Happy Birthday to Noah! A Birth Story

Well I've done it again! I have neglected my blog and I really don't like it! I would love to be able to sit and write on here every day but it just has gotten so busy and hectic around here. When I have down time I try to catch up on cleaning and Noah is such a mama's boy right now and hates it when I get on the computer! ha! Oh well. I'm back. I think. :)

Today is Noah's FIRST birthday! Yes, it's been a whole year since I labored and had our precious son. What a blessing it has been to have him around. We are going to have a party tonight to celebrate the big event so maybe pictures will follow soon if I can get them on here fast enough. :) I haven't taken any pics of the kids lately, so that will be something I'll have to make sure and do tonight!

I figured that since I never posted my labor story about Noah, that today would be the perfect day to do so!

Here we go!

On December 2nd, before I went to bed, I noticed that I lost my mucous plug (I hadn't done this with Rebekah so I assumed this was a great sign). So I made sure all our stuff was ready (you never know how fast it will go) and decided to head to bed. All throughout the night I felt like something was different, and I had to pee all night. But no contractions. I know it's a weird detail to share, but all I knew was that something was different and I was hoping it would go fast. Little did I know what was in store for us!

So, I woke up on Decemeber 3rd and started having mild contractions. J was called by a friend for help with a flat tire, and we wanted to help. However I didn't want him to leave me at home, just in case this was it (she didn't live close). So we got ready, loaded the car, and headed over to help her. When we were done, I decided to call and let my midwife, Ann, know what was going on. At this point I was pretty uncomfortable but I knew it was not time.

We decided to eat at Chick fil a and walk around the mall to pass the time and hopefully stir up some heavier labor! :) It seemed to help some. My appt with Ann also happened to be on this day, so we headed over to see her, hoping that I had made some progress. Turned out I was only dilated to a 1 I think. We were supposed to go to our family lifegroup that night, but decided to just go home and get some rest. That evening and into the night, contractions came and went. They always tell you that you know it's "real" labor when contractions are "longer, stronger and closer together". But it's still hard when you are going through it to understand what your body is doing. At some point I called Ann again because I was anxious and in pain and didn't know what to make of it. I was so worried that this baby would surprise us and just come really fast. I found out at this point that she had TWO other mamas in labor at the same time! So I was encouraged to take a hot bath, relax and take it easy. (For those that don't know, this is supposed to help your body to what it needs to do. If it is real labor, nothing will slow it down - but if it isn't you will be able to relax and sleep). Jason's mom came over to help with Bekah in case things started progressing.

My friend and chiropractor, Cindy, came over and checked me and I was still only at maybe a 2. I was so frustrated. By this time I had thrown up a few times, and contractions were stronger and I really felt like things were moving along. I just kept wondering what was making my labor so hard if nothing was really happening.

We stayed up a little while and then I took a Benadryl (per midwife recommendation) and tried to sleep. I kept waking up for each contraction, and I couldn't get comfortable. As a crazy sidenote, this was also the night that an apartment building in our complex decided to catch fire. Jason is the courtesy officer at our apts so he had to go check on it. I was so irritated that of all the nights, this had to be the one where a stinking FIRE had to start. ::sigh::

So, we all (somewhat) slept for a while. The next morning, December 4th, was the same stuff. I was throwing up more (something I was grateful that Jason's mom was there for because J hates it) and I was just so exhausted and tired of being in labor. Jason was also tired of not having support, so I texted my midwife and chiropractor and then we finally decided to meet at the birth center/chiro office to get adjusted and checked.

They tell you not to come too early to the birth center because you might get turned away if it isn't real labor. The state has a crazy law that if you don't progress within a certain amount of time then you have to be transported to the hospital. We were trying to avoid this, which is the reason I hadn't gone up there yet. However, we got the go ahead to see what was going on.

So, I got adjusted which was which SO awesome and then it was time to see what was going on with baby.
(Contractions were seriously crazy at this point. I couldn't stand up or move when they came. And one side of my belly hurt like crazy - you could see a huge bulge on that side every time a one came!)

When Ann checked me, I wasn't dilated very much more. I must have been like a 3 or 4. I can't remember. This is when it was determined that Noah was asynclintic. Basically, his head was turned a little to the side. I will spare you most of the other details, but I've heard (and experienced) that this makes labor longer and more difficult than it would normally be. My body was trying to progress and couldn't because of his position. So, Ann let me know that we were going to try and do everything possible to get him to move and get me to progress, but to also be prepared to possibly go to the hospital if it didn't happen.

