Free E-Book!!

Ladies, I am so excited to share a free e-book offer with you!

Written by Courtney Joseph, from WomenLivingWell.org, The Proverbs 31 Woman: One Virtue at a Time, is a priceless tool for women. I read it in one sitting--it's short and to the point. But the author packs a punch with loads of encouragement, wisdom, inspiration and exhortation.

I cannot recommend this enough! What a blessing it was to me, especially considering my struggles with discouragement this year. I've been so down--I've magnified my shortcomings and compared myself with women who seem to have it all together--"I always come up short" is what I've uttered a million times. But you know what? God. Still. LOVES. Me.

Yes, I have a lot of work to do.
Yes, it will be challenging to become more disciplined.
Yes, I'll still have to battle the enemy and fight the feelings of inadequacy.

But... "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me"! (Phil 4:13) emphasis mine

And, oh, how I want to model the Proverbs 31 woman!

*I want to please the Lord with this calling He's graciously given to me.
*I want my children to one day "arise" and call me "blessed"!
*I want my husband to feel secure and confident in my role as wife and mom!

This book will encourage you to find that end! And this E-book is completely free!  All you have to do is "like" Women Living Well on Facebook. When you do, there will be a green/white/orange box under the author's profile picture labeled "Free Ebook". Just click on that and read, save or print!

Ladies, ultimately we should strive to imitate our Savior.
To follow hard after Him.

But since He wrote the entire Bible, through men inspired by the Holy Spirit, then the Proverbs 31 Woman is certainly someone we can be excited to model ourselves after!

Happy reading!!

Heroes

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons.

And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes,

Even if it's just in your own eyes."

~Walter M. Schirra Sr.

I'm a Mess

Ok, y'all. I'm a mess.

I was looking through some old blog posts and when I came across this one, I just about lost it.

It seems I blinked and Ethan went from baby to boy.

And it hurts my heart a bit.

I know he's supposed to grow. That's how childhood works. But it still hurts.

One day my baby boy will grow up and move on to start a life of his own. Without his mommy.

I think about that often, scared of how fast it might come. My mom has told me over and over how fast our childhood went for her.

Sometimes at night, I peek in on Ethan while he sleeps, and will him to stay a boy--still a baby, really--just awhile longer.

If I could freeze time, I would do it now.

But since I can't, I'll tuck these bittersweet thoughts away and focus on treasuring the moments I have with him while he's still "Mommy's little boy".

I'll hold his little hand awhile longer...

And linger at his bedside when he asks for me to rub his head, awhile longer...

Watch him race his cars over and over, awhile longer...

And even deal with tantrums...awhile longer.

Because one day he'll be someones husband. And daddy.

And I'll be a grandma. And...

Oh my. Stop it, Kari . Just stop it right now.

A tall glass of milk and a cookie (or two...ok, three) are officially in order.

I'm a mess.

That Name

If you grew up in a good ol' fashioned Baptist church like I did, you were definitely exposed to this song at least 57,543 times....

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know

Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go!

I joke about the number, but we sang the song a lot. And I'm glad we did. It's a cheery song about the God-Man behind the name that evokes peace and comfort. It's permanently seared into my heart.

That song came to mind Tuesday morning when I had to pull out all my mommy arsenal in hopes of soothing a screaming, panicky, on-the-verge-of-throwing-up-from-sobbing-so-hard 2 1/2 year old-boy.

It wasn't my son, though. It was his little buddy, Nate.

His parents both had full schedules that day and needed someone to watch him so I happily volunteered. Ethan loves his buddy, and honestly it's a nice break when the two get together. They keep each other busy for hours.

However, Tuesday morning Nate arrived a lot earlier than our normal playdate time. Ethan was still asleep (I think I technically was, too) so he wasn't there to welcome Nate with toy-filled arms when he arrived.

Oh boy. What a catastrophe the next 20 minutes were.

Screams. Flails. Tears. Snot. Tiny hands banging on the front door.

How my son slept through that noise, I have no idea. But he did.

I was worried the neighbors would think something horrifying was happening in our home.

