Why might you ask! My dear friend in Christ, Shawnda, and her family welcomed home their new son on yesterday. Imagine the shock to check my e-mail this morning and have this wonderful message. Welcome home Micah....welcome home!
In His love...Nakira
5.01.2008
4.29.2008
In Support of Adoption
On Sunday, April 27th, Kayden and I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser in support of adoption. Our agency, A Child's Hope, co-sponsors the event with Hopeful Parents, an adoption support group created by adoptive parents of the agency. The event is held at the home of A Child's Hope president and it is a lot of fun. It is wonderful to connect with women that you met through the internet and to see the children that existed only in photos announcing the agency's latest placement.
On my ride back home, I begin to think of all the reasons that our family supports adoption.
1. Teh first reason is easy because it was the way in which God called us to grow our family. We were VERY open to the idea and we have been so blessed for being obedient.
2. As Christians, the Bible calls us to adopt. James 1:26-27, calls us to exercise pure and faultless religion, by caring for orphans and widows.
3. Adoption is the ultimate example of our relationship with Christ. As His children, he wants to adopt us ALL into his family, as stated in Ephesians 1:4-6. What a joy to experience the act of pure love that God experiences EACH and EVERY time that one of us gives our life to Him. Just to think that he thought enough of me to make that happen brings tears to my eyes!
4. Who could resist the unconditional love that comes from a child as cute as this:
Love to you all! Nakira
On my ride back home, I begin to think of all the reasons that our family supports adoption.
1. Teh first reason is easy because it was the way in which God called us to grow our family. We were VERY open to the idea and we have been so blessed for being obedient.
2. As Christians, the Bible calls us to adopt. James 1:26-27, calls us to exercise pure and faultless religion, by caring for orphans and widows.
3. Adoption is the ultimate example of our relationship with Christ. As His children, he wants to adopt us ALL into his family, as stated in Ephesians 1:4-6. What a joy to experience the act of pure love that God experiences EACH and EVERY time that one of us gives our life to Him. Just to think that he thought enough of me to make that happen brings tears to my eyes!
4. Who could resist the unconditional love that comes from a child as cute as this:
Love to you all! Nakira
4.25.2008
The Army Shower
Happy Friday! In our home, we have a three minute shower/water use rule. Me, I jump in and start to lather as soon as I get in, but my husband is smart. He installed super low flow heads on all of our showers and each includes a button to stop the flow of water. He gets in, wets his body, lathers up his washcloth and engages the stop flow button. He washes with no water running, then disengages the flow stop once he is ready to rinse. He calls it an "army" shower, but I call it a clever way to get around the rule. So, in our house, water conservation is a must so not only are showers limited, but there is no water running as you brush your teeth, no automatic toilet flushes after a number 1 :), no small loads of laundry and no dishwasher running...yes, we still wash them by hand!
It was nice this week to document the small ways that my family works to preserve the earth and its resources...thanks for the idea Mary! I now realize more than ever that every little bit helps!
Nakira
It was nice this week to document the small ways that my family works to preserve the earth and its resources...thanks for the idea Mary! I now realize more than ever that every little bit helps!
Nakira
4.24.2008
I Don't Need a Receipt
I should have warned you all that my Earth Week comments would not always be about action...that some may be purely research. Today's effort is just that.
This morning I stopped at Panera to pick up a sweet treat for breakfast. After placing my pastry in a paper bag, the lady handed me a 7" receipt for a $2.58 purchase. Why in the world did I need a receipt. Anyone that has ever had Panera knows that I was NOT going to return the pastry. This receipt phenomenon has gotten out of hand in my opinion. It is sad to say that my wonderful Target is probably the worst. Each receipt now comes equipped with gift receipt, credit card and survey offer...YIKES. In buying three items, my receipt was at least 12" long. That could easily equate to a sheet of paper per transaction depending on the number of items that you purchase...that blows my mind!
In my research efforts, I was blessed to find this great article about this fabulous company AllEtronic, that gives retailers the option of providing consumers with a paperless receipts. The article is dated 04.06.08, so it appears that the concept is fairly new, but one that I am starting to love. The only question now is how to get the information into the hands of the places that we love to shop. I say write a letter and encourage others to do the same. The service is free for consumers and "affordable" for retailers. Just imagine how much paper we could save if only the major retailers in your area bought into this concept and the worry of searching for that receipt when you need it!
