Q & A: Rest of the Answers

Philip (my father-in-law) wanted to know did I really tell Dallise (my now mother-in-law, she wasn't at the time this happened) to be quiet right after we met, or was I just dreaming?? There is obviously a story here. Philip knows the answer, but to make him happy I'll answer his question and explain (although him and Dallise might tell you a different story.) This simple answer is a plain yes I said that and no you weren't dreaming. But there is further explanation to be had. Seth and I had been dating a few months but I hadn't met his parents yet. We had a pretty good hunch that we would end up getting married so meeting the parents was a must. Seth had met my parents quite a few times before we were even dating so he got off easy, I on the other hand did not. Seth invited me home for Thanksgiving and I gladly went because it meant spending time with him. I was actually kind of excited to meet his family that I'd heard so much about but also a little nervous. The night we got there we decided to watch Lord of the Rings. Good movie by the way, no matter what Dallise says, but it's not a good idea to watch it with her (j/k Dallise I'll watch it and explain it to you anytime!) So we all get settle and start the 1st movie. Right way Dallise starts asking questions and saying that she never understood what was going on and that they should do a better job explaining it and so on. I simply looked at her and very nicely told her that if she would listen to the movie they explain everything and it would make complete sense. (She is like most moms and is trying to do a million other things while she watches a movie so she only gets bits and pieces of it which makes movies like Lord of the Rings very confusing - I understand this now because I am a mommy and I do this now too) I don't really remember what happen next, but I'm sure I turned a few shades of red because everyone looked at me and said something along the lines of whoa Tarah you just told her or Dallise you should listen to her she's right or man did you just say that. Philip and Dallise said that from that moment they knew I would fit right in with their family. I was just trying to help Dallise understand the movie (plus I was hoping to be able to hear it too) I'm pretty sure that I'm not going to ever live that one down. People are right first impressions sometimes last forever. I guess it's not always a bad thing. It's nice to know that they thought I fit from the very beginning.

Tarrah asked what is your idea of the best night out for a date with your husband? I would want it to be warm outside (ok how many of you thought of Miss Congeniality - April 25 not to hot and not to cold - I did, anyways) I'd want to be warm so that we could do something outside such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, or something of that nature. Then we'd have a wonderful picnic with lots of yummy food. After our picnic we'd take a nice long walk and talk while we watch the sunset. Then we'd end the night enjoying each other's company!



She also wanted to know what are some nick names you call Jericho? I usually call Jericho love bug or sweets. Sometimes she get snuggle bug, baby girl, baby love, or just love. Lately I've taken to calling her buddah baby. Not sure where that one come from, Seth isn't a huge fan of it, I've tried to stop but I can't. I don't mean it in a bad way at all. I used to baby sit for a little guy and they always said he had a buddah belly, because babies are usually chubby and have cute bellies that are bigger than all their other body parts. Maybe that's where it came from. Every once in a while I'll call her Jeri baby but not often. My dad calls her JJ all the time and Seth's brother calls her Jeri curl. Sometimes Seth will call her J-Rico, none of those are my favorite but I really don't like J-Rico. There are a million other names that Seth calls her to but they are totally random and none of them seem to really stick, he changes them on a daily basis, I think depending on the mood he is in. It's' funny but the poor girl is going to be so confused.

Ginger said she knew about Gideon but asked who our 2nd angel baby was. Well Gideon is actually our 2nd angel baby. Grace is our 1st angle baby. My 1st pregnancy ended in a miscarriage when I was in my 2nd trimester. I'm going to be doing a post about Grace at the end of this weeks so I'll explain more then.

His Blanket

I needed to sort laundry and Jericho was awake, but starting to fuss a little, so I took her to our room (were I was going to sort laundry) and put her on our bed. I started playing peek-a-boo with her so she'd stop fussing. She love peek-a-boo and started giggling up a storm (of course when I get the camera out she didn't giggle as much as before, but at least she still was still giggling just not as hard-it's still cute!)

My plan worked (sort of) using the blanket to play peek-a-boo made her happy enough that I could finish my sorting. But I wasn't planning on her falling asleep, but sleep she did. Before I knew it her thumb was in her mouth and she was rubbing the back of her head.

I didn't move the blanket at all. This is how she had it. After we got done playing peek-a-boo she would smile as she rubbed the blanket all over her face (it's as soft as it looks) It was so sweet to watch her play with Gideon's blanket.

Be still my heart!

This is what I had to tell myself as I watched Jericho all snuggled up with Gideon's blanket (that's why it's blue - his Moni, Seth's mom, made it for him - I love it!) We don't use the bassinet much anymore but Gideon's blanket has been sitting in it for awhile. One day I was washing all of Jericho's blankets and sheets and needed a blanket for Jericho because she was going to take a nap in our room. I went to her room and grabbed whatever blanket was on top. Gideon's blanket was on top and I haven't had the heart to put it away and so in the bassinet it stays, unless Jericho needs a blanket while in our room, but when she done with it back in the bassinet it goes.

When I found out we were having a girl I put most of Gideon's stuff away, for the time being. It was hard but something that I felt needed to be done. If he was here his baby things would have been packed away long time ago without any thought, but that is not the case. It was not practical to keep all his boy stuff out when we were having a girl. So away it went until, with much hesitation, but high hopes that in a few years there would be news of another baby boy on the way. There were, however, a few things that I simply could not bear to see being put away and so out they stayed, this blanket being one of them.

To see my sweet Jericho all snuggled up in her big brother's blanket made this mommy's heart swell with joy. I think it also swells with a little bit of sorrow from missing Gideon. But the joy is definitely more overpowering than the sorrow. I am so thankful for that.

