Join the bandwagon...

It's that time of year, and you know you need some...yes, I'm talking about Christmas cards.  Adam and I have never really sent out Christmas cards and if we did it would be the ones you would get at a drug store for $3.  But, since this year we have little Leah, we thought why not?  So the search began.  Ultimately, we ended up loving Shutterfly for its selection and mainly the prices!  We had used shutterfly before for these and they turned out amazing! 

For our Christmas cards, I have lots of favorites, but I have narrowed them down to this one:

 this one:

or this one:

I am really loving all of these, so it is going to be hard for us to choose!  I guess you'll just have to wait and see! :)

What's really cool is that shutterfly is offering 50 FREE Christmas Cards to bloggers who blog about this giveaway!  Crazy I know!  You can read more about it HERE and participate if you would like!!  Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying this Christmas season and really remember what it's truly about! :)

Gratitude

Today here at school, all I see around me are kids with Indian hats on, fall decorations, the smell of our Thanksgiving feast, and happy faces by all (especially the teachers)...which can only mean one thing...Thanksgiving is here!  Now, we all know about Thanksgiving and how we should all be thankful for everything we have and how we are so blessed.  Yes, yes and yes.  We should be thankful everyday.  Just recently, the Lord has been showing and teaching me something new about Thanksgiving.

What's the first thing that pops in your head about Thanksgiving (other than a full belly)?  Thankfulness or gratitude, right?  Well, when I thought of gratitude, immediately, the Lord put this word in my mind...generosity.  Call me crazy, but I had never thought about this before, but gratitude and generosity completely go hand in hand!

I wrote this on my twitter a couple of days ago (yes, I tweet...@elizabethh3, and if you don't, you should), "Gratitude is shown through generosity.  You have been blessed, so be a blessing to someone else today".

Really...when you think about it, how do you express your gratitude?  You say "thank you" right?  Well, yes that's one way, but being generous by far shows your gratefulness the most!  You know the saying, "actions speak louder than words", it's true.

If you are reading this, chances are you have a computer, chances are you are under a roof, chances are you are probably having a nice drink or snack right now as well.  If so, you are among the top 5% of the wealthiest people in the world.  You have been blessed.

I want to be more like Him.  I give because He gave me life.  Who am I to keep everything He's given me to myself?  How else is a better way to share the love of Christ?  This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful, very grateful for my life and everything/everyone in it.  I know you're thankful too, but this year, show your thanks through generosity.  It will bless you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."  -1 Timothy 6:17-19

Worship

Most people have an idea of worship...or when they hear the word "worship" they associate that with different things that they were raised with, or taught.  What most people don't understand (yes, even Christians) is that worship is a verb.  It is an action word.   

Idea: a thought, conception, or notion, a plan of action; an intention.

If you just have an idea of worship and haven't actually followed through with it, what good is it?  The definition I got above is from dictionary.com and I especially like the last part..."a plan of action".  Yes, it is smart to have a plan of action, but what good is it if you don't follow through?

What good are your thoughts if you don't act them out?  Our actions are probably the most influential weapon we have towards this world.  The Lord wants your worship.  He wants you to come before him humbly and with a broken heart.  He wants you to realize that it's not all about you...He wants you to stop being selfish.  He wants you to surrender.

In the bible, it talks about having faith like a child.  Children dream big, think big, and have huge imaginations.  They don't care what people say about them...they're not worried about looking funny.  They have audacious faith.  Ok, well I've kind of rambled and spilled my heart a little in this post, but I do have a point!

Worship is an action. This morning, I had the privlege of sitting in on one of our school chapels.  The 2nd grade at our school sang for us and quoted scripture all about worship.  The whole experience was unbelievably pure.  They taught me again what worship was all about.  There was one instance where they were singing a song with the lyrics, "let everything that has breath praise the Lord", and in the middle of the song, every 2nd grader raised his/her hands in surrender to our Lord.  I couldn't help it...tears welled up in my eyes and God brought me back to the heart of a child.

They weren't concerned about who was looking at them and they weren't embarrassed.  The God of this Universe has given us everything that we could ever ask for or imagine in our lives.  Today, as I was reminded by 65 second graders, we need to acknowledge and surrender our lives to Him and show him with our actions in worship.  
 

Psalm 150

 ¹ Praise the LORD. ^[a]
       Praise God in his sanctuary;
       praise him in his mighty heavens.