This morning I stopped at Panera to pick up a sweet treat for breakfast. After placing my pastry in a paper bag, the lady handed me a 7" receipt for a $2.58 purchase. Why in the world did I need a receipt. Anyone that has ever had Panera knows that I was NOT going to return the pastry. This receipt phenomenon has gotten out of hand in my opinion. It is sad to say that my wonderful Target is probably the worst. Each receipt now comes equipped with gift receipt, credit card and survey offer...YIKES. In buying three items, my receipt was at least 12" long. That could easily equate to a sheet of paper per transaction depending on the number of items that you purchase...that blows my mind!
In my research efforts, I was blessed to find this great article about this fabulous company AllEtronic, that gives retailers the option of providing consumers with a paperless receipts. The article is dated 04.06.08, so it appears that the concept is fairly new, but one that I am starting to love. The only question now is how to get the information into the hands of the places that we love to shop. I say write a letter and encourage others to do the same. The service is free for consumers and "affordable" for retailers. Just imagine how much paper we could save if only the major retailers in your area bought into this concept and the worry of searching for that receipt when you need it!
4.23.2008
I'll Take the Wagon - Earth Day Effort Contd...
Okay, I admit it, I live in the suburbs, but I am a city girl at heart! I would quickly ditch my spacious home for a quaint two bedroom condo in an urban area. I would rather take public transportation and listen to my ipod on the way to work versus fighting traffic and praying for peace after some person cuts me off. I would love to be able to walk more places and use my car less.
I love to walk and we were blessed to move into a suburban neighborhood with a Food Lion shopping center within walking distance. Now when I need to run to the grocery store, pick up a quick dinner or get a hair cut, I throw Kayden in her wagon and I hit the street on foot. Although the distance is not that far, about a mile round trip, it feels so good to not be in the car. It is also such a good workout!
Now, if I could just convince the city to create more sidewalks, we could walk the mile and a half to the library.
I love to walk and we were blessed to move into a suburban neighborhood with a Food Lion shopping center within walking distance. Now when I need to run to the grocery store, pick up a quick dinner or get a hair cut, I throw Kayden in her wagon and I hit the street on foot. Although the distance is not that far, about a mile round trip, it feels so good to not be in the car. It is also such a good workout!
Now, if I could just convince the city to create more sidewalks, we could walk the mile and a half to the library.
4.22.2008
No More Paper Towels, Please
Tuesday Earth Day Effort.
Have you ever taken note of the number of paper towels that you use in a day? I have, and it is pretty ridiculous. We go through at lease three roles a week and that is a lot of paper that is not being recycled.
I begin researching papertowel like options for my family about two weeks ago when I noticed another empty brown tube on the holder in the kitchen. I am not opposed to using cloth towels for drying of hands and picking up spills, but I want to be able to handle possible bacteria issues from a damp towel sitting in my kitchen. I have found a number of towels made from antibacterial materials, so my plan is to finish up with this last package of paper towels and then pick up some cloth towels to use.
I still cannot bring myself to place a cloth towel in the guest bath, becasue that one would stay damp in a dark place, and that really frightens me (room has no windows). Unfortunately, paper towels will continue to be used in the house but on a much smaller scale. Right now, the master bath is the only place that we use a cloth towel to dry our hands :) So, until the paper towel package is done, I am placing a brown paper bag in the kitchen for used paper towels to go in and then head out to the recycling bin. I figure...every little bit helps!
In His love...Nakira
Have you ever taken note of the number of paper towels that you use in a day? I have, and it is pretty ridiculous. We go through at lease three roles a week and that is a lot of paper that is not being recycled.
I begin researching papertowel like options for my family about two weeks ago when I noticed another empty brown tube on the holder in the kitchen. I am not opposed to using cloth towels for drying of hands and picking up spills, but I want to be able to handle possible bacteria issues from a damp towel sitting in my kitchen. I have found a number of towels made from antibacterial materials, so my plan is to finish up with this last package of paper towels and then pick up some cloth towels to use.
