I think I'm addicted...

Yep--I know I shouldn't have, but ever since Ethan's been born, I've become CrAzY addicted to Dr. Pepper!! I know I need to stay away from it--there's absolutely NO nutritional value to it whatsoever, and I'm beginning to feel the effects of all the junk that's in it...

Plus, we've pretty much been living off of fast food since he's been born..and what I eat, Ethan eats =( I know, that's horrible!! I've GOT to go to the grocery store. I miss cooking...and what real food tastes like.




This is pretty much how it has been around our house....

So, now I'm beginning to feel like this...

I need some intervention to get me off of this junk!

This is a scripture that I think is so interesting: Psalm 105:37b talks about the Israelites departing from Egypt and how "...there was not one feeble person among their tribes" Wow!! Can you imagine? All those people..literally millions..and not one person was sick or weak!
God had dietary laws for the Israelites, to set them apart from the other nations--I believe that's why they were so healthy--God knows what the body should and shouldn't consume. Now, I know we aren't under the law, but "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

All of God's Word is relevant to our lives--maybe we should take another look at the OT food laws and see what it was that kept the Israelites healthy..?? I don't think it would hurt anything--the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) sure isn't doing anything to promote health!!

I've always been interested in health and wellness. I was actually going to school to become a Dietitian. All the stuff that I've learned, though, I've kinda thrown out the window lately. So, I'm going to try to keep myself accountable and post every once in awhile about how I'm doing in the health area--I've gotta be healthy so that I can better serve the Lord and others!

Oh yeah, I'm so proud of my M.I.L. Carol for totally cutting out artificial sweeteners!! She sure loved her Diet Dr. Pepper but realized it was making her really achy and tired. Those fake sugars are bad news!!

Here is a blog that I really enjoy reading. This blogger mom is so great about making healthy meals from scratch. She has a lot of neat recipes/ideas. Check her out!

Alrighty, I'm done! I've gotta go drink a Dr. Pepper after all that typing...ahh..j/k!
I think a bottle of water sounds better! ;)

Have a great weekend!

The Lines have fallen...

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
Proverbs 16:6

Yesterday was my grandpa's birthday. If he were still here he would be 82. He went to be with the Lord when I was a sophomore in high school. As hard as it was then, it actually gets harder as I get older and experience more of life without him. I wish he could've been there for my wedding, and to meet his great-grandson Ethan.
But ya know what? Maybe he watched it all happen from heaven! That's what I like to think =)

Anyway, I wanna tell you ladies a little bit about my grandpa--he was such a great man!

He was a faithful and loving husband to my grandma for over 50 years. Here they are not long after they were married. As you can see, my grandpa was in the Army. What a beautiful couple!

My grandparents raised 4 wonderful men. The one in the suit is my daddy! They are all God-fearing men who love their families. They had a great example in their dad, my grandpa.

Here I am with my grandpa not long before he got really sick.

He fought hard and long, but finally went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
I'm so, so thankful that I will see him once again!

Even though my grandpa's illness and passing was so painful at times, it was also beautiful in some ways. When my grandpa was in the hospital before he went home on hospice care, he led his "roomate" to the Lord!! God can use terrible situations in such great ways. My grandpa was a true servant of Jesus. I'm sure the Lord was able to say to him when he entered heaven, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

There are a million more things I could say about my grandpa. I'm blessed to have such a godly heritage. I thank God for the example I had in my grandpa, and for the godly inheritance he left our family!

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children...”
Proverbs 13:22a

My Big Boy! ...and a Scary Bedtime Prayer

Hey gals! Can you believe my baby boy is one month old?! Thank the Lord, he is doing really well!
Thanks for all of your prayers! We love 'em!

See the onsie he's wearing?? "Night Owl"...this pic is what's been going on all night/early morning lately...haha...I can laugh right now b/c I 've actually had some sleep today. But wow--sleep deprivation is PAINFUL!!!

He finally calmed down so I could snap a pic of him in "precious angel" mode (as the grandmas would say). That's the only mode they usually see him in though, not the screaming mode above! haha
What can I say, though? He can do no wrong in the grandparents' eyes!

Okay..and for the Scary Bedtime Prayer part...

My husband and I recently stumbled across this Christian comedian named Tim Hawkins..he's hilarious!

This video is about a prayer that is often recited at bedtime, but after watching this video, you'll see it may not be as comforting to kids as people may think (although the comedian says it in a goofy way the I'm sure parents don't do!) My parents never prayed this specific prayer at bedtime, but I know some friends whose parents did, and it always made me feel kinda creepy/uneasy!

Date Night and the Duggars

I've had a fun-packed weekend!
Last night, both sets of grandparents came over so Bob and I could have a "date night"! We went to a local Chinese restaurant that Bob loves--we hadn't eaten there since I became pregnant b/c of all the MSG that's in the food--probably shouldn't be eating it now either--but it was really good!
Afterward, we went to good ol' Wal-Mart and then to a local bookstore to look around.
We had a great night together!

Getting ready to leave for our date.
The hands are there to cover up my recovering pregnancy tummy...haha.

The grandpas--I think they actually just watched basketball while the grandmas did all the work! =)

The grandmas in action--getting Ethan all cleaned up.

Today, I went to a good friend's wedding shower and then headed over to a book signing to meet the Duggars! I found out at the last minute they were in town--it was so neat to see them in person!

Oldest daugther Jana with the newest addition, Jordyn-Grace.

Me with Jim Bob and Michelle...little Jordyn was hungry so Michelle is feeding her here!

Me with Jinger

I got my book signed, too--can't wait to start reading it...if I can find some time!

Hope you all have a great LORD's day tomorrow!!

Tummy Time, TV Time and Thank You Time!

Ethan has started Tummy Time during the day! ...He doesn't like it so much!
I rolled him over after a little while to try and calm him back down...still upset!
..and..ahh..all better!!
When daddy got home, we put him back down for some father/son bonding time!

My husband loves playing nintendo (oops..I mean, Xbox--I call everything nintendo and it annoys him! haha) He gets online and plays with his other friends...he included his son tonight..starting him out early! *although it doesn't look like Ethan is interested just yet!



We also watched some TV tonight. Maybe Sarver should've gone home first, but I was fine with Alexis leaving.

So far, my top three faves are Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, and Anoop Desai...ooh...well, I really like Allison Iraheta too...okay, so my top 4. This season is turning out better than I originally thought it would.

We also watched 18 Kids and Counting, which I LOVE! Bob wouldn't be quick to admit it, but I think he really likes the show too! If Michelle and Jim Bob can raise 18 kids, we can surely raise 1 for now! haha. A lot of scriptures have been flowing through my mind lately, but I read one today on the Duggar's website that really blessed me: “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness, most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)


Lastly, I want to thank each and every one of you for your VERY SWEET comments! They were very encouraging..and several brought tears to my eyes. It's so comforting to know that so many people are praying for us! You ladies have all been such a blessing to me. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I pray the LORD blesses each and every one of you greatly!

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!