Matthew and Emily

Is this normal?

2012-02-06T02:51:00.001-08:00

I find myself asking this question a lot lately and am so thankful to have a smart phone since my baby spends an hour nursing at each feeding (normal?) making my trips to the computer few and far between.

Is it normal that I now wake up before she does wondering if it's feeding time? She's on her way to sleeping through the night so I'm hoping this goes away.

Is the number of times she poops and it's color normal? Enough said.

I am looking forward to our doctor appointment this Friday so I can ask these and some of my other questions.

Now for a some photos. I love it when she smiles in her sleep!

She makes some hilarious faces and one night I captured a few:

"Look at me hold my head up Mom, I'm getting so strong!"

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One month old

2012-01-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

One month ago today (yesterday I started writing this) at 6:06 am Charis Anne decided to join the world and bless so many people in it. I have to say that waiting to find out the sex of our child was the best decision! I loved getting to hear "It's A Girl!" from my husband after 40 weeks 3 days of pregnancy, 15 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing. It was the best! The past month has been incredible getting to know our daughter and sharing so many firsts with her. She is a great baby! She sleeps at night, only waking to eat, and is very alert and happy during the day. She eats well and loves very much to be cuddled and warm. Here are some highlights from the past month.

You didn't like your first bath too much, but you like them better now. Your daddy is getting really good at this part of your day.

Bows and a Smile :)

Your first bottle from Daddy! He loved feeding you and will hopefully get to do so many more times.

Your first time meeting Bay and Papa Jim (Jim and Libby)

Happy One Month Charis! Your great grandma Angie covered this chair to match your nursery! You look so cute in it :)

What would a series of photos be without Lorelai?

The dentist

2012-01-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

I got well initiated into parenthood today while at my dentist appointment :) Charis was being so sweet in her carseat for most of my visit when she started getting fussy. I took her out and set her on my lap where she happily sat looking at the fun lights. When my sweet hygienist was finished and we were waiting on the dentist, I picked her up to find she had saved all of yesterday's bowel movements for that very moment. she was happy until I ha to strip her down and essentially bathe her with wipes right there in the dentist office. I'm so thankful that all systems are functioning properly:)

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39 Weeks

2011-12-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Alright folks (Lesley)... here it is!

38 Weeks

2011-12-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

This was my 38 week photo.

And this is our tree this year.

We are anticipating the arrival of Baby McColgin any day now! We go to the doctor tomorrow morning and are hoping to show some progress, but we know this baby will come in God's timing. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, text messages and phone calls. We are so thankful by your many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:39:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute and say Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful to Jesus - who came and lived on this earth as a man and who offered the greatest sacrifice in order that I might live. Thank you to God, for sharing your son with the world and allowing Him to suffer on my behalf. Thank you for all of the many many blessings you have placed in my life! I have an amazing family, a loving husband, a baby on the way and a wonderful group of friends whom I love. Blessings on each of you! May you know the love of the Father and experience His rest and peace.

Love,
Emily

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Springfield Baby Shower

2011-11-14T15:50:00.001-08:00

Bedtime Stories

hosted by my mom, grandmas, Aunt Beth, and Lesley Noe

Shout out to Aunt Beth for taking all of these wonderful photos and helping me capture wonderful memories!

Thank you to everyone who helped and who came to shower me and Baby McColgin! We feel so blessed and honored to know all of you. We can't wait for you to meet Baby M and find out - will it be a boy or a girl?

Nursery Update

2011-11-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

We have essentially finished the nursery! We are still waiting on the ottoman and have a wall to finish decorating - but for now . . .

I LOVE this glider! I go in here and sit several times a week, just soaking it all in and praying for our future occupant. I am getting more and more ready - the reality hits me a little deeper every day. I am so thankful that I serve a good and loving God because without Him, I think I would be scared out of my mind.

Notice the giraffe painting - our sweet friend and neighbor painted this for us as a shower gift! This baby is extremely blessed.

NWA Baby shower

2011-10-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful friends of mine threw a wonderful shower for me this past weekend. It was made even more special by having my mom and mother-in-law both there. We are very blessed and do not take for granted the blessings God has given us.

Yep, they played the "guess how big Emily is" game and came up with some fairly interesting ways of guessing.

Atlantis

2011-10-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I have amazing parents! Two weeks ago we went to Atlantis with my parents and had a wonderful time. The first day was a bit rainy so we walked around the property, enjoying the beautiful aquariums. Just a couple of pics

World Mandate

2011-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Matthew and I got to travel to good 'ole Waco, TX for World Mandate. On our way, we stopped in Dallas to visit Travis and Gina! Oh what fun! We went to Ikea and Buy Buy Baby. We got to meet their dog Dennis and talk babies :) Unfortunately, our stop was so quick that we forgot to take any photos.

World Mandate was awesome. We hadn't been since 2007 so it was incredible to be back in the presence of our church where God is doing a major work of His Holy Spirit. The only photo I got...

One of the best parts of the trip was getting to stay with Rachel and Ben. On Saturday afternoon, we went to Homestead Heritage for lunch and it was amazing!

On our way home, we drove through some crazy storms. It wasn't fun, but Matthew did an amazing job staying calm and driving safely. When we got a chance to stop, we saw some amazing clouds.

And a special shout out to Pat and Gary for keeping Lorelai for the weekend - Thank you guys!

My recent internet obsession

2011-09-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I am addicted to researching cloth diapers.

Hah. That feels good.

So a couple of months ago, Matthew suggested that of course, we would use cloth diapers with our baby. Really? Trying to be supportive, I said "Okay". He had actually already been doing some research trying to find out how soon you could potty train. He read that cloth diapered kids actually potty train faster because they learn to feel when they are wet sooner. (He also thought that they came out crawling).