 ² Praise him for his acts of power;
       praise him for his surpassing greatness.

 ³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
       praise him with the harp and lyre,

 ⁴ praise him with tambourine and dancing,
       praise him with the strings and flute,

 ⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
       praise him with resounding cymbals.

 ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
       Praise the LORD.

"It's been a while" - is an understatement!

So...it's been a while...haha...funny right?  More like, "it's been way, way, way too long" since I've written on my blog!

Dear Beloved Blog,
I'm sorry I've neglected you this whole Summer.  You were low on the totem poll and quite frankly it's not that I forgot about you...it's that I was too busy spending my long summer days with my charming husband and my lovely daughter.  Forgive me.

So anyways...if you are still reading my blog, or if I just have "ghost readers", I'm back.  No promises made, I will be writing a lot more often about, well, everything.  I thought of a lot of good posts to write over the summer and even planned them out in my head, but my fingers never got to typing them.  I'm working on the coordination of thinking --> planning --> writing and hopefully I will get better.  It's all about follow thru right? 

Well, given the fact that I have not posted on here since my birthday (I guess that doesn't count because Adam posted), I will try and catch everyone up on our summer.

May:  got out of school (yay!), went to the beach, Leah turned 3 months and rolled over.
June: layed around, went to the pool, Leah turned 4 months and started solid foods, celebrated my birthday, went to the beach.
July: layed around, Leah turned 5 months and is sitting up, went to the mountains.
August: layed around, Leah turned 6 months and is almost crawling, started school again. 

Leah at the beach holding her pacie like a ring pop.

Well, I hope I've gained some of my readers back because I will be sure to write more often.  Love you all...and to my blog, I love you more.

Happy Birthday!!!!

This is the other half of two are better than one writing this morning. And I must say that my other half (Elizabeth) is what makes our family! Today is a very special day in the life of our little family because it is Mommies birthday! I will not disclose her age for all to know, but she looks better today than the day I married her! As you all know this has been a big year for us. Our precious daughter Leah Elizabeth Hamilton came into the world on February 15th of this year. She has been an amazing gift from God and through her I have witnessed Elizabeth turn from wife to wife/mommy! Through the past 4 months I have witnessed Elizabeth grow in tremendous ways. She is one of the strongest people I have ever met. The day she gave birth to Leah she had already worked a half day teaching, then we left straight from school to go to the hospital, then she had a baby at 6:30 that night and then she stayed up for the next 4 days feeding her upwards of 18 times a day(The hospital documents these things)! That is what I am talking about, a little warrior! She sacrifices beyond belief. She never sleeps a full 8 hours except for today because I am making her! She loves her husband! Not many husbands could write that these days, but I know my wife loves me! She prays for me, she counsels me through my pain, she sees my every need and meets it! She is an amazing woman! But most importantly she loves Jesus. She has a passion for Christ and his word and I love to hear her speak about Him and pray to Him! She is a tremendous daughter, wife, and now mother! Today, Elizabeth I honor you and tell you that I love you and I am never leaving you or Leah! We are in this thing for the long-haul and no matter how rough things can get I am always going to show up and fight for your heart! I hope you have a fabulous day at....... THE SPA!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Love,

Daddy and Leah

Here are some pictures of our journey thus far!

Tips for New Moms: 02

02: Don't have a cow when your hair starts to fall out in chunks about 3 months after you give birth.

Because I did.  And I still am.  For about 3 weeks now I have literally had chunks of hair falling out in the shower, when I brush my hair, straighten my hair, or just whatever...it falls out.  Everyone tells me it's normal, but if it keeps going on, I'll probably be bald soon.  Leah gets the brunt of it all too because no matter what I do, I find some of my hair on her, in her hands, or even in her toes.  I have even found a strand or two in her diaper before.  I know pretty gross, but what can I do? 

So, when your hair starts to fall out, don't panic.  It's normal.  Or so they say.  :) 

Tips for New Moms: 01

I'm going to start something new on my blog.  You have probably already guessed what it is from my title.  Yes...tips for new moms.  Almost everyday I find myself learning something new as a mom that I had no idea of or hadn't read in any of the books.  So, I thought I'd help some new moms out there to have a better understanding of what to expect from being a mom.  Please don't take this as some kind of expert advise, because frankly I've only been a mom for 3 1/2 months and I'm learning new things everyday.  These are just tips of what I've found out that works and doesn't work as a Mom.  I'd love to hear any other advise you more "experienced moms" have because I'm all about learning from the best!  So, hear it goes...