Then came walking stairs (Oh. my. word. This was painful), walked around outside, labored on the toilet (weird, I know, but works!). I got adjusted often (I have THE BEST chiropractors and they both worked on me during labor), took homeopathic pills, and did whatever the heck they told me to. I was so determined to not have to go to the hospital. Our family showed up in the waiting area. My parents brought us dinner. I DID NOT want to eat, but was told that I needed to if I wanted things to keep moving. So, Chick fil a chicken soup and Sprite it was. :)

Finally, baby turned the right way, (after more walking, laboring on a birthing ball, on the toilet more, and in the tub) and I was dilated to an 8! Woohoo!

The rest is kind of fuzzy for me. But I remember when my water broke and shortly thereafter got situated in the tub to get ready for his arrival. He was born not too long after that. Maybe a few hours. I pushed for 19 minutes in the tub (the most wonderful and pain relieving thing ever!), and got to walk to my bed, baby in hand right after! Jason actually caught Noah himself and got to cut the umbilical cord when it was time, too. Noah weighed 6lbs 14oz.

I had the MOST AMAZING team working with me and I know for sure that I wouldn't want to have done it with any one of them being gone. Although it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it was definitely the most rewarding and one of my best accomplishments. :) I wouldn't change any of it for anything.

I also found out later that there had been another lady with an asynclitic baby a few months prior to me that had to be transported and that there was talk about how great I was doing for persevering, even when it got hard and I thought I was done. Thank the Lord I didn't know this while I was going through it. I kept telling myself I was being a baby and that all women have it hard. (Which is basically true) But I didn't have a clue that mine was harder than usual and that was good or I think I'd be begging to go to the hospital! haha! Also, my bleeding afterward was better than expected (as in, less), and I didn't even tear! Everything about this labor was blessed - and I didn't even have so much as a tylenol for the pain!

For those of you that don't know, Rebekah was born in the hospital. Another story for another time, but suffice to say that this experience blew my labor experience with her out of the water! What a difference having a midwife and team of supporters that love me made!

And now, one year later, we have the most precious, handsome, and funny boy around. God has provided us with the most amazing kids and I love them more than life itself!

Happy Birthday Noah!

And happy Friday to ya'll!

Update

Okay, so it's been almost a month since my last blog post! It has been such a crazy time for us! When I can find the words and the time, I want to share details about what all has been going on but for now, just know that things are going great with the Reese's and that I believe that God is leading me down a road of physical and spiritual healing. He is so good and He is providing in ways that we never even imagined. So, just wanted ya'll to know that we are alive and kicking and busier than ever! And I am halfway DONE with this pregnancy already! Where has the time gone? Be back soon!

Whole Foods Give Away!

My good friend (who also happens to be my chiropractor and midwife) has just started a new blog and is hosting her first give away! It happens to be a great one at that. Yes, a $30 Whole Foods gift card is up for grabs and you could be the lucky winner! :) Just click here and enter! There are a few different ways to get your name in the hat, so go check it out now!

And don't forget to check back often on her website for great healthy recipes, tips, and great information! I love that lady and she's always given me the best advice! :)

The Saga Continues...

Things have gotten rough again with Noah's sleep schedule at night. However, Granna and Pappy brought over a toddler bed for Bekah last weekend, and we have also been on an adventure with that! It is such a blessing to have in-laws that take such great care of our kiddos. In fact, both of our parents are dedicated to loving on us and helping us provide for them, and we are just so blessed for that.

Anyway, the hope for her new bed is that we can get her transitioned and then work on Noah going to sleep in Bekah's room in her old crib.

As for how Bekah's been doing in her own bed....let's just say that she has done wonderfully - she just has yet to learn to stay in her bed all night. So when I haven't been up with Noah, I've been up putting Bekah back to bed! Oh well! We are just praying for the Lord's provision where our rest is concerned! It will get better, I just know it!

Pictures to come soon!

