Starting a full week...

We started this week with me returning to work full-time. Each day starts at 5:30 am. I had forgotten how exhausting a long day can be. Isabelle is still waking in the night to catch a late or early morning feeding... I then crawl back into bed for a few more hours of sleep.

Ellie and Amelia are thrilled about Christmas. They enjoyed helping put up our tree over the Thanksgiving holiday. Ellie was quick to note that Isabelle needs a stocking.

I wanted to share two scriptures I've clung too in the last few days.

"STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage". Gal 5:1

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." Psalm 57:1

Thanksgiving Day

This week has been busy for our family. I started back to work on Monday while Isabelle stayed with Aunt Becky and Jacob. Ellie & Amelia had a short week at school due to the holiday. Ellie somehow managed to make the Commercial Appeal again with another photo op. She just grins with pride when you asked her about it.

We spent Thanksgiving day in Jackson at Uncle Al & Aunt Carole's house enjoying family and homecooked food -- with 36 family members it was a house full! We have much to be thankful for this year especially with Isabelle being among us. She adds so much to our family.

Ellie's Thanksgiving Feast

We had lunch with Ellie at Harding Academy today.

Indian "Golden Sun"

New Shoes!

We wrapped up our week by having Thanksgiving lunch with Amelia at Harding. We didn't tell her we would be joining her, so it was a nice surprise when we walked in. She was adorable wearing a paper Indian headband and colored feathers sticking out along the sides. To know Amelia is to know she has her own "dance"... she started jumping around, she was so excited.

We spent today at PawPaw & Mimi's house. Aunt Janet was in the Christmas spirit, so we helped setup and decorate their tree. The girls had big fun pulling out ornaments each of which had their own story. Somehow the girls ended up behind and then under the tree!

Isabelle has new shoes and her first pair I might add. These are Aunt Janet's selection.

Ellie is famous!

Ellie made the "Local News" section of the Commercial Appeal. She and two other school friends were shown in a snapshot at Harding Academy's Fall Fest. Bill and I told her she was famous now!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/photos/2008/nov/19/91938/
Click link

Returning to work

As I dropped off Ellie and Amelia at school this morning, I was thinking this time next week I will be alone and headed towards Youth Villages. This brings an array of mixed emotions. I finally sat down last week to review the calendar dates and my leave of absence from work --- November 24th I'll be returning to the professional world of adults.

We are so fortunate my sister-in-law, Becky will be taking care of Isabelle during the work day. I find this comforting. I do realize this means a huge adjustment on my part. I ask that you remember me in prayer during this transition.

Baby Dedication

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Sunday was Isabelle's Baby Dedication service at our church. There were eleven families committing their children to the Lord. In preparation for the day, I had chosen a long white cotton gown for Isabelle to wear. It was simple with smocking along the front and pleats at the bottom. It will be an heirloom for her. As done for Ellie & Amelia, I will have Isabelle's name embroidered on the inside slip. She wore a white headband with a satin bow. She was simply adorable.

Our family with Pastor Black

Damon & Meredith with Isabelle

Isabelle - 2 Months Old

As I reflect back over the past couple of months, it's hard to imagine being pregnant and carrying Isabelle in those last weeks... so much has transpired. I now hold this beautiful baby girl. Bill and I both admit to one another that the Lord gave Isabelle to us and she is a part of a larger plan. His plan. Writing Thanksgiving cards last night reminded me of this. We have much to be thankful for --- all three of our girls.

Today was Isabelle's two month check-up. She had no idea what was in store for her. SHOTS!! She cried and cried. I scooped her up from the doctor's table and assured her it was okay. It was over. She weighted in at 11 lbs. 6 oz. Overall she had a great check-up. HAPPY 2 MONTHS!

Footnote: We get lots of comments on our hair!

A Special Tribute

My mother, now known as "Mimi" to four grandchildren, is such an amazing woman. I wanted to share this recent picture taken of her and Isabelle. Mimi possess magically powers. Every new mother desires insight into these secrets. She can translate mumblings into actual words, create wonders out of nothing, dispell real tears, and transform any bad situation into bliss --- simply amazing.

Visit to Great-Grandparents

We packed up the girls and headed to Jackson, TN to visit my grandparents, "Granny & Granddaddy". This trip was long overdue as it was the first time they were meeting Isabelle. Isabelle and I share the same middle name as my grandmother, Mary Candace.

Granny & Isabelle

Granddaddy & Amelia

Isabelle laughing

What a sweet smile! This doesn't begin to capture the little personality Isabelle has. She is already cooing & talking (7 wks old).

Back in the Swing of Things

Our weekend get-away in Hot Springs was pleasant. The pace begin to slow down as we made our way towards west Arkansas late Friday afternoon. I noticed the trees were beginning to turn colors and the sunset was painted pastel. However our trip was unexpectedly cut a little short. Isabelle and I came down with a stomach virus Saturday night. We apparently picked up this two day virus from Amelia, who had been sick a few days earlier. We took Isabelle to the doctor when we got home just to be on the safe side. As of today, I think everyone is on the "up-swing" and feeling much better.

One afternoon while in Hot Springs, I decided to take some time and sit down at the little desk in our hotel room. I had recently spoken with a dear friend of mine, Crystal and shared with her my need to spend more time with the Lord. She reminded me of different ways to be in prayer with Him. So, I pulled out the notepad and pen provided by the hotel and begin to write a thank you note to the Lord. It was a simple acknowledgement but addressed to Him. I finished it, signed my name and then left it there. By chance Bill might have glanced at it, but I know the Lord read it.

Last night while tucking Amelia in bed, she begin to whimper and say, "I don't want you to go out of town". It melted me as I realized it was her way of saying she missed me. I assured her I was home for now and wouldn't be going anywhere.

Back in the swing of things, Isabelle and I will be unpacking today and taking it easy while Ellie & Amelia are in school.