Life Lately

Go ahead and brace yourself... this isn't a "kid post"!

It's been forever since I updated you on *MY* life so, I figured I'd take a few moments at 12:30am on this MLK Jr. Day to document my life as it is right now. Why at 12:30am, you ask? Because I made a pot of coffee. At 3pm. And I'm STILL going strong from the caffeine. HA!

 

And for kicks and giggles - since I know you *love* seeing pictures of my presh baby boy, I'll weave in a few pictures of his adorable self for you too. Don't want you going through shock/withdraw ;-)

 

 

So let's get started. Let me tell you about work this year. Let me tell you how AMAZING my kids are. Let me tell you how WONDERFUL my team is. Seriously, this is my best year at Pangborn yet. My students are the sweetest group that I've possibly ever had... they are kind to each other, smart, funny, and they love to learn. They make me excited to come to work every morning. :-) Now don't get me wrong - there have been kiddos in past years that resemble all of those characteristics as well - but I can honestly say I don't have a "stinker" in my room this year. It's amazing to be able to teach without having to manage problematic behaviors left and right. Another REALLY exciting work-related tidbit is I am mentoring my first student teacher this semester! You may know her, actually. She used to be a disc jockey on 104.7 WAYZ... anyone remember Katy from the Tiny and Katy Show? ...Yep, Katy is my student intern! I'm so excited to work with her this semester. I can't wait to see how much we learn from each other through this experience :-)

 

 

I was pretty busy with my photography business in November and December. I have taken most of the month of January off to decompress, and I'm already starting to book a few sessions for friends over the next couple of weeks. {{As if I need another business venture...}} I have also *very recently* signed up to be a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA! This is something that I wanted to do to get my essential oils at wholesale prices... but honestly, these oils have worked in so many amazing ways in my life that it seems like a shame NOT to share them. I have some events on the horizon where I will be sharing doTERRA oils with others and helping to educate them on the many wonderful powers of these oils.

 

 

 

If you've known me for any length of time, you know that my immune system is TERRIBLE and I get sick frequently (and Jesse, unfortunately, seems to have inherited my weak immune system). Well, I have been using On Guard oil on him and I through most of December and January... and guess what?! NO SICKNESS! There have been a couple of mornings where I did wake up with a scratchy throat and congested sinuses... but after mixing up some oils (On Guard, Lemon, and Oregano) with some warm water and honey, and also applying Breathe Oil to my sinuses and nose, I feel better within an hour... like, SERIOUSLY BETTER... like, normal. And the rest of the day goes on and I feel totally fine. These little oils are such precious miracles. I also use Lavender Oil on Jesse and he sleeps SO much better when his has his oils on (or as he says "Oy-wees"). Since my big fancy order, called the Home Essentials Kit, has arrived I have also broken out the Frankincense and Melaleuca oils to combat that scratchy throat/sinus congestion. Frankincense is pretty powerful stuff, amazing healing properties... it's no wonder the Wise Men offered it as a gift to Baby Jesus! Now, I don't want to become an annoying salesperson who posts non-stop about their business, so I will try to keep my doTERRA posts to a minimum - but if you ever want a 1:1 consult or to schedule an event to learn more about the oils, feel free to email me. Otherwise, I'll just share out my testimonials as these little miracles continue to heal me and my family.

 

 

 

Here's my website if you want to educate yourself on what essential oils are, where they come from, and how you can use them.

