Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Happenings...




Well yes things have been happening! I just haven't posted!
Our little nephew/godson is growing! He is absolutely precious and we love him to death! Especially Caleb, thank God. He knows where "the baby is" and will "give the baby a kiss." It is very sweet and I can't wait for them to grow and love each other, and have fun together just like my sisters and I did with our cousins!

Easter was such a blessing! Thank God for sending his son to be our savior! And thank God for all the blessings I enjoy daily...my little smiley man, my wonderful hubby, our home, and life its self!
Speaking of life its self...little Jonah Nicholas is doing well...28.5 weeks along. I can't believe it! He is quite the mover and shaker, and likes to keep me up at night, unlike Caleb.

Things will be busy the next few weeks, but when are they not?! Darryl is on his last rotation of 3rd year! and its a busy one...OB/GYN. We have several weddings to attend, Liam's baptism, a possible trip to Tyler (depending on D's schedule), a VACATION!!!!, another wedding, Darryl's Step 2, and then sometime we will be welcoming a new life!

On other news...I OPENED MY ETSY SHOP! Check it out and share it with friends! I just have a few things up and am working on more! It is lots of fun! If there is something in particular you, or someone you know wants, let me know and I'll see what I can do!
I am trying to put a permanent link to it here on my blog, over there on the left...but am having trouble with that...I am just not computer savvy...any tips?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madelineblalock?ref=pr_shop

Hope you had a blessed Easter, filled with Christ's joy!
Blessings,
M

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Desires of MY heart

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

I have always believed that God gives us desires, urges, gut feelings, etc. for a reason. Maybe that is his calling to us, maybe it just a wake-up call to listen to him and open my heart to him. Only god knows...
Lately I have had this strong desire to stay home with my little angels. Do not get me wrong, I LOVE my job. I love being able to help others, to care for them in their most vulnerable situations, to be able to be Christ's light to them in some of their darkest moments...but what about my babies, my husband, my home...I know God has made us women to have this desire for a reason. Who else will instill morals and values in my child? A daycare? A sitter? (ALthough, I do have the WORLD'S BEST!!! and such a blessed situation...)
So, then I think..."ok Madeline, what mom wouldn't dream to have your job?! I only work 3days every 2 weeks!" AND when I work either my wonderful hubby, or a best friend, who lives across the street, and loves on Caleb as if he were her own watches him!!!
I think its hard because I work 12-13hour shifts, I leave when C is still sleeping, and get home when he is about to go to bed. I am completely exhausted with nothing left to give when I get home, to either my husband or my precious boy.

All this being said...
I am thinking of starting an Etsy shop. I LOVE to sew! I just don't like the mess it makes in my room, its hard to sew things for little boys, and I have an OLD Singer...now I LOVE this machine, it sews a BEAUTIFUL straight line! (but thats about it!) SO i have propsed to Darryl to invest in my and help me buy a new fancy shmancy machine that does extra stuff...his counter-offer was for me to sell some stuff now with what I have, and after I prove I can do it, he will let me get the new one...SO i have been thinking about this non-stop for about a week now. I have this huge list of things I want to make with the new machine (that will do simple letters, applique, etc...) I want to make: shopping cart covers, Easter basket liners, Christmas stockings, burp rags, blankets, little girl dresses, baby shoes, onesies etc...ANYWAY, yes my imagination has been running wild! I love fabric, colors, ribbons, bows, etc! i think it could be so much fun! Darryl has even thought of letting me use part of that garage for this adventure so that it won't make such a huge mess in our room!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Lists...

First of all, it has been way too long! So much has happened, things have been so busy etc...

MY NEPHEW/GODSON was born! Sorry, I was a little busy! =) PS-- he is absolutely precious! Check out my sister's blog to see more pics... thepowellsposting.blogspot.com

So, if you know me at all, you know that I am a list maker...just like my mother! Darryl likes to give me hard time about all my lists; grocery list (of course split into the Sams list, Wal-Mart list, HEB list, Target list...) my multiple to-do lists (today to-do, this week to-do, "would be nice to-do" etc). So here is my list of things I wish that I had more time, energy, money, knowledge, etc to be good at/learn...any tips, suggestions, references etc are welcome!