01: Start packing for vacations at least 3 days in advance. 

This has been a huge struggle for me.  If you know me, you know that I am the world's best procrastinator!  I wait to the last minute to do everything (clean, pack, work, study, etc.), but when you have a baby, that all has to change!  I'm still working on it, but I think I've gotten a little better (though Adam might tell you differently).

If you have a baby or are thinking about having a baby, prepare to take anything and everything with you wherever you go!  Like pretty much every baby, Leah gets bored sitting or laying somewhere pretty quick.  You put her in her swing, she wants to move, put her in her boppy seat, she wants to move, lay her on the floor, she wants to move, put her in your lap, she wants to move, sit her in her bumbo seat, she wants to move...you get the idea.  So, we take everything!

Adam has a Jeep and by the time we're done packing everything you can't see out of the windows.  I'm sure we'll get better as time goes on, but I'm perfectly content taking everything "just in case".  Since we do take a lot, it takes a while getting it all together, so, the final verdict....start early!

Empowerment

em-pow-er [em-pou-er]
1. to give power or authority to; authorize, esp. by legal or official means.
2. to enable or permit

Our Pastor started a new sermon series called "e".  No...not for Elevation, but for "empowerment".  It was a great sermon with key points that really opened your eyes and made you realize what the "church" is really here for. 

Elevation is known for our mission statement, "So that people far from God will be filled with life in Christ".  It is our mission to reach the city of Charlotte in so many ways.  Elevation is also known for not doing anything mediocre.  Everything is done with excellence, which is what the Bible calls us to do as a church.  And part of doing things with excellence is not having an array, or rather, a "buffet" of things within our church.  For example, that's why you don't see a Men's ministry, a women's ministry, a missions ministry, a singles ministry, a college ministry, a special needs ministry, a hearing impaired ministry, a senior adults ministry, and I could go on and on.  Now before any of you have a cow, or stop reading, I am NOT saying these things are bad or wrong to have in the church.  Here me out.  Some churches do these things great and are reaching so many people through them, which is awesome! 

People all the time ask the staff at Elevation, "why is there no men's ministry", "where is your single's ministry", etc.  I think most people grew up in the tradition and mindset that there has to be a "pastor" leading these ministries...I know I did!  The answer Elevation always gives to these types of questions is, "why don't YOU do it"?  Why don't I do it? 

Pastor preached from Ephesians 4:11-13 which basically says that all of us are given a gift from the Lord...our passion.  And we are to use our gift/passion to reach the world, which creates great and perfect unity in Christ. 

Man!  Just let that marinate a little bit.  Don't you feel convicted?  I know I do!  God's given me a great gift and as long as I keep it covered up, tucked away in box, protected from the world...it's useless and a great insult to my God.  Just think...if we all discovered our passion, the passion God has instilled in you, and used it for the Glory of God, this world would be a different place! 

Pastor stated in his sermon that "Pastors are God's gift to the church and the church is God's gift to the world".  Pastors share the vision God has for us and we, as a church, are to take that vision and form strategies of how to implement the vision in our everyday lives.

He also said that rather focusing on entitlement ("pastors") we need to focus more on empowerment.  We, as a church, need to feel empowered to take our passions and do something with them to reach this city.  Even though the majority of us can't call ourselves "pastors", we DO have the authority and the power to take our gift and use it and let that be our ministry. 

Elevation has had community groups meet all over Charlotte since the start of the church.  These community groups meet each week to fellowship with other believers, discuss the sermon from the previous week, and to just do "life" with other fellow Christians.  These community groups are taking a turn for the better this coming season.  Instead of being called "community groups", they will be called "egroups".  The "e" standing for empowerment. 

As group leaders, we were told to discover our passion and let our group be centered around that.  For example, Adam's passion is teaching and he loves taking the sermon Pastor preaches each week and dissecting it and discussing it with others.  So...our "egroup" will probably focus on the series' we do in the church and discussing them with our group to provide application.

Pastor gave examples of other passions people may have.  Everything from Missions, to students, to sports.  Pastor Furtick is empowering us as a church to take our passions and use them to reach the city of Charlotte bringing everything back to our mission statement, "to see people far from God be filled with life in Christ".   This is where all of our "ministries" will surface.  Men's ministries, women's ministries, missions, sports ministries, etc. will all be brought to life. 

