Kimhutto’s Weblog

Fall is my favorite season.  Mostly because, it reminds me of when Will & I got married.  We said “I do” 6 years ago, October 8th.  I cannot express how much I love my husband, or how thankful I am that I get to spend the rest of my life with him.  This year, we will be spending our anniversary at a Carolina Gamecocks football game.  (Go Cocks!)  AND…. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fall also reminds me of Leslie.  Her birthday is coming up!  3 years old this year.  Wow, time sure does fly by… Seems like yesterday I was waddling around, 60 lbs. heavier.  We have had so much fun being parents.  What we have is beautiful.

Yeah, so there is nothing else I could think of to title this blog.  I wanted to start a blog because it seemed to be the cool thing to do, and also to journal Leslie’s life.  But life is so busy!  The blog has been tossed aside for about a month now, and that is okay.  :)  Along with life being busy, life has been good.

Leslie, with a curious caterpillar

I love our day off as a family!  Monday we decided to take a trip to Riverbanks Zoo.  Leslie’s FIRST trip to the zoo!  It was so much fun.  I took a ton of pictures, of course, and we made a lot of memories.  This is definitely a day I will never forget.

Leslie & Daddy feeding the birds

Leslie & Mommy

Leslie - SO excited to see her favorite - THE PENGUINS!

It doesn’t get any better than this.  Look at my beautiful little girl.  She is 2 years 6 months and 1 day old today.  Guess who she is giving that sweet little smile to.  Her Daddy.

There’s this crazy episode of “Cops” where this guy is sitting on a sidewalk singing this song that I am sure he made up.  (I believe he was wearing a skirt.)  It goes: “I got Jesus in my pocket, and a nickel in my shoe, a rock in my other pocket, let me tell you what I’m gonna do.”  This guy was very intoxicated at the moment, and getting arrested…. So anyway….

I’ve been thinking about having Jesus in my pocket. It’s convenient.  Just call on Him when it works for me, then I put Him back in when I am too busy, or when everything is going well.  Or just take Him out on Sunday, whatever works for me.  Or, take Him out when I meet a fellow Christian, and share stories about what is going on at our church, or what good deed I did this week – All for “God’s Glory”.  How selfish & shallow.  I am ashamed.  I have turned into a Pharasee.

I remember the first time I really fell in love with Jesus, and I pray that for my life again.  I am feeling the beginnings of that relationship with Him beginning to blossom.

Will & I went on a date last Saturday night.  (Thank you, Shannie, Pootie, Bubba, & Caroline!!!!)  January 29, 2011.  You know when we began planning this?  Take a wild guess.  About 2 months ago!  It was in November, I believe, I realized with the business of Christmas & get togethers that by January, we would need some time to “wine & dine” each other.  I sent “Shannie” a text to “ask”  (haha, there’s no need to ask!) if she’d be willing to let Leslie spend the night, so we could stay out late without interrupting Leslie’s sleep.  The answer is always a big fat YES from her.  :)

Am I saying I need a break from my kid?  Definitely not.  A few times between November & the big night, I tried to tell myself that we should just take her along with us!  She really is a good kid – easy to take out, and so much fun to be around.  But “date night” is very important to the health of a marriage.  That applies to if you have kids or not.  We did this before we got married, so why did we quit?  Were we just trying to reel them in, and then just be roommates?  No way.  Will is my Prince Charming!  I had fun getting all dolled up for a night on the town with him.  This was a night to be friends, and to be a couple.  A night to not talk about the bills, about work, about church, and to just not talk about life in general.  A time to just enjoy each other’s company and take in the scenery of River Street in Savannah GA.

We had an awesome meal at The River House Seafood & Bakery, by the way.  I’m looking forward to another date night with my husband!

I was chatting today with a lady who’s hair I have had the privilege of “doing” once a week for the past few years… I’m pretty fond of her & I look forward to seeing her every week.  But anyway.  Today we were talking about TV.  She was laughing & telling me that she was married before she had ever bought one.  She was telling me what life was like before TV.  And I must admit, it sounded very nice.  I asked her, “What did y’all do?”  She replied, “Believe it or not…. we talked.  We sat around the table and we talked to each other.  We made plans with each other, & we talked.  Nothing like it is now.”