I still cannot bring myself to place a cloth towel in the guest bath, becasue that one would stay damp in a dark place, and that really frightens me (room has no windows). Unfortunately, paper towels will continue to be used in the house but on a much smaller scale. Right now, the master bath is the only place that we use a cloth towel to dry our hands :) So, until the paper towel package is done, I am placing a brown paper bag in the kitchen for used paper towels to go in and then head out to the recycling bin. I figure...every little bit helps!
In His love...Nakira
4.21.2008
I Have My Own Bags
I am stealing this idea from my college buddy, Mary, in honor of Earth Day this week. Each day this week, believe it or not, I will post a way in which our family is attempting to conserve, recycle and reuse. I have never considered myself green, but now as I study for my LEED certification and look at how much is going green, I have no choice but to join the movement to protect the one earth that the good Lord gave us.
About three months I was at Target for our weekly Sunday trip and I stumbled across these great reusable sacks. They are neat becasue they fold and zip into themselves. I pruchased five of them and I keep them in my car or purse for easy access. So, for the past three months, I have significantly reduced the number of plastic bags coming into our home. I use them for groceries, for carrying stuff to work and church, for delivering food (I do get them back) and almost anything else. And, on days when I am over my five bag quota, I ask for paper bags that are also reused until they are limp from wear, at which point, I place them in the recycle bin. The bags are reasonable and a number of places now offer them for sale including Target, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Lowe's Food and EarthFare. And at no more than $.99 to $1.50, they are well worth the $5 that I spent.
Nakira
About three months I was at Target for our weekly Sunday trip and I stumbled across these great reusable sacks. They are neat becasue they fold and zip into themselves. I pruchased five of them and I keep them in my car or purse for easy access. So, for the past three months, I have significantly reduced the number of plastic bags coming into our home. I use them for groceries, for carrying stuff to work and church, for delivering food (I do get them back) and almost anything else. And, on days when I am over my five bag quota, I ask for paper bags that are also reused until they are limp from wear, at which point, I place them in the recycle bin. The bags are reasonable and a number of places now offer them for sale including Target, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Lowe's Food and EarthFare. And at no more than $.99 to $1.50, they are well worth the $5 that I spent.
Nakira
Oh where, oh where, have I been....
Everywhere except blogger! First, I did not keep my promise to blog more often. Life got busy. I hate that response, but it is so true, life is busy. Between working outside the home, maintaining a household and family, giving time to God and church and finding a few seconds for myself, life is busy. I want to come up with a new word besides busy...maybe...my time has been completely occupied :) So, this is what we have been up to...
- February 3rd - Kayden's first birthday party...we had a blast. Pictures are HERE!
- February 4th - Kayden's actual first birthday and 12 month doc appointment.
- March 3rd - Contacted by Script and Scribble about carrying my stationery on their site. Too exciting!
- March 31st - Last day with my previous employer.
- April 2nd-5th - Family Vacation to Williamsburg....remind me to NEVER pack again without a list and to NEVER stay in a hotel without a fridge. I forgot pajamas and toothpaste for Kayden along with a number of things for my hubby. Keeping milk cold for Kayden, since she drinks Lactaid, was a task.
- April 7th - Started my new job.
- April 16th - Celebrated Kayden's Gotcha Day. I still cannot believe that it has been a full year.
- April 21st - Starting to post on my blog again.
Still no updates on siblings for Kayden. We know that God desires for us to have #2, just waiting on how he wants to do it :) I would love to know if you are still reading, so please leave a comment.
In His love...Nakira
- February 3rd - Kayden's first birthday party...we had a blast. Pictures are HERE!
- February 4th - Kayden's actual first birthday and 12 month doc appointment.
- March 3rd - Contacted by Script and Scribble about carrying my stationery on their site. Too exciting!
- March 31st - Last day with my previous employer.
- April 2nd-5th - Family Vacation to Williamsburg....remind me to NEVER pack again without a list and to NEVER stay in a hotel without a fridge. I forgot pajamas and toothpaste for Kayden along with a number of things for my hubby. Keeping milk cold for Kayden, since she drinks Lactaid, was a task.
