Blonde Ambition

Monday morning started out as any other day for my family. I woke up and got dressed and the girls and I headed out the door to their dentist appointments. I was sitting in between appointments in the children's play area, and the Lord brought Leslie upon my mind. 

For those of you who don't know Leslie, she was the blogger behind A Blonde Ambition. We first met at Arkansas State University, where she had pledge Alpha Gam. We were sorority sisters. Leslie was three years behind me in school and through our sorority, she became my Great-Grand Lil Sis. By that time in my life, I was really focused on school and I didn't get to know Leslie that well. 

When she began blogging, I don't even remembered how I stumbled upon her blog, but I was a reader from the beginning. I loved her fashion sense, I loved her spirit, she was witty and charming and beautiful and it was evident every day that I clicked over to read her blog. 

When she hosted her first giveaway, I entered and won a scarf. It was right around the time that scarves became more of an accessory rather than a must have for a cold winter's day. I still have that scarf.

Through her blog, I was with her when she ended a serious relationship, had single days, and met Stephen (her husband). I watched their engagement, their wedding, her pregnancies and finally the birth of their first child, Caroline. Adalyn was born just a few months before Caroline and I felt like we were pregnant together. Except, Leslie pulled it off way better than I did. She was glowing throughout. And, she was wearing heals. I was always envious that she was still able to wear heals! Ha! 

A few months after Caroline was born, maybe 6 or so. She announced that she was expecting again! I think I was horrified for her that she'd have babies so close together, but Leslie was excited! Her attitude about having another baby, so close to her first, was just mind-blowing. She was going to face it head on with tons of anticipation and love. 

She wasn't blogging as much when Caroline was a baby. Having a baby is exhausting. Having a baby and being pregnant again, well, I can't even imagine. Leslie however, was glowing. Her face, her smile, her happiness was shining bright through my computer screen. 

Her second daughter, Ainsley was born this past December. I was thrilled for her. 

Sadly, in February, Leslie reported that she was in the hospital because she was having heart issues. She shared previously that she had heart issues as a child. And now that heart was failing her again. 

As many people did, I prayed for her and finally in May, she was able to come home. 

I felt so sad that Leslie had missed so much with her babies. My heart broke for her, and honestly, I can't imagine what that must have felt like. When she got home in May, she began blogging again, and I was so excited that she was back. Again, the love for her family was exuded through her blog, through her facebook, her instagram. I felt so happy for her.

Then, the news came that she was being readmitted to the hospital. God layed her on my heart and I went over to check her blog. I was fully expecting another witty Confessional Friday, and instead I learned that she was  being flown to Cleveland and something was going to have to be done about her heart.  I headed over to her Facebook to let her know that I was praying for her, thinking about her. And, I'm so glad that I did. I really think that God put her on my heart for a reason. 

Fast forward to our dentist appointments on Monday, and Leslie was put on my heart again. I checked her blog and there was no update. The girls and I came home, and I received a message that Leslie had passed away in her sleep that night. Heart broken. 

You see, she has a husband and two babies who she has left behind. She has her parents, her friends, so many people who love her. I think if you even knew Leslie a little bit, you couldn't help but to fall in love with her. Her personality was just glowing. My heart breaks for her two girls. My heart breaks for her husband. 

My biggest fear as a mother is leaving my children behind. 

I know that Leslie is in heaven. She spoke about her faith often in her blog. I have peace knowing that so many of her loved ones will see her again. But, my heart is still breaking for her children. 

I began going about my daily routines Monday morning, after I had received the news, and through tears, I thought, what on earth can I do. How can I help these little girls know their mother. I decided to start a letter writing campaign.

See, when I was pregnant with Gretchen, my biggest fear was leaving her behind, knowing that she may not know me. I began to write her letters to have when she got older. My letters eventually turned into my blog, and I'm grateful that my girls will have my blog to look back on. I'm even more grateful that Caroline and Ainsley will have their mother's blog to look back on. 

