Month-By-Month: 18

 This is a tad bit late but better late than never, right? :) Brayden turned 18 months on June 1st but due to some changes in our insurance stuff we were a little bit behind on his check-up so I thought I'd save the blog post until we had some stats!  Today we went in for it and while I knew he was a growing, big boy, I was kind of shocked at the numbers the doctor was throwing out there :) It's crazy to think 18 months (well, 19 now) have passed by so quickly - I never knew I could love a little guy as much as I love this one!!

Here's what you're up to:

* You are now 28 pounds 11 ounces (which is in the 95-97th percentile!) and probably about 35 inches tall which the doctor said was in the 99TH PERCENTILE (UM, crazy!) You'll more than likely be towering over your mom and dad by those teen years :)

* You're super happy (always have been) and you still keeping your mama on her toes more than ever!!  If you're awake - you're on a roll! :)

* Your favorite foods are: eggs (scrambled or boiled), you LOVE any kind of fruit (which is crazy because your mom isn't a fruit fan - yes, I'm weird!), CHICKEN!, all kinds of beans, cheese, and you LOVE ketchup - if you could dip everything in ketchup, you would!

*You've mastered the art of eating with a fork and do REALLY well with it.  You have gotten so you won't eat if you don't have your fork :)

* You have such a funny personality! You look almost exactly like your mama (especially her baby pictures compared to yours) but there is no doubt you have a personality like your daddy!

*You are talking a lot more which is really fun.  You will try to repeat almost anything we ask you to and have mastered the word "peaaaas" (translated as please) and sometimes think that word will get you anything you want...but are slowly learning it doesn't ;) You always LOVE to say "daddy" but never, ever say mommy anymore and when asked to you respond "daddy"...still pretty positive you're a mama's boy though ;)


*You LOVE the outdoors and always have.  You cry when we come inside, no matter how hot it is out there or how long you've been out there.  You have a weird obsession with playing in the car..just love to climb around in it and pretend you're driving :)

* You still take your paci when you go down for a nap or to bed - and you love your little lamb :) Mama is dreading the day we take the pacifier away :-/

*Speaking of bed, you decided that you'd show mom and dad you're too big for your crib by climbing out four times in the same night...so now we've moved onto the toddler bed which was quite an interesting transition but now you're doing much better with it!

*Your little personality is showing SO much and you are SO much fun...your mommy & daddy could not imagine life without our sweet Bray ;)

I love you, Bray!!! :)

Beauty within > Beauty on the outside

I was doing my devotions before going to bed last night and was reading in 1 Peter and came across a couple of verses I've read several times before but when I read it last night it really hit like a ton of bricks for some reason.  1 Peter 3:3-5 says, "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful..." 

We live in a society that SCREAMS perfection in our physical appearance.  Don't get me wrong, I do  most definitely think we should take care of ourselves and be well-kept but the value our society places on our looks is really sad and honestly, unrealistic.  Magazine after magazine exists solely to tell us what clothes we should wear, what make-up we should wear and how we should wear it, what purses we should buy, what shoes we should shop for... and we focus so much on how other see us on the outside that we forget that the true beauty comes within.  Because we have focused and placed such a high value on our outward appearance we have a huge epidemic of eating disorders, people addicted to diet pills, obsessed with exercise, etc. so we can somehow try to achieve that "Hollywood" look.

I have to remind myself too, it isn't about "keeping up with the Jones'."  Yes, I do like clothes and shoes (I am a girl :) but sometimes we place such a high value on how we look on the outside that we forget it's a matter of the heart.  "We are to clothe ourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."  This should relieve so much burden from us all from trying to impress PEOPLE!  I was reading an article and they asked this question and I thought it was so perfect, "Whatever happened to what was inside of us was what really mattered and the outside was just a plus?"

