with those that would love kids. But I know God has bigger plans for them. Enjoy your day!
Love,
Amber
Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers that read this blog. You are special and loved. I can't put in to words how happy I am that I am a Mom. It's a title that I hope I never take advantage of. There are days when I wish so much I could share my life with those that would love kids. But I know God has bigger plans for them. Enjoy your day!
Love,
Amber
Friday, April 26, 2013
Happy Friday! I told a friend I would meet her this morning at the gym for a spin class. Well, 20 minutes in to the class I walked right out and found a comfy treadmill!!! Don't think that is for me :) So now I am back home and able to catch up in silence. We've had a busy week. Mark worked off his shift Monday morning and has been home all week. I will be sad to see him go back tomorrow and I feel certain the boys will too. Monday was our last day of Kindermusik for this semester and I don't believe we'll do summer since I am working summer MDO. We then met friends at the park for a picnic and Earth day cupcakes (green & blue.) It was fun and the boys were tired! We tossed around the idea of heading to the beach for a day, but weren't certain of exactly where to go, so we settled on picking strawberries! The boys enjoyed that and then I enjoyed cooking things and freezing the rest. We had strawberries stuffed with greek yogurt and banana and then a cobbler using coconut oil and almond milk. (I try to justify why I can eat these things!;)) We've played out back a lot this week. The weather has been nice and we've not wanted to be inside. This morning we have our meal swap at a park and then thinking about a car wash day along with soccer and date night with friends!
I am so thankful this SICU month is almost over and I know Mark is. The boys had a tough time understanding why Daddy was always sleeping when they came home from school. Can't believe this year is almost over and we'll only have 2 more here. Sounds exciting until I think about the yellow Penske truck that will take us somewhere else! I guess if it's to the beach for a year then I could get happy real fast! Who know's where we'll end up? But I do know we will be leaving behind some of the best friends I'll ever have!
I know I say it often, but these boys are FUNNY, period. Bently told me the other day that I always for get things. Thanks for the ego boost, son! While I was getting ready one day last week, he was on my bed playing with Anderson and said "Holy crap that was fascinating!" Ummm, not sure where that came from and as much as I wanted to laugh, I had to get on to him for that! Anderson walks around making funny faces just so he can justify sticking out his tongue. ;) And he's still hungry. I call him my caterpillar because I'm hoping one day soon he will get full and flourish into my beautiful butterfly. If not, I may just go broke trying to fill him. Last night he had a peanut butter covered graham cracker with a banana on top. I would think one would fill me and his stomach is NOT bigger than mine. Nope, he had 3 and he was still hungry! Boys... love them!
Update on freezer meals: They have all been great. They have all been eaten that night with no leftovers. If you haven't tried this, DO IT. It is so easy on days I work and soccer nights to throw a meal in the crockpot and it be ready. I'll be trying a few new recipes come early May when these are gone.
I'm playing catch-up on pictures, so here you go. Love to you all!
I am so thankful this SICU month is almost over and I know Mark is. The boys had a tough time understanding why Daddy was always sleeping when they came home from school. Can't believe this year is almost over and we'll only have 2 more here. Sounds exciting until I think about the yellow Penske truck that will take us somewhere else! I guess if it's to the beach for a year then I could get happy real fast! Who know's where we'll end up? But I do know we will be leaving behind some of the best friends I'll ever have!
I know I say it often, but these boys are FUNNY, period. Bently told me the other day that I always for get things. Thanks for the ego boost, son! While I was getting ready one day last week, he was on my bed playing with Anderson and said "Holy crap that was fascinating!" Ummm, not sure where that came from and as much as I wanted to laugh, I had to get on to him for that! Anderson walks around making funny faces just so he can justify sticking out his tongue. ;) And he's still hungry. I call him my caterpillar because I'm hoping one day soon he will get full and flourish into my beautiful butterfly. If not, I may just go broke trying to fill him. Last night he had a peanut butter covered graham cracker with a banana on top. I would think one would fill me and his stomach is NOT bigger than mine. Nope, he had 3 and he was still hungry! Boys... love them!