I couldn't get the idea out of my head to write a letter to Caroline and Ainsley. Telling them how much their mother meant to me. Telling them what an amazing person she was! If you knew Leslie, I'm asking that you write a letter to the girls too. 

My hopes are that as these girls grow, and move through their life, they'll have glimpses of their mother. Sadly, she won't be their for their first kiss, she won't be their for their first date, prom dress shopping, their graduations, their engagments, or their weddings. 

Those are the times that I would want my mother. The times that these girls can pull out their letters and see your words. Maybe you want to share advice, maybe you want to share a Bible verse, a funny story- anything to give these girls glimpses of the wonderful person that their mother was. 

If you would like to participate in the Sisti Sisters Letters Campaign, please send me an email at elainewelte@gmail.com with Sisti Sisters Letters in the subject line. I will send you the information to where you can mail your letter. Once the letters have been received, I will place them in a keepsake box and forward them to Stephen where he can hold on to them for the girls.

I'm not even sure how to wrap this up, other than, asking you to please pray for her family. Pray for her husband that he will have strength to raise these two precious girls. Pray for these girls that they will know the love their mother had for life. She loved life so. I'm thankful they'll have her blog to look back on. 

If you don't know Jesus, I pray that you will come to know him. I would love to talk to you about Jesus, and Heaven and ever lasting life. 

Leslie's was a life cut too short.

As Leslie always said, "Be Blessed Lovelies"

Be Strong... and a few other things

Monday was not one of my worst days, but it definitely fell on the list of "I'm glad that's over!" I was so tired at work Monday afternoon, and yet I still had to get the girls picked up, feed them dinner, and get them to bed, and I also wanted to work on two applique orders as well.

It wasn't bath night, so I knew I had time to complete at least one of them while the girls were playing and watching t.v. and while Addy was sleeping. For the record, she only took TWO 30 minute naps at daycare all day long! She just does not sleep there! Anywho....

I went upstairs to start my applique projects for a customer that I was meeting on Tuesday morning. I made a trick or treat bag for her, and it did not turn out as I had imagined. I knew it was just okay, and in order to compensate, I was going to bring her a few hair bows. I started to work on her second shirt and it just failed. Flat out failed. Everything that could go wrong did. So, I scrapped that project, sent her an email that we couldn't meet Tuesday because I had to go purchase another shirt since I had messed up . Thankfully, she was so understanding!

Tuesday morning, I got up a little after 7. Thank you, DJ for letting me sleep in and not bugging me about when I was going to get up. I was so tired.

I got the girls dropped off, although we were almost late to school for Gretchen, but pulled in just at the nick of time! And after dropping off Meggie, Addy Pearl and I headed to my Tuesday morning Bible study.

We are studying Beth Moore's "Believing God" and let me tell y'all this one is good!

Three times on Tuesday, I heard the verse Joshua 1:9. I don't believe it was a coincidence. I am fully convicted that God is telling me to be strong and courageous right this very minute because He is here holding my hand and not letting me go. I'm not sure if He wants me to "go" somewhere or stay right where I am, but man God. I heard you loud and clear yesterday. I am clinging to this verse right now.

This is what I wore Tuesday morning to Bible Study. I found a cute look on Pinterest that I wanted to recreate, and then I remembered that Sheaffer totally thinks it's okay to pair black and brown together so I did.

After Bible study, Addy and I ran a few quick errands and then I came home to finish what I had started Monday night.

I'm so much happier with how this trick or treat bag turned out!

And I finished this snowman tie. I love him.

I also did another shirt and started on a few hair bows, but then it was time to make my rounds of picking the girls up from school.

Gretchen had book fair, so right after school, we went to the kindergarten night and she purchased three books.

She ended up getting a LaLaLoopsy book, a chapter book that I made her get (ha!), and a Sofia the First book. Because it had an amulet. That is the only reason she got that book y'all! She wanted Sofia's darn necklace and couldn't wait any longer.

She immediately came home, put it on, and started talking to our dog Bailey fully expecting Bailey to talk back to her in a human voice.