Let's never forget beauty within far outweighs beauty on the outside!  Let us clothe ourselves with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit...because it is SO precious to God! :)

Piles of laundry & dusty baseboards :)

Control freak?! Me? No way! Yeah right! I do in fact have those tendencies... It can be a good and a bad thing. It definitely helps me keep organized, the house cleaned, etc. but sometimes I try to be in control TOO much in my own life (don't we all?)

I read a blog some time back by a Pastor's wife named Holly Furtick that was titled "Stop trying to balance everything." When I saw the title I was thinking...what?! How could you possibly stop trying to balance everything? I'm a mom, employee, a cook, a maid, now a pastors wife....I HAVE to balance everything! Wrong!

Lately, I've felt the pressure of a lot of life's tasks and circumstances and trying to balance it all becomes really overwhelming. Trying to be the best mom and wife I can, meeting deadlines with my job, making sure dinner is cooked each night, and not to mention staying on top of laundry and church related things! It can become really taxing because we are human...but it's amazing when we take a deep breath, step back, and realize what's truly important how much more enjoyable life can be!  Having balance in our lives IS definitely important but as moms sometimes we focus too much on how we are going to balance it all that we are missing the whole point of life itself because we are too busy being busy!

Holly Furtick said in her blog (I'm paraphrasing here :)) - It's OK if the laundry piles up sometimes and the baseboards get a little dusty, those are the trivial things in life :) She encouraged to make a conscious effort to be present IN the present. The precious moments I have with my 19 month-old, I will never regain!

Hopefully this will encourage another sometimes frazzled-feeling mom that it IS ok to let the laundry pile up sometimes and let the baseboards get a little dusty...never let the small, trivial things in life cause us to become too busy for what matters the most!

James 1:20

Last Friday Brayden and I went to the park with some friends.  Brayden got to play with some friends while I got to chat and catch up with a friend.  Win-win for us both :)  While sitting at the park talking I asked this friend about their views on discipline and how they disciplined at certain ages.  The toddler age is such a hard one when it comes to discipline.  Brayden understands simple commands really well and I really think he knows a lot more than sometimes we give him credit for, but because we aren't exactly sure what he does and doesn't understand - this makes discipline hard.  He definitely has reached the "toddler tantrum" age and we see those from time to time.  He's really strong-willed too which we have to be sure we don't let get out of hand :)  I've tried a handful of things myself and sometimes have wondered if any of them really work...then my mind goes back to, "does he even understand why he's being disciplined?" Mine and Josh's goal as parents is to discipline Brayden in a way that he would see God's love through his parents (so that we can teach him God's love) and not an angry parent coming at him because we're mad at him because he's doing wrong.  I have seen so many children of all different ages out in public with their parents acting up and the parent immediately jerks the child up and is screaming in their faces and yelling at them....in public.  It always makes me feel so sad for the child because not only is that humiliating but what is it teaching the child?

My friend mentioned this scripture that really stuck out to her and I came home and re-read it myself because it really sheds a whole new light on discipline.  It's James 1:20 and it says,  "Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."  So true!!  If we discipline our children when we're angry or show them anger when we're upset with them...we AREN'T helping to produce the righteousness of God in them!  It is hard sometimes when a child deliberately does something they know they shouldn't do, or throw themselves on the floor having a "toddler tantrum" because they didn't get something they wanted to calmly but firmly take care of the situation.  Of course different things work for different kids, but I think it can all be done without showing the child anger :)  I have at times been guilty of letting my anger show towards Brayden when disciplining and I am DEFINITELY still learning myself, but this has really a whole new light to parenting and discipline for us :)

Turning the page to a new chaper...

I've been a little out of action with the blogging world lately...our world has been spinning a little faster than normal here lately, and I feel like it's slowed down a tad for me to try to get back into the routine!

We officially launched our church, Vertical Church, this past Sunday, May 6th! The months, weeks, days, and hours leading up to this point in time felt like they'd never get here, but we are finally here and I am so amazed at God's faithfulness in every aspect - from putting together a team of volunteers (we had a goal of 30 and we were able to meet that goal a few weeks before launch!), finances, getting a worship team together, etc.  It has been awesome to look back and see how He was piecing this puzzle together.