I know this seems silly to blog about, but it made sense to me, & I found it very interesting.  Now, instead of gathering around the table for a meal, lots of families gather around the TV.  I was a little thing when my grandma went to be with Jesus, but up until I was 7 we spent every Sunday at her house.  We most certainly did not spend it around the TV!  She and her daughters prepared a meal, & we sat around the table…. talking.  (Some of us got to sit at the card tables!)  Afterwards, I remember the “grown ups” sitting on the porch and talking. They watched & talked while the kids played.  (With makeup, dirt, sticks, footballs, basketballs, toys…)  I like to reminisce about those days!

Romans 12:9-21

Wow, this really spoke to me today!

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,it says the Lord.20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I most certainly can’t “follow this up” with anything inspirational or awesome, because this in itself is awesome.  What in the world would things be like if I was this person all the time?!  Just thought I’d add the fun colors on some of my favorite verses.  I am so happy that God’s Word jumped off my phone ( www.youversion.com ) and into my heart today.

My husband inspired this blog post….

I’ve been thinking about “New Years Resolutions” and I have come up with only one for me:  To seek God’s will in my life.  Easy enough, huh?  Here’s what that includes:

• Reading my Bible  (Really, reading it for more than a week here and there… Really sticking to it this time…. Pray for me!)
• www.awake21.org
• www.daveramsey.com
• Praying more
• Listening to God
• Being a strong support for my husband

I’m trying to keep it simple.  I don’t want to “set myself up”, but I know that this is the direction that I need to go in.  I’m just posting this blog hoping to encourage others to seek Him out, and I’m sure your “New Years Resolution” will come easy!

Chrismas Eve Night:

Staying up late on Christmas Eve to help Santa wrap gifts.  (He hates wrapping gifts!)

False alarm wake up from Leslie

Last minute wrapping for Will

Second guessing

Staying up LATE

Christmas Day:

Waking up to Will staring at me… and cuddling with Leslie

Remembering it’s Christmas!

Waking Leslie up

Being so thankful that God sent His Son for US.

Convincing Leslie to see what Santa brought

Smiles and Giggles!

2.5 hours of gift opening  (No, we didn’t have that many gifts)

Foofa

Plex

“I want Muno”…..

Laughing

Smiling

Hugging

Paper everywhere

Reminding Leslie to open the rest of her gifts

MEMORIES

Family

Food

Food

Food

Love

Love

Love

Love

Christmas 2010 was one of the best yet.  We didn’t rush or fuss over anything.  We spent time together, and took it easy.  That’s what it’s all about.

It’s official.  Leslie is spoiled.  I’ve held her most of the day.  Unfortunately when this happens, the day goes by so fast.  She’s been a little fussy but not bad at all, gassy of course.  At least she has figured out the difference between her days and nights.  Being a mom is awesome.  The time I get to spend with Leslie is a gift from God.  The house is a mess, but it doesn’t really matter right now….

I figured since everyone else was doing it, I’d do it too…

So, today is my 3rd day home by myself with Leslie. (Or “Pooters” as she is mostly called)  Tuesday was Will’s first day back at work & my first day alone with her.  It was a little tough.  I was very emotional about this new little life God has given us to take care of.  She is so precious.  Anyway, today was a little harder than I thought it would be.  Planned on making a “quick” trip to town to pick up a few things we needed along with a friend to help me.  I can’t belive I was nervous about taking her out alone, but I was.  I woke up at a decent time, got her fed and ready, and started getting ready myself.  Or so I thought I would.  This ended up being about 3 hours of just taking care of her instead.  I knew it was bad when I started crying along with her, but we made it & all was well.  Turns out she was just a little fussy (& poopie).  I guess in the heat of the moment I can make things seem a little worse, but really this was the first time (besides in the hospital) that I felt helpless!  When this little girl cries, there’s only so many things that I know could be wrong.

I can’t complain, though.  Not at all.  She’s healthy & she’s ours.  She sleeps through most of the night already, and is usually a lot of fun when she’s awake. 

That’s all for today… Off to feed Leslie!

I guess I have turned into one of those people who has a blog & doesn’t keep up with it already.  However, I’m just learning how to adjust to life with a daughter.  Juggling is the title of this post because that is what I feel like I am beginning to do & what I will be doing as a mother, wife, & business owner. 