Mission: Get Noah to Sleep Longer At Night

We are going on day 3 of our new mission...which is to get Noah to sleep longer at night. He sleeps great for his naps during the day, but we have been struggling with this boy at night for a little while now. At first I chalked it up to just a growth spurt.....then it was that my milk was changing (due to the pregnancy), and then to needing to feed him more... All of those conclusions were right, I think, at some point or another. But he's been waking up like every 2 hours or so lately, and we weren't seeing an end in sight.

So, we had also played around with the idea that Noah was uncomfortable in his bed. We have a two bedroom apartment. Rebekah sleeps in her own bed in her room, and Noah has been sleeping in our room in the pack n play because a)we can't afford a crib for him right now and b)we don't want him to sleep in Bekah's room yet while he's still getting up at night for fear that she'd be up too! and c)it's just easier that way! :)

Well, we had discussed getting a new mattress for Noah when I heard that they make thicker ones for the pack n plays. See, he's been sleeping on just the little mat that comes with it that we had put a blanket down on. Anyway, we haven't had the time or money to track one down, so it's simply just been something we talk about.

Sunday night, after spending a day with our family, we were all exhausted. We were on our way home and I finally just told Jason how miserable I've been. My allergies have been bothering me which was making my ear was hurt, and I was feeling whiny so I was honest with him. He suggested that we go to Babies R Us and buy a mattress right then. You can imagine just how excited I was that he was giving in and willing to help me out (even though Mr. Budget has been strict with us lately). However, it was already past 6 on a Sunday and I knew all the specialty stores would be closed.

So, we went to Walmart (where customer service had no idea what I was talking about and told me to ask the fitting room lady! because she said they would know better! How weird is that?) and they didn't have them. We almost considered buying a toddler bed for Bekah and making Noah sleep in the crib in our living room, but decided against being up all night to put the thing together! haha! Target didn't have them either. But as I confided in the lady that worked there about why I needed it now and didn't want to look online for it, we started brainstorming. She suggested buying a foam mattress topper and putting a blanket on that. In fact, she directed me to the ones they had on clearance where the college bedding/decor stuff was.

And ya'll, I walked outta there with a memory foam mattress topper for under $10!

We went home, cut it to size (well, Jason cut it and everyone else watched!), put a blanket on top of that and then put a crib sheet around both, and made our own mattress! That night Noah slept a little bit longer - a three hour stretch, I think and then a four hour one that same night.

But last night he got up after two hours and then........slept for SIX HOURS STRAIGHT! We were so excited! And Noah's naps have been longer too!

So, we are praying that this is the solution! So far, so good, and Mama and Daddy have been sleeping better too! You can't beat that! I think we are going to put one on Bekah's bed too! :)

And in case you are curious, we will probably end up getting Bekah a toddler bed anyway, moving Noah into her room when it's time (into her crib), and buying that mattress for our pack n play for the baby. But we are just wanting to wait a little longer before that whole transition!

All I Want For Christmas...

Ok, so I know Christmas is not "just around the corner" but it's still not too far away, right? We have 12 1/2 weeks to go. And it has gotten me thinking about what I want. I do believe that Christmas is about giving, but I just wanted an excuse to share. :)

So, all I want for Christmas is...

a Vitamix......

Sigh.... one can dream, right?

Oh, and I think this officially means I'm an adult... and a mom! But these things can blend anything! And I am so over our regular blender that doesn't even like it when I put frozen fruit in it! haha!

*******

Other things on my list...

1. Medela double electric breast pump.. (maybe tmi, but seriously!)

2. Combi Coccoro for Noah and the new baby! They are slim line design and so cute! I'll take one in Key Lime and Carrot Cake please! haha! (I know, I'm weird for being happy with getting something for the kids...especially carseats!)

3. sewing machine....I really really would love to channel my creativity and make some clothes and blankets and fun stuff for the kids! Not to mention gifts!

4. Some nursing tanks from www.glamourmom.com

5. makeup from the MAC counter!

6. IKEA stuff and organization for the kids' room!

p.s. Please understand this is all in good fun! I know this list is expensive and unrealistic.. and for the family reading this, I don't actually expect anyone to buy me these things for Christmas! :) I just wanted to share!

Love This Song

Heard a song at church last night... I've heard it before, but it really moved me and ministered to me this time. I can't get it out of my head, and that is just fine with me. :)

A couple from our church co-wrote and sing it. It's perfect. Couldn't find it anywhere but here. If you find a downloadable version, let me know! :) Click here and Enjoy!

