Blessings Abundant

Dear Faithful Readers...

I have not been keeping this thing updated... in fact... I really haven't felt lately like doing much other than sleeping and dreaming of the day I hold our baby girl in my hands! But... there comes a time when peps begin to wonder whats going on... so here goes...

I am thankful for:
My husband - who has been one of my greatest sources of comfort
My Pregnancy - not much to complain about, it's been pretty good!
My Gracey - the Lord blessed me with the greatest "best friend" anyone could have asked for
My baby girl - so many people can not have children, and we have a healthy one... thank you Jesus!
My Home - we love it here in Castle Rock, we'll be here for a while
My Education - I love being challenged to use my mind and talents
My Doctor (OB) - I could not have asked for someone with a better "bed side manner"
My husband's Job - let's just say we are VERY blessed in that area
My debt-free mentality - It's just NOT the American Way (debt, that is)
My baby girl's room - So many people have contributed to making sure she has everything she needs.
My Mom - let's just say "what would I do without her!"
My cousin Jac-lyn - she is such an inspiration to me
My church - so what if we meet in a movie theater?
My heart for the Lord - how do people make it without him?
My 4th of July this year - what a great show it was!
My pain threshold - according to my dermatologist (who freezes off my wart every two weeks) says I have a great pain threshold!
My life - it is consumed with so much positive things, be it the mistakes I have learned from, or the road less traveled I have chosen to walk down many times, or the people that come and go and leave a print, or the many experiences I have yet to look forward to...

I AM SOOOOO BLESSED!
I do not take advantage of the many gifts the Lord has given me.


BTW - I am dedicating this Blog to the GREAT LATE Michael Jackson. He was one of my greatest idols (aside from Celine Dion) from the time I can remember. I do not judge his mistakes, nor the things that people spoke of him, because I know there is only one Judge. And I pray that MJ's soul made it to Heaven, as he was a believer of the GREAT ALMIGHTY! He will be remembered forever and truly missed by me and I will teach my little girl about the king (of talents) he really was!

PS... I have noticed if you try to view our blog using "Internet Explorer" - the blog does not come in right... you either have to use Mozilla to view it correctly... or let me know if you see a black top in my titles name and nothing to the left side of this blog!

We can't wait to meet our baby girl!!!

Life's Precious Moments

Thanks to Megan Jarrett


I am so Thankful I married such a handsome man!!!


We are so looking forward to meeting our baby girl.



















I never knew two people could create such a beautiful thing...
(and I haven't even met her yet!)



God is giving us such a gift...



















Love conquers
all evil...



Thanks Megan Jarrett for your beautiful work!

If you would like to see more of
these photos please click here.

Check out more of Megan's work at www.meganjarrettphotography.com

NOT ME!!!

I am going to try something new today. And I am going to PRAY that I do it right! Most of you DON'T know about "Not Me Monday's" - well I am not sure I really know either, but I am going to give it try. My friend does this on her blog almost every Monday which she picked up from this website MckMama.

You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. Or you can continue to read about my "NOT ME, Monday!"

BTW - My "Not Me Monday" is really a reflection of the last two weeks.

On June 2 (two weeks ago) after Toby and I returned from our trip to Iowa and Wisconsin, I did not have to go to the OB by myself. My husband knows I can't stand doing this stuff by myself. So when "I" got to the doc's office, I did not start crying when the receptionist told me that my doctor was no longer there. I promise I didn't start freaking out and even maybe black out for a little bit when the Nurse Practioner that they made me see told me I was overweight and measuring at 38 weeks along when I was only 32 weeks along. And I assure you I did not tell the staff that I would not do an "emergency" ultra sound without my husband by my side. NO NOT ME! I would never freak out!

I did not spend the day debating whether or not to go to yoga that night because my emotions were too outta' wack! However, I did decide that it was the best thing for me. Ironically, on my way outta' the hospital I ran into my doctor. And though she was on the phone and I was soooooooo extremely excited to see her, I did not write her cell number all over my hand. I promise when I called her, I didn't sound anxious with adrenaline because I had had the worst day ever. No! I wouldn't do that! (BTW - my doctor started her own practice!)

