Such a blessed Christmas!!!!!!

I cannot begin to say what a wonderful Christmas we had. In a way I was kinda sad because Christmas Day was a month since my grandpa had passed :( but I tried really hard to be cheerful for Lyberti because it was her 1st Christmas. Okay so here we goooooo...........

On Friday, evening we opened presents with my parents. Lyberti got her 1st high chair (Winnie the Pooh of course......lol) from my mom & dad & Mandi got her a couple different outfits & some much needed toys :)

On Saturday, we went to Justin's family Christmas brunch. They got Libby a ton of much need things. Some outfits, toys, & some other things. She got a Veggie Tale CD & book from Noah. That was soooo sooo sweet :) Then on Saturday evening we went to my Grandmas house for dinner. It was so hard this year with my Grandpa not being there. We were all sad that day :( but we all tried to make the most of it. We played cards & watch the football game to try & keep our minds off of miss Grandpa so much. Lyberti got her 1st tricycle. (That was all my Grandpa wanted to get her for Christmas, so my Grandma kept her promise & got her one.) It is really cute :) She got a couple of other things as well.

On Sunday, we had a wonderful morning church service & then we went to my mom & dads & had dinner with my other set of Grandparents. They got her a boat load of stuff to. My goodness. She got a ton of much needed sleepers & toys......cant forget the toys......lol. ( I bet you have never heard a parent say there kid needs toys.....lol)

It was a glorious day to celebrate Jesus birth. I am so so thankful that God has given us another year to be with loved ones once again. Thank you Lord for your goodness. You are so faithful & mindful.






This is Emily & Kelsey we all grew up together :)

Feeling Better

Thank you for your prayers & thoughts. Since my last post I have been doing a lot better. I guess all I needed was a really really good & looooong cry & time for a few hours with just me & God. It has been really hard to get in a good conversation with God because Libby has been so demanding lately. I am just so thankful to the Lord for being there to listen what has been on my heart.

Lyberti has been a little bit better this week. Since my last post she has gotten her 1st tooth & she has been sitting up on her own a lot better & she has almost mastered rolling over from her back to her belly. Oh......my that all happened really quick. It seemed like after she got her 1st tooth she discovered she could do all of this other stuff......lol. I am so so proud of her. I thank the Lord so much for helping her with her teething. She has only had one really bad day that I had to give her orajel & Tylenol. Other than that just a lot of dulling & trying to put everything in her mouth.....lol

It was such a treat yesterday. It was the 1st time we had all been out to eat as a family since Lyberti has been born. Justin & I both loved it :) Libby even sat in a high chair for the 1st time :) It was a very special day!!!!! What a wonderful Christmas present. Thank you Lord once again for your many many blessing you have given my family!

????????

I really dont know what to name this post. I just need to get somethings off my chest. So, if I just start rambling & not making since just ignore me.

Lately I have really felt alone & down. I just dont feel very happy anymore. I try so hard to put a front up in front of Justin & everyone else. I dont no why? I guess there is just a lot going on & I feel like it is all my fault. It really probable isn't but I just feel like it is. I just dont know what to do anymore all I want to do is cry & I no that will not solve anything. Sometimes, I think maybe if I could just be alone & get a break from Libby or get out of the house it would help but I know it wouldn't because then I would be worried about Libby & I still wouldn't get a break. I just dont really no how to explain whats been heavy on my chest. I no I could always talk to Justin but I dont think he would understand what I am trying to say. I am just rambling I am just confused?

Lyberti, has been so so so hard to take care of the past couple of weeks. She is not wanting to take her naps :( She needs her naps or she is very fussy. I just dont no what to do I am so stressed out about it.

One thing right after another.......

I cant believe it has almost been a month since my last post. I have been so busy will Lyberti & trying to be with my Grandma as much as I can, I have not had time to blog about anything.