1. keeping my house clean
2. organizing
3. photography
4. working on my blog/making a website
5. comp. stuff in general
6. sewing
7. surviving with less sleep
8. decorating the house
9. being a good listener
10. being a better teacher to Caleb

not to be totally negative...i do feel blessed, and am thankful for the many talents and abilities i do have!
1. i think i am ok at cooking/baking (wish I had more time to do cake decorating again)
2. i have 2 long legs to run with! (when i am not pregnant!)
3. i try to be a loving, nurturing, supportive wife and mommy
4. i like to at least think i am compassionate
5. i love my lord and savior -- Jesus Christ!

Looking forward to our upcoming weekend in San Antonio with my sis, her hub, and precious Liam for her birthday...we really didn't get to see much of the handsome man while we were there!

One more side note...i am so proud of my hubby! He is doing so well in school! He just got his surgery grade and did fabulously...i have to brag for him, because i know he is too humble to do so!



beautiful parents!


enjoying a family outing to the wildlife ranch

Uncle Darryl


Precious!
Blessings,
M

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

My Father in Heaven, here I am, Help me!

“My Father in Heaven, here am I, help me”

You who tend to lose heart, I will tell you something that is very consoling: when a person does what he can, God will not deny his grace. Our Lord is a Father, and if, in the silence of his heart, one of his sons says to him: ‘My Father in Heaven, here am I, help me...’ If he goes to the Mother of God, who is our Mother, he will get through. But God is demanding. He asks us to love him truly; he does not want traitors. We must be faithful in this supernatural struggle, which makes us happy on earth by dint of sacrifice. (The Way of the Cross, Tenth Station, 3)

Some days I feel like screaming this...HELP ME! It is difficult for me to remember that "God will not deny his grace."
I must be faithful to turn to God for help, and my Mother Mary for prayers, and his grace will be sufficient (2 Cor 12:9- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.) God has given my so many resources that are pouring out his love and grace...(family, friends, the church, Darryl, Caleb-who is an ever present sign of JOY!) that if I turn to these and have hope, God will pull me through! He will give me that JOY and peace that is infectious so that others will know that I am a child of GOD!

Therefore, I am optimistic...optimistic that God will answer my prayers to keep this new precious miracle, baby boy #2, healthy and safe. Optimistic and hopeful that God will answer my prayers in an area of my life I am discerning right now...that God will show Darryl where it is we will be in the next yearish...JOYFUL that God is holding us in the palm of his hands, and has beautiful plans for us. As they unfold I will give all back to God joyfully and with great beauty, just as he gave it to me!

US pics of Baby Boy #2 -- cooking well! Dr. said today that everything looked good he was healthy and happy...my blood pressure...not so happy...we are optimistic! God will take care of us!
Caleb- HAPPY and JOYFUL as ALWAYS! He smiles and waves to EVERYONE now! He is such an infectious little fellow...

Darryl- 12wks of 3rd year left! He has decided on orthopedics and will start applying for residencies this summer
Me-taking care of myself, caleb, #2, and darryl...and anxiously awaiting my precious nephew's arrivial...ANY DAY NOW!


Blessings, M















Monday, February 14, 2011

“My daughter, God is counting on your help”

My daughter, you have set up a home. I like to remind you that you women - as you well know - have a great strength, which you know how to enfold within a special gentleness, so that it is not noticed. With that strength, you can make your husband and children instruments of God, or demons. You will always make them instruments of God: he is counting on your help. (The Forge, 690)
Some strong women...

Proverbs 31 woman



St. Teresa of Avila "Christ has no body now on Earth but YOURS, no hands but YOURS, no feet but YOURS. YOURS are the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the Earth, YOURS are the feet by which HE is to go about doing good and YOURS the hands by which he is to bless us now."
Our Mother, Mary

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.


Mother Teresa
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.


Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the Lord’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Caleb is ONE!


My Valentine
I love him more each day!
Enjoying the sand in his new sand box

Love this face!

Walking man
Enjoying being the center of attention!

Yesterday was Caleb's first birthday! We had a nice little party for him. It was a lot of fun and we had good friends and family here with us (Unfortunately Darryl's family couldn't be here and we missed them!) Caleb was in fine form, enjoying all the attention, cake, presents/tissue paper and boxes, no naps etc...
I cannot believe it has been a year! He has taught me so much this year! I feel like I should be teaching him as his mommy, yet I have learned lots from this little man!