My husband, Josh, and I have for a while now felt a call to ministry but for a while we were a little unsure exactly what area in ministry.  We thought for a while it was youth ministry but after submitting our resume to several different churches and even getting some calls back for interviews, it just didn't feel "right."  During a fast in January my husband felt a deep call that he undeniably knew was the Lord, to plant a church.  I seriously was like "whoa, hold on, there's no way He wants US to do THAT." :)  We both definitely took several steps back and really thought the Lord was talking to the wrong two people :) But, sure enough, after much more prayer...and questions - He was speaking loud and clear to us that we were to plant a church. 

Months and months of planning and praying have gone into this church and I am so amazed at how God has had His hand on this thing from that very day we said yes to the Lord's call to plant a church back in January (not that I am surprised, because I firmly believe when you are in the smack dab center of God's will for your life, it's undeniably evident!) We have been so blessed with an amazing team of people that we know have been put into our lives for this very reason.  It's awesome to see how God has put this core team together and each person on our core team has a burden for a different area of ministry which really strengthens our church as a whole!  Not to mention our volunteer team - the Vert Crew as we call them ;) They are the wheels that help to keep this church moving forward!

Our first Sunday was awesome! (Of course I am a little biased :) From the worship, to our Straight Up Kidz ministry, to the message - God's presence was felt and lives were changed! We had four people give their heart to Christ for the very first time!! Just that alone makes it all SO worth it! We've had so many tell us they'll most definitely be back this week and they're bringing friends, family, and coworkers with them - that's what it's ALL about!

I am so excited to see what God has in store for Vertical Church and there is so much anticipation even already for this next week! There is no doubt in my mind that this is RIGHT where we are supposed to be RIGHT now :) 

Pictures of our grand opening Sunday this past Sunday are coming very soon! :)

Suitcase "4" Haiti

If you remember back almost a month ago I posted a blog titled "Our pocket change is someone's miracle..." (you can read it here!)  Me and a few other girls (Krista Parada, Shirley Clark, & Lisa Fife) really felt a burden on our hearts to do SOMETHING, so we rallied together to gather supplies and funds for children in Haiti.  None of us were really sure exactly what all we would get or how much of everything we would get, but were hoping to at least get a little bit of everything that was of greatest need.  Here we are nearly a month later and have collected everything that was needed!  God is SO good!

When we first talked with Krista (who is actually in Haiti right now with the IMPACT195 organization) she gave us a list of things that really were of greatest need over there.  This list included formula, Infant Tylenol, bottles, girls dresses up to size 4T, onesies in either gender up to 6 or 9 month size, and monetary donations.  We have been so overwhelmed this last month with the generosity of so many people!

Tonight Shirley, Lisa, and myself got together to sort through everything we have each collected as well as pack it all up to go to Haiti.  We were REALLY hoping we could get it all into one suitcase (it's all we had) or we would have to pack other stuff in boxes which we really didn't want to have to do due to cost and making it easier to get over there, but we managed to squeeze it all into one suitcase!

We decided it would be neat to take inventory to see just how much we were able to collect.  Here's what it added up to:
- 24 cans of formula
- 4 digital thermometers
- 34 bottles 
- 14 bottles of Tylenol 
- 104 onesies
- 24 dresses
- AND......2,134 dollars!!!!


(Anyone see a pattern here? Everything ends in 4...none of us are "number people" but thought it was REALLY crazy how that worked out!?! Shirley made a comment that maybe it was just proof that God really helped perfect and put this whole thing together!)


God is SO faithful!!  We are so thankful and grateful to everyone who donated supplies or money.  Because of your generosity many, many lives of precious children will be forever changed!!