 

www.mydoterra.com/oilmixingmomma

 

Another "thing" worth updating you on is my New Year's Resolution to get healthier. On 1/6/15, I posted this, which pretty much sums things up:

 

 

So far, so good! I'm exercising (willingly, not even having to force myself - woohoo!) 6x per week for at least 20 minutes on each of those days. I'm also tracking my calories/nutrition and trying to stay within 1600 calories a day (the estimated # of calories I should consume, based on my weight, to lose 1 pound per week). I'm hoping to be 20 pounds thinner by my birthday in July. I'm learning a lot about portion control and how to plan out healthier meals/snacks so I'm less likely to resort to poor food choices. I'm part of a Christian health/fitness group on Facebook where I'm held accountable for my weekly food/exercise goals. I'm also reading Made to Crave: 60 Days to Craving God, Not Food which has helped to shape my mindset for success. So far, almost 2 weeks into my "plan", I have lost 4 pounds. I'm super proud of myself because the weight is slowly starting to come off - and I would rather lose the weight slowly making realistic lifestyle changes instead of depending on shakes/pills/whatever else people use these days to drop a lot of weight quickly. My hubby is supporting me with this endeavor too. Tonight, he took over baby duty so I could do a 55 minute workout on my Turbo Fire DVD's. It's wonderful to have his support, and to hear him telling me I can do this.

 

text excerpt from Made To Crave that really spoke to my heart!

 

One of my newest favorite healthy snacks is Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt. It's packed with protein and not a ton of sugar. I can't eat the entire bowl in one sitting, so this recipe makes 2 servings for me:

 

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 TBSP honey

2 TBSP peanut butter

splash of vanilla extract

2 TBSP chocolate chips

pinch of salt

 

 

So there you have it... a little update on my life. Life is as busy, chaotic, and hectic as always... but it's a good life. Cheers to the new year, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Harper Grace

On June 18th, I got to add a new title to my name: AUNT.

 

I'm officially Aunt Kris!

 

My brother K.L. and his wife, Stacey, were expecting a baby girl on July 12th. As you can see, Harper Grace was not due to make her appearance for almost 4 more weeks.

 

June 16th

When I saw my brother's cell phone number pop up on my phone around 2:20pm last Tuesday, I thought to myself... "Maybe this is it!!!" I answered the phone quickly (and rather enthusiastically - I thought good news was coming), only to find my brother on the other end of the phone with a tone of panic in his voice. He explained that Stacey was on the way to the hospital, that she might be in labor. As soon as I got off the phone with my brother, I dropped to my knees and started praying. Without going into a lot of detail, Stacey was only 36 weeks and was experiencing some dangerous complications. I don't know if my brother knew the severity of the situation, but when he explained some of her symptoms, I knew that she needed to get to the hospital... FAST. I don't know if I've ever prayed so hard, so intensely in all my life. I prayed for Stacey, I prayed for Harper... Couldn't stop crying, couldn't stop praying.

 

My mom called me with an update a short amount of time later saying that they were going to do an emergency C-section on Stacey. She explained that Harper was okay, but that they needed to take her as soon as possible. Less than an hour after my brother called me, Harper Grace was born. She weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce. That's all we knew at that point.

 

Another phone call came after mom got an update from the doctor. Stacey was okay, and Harper was taken to the special nursery to have some routine interventions for babies that are born early. The prognosis for momma and baby was good - and all the thanks be to God for that!

 

The next day, Jesse *ahem* sent flowers to Harper saying he couldn't wait to meet his cousin. :-)

 

My mother-in-law came to stay with Jesse while I went to visit my brand new niece in the hospital that day. Holding Harper was such a surreal experience. I didn't think I was going to be holding her until July... and after praying so hard for her life only 24 hours before, I realized that I was holding a living, breathing testimony to God's faithfulness in answering my prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the world, beautiful baby girl. I can't wait to spoil you!

 

 

 



Jesiah's Dedication to the Lord

Father's Day 2013

Sunday June 16th

 

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27-28

 

 

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22: 6

 

 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

 

 

 

 

 

After Jesse's baby dedication at church, we had a picnic at our house to celebrate his big day, as well as to honor the father's in our lives. It was a wonderful afternoon spent with family! Jesse is so blessed to have all of these people in his life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Momma Babble V002

Perspective.

 

It can change in a lickety-split instant.

