Ryleigh's 1st birthday

Happy birthday, Ryleigh!!!



We celebrated in style, inviting family and friends to come play at our house. We had several swimming pools in the back yard, and Lauren and Hayley brought their mini-swing set and slide. Jesse grilled some hot dogs, and we all had birthday cake. Man- what a fun day!



I did not take pictures at all. I was too focused on having a good time and enjoying every little thing that Ryleigh did. I had my mom on camera duty, and she got some great pictures of everyone. I only uploaded a few 'teasers,' but I have the link to all of them, for those interested: Ryleigh's 1st birthday pictures.



I had her cake made/decorated at Kroger, to match the birthday invitations we sent out. If you purchase a sheet cake, they give you a small, individual cake for free (for the 1st birthday). The cake was actually pretty good!

Ryleigh was the first to check out the pools. Man, that girl loves water!
Splashing and playing with her bestest friend, Gabriella!
Birthday present time! That girl is stocked on clothes and toys! We actually put a few toys away, so we can bring them out later and having something "new" to play with. It was so fun watching her get excited about the noise-makers. Haha.
Birthday cake time! Just for the record, cake tastes better from the sticky fingers of a one-year-old than it does off a normal fork... =)
The day was honestly a lot of fun. I did not stress out at all- just relaxed and enjoyed my baby's special day. Thank you to all our friends and family who made it the perfect first birthday. We all love you very much!



(Now go check out the link with all her pictures! They are sooo cute!)

This time last year...

My baby turns one on Saturday. I cannot believe it is here already. Everyone always told me that time flies by, especially with little ones, but I don't think you can actually understand that until it is your little one.



All week, I have been reminiscing of where I was this time last year, what I was doing to prepare for the birth of my first child. Those of you who know me, know that I have a terrible memory. Absolutely terrible. I was so worried that I would forget this time last year. And yet, as I have thought about it, I'm amazed at how much I remember.



I remember crying through church on Sunday, cramping so strong and intense, but determined to watch my sister get to "walk" at least one graduation ceremony.



I remember cramping during bible study on Monday night, thinking "if this is not it, I'm in trouble."



I remember waking up Tuesday morning, feeling nothing. No cramps, no contractions. The calm before the storm.



I remember practicing my speech to Jesse in the waiting room of my OB's office Wednesday morning, begging her to strip my membranes and induce. I was so ready to have the baby.



I remember the sudden pain I had as she was "checking" me, and then laughing as she told me she stripped my membranes- I never had to ask!



I remember doubting her, as we walked out of the office and she called out, "I'll see you two either tonight or tomorrow!"



I remember going up to the YMCA and walking around with Lauren, determined to get some contractions started.



I remember when the contractions started to build.



I remember going to see Chase and Rebecca, deciding that we could not wait until tomorrow to pick up the chair we were going to use for my nursing chair.



I remember walking around Walmart, trying hard not to double-over in pain.



I remember Jesse getting ready for bed, asking me, "are you sure you don't want to go?" and me replying, "I refuse to be sent home." So, he went to bed. I showered. I cleaned. I could not sleep.



I remember waking him up around 12:00 saying, "I apologize in advance if we get sent home...let's go."



I remember us calmly heading to the hospital.



I remember the nurse hooking me up to the fetal monitor, and feeling so nervous. I did not want to be one of those patients that thinks this pain is so strong, when in fact, it is not.



I remember her smiling, saying, "we're going to have a baby tonight!" (I'm tearing up, as I write this...)



I remember the look on Jesse's face, as he helped me change into the nightgown and get into bed. Such a tender moment for us.



I remember calling family...and having them show up right away- despite the fact it was 1:00 in the morning!



I remember throwing up, as Jesse ran to grab a bag.



I remember receiving the epidural: God's gift to women. =)



I remember trying to sleep, and being so excited I could hardly stand it.



I remember Dr.Norton walking in around 7:30am, saying, "I told you I would see you!"