I attached some pictures below of all the stuff we collected!  Thanks again to all who helped out in this great cause!!

        

Childlike Faith

Yesterday Brayden and I stopped by my mom's house for a few, "Gamaw" as we call her :) (Yes, I know...that's totally teaching Brayden to not pronounce Grandma correctly but for some reason we started this long before he was born and it just stuck!)
Anyway, as Brayden is getting older he develops more and more of a sense of independence (as all kids do).  He loves to do things himself...like climbing stairs.  If we hold his hands, with all his might he will hoist his little legs up the stair which is super cute and comical to watch, by the way, but it's funny because in his mind he doesn't know he can't really do that if someone isn't helping him.  So, coming down the stairs the same thing goes.  He'll just take off and head like he's going back down those same stairs but little does he know if we don't help him, he will definitely get injured.  But, he still heads directly to the stairs and whether he actually realizes it or not (which I'm sure he doesn't really know) he has great faith in the protection of his mom and dad.  My mom made a profound statement (although at the time I don't think she knew it was profound ;)  As he quickly took off to go back down the stairs with the "I can do this attitude" she ran after him and said, "it's funny how they have no fear, just faith someone will be there to help them." 

Immediately my mind went to my spiritual life.  Josh and I have faced some things lately that require great faith.  I think in life we all have faced situations that require great faith.  The definition of faith is, "COMPLETE trust or confidence is someone or something."  Faith is easy until it has to be put into action.  Right?!  As Brayden goes running towards a staircase he has COMPLETE confidence that someone will be there to offer assistance so he doesn't fall down the stairs and kill himself!  This small little example spoke volumes to me.

We "run to the staircases" in our lives sometimes with very little trust or confidence in the Lord.  Sure, we talk a big talk about how the Lord will provide and take care of us NO MATTER WHAT and we trust Him with everything we have, but when it is time to really put that talk into practice, we tend to back down on our game a little.  Why?  Because we are believing and trusting in things that are unseen.  I once heard a quote that went something like this, "Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."  Sometimes in life (a lot of times actually) we face things, situations, problems, trials, loss of a job, cut in pay at a job, or sickness that require us have major faith - that complete confidence in the Lord.  What's funny is when we do that, the Lord is always right there to guide us up the steps so we don't injure ourselves. 

We spend way too much time trying to fix the problem ourselves and climbing the staircases alone (like Brayden) that we end up hurting ourselves when the whole time we just need to have faith that the Lord will help us...because he will :)

Month-By-Month: 16

On April Fool's Day Brayden turned 16 months!  And nope, it wasn't April Fool's...he really is 16 months & growing bigger by the day!! It's funny how as each month passes, he gains more and more of his true personality...I love it!  We've also officially had the wonderful privilege of getting to know those sweet little toddler tantrums. 

Brayden got his second ever haircut this month by Ms. Kelly!! He did so good and sat really still the whole time (for the most part!)

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Here's what you're up to:

* If I had to guess I'd say you're about 27.5 pounds now (big boy!) and probably about 32 inches tall! You've stayed in the 75th-90th percentiles for weight and height ever since you were a teeny little baby :)

* You're super happy (always have been) and you keep your mama on her toes!!  You have gained somewhat of a Mr. Independent attitude that has to be put in check every now and then ;)

* Your favorite foods are (pretty much the same since last month!): eggs (scrambled or boiled), bananas, grapes, applesauce, any kind of yogurt, CHICKEN!, black beans, cheese, Veggie Stix, goldfish, and waffles.  You are a bit more picky when it comes to your veggies though...we really have to force those green veggies on you. You don't like really any meat except chicken & this mama feels like she feeds you the same stuff all the time, but the doctor assures us it is normal :)

* You have such a silly little personality! Lots of people say you look a lot like your mama, but you sure do have a personality just like your daddy ;) You've really gotten down the "silly face" and "mean face." So funny!