Long story short, I did not spend the next couple days of my life wondering what the heck was going on with me. I promise I was not thinking 24/7 that this baby was coming any minute. And I do promise you that I was not texting my doctor back and forth because I was so unsure about everything. I would never worry that much...

Fortunately, an ultra sound on June 4 proved that I was NOT 38 weeks along. However, I assure you that I wasn't still worried enough to request another ultra sound to make sure details were secured. A week later, June 11, I did not get butterflies in my tummy and maybe even a little tear in my eye as the ultra sound tech told me that our baby was the livliest baby she has ever seen. Nor did I cry when our baby girl started playing peek a boo with the camera! Oh, and let me assure I did not cry when I got to actually see her eye ball move across her eye cavity! And I am sure I didn't tear up even when I told mom about our experience. Not me.

When we got back home I am sure I did not hear on the news (a breaking report) that there was a TORNADO WARNING for Castle Rock. I didn't spend a half hour on the back porch of my condo squeezing my husbands hand as I watched the clouds. And I am pretty sure I never shed a tear in fear after hearing three funnel clouds were spotted. NO, I PROMISE, Tornados are NOT my greatest fear and I WOULD NEVER freak out about one! NEVER!

A half hour later at my OB visit for the week, I don't think I heard that my blood pressure was ASTRONOMICAL. (Gee... I wonder why!?) I am pretty sure that my doctor did not start explaining to me the possibility of having Preeclampsia. And I know for a fact that I DID NOT have to go to the hospital for "stress test" because my doctor was worried about me and the baby. And as surprising as it sounds, there wasn't any "inkling" in me that actually wanted the doctor to send this mama into labor. NOPE, I was perfectly happy being all hooked up and even pricked (let alone being in a hospital) even if I wasn't going into labor.

Oh' Yeah and I assure you that two days later I did not end up back in there at the hospital for ANOTHER "stress test." I promise it wasn't because I was craving cupcakes and made my husband take me to Wal-Mart, which then I did not proceed to insist I check my blood pressure because I was worried. I wouldn't worry, remember I said that before? Nope, I sure didn't freak out yet agian if I found out that my blood pressure was 146/94 (or something like that!). And even though I know those stupid cuffs at Wal-Mart don't work, I promise you I did not text my doctor because I was worried. Again, I don't worry. So the doc really didn't make me come to the hospital again, that would be pointless. Oh' yeah and one more thing, the nurse at the hospital surely would not have told me to stay away from those "imitation blood pressure cuffs" because we all know they are ALWAYS right. Oh' whoops one more thing... I did not tell my doctor as I was leaving the hospital that the next time she makes me come, she better deliver my baby! LOL.

Okay so thats about it of the "NOT ME's!"

Really quick, I just wanted to say how happy I was that some of you are using my tips from the last blog "I can teach you to save money!" I want to hear about your success stories!

Also, some of you have been wondering where Toby and I are registered. Please don't go over-board and I can't express the importance of practicallity. There are some things we already have too much of... so if you stick to the registry, the better you'll be at getting us something we'll use! Check out our registry here at Baby's R Us and here at Target.

Friends make life better...

Toby, Autumn-Rose, Mike, and Jenny

N.E.W. Zoo in Greenbay, WI

(If anyone knows why my pictures are coming in soooooo blurry will you comment?)



Autumn-Rose and Mikey
(Best Friends Forever)
Comparing Bellies... Mike's is definitely bigger!



Mikey and Autumn-Rose
Check out those stretch marks!
(If you can't see them click on the pic to enlarge it!)



Jenny, Mikey, Autumn-Rose and Toby
Miniature Golf Course, Greenbay, WI



True Love!!!


Sebastian (Bash), Jenny, Mikey, Gracey, Autumn-Rose, and Toby
Sad to Leave :(

Toby and I recently took a mini-vacation (the last one of it's kind - that is without a baby tagging along!). We drove for 20 hours (non-stop) up to Greenbay, WI to visit my best friend for many years, Mike. Upon our visit we found out that he had asked his girlfriend, Jenny to marry him! We were so excited to celebrate such an occasion with them. They asked us to be in their wedding which is such an honor!