The reality that I may not be able to spend as much time at home with Leslie hit me last night as I reviewed the checkbook.  We knew this would be likely & comes with the territory of being self employeed.  (business owner or not)  I had this belief a few years ago that I did want to be a stay at home mom & I did not want to work - I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Now, I love my job.  I absolutely love what I do & couldn’t see myself doing anything else.  Now, I have a daughter I am becoming very attached to and do not want to leave!  Not because I want to be a stay at home mom.  I don’t want to be a stay at home mom.  However, I want to spend as much time as possible with Leslie!  (I’m very selfish)

Not only is this going on, but in being home by ourselves I find myself missing my husband more and more.  Will, who for the past 9 months I was somewhat distant from,  is now someone I just cannot get enough of…  He’s been a wonderful husband to me & also a wonderful daddy to Leslie.  He’s above & beyond what I could’ve ever asked for – He’s my best friend.

But speaking of juggling things, it’s past time to cook supper for my hubby & Leslie just decided she was hungry earier than I thought she would….

Today hasn’t been bad at all.  Leslie has been really good.  Today I’ve worked on not holding her as much.  I know, I know, how mean, right?    I don’t just put her down somewhere and walk away!  She got to sit in her bouncy seat on the counter so I could at least wash bottles and get supper started.  She seemed to enjoy it.  So much that she went to sleep.  And the daily routine also is the bouncy seat in the bathroom while mommy showers.  She usually wakes up for that, I guess because I enjoy it. 

So, being a mommy is fun so far.  Next to being a wife it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.    I’m hoping it’s always this great & she and I will continue to develop a great mother-daughter relationship.

That’s all for now.

Today I’ve thought about this:  “What have I done today to show Christ’s love to someone?”  I claim to be a follower of Him, but what have I done to prove that?  What have I done to make someone else want a relationship with Him?  What have I done for my relationship with Him?

With the birth of Leslie & adjusting to life with her & trying to “catch up” I seem to have put Him on the back burner.  I was talking with Will on Wednesday night & I admitted to being slack on reading the Word.  I’m ashamed to say this, but I havn’t even known where my Bible was until today, after I went grocery shopping.  It was in the back of my car.  What good was it doing me in there?  I am so ashamed.

There’s been a couple of circumstances in my life where I should be demonstrating a Christ-like attitude, & I haven’t totally done that.  I say totally because towards those people I havn’t shown how upset or jealous I am, I’ve been “nice” about it.  But on the inside I’ve let my feelings get hurt & I’ve let jealousy sneak in. 

I guess my thoughts bounce around a lot, but I believe the bottom line is this:  If I work on my relationship with Christ, stay in the Word, & learn from Him, He will work out the issues in my heart.

I never knew how much time is involved in being a mom.  I know, I’ll always be a mom, but to do the “mom thing”… It really is a full time job.  The only thing I do for myself during the day is shower, eat, & blog.  The rest of the time is all about her!  I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, though.  It does make me wonder how some people do it with more than one.  Jon & Kate.  My sister, with her 4 kids & *spotless* house.  For the past 3 months it has looked like a baby shower threw up in my house.  Naturally I am bothered by this.  If you know my mom or sister, then you know why.  I’ve even been embarassed for company to come over & see what this place looks like.  But I do realize that she won’t be an infant forever & I better enjoy this time with her.  The dishes can wait. 

Leslie definetely doesn’t know the difference.  I was bragging to someone who’s daughter was born about a week before ours that Leslie has finally figured it out.  Only to have her up and down a lot last night.  How ironic.  So now it’s almost 3:30 & I’m going to try my best to keep her up for a little while.  It’s going to be SO hard to go back to work.

Oh yeah, Sunday was my first day back playing on the worship team.  It was good.  I definetely could’ve used some practice before then.  It was good for me to worship the best way that I know how. 