1st thing is 1st. I am so sorry to say that my Grandpa did pass away on November 25, 2011. I am so thankful that we got him home in time. We got him home at 7:00pm & he passed away at 9:35pm. All he wanted was to be home. I am so thankful that I was able to be there with my grandma & I did not have to worry about Lyberti. Justin did a wonderful job taking care of her. I still have my moments every time my phone rings I think it is my grandpa calling me. He would always call me every few days to see how we were doing. The last thing he told Justin & I before he passed away was "You take care of that baby" He ALWAYS told us that before he got off the phone with us or before we left there house. He Loved Lyberti so much I am so thankful he got to meet her.


Well our baby girl is 6 months old now.......WOW!!!! did that go by FASSSSSSSSSSST!!!! I cant believe she is half way to 1 already. She has grown so much over the past 6 months. I am starting to get a little concerned about her because she is not holding herself up yet. She holds her head very good of course. I have just heard & read that they should be holding themselves up by now. Maybe its because she is small......I don't know. I guess she will do it when she is ready!

I am so excited about this weekend. It will be nice to go out & do something for FUN for a change. My mom, dad, Mandi, my Grandma, my Aunt Patty, & me are all going to go see the Nutcracker. Its going to be a ballet. I have never been to a ballet before so I am super excited!!!! Also, we have our church Christmas dinner that evening. It will be nice to go out & have a good meal for a change. Then our church Christmas play is on Sunday night......So, we have a busy busy weekend ahead of us.

Well I think that is it hopefully it wont be almost a month by the time I get to blog.

CRAZYNESS!!!!!!

It has been the craziest past couple of weeks. My Grandpa has been in the hospital. His kidney is failing & among some other health problems he has been having on top of all of his kidney failing. It is such a mess. So, all last week we were going back & forth to Columbus.Thankfully he is back in Bucyrus at a nursing home. He still cannot walk or swallow things very well. So, he is doing therapy at the nursing home. I pray he makes it home in time for Thanksgiving, but I dont know. All we can do is pray.

I have been thinking a lot here lately about dating & marriage. I remember when Justin & I were dating we were constantly talking on the phone together or texting each other. It seemed like we never ran out of things to talk about. Now that we are married it seems like sometimes we barely say 10 words to each other & then other times we talk non stop it just depends on the day......I guess. Also when we were dating we would write love letters to each other all the time & now we dont. Every once in awhile I will write him a note & put it in his lunch but it just depends if I think of it. There are so many things that we use to do while we were dating that I miss sometimes. Then again being married if GREAT you can lay on the couch together & watch movies together. We can stay up as late as we want or do whatever we please & we dont have to ask permission. You get to wake up every morning & see the wonderful person you married. I guess I am just rambling. Sometimes I wish we were still dating but then I start thinking how blessed I am to be married & have a beautiful baby girl. I wouldnt change my life for anything. God has truly & richly blessed me with such a wonderful family!!!!! Thank you Jesus :)

Ladies Day!!!!!

All I can say is WOW!!!!! & THANK YOU LORD!!!!! I cant even describe what an AWESOME POWERFUL & WONDERFUL weekend I had. The theme for Ladies Day was "In the Presents of the King" it was just that & soooo soooo much more. I am going to try & explain as much as I can but I can already feel the tears coming on.....all I have wanted to do is praise him & feast on his blessings today! So, bare with me....

Friday, night was "Peaceful" I don't no how else to describe the service. The Holy Ghost power was there but there was such a calming about his presents it was like the Holy Ghost was relaxing us & wanting us to just be still & listen. Sis Donna Howard (from Alabama) preach about us being "Princess." She gave her testimony & when she was 12 years old she got saved. She explained it in such a way I never heard before. She said her Prince (the Lord) sent her an invitation when she was 12 to come to the royal ball. She gladly excepted this special invitation. She said she ran to the alter & danced with her Prince. It was such a powerful & wonderful message. (I still cant stop crying) She asked us all when was the last time we truly worshiped & danced with our Prince. At the end of the service she asked us all to dance with our Prince. The spirit was so Precious. I don't ever think I have ever felt like that before dancing with my Prince.