So he sent me to a couple of websites and I hesitantly started looking into it. Wow is it overwhelming! There are so many different brands, types, and styles. For me, the fact that I am choosing to stay home, cloth diapering seems like a wise economical decision since we could potentially save $1500 or more if we use them for the next baby. I'm hoping that my hours of research pay off in the long run :)

Anyways... here are some of the sites where I have been spending the majority of my time.

Sweet Bottoms
My go to site for reviews and recommendations
Amazon carries many of the main brands and I like reading the reviews
Most require enzyme free detergent. This site has tons of great information!

If you or anyone you know has had cloth diapering success, please let me know what you used! If you think I'm crazy, join the crowd!

Nursery Progress

2011-09-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

I stress PROGRESS, because we are not finished yet! But I am loving the way it looks and can't wait to finish and add its inhabiter!

For those who don't know Matthew very well: he LOVES Lorelai. Be treats her like a child and with other people, talks about her as though she is one. So the fact that she is on the changing table for not the first time, shouldn't surprise us.

Using the command "Leave It" works for a short time. Training her not to eat baby toys is going to be a challenge, especially with the ones that look just like her.

painting = round ligament pain

2011-09-03T11:17:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Matthew and I decided to start painting the nursery. I bought the paint and started taping the trim that night. He surprised me by doing most of the trim while I was in bed. I found this when I went in the next morning!

He has painted a lot in his time, so he has to teach me along the way.

The base color:

The gray stripes with the tape still on

More stripes. I will post another pic when we are finished.

Oh my. I worked in there most of the day yesterday, taping and painting stripes. I finished striping the whole room (with a little help). I thought that my round ligament pain had come and gone. hah! It started back last night and hasn't gone away yet. I am comfortable in a couple of positions and getting up is comical. Once I get up, I am okay.

Two pieces of advice:
1) Pregnant friends beware: Don't paint the nursery by yourself! Let your husband do most of it. 2) Painting stripes on walls that are super textured = bad idea. My sweet and very servant-minded husband spent several hours today touching up where the paint bled through. (I couldn't help because of my r.l.p.)

my belly moves

2011-08-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, the baby's movement started picking up and getting to where other people can actually feel it. I love when I sit down after being up for a while baby starts going crazy - it's like I need to be reminded that there's a baby inside me! It is still hard to believe sometimes.

My belly is also telling me to eat sweets! I am normally a sweet tooth, so these pregnancy hormones are not helping. I picked up donut holes at the grocery yesterday, made no-bake cookies this afternoon, and am sure to have ice cream in the freezer for my late night root beer floats. No wonder I'm starting to gain some weight!

I am sensing the need for another photo op - coming soon! Today wasn't a good hair day so maybe tomorrow :)

21 Weeks

2011-08-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

We got to get an ultrasound today! It was so exciting to see our little baby move around. Everything looked good as far as measurements, growth etc. We are so thankful for a healthy pregnancy and give all the glory to Jesus!

At first, I thought this was a funny picture to give us. After looking at it a while, it looks like the baby has my feet!

Baby kept putting his/her hand in front of the face, so it was hard to get a good shot.

I am starting to feel movement too! It is very spontaneous and hard to explain, but it is still really cool. I am just amazed that there is a tiny person inside me!

Indiana Wedding

2011-08-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I got to visit Indianapolis for the first time. This is where Matthew's parents grew up and where Matthew went every summer to spend time on the farm with his family. It was so fun to hear stories and sense the strong emotions associated with the childhood memories. We celebrated his cousin Andy's marriage to Olivia. It was a gorgeous wedding!

Andy and Olivia's rehearsal dinner was in their back yard. It included a huge grill, massive amounts of crawfish and shrimp, a food truck and a great time!

We got to see a beautiful Indiana sunset at the rehearsal dinner. Here are Matthew's parents happy to have all of their children together.

Apparently Jim needed beads

Brothers and their dad. Great men.

On Saturday morning, Matthew and I headed downtown with his siblings to visit the Indianapolis zoo.

I think the penguins may have been our favorite.

Mama elephant and her "tiny" baby.

I think the giraffes are beautiful!

As you can see, we had a great time watching the animals together :)

Happy 60th Birthday Jim!

We had a great lunch with the whole family :)

Afterward we went out to Uncle Jerry's house to hang out.

No explanation for this...

De Bordieu, South Carolina

2011-08-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I got to meet Matthew's family out in South Carolina. They rented a house right on the beach in a neighborhood in South Carolina. It was wonderful. I was able to rest and relax. Read a book. Sit on the beach. Sit on the patio and listen to the rain. We also did some exploring up the coast and took a tour in Charleston. I took some photos of the beach. Every afternoon around 3 pm the tide rose to our stairs.
Grafton and Christy found these sand dollars after much looking.
Starfish were easier to find, but many of them were too fuzzy to save, or they were still alive so we didn't want to kill them.
We learned that South Carolina has the most sea turtle nests on the East Coast with over 3000 each year. Had we been there a week or two later, we might have seen some hatch.

19 Weeks

2011-08-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

I have to agree with other pregnant mommas out there that the second trimester is a lot of fun! My appetite is back, the nausea completely gone and my energy levels are pretty much back to normal. And to think I wondered if I would ever feel normal again.

We are enjoying the planning process of getting the nursery ready and picking out baby gear together. We have ordered a crib, a dresser/changer, and we have gender neutral bedding. I can't wait to put it all together for Baby M! We have been discussing names and have come to a semi-agreement on a boys name. We haven't completely agreed to the middle name. For a girls name... we are still working on that.