I remember her breaking my water, and saying we would have a baby soon.



I remember when the nurses casually decided it was time to push. I honestly thought we were just practicing.



I remember the smile on Jesse's face as he held my leg, and counted along with the nurse.



I remember the feeling of the room change very quickly, as numerous nurses arrived with Dr. Norton, and new tables and equipment seemed to appear out of no where.



I remember hearing the doctor say, "our little girl is in trouble," and watched as the nurses nodded.



I remember Jesse squeezing my hand, reassuring me that it was okay- despite the fact he looked as nervous as I felt.



I remember pushing maybe twice, and then all of sudden having them lay a beautiful, screaming baby girl on my chest.



An in that moment, I changed. My heart was forever changed. I never knew I could love someone like that. I did not know that love I have for my husband would change, as he too evolved into "Da-da."



This time last year was incredibly emotional. It was a week I will never forget. However, I must admit. I'm happier where we are this year. This year, I have a sweet, walking, jabbering little girl, with pigtails and front teeth. This year, I sleep more than I did last year. This year, I get big bear hugs all day long from my daughter who loves me. This year we get to celebrate what a fun year it has been. And celebrate we will!! Just wait...

Pictures from Sarah's wedding

Obviously, there were way too many pictures to post on this blog, but I figured I would give you the links in case you want to check them out.



The pictures that I took on my camera are posted on Shutterfly, at this link: Sarah's pictures. I have some throughout the week, including the bachelorette party, toe nails, rehearsal dinner, lingerie shower, and pre-wedding. I don't have many from the wedding reception...I was having too much fun!



To check out the professional proofs I'll give you the link. Fair warning, there are 1000+, but you can scroll through pages just to look. There were two photographers, so a lot of the photos were taken several times at different angles. The photographer was nice enough to take some pictures of Jesse, Ryleigh, and I out on the beach, all dressed up. Here is link to see all the professional pictures: Sarah and Micah's wedding.



Some of my favorite pages are:

• Ryleigh during wedding: 26, 28, 32, 35


• Jesse, Melody, & Ryleigh: pages 41, 53, 54, and 82


• Fun wedding pictures: 51 (check out Jesse's face in the jumping pic!)


• Holder sisters: 17, 18


• New brother-in-laws: 11


• Dancing at the reception: 73

Sarah Holder becomes Sarah Brown

My sister got married yesterday. Truth be told, this 'event' started a few months back. For those who don't know, this summer will mark me and Jesse's 5-year anniversary. It some ways it seems like it was just yesterday...and in others, it seems soooo long ago. The reason I mention that is because I have not been closely associated with a wedding in awhile. Sure, I have stood beside a few friends as they have pledged their lives to another, but it was not the same. This time, it was my sister.



Are any of you 'oldest' children? I think it makes a difference in the way you view your siblings. I am the oldest of four girls, and though we are close in age, and close in general, I feel very protective of them. No, I never felt like I had to 'raise' my sisters, but I did feel a sense of responsibility for their well-being. Whether than well-being was when we were little and one of them got hurt, or when we were teenagers and I had to help 'correct' them for being wrong (haha), or when they entered serious relationships with boys and I immediately put MY guard up- ready to protect their sensitive hearts. I have never been good at telling them or showing them how much I care and love them, but I hope that they recognize that my protectiveness and concern for their well-being, whether physical, mental, or emotional, is only because I love them and care so much.



ANYWAY, off that tangent, and on to the post. So Sarah is one of my twin sisters, born two years after me. A little over a year and a half, maybe two, years ago, Sarah began telling us about this boy she met at school named Micah. Micah was completely opposite of everyone Sarah had ever dated. I was not really concerned about the seriousness of their relationship, because he seemed "not-her-type." But then something changed: Sarah. I watched as their relationship grew, and she grew. She matured in a way I never expected. Micah's differences brought out a kinder, more sincere, serious, and dedicated Sarah than I had previously known. Micah was actually present the weekend Ryleigh was born, and I can remember watching him hold her...but more specifically, watching Sarah watch him hold her. The tender look on her face, as if she was imagining more... Well, needless to say, the two were engaged last summer, and wedding bells were ringing!