Crazier than Normal

This is what I need to be doing.

No not sucking my thumb......sleeping!

I feel like its' been forever since I've blogged. It's only been 3 days but if feels much longer because my days have been very full. I still have a few more questions to answer. I'll be finishing the rest of them tomorrow. Sorry it's taken so long but again things have been a little crazier than normal around here. Things are always crazy and busy, I don't know anyone who would say other wise, but when they are crazier than normal it throws me off a little bit. That's how our last 2 weeks have been - crazier than our normal crazy (I'm not going to bore you with the details.) Today wasn't to crazy. We spent most of the day picking up the house and getting things back in order. Tori and I did decided at the last minute to run into town tonight (Seth was playing basketball) to see if we could find me a new pair of shoes that will be used for running and volleyball, which was a bit crazy but worth it because we were successful!

Obviously Tori is here - Woohoo! She has already applied for 2 jobs and has 3 more applications in her possession that she is going to fill out and take back plus she is looking online - as we speak. Again if you know of anything please let us know! I'm really hoping something works out but if it doesn't it's not for lack of effort. She's done all that and has only been here for 3 days. She's also been a big help around the house; today she made Seth chocolate chip cookies and helped me with dinner and she's done the dishes a few times already (I think I should have talked her into coming up earlier!) oh and she babysat so Seth and I could go to the gym together although Jericho was a party pooper, slept the whole time. Yes it's very nice having my sister here. She also helped me do my grocery shopping (for a month) and as I said before she helped me pick out a pair of shoes. I also had a shirt to return and so she helped me pick out 2 new ones in exchange for the old one. Don't tell my husband this but sisters are much better at shopping, weather it be grocery, shoes, or clothes, than husbands are. Sorry babe, it's the truth! It doesn't make me love you any less because you don't like shopping with me it just makes me enjoy when a sister is along that much more!

In other news I cut my finger (while making dinner) I almost passed out from lose of blood it was gushing so bad. Don't worry though I got a band aid on and it eventually stopped but it's really hard to type. I'm really glad they have a spell check on blogger. Although with the interesting words I've been typing (thanks to the bandaged pointer finger - see picture) I don't know how many of the words the computer would even recognize. Now that I think about it I should have just left the post with the crazy typed words and then told you what happened and let you try to figure out what I was trying to say - oh well to late. Speaking of late I need to get to bed. So hope you all have sweet dreams. I'll see you tomorrow.

Tori

As I mentioned briefly in my last post, my sister is coming! Tori is heading up today and will be staying with us for a few weeks. Last May she graduated with a degree in marketing - Hint, Hint! If you know of any job openings please let me know. She's open to anything but it would be cool if she actually got to use her degree.

Tori is just a year younger than me. From the moment she was born we were best friends. I don't have a single childhood memory without her in it. We shared a room for the first 13 years of our life. Tori knows me better than anyone. Well it might be a toss up between her and Seth, but Seth says Tori has an unfair advantage because she's known me longer, a lot longer, 23 years compared to his measly little 6, although I wouldn't call them measly. Either way Tori knows me very well. We have so many inside jokes it's ridiculous. I have so much fun with her. I miss her!

We ended up going to the same college and played volleyball together which was a lot of fun but since Seth and I got married a little over 3 years ago we haven't gotten so see much of each other. The times we have been together it's been with our whole family so we never get much alone time. We used to get to hang out just the 2 of us all the time and I miss it. I'm so excited that she is coming - Alone! It's not going to be all fun and games while she's here, is looking for a job ever fun? But just the same I'm excited! I would love for her to find a job, get an apartment and stay in the area for a few years. To be close to my sister again would do my heart good, especially now that I have a daughter, I'd love for Jericho to get to know her Aunt Tori. Rather than see her once every few months if that (the last time Tori saw Jericho she was 6 weeks old) I'd love for Jericho to get to see my sister every week, maybe more maybe less, but to have the option of more would be so nice. Plus I'm sure Aunt Tori would quickly become one of Jericho's favorite babysitters. I know there is a possibility that Tori will only be her for a visit and if that's the case then I will enjoy ever moment of it. But there is a possibility that Tori could make her residents here permanent and I would be very happy. A sister can dream can't she and dreams are known to come true every once in awhile!

Tor, if you're reading this I can't wait to see you and give you a big ol' hug. I've missed you and I lood forward to having some time alone with you! We have to make up for the last 3 years espeically if you don't end up staying. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help sway you to stay, I'm hoping my sweet baby girl will be the sugar on top that you need! But know that more than anything I want God's will for your life and if that means you moving someplace else I understand. You're the best little sister a girl could ask for. I love you!

"Bed" Time

Seth's already home I guess my "me" time is over and it's "Bed" time. I was hoping to get a few more post done but I was having to much fun re-living moments from my childhood. Until next time (hopefully tomorrow) Oh, did I mention my sister (Tori) is coming tomorrow and is staying for a few weeks and is looking for a job, more on this tomorrow! I'm excited but again it's "Bed" time so sweet dreams.

Q & A: Answers for Susie

More Answers

Susie asked what was the worst sunburn I'd ever had. This......



...has to be it. I was almost 5 months pregnant for Jericho it had been cold for awhile (it was in end of March or beginning of April) we had some nice weather, as in 60 degrees, so I decided to sit outside for a little while, why didn't I cover my belly? I'm not sure but I think it was because the shirt I had on didn't fit over it and I just didn't think about it. I think I was out for an hour maybe and hour and a half. Who'd thought you could absolutely fry yourself when you out for an hour in 60 degree weather - NOT ME! But apparently when you are pregnant anything is possible. Hormones they mess you up! I remember looking at my belly afterwards and apologizing to the baby (Jericho) for frying her. I felt like the worst mother ever and Jericho hadn't even been born yet.