This is for you Mom :) We need to work out the logistics of this to get a better photo... maybe I should wear something other than all blue against a blue wall. To quote my husband "There's a baby in there!" If you can't tell, we are a little bit excited.

Babies... Babies... Babies...

2011-07-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

My boss had her baby boy today! Praise the Lord everything went really well and he is a strong 8 lbs. 12 oz. The girls were anxious all day as we waited to get the news. They are thrilled to have a brother and I am thrilled for them! I will get to meet this precious guy tomorrow.

I am so excited to get to share this experience with so many people I know and love. Not only that, but to have kids the same age! I love it! Our neighborhood must have good drinking water because 4 of us are preggo. In fact, on my block alone, there are 3 in a row. November, December, February. We are going to have so much fun together!

I just found out yesterday that one of my college roommates is "Knocked Up" as she puts it. Hilariously awesome! Also another friend of mine from college is due 10 days after we are. I know its a likely thing to happen at this stage in life, but it is very exciting for me! It makes becoming a parent a little less scary I suppose.

I am starting to get a baby bump. The 7 year old I take care of told me today she could see my belly starting to show. Thank you Madelyn :)

Baby Things

2011-06-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

Yay! Thank you sweet Anna for these adorable baby things from Baylor! We were both so excited to open this package! We just can't wait to be able to put them on our little one in a few months.

Heartbeat 150 bpm

2011-06-21T09:40:00.001-07:00

I got to go to the doctor this morning to hear the heartbeat of our baby! At the time, it seemed very routine. As I think back about it tho, it is incredible to hear that tiny heartbeat come across so clear, so loud, and so fast! I am so thankful to be carrying this tiny person inside of me. I am thankful for those moments when it becomes more and more real to me that I am going to be a mother. I am also very thankful for my wonderful husband who has been so supportive and understanding through the first trimester woes. Psalms says that the heavens declare the glory of the Lord. Today, inside my belly is a baby whose life proclaims the glory of the Lord with the sound of a heartbeat. Thank you Jesus!

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12 Weeks Pregnant!

2011-06-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I are so excited to tell our family and friends that we are going to have a baby! Not only that, but December 26th is our due date so Merry Christmas! We got to go to the doctor at 8 weeks along to have an ultrasound and this is the photo we got to bring home! It was an incredible experience to see a heart beating at 155 bpm.

The first trimester has been . . . fun :) Starting at 6 weeks, I started having the nausea that lasts all day long. I forced myself to keep eating. My list of food aversions is quite fun! Meat, anything green (except pickles!) , vegetables. Things I have been able to eat: Dairy, fruit, and carbs. I've recently added chicken nuggets to my list and have made the rounds to most of the fast food restaurants. I have started feeling much better the past couple of weeks, as long as I keep my stomach full. This means I'm eating snacks all day long :)

Anyways... I am looking forward to updating on the pregnancy and eventually Baby McColgin!

Signs of Spring

2011-03-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Today is technically the first day of spring. Happy right? All of me is shouting with joy except for my sinuses. The pollen count is at 11.0 out of 12 today so my time outside is limited. But I love seeing signs of summer everywhere around me. Our yard is in need of a lot of clean up, new mulch and some pretty annuals. I can't wait to get out there and make it pretty! I am also super excited to see what comes back this year. We planted so much last spring and have had such a hard winter but I think we will get a lot back. Our trees all have some new growth and are doing well. The only tree that looks pitiful is our Teddy Bear Magnolia. The -15 degree temps this winter literally freezer burned the leaves of this southern tree. I am reassured that it is alive and growing! We will lose all of the brown leaves, but new ones are coming.

Buds have formed... leaves to come :)

My small planting of daffodils decided to bloom this year!
Lamb's Ear

grain free pup

2011-03-18T08:30:00.001-07:00

Isn't she pretty? I love her like I NEVER thought I could love a dog. She is a big part of our home and I am thankful for her playful spirit and constant loyalty (to food & treats haha). I hope to have a baby someday because I know that Matthew and I will love them so much more.

So while she is a beautiful creature (despite the fact she eats mice, bugs, and caterpillars) she also has food allergies. I had never heard of dogs and food allergies until she was almost a year old. We noticed she scratched herself all the time. We changed her food and that helped a little but I was totally at a loss as to what I should actually be feeding her. There are so many different websites that say different things and really just try to sell you a product. The scratching got worse this last fall so I took her in to the vet who suggested a different type of food. This food - the Core version - is GRAIN FREE. This made a huge difference.

After visiting a holistic pet shop in Charlotte, NC, we removed the grain filled treats we'd been giving her for over year. She now gets sweet potato fries found in a pet bakery here in Rogers and odor-free bully sticks. We also put probiotics in every bowl of food she gets. She no longer scratches at all! Her ears are healthy, her eyes no longer have that typical cocker gunk, and her coat is gorgeous. Call me crazy, but if I'm buying food and treats, I may as well buy stuff that is actually helping my pet feel healthy. I am thankful that after almost 2 years of scratching, ear cleaning, and eye gunk, we have figured out what to feed her! I am still looking for different grain free treats so if you know of any, please let me know!

Charlotte trip

2011-02-28T09:03:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we got to visit our family out in Charlotte and had a wonderful time. I only had my phone to take photos with, but I did remember to take some which is an accomplishment for me. The cherry blossoms had started to bloom and were just gorgeous. We took this on our way in to eat yummy brunch.

Saturday afternoon the guys played golf and I rode along with Matthew's mom. It was a perfect day for golf and so great to be outside after the winter we have had. The construction on their house is coming along very nicely post fire and they are looking to move back in in about 6 weeks. It is the white one in the middle.

The dogs. This was our first time to meet his parents new pups Mr. Darcy and Gigi-two Bassett hounds.

Needless to say Matthew loved it!