- April 7th - Started my new job.
- April 16th - Celebrated Kayden's Gotcha Day. I still cannot believe that it has been a full year.
- April 21st - Starting to post on my blog again.
Still no updates on siblings for Kayden. We know that God desires for us to have #2, just waiting on how he wants to do it :) I would love to know if you are still reading, so please leave a comment.
In His love...Nakira
1.21.2008
A New Year
Hello Blog world and happy new year! I decided to change the color of my page for the new year and I working to update the avatar with a photo of the family...that will happen before the end of the year:) Our holidays were good and busy! Kayden had a great time celebrating the birth of Jesus...I cannot wait until she can fully understand what that means (there will be no Santa in our house). We had a Christmas Eve filled with the TRUE Christmas story and a family prayer that included my in laws...what a blessing!
Our new year was spent in Myrtle Beach, a trip that we take annually. Things were different with Kayden; we were in each night before seven (her bed time). So now, we are back to the grind and planning a one year party for Kayden. We have invited way too many kids but we the decision was made to only do ice cream and cake, so hopefully things will not get too crazy on the 3rd of February.
Our trip to Disneyworld was GREAT! Taking my MIL along was the best thing that we could have ever done...THANK YOU JESUS! Unfortunately, we did not take the digital camera, only the video, so I am still waiting on still shots from my DH. We did take some photos in the park using Disney photographers but thos photos were so expensive. On Saturday night I ordered one 5X7 and 4 wallets and we are now $20 poorer...what a rip off. At least we will have one momento to have from the trip.
It so hard to believe that Kayden is almost a year old. She is starting to take steps, singing, pointing at everything, talking ALL the time and climbing the stairs (a favorite). We love our sweet pea and we are starting to talk more about growing our family. We are considering both adoption and possibly IVF/ICSI. We are waiting on God to show us his plan and that is the route that we will take. We are just excited to be a part of His great plan!
I would love to hear from you all! I will work this year to do more than one post a month...maybe two a week. Take care!
Our new year was spent in Myrtle Beach, a trip that we take annually. Things were different with Kayden; we were in each night before seven (her bed time). So now, we are back to the grind and planning a one year party for Kayden. We have invited way too many kids but we the decision was made to only do ice cream and cake, so hopefully things will not get too crazy on the 3rd of February.
Our trip to Disneyworld was GREAT! Taking my MIL along was the best thing that we could have ever done...THANK YOU JESUS! Unfortunately, we did not take the digital camera, only the video, so I am still waiting on still shots from my DH. We did take some photos in the park using Disney photographers but thos photos were so expensive. On Saturday night I ordered one 5X7 and 4 wallets and we are now $20 poorer...what a rip off. At least we will have one momento to have from the trip.
It so hard to believe that Kayden is almost a year old. She is starting to take steps, singing, pointing at everything, talking ALL the time and climbing the stairs (a favorite). We love our sweet pea and we are starting to talk more about growing our family. We are considering both adoption and possibly IVF/ICSI. We are waiting on God to show us his plan and that is the route that we will take. We are just excited to be a part of His great plan!
I would love to hear from you all! I will work this year to do more than one post a month...maybe two a week. Take care!
12.24.2007
Merry Christmas
God's richest blessings to you and your family this Christmas. This time of year is always a time of reflection, but this year brings even special meaning, as we share in the joy of Joseph. Joseph was graced with the gift of adoption just as we were this year and the overwhelming love that it brings. Lord, I thank you for the baby Jesus and also for showing the world the ultimate example of adoption. What a blessing! I hope that each of you have a day filled with family, friends, love, but most importantly, Jesus! My love to you all!
11.28.2007
Happy Late Late Thanksging
Oh my goodness, it has been over a month since I last posted. No one told me that motherhood coupled with marriage would allow me less and less time to spend blogging. We have been really busy preparing for the holidays and loving on our stinky! It is so hard to believe that Kayden will be 10 months old on the 4th...it seems like yesterday that we were just bringing her home from the agency! This time last year was a VERY sad time in our home as we were dealing with the lose of a baby that we would never conceive naturally. I just thank God for his love and mercy and the fact that He had a better plan in growing our family...much better than anything that conception could have ever created. For that, I am TRULY thankful!