Forgive me for such a long post, but I just wanted to share what was on my heart the past couple of days.  Will you use your gift/passion God has given you to empower you to reach this city, or will you keep it safely tucked away?  God has called His people to take risks for His glory...no worries, He's always on your side.  I'll leave you with a quote from this past Sunday...

"We are placed here for a purpose, guided by a passion and empowered by the Spirit of God." 

Edible baby.

Couldn't you just eat her up?  This weekend we went to Rufus and Taylor's engagement party.  The weather was very nice, but it was hot!  Leah had never really been 'hot' before, so when she started to get a little dewy she didn't like it.  But Adam did manage to get this completely adorable shot of her.  Sometimes I still can't believe she's mine!

Truly blessed!

All the girls...

These are just some of the women in my life that make me feel special...

Mom, thanks for being the best Mom around!  If you can't tell from my last post, I love you very much!

Sara, thanks for being a great Sister.  You're always there when I need to talk and you seem to know just what to say!

Harleigh, thanks for being cutest niece ever!  I love being your Aunt and your "tiger" noise is my favorite!

And this little girl...

Leah, thank you for being my sweet daughter!  You mean the world to me and I would do anything for you! 

My Mom

I know Mother's Day was yesterday, however there was no time to post because of all the festivities! :)  And I celebrate my Mom everyday, so today is no different!

Everyone has one, young or old, short or tall, dark skinned or light...a mother.  Call her whatever you like, Mom, mama, madre, mere, Mother, she will forever be your Mom.  My mom carries many names.  Some days I call her my rock, some days she's my comforter, somedays my best friend, or my discipliner.  She was my provider and only wanted the best for my sister and I.  My mom was, and still is the most selfless, giving person that I know.  Not only is she giving in her finnces, but more giving with her time, which to me, is one of the most valuable things you can give.  She has always had an ear ready to listen whenever I needed to talk...whether it was when I was six and someone took my pencil at school or when I was faced with the everyday occuring drama that went along with middle or high school, she was there.  When I dated boys in college and a date didn't go right or on my graduation day when I wasn't able to walk across the stage, she was there.  

Her ear was ready to listen when Adam and I started dating and I wanted to tell her all the amazing things he had done for me.  And when he popped the question and the daya we got married she heard all my excitments and calmed my nerves.  Even to this day, now that I have my own family, I call her every morning on my way to work to talk about everyday life and the things that come along with it.  She is a great listener.

My mom is an amazing woman who wears many  hats.  It is because of her that I can call myself a Christian, a friend, a wife, a daughter, and a Mother.  She has taught me everything I know about character and poise.  She has led me through the ups and downs of life and has been my lifesaver when I started to go under.  Giving up is not part of my Mom's vocabulary and it is with her experiences that I have seen her push through the toughest of times.  She has watched me grow from the tiniest of babies to the Mother that I am today and now I get the privilege to watch her as a Grandmother to four very precious grand kids.  There is such a legacy behind my Mom's eyes and I can only hope that I will carry that legacy on someday.  

Thank you Mom, for loving me with your whole heart.  Thank you for putting your family first and everything else second.  Thank you for loving the Lord and for teaching me how to as well.  Thank you for sacrificing everything you have so that we would not be without.  Thank you for teaching me how to be a Mother.  You are truly my hero and I am so thankful and blessed to have the relationship we have with each other.  You are my everything and I love you forever! 

Birthdays

Birthdays are a huge deal to me.  It's your own special personal holiday you get to celebrate every year.  Most people get caught up in the fact that you're turning one year older, however I just love hanging out with the people you love, decorating the house with streamers and balloons, maybe opening up a few presents here and there (you know you like presents too), and of course the cake and ice cream!  I love it when birthdays roll around because it just gives you the excuse to spend money and go all out to make somebody else feel special (and not have your husband getting mad at you for spending money).  

So, with that said, we've got some birthday's coming up!  My sister's birthday is May 10th, my Dad's birthday is June 8th, my other brother and sister's birthdays are June 10th and 11th, my birthday is June 17th, and my Mom's birthday is July 8th!  We've got lots of summer birthdays.  This weekend we are celebrating my sister's  birthday at my dad's house after the race on Saturday (I can't believe I'm running in a race Saturday that I haven't trained for...haha).  Anyways, we're all going back to my Dad's house to order pizza and celebrate Sara.  Unfortunately, Adam won't be in attendance because he'll be at a driving class for cough, cough, a ticket he got on the way home from Leah's first doctor's appt.  Sorry babe, but there's consequences for everything.  I still love you though.