She also wanted to know what my favorite childhood game was? why it was my favorite? Is it still? Will I play it with Jericho? and Worst "Honeymoon" cooking disaster? (The thing you laugh about now, because Seth's sure you tried to poison him...I'll share mine sometime!) and what is the worst tasting medicine ever?

Ok my favorite childhood game was probably Kids in the Yard. I bet you've never heard of it huh. That's because you know it as Ghost in the graveyard. My mom didn't like that name so she made us call it Kids in the Yard. I'm so glad she did. At times I used to feel so stupid calling it that because none of the other kids knew what we were talking about but now that I visit a graveyard once a month in honor of my son I understand why my mom changed the name. There are no such things as ghosts and she didn't want us to think there were and grave yards are not places to play around and joke about. Death is real. It's part of life and everyone has to deal with death at some point and it's definitely not a game, my mom realized that and I'm glad. Thanks mom!

Sorry that wasn't part of the question but I felt like I needed to explain. Now, back to the rest of the answer. I liked it because we had a lot of kids in our neighborhood that would play and the more kids the more fun it was. I remember playing it most nights during the summer, it was best as it started getting dark out. Yes, I would love to play with Jericho some day but as my mom did I will have her call it Kids in the Yard. I think she will understand why a little sooner than I did because of her big brother.

I can't say that I remember a cooking disaster with Seth (he's on his way home so I'll ask him) but Tori (my younger sister) and I made cookies once and.......hold on before I finish that story I have to tell you that I grew up with 2 sisters and we would bake all the time. Cookies were our favorite, but we (all 3 of us) were notorious for burning (and I mean burning, as in you can't eat them) at least one batch of cookies every time........so this one time Tori and I were making regular chocolate chip cookies and we burnt the last batch. We burnt them so bad it looked like they were chocolate chocolate chip cookies. Sooo being the nice (clever) little sisters that we are we decided to hide the not burnt cookies and put the burnt cookies in the cookie jar knowing that someone would fall for our little trick. Thea (our big sister) got home first and saw that we had been baking and went in for the kill. She said she thought we were making regular chocolate chip cookies. I'm sorry to say but Tori and I lied, I know you can't believe it but we did, we told her they were chocolate chocolate chip and she got herself a big ol' glass of milk and a handful of cookies. I'm sure she was wondering why Tori and I kept following her around like little puppy dogs and when she took her first bite she found out why as spit the burnt cookies out of her mouth and watched us giggle and run away. Oh good memories! I giggled the whole time I typed that just so you know. I love my sisters!

I don't like taking medicines but the worst tasting medicine that I can remember had to be the stuff I had to take for strep throat, which I got a lot as a kid, it's that thick pink stuff.

I got a few more questions to answer and then I'm done and it's back to normal, random, everyday, crazy posts.

"Me" Time

I should probably be doing the dishes right now but yuck! I hate doing dishes. Actually I don't mind doing the dishes what I hate is the way I feel after I do them all gross and grimy - Ugh! So instead I am blogging shhh don't tell my husband. I feel like I haven't blogged much because we've been going non-stop and I miss it. There are so many things (not really important but still) that I've wanted to blog about but there has been no time. Seth had a meeting tonight that I was supposed to go to but friends invited us over for an early dinner (so Seth could come and still make it to the meeting on time.) So we went and and had a nice time (Thanks again KT) and then Jericho and I skipped out on the meeting. I think it was a good idea. Jericho was in bed by 8:15 let me just tell you that the girl needed some sleep! And I was able to get the house a little more put together, don't you hate how everything falls apart at home when you're busy, and the best part is that I now get some "me" time, some much needed "me" time. I've decided for my "me" time tonight I'm going to blog. We'll see how many I get done. Enjoy!

Not much time!

Pictures have been requested and that's all I have time for, plus who doesn't like to show off their adorable little girl. It's been a crazy week and this weekend is no better we have another conference and my sister is coming to stay for a few weeks so there is lots to be done. I still have a few more questions to answer, I promise I'll get to them. So here are pictures. I love babies in diapers. Jericho is sucking her thumb all the time now but she has just recently started rubbing the back of her head with her other hand. It's cute!

Q & A: Answers For Sarah

Ok I didn't have a ton of you ask questions (previous post) but I did get a few, most of them pretty random which keeps it fun. Here are the answers for the questions that Sarah asked me.

If Seth and I could go to any restaurant which one would it be and what would I order? Well, if Seth got to pick we'd go to Red Lobster and we usually order a big platter and split it. Although once we each ordered a platter and we had to roll each other out of the restaurant because we were so stuffed afterwards. Seth ended up backing into a dumpster (he claims he never saw it and someone must have moved it as he was backing up) It was really because he was so full he wasn't thinking or seeing straight.

If I could go anywhere I'd fly to Rockford, IL (where I grew up) and go to Beef a Roo and get a large fry (their seasoned salt is the best) and a cheddar and roast beef sandwich. Then I'd fly to Springfield, MO (where I went to college) and go to Andy's Frozen Custard for dessert and get a Pretzel Caramel Crunch here's the description: Andy’s™ very own original treat is making a special appearance for the fall. The blend of crème caramel and broken pretzel pieces with vanilla Andy’s frozen custard® is a sinful delicacy that conquers the blissful existence between salty and sweet. You too will be broken up if you miss this favorite treat. My mouth is watering, anyone want to take a trip to Springfield, MO?