Now to present day. Weddings are a lot of work. I don't remember feeling that way 5-years ago during my wedding. Sure, we had lots of planning involved, and I got stressed towards the end, but I think I assumed it was MY stress, and possibly my parents. I did not realize that a wedding impacts every member of the family. I wanted to be there for my sister. When she asked me to be a bridesmaid, it was more than simply standing beside her during the ceremony. I went with her to pick out her dress, try on our dresses, looked at stuff for registries on line, attended bridal showers, picked out lingerie, planned the lingerie shower...you get the drift. And let me tell you: weddings are not cheap. And not just for the parents throwing the wedding (though I'm sure my parents will be poor for quite awhile after this bash!) Last week we had plans every single day/night:

• Tuesday night: Make the chocolate-covered pretzel favors for each guest.


• Wednesday night: Put together the wedding ceremony programs.


• Thursday morning: Shopping for bachelorette party & lingerie shower.


• Thursday night: Bachelorette party!


• Friday morning: Nail appointment and bridesmaid lunch


• Friday evening: Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.


• Saturday morning: Lingerie shower and bridal lunch


• Saturday afternoon: Hair, makeup, and pictures


• Saturday evening: Wedding and reception!

That is a lot of stuff! And to think-- my mom and Sarah had LISTS upon lists, of stuff to take care of, on top of this list. Mine is truly NOTHING compared to theirs. It was a lot of fun, especially since Susan, Sarah's twin sister, was in town and we all got to hang out together for awhile. I don't remember the last time the four of us had so much fun, quality time to hang out. And Micah came in town on Wednesday, so I got a chance to be around him some more, and get to know him even better. All that to say, there was a lot going on, and it was exhausting.

The bachelorette party was fun. We went to dinner at Gringos and had a few drinks. Their shots were not so tasty, but we all enjoyed relaxing a bit and hanging out. I guess we relaxed too much, because the manager of the restaurant tried to have us kicked out. UGH. We really were not being obnoxious, and it was a Thursday night- not the busiest night of the week! Oh well. The girls left and all came back over to my house for a little while.

Friday, the bridesmaids all went and got spa pedicures together. I normally hate pedicures, but this time was even worse. I'm very self-conscious of my toes, and to have a plantar wart on the bottom of my foot made it even worse. My toes looked pretty afterwards, but I sure felt sorry for the lady. After the pedicures, I went home, picked up Ryleigh, and met the girls at the tea room for the bridesmaid luncheon. Sarah had gotten us each monogrammed bags filled with goodies. It was special time, loving on her, as she loved back on us.

After lunch, we all parted and headed down separately to Galveston for the weekend. I had some how miraculously got my parents upgraded to one of the hotel's best suites, (one room with king size bed & bath, one room with two queen beds & bath, center living area with couches, sitting chairs, full-size dining table for 6, kitchenette, and bath), so we were all able to stay together for the same cost as two connected bedrooms. By the time Jesse and I arrived, it was almost time to get ready for rehearsal. We left momentarily to run to the grocery store and purchase some starch for his clothes. When we got back, he set up an iron and board and so did I. Then he went to the closet to grab his clothes...they were not there. Would you believe I forgot to pack his clothes?? Yes, they were hanging with the other hanging garments, and somehow I did not grab them. He had to borrow clothes from my cousin, and we headed down for rehearsal, Jesse slightly ticked at me. After rehearsal, we went to Gaidos for dinner, and Jesse started to lighten up. The dinner was excellent, and we had fun catching up with family. That evening, back up in our suite, Dad gave Sarah a gift. You see, the night before my wedding, he gave me a diamond necklace to wear. We were all curious whether he was going to do something for Sarah, and sure enough he did. He had saved my Mimi's diamond earrings to give her. You see, Sarah shares Mimi's middle name: Jeanette. So Dad figured it was appropriate to pass them down to her namesake. Very special.