After Church on Sunday, we helped lace shoes for .

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Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T18:49:00.001-08:00

We just got home from spending several days in Springfield with my family. We got to see most of the cousins and to just hang out with family. Since Matthew's parents got me a nice camera for Christmas :) I was able to take some photos!!! One day I will learn how to put them up in order, but not tonight.

On Sunday, we sent to Grandma Shirley's and had a wonderful day. I love being married to such a lovable man-he is great!
Lorelai was in dog heaven on Christmas day when we just let her go with the wrapping paper. I love this action shot with the new camera - that was some serious ripping.

It snowed!!! Hehe, we had a light dusting on Christmas morning and it was pretty on the patio.
Weird. All I can say.

Aren't they so cute? We loved being entertained by these two all weekend. Sookie is my parent's dog and Lorelai's best friend.
Christmas is a time of creativity and artistic decorating and wrapping for my mom. This is her traditional live tree with only some of the many ornaments she has collected over the years. And check out the bows on those packages... she really goes all out when wrapping.

Christmas decorating!

2010-11-30T16:08:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to put my tree up this year, that for the first time ever, I put it up before Thanksgiving. I love it! I love Christmas decorations and the reminder they place right in my face that our Saviour came to this world to live and die for ALL peoples. My mother-in-law helped me this year by getting me a swag for our front door and making a tree topper. It is amazing how much it adds!

Wait for the husband to go out of town

2010-11-12T06:51:00.001-08:00

Ladies, my mom had always told me this happens, but never did I expect it to happen to me. 2+ years of marriage and it is true... The craziest things happen when husband is traveling. I have only seen mice in our garage when he is gone. And last night, the Cave Springs water main broke leaving the entire town (population 1000) without water for about an hour. I went outside to talk to a neighbor about this only to be startled by a flashlight and Adrienne saying something about a meeting. So we decided to call the emergency line for the water department and only in Cave Springs would someone still carry a pager.

Can't wait to see what happens next week when Matthew's in Pennsylvania!

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Fall

2010-11-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

We have been loving fall-the cooler weather, Baylor Homecoming, changing trees, Baylor beating KSU and Texas! Celebrating birthdays, and fall cleaning. The business of the holidays seems to have already begun with parties and visitors, there seems to be something to do every weekend. This leaves me with catch up work during the week to keep the house looking nice. Matthew's mom, aunt Sherry, and cousin Mona are coming in this weekend so I have been rearranging bedrooms, organizing, and cleaning to give both Sherry and Mona a place to sleep. Matthew is certain I don't need to do this, but it is fun for me!

Lorelai is a great car rider! As long as her spot is open (the back driver side) she will just lay down and sleep.

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Working Full-time

2010-10-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

It has almost been a year since I started working with Sienna, Lyla, and Madelyn. I am so blessed to work with such great kids and a loving family. I am thankful to stay busy and to be able to invest in lives for the Kingdom.

This past Thursday I was informed that I would have Friday off. All day... Wow! I felt so blessed and was totally excited to sleep in and have a day to relax. And then I woke up at 7:55 am ready to go. I won't even list everything I did, but I got a ton of stuff done around my house - stuff that I need the house to myself to get done. Stuff that has needed to be done for a long time (how often to I have the time to clean out the pantry?)

I feel that having worked this job full time has given me a new perspective on how I need to use my time. When I get that unexpected free day, I know that I better get things accomplished because it may be another 6 months before I get a chance. I wish I could say I finished my to-do list, but there will always be something!

Reorganization

2010-10-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is for our parents who are the ones who would actually like to see these photos. We got outside this morning to do some yard work today and ended up organizing the garage. I'd been meaning to do this for quite some time I just hadn't.

We finally put up this bike rack that my parents gave us

Matthew installed the peg board we bought several months ago and started organizing it although we still need some more hooks to get everything up there, but it already looks a ton better!

Two weeks ago I got inspired to completely rearrange my living room. Matthew of course was not as excited as I was but we are both very happy with the outcome! Thank you to my parents for helping us and dealing with my crazy ideas! Notice we now have an empty wall :-) I'm excited about this because now we get to get a piece of artwork for the living room - something I never needed before.

To give my mom another shout out for making this beautiful arrangement from a couple little things we picked up at Hobby Lobby. Isn't she great?

Fall Garden

2010-09-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

I don't even remember the last time I posted a blog. It's been quite a while. But life around here has been pretty quiet and we've been thoroughly enjoying life. Yesterday evening we got out in the yard to do some fall gardening . . . not the most exciting thing in the world. We are learning to labor even in the boring times so this is a good lesson for us. We have been very blessed this summer to grow some beautiful flowers and it is truly the work of God that has kept them alive. I captured a few photos this morning of my most successful plants.

I had no idea the basil would get so huge!!! And that it would spread... I went around the beds last night with Round-UP and killed several tiny new sprouts.

Lately

2010-08-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lately we've been up to a lot of hanging out. It's been so hot outside (100's) that we only go out to swim or water the yard in the late evening. We've also been eating in a lot-getting creative in the kitchen. My wonderful husband has been a huge help in this. Last night he made grilled tilapia with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes and I made our own Orange Julius from a recipe in Food Network Magazine. As you can see from the photo, even Lorelai prefers being inside taking a nap! We expect things to get a little busier in the fall, but for now we are enjoying our home, our neighbors and each other :) with the weather cooling off a bit this week (low 90's) we hope to get in lots of walks!