If we didn't have to option to fly I'd go to Applebee's (I know we're very original) and I'd get a steak. It's the only restaurant that I've been to and ordered a steak and not been disappointed.

Sarah also asked if you were able to donate 100,000 to a charity of choice which would it be and why? I would donate the money to the March of Dimes, the charity trying to save babies from premature birth. It think the why is obvious. I've had a premature baby and he didn't make it. Premature babies are so tiny and helpless and anything we can do to give them the best chance possible at make it through the NICU (and through life) I'm all for.

If I could split the money I'd also give some to Kids Across America, it's also called KAA, (U-Know) it's a summer christian athletic camp for inner city kids in Golden, MO (you've probably never heard of it because it's in the middle of now where.) Seth and I both worked there for a few summers and they have an amazing thing going. They bus inner city kids in from all different states. The kids are there for 8 days and everything the camp does is God-centered. Many kids come in swinging (wanting to literally hit you), swearing, and hating life and leave crying (because they don't want to leave), hugging, and loving God. It's amazing! I've seen the hard labor that the Directors, counselors, and everyone involved put in before, during, and after the kids are there. It's a non-profit organization and I know that every penny invested into the camp will be well worth it.

She also wanted to know what my favorite holiday meal was. Honestly, I don't know that I have a favorite holiday meal. I like food, so I do enjoy holiday meals, but I never think, "I can't wait for _____ holiday because so and so always makes ______ and it's my favorite!" Sarah, sorry for the lame answer.

Other answers are still to come so stay tuned!

Q & A Time - Ask Away!

I come from a family of question askers. Which makes me a question asker. It can be both a blessing and a curse and I think my husband will vouch for that as will my little sister, who is also a question asker. I was once told, while in college, that I could get anybody to tell me anything anywhere and they would never know what hit them because of how I ask question. Now, I don't know if that is true but I do like knowing what people are thinking and why they do what they do and to figure those kind of things out one must ask questions. So when I read this post, yes I too am a blog spy, I thought what a cute idea. Dangerous, but cute, I think I might try it. Instead of me being the one to always ask the questions I will let others do the asking. So, here it goes. Here is your chance to ask me anything you want. The questions can be funny, serious, silly, easy to answer, or hard, like I said anything. (Tori be nice) I'm up for a challenge. Just leave your questions in my comments and each day I will pick a few to answer. What do you say........got anything you want to know about me?


**Just so you don't think that I'm putting you off or afraid of your questions we have a VERY BUSY weekend so I might not get to answering them till Monday. It will just give you a little bit more time to think.

My Snuggle Bug Stayed For Another Day!

My snuggle bug returned for another day - Yippy! It wasn't nap time yet (but close) so Jericho and I got on the floor to play. Jericho has rolling from her tummy to her back down. She so badly wants to roll from her back to her tummy but can't quite figure it. She gets a little frustrated but tries and with a little help she gets it. We were working on this before her nap when she started fussing so I figured why wait another 15 minutes it can be nap time now. So, I picked her up and squeezed her close for a few second (and I mean seconds, as in less than a minute) I noticed she wasn't moving, again not normal especially when she's tired, so I go find a mirror and sure enough she is sound asleep on my shoulder. Oh how I love my little snuggle bug!

Things that make me HAPPY......

....fresh homemade bread

....extra dough from homemade bread for cinnamon rolls

....cream cheese frosting for homemade cinnamon rolls

....a happy baby playing on the floor

....a husband on his way home

....getting to play volleyball tonight (I'll be extra happy if we win!)

Snuggle Bug Will You Stay? Pretty Please!

I don't know if I have ever told you, but Jericho is NOT a snuggler. From the moment my sweet baby wakes up, she is ready to go. When nap time comes she wants to be laid down and left alone. Really the only time I get to snuggle with her is when I'm nursing her and her daddy well.......he never really gets to snuggle. I can't remember the last time she fell asleep in my arms. That's why I was so surprised (and happy) by this....

I love snuggling with my baby. I know her daddy likes it to. After I took the picture below Seth looked at me and said, "You have no idea how good this does a daddy's heart!" Like I said Jericho is not a snuggle bug so moments like these are few and far between, but very very cherished. Today when Jericho woke up from her first nap she was fussing a little so I sat as I held her and rocked. She settled down and started playing with the blanket on the back of the chair (same chair as below) ever so slowly as we rocked her head went lower and lower till it was upon my shoulder. We just sat and snuggled. It was wonderful! Until the dog came running in the room, got Jericho's attention, and my sweet snuggle bug became a wiggle worm because she was ready to play. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

I think Jericho might be teething. She's been a bit of a crank (although not to bad) a little drooly and she has been gnawing on her hands non-stop. Oh did I mention that her diapers have been, how shall I put it, ummm..........INTERESTING to say the least. And the best part is that she has been a little snuggly! So far this is our (Seth and mine) favorite part. We're hoping that the snuggle bug stays but the interesting diapers, drool, gnawing of the hands, and crankyness can take their leave any time, especially the interesting diapers! But oh how I pray that this little snuggle bug will stay!

My Blue Eyed Baby!

I love this little girl!