1. Patience truly is a virtue...Between waiting 3 days in labor at the hospital for him, waiting 2 weeks for him in the NICU to come home, having patience with him daily etc...God has taught me that I can never have too much of this! Everything happens in God's time and it is perfect time! Darryl and I actually enjoyed our 3 days of labor, we got to enjoy some quality time together and daydream about our baby boy and future. 2 weeks in the NICU wasn't as long as it seemed at the time, and my mom and sister helped me so much in that time period to get ready for him to come home.
2. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband! Darryl is so supportive and such a loving daddy! I couldn't ask for better!
3. Naps are wonderful and should be taken advantage of!
4. Baby cuddles (which he rarely does anymore!) are the best! Enjoy them when you have them!
5. Priorities...hes totally rearranged them!
6. Worrying does nothing, expect zap your energy and joy! (I still relearn this one daily!) God is holding us in his hands, what he gives he can easily take away! Enjoy your blessings today!
7. Disciplining is hard! Who am I, a sinner, to discipline my child?! Yet it is what I am called to do.
8. Smiles and giggles are super contagious! SHARE!!!
9. Being a mommy is the best job in the world...second to being a wife!
10. TIME GOES BY TOO QUICKLY!! Embrace each moment!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

my Mommy!






As I was moving files from our old PC to our new Mac (!!!) I came across this that I wrote about my mom...I am thinking I wrote it for a speech class my senior year of high school...still, so true! My mom is such a blessing to me!

Mother, according to Webster’s dictionary, is a female parent. However, in reality we all know that our mother is so much more. So what makes MY mom so amazing? She and my dad are my “earthly heroes.” My mom is someone I have looked up to my entire life. She is an amazing woman with great love and faith.

My mom has taught me what true love is. She never thinks about herself, but always puts everyone else first, and their needs before her own. When I was little I can remember thinking to myself, “How am I going to be a mommy? My mom gives me the last of her candy, or chocolate…I don’t think I could do that!” She has raised three children, all girls, and done a wonderful job. She gave up her own career to raise us and for that I will always be appreciative because I knew my mom would always be there. She showed us unconditional love. Even when all three of us would get into a fight, or not clean up a mess, or not help out, she loved us. And when things were great, and we were doing well in school, and life was going our way, she loved us. And when my world would seemed to be falling down around me, there was mom, always with open arms and love. I know that no matter what this world brings, my mom will always love me. She has taught me how to love others. My mom volunteers so much of her time that sometimes I wonder when she has time for herself, or if she has time for herself. My mom is an amazing mother and wife. She is always there for anyone in the family. When my dad comes home from a long day at work, she listens patiently with no reward of her own, when my little sister has something to complain about at school again she listens patiently. When times are tough in my life, she lets me come to her and cry on her shoulder and she offers the most amazing advice and seems to make life all better. I believe that my mom is the epitome of “motherly love,” that true, unconditional love.

My mom is also a woman of amazing faith. From day one she has taught me to say my prayers and rely on God. I can remember when I was little and it was time for bed, saying prayers with my mom. And now she encourages me to continue to grow in my faith. She has never stopped in her pursuit for heaven, so why should I? She has taught me that we only get one life to live, so live it up! Live each day as if it could be your last, and put your faith in the Lord. She has taught me that perfection is impossible on this earth, but the continual pursuit of a sinless life is what Christ calls us to aim for. She has taught me that worrying is useless, even though we are both guilty of it, because ultimately it is not in our control. She has told me that when times get tough, rely on God, because he has been faithful in the past and will continue in the future. She has taught me how to make it through my tough times with a smile on my face and in my heart, because our God is faithful. Through my mom’s own faith life she has taught me what true faith in God is all about.

I know that I desire to be a mom like my mom someday. But I often wonder if that is possible. To me she is truly “super woman.” I don’t think that mom’s get enough credit for what they do. My mom has quietly instilled a way of life in me by her example. H.W. Beecher said, “The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.” For me this is absolutely true, as I have learned so much about life from my mom. I hope that I can put what I have learned from my mom into action in my own life and become a woman of great love and faith.

Love you Mom!