My heart is in Florida today...

One of my very best friends in the world is having a baby!

Well, she's not having the baby today. Hopefully there will be another six weeks before Samuel makes his apperance. No, today is the day she and her husband are celebrating the coming of their son with friends at a couples baby shower.

A shower i helped (sort of) plan. A shower i was supposed to be at.

But instead of being in Florida with Sherri and my other best friend, Brittany (fellow shower planner), decorating for the shower, pulling last minuet things together and painting our toes, i'm here in Missouri. 

It may sound rediculous to some that i'd want to fly down to Florida just for the weekend to attend a friends baby shower.

But this is a friend who i've shared my life with for the past 13 years. We been there for each other's graduations, engagements, weddings, ups and downs. She was even there for Ethan's birth! Like right there at the moment Ethan entered this world! I don't let that many people that close.

We know each other's stories. We've rejoiced with each other and cried with each other. She's my friend. And i know she'd be here in a heart beat if i told her I really needed her to come. Because she's that kind of person. She's that kind of friend. That's why it's breaking my heart not to be with her today. I want to be that kind of friend back to her.

Friendship is not all about what that other person can give to me or do for me. It's not about that at all. It's about giving yourself to them. Hmm, i think that applies to marriage as well, don't you?

And I don't expect everyone to understand. And that's ok. You don't have too. I'm not asking you to. But don't judge me because I see something as important and you don't. Remember, you don't see the whole story.

This morning I decided that since i can't be there in Florida today i'd just throw a viritual baby shower right here, right now!

So...

Of course a baby shower wouldn't be complete with out games.

Everyone loves looking at baby photos, so show off how cute you were as babes! =)

Since I can't find a baby picture of myself right now i'm going to show you my sister!!! =)

Mom & Crystal

Growing up people always asked us if we were twins. We're actually three years apart.

We'd all love to see your baby picture so post yours and come back and leave the link in the comments section! The more the merrier! =)

And gifts! A baby shower always has gifts.

Today one of you are going to win this...

A Mobi Digital Thermometer!

It's great! I have one and besides making it super easy to take my kids temp it also makes a great toy to distract Ethan when i'm changing his diaper! He loves to push the buttons.

In order to be entered to win just leave me a comment with the name of a song that has the word "baby" in it. This should be fun!

Here's one to get you thinking.

"I Got You Babe" - Sonny and Cher

If we get enough songs I'll make Sherri a CD and send it to her from as a gift from the blog world! =)

Be sure to get your entry in because i'm only going to leave this open for a couple days.

So in closing I just want to share a couple more pictures of Jesse, Sherri and baby Samuel from our photo shoot back in January.

I love you, Sherri and just know i wish i could be there today!

PS. Just FYI Monday's entry for I ♥ Faces was another was of Jesse and Sherri's hands.

The Beautiful Blogger Award!

A BIG thank you to Rachel at Second Time Around for this sweet award.

The rules are:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award and insert a link to their blog.

2. Pass on the award to about 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are great! (in no particular order)

3. List 7 things about yourself

Ok, not all of you are "recently discovered" but I still think you're beautiful bloggers!

1. Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground
2. My Full Cup
3. Nations Around Our Table
4. Shoulders
5. Our Daily Blessing...Life
6. Off Camera with Trish
7. The Wild Wild Wests
8. Newlywedded; Life, Love and Me
9.  Next to Heaven
10. Neha
11. Life Adventures
12. Gussy has a lot to say
13. Green Onions
14. peregrine by nature
15. Melissa Jean Photography

7 THINGS ABOUT ME (you may or may not know):

1. I'm 26
2. I worked in a sub/sandwich shop called Belly Busters!
3. I don't Twitter

4. Eating lamb when i'm pregnant makes me cry. (I just had to throw that one in there, Sherri! =)

5. I like grocery shopping.

6. I hate tomato soup!

7. I've lived in 4 different states, three different contries and on three different continents.

Thanks again, Rachel!

Wordless Wednesday (on Thursday)

When Carrie comes for a visit...

...look out! 

Because when she leaves you may not have much hair on your head as when she arrived! =)

First she'll show up at your door with a beautiful and delicious looking cake...

And you'll enjoy a hot cup of chai, a big piece of chocolate cake and a nice chat before she starts to sweet talk your four year old into letting her cut his hair, "To surprise your Daddy!" she says. And just like that he'll enthusiastically agree!

This is the same little boy who cried a few months ago when we talked about cutting his hair!

Now they are both looking at you with excitement and how can you tell them both no?

The fact was he did need a hair cut and here is someone offering to do it!

And she did a great job. It's tough cutting curly hair!

Thank you Carrie, for the cut and the cake!

This boy is known by his curls

 Will we recognize you without them, Elijah?

Aw, bye bye beautiful curlz!

I hope you grow back because I already miss you!

My boy, you look more grown up with your new do.

Here's Daddy holding you up to the mirror so you could check yourself out..

I think you like it!