Mike will our baby girl's God-Father. This is quite the honor as choosing a God parents can be complicated. While he is so much of brother to me, he will make not only a GREAT God parent, but a marvelous uncle.

We are sad that Mike and Jenny live so far away from us! We wish they were closer because they truly are our closest friends. We enjoy playing hours of board games! Cranium, especially! However, the most exciting of our trip to Wisconsin was Mike and I comparing our bellies! I could not believe Mike had stretch marks, what a HOOT! Who do you think is bigger, me or him? Careful!

Friends have the power to bring ones soul such joy. Without friends I think we would be totally incomplete. We are so blessed to have friends to share life with. We can't wait to welcome such joyful friendships into our baby girl's life.

Stay tuned... more about this trip to come...

Decorating is a BLAST!

So this is the semi-finished product of "Mommy's Project!" I am loving this whole decorating thing! This weekend mom came over for an "us" day and we decided to spoil the baby by giving her a room that is BEAUTIFUL as her. I think it is so much fun to paint. Can't wait to finish.

Still left to do:

• Buy window shades
• Finish crib setup
• Buy wall decoration
• Fill dresser Drawers
• Wait for bookshelves (when will they get here?)
• Put baby in CRIB! YEAH!

BEFORE: Excuse the mess (We just put crib and dresser together)




Mommy was a GREAT painting partner...




What is she doing to poor Toby!?




Toby had to touch places up!




But he was so happy to do so!




I was finishing up the wall outlets while Toby worked on curtains.




What do you think?

BOTTOM LINE: It's purple and that's all that matters. We have much to still do, but ah' the joy I have resorting to the baby's room. Toby asked me last night, "You gunna make it yours?" LOL. I just might have to! LOL.

STAY TUNED... more to come...

BTW - if you're interested Toby and I are registered at Baby's R' US and Target. Click the link to go directly to our registries!

In Honor of Mother's Day...

I dedicate this blog to mommy...

My Mommy -
she is my best friend
she knows me better than anyone
she will always have a special place in my heart
she completes me in more ways than one could imagine

Mommy has taught me everything I need to know about to be a mother! If I know what it is like to be a mom, it is because she has taught me how. I love her unconditionally. I can not wait to have her by my side to welcome me into motherhood!!!

MARVEL - here is a shout out to you... Toby and I are wishing you a VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S Day and even better a VERY VERY VERY HAPPY (You know what) BIRTHDAY!

Additionally... many mother's have touched our hearts... in inexpressive ways... we want to thank you all... Do I need to name names? You know who you are! And we hope this day is all about you!

And to leave on a bang, we have a VERY special story to share with you. This story is special because we share something that happened this week which relates to "motherhood!" ENJOY

On Wednesday afternoon, Autumn (me) spent the afternoon in the presence of the most loving mom I know. We were on our way out the door to enjoy a great dinner (PIZZA!), when I was caught off guard by my belly (this happens often). I went to search this feeling with my hand (again as I often do) to find our baby girl's heart just beating away. Okay, so this is not the type of beating you feel in a pulse. This was actually her heart I felt! OH MY GOSH! So I said, "Mom come here, you have to feel this! I feel her heart!" She melted just as I did. We both had our hands there feeling this pulsing miracle continue to beat. She must have had her heart pushed up against my belly (their skin is so thin - they have few muscles yet).

When I got home, I was so excited to find her heart again so that Toby could enjoy this miracle taking place as well. There is nothing like it! There are no words to describe the joy that fulfilled me in those moments. I am truly amazed at God and his miracle of creating this baby inside me. WOW!

BTW - if you missed it... the comment links are now working... Please let us know what you think about the new layout!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

He that is in me is GREATER!!!

I know ... I know... I know...
If you got a chance to check out the time stamp on this blog, then you noticed its the middle of the night. Truth is there is something that has been weighing on my mind which has kept me up in the middle of the nights and kept my face "puffy" with crying.