Kayden continues to be such a sweet baby and she is busy as ever...here is her rundown:
- Crawling (quickly and about three stairs at a time)
- Clapping
- Clapping
- Pulling Up
- Cruising
- Trying to stand alone
- Self feeding finger foods
- Talking ALL the time (uh oh and ba-ba for bottle are the new ones)
- Holding board books and turning pages
- Dancing (so cute, she rocks back and forth and moves her head the same way)
As for me, nothing new. Work is good and life is even BETTER! I am looking forward to Christmas and our annual trip to Disneyworld. We leave on Dec. 8th and return on the 15th. We are blessed that my MIL is joining us which will make it possible for us to have a few nights out on our own. This is her Christmas gift from us, so we are sure that it is one that she will love. Be blessed and I promise that I will post more often.
NikNak (oh the photo is of Kayden with her cousin Lauryn...Kayden is the turkey queen)
10.17.2007
So...
it was a little chilly outside this morning, so I asked mama to put on my hat and sweater. I am good now...all WARM and COZY!10.10.2007
Kayden's First Perfomance
About two weeks ago, Kayden gave us her first muscial performance. I was trying to cook in the kitchen and she was not hearing that! So, I pulled out the camera, a pot and wooden spoon and let her entertain me. It was hilarious, but got even funnier when the grandparents arrived with a purple knit sweater hat equipped with an ole' skool fuzzy ball and a dress to match. The purple made me think of Prince. The first two photos are some random photos before the performance and the last two are from her finale. Enjoy!
10.03.2007
Praise God...
I am still around. It amazes me that we always say that, but I KNOW in my heart, that heaven is MUCH better being here on earth :) Life has been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY...did I say BUSY already? This is what we have been up to since mid-August when I did my last REAL post...man, it is now October (That means FALL, FALL, FALL and the State Fair, now, if it could just get cooler during the day):1. Adjusting to being back at work. Through God's grace and mercy, the transition back has been relatively smooth. It is such a joy to have a husband that works from home (a techy) and one that loves to clean. Now if only, work was not so stressful. I am mentally drained when I come home, so having a clean house and the cutest baby in the world waiting on me to pick her up from daycare, the cares of work disappear, but the fatigue doesn't. Just a constant reminder that my strength lies SOLELY in the Lord!
2. Watching Kayden grow and grow and grow. It amazes me at how quickly babies change and evolve. Our little one now has two teeth and at eight months old (tomorrow), she is starting to crawl and pull up. We really need to spend some time on Sunday childproofing the house. She is now about 18.5 lbs and 26 inches long and yes, we cannot purchase Soy formula fast enough. Her personality is now starting to develop and we now know for SURE that she is going to be a handful. I must admit that I am now itching for Kayden to have a little brother...if it is God's will for our lives, then we are believing that he will make it happy.
3. Preparing for my SIL to move in with us. My SIL "A" was blessed with a great job opportunity here in Durham, so she is moving to Durham from her hometown of Greensboro. At 42, this will be her first time ever living in a different city. Ken and I are SO happy to have her come and we couldn't say no, because the Lord has blessed us with more house than we need right now. We are having to move some spaces around, specifically my scrapbook area, which means some spring in the fall cleaning. This will also mean a love in sitter...I know, that is horrible. But because Kayden goes down at 7PM each evening and sleeps until 6:30AM, we hate to pay a sitter to come to our home and watch TV. So now, we can head out for a movie and know that someone is here with Kayden, if she should decide to wake up...likelihood is slim :)
4. Traveling. Kayden's first flight was about three weeks ago when she joined me for some meetings in Baltimore for work (Ken drove up that night and we spent the weekend hanging out with friends). She was an angel, like she always is, and allowed mama to work and love on her at the same time. We also have had some weekend trips to Richmond, Charlotte and of course Greensboro.
5. Preparing for Christmas (close your mouths)!!! I have already started my shopping and started designing my homemade gifts. The paper for the Christmas cards has also been purchase, so I hope to begin work on those soon and start addressing envelopes this weekend...if I get a free minute. I recently found out that we will be hosting Thanksgiving here at our home, so Christmas plans will come to a halt for Turkey day!