It’s been a year ago since I lost my son who I was 18 weeks pregnant with.  I hate to sound depressing, but I will never forget this!  He was a part of me, but just not with me very long.  It’s hard to lose a baby this way – You feel like you somewhat know them, even though you havn’t seen them.  You feel the effects of the baby, and sometimes this early you even feel the baby move. I felt him move a couple of times. So it’s hard to not have somewhat of a bond.  He had some serious heath problems from the beginning, and that is unfortunate.  This problem grew, and if he would’ve lived he probably wouldn’t have lived a long or enjoyable life.  Because of that, I am glad he is in heaven with Jesus.  Have you ever seen a picture of Jesus with the children?  I think of that when I think of him.

We decided to name our daughter Leslie Renee.  Leslie means “Joy” – Renee means “Reborn”.  She is definetely my Joy Reborn.  God had blessed us greatly.  A year ago I was dealing with the hardest thing I have ever delt with.  There was a void, because there was life inside me and then it was gone….  This morning, my daughter slept on my chest. 

Praise God for his blessings, His healing, and an eternity with Him.

I got some sleep last night!  Whoo hoo!  My sister said “Don’t speak so soon…”  but… I will anyway.  Leslie slept through the night.  I may regret even saying that.  But she did!

It’s so much fun getting up and feeding her while my husband is waking up.  We get a little bit of “family time”, and that is great.

Well, I’m done bragging.  You will know if she does this again tonight, or if I truly regret posting this blog.

Leslie has been so fussy all day. As a matter of fact, it’s 5 pm and she has just calmed down. I still don’t know what exactly was wrong with her. Maybe she just wanted to be held, and hey, that’s ok. That’s ok because the baby books say she can’t be spoiled now. Plus, I’m back to work in a couple of days so I’ve really been cherishing the days I have with her on maternity leave.

I was reminded today how blessed I am to have a healthy normal baby. I encourage everyone to watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0

*sigh*  It’s my last day on maternity leave.  I know I’ll have plenty of time to spend with my little Leslie, but this still makes me sad.  I’m booked up tomorrow (I believe) so hopefully the day will go by fast… Until I get her again & get to see my wonderful husband.  It’d be so cool if someone left us a lot of money & we could just stay home with her!    Stay at home mom and dad.

Anyway -  It looked like today was going to be like yesterday until I figured out that I just have to lay Leslie down in our room & let her listen to the christian xm station while she sleeps.  Apparently she makes sounds in her sleep too, and I guess when I would put her down in the living room & she’d make a sound I was too quick to see what she was doing.  Today I’ve tried to “wait it out” when she’d make a little sound because I’m trying to prepare for tomorrow.  I’d wait a few minutes and then peek at her & she was perfectly fine.  Did I mention Leslie is beautiful?  She is!

I’m making a drastic decision in having my hair done today.  Hopefully Leslie will recognize me.  (Will has assured me that she will )

O yeh, I have a twitter now too.

Today was my first day back at work since I had Leslie.  It was really hard for me!  I guess that is to be expected, though.  I carried her around in my belly for 9 months and was able to spend 4 wonderful weeks with her.

I used to want to stay at home for really selfish reasons… I just didn’t want to work basically.  I was talking to Will the other day about this and he reminded me that I didn’t so much want to be a stay at home mom, but I wanted to be a stay at home wife.  How selfish of me.  Now,  I have my little Leslie & that is a good reason to want to stay at home!  She’s so much more than I thought she would be.  I don’t really know how to explain that, but there is something new everyday with her.

Now I know how Will felt on his first day back at work!!!

So, when I blog lately I am in a hurry.  Work went well today.  Made some $$ which is always good.  Totally skipped out on lunch.  Took my 30 minute break but just held my daughter instead of eating.  It was so nice.  The sweet lady that’s keeping Leslie is having a blast with her, & I am so happy about that.  There is a small part of me that is jealous though!  lol.  But really, I am.    Leslie wore socks on her hands today and it was too cute.  Now she’s smiling at her Daddy so that’s all the blogging for now.  Going to spend some time with my family!!

This is what the Lord has put on my heart lately.  This is who I want to be.