Here are the lyrics (But really, it's better to listen to it!):

God Be Praised
copyright 2009 David and Alena Moore Gateway Create Publishing

you saved my life from death when i was all but defeated
you spoke your promises and brought life to my weakness
came as a conquering king and you warred for my freedom
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

you opened up my eyes for the first time i saw you
your love commanding life and deserving devotion
you told me who i am now in faith i believe it
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

you’ve made a place for me silenced all my accusers
leading me forth with peace filled with joy i will follow
your cross demands my life now your grace is my anthem
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

hallelujah we’re redeemed and made free
by the blood of the lamb we have won
hallelujah we will sing victory
jesus conquered the grave god be praised

Jason's Birthday Part 2

On J's actual birthday, we went to On the Border (Thanks to J's friends who gave us....uh...I mean, him a gift card!) for lunch and then back to Main Event to use up the rest of our game cards that we didn't have time to deplete the night before. As a fun sidenote, we were given free soft drinks (I would say "just because" but I know that it was a blessing from God because he does care about the small stuff!) when we tried to buy some. Noah slept once we got to Main Event, so there aren't any pictures of him after lunch. But, our little Reese family had fun celebrating J's birthday again.

Bekah was given a balloon at OTB, and she kept singing "happy day day to you, da da!" We think it's so cute because she either says "day day" or just "happy day". It's never birthday!

Our Sweet Noah

First stop at Main Event was the DDR (dance dance revolution). We'd always seen people do it, but never tried it ourselves. It was SO FUN and such a workout! haha!

Bekah danced while daddy danced...

And then tried it all by herself! (again, so nice to not pay for it, and she actually thinks she's playing! score!)

This one was like jump rope...I was terrible at it..

However, I was really good at real jump rope in school... I even did double dutch at Spring Fling! :)

Jason's Birthday Part 1

Last Monday we celebrated Jason's 27th birthday at Main Event.

While his birthday is actually on Sept. 1st, we love us some Monday Night Madness so that is what he wanted to do for his birthday.

Even though it was a work/school night for most, we had a pretty good turnout. A few friends and some of the family came, and we had a blast! Bekah makes me laugh because she loves to dance to the music there, and it is complete with music videos so she really loves it. She kept telling us that she wanted to "play toys" because that's two year old speak for video/arcade games.

And right now, she has no idea if she is really playing or not so it helps that we don't have to pay for her entertainment! Wish it would stay that way! Haha! She also dug right into the birthday cake and licked the icing before anyone else did. Ha!

The Cake.

Noah did pretty well, too. He had fun for a little while, got really cranky, then conked out for the rest of the night...well he woke up at the very end.

We even got to play laser tag, thanks to Granna and Aunt Julie watching the kiddos for us! At the end of the night, with almost everyone gone, I got a craving for pizza and we decided to play some shuffleboard with Pappy.

Celebrating J was so fun, and I am so proud of my hubby and thankful for his birth! It is an honor to be his wife and to get to share my life (good and everything else) with him! I love that guy!

Our "New" Ride

Okay, so I know many of you have already heard my news, but I thought it was rather fitting for this post to be about our new-to-us minivan, seeing as how the last post was about needing one! :)

God is so good, and He has yet again wow-ed us with what He's done.

We had been praying for wisdom to know what to do about our car situation. After a little thinking and talking to each other, we took some of our friends' advice and called our church. We have heard of people getting help and also of people receiving vehicle donations from the church, so we thought we'd go this route first. This was quickly a closed door, as we were informed that we were one of 200 people asking for a vehicle and that car donations had slowed down because of the economy. This was frustrating, but we definitely understood and were determined that there was another way.

So we had a few more friend referrals, one of which seemed viable, the other could help us if we wanted to get into monthly payments - which we didn't. So, we kept the first one in mind, but still wanted to see what our other options were.

Then it was on to Craig's list searching. We looked at vehicles on CL every day and emailed each other with ones that looked appealing and ones that we could afford. We made a list and planned to call the ones we were interested in. So, last week on J's day off, we called and set out to look at a minivan in Rockwall. Yes you read that right - Rockwall! For those of you that don't know, this was an hour drive. Crazy? Maybe a little. But this deal looked good and we thought we'd probably buy it. We were sure that there was little that could make us turn away.

