A Boring Post to Follow up my Last!!!

Seriously, nothing exciting has been going on around here.=) I say "exciting" loosely as there is never a dull moment with Stephen and Caleb around! Thanks for all the sweet comments everyone made about my last post. I was very encouraged. Next week we go for our first ultrasound. Admittedly, I'm always hesistant about being pregnant (and sharing it with others, whether you believe that or not!) until the first 12 weeks or so are done. Hearing the heartbeat next week is also something I'll be anxious about until it comes. Regardless, God has a plan, and I know His ways are perfect (regardless how much I worry!).

So, really, things have been pretty normal around here. Both the boys have been a little sick, but nothing that we can't handle. I've started taking a pill each day for morning sickness (that lasts the entire day for some reason). It has really made a difference. I must have gone nearly 5 days without eating until I got that medicine. Praise the Lord for modern technology!

This weekend we're planning on heading to Winston for a few days. We're aching to spend some time with the Canter family, as their nephew went to be with the Lord earlier in the week. We're also planning on being at UG's Homecoming. I can't wait to see everyone!

Well, I guess I'll post some RANDOM pictures. At least that way it was worth your while reading this!=) Thanks again for your support with the new baby. I'll keep everyone up to date!

Silly, LITTLE Stephen!


A rainbow we saw when we finally got home in 2007!


Who are those studs with those injured younguns???? Time flies!


I told you they were random pictures!=)

An Unexpected Pregnancy...I Mean, Post!!!!!!!

Some Christmas pictures to start things off:

Caleb at my parents (about to get in trouble, I'm sure!)


The bouncehouse!


Stephen and Caleb on their four-wheelers (I can't wait for it to warm up outside!)


The boys!!=)

So in the midst of saying a temporary farewell to Paw-Paw, our family determined to have a great Christmas. It was what Paw-Paw would have wanted. The boys' big gift from us was a bounce house. Stephen's eyes were wide when he walked downstairs Christmas morning! It was precious. Both he and Caleb have bounced themselves silly already!

Our big gift to our parents was the exciting news that Jeremy and I had been approved to adopt! We've been filling out the paperwork for months now and did our best to keep it a secret until Christmas. Every day I would run out to the mailbox, looking for our acceptance letter. We were so excited the day it finally came! I kept telling Jeremy that it felt like we had taken a positive pregnancy test but couldn't tell anyone!=)

We've always felt in our hearts that we would one day adopt and finally came to the point where we could no longer find an excuse to wait. We have been so excited! In our paperwork, we requested a little girl from Ethiopia. I have read blog after blog about adoption, and each time get more excited!

So, for Christmas, we gave our parents a copy of the awesome book Adopted For Life and a copy of our acceptance letter. They were so excited!=)

AND THEN...Here's the unexpected part...The part where I am still in shock and gasp a little at God's sense of humor...WE FOUND OUT WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!

What in the world??? I keep asking myself! My first thought was, "How did this happen?" Silly, silly question. You'd think after 7 and a half years of marriage, we'd have this figured out!!! Seriously, we have been shocked into excitement!=) My due date is September 5, and the foreign word "Girl" has begun circulating around our family. Imagine the shock our parents had finding out we were adopting and then finding out days later that we were expecting.

I called Bethany Adoption, and they have put all our paperwork and funds on hold. The lady laughed! We will continue the process once this baby comes; which in turns means we're looking at having 4 kids??? Really????

Anyhoo, God definitely has a plan! Each day He amazes me and shocks me to my knees! Needless to say, it has been a roller coaster of a Christmas for us...But nothing that caught God by surprise! I'll keep everyone posted!

My Tribute to Paw-Paw

On Christmas Eve, shortly after 7 pm, our family lost a jewel while Heaven gained one.

In 2005, my Paw-Paw, Leonard David Hall Sr., went into the hospital for a routine surgery. At that time, we had no idea it would nearly take his life. Due to some complications, he was airlifted to UNC Hospital. After weeks of uncertainty, Paw-Paw turned the corner and by God's grace went home. His kidneys, however, had shut down, and his life would forever be dependent on dialysis.

For nearly 5 years now, our family has watched Paw-Paw being loaded into a handicap van and transported to dialysis 3 times each week. He would come home at the end of each day tired and often irritable. My Maw-Maw, demonstrating to us the true love of a wife, would tirelessly take care of him day in and day out. She put her life on hold for the man that she loved while enduring frustration and often a lack of appreciation.