Pack Attack

BEWARE YOU ARE IN

So in case you haven't heard my Green Bay Packers won yesterday, 42-20! Woohoo! I have to admit I was a little worried after the 1st 2 minutes of the games, Packers fumbled twice (same guy) and both times Seattle recovered and scored. I knew that if they could come out and score and if Grant (the guy who fumbled) could keep his head on straight and stay in the game, we'd be fine. That is exactly what the Packers did, they scored right away and Grant had a total of 3 touchdowns, I'd say that he kept his head in the game. I wanted to sport my new Christmas gift, a pink Brett Favre jersey from my wonderful husband, he knows me so well, (I LOVE the jersey, Thanks babe!) but we stayed home for the game yesterday so we decided to sport our Packer paraphernalia today at church. Us girls sported our pink Packer stuff...

and Seth sported the classic green and yellow. I had someone come up to me and as if Seth made me wear my jersey today all I could think was, "We've obviously never talked football before." I told him that I was very much a Packer fan and that Seth has become one since he married me. We actually ended up talking a little football after service and discussed how it would be in the Packers best interest if the NY Giants could beat the Cowboys today (it's not hard for me to cheer this way, I've never like the Cowboys and since moving to NY the Giants have found a small spot in my heart.) I'm still waiting to see who the Packers will end up playing next week. I'm actually watching the game now (it's halftime and they are tied 14-14) Come on Giants!

Aren't Jericho's socks the cutest! (Thanks Wulf it was fun to find the Packer socks amidst the gobs of frog stuff!) I'm hoping that I can find myself a pair.

I love that people know that Jericho is already a Packer fan! (check out the link to see what I'm talking about - it's at the bottom of the post - I think Jericho might have even left a comment.)

Her 1st Boo Boo

Jericho got her first boo boo tonight. We were eating dinner and Jericho was sitting on my lap as I ate, she doesn't like when we eat without her, she wiggled and flung her head back. Our chairs have metal (or iron or something like that) backs on them. When she flung herself, her head caught the edge of the chair where it curls around. I've never really liked the chairs and knowing that they were the cause of my sweet Jericho's first (although I'm sure there will be many that follow) boo boo, it makes me dislike them even more. Jericho's fine. She cried but it didn't help that she was getting ready to go down for a nap so she was already tired. There is a a little scratch and a bump. Jericho's tough and was giggling at her daddy a few moments after it happened. I don't know if you can see it in the picture (sorry I'm still not very good at taking pictures) but looking at the picture it's on the right side of her head, if she had hair it would be right at her hair line. Well, I'm glad it wasn't anything serious and it's nice to have that 1st boo boo out of the way. It didn't hardly phase her so that makes it easier too.

Playing is Hard Work!

A Good Reminder

I want you to know that I have a sickness. It's called blogging. Since I started blogging back in August I find myself in situations thinking, man, this would/will make a great blog or I wish I had my camera so I could take a picture for my blog, but I think the worst is when I'm trying to figure out what I think about something (or when I have been thinking about something and I'm trying to put it into words) I always find myself putting my thoughts in blog form. Thinking okay Tarah if you were to write a blog about this how would it sound. It's sad isn't it but it's very very true and you'd be amazed how much it helps me think through things. You'd also be amazed at how many blogs I write in my head but never post (I don't think you'd want to hear about all the crazy things I think about, plus I'd need more than 24 hours in a day if I were to post them all and that's not happening any time soon!)

Tonight I can't sleep and so I am going to share with you one of the blogs that I wrote in my head while trying to think through some things (while I should have been sleeping.)

Seth and I have been talking about a lot of deep things lately. Tonight our topic was on life. We talked about how hard it can be. While we were discussing how hard life often is I asked him what in our life (meaning since we've been together, not since we've been alive) has been easy (if anything.) We both thought for a moment before he answered. What Seth said was very profound (at least for me) and I believe it will stay with me for the rest of my life. Before I share his answer with you I want you to take a look at what our life has looked like since we started dating four and a half years ago.

So I started typing everything out from when we started dating till now and I ended up deleting it pretty quick because my point is not to depress you with how hard things have been for us. I think by some of my other posts (and if you know us in real life) you know that things haven't been easy. For this post that's all you need to know because I want to share a few things that have been easy. Sometimes it's hard for me to see the things in life that have been easy so tonight, as Seth and I were talking, it was a good reminder that life is not always hard (as I sometimes feel like it is)

Here are the top 3 things in my life (since Seth and I have been together) that have been easy for me (us) that I have totally taken for granted (but am praying I no longer take for granted)

3. A baby that sleeps well - This one is recent (as in 4 months) and I have totally taken it for granted because I haven't known anything else. Jericho has been a good sleeper from day one. For the 1st 6 weeks I only got up once at night to feed her and EVERY TIME she went right back to sleep (literally every time, I never once was up with a crying baby that wouldn't go back to sleep.) At 6 weeks she started sleeping through the night and has been doing it ever since. Besides vacation there has been maybe 4 times (maybe) that she has not slept a full 8 hours or more and most of those times she slept at least 6 hours.

2. Getting Pregnant - I get pregnant very easily. I know this is a gift from God. I don't feel like I have taken this one for granted as much as I have the other two because I have quite a few friends who either have never gotten pregnant or had a very hard time getting pregnant and I've seen how hard it is/was on them. My pregnancies have not been easy, but the getting pregnant part has been and I'm very thankful.

1. Loving Seth - That was Seth's answer to my question. He said, "Tarah, loving you has always been easy, it's one of the only things that has never been hard." When he said this I started bawling. He's right we've never had a hard time loving each other. I'm sitting here crying as I type because I have totally taken for granted how easy it has been for me to love Seth. There has not been one moment since I have met Seth that I have not wanted to be around him. Honestly, I don't think there has been a moment since I met him that I haven't loved him. I was in love with him for 2 years before we started dating. I knew I was in love with him and I tried so hard not to love him (because I didn't want him to break my heart) but it didn't work, I couldn't help but love him. How can you not love someone that you were made to be with? Yes, loving Seth has been by far the easiest thing for me to do in my life and I'm so glad! You may be thinking Tarah of course you love Seth he is your husband but take a moment and think about all the couples you know. Love doesn't come easy for everyone, many people have to work very hard at loving their spouse. I am not one of those people. The day Seth stepped foot into my life it became easier.