You already have an opinion about how you like your hair because this morning as we were getting you ready for school I combed it neatly and two seconds later you rubbed your hands through your hair, messed it up and said "I want it like this."

I love you so much, Elijah!

With our with out your curls!

♥

Revolutionary wisdom for husbands and wives

Love and Respect Conference

February 26 and 27, 2010

Sarah and Emerson Eggerichs are convinced that a truth hidden in plain sight for 2000 years can make a difference in every marriage. This truth is found in Ephesians 5:33 . Husbands must love their wives, and wives must respect their husbands.

Emerson writes, "You may remember how the Beatles sang, 'All you need is love.' I absolutely disagree with that conclusion. Five out of ten marriages today are ending in divorce because love alone is not enough. Yes, love is vital, especially for the wife, but what we have missed is the husband's need for respect. This Love and Respect message is about how the wife can fulfill her need to be loved by giving her husband what he needs—respect. And the husband can fulfill his need to be respected by giving his wife what she needs—love. Does this always work? No. But if one is married to a person of good will, I would bet the farm that it would work!" READ MORE

Marriage expert and best-selling author of Love & Respect Emerson Eggerichs will be presenting live in person at the:

Where:

First Baptist Church of Orlando - (JYP & 33RD Street) - the BIG Baptist Church.

When

February 26, 2010 • 6:30pm–10pm

February 27, 2010 • 8:45am – 1:30pm

Doors open 30 minutes before start of each day. Seating is general admission and first-come, first-served. Childcare is not available during this conference.

 

Cost

$35/person through Feb. 12 and $45/person Feb. 13 or later. The cost is for both days and Married COULPLES are highly encourge to attend.

For more info and to sign up goto: http://www.firstorlando.com/Adults/Married/Love_Respect.aspx

I live in The 100 Acre Wood

It was at this point that Elijah pointed at me and said,

"You can be Piglet!"

Uh, thanks, Elijah.

Do I really remind you of a short, pink, "very small animal"? =)

See that grin on his face? He's a funny guy!

This Tigger suit was Elijah's a few years ago. 

Here are each of my boys being Tigger.

On a different note, my heart is with my friend Brittany today.
Her husband joined the Navy and today he leaves for basic training.
He'll be gone for three months and Brittany will only be able to talk to him once or twice the whole time he's away!
If you have a moment go give her a word of encouragement. Let's shower her and Patrick with prayers and kind words and maybe make the parting easier in some small way.

These Hands

Sweet baby Samuel being held by his mommy and daddy.

My Daddy's Hands

I came into the world


And reached for your strong hands,


My tiny fingers knew you,


Before I could understand.



Your hands proudly held me,


And smoothed my newborn hair.


They'd grow to love and tickle,


And toss me in the air.


Your hands are the teachers,


That catch and throw a ball.


That steady my two-wheeler,


And soften each new fall.


Your hands are the guideposts,


That set and keep the rules.


Offer good advice and wisdom,


And cheer hard work in school.


Your hands are my anchor,


As I leave my childhood home.


Shake my hand and pat my back,


As I live life on my own.


One day I'll have a child,


And come to understand.


The power of love,


Held in my Daddy's hands.

By Teri Harrison

My Favorite Four Year Old

Winners Winners!

Scarlet Threads apron winner is...

Linda K!

The winner of the $20 gift certificate to Molly Lou Gifts is...

Randi!

Scentsy winner...

Karen!

But hold on! There's more!

A note from Lindsey...

"Everyone who has entered the 'Spreading the Scentsy Love' Drawing is a WINNER! I am offering a Free Scent Sample, $5 Off Coupon (exclusive for Melissa's Blog Followers) & the NEW Spring/Summer Catalog! Although the new catalog doesn't come out until March 1st, I am too excited to keep them! (Note: Don't tell my VIP customers in SLC; they don't even get to see it until my Feb 27th Epilepsy Fundraiser Event)!


However...anyone who does purchase anything before the end of this month, will also be given a FREE Car Candle of your choice! Plus, EVERYTHING this month is already 10% off! WHOO HOO!"

I'm tellin' ya, this gal just keeps giving and giving!

You can email Lindsey if you are inerested... lindseypalmer16@gmail.com

Thanks to each one who entered! That was a lot of fun!

Wordless Wednesday

 

  

 

"I want my birfday yooonger!"

It was such a good day that felt like echoing Elijah's cry last night at the end of my birthday...

"I want my birthday longer!"

My special day stared out with lots of hugs and kisses, fresh cinnimon rolls and fruit, and of course coffee. =)

Geoff surprised me with a beautiful boquet of red roses, a birthday/valentines card, two cds and some delicious chocolate covered heart shaped pretzels.

I have three special men in my life who spoiled me yesterday.

Right now i have some home work pressing that I need to focus on this afternoon so i'll have write more later. I also have some photos to share about Elijah's 4th birthday. Some of them are posted on facebook if you don't want to wait from them here. =)

Thanks for all the emails and birthday wishes. I'm blessed with a great group of friends!

How did you celebrate?