As the years passed, Paw-Paw grew tired. I could see in his eyes each time that I visited that he was ready to leave this world. Paw-Paw accepted the Lord as a young man, and he knew where he would spend eternity. There were many days where I'm sure he questioned why the Lord left him here. During those 5 years, however, we did make many more memories, and Paw-Paw was able to enjoy life through the birth of 2 great grandchildren. He always had dreams of taking them fishing and riding them through his pasture, but I know in his heart, he knew it would never happen here on this earth.

These desires for my 2 boys, his great grandchildren, are the memories I cherish of Paw-Paw. He was a farmer, and I grew up with only a pasture separating my parents' home from theirs. Needless to say, I was spoiled rotten!

As a little girl, I would spent the night with Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw most Friday nights. Paw-Paw would play games with me til late at night. Our favorite was UNO, and I finally got good enough to beat him! He taught me how to stand on my head, and we loved to show off our "special skill" to unsuspecting visitors. On some nights, Paw-Paw would pretend it was Christmas and deliver me all kinds of toys, as if Santa had come! When Christmas really did come, often I prided myself in getting the best "Paw-Paw presents." I still cherish the necklaces and bracelets Paw-Paw surprised me with.

During warm summer days, he would let me "drive" the tractor through the fields and swing on the gates. He'd talk to me about his cows as if they were a part of our family. I'd even sneak tobacco out of his truck when he wasn't looking! He took me to the cow auction and bought me a cow. Later we sold that cow (and its calves) to help pay for my college!=) After bailing hay, he'd stack them up and let me climb all over them. I was "queen of the pasture!"

I was also Paw-Paw's personal secretary. He had his hand in many types of business, and I loved going into his office and "organizing" all his paperwork. Even to this day, I am amazed at all the people who owed Paw-Paw money. He was such a giver that even after I had written all their names down on paper, he'd shrug it off. Paw-Paw taught me how to save, how to count pennies, but more importantly he taught me how to give. He was tight with his money, but only so he could help others.

Paw-Paw helped me and Maw-Maw throw some crazy parties at their house! On Halloween, in particular, he'd take old cardboard boxes and make the world's largest maze in his warehouse! As young girls, my friends and I would climb through until the duct tape fell off the cardboard walls. Paw-Paw often seemed like a kid; one of us!

I think I rode in the back of Paw-Paw's truck more than in the cab. He'd drive me down to the corner store and let me get candy. He bought me this pet and that. Between him and Maw-Maw, we must have owned every pet imaginable! Paw-Paw loved animals like I do, and it always seemed like they could sense it.

Paw-Paw was also my softball coach. We spent untold hours in the backyard "practicing" pitching techniques for the next big game. Paw-Paw would take me into his arms and throw me into the air as high as he could! One day, I finally got too big, and we all had to admit that I was growing up.

As I got older, I still spent as much time with Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw as I could. I would always honk my car horn when I drove by their house. One honk, and they knew I was headed out; two honks, and they knew I was back home. Paw-Paw would come to my high school ball games and cheer me on from the sidelines. He was sure to have some "coaching suggestions," though, when the game was over.

When Jeremy and I got married, I convinced Paw-Paw to lay the farm clothes away and wear a tux! He and Maw-Maw looked so beautiful! Paw-Paw rolled out the white carpet for me right before my Dad walked me down the aisle.

When I moved away, he would come and visit whenever possible, or I would go down there. Even with a husband and kids of my own, I was still his little girl. I'm not sure if I ever grew up in his eyes. I've always been that little blonde-headed farm girl, Paw-Paw's pride and joy.

Two weeks ago, while on our way to Winston, Mom called my cell phone to let me know that Paw-Paw was sick. They had called 911, and medical teams were on their way. This had happened before, but this time something in my heart told me I needed to go down there. Without hesitation, Jeremy turned the car, and we headed down those country roads to Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw's house. By the time we got there, Paw-Paw was being loaded onto a stretcher and put into the ambulance. As they were shutting the back doors, I looked around the corner and told Paw-Paw that I loved him. In his ususal fashion, he responded, "Same here, baby."

Those were the last 3 words I ever heard Paw-Paw clearly say. After being taken to the hospital, many tests were run, but it was never clearly determined why Paw-Paw had gotten so sick that night. He began to develop dementia and rarely spoke words that were understandable. After many prayers and tears, my Dad and Maw-Maw decided it was time. No more tests were to be done on Paw-Paw, and he was removed from dialysis. As this point, we knew he could go at anytime.

