Addy Update

Addy is just a ball of fun. She is doing and saying so many new things. Just wanted to write a few updates for her.

*Addy is walking all by herself, she even tried to sprint this morning when Ben was getting ready to leave...it was quite funny

*Addy is enjoying drinking whole milk and sometimes even gets a chocolate milk treat from daddy

*Addy's favorite words to say right now are Mom, Dad, Bob, and dog.

*Addy loves to copy everything we do, so if we shake her head, so does she.

*Addy gives little kisses. If we ask her to kiss us she leans in and lays a wet one on us.

*We are teaching Addy different words and things by using a picture book. Right now she knows shoes and we will ask her to point those out and she does...its so cute

*Addy is down to one nap a day and sometimes none...FUN!

*Addy LOVES when her daddy comes home...she just screams in excitement. She even hears the garage door open and she knows daddy is home.

*Addy walks around with a pretend purse...its hilarious...she puts things in there and walks around.

*Addy loves wagon rides and playing with friends

*One thing that is nice for mommy and daddy is Addy has become a great sleeper overnight 11-12hrs (she must be making up for the lack of sleep when she was first born)


Well, those are just a few things but more than anything I am enjoying being a mom and being home with my girl. We are truly blessed.

HE is with us

Beware, what lies ahead is very personal but I felt the need to share about the power of prayer and faith that I have experienced. The last couple weeks have really been a test for me about how much faith I really have in God and how much I need to work on trusting him more.

Another gliche in the road happened yesterday. I went in for my check up and they found a lump on my breast. I should say they confirmed the lump that I have noticed for the past couple months. I was really nervous about this appointment and telling my doctor about it because I was worried I would have breast cancer like my grandma (who praise the Lord is a breast cancer survivor).

My doctor didn't seem to concerned but she ordered an ultrasound for today at 7:30am. Again, I was frustrated and wondering why these little obstacles kept coming up. I kept thinking the worst of course and knowing that breast cancer runs in our family, I jumped to the worst conclusions. I thought about what would happen to Addy and Ben, I would miss them; I was scared at the thought of death and thinking Im not ready for that.

Immediately Ben and I let our parents and siblings know so they could be praying. I was really unsettled about this and just felt the whole world crashing in. Again, Ben was so comforting and he was sure everything would work out which made me feel somewhat calm. After talking to both sets of parents I felt better too. However, what came overnight was difficult, I maybe slept about one hour.

I wrestled with myself about not wanting to find out bad news and have to think of losing the life I had. My heart was in so much pain and I just laid in bed a prayed all night and I really felt a sense of peace overcome me towards the time I was about to leave for the appointment.

So, I got up and headed to the doctor and of course I was a half hour early because I was nervous but they got me in right away. I was so pleased going into the appointment because I would know the results right away. The radiologist indicated it wasn't cancer but some of the breast tissue was inflammed and that was it.

Praise the Lord! Praise God for the power of prayer. Our family is such a wonderful group of prayer warriors and for that I am so blessed.

My brother in law, David sent me the verse Isaiah 41:10--So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Today, I felt the power of this verse and how God is really there. Going through this last 2 days was a hill of emotions but God was with me and our family through each step of the way. He knew my needs and he met them. Like Ben always says to me..."God always takes care of us not matter what happens."

I think about this weekend and how we are celebrating the Risen King and I think about what my life would be like if I didn't have him. My life would be NOTHING.

I praise the Lord for his mercies and I praise him today for answering the prayers that so many people prayed for me.

Attitude

So lately, I have been coming to my blog and I will get one sentence in and I just can't write anymore. Ive even asked Ben for ideas/topics to write about and I just can't seem to come up with anything.

The past couples weeks has been a little emotionally draining for me as my former employer decided to appeal my unemployment. It was frustrating because I had worked very hard for him and had always been upright and honest with him. So last week I had to participate in a hearing with a judge so he could determine whether or not I should get unemployment benefits. I did find out later last week that the judge did approve and find in my favor. Which was a huge praise!

So as I indicated this was a stressful situation for me but for some reason I had the hardest time giving it up to God. I kept letting the negative thoughts and worries creep in. I didn't sleep well for 2 weeks until the hearing was over last week. Ben was a HUGE encouragement to me as I struggled through these negative thoughts and I think it was just hard to deal with someone lying about me.

So even though the judge ruled in my favor, I learned that I need to have more faith in God. I watch my husband daily put his faith in Jesus. He does it in a quiet manner by showing through his actions and not words. I have always admired Ben for his huge faith. Whenever something is wrong he gives it to God and that is it. Ben doesn't expect everything to be answered the way he wants it to be but he knows that no matter what, God answers us. Ben has always said "Katie, God will always take care of us." That faith is so amazing to me.

I have been diligently trying to follow in the footsteps of Ben as some other things that have come up and have tried to really focus on what God wants for me and giving him everything. Man, when I give it up, the burden sure is released. Of course, a couple wonderful talks with my hubby helped too.

I've been struggling with my attitude and I tend to be more negative then positive. During this time of year it really makes you think about your attitude and what you do for others.

I want to mirror what Christ has done for us and I can't do that if I am being negative or having negative thoughts. I think about what Christ did for us many years ago this week. He DIED on the cross for us... He did the most self-less act the world has ever seen.

I am really going to try to start watching my attitude and start having more faith in Christ. Because without him, I am nothing.

I am blessed to have a husband that daily shows me what it is like to give my worries and cares to God. I thank Ben for all his support, protection and love that he so generously gives.

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

Philippians 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!