Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Every good and perfect gift is from above. -- James 1:17

I like to think that my parents did many good things when raising Brock, myself and Meghan.

They taught us the importance of family.  That no matter what, you are there for each other and you learn to love, support, and depend on one another.

On top of having our relationship, it was very important to them that we built a relationship with God.

We were brought up in a Catholic loving home.  I can't remember missing church as a child.  No matter how late I stayed out or what my plans were it was a must that I attend church.

As an adult I'm so grateful for my faith and the determination my parents had to make God an important part of my childhood.  It's my faith in God that has gotten me through these few months.  I often find myself praying and not even realizing it.  Mainly praying for my babies well-being.  That they are protected at all times.  I pray for their father that one day he realizes the impact this decision had on everyone and he ask for forgiveness.  I pray that I can forgive him one day and not carry so much anger and our children find ways to accept him as they grow into adults.  Read my previous post.  I'm just a praying fool these days!

I want my children to know God.  

So on March 10th my last child and only daughter was baptized where her father and I were married 9 years ago.  This is the same church my other two babies were baptized and where I made my confirmation way back when. On this day I made the choice for Layla that she will accept Jesus into her life and I made the promise to teach her His ways.

It was an emotional day for me because I feel she has been cheated out of so much already.  Unlike her brothers where they had both parents present, little Miss Layla had just me.  Over time I realized that it was okay because she had her Nanny (Aunt Meghan) right there to become her Godmother and her Uncle Brock as Godfather.   There were so many people in attendance that I know Layla will be loved and protected throughout her life.



Layla Noelle and Brendal Ann will one day become best friends.  I pray that they will love and cherish each other like sisters.  I was honored to be chosen as Godmother for my sweet niece.  


Father Dan officiated the baptism ceremony


I'm one lucky girl to have my wonderful sister to be such big party of Layla's life.  She has been one of my biggest supporters this past year and my life would not be as cheery if she wasn't apart of it.  Meghan has such a way to lift me up, remind me what is important, and has always loved me unconditionally.  God knew just what he was doing when he put us together!


It's so sweet to see this picture.  These little boys have so much love for each other.  
Blake is such a little protecter.

Sweet Brendal!







Layla's Godparents



I was blessed to be given another sister when Brock married.  Carrie has been such a great friend to me and I know she loves my children as her own.  Carrie is our "doctor" of the family and always has answers to my questions.  She has such a peacefulness about her that makes you want to be around her.  




I look forward to the day when Meghan and Curtis become parents!


My Aunt Eva graciously let us borrow her house for the reception!



My cousin, Tiffany, who help me name Layla.  For weeks we went back and fourth with names and to know it was right in front of us the whole time!


Baby carrier parking lot!  My cousin Lisa and her husband Chase are fostering a little girl with the hopes of adoption.  I can't wait for the day when we get to have her big adoption celebration.  She is such a beautiful little girl who deserves to be with such wonderful parents like Lisa and Chase.  

Our day was beautiful just like our girls!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

For My Children ~

I pray that I can provide you a life of God, Love, and Peace.

I pray I do not disappoint you and that I make you proud.

I pray that one day you understand the truth and the decision I’ve had to make are out of your well-being and the love I have for you.

I pray you know that you will always come first in my life.

I pray you know I will die to protect your innocents.

I pray I can teach you the importance of family and that all three of you learn to love and support each other, just like Uncle Brock, Nanny and I do.

I pray that you find someone to spend your life with and will love you unconditionally.

I pray that through faith you value your relationships with others.

I pray I can teach you the skills to be strong and not run when life is hard.

I pray I can teach you how important you are, you value yourself, and strive to be the best person you can be.

I pray that life brings you much joy and happiness.

Blake:  I think you are the most wonderful 7 year old transformer boy ever!  I wish I could live one day in your head because I know it would be very action pack fighting off the Decepticons.  I think this divorce will affect you the most.  You will be the only one out of all of 3 that will even remotely know what it was like to live with both your dad and I.  It makes me sad that one day these memories will slowly fade from your mind and that a single parent house hold will become normal.  I do know that you have so many people that love you and want only the best for you.  I have so much faith that one day you are going to grow up to be the best at whatever you choose.  You are so strong-headed and determined that I know your dreams will come true.  What I love is that you have so much compassion in that little body of yours.  I love how you randomly hug and kiss me, how you are the first to tend to Chase when he is upset, and how much you love your little sister and how you call her “my girl.”  You are such a great big brother to Chase and Layla, they are so lucky to have you as a role model.  I know right now you are so sad and life has changed so much for you, but please know that the rest of my life will be making sure this sadness goes away and you live a happy life!