Proverbs 31

10An excellent wife, who can find?
         For her worth is far above jewels.
    11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
         And he will have no lack of gain.
    12She does him good and not evil
         All the days of her life.
    13She looks for wool and flax
         And works with her hands in delight.
    14She is like merchant ships;
         She brings her food from afar.
    15She rises also while it is still night
         And gives food to her household
         And portions to her maidens.
    16She considers a field and buys it;
         From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
    17She girds herself with strength
         And makes her arms strong.
    18She senses that her gain is good;
         Her lamp does not go out at night.
    19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
         And her hands grasp the spindle.
    20She extends her hand to the poor,
         And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
    21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
         For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
    22She makes coverings for herself;
         Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    23Her husband is known in the gates,
         When he sits among the elders of the land.
    24She makes linen garments and sells them,
         And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
    25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
         And she smiles at the future.
    26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
         And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
    27She looks well to the ways of her household,
         And does not eat the bread of idleness.
    28Her children rise up and bless her;
         Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
    29“Many daughters have done nobly,
         But you excel them all.”
    30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
         But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
    31Give her the product of her hands,
         And let her works praise her in the gates.

Havn’t really been on here lately.  Things really have changed since I’ve gone back to work.  Thank God that business has picked up!  It’s so hard leaving Leslie somewhere else still.  Sometimes I wonder if she even knows because she just sleeps over there.  I really do miss her & Will throughout the day!  If only we could win the lottery…

Today has been pretty good!  It’s definetely been a beautiful fall day… The leaves are beautiful.  It’s my favorite season… Had my 6 week checkup today.  Fun fun.  If you’ve had a baby then you know what this is all about.  It’s so hard to believe my little princess is 6 weeks old today.  There were a couple other babies at the dr’s office & they seemed so small compared to Leslie.  She’s so long!  She’s already wearing 3 month size clothes.  Who would’ve thought Leslie would be so long with a short Mommy.  Take a look at how beautiful she is!

BEAUTIFUL!

Yeh, I don’t really look forward to it because I don’t like leaving Leslie.  It’s something I have to do though!  Today I’m wishing I could clone myself to get everything done that I would like to in one day.  Another picture for everyone to enjoy.

Sweeeeet

I had so much fun goofing off and taking pictures with Will & Leslie last night.

I don’t really know what exactly is going on with me lately.  Pregnancy hormones still?  I’m not really sure, but whatever it is it sucks.  I find myself spending all my time worrying about everything.  I know what the Bible says about worry, but believing in my heart that everything will be ok is tough for me.  I just need to trust that God will guide me.

Matthew 6:25-34

25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[b]?

 28“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Yeh.  I’m ready for Christmas.  I know it’s weird considering Thanksgiving is my favorite.  I’m mostly ready to see how Leslie reacts to the Christmas tree.  Also, Will came up with a neat idea that I am excited about.    Money is tight right now, & that’s no big secret because it seems to be that way for EVERYONE I talk to.  However, Will came up with an awesome idea.  Here it is:  If we have a little money to spare around the holidays, instead of buying gifts for each other, pick a family to buy a couple of gifts for.  It won’t be much, I already know this, but I think the idea is just great.  I have a warm home, food to eat, water to drink & bathe in… And a great husband and daughter.  Who are both healthy might I add.  I don’t need anything for Christmas. 

Getting ready!

I havn’t blogged in a looong time.  I know.  Blogging hasn’t exactly been at the top of my priority list lately.  Things that have been include: Will, Leslie, Work, & Housework.  It’s never ending, I know.  Everyone else has to do it too, I know, so don’t tell me you do it too.    I’m just saying why I havn’t blogged.

Leslie is 2 months old today.  Whoo-Hoo!  My little pooters is growing so fast.  I cherish every moment I get to spend with her & her daddy.  The 3 of us were in our bed last night for a few minutes & it was so much fun.  She’s at the point now that when we walk by or lay beside her, she turns her face to look at us.  It’s so rewarding to see her perfect smile!