Saturday morning we woke up and got moving. We were having all the women up in the center living area of our suite for a bridal lunch and lingerie shower. We went and picked up the Subway sandwich trays, chips, and the other girls chopped up fruit. It was fun watching Sarah open her gifts, blush, and not pull them all the way out of their bags. I don't see her get shy often, but I guess opening that stuff in front of her future mother-in-law had her slightly embarrassed. Shortly after the shower was done, Mom, Sarah, and Susan left to go get beautiful at the salon. The rest of us began to shower and get ready. We were supposed to be ready for pictures early...and the girls were running late. But let me tell you, when they walked in the door, Sarah looked beautiful. We were all ready and waiting, dressed in our red dresses. The photographer was there, ready to go. And thus, the evening began. Poor Ryleigh, had been so excited throughout the day and previous night, she had not slept well and refused to nap for me during the day. Well, right about the time we started taking pictures, she realized she was sleepy and fell asleep. We got some cute pictures of her, sound asleep before the wedding. As a matter of fact, I had to wake her up to go down to the wedding, and was holding her, giving her a bottle, as we walked down stairs and across the street to the beach. Did I mention that the wedding was in Galveston? Yes, Sarah and Micah were married on the beach. I must admit, I originally thought it was going to be gross, as Galveston is not the prettiest beach in the world, but it was not bad. The pictures actually look pretty! So, for the precession, Ryleigh was supposed to walk in holding Susan's hand. Well, since she had just woken up, she was slightly out-of-it, and would not let go of my hand! Susan and I looked nervously at the wedding coordinator and asked what we needed to do. She told us to all three walk down together. I felt bad, stealing Susan's spotlight, but it helped Ryleigh to be perfect. Once we got to the front, she was supposed to be handed off to someone else, depending on how she was acting. She was clinging to me, so I held her...the entire ceremony. She just wanted to be held! At one point she started squirming a small bit, but we gave her a pacifier and she was fine. It was a miracle, and certainly NOT what any of us had expected from her. Way to go Ryleigh!

I give all of this background for two reasons. One, so I write it down and remember all the ins and outs of the week. Two, because it sounds so crazy, with so much going on, but the moment Sarah walked out on that beach and her eyes met Micah's, it was all worth it. All the planning. All the stress from the week. All the crazy events and exhausting expectations. They really do love each other. And I saw it. In both of them. The ceremony was short, but super sweet. Tender moments were exchanged, and everyone watched as they publicly pledged to love one another for the rest of their lives.

The reception was tons of fun. I must say, being on 'this side' of the wedding is much better. I truly had a blast. Dancing with Ryleigh, chasing her across the room, actually getting to eat the food, and talk to people as long as you want... Every bit of it was fun. Until Susan and David (the best man) got up to give their speeches. Once Susan started crying, I started crying. Julie was crying. Mom was crying. Sarah teared up. Then Micah and Sarah had their first dance, and were so sweet, we all continued to cry. Then Sarah danced with my dad, and we all continued to cry. There should have been some kind of comic relief in there somewhere!! In all seriousness, it was some very sweet, tender moments, and it was touching.

The weekend was awesome. It was so hard to believe that my younger sister was capable, or old enough, to get married (despite the fact I was 3-years younger than her when I married Jesse). I was nervous about her getting married...until I saw them together this weekend. I'm so excited for both of them, and the life they have now begun. I imagine, the first few years might be hard, as they typically are for all newlyweds, but I have faith in them. I'm happy to see my sister so happy, and to hear her refer to herself as "Sarah Brown" brings a smile to my face every single time. I know Jesse is happy to have another guy in the family, and I see the two of them getting along very well.