During these 2 weeks of waiting, I spent as much time as I could at the hospital. Jeremy was so amazing in his willingness to stay home and keep the boys. By choice, I always went to see Paw-Paw by myself. I would stand by his hospital bed and stroke his hair. I'd rub his cheeks and tell him that I loved him. I'd hold those big hands in mine and remember how I used to think Paw-Paw was indestructible. I'd place my hand on his chest and feel his heart beat.

One time in particular, I know Paw-Paw heard my voice. He barely opened his eyes and looked right at me. He then broke into the widest grin I've ever seen. His nurse was astonished. She said that was the first time he'd opened his eyes all day. Needless to say, I again covered his face with tears.

On Christmas Eve, I got the call I had been waiting for. Paw-Paw had finally left this world. Jeremy put both the boys to bed and reassured me he could handle doing "Santa Clause" that night. I headed over to the hospital where my parents and Maw-Maw were waiting.

In that quiet hospital room, I finally saw Paw-Paw at peace. He was resting. It was as if he had simply fallen asleep. I felt his chest again, but this time there was no beating. I knew he was gone. As much as I wanted to weep, the tears barely came. This is what Paw-Paw wanted. He had endured pain for nearly five years, and now he felt it no more. I looked at the bruises on his arms and rejoiced in my heart that he was now in a perfect body. He was full of life; the life that I remembered Paw-Paw having.

The funeral visitation and funeral went as expected. I'm always amazed at the love and support people give us. Jeremy performed Paw-Paw's funeral, and I was so proud of him! I would have never thought, as a little girl, that God would give me such a Godly man; a man who so amazingly shared God's Word at Paw-Paw's homegoing.

As we adjust to life without Paw-Paw, I know it will take time. Walking into their house and seeing Paw-Paw's empty chair will probably always cause a lump to rise in my throat. Knowing where he is, though, gives me a peace beyond understanding. It was Paw-Paw's time, and as each day passes, I long for Heaven a little more.

I love you Paw-Paw! Can't wait to see you soon!

I can see Paw-Paw's love for me in his eyes (and I was only 2 years old).


Paw-Paw's little girl


Drinking a glass- bottled Pepsi with Paw-Paw


On a family vacation, cuddling with Paw-Paw


Mine and Jeremy's wedding


Paw-Paw kisses!


Our family in 2003


Paw-Paw with Stephen, his first great grandchild


This picture was taken at Thanksgiving. It's one of the last pictures we have of Paw-Paw.

Merry Christmas!

It has been forever long since I've last blogged. In fact, my last post was at Thanksgiving, and here it is, Christmas Eve Eve! Unbelieveable!!! Of course, we've been busy with the holidays and all, but 2 weeks ago my Paw-Paw became very sick, so most of my free time has been spent at the hospital. He could go at anytime, and I will keep everyone posted. There is so much I could write about him, but I will save for a later time.

Right now I'm at my parent's house. We're doing Christmas here tomorrow morning, and then we'll head back to Durham. We'll wake up at our house on Christmas day and then head to Winston the day after. The boys are getting all kinds of cool things from us. Their big toy, though, is a huge inflatable bouncer that we can use indoors on cold days or outside when it gets warm. I think Stephen will love waking up on Christmas morning and finding his own bouncehouse sitting beside the tree!

Jeremy and I love to give gifts. We are more excited about the things we've gotten our family and friends than about the things we may be getting. I'll share more about the specifics later. The moment I start talking about what we bought others is when they'll read my blog and find out everything they're getting for Christmas!=)

Since I'm at my Mom's, I don't have access to all of my Christmas pictures. I'll post some of what she has on her computer, though. Our Christmas season has been so much fun! Merry Christmas and may we remember why God sent His precious Son to us.

Our 2 little Christmas Boys in some new pj's!

The sleigh ride we took in Brier Creek


Our family at Disney on Ice


Stephen and his completed Gingerbread House!


We made lots of chocolate suckers this year, and the boys loved eating them!

Our Thanksgiving Celebration

So, once again, Jeremy's at another UNC game, and I'm nabbing the opportunity to blog. Last week we were at the beach from Tuesday through Saturday. We had a lot of fun with Jeremy's family. Since being home, we've finished our Christmas decorating with the purchase of a real tree. Caleb has been running a random fever but doesn't seem sick. Stephen is really getting excited about Christmas (and this is only December 1)! Enjoy some pictures that show the fun we had over Thanksgiving:

Caleb enjoying a chicken leg on Thanksgiving Day!


Stephen on the balcony of the room we stayed in our first night at the beach.


Jeremy and Caleb "playing" some basketball outside our room at Barefoot.


Me and the boys in the lazy river at the indoor water park.


Stephen picking out our real Christmas tree when we got home.