Tonight in my escapades of tears I felt
comforted by more than the hand of my husbands.


For months now I have feared so many things. It wasn't until recently I noticed my fears began to get more intense. Laying there tonight I pondered if these fears stemmed from pregnancy or something more. As I lay there unable to speak because I was overwhelmed with weeping, God began to speak to me.

First let me share with you some of these fears. Within the last couple of years I have felt like someone very close to me has sort of "disappeared" from my life. This person has recently had quite the affect on my emotional health. I am not sure exactly what happened to us, or what battle I have to fight to get this person back, but emotionally I am so tired, I have almost "given up." The fear I have is that this person will get too far away from me and it will be too late.

There is also this inundating fear of "birth"... not so much the epidural, anymore - remember I addressed that in my last blog?! But just fear in general, the pain, the unknown, the humility, the after-pain, even the fear of motherhood. I am not sure what it is... well I wasn't sure until tonight... but this fear continues to take the life out of me everyday. I think I have wasted the last two months of what should have been enjoying my pregnancy.

There are little fears here and there that build on the "generality" of either of these fears mentioned above. So as you can imagine, I have spent the last couple of weeks either taking my emotions out on my husband or pleading for his comfort. Its either one or the other extreme; nothing in between. I remember laying in bed last night and telling him, "Toby I am so tired of fighting. I don't even know what I am fighting. But emotionally I can't do this anymore. I am falling apart."

Today was a rough day for me... I pleaded with God for comfort, I even practiced the relaxation techniques taught in birthing class this past weekend. Of course staying busy always makes time seem to go by faster and we tend to put our true problems on hold until we are alone again free from distraction. Well... no matter how I tried to avoid it today, it was going to come to me; I was going to have to face "whatever was happening." I tossed and turned as my precious husband snuggled me and comforted me in his arms.

Would you believe just as I turned to comfort him and hold him as he holds me every night, I broke out into tears. They were tears that Toby had told me all day were due to come soon; he knew I was holding back. So he just held me so tight in his arms and calmed me,

"Shhh... it's going to be okay... just let it out..." he kept saying.
Then he said to me,
"Who can be against me when God is for me?"
You might recognize this paraphrase of Romans 8:31.



After hearing those words, I began to thank God for making my husband into the Godly man I had always asked him to be. My tears began to subside and while he was still holding me I began to cite over and over again,

"He that is in me is GREATER than he that is in the world."
Paraphrased from 1 John 4:4


As I continued to say this verse over and over again, you would not believe the peace I felt. My tears were wiped away and I felt so reassured. God gave me the greatest picture just then and I had to share it.

You see for all these months I had been battling and I wasn't sure what for. But the battle became so clear to me within those few short minutes. I was fighting the demons of this world, not satan, because I would never give him that type of credit. But here I was laying there and it hit me like a pan over the head. For those of you who know me all to well know I have dreamed of the day when I would be a mommy. Who knew approaching this dream would bring me so much sorrow. Well perhaps the enemy of this world, the one that wants so badly to take away what is so rightfully ours.


God began to make sense of this verse I was citing over and over again - listen carefully... "HE that is IN ME, is GREATER, than he that is in this earth." From the day I gave my life to God, I gave him my soul, my body and my spirit in all that it is; every last form. So that means that this baby girl of mine, that God created IN ME, she must be the HE THAT IS IN ME!

You see the battle of this world, the one we fight as Christians each day is the battle of the angels and demons. The angels always win, because HE is GREATER!


I consecrated my baby girl to God from the moment Toby and I created her in Gods love. We gave her a name that means "Angel consecrated to God" and for the last two months we call her by that name so that she will always know she is an angel of Gods.

My first job as a mother, which starts right now, is to remember that there is a battle going on right now for my baby's soul. But see... he that is in this world can not have her soul, because HE THAT IS GREATER had it first, and HE IS GREATER! I know, as I heard tonight, this battle is going to rage on, as all battles do, but let me assure you that I intend to fight in this battle and fight as I hard as I can.