So, it was a great family drive out there. Let me back up and say that when we first called this man about our interest, he was a little rude on the phone to J. He basically didn't want to have his time wasted and let us know that he lived in a nice neighborhood and didn't want to mess around. We didn't let this phase us because we figured that it could still be a great vehicle, even if the owner wasn't friendly.

Later we found out that this guy had his dealer's license and was retired, and his interest in selling the car outweighed his need to know anything about the car. Seriously. Through the course of the time we were there, this man tried to get me to not buckle in Noah because it was a short drive (I was having a hard time fitting the carseat into the captain's chair), didn't know how to work anything (moving seats back and forward, how to work the dvd/vcr player that was apparently broken we figured out), shrugged off the fact that there was a broken headlight, a not working tail light, and a nail in the tire, and told us there was a spare, which there wasn't. Again, this man didn't actually drive this car since he was only selling it, however, don't you think you should know something about the vehicle (or anything else for that matter) that you are selling?

Well, what's funnier is that he tried to tell us that the dvd/vcr probably worked and that we probably didn't know how to work it, so we should take it to the mazda dealer and find out that way. He also said that the nail in the tire wasn't a big deal because it wasn't obviously affecting the tire pressure. Did he not know that the tire could blow at any time, and that we'd be stranded without a spare? Haha! And he wouldn't budge on price, saying that that's what you get with older cars. :::Sigh::: We told him we'd discuss it over lunch (down the street) and that we'd call back. ....... And if it wasn't already obvious to you, we did not take the deal. :) Although all of those things I wrote about were not as blatantly obvious until we were able to bring it all to each other's attention over lunch. But basically this man wanted to sell this van to get it off his hands and he didn't know/didn't care about the condition of it.

Again, we were not shaken. We knew that God had us go there for a reason. Even if that reason was to know what we were looking for... and not looking for. :) We went home, enjoyed some sno cones, and enjoyed the rest of our night.

So the next day, after I came home from Bible study, we set out to go to 3 other places we spotted on CL.

The first place was a local salvage yard. This was our first indication that we probably weren't interested. That and the fact that the lady on the phone was more rude on the phone than the guy the day before! J test drove this one without me because 1. It was a little beat up on the outside, indicating it had been in an accident, 2.It was SUPER hot outside and I didn't want to take the kids out of the car. So I got J to look at it and test drive it while we waited in the car.

After talking with the lady some more and taking it for a spin, we told this lady the same thing - we were going to decide over lunch. I don't know about you, but I always think more clearly when food is in my belly! :) So, we got to talking and the interior of the van needed major major professional cleaning, but J said that it drove awesome. However, they had just put a new engine in it (which made for a smooth ride, but questionable as to why they'd have to change it out already). When he asked the lady why, she was pretty sarcastic and side stepped the issue altogether. He also asked her if it had been in a wreck before. She told him that whether it did or not does not have any affect on how it drives today. Okay! Talk about avoiding important information! While we were a little undecided, we made the decision that if we were supposed to get it that it would be there the next day.

On to our next stop, a nearby car dealership. When we got into this minivan, we could literally taste the cigarette smoke and there were burn marks on most of the interior. It drove alright, but not that great (wasn't real smooth), and we decided to keep looking.

Okay, I promise you there is a point and I'm getting to it pretty quickly. Thanks for sticking with me this far!

So, knowing our last stop wasn't for a few hours (we were waiting on this man to get off work) we drove up and down the same road and found other dealerships with cash cars and we test drove 1 more. It was very clean and drove alright. But it just wasn't right. We didn't know why.

So, our last stop was in the evening. We were tired, HUNGRY (there is a whole 'nother story here, but I'll just say that we looked for somewhere to eat and then ran out of time), and just wanting to be done.... and so were the kids!

This van isn't my ideal color, is a '98 and doesn't look too special. In fact, the only thing that we found to be appealing was the fact that it looked clean on the inside (from pictures) and that it only had 38,300 miles on it! Yes, and it was a '98! So we wanted to know the story and why it was priced so low. Again, there is a long and great story here, but to shorten it, this guy was the second owner. The first one got into a tiny fender bender that left the front fender damaged and decided to get another vehicle. This man, working at the dealership that the first owner took it to, asked to take the van from him as a fixer upper. The man obliged, gave him the van and bought a new vehicle. So, the new owner fixed it up and was so proud, only to find that his wife and kids wouldn't be caught dead in this minivan. haha! So, he was told that if he didn't get rid of it, she would.