Saturday, morning Sis Goin (from Florida) preached. I have never heard of her or even her testimony it was such a blessing. She preached on "Healing" & how the Lord had healed her body of a lump she had developed on her right side. She said she was use to the Lord healing her instantly but the Lord had other intentions & she suffered in pain & turmoil for 4 months before the Lord healed her body. She said she never doubted or questioned God. She knew he would heal her on his time table. She just trusted him & he came through like he always does. After she was done preaching we had a wonderful healing line prayer service. So, many came with broken hearts, health problems, & so so much more. The power of God was so GOOD!!!!

For lunch Sis Caroline (a lady at our church) cooked for all the Ladies (about 100 people) She made Chicken, Green beans, & Mash potatoes. We had side salads & personal cakes for desert. The food was so WONDERFUL!!!

Saturday, afternoon Sis Howard preached again. She preached a message like I have never ever heard before. It was like she was telling a story. I am going to try & explain but I might chop it up......lol. Anyway she said God came to her house one day & straightened out her house the kitchen, Library, & her bedroom. In her parlor she had to chairs sitting beside each other near a blazing fire. God said to her "This is where you come everyday to speak to me. Here I will be waiting." As they got to talking in the parlor she said "WOW God I LOVE LOVE what you have done to every room in my house." God said "I have not cleaned out every room in your house." She said "What do you mean God?" He said "There is still a dark stinky closet you have not let me into yet." She said "Oh God you don't want to mess with that room." God said "Give me the key to the closet." She replied "No, God I wont." He said "Then I cannot live in this house with you." the women begged & pleaded for God not to leave & then she finally gave the key up & God opened the door & got rid of all the "Pride", "Bitterness", "Hatefulness........ex" When he got done cleaning the closet he told the woman now we are going to scrub the walls. As they were scrubbing the walls & floors she noticed the water was red. They were scrubbing the closet with the blood of Jesus. Praise the Lord!!!!! In summary Sis Donna's point was do we have a part in our hearts that we will not let God clean or take out of us. It was such a POWERFUL & AMAZING message.

I am so very thankful I was able to attend this Ladies Day it has really lifted my Spirit & put more of a fire burning desire in my heart for him.

Picture Day!!!!!!!

YAY YAY!!!!! Last week Libby had her 4 month Dr. appointment & she weighed 10lb 8oz & she is 23in long...... :) I am so excited! She is still very small compared to most 4 month old babies but as long as she is healthy that is all that matters. She had to get 2 shots as well :( poor baby. She did end up getting fever for 3 days in a row from it. I felt so sorry for her :( & now she has a cold. She is getting better. God is helping her & healing her body.

My mom & I took Libby to get her 4 month pictures taken last week as well. It was so much FUN!!! Lyberti smiled so beautifully :) I am so proud of her.

This weekend we are having Ladies Day at our church. I am so looking foward to what God is going to do in the services. The them of our ladies day is "In the presents on the King" I am already expecting an AWSOME move of GOD!!!! I cannot wait to blog about it next week :)

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Libby we had taken. If you want to see more they are all on my facebook :)

Happy 4 months

Lyberti, turned 4 months old yesterday :) I am so loving being a mama. God is so good to me for blessing me with such a precious little girl. She has grown so much. She goes to her 4 month check up next week. I am curious to see how long she is & how much weight she has gained. Libby is holding her head up really good. She is trying to craw but she has not grasp that concept on how to lift herself with her arms. She gets mad & starts crying....lol poor baby. She is such a happy baby when she gets her naps.....lol I love her dearly :)

Well I no that was short & sweet but there is not much more to report.

YAY YAY!!!!

So, Justin got his 1st deer of the season on Saturday. I am so very proud of him :) He said it ending to quick because he was only in his deer stand and hour...lol. I hope it only takes me an hour to get one because I tend to get antsy after sitting there for awhile.

Libby is doing so good I am so proud of her. She really starting to roll over good & she is getting stronger in her arms. She is trying to lift herself so she can craw :) I am excited I try & work with her about everyday on sitting up & holding things in her hands. She is really catching on. She is developing so well :)

Worship

Last night we had a wonderful service at church. Our assistant pastor (Bro. Keith) preached about our worship to God. He had two examples of two different choirs singing. One was horrible they were off tune & trying to fake getting in to the worship with God. The other choir was beautiful & was sincere about praising God. Bro. Keith asked the congregation "Do really have a heart of worship when you come to the house of God?" His question started really making me think how I need to have more of a heart of worship & want to be in his presents. Not just at church but at home or wherever I go. God is worthy to be praised. He deserves all of our worship & praise we have.
"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."
Psalms 29:2

All I want to do is worship you.
All I want to do is lay down,
Right at your feet.