Some of you may not understand this spiritual battle I speak of. But it is very real. If I consider and look at all the things that bring fear to my heart, they are all things of this world, and they are all things that ultimately could win the soul of my baby's. I have been wagering in this battle already, I just didn't know what it was for. But now that I know it is about this precious girl that God has blessed me with, I want to fight so much harder. And I will win.

Today, in the midst of my sorrow, I was listening to KLOVE (a Nationwide Christian Radio Station). There was a woman on there who was speaking of her daughter she caught that morning singing a praise song. This little girl was no more than five years old and she was belting it out! The mother came to watch this miracle take place and fell to her knees. Her little girl of only five years was worshipping the GREATEST GOD! I came home and told Toby of this little girl, and I said to him, "Can you not picture our little girl doing the very same thing and making us fall to our knees?" I can't wait to see what an angel she will be. I have great hopes for her. I have images of her walking with thousands and teaching them of the only thing that can bring them peace and love, GOD! I have images of her singing praise songs, especially in times when we need it most. I have images of her bringing a light unto the many family and friends I have that still do not know the Lord. I have an image that this little girl is greatly going to change the lives of those around her. While I know these are only images and nothing is promised, I have faith in my God to fulfill these desires and wants. And I have enough faith in my prayers to never cease believing she will do all these things!

"For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." Psalm 33:4

"Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 97:10

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." Psalm 145:13

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" Psalm 46:10

Research paper and Childbirth class

Dear Faithful readers,

I reflect today on this weekend! What a wonderful weekend it was. Where to start?

It started with the completion of my Research paper... Teaching a Child with Autism... which is mind you 35 pages long and counting... no it is not complete yet. It could be fairly overwhelming to read, so don't feel pressured to succumb to it! This is my new passion, not that it is all that new; to be a strong advocate for Autism. BTW - this is a chapter to my practicum which I plan to work on this summer. If you know of anyone who currently endures Autism in their family will you give them my info. It is exactly this disorder that has encouraged me towards a doctorate. If you know me than you know my subsequent paper will be on preventing Autism. YES! I believe it is possible... To those of you considering vaccinations for your babies... please wait until their bodies are strong enough!

What a relief to know to know that much is complete! So on Saturday, Toby and I spend the WHOLE day in "Childbirth" class. Let me just say this... this time last week I went to bed and woke up in the middle of the night in sweat and crying. I had, had another nightmare of the "epidural." I remember sayin' to Toby, "PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME!" For some reason, it was my understanding that your birthing partner is not allowed to be there while you get the epidural to hold you. Well... I was so thankful for this class because it put so many fears to rest. I think I had not gained proper information on the epidural process. We all know fear of the unknown is the worst. I had overwhelmed myself with multiple verses of the bible where God reminds us not to worry... however, I still felt inundated with fear. My friends said things like, "Oh you can do it, its just a shot!" and things like this. THANK GOD for Childbirth class because I got the REAL facts. Yes, it's gunna hurt. Yes, I can have my husband there by my side. And Yes, it is safe. Just the thought of doing labor without the epidural is enough. I am so glad I can depend on the epidural if I need it!

Toby and I also got some great bonding time while in this class! We learned what each other needs for "birthing" to take place. It was actually kinda' romantic. I am so blessed to have the greatest man alive! I will never forget this moment in class when we were learning different techniques on how to relax, Toby and I were dancing, you know that type of dancing you did in high school at the dances. LOL. It was so special though. I think it is safe to say, I am going to have an AWESOME birthing partner to do this with. Toby said if I get the epidural and I am doing "okay" he's willing to catch our baby girl in his hands! Nothing brings me greater joy!

It's funny to me how 9 hours of just sitting is enough to ware a seven month preggo lady out! LOL. The minute we got home I hit the couch while Toby grilled up cheeseburgers. It wasn't five minutes after dinner (as Toby said) that I was passed out! I remember waking up at about eight and telling Toby I wanted to go to bed. CAN YOU BELEIVE THAT!? I didn't wake up until 10:00 am on Sunday.