After a test drive and after finding out some funny and crazy things we had in common with these people, and realizing that this was too good of an offer to refuse, we took the deal. (Enter Hallelujah chorus here)

While there were many things that made us laugh - (for instance, Bekah calls cats "meow meow"s and when we went into their house she naturally said "meow meow!" The little boy said to Bekah, "That's his name! Really!" Also, J and this man's wife have the same profession.) we just felt peace about it altogether. Not only was this van well taken care of and with low mileage, but everything worked on it and our family fit comfortably in it!

We know that God worked it out for us, and we are grateful and beyond relieved that our problem is resolved. Who knew it would happen this way? Two rough days of car shopping were definitely worth our treasure of a find. Thank you, Lord!

Now, for pictures!


paint still looks good.


The seller had replaced the hubcabs on it with some wheels from a Dodge Grand Caravan.




It was so clean, and it still smelled new!


No cd player, but not a big deal. We are just thankful for a great engine, a working radio and cold a/c!

The Lord was faithful to answer our prayer, and we are so blessed to have a new-to-us minivan for our growing family! We are so happy that we don't have to stress about this as we wait on our newest addition to get here!

Do you have a faith story where God showed up in a way you didn't expect? Please share! I wanna hear!

Totaled

Disclaimer: This post is SUPER long. Continue reading at your own risk and don't say I didn't warn you! :)

It has taken me a while to post this .... partly because it's been hectic around here, and partly because I wasn't sure what to say. It's nothing crazy, but I still want to share ... especially because this is the closest thing I've got to a scrapbook right now for our family.

Let me start by saying that the Lord is Good and is truly enough for me. His mercies are new every morning. The Lord has provided for my family in ways that I cannot explain, and for that I am grateful.

Without going into too much detail, the past several months have been an emotional roller coaster ride. We have been pressing into the Lord to try to figure out what to do (on many levels) and which way to go. It's been crazy and frustrating and peaceful all at the same time. Again, I can't explain it, but I know that God will provide and is providing for our family. He has reminded us of this through many people and many places lately, and through everything we have gone through.

What I wanted to share is what happened to us last week.

The four of us were supposed to go to J's dad's house. His dad was on vacation, and the rest of the family had decided to deep clean and spruce up his home so that he would be blessed when he returned from his trip. We stopped by and grabbed lunch and when we were a mere 4 minutes away from arriving to his dad's house, it happened.

We had gotten over in the shoulder to turn right at a stop light, and a car pulled out in front of us. Jason said it was like slow motion - he knew we were about to hit, and there was nothing he could do about it.



CRASH.



After prying ourselves away from the other guy's car, we met him at a fast food restaurant's parking lot, since that is what we were closest to. Immediately after hitting, Noah started crying, so you can believe me when I say that I pulled the two kiddos out of the car as soon as our car stopped. We were all fine. Shaken up, but fine. Frustrated... but fine. In fact, we were so fine, that Rebekah's only complaint was that we couldn't eat our lunch yet!

The other guy's car. What the heck? Only minor damage.



Our car...




Now, I know that many people have been in car accidents. This one was certainly minor compared to a lot of accidents I've seen and heard about. But something in me just wanted to cry.

I was so frustrated that this stranger paid no attention to who was coming when he decided to pull out in front of us. I was frustrated that we were not his priority. (He seriously asked the police officer if he could go into the restaurant and order since he was on his lunch break and he didn't want to be late!) I was frustrated that I had no control over the situation. I was frustrated that he had no insurance. I was frustrated that this was so inconvenient. I was frustrated that this was our only car. What now, a rental? And what was it going to cost to get it repaired? And what if we couldn't afford it?


***** ********** ******** ************


Let me back up a little. Recently, in an effort to take care of our finances and try to get out of debt, we got rid of our Jetta. It seemed to be the better car of the two we had - after all, it was 8 years newer than the Honda. But, we had put so much money into it getting work done on it, and it was still having some issues. Plus, we had a monthly payment on it. So we got rid of it in an effort to help our bills. And then we poured money into the Honda. It was a good car, really. Never gave us many problems. But, it did need maintenance work done on it that had been overlooked for some time, and we wanted it to be up to speed if it was going to be our only car. So then came new tires, tinted windows, and a slew of other repairs. We had just gotten it up to speed before this accident.