SO, welcome to the family, Micah. We love you, and love the love you have for my sister. Please take care of her now, as we know only you can.

Sarah, I love you dearly, and I'm so very happy you have found your knight in shining armour. Enjoy the excitement of being a new wife, and try not to sweat the small stuff.

We love you both! Congratulations!

My 1st Mother's Day

First off, let me wish all the mothers who might be reading, Happy Mother's Day! I hope you had a sweet day, loving on your family while they loved on you.

This holiday is new to me. Yes, I have always had a mother, and she is wonderful. And yet, the holiday never "clicked" with me until this year. Before, it was more of an excuse to buy expensive Hallmark cards, flowers, and whatnot....because...that is what you are supposed to do! Now, being on the flip-side of the holiday, I understood it more. After realizing all that being a mother IS, day in and day out, I am so thankful we stop for one day to recognize and appreciate our mothers.

If there is anything I have learned about being a Mom, it is this: Being a Mom is hard work.

Being a Mom means carrying a child inside of you, sometimes being sick, feeling tired, being uncomfortable, giving up certain things for the safety of your baby. But it also means that YOU get to feel it moving inside you. You get the immediate bond that everyone else has to work and learn how to build.

Being a Mom means never feeling completely rested. Whether it is during the 8th month of pregnancy when you can not get comfortable, the first few weeks after birth when you are up every 3 hours to feed the baby, or one year later when you still wake to every slight sound on the monitor and have to get up..."just to check."

Being a Mom means always having a "to do" list, a pile of dirty laundry, dusty furniture, and dirty dishes in the sink. I don't think you can ever catch up to life. Because suddenly that part of your life does not seem as important.

Being a Mom means having less time in a day...hence the days flying by. Everything takes more time. No more running quick errands. Even doing the laundry requires a certain amount of organization to run smoothly. Your child has no concept of time, other than they know they want to spend all of their time with you.

Being a Mom means being dirty. Finding time to shower can be difficult. Putting on a clean outfit is always a risk, because you never know when the spit up, slobber, sneezes, snot, or other bodily secretions will emerge. And trust me- they do emerge!

Being a Mom means owning more "stuff" and lugging it with you everywhere you go. Diaper bags, bottles, extra clothes, car seats, teddy bears, pacifiers....the list goes on and on.

Being a Mom means never having your own schedule. Your schedule revolves around your child's schedule; whether than means their eating/sleeping schedule when they are young, or their activity schedule when they are older. Again, your time is not your own.

Being a Mom means that no one else sees you as an individual person- you are forever seen as "so-and-so's Mom." People ask about your child, and then you. And while sometimes that seems sad and hard to swallow right now, my dream is that being "so-and-so's Mom" will later be seen as a great thing. That as a Mom, I am someone my child is proud of, and they are someone I am proud of. Then the bond and attachments to each other becomes part of your identity in a way you never were as an individual.

Being a Mom truly means dying to yourself and giving all that you have and all that you are, hoping and praying that your children are better people for it. Hoping that they realize how much you love them, though you know they cant understand. No one can understand: except other Moms. Praying that they grow into kind, loving, intelligent, generous, independent and selfless people one day. Praying that God enables you the patience, kindness, sternness, and endurance to teach them and train them according to His will and not your own. Praying that your kids don't pick up those habits that you just cant seem to break.

I hope that being a Mom has made me a better person. I honestly feel like a completely different person. Having a child really forces you to hold up a mirror and see all of your flaws in a way that no other relationship does. You do not have the option of being selfish. And you know what? Most of the time, you don't even think twice about it.

Ryleigh is speaking gibberish now. Not one thing makes any sense as it comes out of her mouth, and yet she looks directly at me as if she is speaking to me, and she thinks I understand. We have entered a whole new world, learning to communicate to each other. And yet, sometimes I "get" her communicating so clearly, it brings tears to my eyes.