Thank you Lord for the test and trials that you take us through because the hard times make us who we are, but thank you so much for the things that come easy in our life because we wouldn't make it through the hard times without them. Help us not to take the easy things for granted but to realizes that they are precious gifts from you!

Tummy Time for Everyone - Not a "Wordless Wednesday"

I was going to post these pictures for a "Wordless Wednesday" but yesterday we had no power from 5am until around 8pm, but we didn't get home till 10pm (It was a long day!) Now that I'm writing this post is not longer wordless. Man, I'm really not very good at this "Wordless Wednesday" thing! So here are some pictures on a Thursday that I was going to post on Wednesday but I had no power. Enjoy!

I love this Picture! (Above)

I really wish this picture would have turned out, it would have been so cute : (

My Truth Project

Seth and I have been talking about the difference between the Truth of God verses the lies that Satan tells us and why so many people believe the lies instead of the the truth. We've been slowly watching a series called, The Truth Project, I say slowly because the videos are very deep and take awhile to digest and then we talk about them before we watch the next one. I love it because it really makes me think but sometimes it's hard to think about such deep things.

Over the last 6+ few weeks I've been struggling with some things. If you would have asked me 2 days ago what I was doing about it I would have told you that when I start thinking about it I would pray and give it to the Lord. Well I've realized that what I was really doing was shooting up a short prayer but then I would start worrying and getting anxious over the whole thing. When you really give things to the Lord you don't start getting anxious about them 2 seconds later. I wasn't really letting God take this burden that I carried I was just pretended to give it to him. I can honestly say that I was not doing this on purpose. I really thought that every time I prayed (more like told God how good or bad things could turn out and then I start worrying about all the things I just told him) I was leaving it at His feet. Turns out that every time I'd lay my burden down I would pick it right back up before I turned to leave. Don't you hate when that happens.

Well I was getting sick of carrying my burden around. It was wearing on my emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Yesterday as I sat down to pray I decided that I wanted to get rid of this burden once and for all and told the Lord as much. I also told Him that I wasn't sure how to do that because I didn't know what this burden that I carried was, all I knew was that there was something deep down inside me that wasn't letting go but I didn't know why. I asked God to give me wisdom and clarity. I asked that He would show me what was at the heart of this issue so that I could truly lay it at his feet and leave it there.

As I started praying I felt questions come up in my spirit, I knew they were from the Lord and that if I answered them honestly He would show me where the problem was and how He could help me fix it. When I would answer one question another would come up and then I'd answer that and then another would come until clear as day the lies that I had believe for the last 3 years lay there bare and exposed. I had no clue that I had been believing them. . . . . until now. What would I do with them. I could continue to believe them and let them shape how I lived my life (because they have been shaping me for 3 years) or I could give them to the Lord and ask Him to show me the truth.

I'm not going to go into much detail about these lies but they had to do with the pregnancy problems I've had. The doctors never did figure out what or why I had problems and because there were no answers there were many speculations from many people. The things that were said were not meant to hurt me but meant to help figure out what the problem was, but it turns out some of the things that were said I took as truth and believed. I was blaming myself (my body) for the pregnancy problems that I had because of the lies that I believed. I can't tell you how relieved I am to finally know what has been bugging me for the last 6 weeks. It's also good to know that these things, these lies, that I've struggled with and mulled over for 3 years are just what I called them - lies - plain and simple and I no longer have to believe them. I'm choosing to take these lies to God so that He can replace them with His truth. I know it's not going to be an easy process (is it ever easy when you have to change the way you think?) but I know the Lord is faithful. The lies can no longer hide in the darkness because the light (truth) has been seen. God's truth will set you free!



What lies have you been believing?

Joshua's here and doing well!

Joshua made it through labor and delivery. Praise the Lord! His family has been enjoying him at home for the last 14+ hours. Matt & Susie, his parents, were told that Joshua might not make it through labor and delivery so this is such an answer to prayer. He is also nursing which they didn't think her would do. Joshua is such a "strong and courageous" little guy, that's what Joshua means, and is proving the doctors wrong by the moment! Please join with me and continue praying of him and his family as they still have a long road ahead of them. If you want to know more details and see pictures head over here.

Honk You if You Have the Hiccups

. . . . that was my husbands motto for me this afternoon as we drove home from church. (I know what you're thinking - another post about hiccups - this girl is obsessed -you're right I probably am and I'll admit it because when hiccups are part of your everyday life they are hard to ignore and easy to become obsessed about) So, back to my story. We were driving home from church and I got the hiccups even before we left the parking lot. Seth gets annoyed when I get the hiccups and so he decides that he is going to honk every time I get a hiccup. Why you ask, good question, I'm not sure, You'll have to ask him. Best I can figure is that he thought it would embarrass me (yes I do get embarrassed easily) or maybe he was trying to annoy me, either way I think he was trying to rid me of my hiccups. It didn't work. I think the joke ended up being on him. My hiccups didn't go away and being a man of his word, Seth kept on honking, every time I would hiccup, I had the hiccups the whole way home and there was a lot of traffic. I'm pretty sure every time a car drove by I would hiccup. I think Seth is glad that we only live 7 miles from the church. Can you get pulled over for randomly honking as you drive?

He started out enjoying it.

He's very passionate about everything that he does. . . . can you tell!

* I also took a short video but I don't want to torture you, you can thank me later *

Jericho & her Boppa

She loves her Boppa!

