Our Faith precedes our actions

With the passing of my dear friend Mark, these past 2 weeks have been very difficult. Every thought has been about him and his life. Mark stood for what he believed in and was willing to die for it. Mark was awarded several medals for his heroism, sacrifice, and life, and many people expressed and showed their love for him. He was honest, honorable, brave, kind, happy, professional, and determined. The thing that really impacted me the most was that everyone that met him said he was "true to his religion, and true to his God". I have thought and pondered on this and found comfort in it. Mark knew his purpose here on earth, he loved God, and his deeds showed it. It was his faith in Jesus Christ that guided him throughout his life. He lived his life according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to have known Mark and the great friend he was. I am also grateful to know who I am, why I am here on earth, and what happens after we die. I know that families can be together forever. I just have to live my life righteously so I can be with them.

Goodbye Senior Airman Mark Forester

Yesterday we recieved the terrible news that a very close family friend was killed in action in Afghanistan. This has been so hard to bear. I have known Mark and his family since the day I was born. Our families have spent so much time together these past 29 years that he truly was a brother. We did almost everything together. I am so grateful to have known such a wonderful, kind, honest, and righteous man. Mark was one of the first people sent in. He died while fighting for our freedom. He was very passionate about this, and went in knowing the risks. My heart aches for his family. We love you and will be there for you. I am so glad that my children were able to have such an amazing man in their lives. Mark you are Our American Hero. We love you, and find comfort in knowing we will be with you again. Below are some pictures Mark shared with me during his time in Afghanistan.

Wade's Blessing

What a sweet face
In his blessing outfit

Sunday we had Wade blessed at church. We were so lucky to be surrounded by so many friends and family. It was such a special day for us, and I am thankful to everyone who came. Addisyn sang a sweet little chilren's song in church also "I'm Trying to be like Jesus", and did a fabulous job. Wade turned 2 months on Monday. I can't believe 2 months have already flown by. He is such a good baby, and we love having him in our family. Monday he went for his 2 month check up and 1st round of vaccinations. He weighed 11 lbs 8 oz and was 23 1/2 in long. That's 50% for weight and 75-90% for length. He smiles so much these days, has started talking to us, really recognizes voices, and follows things very well. He even has started sleeping 6-8 hours in the night without having to eat.Way to go Wade, keep it up.

Everyone who came - 57 in all

Kindergarten here she comes

Having breakfast before school with her "K" for kindergarten gang sign

Soo cute and ready
Walking to her class

Hard at work already


This was her face all morning

So yesterday was Addisyn's first day of kindergarten. She has been so excited for this day to come. I on the other hand have been excited, sad, and nervous. She did great yesterday. Again, me on the other hand was a total mess. I faked it great all day, but once I had to leave her I cried all the way to the car and then some. I did not think I would be that sad but boy did I surprise myself. I mean she has been my buddy for almost 6 years now. Just seeing her in that big school with all those big kids made me want to just keep her with me. She only goes one day this week, thank goodness, because I need these couple of days to prepare me for next week when she goes for forever. She looked so cute, and told her teacher after she had been there a while that "in her head she was thinking that she was better than all the other kids". Oh well at least she didn't feel intimidated or was lacking in self confidence.

Vacation

Last week we tagged along on one of Jay's business trips to take a little family vacation, since we didn't have one the summer with the birth of Wade. We spent the week with my sisters in Tuscaloosa while Jay traveled around doing business. The kids and I had a great time visiting family, seeing old friends, and doing things together. I liked taking the kids around and showing them what were my favorite things to do there or eat there while I was in college, at least most of them. We also spent a lot of time at Chuck-E-Cheese, and on Alabama's campus. After Jay was through with work we headed over to Atlanta for the weekend. We took the kids to The Aquarium there and then to a Braves game. It was a blast. The aquarium was amazing, and the kids loved the ball game. We came home tired, happy, and ready to start school this week.

Playin catchwith the Mannings

Jay's dad is the head coach at Nichol's State in Louisiana and every year the Mannings put on a camp there. Jay is so proud of his dad that he wanted me to post this. The funny thing is Jay's dad is 6 feet tall, but next to the Mannings you wouldn't think so.

Where have I been?

Trying to get back to a normal life after having a baby, and I am still not there. He is such a great baby; sleeps well, doesn't cry unless he needs something, and is content sitting in his seat or swinging. Addisyn and Bradley are such great helpers, maybe too great. But anyways they love him to death. I feel great, except that I am tired all the time and can't get caught up on any sleep. That's how it goes. My mom has been here with me, and she has been great taking care of me, Addisyn, and Bradley. I don't know what I would have done without her. If Wade does get fussy his favorite place thtat calms him down is in my bathroom listening to the water in the jacuzzi tub. It's pretty funny, but it works everytime.

Oh yeah, Jay surprised me an hour after having Wade with a diamond anniversary band. I was so surprised. I literally had no idea he was even thinking of doing something. It was so sweet and romantic too. He is such a wonderful husband and I am so grateful for him. I love you Jay.

He's here!!!

Benjamin Wade Stubbs
Born Wednesday June 16, 2010
7 lbs. 15 oz 20 1/4 in.