* ********* ************** **** ********** ****

So let's fast forward back to the accident. The officer found us at fault, although my husband referenced traffic codes which would prove the other guy at fault. The officer did not waiver. Looking back, there were a lot of things that the officer said to make us believe he wasn't really listening to us. After looking at a copy of the accident report, not all of the facts were straight about what happened. And there's not much we can do about it. However, since the other guy didn't have insurance, we have been able to talk it out with our insurance company, and we are pretty sure that we are not going to be considered at fault where our claim is concerned. This is at least one upside. That and the fact that we weren't issued a citation and the other guy did receive one for not having insurance.

We were able to get into a rental car the same day as the accident. Our insurance rocks and there were no problems with that. And we've been spoiled by it, honestly.








This thing is a beast! And I can only imagine what this short mama looks like driving it! haha! But it is so fun!

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Here's the bummer - we just received word that our Honda is indeed totaled. Yep, that's right. Totaled. We had already made up our minds that it was probably going to be, but it's so different when it's actually confirmed! Man!

So our only car is totaled and we only have the gas guzzler that is our rental for a few more days now.

:::Sigh:::::

But God is good. He is our Provider. Let me share with you that Jason and I were discussing what our car would be worth before we had heard anything from our insurance company. We wanted to figure out what would be a good amount for the insurance to offer in case it was, in fact, totaled. We thought that this would help us haggle, for lack of a better word, with them if we needed to.

So, we added together the repairs we've made on the car... we looked at similar cars online, and got an estimate on the Kelley Blue Book website. And do you know that the insurance offered us more than what KBB estimated and almost the exact same dollar amount as what we had recently put into the car? Now, that's God. I am sure of it.


If you have gotten this far, then thank you for reading. I like to be detailed so that I remember things how they happened. And I write how I talk, so I guess I write too much sometimes. Haha! But I digress.

A family member is going to let us borrow their second car. We had it put in the shop to get some minor things repaired and overall just looked at before we take it on as ours. While we were waiting on it to be fixed yesterday we browsed at a local used car lot. We immediately were met by a friendly car salesman, and we figured out fast that this place was out of our price range. Funny thing is, I know that the Lord sent us there. This guy told us that we needed to just trust God and that He would give us favor. Yes, that was the car salesman that said that to us! Haha! He said we were probably wondering why the Lord sent us to a preacher at a used car lot, but that we should just trust the Lord. I teared up upon hearing him speak blessings and encouragement over us. I am truly amazed at how the Lord has been reminding me of these two things: 1 - Trust Him and 2 - He will provide. I mean, don't you think we need that reminder if he is using a car salesman to tell us this? haha.


Okay, so the rest of the story is that this car that we are borrowing is only temporary. With our growing family of almost 5, we need a suitable vehicle that will accomodate us and our soon to be three car seats! We only have what the insurance gave us for the Honda to spend on a "new to us" car. We technically have until the baby comes to make our purchase, however we do not want to borrow this car longer than we need to and we want to feel settled with our car situation.
So, please pray that the right opportunity will come along. We need wisdom and discernment as I know that there are some dishonest people out there! We need to find an SUV or van or something of the like that can hold up for awhile. We cannot afford car payments, and we want to get out of debt, so we'll need this car to be around for a long time! So, if you know someone who is wanting to sell right now, please let me know!

Either way, your prayers are coveted! We know that God is in control and that the end is going to be good.... it's just the middle part that's frustrating sometimes. We don't know how we'll get there, but we know we will. And we pray that we can make the right decisions along the way! We're also VERY thankful that none of us were hurt! So glad that the car and finances where it is concerned is our only problem we're facing right now!

Again, I know this must be the longest post EVER! And thank you to the handful of people that actually read this!

Be blessed!

100th Post

Well, it's been a while since I last blogged, but things have been really fast and furious around here lately. However, to be fair I'll at least ask you one little question to let you in on part of what's been going on around here......



Ready?

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Guess who's excited about NOT being the baby around here anymore?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!



(and just turned 8 months old yesterday!)



That's right! We have one very proud Big Sister and (little) Big Brother who are pumped about our growing family!



Mama is due around the end of March ...... and we couldn't be happier or feel more blessed! :)

Happy 100th post!