And speaking of BEING WORN OUT... I tried to wake up this morning to do some house cleaning. I made it... I did clean the house, however, I killed over about half-way through because I just had hardly any energy to complete. I don't know where my energy has gone... Perhaps it's this gigantic belly that wieghs far too much to the front that makes me overcompensate. LOL.

Well I decided to keep it short and sweet today. Hopefully I will have enough energy to get on here throughout the week, as I have soooooo much more to share!

BTW - if any of you have tips on how to get my comment link to work, let me know! I am clueless! And I know some of you are interested in commenting!

Forgive my randomness!!!

The things I am thinking about...

...how blessed Toby and I are...
...can't believe how big I am getting...

...better yet, am so excited my baby girl is growing so healthily...
...will she have my color hair...
...or will she have my chubby cheeks...
...will she suffer through my curse of zits...
...will she dance...
...will she sing...
...the intricate imagination of God...
...ie, this baby girl is part me and part Toby... (HOW AMAZING!)
...how much love is she going to have...
...whose going to love her name...
...whose going to hate her name...
...what is it like to share blood with someone you love...
...if my boobs are getting so big, where is the milk...
...could they get any bigger...
...will I be lucky enough to avoid the dreaded stretch marks...
...will I cry as I get the epidural...
...i know I will cry when I hold her...
...i am so excited to meet her...


I am also thinking...
...how thankful I am for my mom...
...without her, I would not be who I am today...


...how thankful I am for Toby...
...without him I would not know the act of unconditional love...


...how thankful I am for friends...
...for whom without I would be boring...

...how thankful I am for forgiveness....
...for without it, I would be homeless in the streets of my heart...


...how thankful I am for each and everyone of my family members...
...for without each of them, I would not have a will to live...
(sorry if you are a member of my family and are not pictured- doesn't make you less important in my life, just means I couldn't find a pic of you)



Additionally I am thinking... (random stuff)

...how in the world did this "swine flu" become such a big deal...
...will my baby girl be safe from it...
...God tells me not to worry...
...But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.
(Luke 21:14 NIV)...
...why can't I get motivated to write this darn practicum...
...do I really know how to write it anyways...
...whats the point in writing a class reflection paper
when they make you fill out a survey any way...
...is Rachel having as much fun getting to know Germany as I would be...
...does Amanda ever think of me...
...will Gracey be around long enough to enjoy the abundance of family Toby and I wish to have...
...what is Heaven like for doggies...
...how can anyone hurt a dog...
...will this wart on my finger ever go away...
...i have had it for 7 months...
...will Roger and Marvel really come back to share our home again (and bring the crib)...
...how come mom hasn't answered my messages today...
...how should I decorate the baby's room...
...will it ever be spring...
...will I get to camp before our baby comes...
...i love camping...
...should we get Gracey another pal to tag along with her...
...does anyone ever really read this blog anyways...
...will Ian ever get married...
...bet Ian never thought I'd never mention him in a blog...
...can I go to So You Think You Can Dance this year...
...will I get to be a great dancer in Heaven...
...will I ever get to me Celine Dion...
...will she ever know I am her biggest fan...
...are the students of FPU as successful as Toby and I have been...
...do you know what FPU is...
...if not see the second previous blog...
...what will i do with a masters degree...
...should i get my doctorate...
...could you see me as a child psychologist...
...hey, it could happen...
...anything can happen, if you believe...
...how long do I have to wait to see my brother again...
...speaking of brothers, will David ever learn how to survive in society...

I TOLD YOU THIS STUFF WAS RANDOM!!!
...how many other woman are pregnant...
...how many are due around the end of July...
...why is facebook so addicting...
...no I am not bored...
...i am just reflective...
...where will I go on my next vacation...
...how are my cousins that are pregnant with me doing...
...hope I never have to do CPR on my baby girl...
...are you bored, have you given up on my randomness...
...does Jac-lyn know how much I admire her...
...does she know how much she reflects the sister I've always wanted...
...how can Toby wake me up this morning and say it's snowing...
...now it is sunny and no snow is on the ground...
...another opportunity missed at the gym...
...should I do the WiiFit...
...do I look as silly as Toby does when he hula hoops...
...what should I make for dinner...
...is this getting inundating...
...i should stop...
...bet Rachel enjoyed this...
...miss you Rachy...