6. Continuing to love life, my family and where God has me right now. That says a lot when I feel like all I do is complain about not having enough time or energy for ANYTHING. I am reading a book called Feminime Appeal, recommended by my friend Shawnda, and I must say that it is changing my perspective on how I look at the more important things in my life. The scripture basis for the book is Titus 2: 3 to 5, where older women are given the directive to teach younger women to do the following: love their husbands and children, be self controlled, be pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their husbands. POWERFUL stuff I tell ya!
That is all for now! The photo of our sweet pea was taken just before take off on our Baltimore trip...she is starting to look like a little girl! In His love...
9.22.2007
I've Been Tagged
By my college buddy Mel over at Nutsy Coco Creations...you guys should check out her Etsy store....FABULOUS photos and jewelry.
I have been given the task of writing seven random things about myself, so here goes!
1. I love numbers!!! I had a 790 on my math SAT's and I am sure that this was part of the reason why. Whenever I see a series of numbers, I try to figure out how they relate to one another. For this reason, I am a GREAT % off sell shopper, as I can compute things quickly in my head. It is so bad, that my husband will call me on my cell in the same store so that I can tell him what he can expect to spin.
2. I am also a list maker...I love the list of accomplishments that I can view and say...I got it done. That is all so important now that we have Kayden and I feel like I am always hopelessly behind.
3. I love small quaint spaces. You would never guess that since my home is 3,100 sf...I know, ridiculous. I want a smaller home and yes, my friends and family think that I am crazy! Small spaces allow you to think outside the box and come up with creative storage and space planning ideas. If I was single, I would have a small studio apartment even if I could afford more.
4. I cannot read a sewing pattern, but I can make panel curtains. This is always a shock to folks since i made 80% of the window treatments in our home...mostly panels and simple valances. Because of architecture school, I can sew a straight line and complete accurate measurements, but that is about all. I want to learn how to sew and to smock so that I can make cute clothes for Kayden like my friend DeAnna. Such cute stuff and stuff that would have been so expensive that I would have had to mortgage my home to purchase :)
5. I would prefer to give a handmade gift than anything else. I consider myself to be a really crafty person so I joy in giving folks gifts that come from th heart and not from the store. The problem is that i do not do it often enough for fear that people will think that I am cheap! At Christmas time, it is easy to do, because people expect handmade gifts, but throughout the rest of the year, I shy away from doing that.
6. I am a $30 person when it comes to buying clothes for myself. I will not pay more than $30/piece including most dresses. Clothes wear out so quick and I do not see the point in paying more than that...and Enfamil formula can also do a number on your clothes. So, that is why I shop at Target and only at Ann Taylor and the Loft when they have major sales. Call me cheap, but I would prefer to spend those other dollars on vacation.
Okay Mel, you got your post...I will do better...I promise.
I have been given the task of writing seven random things about myself, so here goes!
1. I love numbers!!! I had a 790 on my math SAT's and I am sure that this was part of the reason why. Whenever I see a series of numbers, I try to figure out how they relate to one another. For this reason, I am a GREAT % off sell shopper, as I can compute things quickly in my head. It is so bad, that my husband will call me on my cell in the same store so that I can tell him what he can expect to spin.
2. I am also a list maker...I love the list of accomplishments that I can view and say...I got it done. That is all so important now that we have Kayden and I feel like I am always hopelessly behind.
3. I love small quaint spaces. You would never guess that since my home is 3,100 sf...I know, ridiculous. I want a smaller home and yes, my friends and family think that I am crazy! Small spaces allow you to think outside the box and come up with creative storage and space planning ideas. If I was single, I would have a small studio apartment even if I could afford more.
4. I cannot read a sewing pattern, but I can make panel curtains. This is always a shock to folks since i made 80% of the window treatments in our home...mostly panels and simple valances. Because of architecture school, I can sew a straight line and complete accurate measurements, but that is about all. I want to learn how to sew and to smock so that I can make cute clothes for Kayden like my friend DeAnna. Such cute stuff and stuff that would have been so expensive that I would have had to mortgage my home to purchase :)
5. I would prefer to give a handmade gift than anything else. I consider myself to be a really crafty person so I joy in giving folks gifts that come from th heart and not from the store. The problem is that i do not do it often enough for fear that people will think that I am cheap! At Christmas time, it is easy to do, because people expect handmade gifts, but throughout the rest of the year, I shy away from doing that.