As I lift my hands to heaven,
Let your fire fall down on me.
Rekindle the fire within me, Lord,
Once again.

In other news I have decided to stop breastfeeding Libby. It kinda bitter sweet but I just keep loosing to much weight from it & I am really concerned for my health. I pray she takes well to formula & it does not constipate her. She seems to have a lot of problems trying to poop even with my breast milk. So, please pray for Libby that she will take well to it.

Hunting season starts on Saturday. I am looking froward to going this year. I really hope I am able to get a deer this season but I guess we will find out. I am also looking forward to spending more time with Jessa & Noah. They are so much FUN! Other than that I think that is about it. Here are some different pics I have taken recently.

Our Weekend

Justin & I had a GREAT!!!! weekend & a good anniversary! It was so nice to get away and spend time together. We went to Amish Country on Friday & Johns town on Saturday. We got some really good deals there on things. We got 2 deer mounts, a small pressure cooker, I got a shirt & a purse. It was fun I am so glad we went. Then on Sunday we went to bass pro shop I got some boots to keep my feet warm so I can go hunting with Justin.

I guess that is about it! We are just counting down the days till hunting season! I can't wait to go hunting & be able to hang out with Jessa more!




















These are the deer mounts that we got!

Canning, canning, & more canning

I am so tiered Justin & have been canning all week. We had 4 tables full of peaches. Now we are down to 1 thank goodness. Our green beans keep growing over night. We go out & get as many as we can find snap them can them & then we go back out & find a whole bunch more. I am thankful at least we wont have to buy green beans or peaches for Libby when she starts eating baby food. We planted sweet corn this year but a raccoon keeps getting in the garden & eating it. Justin keeps setting traps for it but so far nothing yet!

I am really looking forward to next weekend. Its our 1 year anniversary! My mom is going to take Libby for the night & we our going to try & go to Amish Country. I am happy that we will be able to spend time together & get a break from Libby but then again I am so worried about her. I am so afraid she will be really fussy & keep my mom up all night because she wants me. I almost dont want to leave my girl ;(

We went garage saleing today. We got a whole bag of winter clothes for Libby & a table for $2 I love going garage saleing. We also got a Shark cleaner for my sister in law Jessa for $40. What a DEAL!!!!!

Well we need to do some more canning. Until next time :)

Libbys Dedication

My goodness how time fly's. I have not been on my blog for awhile & I decided to look one day & its been since July since I have blogged.......oops......lol.

So, a lot has happened. We took Lyberti to her 2 month check up & she weighs 8lb 8oz. Praise the Lord!!! I am sure she weighs more now because she is really starting to get heavy after you hold her awhile. In other new she is sleeping thru the night now......hallelujah!!!! She goes to bed about 10 or 11 & wakes up about 4 or 5. It is blessing I am so thankful ;) Last week she rolled from her back to her side. I no thats not very hard for babies to do but I was excited! I have really enjoyed watching her grow & change in many many different ways these past couple of months :) God has truely blessed us for me to be able to stay home with her.

Yesturday, we got her dedicated. Bro. Scott preached a good message about raising her & teaching her the way of the Lord & being Godly examples to her. I was really happy that my Grandparents got to come & Grandpa Stephens, Aunt Jessa , & Noah. It was GREAT having them all there.