This year my dad is turning the big 6-0 so you know I've got to do something up big for him!  Last year we had a little get together at our house for him which was a blast!  We'll see what this year has in store for him...

Here are a few pics from his birthday last year:

Birthdays are a great thing!  If your birthday is coming up, I hope you have a happy, happy birthday spending it with the ones you love!

Cinco de Mayo

Yesterday was cinco de mayo and mine and Adam's 3 year anniversary.  It's kind of funny to think that we picked May 5th to get married and then a year later both of us becoming Spanish teachers!  Funny stuff.

I looked up the traditional gift for 3 years and it was leather, which was perfect because I knew exactly what I could get Adam.  For a while Adam wanted a front pocket wallet but has never bought himself one.  To be quite honest, I think he forgot he wanted one.  So...off to Fossil I went to get my hubby a genuine leather front pocket wallet.  Needless to say, when I gave it to him, he loved it and then remembered how much he wanted one.

I also wanted to do something kind of different for him...so I ordered 3 cupcakes to be delivered to our house.  One that had, "I love you", one that had, "5-5-07", and one that had, "AHE" (our initials) on it.  He really liked those too and they were very yummy!  But, can I just take a minute and speak my heart?  Having a joint account has its perks, but when, ahem, your husband constantly looks at the account, it takes the surprise and suspense out of everything!  Oh well, he still liked them. 

To my surprise, Adam came home with 2 dozen beautiful roses and a very sweet card for me.  We also went out to my favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, for dinner.  A huge thanks to Adam's mom for watching our sweet Leah while we went to dinner.  Yesterday was great!  Here's a picture of my roses and the cupcakes (excuse the bite taken out of one of them...Adam couldn't wait).

Adam,
Thank you for a wonderful 3 years!  You are my everything and it is such a privilege to be your wife.  I love how you love me and I love watching you love Leah.  Having the title of Mrs. Adam Hamilton is such an honor and having you by my side in everything brings so much joy to my life!  I love you with all my heart and I am so excited to see what the next 50, 60, or even 70 years have in store for us!  2 are always better than 1!

My new title: Mom

My first Mother's day is coming up and I couldn't be more excited!  It's kind of surreal celebrating a holiday where I'm used to focusing all my attention on my Mom and all the Mom's around me.  This year, I get to join in on all the fun celebrating such a thoughtful holiday! 

 I have learned so many things about being a Mom in just the short 3 months of Leah's life.  I'll post more about my experiences closer to Mother's day, but probably the most important thing I've experienced in being a Mom is the love for a child. 

 There is truly nothing like it and no one can ever take it away from you.  I'm sure I've got lots to learn in the coming years on being a Mom, but I do know one thing and that is my love will only grow and deepen for Leah every day of my life. 

 This quote always seems to enter my mind when I think about love and how it grows...

"For you see, each day I love you more.  Today more than yesterday, and less than tomorrow." -Rosemonde Gerard

 I love you sweet Leah!

The Bobcats

Well, the Bobcats finally made it to the playoffs.  Since the loss we had last night, it doesn't look like they'll make it past the first round, but a BIG congrats to them for making it this far. 

Back in 2004 I had this crazy idea to try out for their cheerleading team, the Rally Cats.  It was a long shot, but I made it!  I went on to cheer for them for the next 4 years and it was truly a great experience.  I met a lot of great people, performed for thousands, got a front row seat to the games, and so much more.

Cheering for the Bobcats will allow me to, one day, tell Leah some great stories and is an experience I'll always remember.  Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure...

Tryouts one year

 

During a time out

This was when the Sting (women's NBA) was in Charlotte

After every game, we would go up and entertain the crowds.

Adam and I after a game.

Some of the Rally Cats came to our wedding and we stunted...fun, fun!

Running.

In light of coming events, I thought it would be very appropriate to make the first of my soon to be many posts about running.