Jericho didn't want Boppa to leave!

As I mention before my dad came to visit last weekend. I didn't think I was going to get to see any of my family for Christmas. Seth and I weren't going to be able to make it out to Illinois (pronounced without the S) where both our families live and it didn't sound like anyone was going to be able to make it here either. We were pretty bumbed but relized that that's part of living far away from our families, sometimes it just doesn't work out. When my dad called just a week before Christmas and said that he was going to take a quick trip to see us, I was surprised and very excited. Jericho hadn't seen her Boppa since she was 6 weeks old. It was a very quick trip, he got her Friday afternoon and left Sunday afternoon, but it was worth it. We had fun talking, playing board games, and Seth and my dad enjoyed pelting each other with their air guns (Christmas present) but best of all Jericho got to see and play with her Boppa and she didn't have to share him. She was very sad to see him go but can't wait till next time!

You can do it!

WARNING: this video is long and is loud and contains a cute baby girl that is trying to master the art of rolling over. It also contains a naughty puppy that gets beat, yelled at (sort of), walks in front of the camera, and then gets put outside (he was just a little excited because we were all cheering Jericho on) If you don't think you can handle it please refrain from watching. Oh and if if you have a problem with motions sickness you might not want to watch either.

This video was taking last week while my dad was visiting. Jericho had rolled over before then but this is the first time Seth (and my dad) got to see it and it was the first time I got it on video. I can't tell you how hard it was for me to not go over and give her a little nudge to help her. It took everything inside me to let Jericho roll by herself and I'm so glad I didn't give in to my mommy-ness (yes, I know that's not a word) and that I let her do it on her own. Jericho needs to know that she can do things all by herself even if it's hard and even if it takes a little longer than it would if mommy or daddy helped. I love the fact that she kept trying and trying, even though she did get a little mad at the end, but never gave up. My daughter has that killer instinct of "never give up" even at 4 months old. I like that. Good job Jericho! Mommy is so proud of you!

If you want to know what Gamba does to his squeaker toys, notice the shredded pieces of orange on the floor behind Jericho. Yep, that's Gamba's Christmas present - a squeaker toy that he could do with as he pleases, he was thrilled!

The Little Things

I woke up by my actual alarm clock instead of my normal one (Jericho.) My normal alarm decided to sleep in a little later than normal, I'm not complaining because I woke up with a pretty bad headache so the extra sleep was nice, but Jericho had a doctors apt this morning so having a little more time to get ready instead of rushing around would have been nice. Yet, the rushing around and trying to get out the door in time made me somewhat forget about my pounding headache.

We made it to the doctors with time to spare and things went great there, she's now a whopping 14lbs and 25 in long, my baby girl is growing up to fast! She did have to get some shots which is never fun but she did great. I was able to make it out of the doctors office without noticing my headache to much (it helps having friends that work their to talk to and keep your mind off it) but the moment I got to the car there was no denying it. I needed a nap, or drugs, or both, but I still had to run to the store.

While driving to the store I was begging the Lord for a close parking spot so I wouldn't have to haul Jericho as far and so we could get in and out as quick as possible. Not only did I get a good parking spot but there was a cart sitting right next to me so I didn't have to haul the car seat I just put it in the cart and away we went.

There was one thing on my list that I knew I had seen in the store before but they don't always carry it. I didn't have to have it, but it was for a friend so I really wanted it to be there, so once more I asked God to show me favor for this silly little request that the store would have it and that it would be easily found. It was there and I didn't have to search for it!

As I got in the car I noticed that we only had a quarter of a tank of gas, usually we'd be able to make it to Sunday (when gas in Lima is cheaper) but we have something every night this week and I don't think a quarter of a tank will make it till then. We have a Sam's card and gas is always cheaper there but I really didn't want to fill up, I really didn't want to wait in line (there's always a line at Sam's) and stand out in the freezing (10 degrees) cold and pump gas with a pounding headache. I really didn't want to. I rarely have to put gas in the car, honestly I hardly notice when we need gas. Seth almost always takes care of the gas and I'm so thankful, but since I was there and I knew it would save us a few bucks (every penny counts) I decided to suck it up and get gas. As I made the split second decision I prayed that I wouldn't have to wait in line and that I wouldn't have to stand in the cold for too long. As I pulled into the gas station all the cars that were in line disappeared it was like the parting of the Red Sea, there was no line to wait in and I wanted to do a happy dance, but I got out and pumped my gas which didn't take long and I didn't have to hold the nozzle so my hand's didn't freeze (I didn't have gloves on.) As I got in the car all I could do is smile and praise the Lord!

Jericho had fallen asleep the moment we left the doctors office and slept the whole time we were in the store and the whole time I was getting gas which meant she would most likely be up and ready to go the minute we got home. Like I said before my head was killing me and I needed a nap. I didn't know if the nap would help my headache (sometimes they do sometimes they don't) but I knew that if I could just not feel my head for a little while it would do me wonders. Once again I said a little prayer asking that Jericho would stay a sleep long enough for me to unload the car, unload her, get something to eat, let the dog out, call Seth and tell him not to call me because I was going to lay down (I rarely take naps but when I do he always calls and wakes me up)and get a quick nap in. I got everything done and looked at the clock as I was about to take my nap twelve o'clock exactly. I thought, Lord if you could give me till 2 o'clock, I know that's asking a lot (who gets a 2 hours nap when you have little ones, especially when the baby has been sleeping for an hour already) but I know I could make it through the rest of the day. Guess what time I woke up - 2:11 - God is so good! Guess how I woke up - Seth called - this made me laugh, he thought I would be up all ready, he felt really bad, Jericho woke up literally 2 minutes after he called so it was no big deal.