Thanksgiving was something this year.  And I mean this in a good way.  If you know me personally, you know I’m not really close to my family, with the exception of my sister, and that bothers me.  I havn’t seen my mom since election day, and I havn’t seen my dad since before then.  My brother and I were joined at the hip when I was growing up, & I don’t really see him much now either…. So… My sister & I decided to have Thanksgiving at my house this year.  She has a great husband & 4 beautiful children.  We invited my brother, who came as soon as we came home from Will’s grandparents.  He and Will got to spend some time together, which meant SO MUCH to me.  Allen needs to be around some encouragement!  My mom & dad surprised us and stopped by for a few minutes as well.  Will’s little brother & his Granny came also to join in on eating some fried turkey.  Granny was very entertained by my sisters kids who were going through the Walmart sale paper to circle what they wanted from Santa.  My neice, Savannah, will be 2 in January & she was entertaining as well.  I guess the point I am getting at is that Thanksgiving was GREAT.  And I realize I have a lot to be thankful for:

God & his unconditional love

Will

Leslie

My family

Will’s family, which I am a part of now

Our health

Our home

There’s people in this world who are struggling financially, mentally, physically.  Someone close to me only sees his children 4 days out of the month.  Another close friend of mine lost her daughter to cancer.  We know people losing jobs, behind on bills, etc.  We’re even going through some things right now, but so minor compared to some people.  We are so thankful. …. So I guess I made up for not blogging lately.

So, we were without internet for a while.  Not really a necessity at the moment, but now we have it back, and I hope to get back to blogging & reading other people’s blogs. 

Lots of new things going on with Leslie!  She’s 5 months old now, so a lot has changed.  It is a challenge to juggle being a wife, mommy, business owner, full time job, etc.  especially when I want to have a relationship with God.  A meaningful relationship.   I’ve been thinking lately, if I just cut back on something maybe I can manage it easier.  Sleep maybe?… Not that I have much time tied up in that.  I don’t know, but maybe God can cut the things out that need to be cut out.

About Leslie… She’s rolling over, talking , developing a personality.  She’s just great!  Her hair is growing, and that makes me happy. Right now we are dealing with an ear infection & cold.  That’s kind of tough but I know we will get through it.

So, that’s all for right now.  Hopefully I can keep up with this blog better.

Have you ever felt a new season coming on?  I don’t know how to describe how that feeling feels, but you feel like a change is about to happen.  I feel like a good change is going on in my life.  There is so much that has happened in the past 7 years, it is unreal!  God is bigger and better that I ever thought before.  I hate to say that my faith was lacking in some areas of my life.

Let me share with you, in a nutshell what has happened.

*My husband and I gave birth to a beautiful daughter almost TWO years ago!

*My sister & brother accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts back in January 2009.

*My brother has conquered ADDICTION in his life, married a wonderful woman, and they have a BEAUTIFUL family.

*We have a GREAT pastor & his family in our church, along with their sweet, adorable kids.  (Leslie is in love with their son.)

*My mom has been attending church since Easter Sunday & is looking forward to every Sunday morning service at LHC.

*I led a couple of songs in worship… Yes, actually in front of people, not in the shower, or in the car in front of Leslie….

Ok, these are just a handful of MAJOR things going on in my life.  The blog is back!  (thanks, Will!)

Come and Listen.

Come to the water’s edge all you who know and fear the Lord.

Come and Listen.

Come to the water’s edge all you who are thirsty, come.

Let me tell you what He has done for me.                                                                       Let me tell you what He has done for me.                                                                             He has done for you  - He has done for us.

CHORUS:
Come and Listen.  Come and listen to what He’s done.                                        Come and Listen.  Come and listen to what He’s done.
Bridge:
Praise — our God for He is good.

He has done for me.

He has done for you.

He has done for us.

Come and Listen.

Come and listen to what He’s done.

Come and Listen.  Come and listen to what He’s done.

OK, so I am going to just be honest and get it out.  I can’t fix someone.  You can’t fix someone.  Only God can “fix” them.  And who’s to say they are “broke” or “wrong”?  Maybe I am just thinking they are not up to MY standards.  And what does that matter?  (Who the heck am I?! My standards don’t matter.)  I believe this has been MY attitude that has turned other people away from God or “church”.  Maybe it’s been your attitude too.  See, I come in contact with so many people everyday…. And I have a rather large family who has no choice but to have some contact with me.  So why are a lot of my family & friends just beginning their relationship or walk with God?  Don’t get me wrong, I believe that God’s timing is absolutely PERFECT and everything happens exactly when it is supposed to, but am I doing what I am supposed to do to help people?  It’s not about making my church bigger.  It’s not about me at all, but I am ashamed that I have come off as “high and mighty” in the past and turned people away from church.  God has done so much in my life, and I want to share that with everyone.  After 7 years of being an active member of our church, I am FINALLY getting it.  God is the one who touches people’s hearts.  Not me at all.  He touches my heart, daily, and I believe He is touching other’s hearts too.  This has been my thought lately.  It may seem jumbled as I type it out, but in my mind it makes sense!  There are some things we all do that are wrong, but maybe instead of focusing on what OTHER people do, maybe I should look at what I could do to improve myself, my family, my life, and my witness to other people.  Here’s the verse that God has laid on my heart today.