Now if you know me at all you know that running is not my favorite thing to do.  I grew up with a family of runners.  Almost every weekend was spent either attending a race someone was running in or actually running in a race myself.  I was apart of a running club growing up and I ran track/cross country all through middle school and high school.  Running was my thing.  My dad trained me a lot growing up and I ran with my brothers to get ready and help train for a cross country race or for a 5k on the weekends.  My dad would train me so hard because he saw what I didn't see (or feel, frankly) in my talent.  He would always tell me, "Elizabeth you've got so much potential in this sport if you would stick with it."  In that moment in time I didn't believe him.  I guess I just got burnt out.  I never really quit running, but I am slack in the discipline of training for races and events.  For example, I signed up to do a 5k on May 8.  Have I ran any?  Nope.  (I just slapped my hand).

I guess you could say that I've always been a "runner" but I am no where near what I could be if I "stuck with it" and had the discipline of training.  As I write this, it reminds me of my Christian life.  I have always been a "christian", but I am nowhere near the Christian I am called to be because of my lack of discipline of being in God's word.  Will God ever give up on me?  Nope.  He knows my potential so He's going to keep pushing me until I reach my potential in Him.  Just like my dad.  Even to this day my dad asks me about my running and invites me to run in certain races.  He offers to train me and run with me to help me reach my potential (that I still have).  I've come to know that your potential never leaves you...it's just hidden until you reach the level you are supposed to be at.  Everyone's got some kind of potential in them...and you've probably got the most potential in something you don't particularly love to do (at least that's how it is for me).  I've also found that when you train and are disciplined in the thing that you're pursuing (in my case, running) it becomes easier and more fun and you're more likely to do it because it becomes a habit (which is how I should be in my Christian walk). 

Whew.  I did not intend for this post to go in the direction it did...I guess that's just been on my heart lately.  On a more lighter note, I'll leave you with a few pictures of my glory days as a runner...hopefully I'll one day reach the potential that I've always had inside me, and Dad, thanks for pushing me and for seeing the potential in me.  You're the best!

This is me after I finished the Myrtle Beach 1/2 Marathon in 2004.

This is me coming up to the finish line.  I'm usually very focused and will have a pretty funny look on my face!

 

Lots of stuff...

I was looking through some old pictures the other day and I thought to myself, "I should blog about these".  So...as often as I can, I'm going to post a picture/blog post to allow my readers to gain more incite about who I am and what I'm all about.  Hope you enjoy!  

Things that make me happy...

These sunflowers...

This little girl...

This very handsome man...

What makes you happy?

Easter

This week is mine and Adam's Spring Break...so we unfortunately weren't able to go to Elevation's pivotal Easter service. Thankfully, we were updated on twitter and Elevation's website of all the exciting things that went on that day. If you were unaware, there were over 11,500 people in attendance, 700+ salvations, and 18,000+ donations given to different outreach programs Elevation partners with. Words can't describe the impact that was placed on the city of Charlotte that day and it was all done for the glory of God. People always seem to ask, "why are y'all all about the numbers?"...well, I'm glad you asked! Yes, we are completely stoked about the numbers...every number represents a story and every number is a life changed. Isn't our purpose as Christians is to grow and expand His Kingdom? Well then, of course, you HAVE to be all about the numbers! Praise God there were over 700 salvations that day! There were even more all around the city that should be talked about and broadcasted! The Lord is at work in Charlotte and I am blessed to be apart of such a bold and audacious movement that's shaking our city! If you want to read more about Easter Sunday, click here. I hope everyone had an amazing Easter and I pray that we all recognize what Christ did for us everyday of our lives and remember that we worship a Risen King! I'll leave you with a cute picture of Leah and Adam representing Elevation in spirit!

Nursery Pics

Please don't hate me! I know I promised a LONG time ago to post some finished nursery pics...as you can see I never did. Most of you have probably already seen these from facebook. We had some of our great friends and awesome photographers come take pictures of Leah when she was 12 days old. They also took some amazing pics of her nursery...so without further adieu...

[gallery]

All pics courtesy of The Beautiful Mess.

Want to see the cutest baby ever? Go here.

My better half

I just wanted to take a few moments to talk about my amazing husband. I am completely in awe when I think about our relationship and why God chose me to be his wife. I know I've talked on here about how Adam is such an amazing man, but can I just tell you that he's even more wonderful being a Dad!