(Insert wild imagination here) I go outside and all neighbors are standing in their yards with hands on hips, shaking heads, pointing fingers, yelling "child abuser!!" while I'm being whisked away in handcuffs to the local jail.

Yes, I can be pretty dramatic like that.

Finally, a breakthrough occurred. Which is a good thing, because I almost started to join in with the poor little guy.

I talked about Jesus.

And I began singing "Jesus loves me" and he started to calm. I could see his body relax. The tears stopped. And he just laid on his stomach listening to my early-morning voice crack through the song until he was completely soothed and ready to play with the Wolverine figurine I had waiting for him on a little four-wheeler. And away Wolverine went...

I'm telling you, the name of Jesus is a balm. It has soothed many of my fears along the way and it did the same thing for a sad little boy who was dealing with some separation anxiety.

I love that name.

It's the sweetest one I know.

Shaken

The recent Oklahoma earthquakes have shaken more than my house.

They've shaken my heart a bit, too.

I feel as though I've been in a spiritual rut for so long. That comfort has taken precedence over the discipline of spending time with the Lord, of sharing His goodness with others, of serving selflessly for His glory.

I've got little ones under foot all day, so I'm a busy little bee. The volume of life simply drowns out what the Holy Spirit might be trying to say to me.

When the volume is lowered and the kids are asleep, I finally feel like I can relax. My hubby and I are big "down time" people. We like the late evenings for hanging out, surfing the web or watching a show on Netflix. It's a way for us to recoup from the craziness of the day.

But my shaken heart asks, "Why is time with the Lord not one of the ways to recoup or find comfort?" Not that those other things are bad, but why do I run there first and more often than the Word of God or prayer?

Now, more than ever, I feel an urgency to draw close to the Lord. To spend my time working for the Kingdom because He just might be coming back soon. And I would hate to be ashamed about what I did with the time He gave me on this earth.

"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" -1 John 2:28

Just a few ways this busy mom of little ones can draw close and serve...

I can wake up earlier so I have that quiet time alone with Him...(which will enable me to better understand how I can serve Him)

I can serve my children with a sweeter Spirit, knowing that I'm shaping lives for the Kingdom...

I can serve my husband with a selfless heart, knowing ultimately I'm serving my Father...

I can get to know my neighbors who may not know my Savior...

I can cook a meal for a family in need...

I can "live simply so that others might simply live"....

I can spend time on my knees in prayer for the needs of my family, city, nation, and world...

That's a small list. But it's a start.

Let's allow our hearts to be shaken for the Lord.

Because we never know when He may return. (Matt. 24:42)

8 months.

My little girl is 8 months old.

It doesn't seem possible. I think she's really only supposed to be about 4 months old right now...

Sweet little Emma.
She was my early bird. Tiny little early bird.

5lbs. 6oz.

Not really small compared to many pre-term babies, but I come from a long line of chunks-at-birth.

My dad was almost 11 lbs.

I was 9lbs. 3oz.

Ethan was 8 lbs. 12 oz....

So she was tiny for my family.

But she's growing in to quite the little lady!

She's sitting up so well and loves trying to keep up with her big brother.

She rolls like no one's business.

She has more hair than I honestly know what to do with.

She has two bottom teeth and is currently growing her two top teeth =)

(I'm kind of sad her gummy smile is gone.

That's always such a milestone for me.)

She is one of the loudest babies I've ever been around.

She talks nonstop. (She is a girl, afterall)

But I love her personality.

She's incredibly happy.

And so easy to make smile.

Even easier to make laugh.

(Aren't baby laughs the greatest?)

Oh, and watching my husband interact with his little princess?

*Swoon*

I must say, the growth of a child is so bittersweet.

Don't get me wrong, I love that she's growing and developing.
I just sometimes wince at how fast it's all happening.

Ahem...but I'll get a grip.

Happy 8 months little one.

"The days are long but the years are short"

~Gretchen Rubin

P.S. Happy birthday, Daddy! I love you!!

You're the best.

It's Like Shoveling Snow

"Cleaning the house while the kids are still growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing."