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Flowers

2010-07-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

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Birthday week

2010-07-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well I have been so blessed to have the week of my birthday off. The girls are at the beach and I have been hanging out with my mom. Sleeping until 8:30 every morning (I feel old saying that) has been great! Lounging around the house until 11 am - even better! I just feel bad for Matthew - he is working so hard! Thank you Sweetie :)

home

2010-07-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

I love being at home. I brought the girls here the past two days for making strawberry cake. They have discovered my old collection of beanie babies and the guest bedroom. They could play for hours I think. This has given me the opportunity to clean my kitchen. I feel like I've accomplished a giant task. this is a rare occurrence and I am very thankful for it!

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Love!

2010-07-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

2 Years ago today I married my best friend. today he is more than that. They always say that you love someone more each year that you are married to them. I believe it now. I love you babe! Thank you for being my husband day in and day out! Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us two years ago and who have prayed for our marriage.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-06-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

At the famous barbecue place, what's it called again? after a long day of shopping in Overland Park. I'm so thankful for you! You have become one of my best friends and I am so proud to call you Mom! We have so much fun together and you always know how to comfort me in during my freak out times! Can't wait to spend the day at the lake celebrating YOU and another year of wisdom!

Happy birthday honey!!!

2010-05-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

To my wonderful husband, Happy Birthday! Today is your day. You are my best friend and I am changed by living each day by your side.
Thank you for all your hard work these past two months of landscaping! It has paid off and we can now truly enjoy our yard and share it with neighbors!

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We finished!!!

2010-05-19T07:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Matthews brother Michael for helping dig up sod and bring in sand! Thank you to our neighbor Trent for getting our lines straight, digging, hammering, and staying up late to help last night (and his wife for letting him)!

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Tiiiired

2010-05-18T11:11:00.001-07:00

Tired. But we are pressing through to finish the patio. After lots of rain, Matthew took out what we already laid and releveled everything. Last night our neighbor Trent help us set out lines so that we would put the pavers in straight. Hopefully we can finish tonight before rain comes again tomorrow!

Matthew had no idea I could do manual labor before we started this. Here is proof...

Because the dog has to be in every post, Matthew took this lovely shot...

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Happy graduation Jordan!

2010-05-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

My little brother is graduating from high school today! I would like to say that Jordan, I love you! You are a great young man and I am proud to call you my brother. I pray that this next season of life greets you with joy and victory. Enjoy being young, soak up all the knowledge and understanding that you can. Use it for the Lord and to bless your community.

Congratulations!

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Garden update

2010-05-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

So. If you have seen Matthew or myself recently and we've been a little tired or awkward, this is why...

We have been working hard the past month so that we can enjoy our yard this summer!

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Trees!!

2010-05-04T07:12:00.001-07:00

Yay! Our trees were delivered and planted yesterday! We have still been working hard, even in the cold rain and yucky mud. It is exciting to get a lot of things planted and the trees change the whole feel of the yard. We are so thankful for all the help our friends and neighbors have provided!

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The peonies bloomed! Pat and Gary donated these and we didn't think they would bloom. Aren't they beautiful!!!

This weeks projects: a mulch walkway by the house, install the patio, finish planting, and get a shed so we can clean up our mess. More pics to come!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Almost finished wall

2010-04-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

We did some shopping this morning and then went to work. Matthew dug this bed up with the pick ax and I added some sand and compost.

The big picture! We had a nice cool and rainy day to work in which was nice!

Lorelai got a new indoor/outdoor bed that matches the living room rug. She really loves to snuggle up in it and take a nice long nap :-)

-- Post From My iPhone

Wall in progress

2010-04-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest projects Matthew did this weekend was to pick up rock from lowes and unload it in our back yard. Fortunately we have a street behind us so they just popped off a section of fence and drove back. Sunday he dug most of the trench and he finished it last night. I'm so proud of him!

And this is my one tulip flowering. I planted several but our march 21 snow did them in I think.

-- Post From My iPhone

Second bed

2010-04-10T16:03:00.001-07:00

Today we had some awesome helpers join us in hauling in rock, digging up beds and planting some flowers that the mclaughlins donated from their garden. We're tired!!!

The first bed with a border and some day lilies.

Trent and Gary working hard to dig holes in our rocky clay dirt.

Pat worked harder than I did ( I'm still recovering from 4 weeks of illness).

Lorelai proud of all our hard work! (and loving all the manure)

She got up there, realized there wasn't really room, but was too tired to move:-(

Tomorrow Matthew tackles the retaining wall!

Post From My iPhone

Our first Bed of hedges

2010-04-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

We are so proud! Matthew worked very hard breaking up some huge rocks to get these in. We are excited for TruGreen to come and get these weeds cleared out! The next couple of weeks should be busy building and planting! Last night I had so much on my mind I had a hard time sleeping!

Such a manly man with his pick ax and shovel!

Beautiful!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Spring projects

2010-04-06T08:48:00.001-07:00

After a lovely weekend in eureka springs, Matthew and I were inspired to start the projects in our back yard. Since I have been sick for 3 weeks with pneumonia, we decided that I should continue resting and make a full recovery before jumping into things. My idea of waiting meant starting next weekend. For my husband it meant waiting until the next day. He called me yesterday declaring his plan to begin the digging as soon as he got home from work. It turned out to be an intersting evening!

All of this to say our projects have begun and I will be posting pictures of the progress!

-- Post From My iPhone

Finally spring

2010-03-09T12:08:00.001-08:00

I think we've finally made it to spring! This means no jacket necessary when packing the
Girls into

the car! So thankful to be seeing more of the sun and to see rain is on it's way!

Trying out this app to post via iPhone so we'll see how it goes.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lorelai the baby

2010-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I were so excited yesterday! We went to the pet store and purchased a new wire crate for Lorelai to sleep in and to stay in during the day when I am at work. This new crate will give her more space to sleep at night and it will eliminate the need for a huge play-yard taking up our bathroom. Awesome, right? We even got her a new pillow and a new water spout (like a gerbils). So we put her in last night and she cried for 2 hours! She sat there and looked up at me with the saddest cocker eyes. But I am all about tough love, so I let her cry for a while.