Baby Update

So I went to the dr. on Wednesday and everything looked good. The baby weighs about 7 lbs and 3 oz. I was also dialated 2 cm, which I wasn't expecting but I'll take it. Anyways the dr has scheduled to induce me on Wed June 16, because she doesn't want the baby to get too big and let me go too long with the gestational diabetes. So I go in Wed. at 7:30 am and I will have this baby. I am so excited. I had kind of wanted to wait and let him come on his own, but I would rather him be okay and me be able to deliver him more. So since he will only be 1 week early I'm okay with it. I am so ready for him to be here. Addisyn and Bradley are ready too. When I told Addisyn that we were going to have him on Wed. she was so excited that she started crying. She has been waiting for so long she said, and she's ready for me to be normal again. (she is so funny, but I'm ready to be normal again). Well I don't know if I'll post before Wed., but I'll definitely keep ya posted on when he does come.

One more post

I've had a lot of requests to see a full on pregnancy picture of me. Against my better judgment I have decided to post one. I don't think I look terrible but my eyes look so tired all the time. Maybe it's just age. I am 30 now. Anyways these pictures are of me at 37 1/2 weeks, oh and the close up one is to just show off my beautiful pearls my parents got me for my birthday. I love them and want to wear them all the time. Thanks mom & dad, love ya.

Here we go again

Things are getting busier as time gets closer to having this baby. Last week the dr. measured him at 6 lb 11oz, and everything is looking great for a normal delivery. It doesn't look like they'll have to induce me, which I'm so happy about. I've been able to maintain a great blood sugar level on this diabetic diet, but I can't wait to eat real food again (chocolate). I however lost another pound which totals me to losing 15 lbs since diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I eat everything they'll let me, but it's not very much that's for sure. Anyways I go back tomorrow and the dr. is going to check his size again and see how big he is.

So this is what we've been up to:

1. Trying to get things ready for the baby - the boys' room

2. Do as much as I can with Addisyn & Bradley before the baby comes - I'm totally exhausted.


3. Happy 30th Birthday to me! Jay and I both turn 30 this year and after the baby is born and a little older we're going to celebrate big. I did have a wonderful birthday with my family. Thanks so much for coming and showering me with such thoughtful gifts. We went and ate at Rendezvous BBQ (my portions were extremely small), went to a redbirds game, took a carriage ride downtown, and hung out the rest of the weekend doing nothing. It was great. My sisters and me (minus 1)
Family at the Redbirds
Carriage RideGiving love to Aunt Sarah
Fishing with Uncle Doug

4. Addisyn had her 1st piano recital and if my camera will cooperate I'll post a picture of it. She is doing so well, and enjoying quite a bit too.

5. Jay and I went and saw Diana Ross in concert this past weekend. She was amazing, and it was great to have a weekend just to ourselves (thanks mom & dad).

Ready for Summer!

So it seems like all I do and all of my posts are catch up work. We've been so busy lately with end of school and ball seasons.

I had a great mother's day. The kids and Jay were so great and sweet, and it was so nice having my parents and some of my sisters up to help. I was totally pampered and showered with wonderful gifts. Saturday my mom and I spent the whole day at the spa, and it was heaven.


Jay also got a new car. He had had his mustang for 12 years and it started having one too many problems that were not worth us keeping it. So he got himself a new ride and is loving it. We loved the "Stang" and will deeply miss it.

Addisyn graduated from preschool and is all ready for Kindergarten. She did a great job in her class program. She took this graduating thing so serious. She wanted to send out invitations so people would send her gifts for graduating, just like the ones we've received from high school kids. We made it a full day of celebration for her instead.


Addisyn also finished up her t-ball and tennis seasons. She was so good this year. I could definitely see an improvement from last year. href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbD4Y2FqC5uj8tsXEhkYozZuaxdja8J1FoDEGNrF3XU9TW9rY4Z_-Tgzk6KJz9gqXk7AwsySXzZCPoXcR0jAAmhDm9dIn7wFnP2VOfCFJKg-Z1151FJyp9cehTikFoQ5-zcAHTG7hOHI/s1600/May2010+009.jpg">

Hopefully things will slow down a bit cause I only have 4 weeks to get ready for this baby!!!!

Easter

I'm a little behind but we had a wonderful Easter. The kids loved hunting for eggs, especially Bradley. He was totally into it this year.

The next weekend we headed to Tuscaloosa to do a 5K race that my sister put on for the Red Cross. It was great, cause the whole family got to participate. Jay ran the 5K, Addisyn ran the 1 mile, and I pushed Bradley in the stroller and walked the 5K.
This past weekend my cousin got married here in Memphis, so more family and things to do. It was beautiful and so great to see all the family (hopefully can get some pictures up soon). On top of that Addisyn is playing tennis, t-ball, and taking piano lessons. She had her first game last weekend. She is a great little ball player.

I told Jay that until this baby is born I am going nowhere from now on. (we'll see if that happens :)

March under wraps

So I'm going to try and wrap up March in one post so I won't be so behind in April.

1. Went to my mom's for spring break, and enjoyed a nice week of relaxing. Then headed to Nashville to celebrate my brother-in-laws bday. We played all weekend and had tons of fun.




2. Went to a couple of Memphis Grizzlies Games and have been getting ready for spring.




3. I found out I have Gestational Diabetes. I have had to learn how to prick my finger 4 times a day and test my blood, test my urine for ketones, and cut out all sugar in my diet, and eat at specific times. The diet is pretty tough. I have to account for every bit of food that goes in my mouth and calculate it. It is so much work trying to figure out what I can eat and how much of it. It's been about 1 1/2 weeks now and there are times I feel I'm going to go crazy if I don't get just 1 piece of chocolate in my mouth. I hope June gets here soon, cuz I'm ready for a BIG milkshake. Hopefully it will get easier as the days go on. This picture of the kids describes how I feel most of the time these days