6. I am a $30 person when it comes to buying clothes for myself. I will not pay more than $30/piece including most dresses. Clothes wear out so quick and I do not see the point in paying more than that...and Enfamil formula can also do a number on your clothes. So, that is why I shop at Target and only at Ann Taylor and the Loft when they have major sales. Call me cheap, but I would prefer to spend those other dollars on vacation.
Okay Mel, you got your post...I will do better...I promise.
8.12.2007
Dedication Day
On yesterday, Sabbath, August 11th, Ken and I felt so blessed to be able to dedicate our daughter back to the Lord. The moment was surreal, because it was a day that Ken and I thought would never come. We prayed and prayed for the Lord to grow our family however he saw fit, and His way, like always was perfect. For the dedication service, a dear friend of ours, SWC, sang Miracle of Life by Mary Rice Hopkins. If you have never heard the song, you must. The lyrics are as follows:
The miracle of life
The greatest gift God gave
He placed you in our hearts
And there you'll always stay
We once longed for a child
God heard our heartfelt prayer
Now we've adopted you
Now look at you, you're here
Chorus:
Now we're holding you and loving you too
Holding a miracle before our eyes
We're holding you and loving you too
Holding a miracle, holding a miracle
Oh what a miracle of life
The similarities
Oh I can't believe
You've got your mother's smile
though impossible it seems
How can this be chance
How can you explain
God placed you in our home
Now you share our name
There's so many ways God shows His grace
He fills our void deep inside
so many times I've seen God's face
In you, my little child
Unfortunately, I was not able to get any photos of the dedication, because we did not have access to our cameras, but I am posting a picture of our sweet pea, that was taken about two weeks ago. We had photos taken of her in her dedication dress along with a few other fun shots. I will post some of the other shots from the shoot later this week!
God bless you all! NikNak
The miracle of life
The greatest gift God gave
He placed you in our hearts
And there you'll always stay
We once longed for a child
God heard our heartfelt prayer
Now we've adopted you
Now look at you, you're here
Chorus:
Now we're holding you and loving you too
Holding a miracle before our eyes
We're holding you and loving you too
Holding a miracle, holding a miracle
Oh what a miracle of life
The similarities
Oh I can't believe
You've got your mother's smile
though impossible it seems
How can this be chance
How can you explain
God placed you in our home
Now you share our name
There's so many ways God shows His grace
He fills our void deep inside
so many times I've seen God's face
In you, my little child
Unfortunately, I was not able to get any photos of the dedication, because we did not have access to our cameras, but I am posting a picture of our sweet pea, that was taken about two weeks ago. We had photos taken of her in her dedication dress along with a few other fun shots. I will post some of the other shots from the shoot later this week!
God bless you all! NikNak
7.10.2007
Fourth of July
The fourth of July this year was pretty relaxing! My twin sister gave birth to her daughter, Lauryn Ruth, on Sunday, July 1st, so I could not wait to get to Charlotte, even if only for a few hours. So, on the 4th, Ken and I drove seperate cars to Greensboro, so that I could enjoy the festivites and keep moving to the Queen City.For the 4th, my SIL made some fabulous food like always and my MIL was king of the sweets as usual. My FIL was the grill master, so Ken, Kayden and I got the chance to just chill out for the day with no real responsibilties, how odd is that! Kayden had a great time hanging out with her grandparents and she looked really cute in her overpriced :( outfit from Gymboree...I had to splurge; it was just too cute!
After the cookout, Kayden and I headed to Charlotte and we did not arrive until 10PM. I did not Kayden bathed and down until 11AM, so she was a cranky mama on Thursday morning. Unfortunatley, we left my twin sister's at 6PM on Thursday heading home, so we only spent less than 24 hours with her...that sucks. But, the time was well spent and Lauryn is SOO cute and such a sweet baby. SHe felt so light compared to Kayden;s 16 pounds. You all be blessed and I hope that you all had a good holiday as well.