*You don't say a whole lot of words at this point.  Every now and then you'll attempt to repeat something, but you do say mama/dada (when you want to), hi, bye...but are really smart with commands and you definitely understand more than we think you do! ;)  You do love to point at things you want though!

*Ever since really getting the hang of walking at about 13 months your walking has turned into full-fledged RUNNING! You sure do give me quite the workout on a daily basis :)

*You LOVE the outdoors.  Honestly, you'd live out there if I let you.  This summer will be tons of fun!!

* You drink about 18 ounces of milk per day still and then lots of water, in fact, you LOVE water! We were able to get rid of the bottle around 14 months and haven't had a problem since (next goal: pacifier - YIKES!)

* You still take your paci when you go down for a nap or to bed - and you love your little lamb :) Mama is dreading the day we take the pacifier away :-/

I love you, Bray!!! :)

Brayden LOVES Ryder (Aunt Tay's dog)

Uncle Dan let me take a ride on his skateboard ;)

It's ladies night...Pinterest style!

Some good friends and I had a girls' night last Friday night...Pinterest style! It was so much fun!

Our friend, Rebekah, shared with us that back home in Georgia where she is from some girls put a different twist on your average girls' night, instead of dinner and dessert, they all get together and work on a Pinterest craft! Sounds fun, doesn't it!?  IT WAS!  I always am pinning stuff on my Pinterest boards, as does everyone else, but I don't really get the time to complete a lot of the crafts and DIY projects I'd like to.  So, last Friday night we all chose a craft from Pinterest and got together with a couple pizzas, laughs, and fun - and made it! 

Here are some pics from that night.  If you are looking for a fun twist on a girls' night...get some friends together and do a Pinterest night!  It really is so much fun! 

I loved my wreath so much (and enjoyed making it so much) I've now decided to go into business selling them!  They're SUPER cute and I'm hoping to be able to make a version of it for every holiday and season :)

Our pocket change is someone's miracle...

I really honestly don't even know how to start this blog post.  My heart has been so heavy for what I'm about to share since I stumbled across it on Facebook a little while back, and then again a few days ago, and at that point I knew it wasn't an accident I had come across it again.  I knew I had to do something!  So, I've partnered with Krista Parada, Shirley Clark, and Lisa Fife in trying to rally supplies, financial donations, etc. in helping these children in Haiti.  Living in such a wealthy country we so quickly forget how LITTLE people in other countries have and how many things we take for granted that are such precious commodities in these third world countries.  Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories of these children in Haiti has absolutely just broken my heart, so I'd like to share with you a little bit about the needs there in hopes we could all help in some way, and together make a great difference in the lives of these sweet children.

Krista is actually in Haiti right now and will be for at least 1 year.  She has seen and is seeing firsthand the great need in that country.  She is in Jeremie, Haiti, with a Christian discipleship school called IMPACT195.  You can visit their website here to read more about them!  In a nutshell, the school is designed to equip Christians to live a life of impact for Christ in all 195 nations of the world!  There are 6 people living in Jeremie, Haiti, right now with the team team Krista is on and their main ministry is with the hospital, children, building water wells, teaching English, and conducting weekly Bible studies.  Each missionary on this team raises their own support as well as their own project money.

So, here's how YOU can help!  Krista has given us a list of some things that are currently of greatest need.  Because of the high cost of formula many mothers in this country are having to feed their young babies powdered milk (if you are a mom, you know how nutritionally deficient this is to a young baby) because they simply cannot afford formula and because of this babies are dying from starvation.  Another huge need is Infant Tylenol for fevers.  Many children and babies are dying from high fevers because they just do not have the means of treating fevers!  Another need is infant/toddler girls dresses and clothes (they recently received many boys clothes and are ok in that area right now), but infant/toddler girls dresses and clothes are needed.  This one really got me (they all did, but I couldn't believe this!)...for $25 US, you can get a child everything they need (medicine and help) to get well and out of the hospital.  Most children just need proper nutrition.  A good group of the children that come in to the hospital come in with malaria which Krista said is easy to treat, if you can afford the medicine and in a country such as this, the majority cannot afford the treatment.