Pretty much all during the day I get emails asking me to send him pictures of his little princess. When he comes home he makes a bee-line to wherever she is to see if she's sleeping or awake and to give her a kiss. He feeds, burps, changes (yes, changes), and holds her whenever he can. He stares at her when she sleeps and says over and over how beautiful she is. He is an amazing Dad.

Some of you might know Adam has a couple of extra jobs on top of his full-time teaching job. He gets up at 4:45am every morning to drive the morning bus route for the Elementary kids at our school, he tutors multiple students after school each week, and he heads up after-school detention. He does all of this because he loves our family and he will do anything and everything he can to provide for us.

Adam, nothing you do goes unnoticed. Leah and I appreciate everything you do for our family! You are an amazing man of God, a devoted husband, and one proud Daddy! I love you with all my heart and never forget that you have what it takes to do whatever you want to in this world and Leah and I could not be happier to be on this adventure with you! Love you!

Leah's Story...

She's here...and I'm finally updating! It has definitely been a big transition for Adam and I with her being here! A good one though! I thought I would post and tell about Leah's birth story.

It all started Saturday (Feb. 13th) night. I had been feeling good all day and then towards the end of the night I started getting really bad back pain with some contractions. I though Adam and I were headed to the hospital that night, but my contractions were too far apart...so we went to bed. Sunday morning I woke up normal. I was kind of disappointed because I was ready to go! All day Sunday I felt normal and Adam and I just stayed around our house and hung out. We went to bed that night and we woke up Monday (Feb. 15th) morning ready to go to work. As I was getting ready I started getting a dull ache in my back and didn't really think anything of it because Saturday's pains were so much worse! Well...

I got to work that morning around 7am and got everything ready for the day. My first class isn't until 8am. At around 7:30 I started getting cramps in my lower abdomen (kind of like menstrual cramps). They would come and go and 8 o'clock came around and my first class was coming in. Little did I know that these little "cramps" would soon turn into unbearable contractions! Well, I started teaching my class and as the class progressed, so did my cramps. Towards the end they were getting pretty bad, so when the class ended I went ahead and went down to the school nurse to see what she had to say. She told me to call my doctor and talk to them.

As I was on the phone with the Dr. my cramps were getting worse and worse and closer and closer. I knew that this was it! I had already had an appointment for that afternoon, but they told me to go ahead and come in. This was at 9am. So, I went down to Adam's room (thankfully we both work at the same school) and told him what was going on and he was excited! There was no panic or being scared, but excitement and readiness! Adam and I left the school and got to the Dr. at about 9:45am. He told me I was 3cm dialated and 90% effaced and that we needed to go ahead and head to the hospital! Keep in mind that I was in serious pain at this point and my wonderful husband, Adam, was doing an awesome job of "coaching" me though all of it!

We left the Dr. and went straight home to get our stuff. Everything was already packed, we just had to get a few last minute things together. I was in such a hurry to leave the house because I wanted to make sure we got to the hospital in time. We left our house at around 11am and Adam said I was climbing the walls of the Jeep. We got to the hospital at around 11:45ish and one of the first faces I saw was a nurse that Adam and I went to high school with. I felt relieved because I knew she would take care of us! We got all settled in the room and I got in my stylish hospital gown and the next thing I knew we were waiting for the epidural to come.

We didn't have to wait long...it came, but they had to do it three different times because the catheder that they put in my back kept kinking to where the medicine wouldn't go through. Finally they got it right and it was pretty much smooth sailing from there.

The rest of the day I laid in the bed and watched my contractions I was having but not feeling :) Our family had all came to the hospital as well as some of our best friends! The nurses kept coming in saying I was progressing pretty fast...3 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, then the perfect 10 cm.

Like I said everything progressed pretty fast...I was 10 cm at about 5:45 and at 6:34pm Adam and I had ourselves a beautiful, perfect baby girl! Now, listen to this...as soon as she came out, I heard the Dr. say, "this one's a big one". All the nurses were taking guesses on her weight. They were saying, "8.3 or 8.5"...oh no...she was 9 lbs. 3 oz.! A big one indeed! I had no clue she would be that big. When you hear 9 lbs. 3 oz. you automatically think of a chunky little baby, but she was nothing near chunky. She was also 20.5 in. long which made her very proportioned. I can't get over how perfect she was.

So overall, my labor/delivery experience was great! It wasn't long, it wasn't too painful and we got to take home a beautiful baby girl!! I'll leave you with a few pictures...