Chase:  I don’t even know where to start with you!  It’s so hard to believe that you are 3 years old, much less a big brother.  I love your energetic, happy demeanor.  You always have a smile on your face and usually only cry when I won’t give you candy.  I love that you are always the first one to tattle on your big brother, which I just look as if you are watching over him.  Chase bug you have such a large vocabulary telling me the other day you want to swivel in the stroller.  I’m so excited to see you are finally growing out of your allergies.  You sure did scare me the other day when you ate the peanut Cheerios, with your swollen eyes, but you didn’t flinch one little bit.  It was just another day to you!!  Chase know that not only do you have me, but so many others that will help shape you into the wonderful adult you will be one day.  My heart hurts for you more then you’ll ever know because your truly do not understand all this.  Please know that you have the special, little place in my heart that God made just for you!  On that Thursday afternoon back in November 2008 at 2:19 p.m. I fell so in love with you and each day I fall more and more! 

Layla Girl: We have only just begun!  Together you and I will have a life of shopping, fun, and lots of girl time.  I often find myself daydreaming of the future we will have not only as mother and daughter, but one day as friends.  I think I have more fears with raising you then I do your brothers.  I pray so hard that you grow up to be an independent, confident woman.  I will support you with whatever you choose to do in life.  Along, with your Paw Paw B and uncles, and if it’s God’s will, there will be a man that will treat you like his daughter and to show you what it’s like to be respectful of a woman.  I hope when time is right that you do find a spouse that honors, loves, and respects you unconditionally.  You are such a blessing and I will forever be grateful that God chose me to be your mother.

With love,

Your mommy




Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Truth

On July 9, 2011 at 16 weeks pregnant with our 3rd child my husband decided marriage was not his thing and with no explanation left.  On this day, March 20, 2012, it finally came full circle and the truth came out!

I am now at peace!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

3 months old!

HAPPY 3 MONTH OLD BIRTHDAY!

LAYLA NOELLE

LAYLA you weigh 11 pounds 8 ounces

You still wear a size 1 diaper

No change in shoe size.  
I have bought you some jelly shoes from Old Navy and 0-3 months 
fit you quite well.  I can't wait till spring break to dress
you all up in them with matching bows!

You are currently still wearing 0-3 month clothing, but I feel
that is slowly coming to an end.  I have so many cute 3-6 month 
outfits, but it doesn't bother me if it takes you a while to grow into them.


I returned back to work this month and I was pretty worried about my mornings
and getting enough sleep.  I have to say you have done quite well.  By the time
I lay you down around 10:30 p.m. you sleep till at least 4 a.m. in the pack-n-play. There have been a few nights you have slept even longer.  
Most morning you wake up, I feed you, and place you in bed
with me.  I'm so excited you are sleeping on your own, but I do look forward to
the early mornings when we can cuddle together.

Layla you have really changed this month.  You love to lay in your baby bed and 
look at your light-up mobile.  You are drinking 4-5 ounces at each feeding about 6-8 times a day.
You are smiling all the time and trying your hardest to talk more
and more each day.  Blake is great at getting you to talk and smile.

I'm so excited to watch your little personality develop. I bet you are going to be one
tough little girl having your two brothers.  I feel pretty
safe that Blake and Chase will always be watching after you at all times.



This next month we have many activities.  We will start with spring break at B.B. and Paw-Paws.  
I'm hoping we will get to spend time with your cousins eating crawfish and at the annual heritage festival.  We will be attending a wedding at the end of March and wrapping it up with Easter.

I have so many cute outfits I need you to wear before you out grow them.  So, I'm sure 
we will have a blog post just dedicated to your spring break outfits. Ha! Ha!

I'll be taking out the big bottles, which makes me sad because it's just
one more reminder at how fast time goes.  Also, I will start preparing for baby food.  I
pray you won't have all the food allergies Chase had at your age.


Layla - I have to say you bring me more joy then you'll ever know!

You are truly a dream come true for me!

I love you!
                                       

A few pictures from this past month! 

February 2012 Family picture

Great Maw Maw came to visit you!

Valentines Day

Your wonderful big brother cuddling with Chase!  Chase is
really asleep and Blake is pretending...if you can't tell!  He's
a great poser! 

We celebrated  Blake's 7th birthday!

Blake started back at soccer!
 

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