Matthew 7:3  -”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

So, let’s go sweep around our own front door & do own own booger checks instead of judging someone else for doing wrong.  Let’s take all the energy we use to think “I can’t believe them”, and pray for them instead, that God will soften their hearts.  Awesome things will happen!

Leslie just turned 21 months old yesterday…. WOW!  Being a mom has definitely been life changing for me.  Lots of changes everyday!  Life tends to be really busy, but I try really hard to spend as much time with her as possible.  We have transitioned from my mom keeping her to a babysitter who keeps other kids in her home, and I think that has been good for Leslie.  Time with Grandma is great and we still get that too.  Leslie did cry some mornings when I’d drop her off with “Miss Debbie”, but now, she’s excited.  She tells me she’s gonna see “Miss Debbie” and play… She gets some extra sugar and then runs off to tend to the baby that stays there.  What a big girl.

This morning we had a moment that I will always hold in my heart.  We have this little song we sing to each other.  ”I love you. Yes, I do. I love you. Yes, I do.”  It’s just the sweetest thing, and she has been singing it a lot.  I grabbed her and her bags out of the car this morning, and while I was carrying her in, I said, “I love you”.  Leslie said, “I love you, Momma.”  You know, I am at work blogging on my “break” and I am having to fight back tears because of how much this meant to me!  I am sure the nice lady getting a pedicure across the room would think I am crazy if I just let it out.  But OH – this just melted my heart.  It’s one of those moments where nothing else matters!  It was just sweet and innocent.  My daughter loves me.  No matter if I get the housework done, if I forgot to run an errand, and even when I mess up.  She loves her mommy!

is it keeping up with the “jones’”?  is it having the latest and greatest… the newest car, the most money, the best of everything….?  if this is what life is, then life is pretty empty.

i’m am personally SO done with “stuff.”  there are too many people going without and too many of us hoarding all that we can.  I want less of “me” and more of what God wants me to do.

I know that the sky is not falling, but for some reason all I can think about is the fact that time is just flying by.  I don’t want to fill the time with selfish things, but instead with the things that really matter.  There are some pretty precious things going on in my life & my marriage right now – I don’t need to miss out on it.  Will & I are still young, enjoying our relationship with each other and our connection we have in worshiping God through music.  We are new parents, here to shape and mold our little Leslie into the person that God wants her to be.  That is our job right now.

I feel like my life needs to be like the illustration I have seen with the jar, rocks, and sand.  The jar represents me & my life.  The rocks are the important parts that belong in my life:  God, Will, Leslie, Family, Church, etc.  Then there’s the sand…. To me, that represents the “wants”, not the “needs”.  If you fill your jar up with your wants first, where’s the room for what matters most?  What’s more important?  What is REALLY going to matter?

Love

I try not to stress out.  Really.  But sometimes life is just, well, life.  And my life is really super awesome, so many wonderful things are going on.  However, today has been “one of those days”.  I have had something on my mind, you could call it “worry”.  I have nearly had it and I am venting to my husband when I notice a little bird outside of the front door here at work.  A cute little bird gathering it’s food or maybe some grass for her home.  She stayed there for a moment and i was reminded of this verse:

²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  (Matthew 6:26)

Ahhhh…. Everything’s gonna be alright.  Thank you, God, for loving me so much.  Thank You for blessing me and my family.  Thank you, God for wisdom & strength to get through the day!

Will & I just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary last Friday, October 8th.  I can’t believe we have been married “so long”!  Saturday, while I was finishing up at work, he decided to stop by for a visit.  I had no clue that he had already made arrangements to have a babysitter for the evening & take me out on a date.  (Thank you, Shannie & Uncle Jamie!)