The joy of family! (Titone's Visit)

What a busy time it has been around here! Probably the most enjoyable of this busiest time; our family. Toby and I never forget to thank God for our wonderful blessings in family. We have been so blessed to experience so much love. This is the love that we hope to pass on to our most precious little girl.

Recently, Toby's parents joined us for some well needed time together. It was my first time meeting Toby's step mom, Marvel. There are truly not enough words to describe the joy this woman brought to my heart. We had some very intimate conversations that brought a lot of things into the light of my life. Marvel and I also share a very important passion, to change and greatly impact the lives of those we truly love. Not only did I find a loving mother in law in Marvel, but I found a life-long friend. I can't wait to get to know her more and share so many more stories.

On the less sappy side of this story, I encouraged Marvel to stay in touch through facebook. She instantly fell in love and we are able to stay close in touch. LOL. Toby and I had planned to have his parents out here as sort of a vacation (in between my rather inundating load of masters classes), however it turned into much more than that. We were so blessed at their welcomeness and loving spirit already being poured into our baby girl. And Toby especially had some very special moments with his daddy! Marvel and I just sat in awe, because it was so beautiful to see such a bond being built up.

We know they will be back soon! Not because they still have yet to give our baby girl the crib, (he he), but because they were so enamerated with our love and joy for life and were hopefully inspired.

Toby and I firmly believe that our job as God's children is to lift up our brothers and sisters, but specifically our family. We share a mix of all types! And I have to say, I would not be more honored than to be a part of this whole family (be it the Titones, the Dodsons, the Woods, the Melas, etc.) - I know Toby would agree. So if ever you think there is not someone out there wishing you and praying you the best, think again, because we are!

I share with you the very first video created just for our precious little girl. It can be long, but the good news is it is special. It is special because Marvel and Roger have already taken the steps to invest so much in our family. We will never forget how special this moment was! You will love this story and the prayer after the story. (By the way - reading to baby in utero has been proven to have an effect upon later reading the very same book outside of utero! Very interesting stuff...)

May I leave you with this thought... never forget the power of family... no matter how big or small... family has the power to change ones soul... it has the power to make ones life worth living and fighting for... but it also has to power to do the very opposite...God has given us such blessing within family, don't forget to remember Him in your family...even if they don't know the Lord... they will see the Lord in you...family is thicker than water... (we all know that)... but think about it...your family will always be there for you... they will pick you up no matter how many times you've abandoned them... they will encourage and discourage you... but they will always love you... because God has destined your family to always be there for each other... thank your family, encourage them, love them, and remember them in all you do!


"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1Cr 13:13, NIV)

When you believe...

If you took the time to watch this video (click the title) and listen to the words, truly listen, you will feel what I feel today. Life has always been a sequence of challenges and then "pick me ups." I could write a book on the many miracles I have been blessed to experience in my 26 years of life thus far. However, there is not enough time today to tell you of all of them. But one in particular has touched me beyond belief and I felt that it was only right to share it with you today.

Around the second week of November, Toby and I learned that I was pregnant. As you can imagine, all types of emotions began to pour out. I was unsure of what kind of mother I would be and I was unsure if we were going to really be able to give our baby what he/she deserves etc. So in those times of thinking, I began to realize that Toby and I were not prepared financially for a family. We were selfishly spending money on ourselves and unaware of the situation we had gotten ourselves into. I was only working part time to bring in a little income for extra things, however it was not enough to pay any significant bills.