After I couldn't get to sleep (I spent most of the day cleaning the house) I was tired and mad. So I got Matthew to come help me. We covered the whole thing with a dark blanket, gave her the old, dirty towel that was in the other crate, and gave her the lamb - a new favorite toy which was a gift from Matthew's parents. After all of this, she only cried for about 5 more minutes and finally gave in. This morning I found her with her paw cuddled over the lamb.

All this to say we had no idea. Thinking about it, it makes sense. She has slept in that crate since we got her which was 9 months ago. It was cozy to her, it was her bed and how dare we take that away from her. Hopefully, this routine will not continue and she will get used to her new bed. Today she is enjoying the nice weather, a long walk, and a big back yard all to herself. I've heard stories about people like me and thought they were crazy. Now I'm a crazy too!

Flowers

2009-12-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

"Is God in those flowers?" asked Madelyn, age 6.

Well, yes, Maddie, God made the flowers and He uses them to show us His beauty and His love, so yes He is in those flowers.

This was only a small part of my conversation in the car today. Kids are so interesting in their questions and their curiosity for life. Sometimes at the end of the day, my answers start to get shorter. But I am learning to take my time and really consider how I respond, knowing that my words are influencing and shaping hearts. I pray that my words and my actions would honor the Lord and that these kids will learn about Him at this young age.

I'm thankful that God is in the flowers, and the sunsets... He provides so many examples of His creation and His love to encourage and provoke conversation. Looking forward to 15 hours in the car on Saturday to experience more of Him and to see our family out in Charlotte.

Merry Christmas!

employment!

2009-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Yay! Praise the Lord! Sigh of relief.

After 7 weeks of working with a family as their temporary nanny, they offered me the permanent position. They were really bummed when they found out their other nanny wasn't coming back. The kids had already adjusted to me so I think that made the commitment slightly easier.

Anyways... I will be working with three girls: 6, 4, and 2 1/2. 8-5, Monday - Friday. I'm really enjoying it so far and am excited about the next year! Thank you for praying with me! I am thankful to be able to settle into this position and not feel like the transition person anymore.

I had to laugh because I had sent out my Christmas cards on thursday saying that I'm still looking for a job. Funny how things work sometimes.

some pics of november

2009-12-06T08:25:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we went with my family to Silver Dollar City:

We finally got a legitimate shot with Dad's eyes open!

the first few were just silly!

I think I also mentioned going to a wedding: the Mrs. Rachel D'Ardenne

The official roommate picture

Christmas is coming!

2009-12-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

This is our tree! We had a tree last year in the apartment, but it was the $19 Wal-Mart tree I had purchased many years ago that was only five feet tall. So this year I wanted a new one and decided on a 9' since we have a 10' ceiling in the living room. Easy enough right! Wrong. First of all, most of them are pre-lit, which from past experience have proven to be a pain. And most were $300 or more. Not quite in the one income budget of ours. So on black Friday, Mom and I set out to find a TV and a tree. We found great deals on both! It felt so good to get this guy set up with its 1800 lights and not quite enough ornaments, but the lights make up for it. It makes me so thankful and so hopeful for what is to come. So while my dog is still trying to be sneaky and eat the tree, we are loving this Christmas season. thank you Jesus for coming to earth and making a way for us!

busy!

2009-12-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I are starting to find that our life is busy! We have traveled almost every weekend in November and are really looking forward to a weekend at home. We went to a fun wedding for one of my roommates in Waco, Texas. It was at a ranch, on the front steps of a tiny chapel. So beautiful! So thankful for her and for catching up with the other roommates!

We also got to visit Silver Dollar City! I always love going to see the lights and since Matthew had never been before, I enjoyed showing him around and taking him on the roller coasters! when we got home, we were ready for christmas to be here! For Thanksgiving, we went to Springfield to be with my side of the family. We had a great time and found some great deals. One of which was our Christmas tree. (will post a picture later).

I am currently working for a family whose nanny is out on medical leave. It is a temporary job, but I have really enjoyed the kids. they have 3 girls: 2 1/2, 4 & 6. It is quite a change from babies, but it is a lot of fun to have more interaction and to be able to put them in time out when they throw a fit :-) Working an 8-5, Monday-Friday job is still an adjustment for me. The mail is cluttered throughout the house, the clean laundry sits in baskests and the bed hasn't been made in weeks. Frozen foods have become my friends and the doggie day care is a very dear friend! Lorelai loves going there to play with her doggie friends and I love when she comes home and just wants to sleep.

We are enjoying our home and look forward to celebrating the birth of our King this month. We will be traveling to Charlotte to be with Matthew's side and then we will spend New Year's with mine.

to parents and child-caregivers

2009-10-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

There are a few things in my life that really make me frustrated and this is one of them. Looking for a job right now it is becoming apparent to me that there are too many people taking advantage of other people. It particularly bothers me for two reasons. One is that when looking for child care, people should want the best for their kids. If they are not willing or able to take care of them themselves, they should be willing to pay for the best. The second reason is that if two or more caregivers are weak enough to not even require the going baby-sitting rate, the rest of us who are more qualified will have a harder time finding a decent job.

I read these quotes tonight on a popular nanny/sitter website. "We pay our current sitter $4.30 an hour" "We pay our sitter $4.50 an hour" People openly admitting that they are breaking the law and paying less than minimum wage. Please understand, this is for asking someone to come into your home on a regular basis. This is not a day care. This is asking for that person to interact, play, educate, discipline, potty-train, feed, clean up after, drive around, entertain, educate and more.