Well I do belive that is it. Untill next time :)

Glory be to God

My goodness it has been along time since I have blogged. I finally convinced myself to get a face book account so I have been spending a lot of my time on there when I actually get time to do it......lol.
Libby, is doing good growing like crazy. We have to take her to her 2 month old check up next week :) I am excited about going to see how much weight she has gained but then again I am not looking forward to it cuz they are going to give her her 1st set of shots :( So, my mom is going to go with me because Justin has to work. My poor baby I feel so sorry for her :( In other news she has been having problems pooping :( for the past couple of weeks. We have tried everything except 4 that Karo syrup. I was going to try that next if the peppermint water does not help her. Something kinda funny we had to is we had to put cardboard up in her room so she would sleep in there during the day.......lol. She hates the light so she would not sleep in there.......lol. Its so funny because she looks so much like Justin but acts so much like me because I dont like the light either......lol
Justin is doing good he ready for hunting season. So, he is getting excited about that. God has also answer prayer for Justins job situation. He found out today that he got a better job at work. Praise the Lord so he is staying on 1st. I am so thankful God has moved in his job situation. He deserves on the glory honor & praise.



This is Lyberti, no matter how dark it is she still covers her face in her blankets.......lol

So Thankful

So, we took Lyberti to her doctor last week & her heart mummer (the hole in her heart) is GONE!!! & her jaundice is GONE!!! as well. Thank you Lord so much for all your many many blessing & for healing our little girl. She keeps getting bigger & bigger & chunkier & chunkier. She looks more & more like Justin everyday.

In other news Justin is trying to get back on 3rd :( his job is just getting to him physically as well as the heat. When you work in a factory its always 10 times hotter in the shop then it is outside. I hate to see him go to 3rd because he always so tiered & he does not get the rest his body needs but I understand at the same time why he wants to go back to 3rd. So, I am trying to be supportive but its hard :( Please pray he is able to get a better job on 1st.

I am doing better. I am starting to get more rest slowly. Libby is starting to sleep a little longer so that helps :) I love my little girl so much. I love holding her while she is sleeping & watch her facial expressions. She starting to be more awake & alert which I enjoy! Okay well time for bed. Goodnight!

CRAZY!!!!!!

OHHHHH MY!!!!!!!! I am so tiered. I wish just one night I could sleep thru the night. I am trying to rest as much as I can but I still have some house chores I still try to keep up with. I am so thankful tho Justin is on Vacation all next week. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!! I have been counting down the days since he went back after Lyberti was born. I am going to take advantage of him being home :)

I cannot belive that our baby is a month old already!!!! It has already went by so fast. She has grown so much!!!! I am very thankful for. She is out of her preemie clothes now so I have been putting her in New Born. She fits good in them in the length but her arms are still a little short. She had her 1 month checkup today & she weighs 6lb 4oz. THANK YOU JESUS!!!! God has helped her so so much this past month & I am so abundently thankful for his goodness & faithfulness.

Well other than that not a whole lot more to report. Oh thank you again Jessa for helping me put a new background on my blog I LOVE IT!!!! Good Night!!!!!!!

Sleep Deprived

I never knew how much you could function with so little sleep. I expected to have sleepless nights but I guess I was thinking it wouldn't happen so soon. Just please pray for Libby that her gassy tummy will subside. She did sleep good last night.....Glory be to God. I prayed & prayed to God that he would help her & he did. Thank you Jesus.
I am doing GREAT!!!! I am so glad that I am healing so well. It is still kinda hard to get in an out of the car depending on how I get in and out but other than that I am doing well.
I really do love being a mama. God has blessed me with so much & I am so thankful for the opportunity he has giving me to be a parent. It defiantly comes with a lot of stress & being very overwhelmed, but God is helping me & giving me the strength that I need each & everyday.
Well its bedtime, I have learned to sleep as much as I can.......lol

Our Little Girl!!!!!!

WOW!!!!! Where do I start. So, I went in on Wed June 1 at 9:00p.m. They broke my water at 10:45p.m. It felt funny when my doc broke my water. But then again it felt like I expected. I progressed all on my own. I didnt need any help. About 3:00a.m. is when hard labor started kicking in. I tried to be as quite as possible while I was contracting because I wanted Justin to get as much rest as possible. About 3:45a.m. I needed him so he woke up and started helping me get thru the contractions better. At 6:30a.m. my contractions were so hard & coming so fast I couldnt get a break to relax so I got a shot to take the edge off. I am so thankful I got it just in time. My goal was to go drug free & getting that shot really helped for me to achieve my goal. Justin was a huge help. He helped get me thru labor & I could not have done it without God & him. Finally!!!!! at 8:51a.m. Lyberti Hope Stephens was born. She weighed 4lb 3oz she was 17 1/4in. I am so thankful God protected her. I cannot thank God enough for his goodness love & mercy he has apon me & my family. He deserves all of the glory honor & praise.







