List Three

I love lists. I love to write them, talk about them, mark them done, and I even enjoy reading other people's lists. So, when I read the 52 Lists Project I decided it would be a fun project.

List Three - list the things you should be proud of

Patrick
marriage
four children in heaven: Hannah Grace, Colin Michael, Airen Lee, Dash Liam
Aiden John
Anthony Joseph
Abigail Jaicee
Andon Josiah
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Addiction Studies
Masters of Arts in Christian Education with an emphasis on Preschool and Children's Ministry
natural birth with first child
breastfeeding three children for a total of 44 months
surviving the loss of four children
Journeyman in Japan for two years
leading children all over the world closer to Christ

I don't really feel proud of these things as much as I feel grateful God allowed me to have them, experience them, and enjoy them.

List Two

I love lists. I love to write them, talk about them, mark them done, and I even enjoy reading other people's lists. So, when I read the 52 Lists Project I decided it would be a fun project.

List Two - list your greatest comforts

Patrick's arms
chocolate
french fries
God's word, His promises
making lists
Thankfulness Journal
Mr. Wonkers
little hugs around my legs
alone time in a great coffee shop
chicken fried steak
talking to my Mommy
compliments and encouragement from my Daddy
yellow roses
fuzzy socks
pajamas
Lambie
Christian music
playing the piano
The Island
waves

Lists

I love lists. I love to write them, talk about them, mark them done, and I even enjoy reading other people's lists. So, when I read the 52 Lists Project I decided it would be a fun project.

List One - list the words that touch your soul

Jesus
Emmanuel, God with us
burple (yes I spelled it correctly)
family
Koishii
tomodachi
decaf caramel mocha
thespianize
wandering
alligator (Abby's word for my GPS, navigator)
sweesh moes (Anthony's word for marshmallows)
beep beep (Andon's word for car)
Beautiful (Patrick's name for me)
fuzzy
edify
symphony
tapestry
Holy
Redhead
Peanut
Hershey
Babycakes

2014

Hello New Year! I took quite the hiatus, kind of unintentionally, from blogging last year. So many computer issues, so little time to explain. I'm going to try to move forward and slowly fill in some blanks from last year along the way.

I'm feeling hopeful and excited about this new year. I've reorganized myself and put some goals in place. I'm praying the year brings personal growth for my family and I. Happy New Year and may God bless you!

Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas from the Bailey family! We had a great Christmas this year. The boys got toolboxes and gift cards to begin building a fun project with their Daddy. Abby got a much asked for stuffed pink manatee. Andon was thrilled with his ball and has already run down the batteries in his toy drill. Patrick got an old school Atari. I received the most beautiful silver earrings with beautiful sapphires in them.

However, I think my greatest Christmas gift this year came in the form of a lesson Abby taught me.

One day we were driving to the grocery store and Abby exclaimed, "Mommy! Did you see those angels? And baby Jesus?" I told her I didn't see them, but I would be sure to look the next time. Well this scene repeated itself several times. I kept thinking, these Christmas decorations must be amazing for her to get so excited about them! This went on for about three weeks.

Finally one day I saw the angels and baby Jesus. They were old, plastic, dirty, and the paint was peeling off. Their backdrop was a piece of weathered grey plywood that wasn't even centered behind them. I was shocked and taken back as Abby's excitement grew, "Did you see them Mommy? Did you see the angels praising baby Jesus?" I couldn't understand it. She had certainly seen prettier, sparklier, more expensive decorations that were symmetrical for goodness sake! Why was she so taken with these decorations?

God spoke. "Angie, why aren't you?"

It's not about the sparkly, the new, or even the symmetry as much as it pains my OCD self to say that. It's about the baby. And this depiction of his birth was more realistic than any other thing I had seen. Abby got that. She was so excited about the baby and the angels that announced the King of Kings, it didn't matter to her that they were dirty. They were beautiful in her eyes.

Father, help me see You through the excited eyes of my three year old girl child. Thank you for her perspective. Amen.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Mother's Day Tradition 2013

Mother's Day 2005



Mother's Day 2006



Mother's Day 2007



Mother's Day 2008



Mother's Day 2009



Mother's Day 2010



Mother's Day 2011



Mother's Day 2012


Mother's Day 2013

February

February was a busy and wonderful month for us!

Anthony had "Dress Wacky" day at school.


Mommy and Daddy took Abby to see "Disney on Ice" for her birthday. She was mesmerized by the Princesses. She loved them, but was sad there was no appearance by Cinderella. So, she took a liking to Belle, for the day.


We were finally able to schedule Aiden's birthday trip with his friend Brayden. They had lunch and a cake at our home, with a Mario theme, then had a blast playing at Funway together.




This girl took my breath away with her beauty. She looks so grown up to me!


Abby started her first dance class. She loves it!




I got to go on a retreat with our church. It was three wonderful days of sewing and crafting! I'm so thankful for Patrick pushing me to go. He is so amazing with the kids, I don't even have to worry about them when I'm gone. I was renewed spiritually and emotionally and I got a little rest too. I have nearly completed my very first quilt. It was so much fun!






The Cinderella obsession continues. She watches the movie every chance she gets. We own it on VHS. She has nearly worn it out. We have got to get the DVD before a tragedy strikes! I love her hair like this, I call it the Princess Leia look.


He just keeps getting bigger. His personality is so cute right now. I love watching him when Patrick comes home from work. He stops whatever he is doing and runs, arms stretched open, for his Daddy.