It has been a long time dream of mine to be a mother, but now I was forced to see that my selfish actions were not a place to bring this blessing into. I began to lose hope. I knew early December I had to consciously make a decision for our little baby growing inside me. I wrote a dear friend of mine who was my mentor when I first came to know the Lord. She is full of wisdom and unconditional love. I knew she would have something to say. As Carol has always done, she encouraged me first by reminding of all the blessings that I have or had and that they were gifts to honor the challenges/trials I had overcome. Then she began to tell me that if I was "that" concerned about our finances than I should attend with Toby this workshop that was going to be offered in January. The workshop was called "Financial Peace University (FPU)." You might recognize the name and know that Dave Ramsey is the creator of this marvelous and life-giving idea.

As you might imagine, I was a little weary because I hate church events in which they try to tell you how you SHOULD be living your life. But MY FATHER is much greater than that... so I began to pray with great intent. I knew that if I decided to attend this it was going to be a commitment unlike one I had ever made. Well, guess what, I decided it was the only thing that was going to bring me hope for our situation, so we joined. Our initial investment was only 100$ (for materials), but our product was over 20,000$ (and still growing!).

Now some of you are curious to know how such a difference of a class could make such a difference in Toby and I's life. But we had no choice but to believe it would. To put it in simplest terms, it was truly a miracle for us; this FPU class. I believe for you to understand this miracle that took place you'd have to understand our circumstance.

Toby and I had a B-E-A-UTiful wedding in August of 08. And even better an unforgettable, once in a life time, honeymoon. Unfortunetly, we put most of our expenses on credit; which was well over 30,000$. Not only did we together bring this burden into the marriage, but myself brought a 16,000$ car loan and 80,000$ worth of student loan debt. Yah, many will tell you this type of selfishness is doomed to ruin a marriage. But let me put them in their place, because I tell you, this type of selfishness actually made (is making) Toby and I much stronger. With the initial responses to finding out I was pregnant, I knew I could no longer do what I was doing (job), so I quit. This added another burden for Toby and I. We were going to have to try to make it on just Toby's income. It's possible, right, well when you have the kind of debt we have, it's not. At least not when you want the best for your baby. And that is why FPU was our miracle.


FPU follows a simple "seven baby steps." Are you ready to hear how simple they are?

1. Step one : Save 1,000$ for an emergency fund
2. Step two : Pay off all debt except the house using the "debt snowball" (smaller debts first)
3. Step three : Save 3-6 months of expenses
4. Step four : Invest 15% of your household income into Roth IRA's and pre-tax retirement plans.
5. Step five : Save for college (your kids)
6. Step six : Pay off your home early
7. Step seven : GIVE and build wealth!

Today, Toby and I are barely to step two, but the information we gained in this class was priceless. It was life giving and such a relief to know that "peace" was easily attained. And here is the miracle (or at least one), the miracle is the will and strength that God gave us to follow these steps with true intent. And the other miracle, not only were Toby and I able to save OVER 1,000$ for our emergency fund, but we were also able to pay off my car, all 16,000$ worth. We were blessed with a financial gift in order to make this happen. We put that gift with our tax return etc, and we our now without car payments! Oh! You have no idea what a relief this has been to us and our marriage. Plus there is nothing like having enough faith in God and believing HE is going to answer the desires of your heart. We believe we should have our credit debt paid off within the latest two years. It is at that point we will be able to start paying off my student loans.

With great trust in the Lord and hope, we will continue to feel blessed by our change of life. And if you're thinking we'll never be able to enjoy our vacations as we have in the past, you are wrong. FPU also teaches you the tools you need to save for these type of things (vacations, Christmas, entertainment etc.). We have learned so much. We have learned about finances in every way (from saving for emergencies to saving for retirement and nursing homes, etc)! We have learned about faith! We have learned that God truly will always answer the desires of your heart if they are to be blessed.

It is now that I look and reflect on this miracle in hopes to encourage other miracles in our loved ones hearts. FPU is truly what this country and world needs. Everyone should consider such a blessing. It will change the future of our generation and the next. That's a bold statement, right, well, I believe so conciously in this program that I will stand by that comment until the day I die.

May you experience this type of miracle for yourselves. And may you always know that we would love to share with you what we have learned.

"Miracles can happen, when you believe..."

Love Passionately,
Autumn-Rose