I have been fortunate to work for some families who have paid me generously to do these tasks. I have also worked for families who paid me precisely the going-rate and that is fine too. I also understand that some families are required to work and to these I would suggest day-care. It is the more affordable option and there are quality day-cares everywhere, you just have to find them as they are often hidden in people's homes.

Such a simple concept that has been made very clear to me over the past few months of being a home-owner and a job seeker. You get what you pay for. Do the research and compensate your employees what they deserve for loving on your kids, your most prized possession.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-10-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say that my dad is one of my best friends! Today he is celebrating his birthday with family and I wish I were there! I just want you to know that I am so thankful for you. You have always been a loving father. You never failed to tell me that you loved me. You always encouraged me to do my best and to follow my passions. I believe God has blessed you in many ways, but He also has some hidden plans for you. I'm excited to find out what those are :)

New Season

2009-08-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

As of this last week, I will no longer be working for the twins as their nanny. It was sad to say goodbye as I had become quite attached over the past 11 months of working with them. On the other hand, I am at total peace with the decision and am truly looking forward to the next opportunity that comes available to me. Right now, I am considering a couple different options. I may get another nanny job and I may go a totally different route into the business world. Matthew and I are both excited about this, while it seems scary at first, we know that our creator is also our provider. We feel confident knowing He has a perfect plan. I am so thankful for a husband who truly loves me and is completely supportive of me. You've been amazing throughout all of this sweety!

For those of you reading, I will try to keep this updated. I am interviewing for another nanny position this week so pray for a discerning heart and mind.

The Graduate

2009-07-13T08:17:00.001-07:00

I'm not so sure how we did it, but we graduated Lorelai from the puppy training class at PetSmart. She looked so cute in her little cap. We will begin the intermediate class next week so we'll let you know how that one goes.

In the final leg of the McColgin move from Houston/Singapore to Charlotte, they brought us some beautiful chairs and the coordinating pillows and lamps to help complete our living room.

The awesome part about these is that they recline :)

We are almost finished with Matthew's study and our bedroom so I'll post pics when those come together.

pics of the new house and our baby

2009-07-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

We are still settling into the house, but things are coming together! our parents have helped us out a ton and we are so thankful! And Lorelai continues to be an energetic, curious puppy. Doesn't she look adorable with the bows!

Aunt and Uncle!

2009-05-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Matthew's sister Christy just had her first baby Halle Elizabeth Potter. She was born yesterday morning via C-Section at 9:09 am. She was 3 lbs. 13 oz and 17 inches. She is healthy and strong! Mom is doing really well post operation and all are so proud. Praise the Lord for working everything according to His glory. We are so excited to be aunt and uncle and plan to spend a lot of time loving on this sweet baby girl.

We got a puppy!

2009-04-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read correctly. this once "no dogs!" girl decided it was time to get one. if you know my husband at all, you know it didn't take convincing him of anything. we went sunday to pick her up and after a long day/night, we love her! and we want you to love her too! her name is Lorelai, after the Gilmore Girl, Lorelai Gilmore. we don't have too many pics yet, but take a look at this adorable little girl. she's 3 1/2 months, 9 lbs., buff colored cocker spaniel.

Hiking with the Faucher's

2009-03-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

So last weekend Lesley and Chris came down for the weekend. Saturday morning we headed out to Devil's Den State Park for a little hiking. It was perfect weather - not hot, not cold, a little breezy... it was awesome! We packed some lunch and ate on the bluff over looking the Boston Mountains and enjoyed awesome fellowship with our friends. We'll be sad when these guys move to Houston in May! As for our everyday life - things haven't changed much. I am doing a women's bible study on Tuesday nights which has been really good - I love listening to the Beth Moore teachings! The babies are getting bigger and more adventurous every day and Matthew and I are enjoying married life more and more. Praise the Lord!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

For our first Valentine's as a married couple, Matthew took me to The Chateau on the Lake in Branson. We got to watch the sunset from our room and have a lovely dinner in the restaraunt there. We had a wonderful time and would recommend the hotel to anyone. I felt like the "day of love" symbolized remembering God's love for us and celebrating that.

New Couch!

2009-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

yay! For a little while now Matthew and I have been wanting a new couch. So last weekend we decided to take the plunge and buy our first big purchase as a married couple. It was really exciting to pick something that we both really like and know that we will enjoy for a long time. So here it is!

Ice Storm 09

2009-01-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

We tried to capture what we saw of the ice storm this past week in these few photos. We are thankful to have not lost power or have much damage to our cars. Matthew's car did get hit by ice on the highway, but the damage is minimal.

this is Matthew spending 30 minutes to get almost 2 inches of ice off my car

trees: destroyed by the weight of the ice.

Fayetteville, AR

Rogers, AR

pre-scraped car

busy in 09

2009-01-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

this past month has been a busy one for us. We plunged back into work after our trip to NC and it is certainly exciting! Things are going really well for Matthew at DaySpring right now and he is loving it. Working with the babies is more exciting every day as they get more and more active. Tyler began an army crawl on Friday, reaching to get things like the TV remote and the wipey box. It is adorable!

Last weekend I had the chance to visit Waco for a roommate's wedding and to visit friends. I had a wonderful time catching up on people's lives and celebrating with my roommate. The Lord certainly provided refreshment for my spirit and gave me encouragement for my life here in NWA.