There is no postal system there, so the only way to get things to them is to send them with someone going over there.  Krista has a friend going there mid-April, so we are trying to gather everything we can prior to then to package up and send there.  It costs $2 PER pound to take things into the country, so we also need donations to help cover the cost of getting it in the country to these children.

SO, to sum it all up - the greatest needs are: formula (if you have unopened cans you'd like to donate we will take those), but the team can actually purchase large cans of formula there for $25 US which is around the same cost as America.  So, if you'd like to donate towards that, the monetary gift for formula would be so helpful (unless you have some already!) which would eliminate having to pay to get it into the country (but whatever you can give would be AWESOME!)  Also, the infant/toddler girls dresses and clothes, Infant Tylenol, and $25 US to sponsor a child for complete medical treatment.  

The need is so great and we in America have been SO blessed.  I know personally God has blessed my family so much, I don't think there has ever been a time in my life I have been without a meal.  I simply cannot imagine not having food, medical treatment, etc., but to see my own child suffer and possibly die of starvation or sickness because I simply do not have the means or funds to take care of them, is an absolutely heartbreaking thought.  If we all rally together, we can really make a difference in the lives of these children.  I've posted a few pictures Krista has taken of the children in Haiti.  In America, our pocket change truly is someone's miracle in another country such as this.

Please, please pray about it and consider giving!  Whether large or small, anything we can gather to give to make a difference is a difference made!  Feel free to spread the word as well!  Shirley Clark, Lisa Fife, and myself will be collecting these things up until sometime in early April to package to get over to these children.  Thanks in advance for your help and support!

This sweet little two month-old girl is in the hospital suffering from malnutrition.  She is so small she literally bruises when she rolls over.

This is the hand of a TINY little twin 2 month-old baby who is in the hospital suffering from malnutrition as well.

Catching up!

I'm a little behind on posting on here; its been a whole week!  It seriously doesn't feel a week has flown by already, but with all the busyness and things going on in our life right now, time is flying so quick!

The weather has stayed so nice here in Virginia; I guess we can say spring summer is OFFICIALLY here.  No, but really, today was like mid-80s and it's what? mid-March; we are in for a HOT summer.  Brayden and I have spent probably a couple hours outside every day.  I've been trying to walk at least a couple miles every day and it's so funny, I can never pass the playground without Brayden seeing it and trying to do whatever he can to wiggle himself out the stroller :) They learn quick!  

Aside from entertaining my toddler and spending LOTS of time in the great outdoors, Josh & I hit the ground running every day with all that's left to be done for Vertical Church.  Our launch service is coming up in 6 weeks (UNREAL!) and we couldn't be more excited (and honestly a little stressed); there's so much to do!  But, God is definitely working and already showing himself through this ministry. He has brought so many awesome people into our lives already (and the church services haven't even started yet!), I really can't wait to see what he is going to do come May 6th :)  We have had so many great pastors in this area and some further away show their love, support, advice, and encouragement and that means SO much to us.  It's a great feeling to know you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, when your'e supposed to be doing it :)  This has been said so many times, so why not say it again :) - if you don't have a home church, COME come check us out MAY 6TH!  I can promise you, you won't be disappointed.

Well, that is a little update on what's going on in the life of the Price's :)

Spring has SpRuNg!

Spring has SpRuNg...a little early this year, but I'm not complainin', although I may be come summer when it's like 100+ degrees & ridiculously humid...this mild winter is just an indicator of the summer we have ahead of us, I'm sure! But, we are definitely taking FULL advantage of the beautiful weather.  Brayden & I have spent so much time outside this week...so much time that I'm afraid he's fighting some allergies :( (Poor guy!)  He is definitely ALL boy...he loves romping around on the ground and getting dirty and his favorite is picking up every stick he can find :) 15 months is such a fun age!