Update on freezer meals: They have all been great. They have all been eaten that night with no leftovers. If you haven't tried this, DO IT. It is so easy on days I work and soccer nights to throw a meal in the crockpot and it be ready. I'll be trying a few new recipes come early May when these are gone.
I'm playing catch-up on pictures, so here you go. Love to you all!
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| One of my cuties! |
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| Practicing cutting his boxtops. |
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| Ready to FIGHT! |
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| I think he was being a Daddy! |
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| Cheese? Surprise? Not sure! |
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| Snake balloon from Earth Day Downtown. |
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| Sumo-wrestlers |
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| New sweatband from our run for Boston. |
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| His first face tattoo! |
Thursday, April 18, 2013
We are back and our old routine is in full swing! School/work, soccer, spending time outside, and eating popsicles! We had a wonderful visit back home. Bently had the chance to fish and eat fish with his Daddy, Pops, & Papaw. Funny the things they request & what makes them happy! The weather was wonderful, so most days were spent outside just playing. It's so nice that they have each other because it provides the perfect playmate! Mark came back Thursday and we stayed until Sunday and then came back half way. The house guests left our home nice and clean and are even working on getting us an autograph. The boys won't have a clue, but it will be something symbolic for our time here once they are older. It's always nice to be back home. I'd say together, but we've been anything but that. I'm just counting down the days until this month is over. SICU is not a fun month for any of us! ;( On a happier note, he did do awesome on his test he took the beginning of March!!!
The boys were happy to get back to school. They are loving playing in their new sandbox. I'm very impressed with their ability to hit a ball with a bat. Didn't know that coordination came so early or maybe I just missed out! :) Anderson has matured so much lately. He loves sharing his sugar, he says please/thank-you (most of the time), and is attached to me. Not a bad thing, but if you go anywhere with out him, he gripes because I didn't wait on him! Bently is still a nurturer. He loves his brother. Sometimes you can hear him say, "Good job, Anderson! You _____." Sweet!
Random, but obviously it's a popular question. I am not pregnant. I'm guessing some would like me to be or thinks I should be, but nope, no baby on the way. There are times when I'd love another little one if God chose to provide, but others when I'm content with my two. I prayed hard for Bently and was double blessed when Anderson came so soon. I would have never planned it that way, but God had a different plan and it has worked out just right. We aren't sure whether we will have more or not, but I'll still praise him for the opportunity to be Bently & Anderson's mommy!
We have big plans for Saturday...taking part in Earth Day activities & a friend's birthday party. Hopefully we'll make it to the strawberry patch next week to fill our freezer! Don't think our little garden will feed the family this year, but it's growing and fun for the kids to help with!
Have a wonderful weekend & love to all!
The boys were happy to get back to school. They are loving playing in their new sandbox. I'm very impressed with their ability to hit a ball with a bat. Didn't know that coordination came so early or maybe I just missed out! :) Anderson has matured so much lately. He loves sharing his sugar, he says please/thank-you (most of the time), and is attached to me. Not a bad thing, but if you go anywhere with out him, he gripes because I didn't wait on him! Bently is still a nurturer. He loves his brother. Sometimes you can hear him say, "Good job, Anderson! You _____." Sweet!
Random, but obviously it's a popular question. I am not pregnant. I'm guessing some would like me to be or thinks I should be, but nope, no baby on the way. There are times when I'd love another little one if God chose to provide, but others when I'm content with my two. I prayed hard for Bently and was double blessed when Anderson came so soon. I would have never planned it that way, but God had a different plan and it has worked out just right. We aren't sure whether we will have more or not, but I'll still praise him for the opportunity to be Bently & Anderson's mommy!
We have big plans for Saturday...taking part in Earth Day activities & a friend's birthday party. Hopefully we'll make it to the strawberry patch next week to fill our freezer! Don't think our little garden will feed the family this year, but it's growing and fun for the kids to help with!
Have a wonderful weekend & love to all!
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