We have a party to go to tonight and I have to make a dessert to take. I totally forgot about this until last night so I did not have anything planned. I had thawed out some pumpkin when my dad was here and never used it so I decided to make a pumpkin roll. The only thing I wasn't sure if I had enough of were eggs, the recipe calls for 3 of them, I knew there were at least 1 left maybe 2 but 3 I wasn't very confident about. I could have looked before the doctors apt because I did have to go to the store after, but that would have been to easy. Once again I started praying. I open the fridge and counted my eggs 1, 2, 3 left - thank you Lord! I could make my pumpkin roll.

Now these are a lot of random things from today (there are even more things than this but I have a party to get to) that I've told you about today but there is a point. I wanted to show how the Lord does care about the little things. He knew my head was hurting and He made everything as easy as possible for me (maybe next time I should just ask Him to take me headache away - just thought about that.) I can't tell you how happy it makes me when little prayers get answered. It really does show how much God love and cares for us!

Thank you Lord for care about the little things in life!

Thank You!

I have received some emails, phone calls, and cards over the last six weeks of people (some friends, some acquaintances, some strangers) telling me that they have been thinking of us (Seth, Jericho, Gideon, and I) and I just want to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who sent or said something. You have no idea how much this means to me and my family. It's so nice to know that we are not the only ones thinking of Gideon. God bless you for your thoughtfulness, your prayers, and your words of encouragement.

I also want to thank those of you that have been praying for us but have never said anything. I know you are out there because I feel your prayers, they have carried me many times these last few years. I know the Lord calls some people to pray and they never get any recognition or thanks or anything. I think the Lord shows them how their prays are heard and answered but still I would like to thank you. You wonderful prayer warriors who have done battle for me and my family (I'm sure on more than one occasion) sometimes there is no greater gift to give than an honest heartfelt prayer in the mist of a storm. Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness. It is not taken for granted.

Last but definitely NOT least I would like to thank Seth, my husband. I have such a wonderful husband. I do not know what I would do without him. He knows me better than anyone else in the world. Inside and out, good and bad, the pretty and the ugly which is why it was fun to read what he come up with for my 100th blog. Thanks babe it turned out great! You are to good to me. You are my other half. We go together like peanut butter and jelly, your the peanut butter of course! Seth, I really couldn't make it without you my love. Thanks for serving me always and loving me as Christ loves the church there is nothing greater you could give me. I love you - to the moon and back!

Thinking of Gideon

I don't even know where to start. I've written this post a million times in my head (blogging really helps me think things out.) Sometimes is very sad because I am very sad, other times when I've thought about what I want to write it's more of a thankful blog that's about the God that I love and have come to trust so much in the last 2 years, and still other times I think that I won't even write about Gideon and all that today means for me (& Seth), but that I'll just tell you about how wonderful our holidays were and what a nice time I had when my dad was here and about what I hope the next year might hold (these things are all true.) I'm still not sure what this post is going to look like in the end (sorry if it's very random and I ramble) but one thing I do know is that I will talk about Gideon. How can I not mention my son when two years ago today he took his last breath as I held him in my arms and said goodbye.

The other day I watched this video for the first time since Jericho was born and realized that Gideon and Jericho have a lot of the same mannerisms. The way Gideon moves his arm (in the video) is exactly what Jericho does every time she is nursing. Realizing they both have very long skinny fingers. Seth and I watched it right before I added to the post and Seth kept saying he couldn't believe how alike Gideon and Jericho were. As we watched we realized that they both have the same shaped eyes and how they move them is very similar. It's easy to forget the movements and such of one child as they get older (or are no longer here) especially when you bring another baby home and get used the their movements. It was nice watching this video and being reminded of how my sweet boy moved and looked around. It was fun watching it (after watching Jericho everyday) and knowing that there is no denying that Jericho and Gideon are sister and brother. I needed that reminder this week.

Lately I've been watching Jericho watch Gamba. Her eyes get glued to him and there is nothing that can distract her. It's cute; she loves her puppy and smiles every time Gamba walks up to her. I love watching it, yet my heart aches a little each time too because I think about how she should be watching her big brother. If Gideon were here I know he would be trying to make her smile and giggle every chance he got and Jericho would adore him.

Thinking like this hard because it makes me miss Gideon so much more. When I do start thinking about all the "what ifs" I once again start asking God why. Why did everything turn out the way it did? I feel like the Lord always brings me back to the fact that he knew Gideon would never be 2 yrs old here on Earth. Gideon would never plant kisses atop his baby sisters head, he would never run into his mommy or daddy's arms and give them a big hug while tell us how much he loved us. No, Gideon was not meant for this world, at least not for long. God knew that Gideon would come and change our lives forever, for the better, he would teach us to pray and trust and love and so much more, but he was not to stay.

None of us are made for this world. It's just a matter of time before the Lord calls us home. Just a matter of time and what we do with it. It's very hard when the Lord chooses for you to stay on Earth but calls a loved one of yours home. I'm jealous of Gideon in many ways, but I'm honored that the Lord knows that I can handle being here even after He took Gideon home. My God knows that I will live for Him and trust Him and try my hardest to do His will while I am still here. He also knows that I will mess up and question Him and miss Gideon and get angry and frustrated that my son is not here, but he will forgive me and comfort me and once again show me the way. I know that I have a purpose and a calling on my life and until I fulfill that purpose I know that my place is here on Earth. There is no doubt in my mind that Gideon also had a purpose and a calling on his life (everyone does) and there is also no doubt in my mind that Gideon fulfilled his purpose and calling in life.