Anyway, we picked up Meggie afterwards, and then we went home so I could get Addy settled down and then I decided to make from scratch waffles. Remember y'all, I am NOT super mom.

While I was cooking dinner, Addy was fussing a bit, and I looked over to see that Meggie had pulled over her rocking chair, turned Addy's swing, and she was talking and playing with her.

 #meltmyheart

A few minutes later, Meggie decided that she should play soccer with Addy, and I'm 90% sure that soccer ball hit Addy smack dab in the head.

When I finally sat down at my desk Wednesday morning, I pulled up facebook on my phone. Because Lord knows you do not want to be caught on facebook at work! I immediately saw this picture of a cutie honey pie in her candy corn shirt I made and her October bow of the month club bow!

How precious!!!

Answered Prayers

Sometimes God answers prayers that we didn't even know we had. For that, I am thankful.

We were not planning on putting our Indiana house on the market. We had renters in the house for the last year and a half, and we expected them to sign another 6 month lease, and stay for at least another year, and then DJ and I planned to list the house in Spring 2014. 

However, God had different plans for us. We found out in May that our renters were moving out, and we decided to go ahead and list the house for a few months. Thankfully, our realtor was more than willing to only list until July, and then we knew that we had to have renters back in the house by the first of August. 

We had several showings, and some of them were promising. and others not so much. We were told that the market was improving, but that home prices had not increased, so we were looking at loosing money or hopefully breaking even.

God has big plans, and two weeks ago, DJ and I signed a sale pending contract on our home. I ams till praying that God will see this through until the closing date scheduled for August 12th, and that everything will work out. 

I was honestly, scared to death about listing our home, not finding a renter or buyer, the work that would need to be made after the renters moved out, and carrying a mortgage on our own, along with paying our rent. 

But God is faithful to us, and his timing of right now, proved to be better than our timing of next spring.

God has also blessed us with Adalyn who will arrive on July 5th. DJ and I weren't planning on becoming pregnant with our third baby. Last October, we had occasionally discussed that we may want a third child, when Megan was two or three years old, but we definitely were not making plans on having a child so soon.

In November, I found out I was pregnant and my first thought was "Oh Shit". Now, I know that is not a Godly response, but I was so shocked, and all of our plans on buying a boat one day were thrown out the window.

Throughout the last 38 weeks, I have joking called Adalyn our "accident baby" or our "mistake", but I know that she's not God's accidents and that she's not God's mistake. I know that she is going to add to our family and that God has planned her just for us!

I'm so excited to meet our little blessing and to meet the result of the prayer that we didn't even know we were praying for.

Finally, DJ and I were not expecting finances to work in our favor this summer. God always pulls through though and he's found a way to make sure that we are going to not only be able to afford me to be home until September, but that we have the money in our savings account to pay for the closing costs on our house. It was another unexpected blessing, that God knew how much we needed, and he provided.

I know I don't share a lot about my faith on my blog, but I'm so grateful for a providing father. I'm blessed to be his child, and i'm thankful for answered, unanswered, and unexpected prayers.

Praying...

So many terrible tragedies have happened over the past week and I just feel the need to ask for your prayers.

First, for the victims in Moore, OK- only about two hours from where we live. The damage i'm sure is unspeakable,a nd I just feel awful for those families and individuals that have lost loved ones, their homes, and their belongings.

Yesterday afternoon, I picked up the girls early, because MC was a little sick at daycare. G was scheduled to have gymnastics at 4, but because MC didn't feel well, we decided to skip G's last day of gymnastics. DJ called me and requested that the girls and I came to the football offices rather than going home. The path of the storm looked as if it were headed straight for Tulsa. So, I went home and grabbed diapers, tylenol (for MC) and pajamas since I wasn't sure how long we would be at the offices. DJ went across the street and grabbed us Subway for dinner.

We got to football around 45 minutes later, and parked our cars under the bleachers in case of hail and went inside. The girls enjoyed playing in daddy's office and we ate our dinner. Thankfully, MC started to feel better, and we realized the storms were either going north and west of Tulsa, or south and east of Tulsa. It's like the storms totally split to miss Tulsa.