 

When you become a mother, your whole world changes. The moment they place that newborn baby on your belly, you get a new set of eyes. You view life completely differently. You no longer think of yourself first, you think of your baby. You no longer worry about superficial things, like the fact that you have spit-up in your hair, or that you're not always wearing cute and stylish outfits (because let's be honest - some days it's a God-given miracle that you even make it out of your pajamas by lunchtime!). You no longer speed up at yellow lights; you slow down... because you have precious living, breathing cargo in the backseat of the car. Life changes. Your perspective changes.

 

Having a baby has completely altered my perspective, especially in regards to some pretty important relationships in my life: my relationship with my mom, and my relationship with Christ.

 

My Momma and I on Mother's Day this year

 

My mom and I have always been close... but becoming a mother has elevated my relationship with her to a whole new level. She's been my rock, my go-to-girl when I need an encouraging word or advice. She's reassured me when I needed a pep-talk, let me cry on her shoulder (figuring out mommyhood can be tough!), and reminds me that in the end, everything will be okay. Having a baby of my own, I now understand my parents' love for me. And I feel really badly about the times I broke their hearts... those times in the teenage years when we didn't always get along, they were just trying to protect my heart. Because that's what parents do - from the moment you hold your baby, you realize that you will do ANYTHING to keep them from harm.

 

Having a child has also changed my perspective in my personal relationship with Christ. Growing up, I heard the Bible stories about God sending his Son to die for us. In church on Sunday mornings, we sing songs about God's love for us. But honestly, I'm not sure that the depth of God's love for me really sank in until I became a mother. Because now I know how it feels to love my own child. I know the heart-swelling, mind-blowing love that comes from just a glance at my little boy. How much more does the Father in Heaven love us!? We are HIS children. He feels that way about me. (And you, for that matter.) And the fact that He sent his Son to Earth, knowing fully well that Jesus would be hung on a cross to die for our sins before joining Him again in heaven... that just overwhelms me. He loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for me and my sins?!?  WOW. Having a son of my own has helped me to better understand God's love for me, and that greater understanding of His love has drawn my heart even closer to Him.

 

Lots of things change when you have a baby... that's for sure! :-) I'm loving my view through the lens of motherhood.

 

 

 



Introducing...



  We are so proud to announce our sweet and pure bundle of baby boy joy!   Jesiah means Gracious Gift from God.   Could there be a more perfect name?!   We love our baby boy and I can't wait to share his birth story with you.    xoxox

9 Months Pregnant

 

Dear Baby Boy,

 

I can't believe that in just two weeks from tonight, your Daddy and I will be walking into the hospital as husband and wife... preparing to walk out with YOU a couple of days later as a brand new family of 3. We are so excited to meet you... you really have NO idea.

 

 

When I think about our life a year ago, I think about how hard we were praying for God to bless us with a family. I recall month after month of let-downs, as we wanted nothing more than to become pregnant. A year ago, Mommy didn't even know if she could get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. A year ago, you were just a dream. A year ago, Mommy was wondering if she would ever get to celebrate Mother's Day as a Mommy, herself. Now, we are two weeks away from looking into your eyes for the first time... our little dream come true. Our miracle.

 

 

Your Daddy and I believe in a God who is faithful and knows what is best for us. The desire of our hearts was to become parents and start a family. We knew that He would bless us in His time. In August, Mommy went back to work for a new school year and was so busy getting ready for the year that she was completely shocked when she began to realize there was a chance she was pregnant. Test after test confirmed that Mommy did, indeed, have a little baby growing in her tummy...YOU! I was excited and scared... and Daddy was really nervous, too.

 

 

As we went to the doctor and received good report after good report, we were so excited to start sharing the news of YOU with our family and friends! Way back in September when we spilled the beans, the month of May seemed soooooo far away. Yet, here we are. The trimesters dwindled down to months... to weeks... and now we are just 14 days away from meeting you for the first time.

 

 

We have waited so long for you. We have dreamed of you. We have prayed for you.

 

 

You are an answer to many prayers. You are the dream I thought would never come true. You are so loved by so many people already, and from the moment that they place you in my arms, I promise I will do everything I can to love you, protect you, and nurture you. You're my baby boy, and we can't wait for your story to unfold.