NikNak
6.20.2007
Feelings of Comparison
This post is a little hard for me to write, but one that I know that I need to.
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.
There, I said it. My husband tells me constantly and I now know that it is. Since I have become a mother, it has become worst. My husband reminds me almost daily that he will not allow me to drive our daughter crazy by comparing her to others. Right now, it seems harmless, but later it will be a probably as she grows into a little girl, teenager and young lady. I want to begin to deal with this now, so that it does not get this point. I believe in God's delivering power and I know that He too can rid me of this sin.
When you look at it for what it is, the culprit is jealousy. It is that whole grass is greener concept. I see a number of women around me that appear to be perfect mothers. Always doing the right thing, never having a sick child, and having a working knowledge of what the AAP recommends for their baby. To hear me talk sometimes, you would think that my life is bad, but it is far from that. I am truly blessed with great health, a fabulous family, a beautiful home, a job that allows me to do something that I love and the most importantly, the knowledge of Jesus Christ, His salvation and His love. That should keep me happy. But the reality is that I am happy but often feeling like I am not adequate in comparison to others. That is a problem, becasue my allow measure shoule be Jesus.
Please pray with me as we (God and I) deal with this sin head on and please send any scriptures for meditation or books that I can read.
Awaiting deliverance...Nakira
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.
There, I said it. My husband tells me constantly and I now know that it is. Since I have become a mother, it has become worst. My husband reminds me almost daily that he will not allow me to drive our daughter crazy by comparing her to others. Right now, it seems harmless, but later it will be a probably as she grows into a little girl, teenager and young lady. I want to begin to deal with this now, so that it does not get this point. I believe in God's delivering power and I know that He too can rid me of this sin.
When you look at it for what it is, the culprit is jealousy. It is that whole grass is greener concept. I see a number of women around me that appear to be perfect mothers. Always doing the right thing, never having a sick child, and having a working knowledge of what the AAP recommends for their baby. To hear me talk sometimes, you would think that my life is bad, but it is far from that. I am truly blessed with great health, a fabulous family, a beautiful home, a job that allows me to do something that I love and the most importantly, the knowledge of Jesus Christ, His salvation and His love. That should keep me happy. But the reality is that I am happy but often feeling like I am not adequate in comparison to others. That is a problem, becasue my allow measure shoule be Jesus.
Please pray with me as we (God and I) deal with this sin head on and please send any scriptures for meditation or books that I can read.
Awaiting deliverance...Nakira
6.19.2007
Happy First Father's Day
The day did not start off magical. Kayden had been sick with a cold since Wednesday, so sleep was scarce and we spent Friday night in the ER after mucus started to run out of her eye. Praise the Lord, that God is healing her little body...He is so good in faithful. And yes, if you are counting, that is two ER visits within the last three weeks....we are trying to break a record :)
So, after rising from the guest bedroom that I shared with Kayden for the evening, we surprised daddy with cards and gifts. Kayden got him 2 shirts and a pair of shorts and I got him tickets to the Steelers and Panthers game. I know that Ken was pooped, because he did even jump up and down like I expected...poor boo-boo!
Ken's only wish for the day was to get some rest and quiet, so Kayden and I headed to a baby shower of a fellow adoptee and then putzed around Target afterwards...that is dangerous! Daddy had seven hours all to himself, so what did he do. Well first, he put on the shorts and one of the shirts from his baby girl and he went to his favorite sub place and then to Barnes and Noble to read. That sounds so simple, but something that he really needed...I think that meant more to him than the gifts. Just a reminder that Daddy is never into the material stuff, although he loves his gadgets, but he values God's peace and balance. That time away is what he needed so that he could return to Kayden and I and be the best father and husband ever :)
I look forward to many more days watching Kayden and her Daddy. I pray that his relationship with her will somehow mirror the one that she will one day have with Christ and that this will draw her closer to Him...the most important father.
I am attaching a picture of Kayden and her daddy from Sunday.
6.07.2007
Daddy's Girl
Notice the dimple, which indicates a HUGE smile!!! I love to see the two of them together!
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