Wow! What a fun filled evening.  This may come as a surprise to most, but the highlight of the evening for me was watching the last quarter of the Carolina Gamecocks football game…. WHOO HOO! I guess this is mostly because I know how much of a fan Will is.  It was good to enjoy something so great with him.  As cheesy as it sounds, this is a memory that will last a lifetime for me.  :)

Thank you, Will, for 5 adventurous years!

I can’t believe that our little girl is going to have her 2nd birthday in only 9 days!  She has been such a blessing to us.  She’s growing so fast, and getting so big.  I treasure every moment I have with her.

http://kimhutto.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/friday/

I have:
Scattered toys
A fridge full of sippy cups
A gallon of milk
Diapers
Wipes
A potty chair
Crayons
A “Big Girl Chair”
Throw pillows on the floor
Maggie
Punkin
Blankies
Spongebob Toothpaste
Coupons
Bath Toys
Baby Lotion
Food under the table
Little shoes by the door
2 car seats
A dvd player in my car
Milk stains on my car interior
Stuffed animals
A kitchen in my living room
Yo Gabba Gabba on my DVR
A “Boo Boo Bunny”
Frilly Dresses
A piggy bank
Hair Bows
Lots of laundry that can wait…
“Tiny to Save”
“Wiggies”
“Tickle me, Mommy”
Dr. Seuss
“I want to touch the Moon”
“I want to sing about Jesus, Mommy”
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Pizza with mushrooms
Late nights rocking her to sleep
Long brown hair
Bright blue eyes
Kisses and Hugs
I have a 2 year old Princess…

This is my favorite time of year!  It begins around our anniversary (October 8th) and goes until New Years.  (Only because I like warmer weather )  The leaves are falling, and they are so beautiful.  We’re cooking good and eating good.  We’re spending time with family.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I have a husband that loves me so much, a healthy beautiful daughter, a beautiful home for us to live in, and awesome family & friends.  (Just to name a few things.)  I couldn’t ask for anything more.  Making memories with family and friends….

Wow, it’s November already.  I can’t believe how fast time passes by.  I feel like I am meeting myself in the road lately, and I can not help but wonder…. Is life supposed to be this busy?  Surely, life has not always been like this.  I don’t remember it being like this before.  We go, go, go, and that doesn’t leave much time for anything else.  I don’t think we’re doing anything wrong necessarily…. Everywhere we need to go has some distance from our home, so….

But anyway, All I can think about is this time thing lately.  Time, numbers, dates, weeks, months, years.  It’s all passing by, and I am too busy rushing around to notice sometimes.

Monday is my FAVORITE day of the week.  (Well, one of them.  I love SUNDAY just as much, but in a different way.  Sunday is a family day with my church family, and my “family family” and closest friends.)  Monday is the day we wake up together, usually in a good mood, we have cuddle time in our bed  (Yes, all three of us), and we enjoy the rest of our day together.  The day includes:  housecleaning, laundry, pj’s until the afternoon, snacking, cooking, and preparing for the busy week ahead.

Leslie is so much of a Daddy’s Girl on Mondays.  I get a little jealous.  She used to be a Mommy’s Girl all the time….  But I must say, there is something so special about seeing her adore this wonderful man who I get to call my husband.  I can’t help but smile when I watch them play, dance, and tickle each other.  I am so privileged to spend my life with them!

I keep clicking on mine, in the settings, to change it.  (That’s the little “profile pic” of me and that little baby, Leslie.)  And every time I go to change it, I can’t.  This is my first gravatar.  Chosen when I began blogging.  I began blogging when I spent Leslie’s first 5 weeks of her life at home.  And that’s a memory worth hanging on to!  So, maybe one day I will change it, but not yet.

A couple of months ago God specifically told me that change was coming.  I’m not sure what that change is… Or when it’s coming.  I know that a lot of little changes can lead up to one big change, so maybe it will be a while.  He did tell me to draw close to Him and my husband.  (Among a couple of other things.)  I am so anxious for this change.  I am hopeful for it.  And I am trusting in God for it.  Thinking about it tonight reminded me of one of my favorite worship songs.  (of course.)

Hungry I come to You

For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You’re all
This heart is living for

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life

So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You’re all
This heart is living for