We headed home around 6:30, gave the girls a bath, put them to bed, and settled into our nightly routine.

I'm still just devestated for all of the children and people that lost their lives.

One way you can help is by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief.

I'm also donating 20% of my sales this week to the RedCross. Go here to take a look at my ready to ship hair accessories for your honey pie!

I'm also asking for prayers for Z. Biggs. He is one of TU's football GA's and has been in the hospital with three blood clots. He has been put on blood thinners and was discharged yesterday, but is in a lot of pain, and the blood thinners weren't completely working at that point in time. One of them was near his lungs.

Please pray for Ellie H. She is a sorority sister of mine- a pledge class a year below me- and was admitted to the hospital over the weekend in serious condition to a dissected vertebral artery. You can go here to read more about Ellie. She is still in serious condition, but making slow gains. She had a stroke, and has had a few mini seizures, but is responding to commands.

I have several sorority sisters working together to put on a fundraising 5K for Ellie in the Little Rock area, and i'll bring you that information as it becomes available! We will be looking for sponsors though, so if you know of a business or you have a business and would like to sponsor, please let me know and I can pass on your information!

Finally, pray for Lyndsey T. I don't know her personally, but i've followed her story loosely, and I have several college friends who know Lyndsey. She and her husband have adopted children, and I believe they have one biological child and they found out that Lyndsey has cancer. She was doing well, but her levels are increasing, and they've found that the hormone therapy is no longer effective. She's going for a scan this morning, so pray for strength. To read more about Lyndsey go here.

If you have other prayer request please let me know. I'm so thankful for the blessings that God has given my family, but my heart aches for these individuals.

Mother's Day Weekend Wrap-Up

We had a really good relaxing weekend. I think it was just what we needed! 

Friday afternoon DJ picked up the girls from preschool while I ran to Target. He grilled pork chops, and then we decided to take the girls to the park.

Our park has two play areas; one for smaller kids, and one for the bigger kids. I took MC over to the smaller playground, while DJ and G went to the larger playground. MC enjoyed climbing and sliding, and she tried out the swing, but she didn't really like it.

DJ and G came over to join us and then we all headed back over to the big playground so G could swing.

I was trying to teach G how to pump her legs.

MC wanted to swing on the big swings, so DJ pushed her. I think she liked these swings better than the baby swings.

We stayed about 30 minutes and then decided we should head home to put the girls to bed, but as soon as we got in the car, DJ suggested ice cream. I'm not one to turn down ice cream, so we headed off to Marble Slab.

MC got a kiddie cup of vanilla with sprinkles.

G got a white chocolate sprinkled dipped waffle cone with mint ice cream and gummy bears.

DJ ended up with cheesecake ice cream and reece's pieces.

I decided to splurge on a chocolate dipped waffle cone with chocolate ice cream and peanut butter cups.

Saturday I picked up the house a bit and went to the grocery store. DJ mowed the grass on Saturday afternoon, and the girls and I played outside for a while

I made a Chili's copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe I had found on Pinterest for dinner. Then, the girls had their baths and off to bed they went.

Sunday morning, G woke DJ up at 6:30 am and insisted that they get up to make me breakfast in bed. At 7:00, I was woken up (a little too early) with cinnamon rolls, strawberries, and chocolate milk.

DJ also brought me my Mother's Day presents: three pink roses and a gift certificate for a spa!

A little while later MC woke up and joined us. After I ate breakfast, I turned the t.v. on for the girls and dozed off and on while they climbed all over me.

MC made this for me at daycare for Mother's day!

G gave me Mother's day coupons, and all weekend, kept telling me to give them to her. One was for a hug, the other to read a book together, for a kiss, etc. On Saturday, she kept telling me that I needed to give her the breakfast in bed coupon so she could have breakfast in bed. I tried to explain to her that it was for ME to eat breakfast in bed, not her! I think she finally understood, but she's already asked if she can have breakfast in bed on her birthday.