~Phyllis Diller

Today, I couldn't agree more with that statement. =)

But I love Proverbs 14:4 and how it can relate to children.

(not that our children are animals..hehe)

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean..."

If I didn't have Ethan, I wouldn't have had the pillows all strung around and the toys all over the floor.

I let life happen today. And I'm glad I did.

My "manger" certainly wasn't clean...

But I've got the cutest little guy to take care of.

And I'd take him over an empty, spotless house any day.

I have a confession...

I need your help, mommies!

CONFESSION: I'm still feeling quite overwhelmedd about my new role as mom. I love my son sooo much, but at times I catch myself wishing it was still just me and Bob...I feel so guilty.

I really didn't want to post this b/c I know how horrible it must sound, but I really need all the encouragement and prayers that I can get right now.

How did you all make it through the first weeks of being a mom?

I know all babies are different, but any tips would be appreciated. More importantly though, I'd love your prayers.

I'm so thankful to have a wonderful husband, parents, siblings, and in-laws. God has given me a great support group...and now I hope you'll be a part of it, too!

I'm looking forward to hearing how you ladies handled the crazy first weeks with your babies. I hope you all have a great weekend =)

I finally found some time...

to do a new post!

Wow--I never knew how much work motherhood could be...I'm so much more appreciative of my mom for putting up with us kiddos!

Ethan is doing really well! Last night, not one alarm went off!! Praise God!!
He's supposed to be on it for approx. 4 months, but we are praying the Lord will make a way for it to come off much sooner! As frustrating as it's been having to deal with the cords and monitor during feedings/changings and just moving him around the house, it has brought some peace of mind at night when we sleep. (I'm a worrier, so maybe the Lord knew I need a little something to help me relax a little bit!)

I know our situation with Ethan being monitored for his apnea is nothing compared to a lot of the hardships that so many families are dealing with right now; however, it's still been pretty rough. This situation has totally made me rely on God to take care of our little son. I'm constantly praying, and I've taken such comfort in His Word probably more than ever. There is absolutely NO WAY I could live this life without my Savior Jesus Christ!

I'm so thankful that He's given me such a wonderful and caring husband (I love him more than ever!) and such a sweet little baby boy to love and cherish.

Bob has been great--I'm so blessed to have him by my side. I know Ethan is going to have so much fun growing up with such an awesome daddy!!

My parents and Bob's parents have been a TREMENDOUS help!!! My mom stayed over a few nights--my dad even joined in on the fun one night, too. My MIL Carol has been coming over during the days and helping with all the housework and a bunch of other stuff too--she's a busy little bee! We are SO grateful to ALL of our family and friends for their prayers, encouragement, and help!!

I never knew I could function on such little sleep--but when we are weak, Jesus is strong!

Okay--long post--so here's some pics to make all the reading worthwhile!

Holding daddy's finger

wide awake--looks a little ornery!

cute little feet

ahh..so comfy in daddy's arms!

Not sure what this face is but it cracks me up!

The proud new daddy

Workin' those lungs!

In the NICU with the feeding tube--so thankful he's outta there!

My big sis--Aunt Kim

My little brother--Uncle Drew

Papaw Berryman

Grandpa Calvert

Nana Berryman and Grammy Calvert

Our family =)

Our big baby boy!

First time in my arms--the pain was worth it!!

Hope you are having a great Lord's Day!

Gagging Daddies

Well, my doctor told me at my last appointment that if Ethan doesn't come by the due date (20th), he'll induce me on the 25th.
I can't believe I'm going to be a mom! I'm sooo excited!!

I must admit though, I've had a few moments of anxiety these past few days--just realizing I'm going to have a little life to take care of and that it's not going to be just me and hubby anymore is kinda scary. However, I'm sure once I see his sweet little face I'll be ready for whatever motherhood brings!

So, in honor of our upcoming arrival, I've decided to post one of the funniest videos I've ever seen! Bob and I have had the "diaper talk" and I think he's willing to help in that area. We'll see--the dads in this video aren't having too much fun with it!! haha

Bring on the diapers!