When she wakes up and I go get her from her room, she bounces in her bed with a huge smile, so happy to see me.

When she is tired, she looks for me to cuddle next to.

When she gets scared or apprehensive and she runs to me, holding on to my legs while cautiously peeking out.

When she brings me her empty sippy cup, trusting that I am able to give her what she wants.

When she hands me one of her toys, inviting me to play along with her.

When she is across the room, and I get on the floor to play with her, she smiles sweetly and comes over to give me a huge bear hug just because she wants to, not because I asked.

My daughter loves me. She needs me in a way that no one else does. To her, I am the best person in the world. Now sure, I know that one day all that will change. But I know that I will always hold a special place in her heart and her life that no one else can ever fill. I am her Mother. Her only Mother. Being her mother can be difficult and exhausting, but it is a job I would willingly accept over and over for just one of those sweet smiles or hugs.

And I am thankful and blessed beyond measure to be "Ryleigh's Mommy."

Puppy playtime

My parents went out of town to go to Sarah's graduation, and since I was not able to go, I got to watch their puppies! Do you remember a few posts back when I showed you the little rats? Look how cute they are now!!!
Unfortunately, their Mama, Bella, got sick this week, and her little body is having a hard time taking care of her and the needs of all four puppies. So, the pups are having to wean a bit early. It has been rough on Mama Bella, she has whimpered and pawed at the door a lot trying to get to her babies. Right now, she is still allowed to nurse at morning and night, but the puppies are starting to eat their own food. They were not doing it so well at first, but Mom found that adding a bit of puppy formula (yes, they make formula for puppies), helped get the puppies to eat. So far, so good.

They sure are cute, playing together.

I was taking another video of the puppies eating, hoping it would put Mom and Dad's minds at ease, but in the midst of the film, one of the puppies decided to walk across the plate, and mark his territory! Haha. I kind of shut down pretty quickly upon realizing that the "milk" in the dish had turned yellow...

Ryleigh gets very excited watching the puppies, but obviously does not grasp the concept of being gentle. She just flaps her arms, like she always does when she is excited, and the little pups get quite nervous. She did attempt to pet one of them, but ended up pulling the little ears instead. I guess puppies have to be as resilient as human babies, to survive their own Mamas and human care-givers. =)

Wordless Wednesday

(I have seen this done on several people's blogs lately, and I love the idea!)

Shulse family get-together

Last weekend we went over to Jesse's parents house to hang out. His aunt and uncle were in town, and it was the first time they have had a chance to meet Ryleigh. The family decided we would change up the normal "barbeque" and boil crawfish instead. They still made ribs though, in case anyone did not like the crawfish.

Ryleigh LOVED chewing on that rib bone!! I started it, but she definitely finished it off for me!
Jesse was the designated chef, and I must say, the food was a hit! Here is everyone gathered around the crawfish, chowing down.

Again...
Yum...he has definitely perfected the art of crawfish cooking. Keeping them separeated by batch, covered in foil kept them warmer longer. The middle tin was specifically for all the shells. Nice, huh?
Justin and Jenn were playing with the poor, dead crawfish. But they sure look cute doing it! =)
We had missed Uncle Ralph's birthday the week before, so we decided to celebrate late. Mekenzie got to bring out the cake, while we all sang, and Ralph blew out his candles.
It was a fun night, and just changing up the routine a bit created a whole new atmosphere. We had fun watching everyone get down and dirty, eating spicy crawfish, and laughing at how much our lips burned. A fun time was had by all!

Gross

I'm officially a Mom. Yes, I have now had my daughter's poop on me. EWWWW.

Friday afternoon, I was working in my office, while Ryleigh was playing in her exersaucer and watching Baby Einstein in the living room. All of a sudden, I started to smell dirty diaper. I went into her room (next-door to my office) to check and make sure I did not leave the diaper genie open. Sure enough, it was closed. So, I cautiously walked into the living room, thinking, "man, this is going to be a big poopy diaper." I almost started gagging the second I walked into the room. And then I saw it. Murky, brown watery poop....everywhere. All in and under her exersaucer. All down her legs. All over her shoes. Diarrhea.