Getting Into Winter

Once again, I'm here at home, and the house is quiet. Yes, Jeremy is at another UNC game! He called from work today to inform me that someone had again given him 2 free tickets. He is getting SO spoiled!!! Tonight, though, he and his brother David went to the game, and Stephen and Caleb stayed here with me. Is it bad to say I put them to bed at 7:45??=) Nope!!!

Both the boys have been so sick lately. It has been crazy in our house! After finishing his antibiotic for strep throat, 3 days later, Stephen got it again! On the very same day, Caleb got croup. And yes, of course, I got strep right along with the rest of my sick family. Thankfully, Jeremy avoided it, and the boys and I were able to barricade ourselves in the house for a few days. As for now, all is well, and everyone seems healthy!

I absolutely love this time of year! Christmas is on it's way, and you can just feel the excitment in the air! I don't usually decorate until after Thanksgiving, but this year I couldn't wait! Last year I didn't even get out our decorations, because we were living with my parents. The year before that, I was still in a wheelchair from the wreck, and the Canters did all my decorating! Needless to say, I was itching to open those Christmas boxes and liven this new house up! I'll be sure and post some pictures soon!

Tomorrow we leave for the beach! It's Jeremy's family's "year," and we're all headed to Myrtle til Saturday. I'm very excited and hope to grab some deals at the outlets! While sick last week, though, I finally finished Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It really inspired me, so I won't be doing too much shopping!=) Unless, of course, it's a deal I can't pass up!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Cherish every day and thank the Lord for it!

Caleb is absolutely enamored with all the lights and ornaments!


The boys "posing" for a quick picture before getting back to work!


Stephen really was a big helper this year with decorating the tree. He's such a "big boy" now!


One night, we found Stephen asleep in his room like this! He had moved his fan and put it on his bed, blowing right in his face. Needless to say, Jeremy quietly moved it back after I took this picture!


Me and Stephen taking a "tree decorating" break!


Stephen and Caleb loved getting in the Christmas tree box and pushing it over!


We went iceskating last weekend at an outdoor, ice free, iceskating rink! It was fun, but our 2 trips around the rink (desperately holding onto the rails) was not worth the money! This picture was, though!=)

While It Rains...

It's Wednesday night and besides the rain following outside, our home is quiet. We just got in from small group about an hour ago. It was our night to fix dinner, and I just finished cleaning the kitchen. Caleb's asleep, and Jeremy and Stephen aren't here. This afternoon a friend gave Jeremy 2 tickets to tonight's UNC game. Stephen was so excited to go and see Rameses with his Daddy! Yes, I know the game didn't start til 9, and that Stephen will probably get very sleep (and be grumpy tomorrow), but oh well!=) You only live once, and who knows how long that will be??? So, they are there, having a blast I'm sure, and I'm here at home having some quiet time. It's amazing how little you get "quiet time" when you're a Mom. Honestly, I can't even count on quiet or privacy when I'm in the bathroom! There are always little people in there doing this or that! They just can't seem to get enough of me!=) So, I thought that I would do a quick post while I had a few quiet moments alone. Things have been going well for our family. Last week, Stephen unexpectedly got strepp, but he has recovered very quickly. The rest of our family avoided it somehow. We spent Saturday in Winston. Jeremy played golf, and I had some girl time at Hannah's bridal shower. Church was awesome on Sunday as JD finished up a series on The Presence of God. I have learned so much! This week has been normal thus far. Stephen had a dentist appointment on Monday, and he did great. We did give the dentist a laugh, though, when she asked Stephen to open up wide, only to reveal a piece of candy laying on his tongue! What kind of mother sends their kid to the dentist with candy???! Anyhoo, he goes back in 6 months, and this next time, Caleb will be going for his first check-up. Yesterday we spent the day at home packing our Operation Christmas Child shoebox, making Jello, and we even took our first wagon ride to the library. Stephen checked out some books, and they've come in handy on this rainy Wednesday. We are truly loving it in this home that the Lord has blessed us with. I had a thought this morning as I was driving to Women's Bible Study about the rain that just won't seem to stop falling. The Holy Spirit brought the phrase "showers of blessings" to my mind. I began to contemplate what that meant. "Showers" to me means a random occurrence, not too heavy and not too light, just enough to get you wet. I feel like that is how God often does bless us...a little at a time and just what we need. My mind then began to wonder what it would be like if God gave us a "downpour of blessings." His Word says that He will open up the floodgates of Heaven for us. I don't think I could even handle a "downpour" when I'm so amazed at the "showers" He gives me every day. What a great God we serve! How blessed!=)