The pic of us standing in the hospital was right before they had me get back into bed to push..........I have no idea how I cracked that smile.

Happy Memorial Day!!!!!

Thank you
To all who've served our country,
The good old U. S. A.,
And served in the Armed Forces,
Both near and far away,
And those who now are serving,
To keep our country free,
We thank you, more than words can say,
For our sweet liberty.

We know it's been a struggle,
And great sacrifice, too,
To be away from those you love,
And also who love you,
To keep America free from those
Who want to here enslave
The good people of America,
And many now lie in the grave,

Who've given their last measure,
To keep America free,
And many suffer hardships,
From sea to shining sea,
Who were wounded in the battles of
The present and the past,
And some of them are homeless,
And feeling outcast.

We owe a debt of gratitude
To each, and every one,
Who's served our country faithfully,
For victories they've won
Against America's enemies,
Who would enslave us here,
And rob us of our freedom,
Which to our hearts is dear.

May God bless America,
The land of the free,
And bless the Armed Forces,
Wherever they may be,
And may we honor all who've served
The cause of freedom, too,
Who love this land, America,
And our Red, White and Blue.

I am a huge supporter of our troops. I can not imagine what they must go through from day to day. My best friends brother is in the marines. I am so proud of him. He just got back from Iraq. I am so thankful he came home safely.

I tried to upload a video but it wouldnt work for some reason. So, maybe it will work later.

In other news, I am just waiting for my water to break. I thought for sure it would have broken by now because I have been doing a lot of walking & trying to be as active as possible. I even went out on Justin's boat twice in one day. It still didnt work. So, who knows...........I guess she will come when she wants to. Regardless she will be here this week. I just need to be patient.

Waiting Game

I had a doc apt today & Lyberti is doing GREAT!!! They scheduled my induction for June 1. I will go in at 8pm they want to monitor me thru the night & then on Thursday morning they will start giving me the drugs to make me progress. If I make it till next week. My doc checked me today & I am 1cm to 2cm & I am 70% effaced. Her head is really really low. So, my doc thinks I really could go anytime but she decided to schedule the induction anyways just incase. She told me to come home & pack my bags........lol so I did half way. We went for a walk after my doc apt to try & help thin me out even more. I started having a contraction while we were walking so I had to stop for a few min till it subsided. I am exctied that I might go on my own because thats really what I wanted anyway. At the same time its bitter sweet because my pregnacy could end any day. So, I guess we will see what Lyberti wants to do. I no I am going to miss being pregnant. Oh well life must go on. At least I have the reward God has blessed us with. Our preciouse little girl.

Other than that not a whole lot going on. Saidie is geting ready to have her pups. I think she should have them next week. So, we will see which one of us will have our babies 1st :)

He Didn't Throw The Clay Away--Eastern Sky Quartet

I am so thankful that God is molding me & making me each and everyday!!! What an awesome God we serve.

My Baby Shower!!!!!!!!!!

So, my baby shower went GREAT!!!!! everyone was so generous. Libby got 5 baskets full of clothes plus more goodies for her & we got a good start on diapers and wipes. Thank the Lord. We are both ever so thankful for everything. Here are some pics of my shower.













I am so overwhelmed & stressed. I have been trying to get Libbys room organized & I am not sure when my doc plans to induce me. I have to go get a test done on Thursday & if the results are not good she is going to induce me on Thursday :( I just keep praying everything goes good. I really would like to try & carry her for 2 more weeks. My doc already told me that she is not going to let me go to my due date. She said she is going to defiantly induce me at 37 or 38 weeks & I am 36 now. So I am anxious to see her but I am just scarred because I dont know what to expect. I just keep praying Gods will because he know the future & whats best for Libby & I both.