[caption id="attachment_400" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="She loved getting her hair washed!"][/caption]

I'm ready!

It seems like all I post about lately is Leah. I can't help it. She has consumed my thoughts and actions. She was supposed to arrive yesterday, but she has decided she will be fashionably late. Maybe she's waiting for Valentine's day. I just got through hanging up the last of her clothes and I think she may have more clothes than I'll know what to do with. We'll just have to play dress up during the day.

[caption id="attachment_388" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Her closet :)"][/caption]

On another note, when I got home from school today I found the most beautiful bouquet of tulips waiting on the counter for me along with some chocolates and a card. My husband's the best! He knows I love tulips and chocolate is pretty high on my list and to top it off, he surprised me with a couple's massage to have after Leah comes. I'm so thankful to be married to such an amazing man of God who would do anything for his family! Love you babe!

[caption id="attachment_392" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Happy Valentine\'s Day!"][/caption]

Letters to Leah

If you haven't been seen my other blog yet, click here to check it out! :)

Thirty-One

I can't believe I have yet to post about my new business! I guess I have been pretty wrapped up in all the baby stuff I'm doing. Well, I've started a new business for myself! I am officially a new thirty-one gifts consultant! What is Thirty-One? Well, Thirty-One is a company that sells a variety of cute products. You name it, they probably have it. Everything from bags, to wallets, to baby bibs, to storage containers/totes. I can't name everything because it would take too long, so go to my website and look around for yourself! I am positive you'll fall in love with everything the first time you see it! That's what happened to me!

Every month there are specials that happen and for the month of February monogramming is only $1. It is usually $6, so that's a savings of $5 on each product! Click here to read more about it. The new spring/summer catalog will go into effect February 1st and you will not be disappointed with the new fabrics and products they are offering! Just click on my website and look around and if anything jumps out at you just place an order and voila! Or...if you are interested in hosting a Thirty-One party or a catalog party send me an email or leave me a comment and you can earn free and half priced items for yourself!

I am very excited about this opportunity I have and I want everyone I know (and don't know) to be able to experience it with me!

Nesting, yes!

Well, from my last post I had said that I thought I was nesting...well, it's official I am! This past weekend, I got up and started to do anything and everything I could in Leah's nursery and around the house. I was able to wash all her clothes and put some finishing touches on her nursery. I have been sleeping through the night, but I have been getting up very early every morning. Today I am so excited because I have 2 showers for Leah! One is this morning at my mom's and the other is tonight with all my cheerleaders and their moms. It is going to be a long day, but a really fun day! I can't wait! We could probably call this weekend the weekend of showers because tomorrow one of my best friends is throwing me another shower! Woo hoo!

There's no really different news on Leah's status. She's still really warm and comfortable in her little home, but everything could change any day! Adam and I are sitting on go and are very anxious to finally see her! We'll just have to wait and see!

Nesting, maybe?

I don't know, but I might have entered into the nesting stage. (Or I could just be "wanting" to be in the nesting stage because I'm so anxious to meet my little girl). For the past two days I have had sudden bursts of energy to get things done. Usually I'm either in bed or asleep on the couch by 9:00pm, but as you can see it's 10:15 and I'm wide awake writing a post! I know...it's a miracle! I'm dying to get things done in Leah's nursery, but I keep getting delayed. Adam and I were going to go to Hobby Lobby today to pick up a few things to do some wall art in her room, but they were closed. Needless to say I was disappointed, but I do respect their willingness to be closed for a day of worship and rest. Then, I had waited all day to get some pictures developed to put in her nursery and waited an hour at CVS to get them done...but did that happen...nope. I got frustrated and my emotions got the best of me and I left. We're supposed to be getting her bedding sometime this month and I can't wait to put everything together! We are also ordering a very cool wall decal from one of my favorite sites. I'm very excited about it! Oh! We also went and got Leah a coming home outfit today. We wanted to get her some different sized outfits to bring to the hospital for her to come home in because we don't know how big she'll be. Speaking of clothes, I'm so ready to start washing all her clothes (which will take me about a week)...but I'm waiting to see if I get any of the "Dreft" detergent at any of my showers.

I know Adam is about tired of me being pregnant. He's ready for me to be normal again and for all my mood swings and emotional outbursts to subside. Only 5 more weeks babe (or sooner)! Well, I've got to start winding down...work always comes on Monday! Goodnight!