 

I love you,

Mommy



Baby Shower Blessings - Part One

On March 9, 2013 I was blessed with an amazing baby shower. My mom hosted a beautiful event in honor of my baby boy and I.

 

 

I woke up feeling very emotional that morning. I was looking forward to my baby shower so much - and not for the gifts. If you know me and my past and this journey Jason and I have been on to have a baby, you know that having a baby shower is monumental. We are finally, finally having our prayers answered and I was just so excited to spend the day with my family and friends celebrating my baby boy's upcoming arrival. A few days before the shower, however, the phone calls began rolling in from some of my friends and family saying they weren't going to make it. So I woke up on the day of the baby shower thinking about everyone who wasn't going to be there... and it kinda depressed me! It also hit me that morning that my Nanny wasn't going to be there to celebrate with us either, as she went to Heaven two years ago in January. So, cue two emotional breakdowns before I even left the house for my baby shower.

 

I should've known better than to wear eye make up on this day, LOL.

 

I pulled myself together, arrived at the venue to help my mom decorate, and my cousin Steph arrived with my cake. I had seen an idea on Pinterest and she made my vision come true. In fact, she even added an extra special touch in the corner: a butterfly. My Nanny loved butterflies. As soon as I saw the butterfly, I lost it again. I threw my arms around Steph and we both stood there crying. She told me about a dream she had had the night before, and I knew that my Nanny would be there with me in spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything was decorated so beautifully... and before we knew it, it was party time!

 

 

 

 

 

Once all the guests arrived, we headed over to the sanctuary of the church because one of my best friends, Melody, prepared a few songs that she wanted to play and sing.

 

 

She started by reading aloud a book called The Runaway Bunny. It is a sweet little story about a bunny who tries to run away from his mother, but each time he says he's going to run away, the mother tells him she will find him. Very sweet book about a mother's love.

 

 

 

 

After reading the story, Melody performed two Sara Groves songs. I pretty much bawled the whole way through both of them. Go ahead and grab your tissues.

You're going to need them. ;-)

And special thanks to Stacey for videoing these for me!!!

 

 

You will lose your baby teeth

At times you'll lose your faith in me  

You will lose a lot of things 

 But you cannot lose my love

You may lose your appetite

Your guiding sense of wrong and right 

 You may lose your will to fight 

 But you cannot lose my love

You will lose your confidence 

 In times of trial your common sense

 You may lose your innocence

But you cannot lose my love 

 Many things can be misplaced

 Your very memories be erased

No matter what the time or space 

 You cannot lose my love 

You cannot lose

You cannot lose

You cannot lose my love

 

 

 This is a song for my son for when he understands it
You know how life is full you know we couldn't plan it
your dad and I prayed for strength and understanding
for things we couldn't see or comprehend

This is a song for you, to carry in your pocket
take all our love with you in all the paths you walk in
I can't say your life will always go like it should
but I can say that God is always good

and when the cold wind blows like I know it will
and when you feel alone like I know you will
and when the cold wind blows like we know it will

Don't let your love grow
Don't let your love grow
Don't let your love grow cold

This is a song for my son for when he understands it
You know how life is full you know we couldn't plan it your dad and I prayed for strength and understanding
for things we couldn't see or comprehend

This is a song from my heart a small refrain to hold you
for times when we're apart and I cannot console you
Be honest with yourself and don't forget to pray
and read your bible everyday

and when the cold wind blows like I know it will
and when you feel alone like I know you will
and when the cold wind blows like I know it will

Don't let your love grow
Don't let your love grow
Don't let your love grow cold

 

 

After Melody sang her songs, she wanted to have prayer for me and the baby. She led a beautiful prayer and everyone gathered around me and prayed with her. It was such a touching, special part of my day.

 

 

 

 ...More details about the rest of the baby shower are coming tomorrow in Part II!