Here in Virginia the temps have ranged this week from like mid 70's on up to today being the warmest, almost 90 degrees and from what I can tell it looks like next week is shaping up to be the same. 

This week and the beautiful weather has shown a new light on being a stay-at-home mom.  Several times this week as we've been outside playing, throwing a ball, sliding at the playground, playing in the dirt :), or taking a walk the thought has hit me...I feel SO lucky and blessed to be able to soak up the rays and enjoy all these little moments with my sweet boy.  I have been especially worn out at the end of the day everyday this week after chasing Brayden all around outside and everywhere else, but I wouldn't change one thing about it!

Here's just a few pictures of our fun so far this week :)

Mama's Boy

Brayden is definitely a mama's boy through and through.  He acts like his daddy most of the time (I wouldn't trade his personality for the world!), but definitely has a deep love for his mama :) I think this is probably the case for most little boys.  There really is nothing in all the world like the love a little boy has for his mama.  Sometimes throughout the day Brayden will come running to his mama with arms outstretched to be picked up, maybe for comfort or because he's hurt or maybe just because he wants to love on his mama.  Brayden always expects that I will be there to rescue him or pick him up.  I don't think he comes running thinking "I wonder if she'll really pick me up and love on me this time."  That's the innocence of a child.  He also knows, in his innocence, because of the love I have and have shown for my little boy that he can run to his mama and get some snuggles or comfort when he's hurt :)

This morning as we got up and started our day like we always do, Brayden was playing and came running to mama with arms outstretched like he does sometimes.  He wasn't upset or hurt, but just wanted to love on me and wanted to feel the comfort of his mama for a minute.  A couple minutes later he was ready to run off and play again.

The thought hit me this morning when Brayden did that, Jesus is our Heavenly Father and loves us just like Earthly parents love their children. We can run to Him with arms outstretched and EXPECT He will be there to pick us up, love on us just because, or comfort us when we're hurt, because He will.  His love for us is so deeper than we could ever imagine.  He desires us to run to Him with our arms outstretched, like Brayden.  

So, remember, we have a Heavenly Father, Jesus, who loves us SO much.  We can go to Him anytime with arms outstretched and He'll always be there!  

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 36:5,7)

We all have a purpose...

It's funny how in life we always hear "God has a plan for your life" and "God has a purpose for your life," and while we truly do believe that, until we see it come to pass or understand what exactly our calling and purpose is...we try and figure it out on our own and take matters into our own hands :) And all the while we get so frustrated when the plans or our "man-made purpose" for our own life doesn't work out.  Some people are on the other end of the spectrum and feel like they have no purpose at all in life (which isn't true...we ALL have a purpose).

Ever since Josh & I said "yes" to the call to plant Vertical Church, I can look back in hindsight over my life and really see times when I tried to create my own purpose or fufill what I thought was my purpose. I can also see certain circumstances, situations, and even trials that were part of the puzzle that God is now putting together in my life (not at all saying I've arrived).  But, I know without a shadow of a doubt that Vertical Church is EXACTLY what I am supposed to be doing right now.  God has truly spoke to us in many different ways about it and there is a peace and joy deep inside about it.  There is no greater joy than knowing you are right in the middle of God's will and purpose for your life. 

I've learned through the many different seasons and chapters of life that have brought us to where we are today that a lot of times it takes God cultivating, preparing, teaching, and correcting us so we can be molded into exactly what He wants us to be.  I look back and see hard times I went through and while I didn't understand why at the time (and I may have even questioned why God would allow such things to happen to me), it was all part of Him shaping me.  We are the clay and He is the potter.  The shaping isn't always easy or painless, but it's so worth it.