Matthew and I have started attending Grace Point Church (www.gracepointchurch.net) in Bentonville and have gotten involved with a BodyLifeGroup which we are really excited about. It has been encouraging to have people connect with us and follow up with us. We sense God providing desperately needed relationships through this body and we're looking forward to all He has in store! Thank you Jesus!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

We made it! The holidays have sadly come to an end. We had to pack up and say goodbye to both families as the new year has come and there is much to be done. Matthew and I spent the week of Christmas in Springfield with my family. We had a great time relaxing, going to the theater and of course eating a lot of excellent food. And then as a gift to themselves, Matthew's parents flew us out to Charlotte, NC to spend the New Year with a full house. The McColgin's now have 7 children (3 now married) and with 3 bassets in tow, that makes for 12 bodies in their beautiful new home. We had a wonderful time with both families and are so thankful for the many blessings they showered us with.

We are looking forward to 2009 as today we celebrate 6 months of marriage!!! Praise God! We also have many weddings to look foward to as well as a growing niece to be born in June! Hopefully we will post more here to keep all involved in our lives! God Bless and Happy New Year

Cold weather, birthdays, and diapers

2008-10-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

It is a bitter-sweet time for me since I love summer and flip-flops but I am a wuss when it comes to walking around with freezing feet. But it also means hot tea and cocoa and pretty sweaters. And I am enjoying fall with a totally new appreciation. After living in Waco, TX for 4 1/2 years, I had forgotten how pretty the trees can be. It is refreshing.

This weekend Matthew and I went to my home to visit the family. Happy Birthday Daddy and Aunt Beth! We had a really fun time. I went shopping with Mom on Saturday and Matthew and my dad went skeet shooting : ) And then Saturday night we had a fun family gathering at the grandparents to celebrate the birthdays. I love going home because it feels like nothing has changed and I am reminded that it will always be HOME.

This past week was also exciting for me as Matthew got to meet the family that I nanny for. He came over Thursday evening so the parents could go on a date. It was fun to introduce Matthew to the babies and to watch him feed a baby and change a diaper for the first time ever! Now he understands a little better when I come home talking in a sing-song voice and making baby noises.

2008-10-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

This photo does nothing to describe the beauty of the rainbow we saw last night. Besides the fact it is only half of the rainbow, it was so clear. You could see all of the colors all around. Matthew and I stood in the rain staring at this awesome site, remembering God's promises to us as His children. Being cooped up inside all day was worth it just to come out to find a full rainbow. Neither of us could remember the last time we saw a rainbow, let alone a full one. Thank you Jesus!

Work!!!

2008-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally started my job last week! It was so much fun. I got to take the boys out for a walk thursday and Friday because it was beautiful here in the Ozarks. They are four months now - learning new things everyday and growing with each week!

Matthew and I were also blessed to spend some time with our friends Gary and Pat this past weekend. It is always encouraging and challenging as they have new ideas and new passions for the kingdom of God. As we continue to get more involved in our church, it is Pat and Gary who provide counsel and encouragement in our marriage.

Until next time. . .

opportunities and lessons

2008-08-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am super excited about a job opportunity that the Lord has opened up for myself. I interviewed with a nanny agency last week and the process has moved very quickly since then. I have already interviewed with a family and they would like to hire me! Picture this: twin newborn boys! They will be 3 months when I start working with them-so precious!

With not so much going on in my life besides that, the days are slow. I am learning how to truly Trust in the Lord with all that I am. Easier said than done when your place and your purpose are so unclear. I am encouraged by the words of David when his enemy is out to destroy him. He says: "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." Ps. 43:5 When in despair, we must command our own soul to hope in the Lord and to praise Him! And in that place He meets us!

Welcome to blogging!

2008-08-08T12:01:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a month and 3 days since Matthew and I were married! After our honeymoon, Matthew began working for a company called DaySpring Cards. They publish Christian cards and their company is truly incredible. It is a fabulous opportunity for Matthew and we are so thankful for it. He is working in their sales division as an account executive in their special markets. So far it has been a lot of learning the position and observing the encouraging atmosphere of the company.

Since we returned from the honeymoon, I have been putting our apartment together and just getting used to living in a different place. This past week I started looking for a job and I have an interview next week with a nanny agency. I am looking for a part-time position so that I can still be home to take care of my husband and our home!

Pray for us! Moving to a new place, it is always a slow process to make friends and actually feel like you belong. We have a church and are excited for what God is doing there. We are also excited for the lifegroups to begin in the fall!

I do not know how often we will post on here, but it should be a good tool to keep you all informed of our new life together and the happenings in NWA (Northwest Arkansas)

Matthew and Emily

Is this normal?

One month old

The dentist

39 Weeks

38 Weeks

Happy Thanksgiving!

Springfield Baby Shower

Nursery Update

NWA Baby shower

Atlantis

World Mandate

My recent internet obsession

Nursery *Progress*

painting = round ligament pain

my belly moves

21 Weeks

Indiana Wedding

De Bordieu, South Carolina

19 Weeks

Babies... Babies... Babies...

Baby Things

Heartbeat 150 bpm

12 Weeks Pregnant!

Signs of Spring

grain free pup

Charlotte trip

Christmas 2010

Christmas decorating!

Wait for the husband to go out of town

Fall

Working Full-time

Reorganization

Fall Garden

Lately

Flowers

Birthday week

home

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Love!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy birthday honey!!!

We finished!!!

Tiiiired

Happy graduation Jordan!

Garden update

Trees!!

Almost finished wall

Wall in progress

Second bed

Our first Bed of hedges

Spring projects

Finally spring

Lorelai the baby

Flowers

employment!

some pics of november

Christmas is coming!

busy!

to parents and child-caregivers

Happy Birthday Dad!

New Season

The Graduate

pics of the new house and our baby

Aunt and Uncle!

We got a puppy!

Hiking with the Faucher's

Valentine's Day

New Couch!

Ice Storm 09

busy in 09

Happy 2009!

Cold weather, birthdays, and diapers

Work!!!

opportunities and lessons

Welcome to blogging!

Nursery Progress