It. was. a. MESS.

I immediately checked to see if she felt warm. She was acting fine, had been eating and sleeping fine all day, and had not eaten anything "new" that might have caused a reaction. Ryleigh was fine the rest of Friday and all weekend.

But today is Monday. And the poop is back. Yes, I got her poop on me a second time. Two times in four days. And again, in her exersaucer. (It was the first time I put her back in it since it was washed and dried. Go figure.) I'm so confused!! Is she sick? Is something she is eating upsetting her tummy?

She has been much more clingy and fussy today, like she is not feeling well, but no fever. Any ideas?? My friend said she thought they can have diarrhea when they are teething, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that is the reason.

I don't know how much more poop I can take.

Fun in the Sun!

It is already summer here in Houston, and so naturally outside water toys are everywhere! And I am sucked into the craze....I have now bought Ryleigh 2 different blow up pools. The Froggie Pool was first. It allows you to screw in your hose, and it shoots water up for them to play in. I really like the fact it has the shade for one side. Considering I lather Ryleigh in baby sunscreen anyway, hopefully she will not get sunburned. I think that would break my heart!

She had a BLAST splashing in her pool. When she first got in, she was so excited she couldn't do anything but squeal and 'pump' her arms. I was giggling right along with her. So fun!

I'll post pictures of her in her "big girl pool" later.

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer, which I think is ironic, considering our Nation wants so badly to remove prayer from every facet of its being. That being said, I find hope in the fact that we still do have this named day, that by recognizing the day, it just might help remind people of the foundation for which this country was built: faith, hope, prayer, and love for God.

I rarely use this blog as a soap box. And honestly, that is not what I am trying to do today. I am not putting my political views out there to argue or debate with anyone. However this is MY blog, and so the words reflect MY feelings.

Whew, glad I got my disclaimer out of the way. Here are my thoughts.

Folks, we NEED to be praying. Our world is becoming a scary place. We can all get on our own individual soap boxes, scream out loud hoping for someone to hear, rant and rave thinking we might change someone's mind, write letter after letter to whoever might read it...and it's all for not. I truly believe there is only one 'person' who can save this dying and lost world, and that is Jesus Christ. We should be on our knees, begging for a change, because ultimately, He is the only one who can provide one. Christians, we can make a difference. Just because we don't see it right away, doesn't mean it is not happening. The world is scared and looking for answers. The ONLY answer is Jesus.

These are just a few of the main things I am praying about right now. They may seem random, but again, I'm just sharing my heart. I ask that you join me and pray for:

• The future of our nation: We have a big year ahead of us. The election of a new state-head is a big deal. And what terrifies me, are the candidates up for office. Is this 'the best' America has to offer? A man who will not cross his heart while hearing his national anthem? A woman who is known to be full of lies and untrustworthy? Another man who, despite his loyalty for his country, seems more about political gain than the welfare of a nation? I'm scared, y'all. What will the election of these candidates say about our country to a watching world? What will other national leaders think? I realize that no candidate is perfect. I know that George Bush has made some mistakes. But the difference is, I genuinely feel like he had the nations best interest at heart; he did the best he could, for everyone's benefit, not his own. And I believe he is a Christian, and therefore prayed for guidance and wisdom from our Creator. Not one of the candidates up for office now can say that. We need to be praying. Honestly- we need to pray for a miracle. And we need to vote. We need to vote for our senators and house members. We need to vote for local leaders and legislation. Our nation needs us, prayer warriors.
• Protection from our enemies: I understand many people want the war in Iraq to be over. I don't think there are many who would say, "hey- I like war, and people dying, so let's continue to send our sons and husbands to fight, just for fun and pleasure." If you do, you might seriously want to consider getting checked out at a local mental institution!! In all seriousness, no one likes to hear about death of our soldiers. But death is necessary, and we should rather, be thanking them with our whole heart and soul, that they and their families are willing to sacrifice for our protection. There are a whole lot of people and countries out there that frankly, do NOT like the U.S. (hard to imagine, I know). There will always be someone who wants to hurt us. I for one, pray thanksgiving for the men and women who serve to protect us; fighting across the globe, patrolling our neighborhoods, saving us from burning buildings, and sometimes giving their own life to save ours. I pray that God also protects THEM from hurt and unnecessary danger. (Deut 20:1)
• Marriage across our country: This is really on my heart right now. The very establishment of marriage has changed. And again, the change is scary. Back in "the good 'ole days" a man and a woman would meet, date for awhile, get married, have babies, and stay together until they both died. Being married 50+ years, while still an accomplishment, was the norm. I wish I knew what has happened to bring us where we are today. People getting married on the whim, and having it annulled. People marrying 3,4,5 times....when they don't like their spouse, they just go get a new one. People so scared of marriage that they just decide it is better to never do it. People who have been married for 10, 15, or 20 years suddenly filing for divorce. I wish I knew what to say about all this. I wish I had an easy solution. Still be a "newly-wed" in the overall game of life (though we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary this summer!), I don't have much to offer. I do know this: Marriage is hard work. It takes time, commitment, and adjustment. But is it worth it to share your life, 100% with someone who knows you like no other, loves you (though they might not like you all the time, haha), wants to share life's memories with you? Absolutely. One more food for thought here. The devil wants nothing better than to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and this is especially true in marriage. He wants to steal your joy by feeding you lies about your spouse. Sooner or later you begin to believe the lies, find great discontent with your spouse, and lose your joy. He wants to kill your hopes and dreams of a life shared with someone. And ultimately he will destroy your marriage, while also destroying a piece of yourself. Make no mistake. There will be trouble in marriage. But, if God is for us, who can be against us?? People, PLEASE pray for your marriage. Daily. Please pray for marriages of your family and friends. Please pray for marriage around the country and the globe. The very sanctity of marriage is at stake. Please pray.
• Hurting people: Life is not perfect, and it certainly is not always fair. Bad things happen to good people. There are families losing babies. Children losing parents. Wives losing husbands. Husbands losing jobs. Families losing homes. You get my drift. Hurt is readily available everywhere you look. Lord, may my heart break for the things (and people) who break Yours. I truly think that one of the greatest gifts that "tools" if-you-will, that God gave us, is each other. I cry with you, and pray for you. Next month, hurt comes my way, and you pray for me. And you know what the cool part is? By praying for one another, it puts our own problems into perspective and helps get the focus off ourselves and our own wounds. Thus, inevitably, healing ourselves while helping another. It is amazing. Try it. I promise you will like it.

As for me, and my personal prayer requests, here they are:

• Patience: When dealing with Ryleigh's "bad" days, frustrations at work, car trouble, still learning how to properly love my husband, wanting to know the future, trying to juggle my life...I'm not a patient person. I get agitated quickly and easily, and tend to stress about way too much, way too often. Patience is, in a sense, trusting what God has for me. Trusting that "this too shall pass." Trust that this way, though perhaps not my way, is the right way.
• Our future: Jesse is going to be looking for a new job in the near future. We don't know when or where. Which means, I may or may not need a new job. We might begin to think about more children (next year at the earliest- don't panic on me!). Just pray that God gives us clarity.

Today is a day of prayer. Does that mean we cant or shouldn't pray other days? Of course not. Let's be thankful for all we have been blessed with, and continue to pray for God's hand in our lives and on our country.

I'm going to pray today, and thank God for each and every one of YOU. You all provide something in my life, whether humor, prayer support, encouragement, or all of the above. Thanks for being my friend on this crazy ride we call life. I love ya!