God has awesome plans for all of our lives, but we have to be willing to allow the potter to do His work and as we allow him to shape us and mold us, we have to find out what that purpose is.  If you had told me even a year ago we would be at this place in our lives now, I more than likely would have told you that you were crazy, but as we allow God to shape us, He plants in us a deep desire and passion to do the things he has called us to do.
Everyone has been put here on Earth to fufill a purpose and I can tell you from my own life's experiences, when you find that purpose....there is no greater joy or contentment.  No, it won't always be easy, but knowing you're fufilling your God-given purpose brings great excitement and joy :)

Ephesians 2:10 - “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

This won't last forever!

Sometimes I find myself getting so frustrated inside when Brayden wakes up in the middle of the night.  As much as I LOVE my sweet, little  big boy, I get so impatient when it's 2 a.m. and he's up randomly (at 15 months old)...wondering why in the world he won't sleep?  Thinking, "wasn't this supposed to end at like 8 months old?"  I've never been one to function on little sleep, so I think for me one of the biggest adjustments in motherhood has been learning to go with the flow when it comes to sleep.  Obviously, this isn't every night but between colds, sickness, and teething I feel like it happens more often than not.  But, I woke up this morning and the thought hit me (like it has before) that these times won't last forever and to cherish them.  Sounds silly...cherish waking up in the middle of the night, seriously? Yes! These days won't last forever...before I know it he'll be 16 and won't be crying for "mama" in the middle of the night.  Motherhood has taught me so much and has really done a great job at perfecting some of the fruits of the spirits - especially patience :)

So, if you're a mom, and you're so frustrated when you see the clock at hours of the night that you'd rather not be seeing the clock (like me)...remember, cherish every moment of it - these days really DON'T last forever!

Month-By-Month: 15

It has been about a month since I've blogged...I've got to get a little better about remembering to keep things updated here! I thought this would be a perfect time to jump back into it since my little big boy is 15 MONTHS OLD! But, really? It feels so weird to even type that because I feel like just yesterday we got to hold him for the first time...the cute little 7 lb. 6 oz. burrito all wrapped up :)

But, for real, please slow down, Bray... :)

Here's what you're up to:

* You're about 26 pounds now (big boy!) and probably about 31-ish inches tall!

* You're super happy (always have been) and you keep your mama on her toes!!  I seriously cannot turn my back on you for more than 30 seconds or you're up to no good :)

* Your favorite foods are: eggs (scrambled or boiled), bananas, grapes, applesauce, any kind of yogurt, CHICKEN!, black beans, cheese, Veggie Stix, goldfish, waffles, and for the most part you'll eat any kind of veggie (except broccoli!)  You don't like really any meat except chicken :)

* You have such a silly little personality! Lots of people say you look a lot like your mama, but you sure do have a personality just like your daddy ;) (I wouldn't have it any other way though!)

* You drink about 18 ounces of milk per day and then lots of water! We've been without the bottle for about a month! (Yay, Bray!)

* You still take your paci when you go down for a nap or to bed - and you love your little lamb :)

Brayden, you have made your mommy and daddy happier than we could've ever imagined! You bring us so much joy!! We love you SO, SO much!

Spring in January!?

Well, here I am...blogging.  I thought I'd try my hand at it and thought it might be a fun way to be able to keep up with our ever-changing, busy, but exciting and fun life as a family of three! 

The weather here in Virginia has been SUPER crazy for winter...it feels like spring has come early, but I'm definitely not complainin' :) It got close to 70 degrees here today and Brayden and I were able to enjoy some time outside this afternoon.  He loves walking all around picking up leaves, sticks, whatever he can find...and of course everything he finds he has to taste.  I mean, you know, at this age they're still all about getting a little taste of everything they can get their hands on, haha!  He's definitely ALL boy...everytime we come inside from ANYWHERE, he cries when I shut the door.  Poor guy! He LOVES the outdoors; he would probably live outside if he could!  We're hoping to enjoy some more time outside tomorrow and may take a little trip to the park.  Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer than today :) We'll take whatever we can get!