I finally decided to get up around 9, and we got dressed for church.

We went to eat lunch at Chili's after church, and I'm glad we decided to go there! The Chili's on our side of town is rarely crowded and we didn't have to wait at all- which, is a huge surprise for Mother's day!

When we got home, we put the girls down for a nap and DJ turned on golf while I went upstairs to work on bows and to package orders.

The girls go tup and we played outside for a little bit, and then I decided to fix the girls dinner, which consisted of turkey and cheese, raisins, banana, and strawberries. G had cereal rather than turkey and cheese, and I had two bowls of cereal. I don't even think DJ ate.

After dinner, the girls played together by tackling each other, rolling on top of each other, blowing raspberries on each other's bellies, and shared lots of giggles and laughter. It totally warms my heart to see them getting along so well!

I also wanted to ask if you could please say a quick prayer for us. DJ and I found out last weekend that our renters in our Indiana house are moving out at the end of June. We decided to list the house for the next two months because the market in Muncie appears to be slightly moving. However, the house prices have not increased, and we are hoping to just break even. We found out tonight from our realtor that the trim on the microwave is broken and probably needs to be replaced and the kitchen counter above the dishwasher (that was replaced) buckled. It looks like we will have to fix both of those issues, but we're also concerned because we've had several repairs and we're wondering why those have not been addressed. Just pray that we can resolve those issues and get the house sold. If not, we will rent the house again, and hopefully next spring put the house back on the market, which was our original plan. However, we both know that God's timing is much better than our own, and because this was unplanned by us, we are hoping and praying that it's God's perfect plan.

Day of Silence

Heavy Heart

My heart is heavy tonight, and it has been for the past several weeks. I know the old saying that "when it rains it pours", and I can tell you that God is raining in so many lives that I know. I just wanted to take some time tonight to share some prayer requests, and to ask you to join me in praying for these lives. I'm also praying that I can look back at these in God's time, and see many turn into praises! I have faith that God can do amazing things!

Please pray for DJ's aunt. She has been diagnosed with the final stages of cancer, and we know that sometime in the next several months, his aunt will go home to be with Jesus. On the praise side, she was just released from the hospital and will be able to spend her last few months at home! I know this is something i've been specifically praying for!

Please pray for two of my facebook mom's group friends. Both of them are young and have young children and have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They are both in various treatment stages, but please pray for their recovery and healing.

Also, pray for another facebook mom's group friend who has an enlarged uterus which could mean several things. Pray that it is not cancer, but that it is something that can be easily treated. Also pray for her and her husband as they decide whether or not to expand their family.

I read earlier today on Kelly's Korner about a family who was on their way to the hospital Saturday evening to deliver their baby. They were in a car accident and the mother passed away. The baby was born, but was without oxygen for a long period of time. The father, who just lost his wife, must now make the decisions regarding his baby's life. I just cannot fathom making that decision as a parent.

There are two little girls at my elementary school whose mother passed away last Saturday night. The funeral is tomorrow. Pray for them and the family.

Finally, pray for Devon Walker, the player at Tulane that was injured in our football game two weeks ago. Again, my heart is just heavy for him and his family. Pray for his healing and rehabilitation. Pray for the safety of all football players. It is so hard to know that it is my husband's profession, but that every week these players are literally risking their lives just for a game of football.

Please share your prayer requests or praises so I can join you in prayer!

Hair, Prayers, & 9 months

I got my hair cut yesterday after chewing on the idea for a few weeks. Here's the before: This is the absolute longest my hair has ever been.

And, here's the after:

Eek! It's short! (This isn't the greatest picture of my self either, and I feel as if I look older.)

MC turned 9 months last Friday, and this time, I actually was able to put her in the same white onesie, add her onesie sticker, and snap a few pictures!
I should've planned better, and posted a newborn vs. 9 month picture. She's wearing the exact same onesie! I'm shocked that I can still snap it and that it still fits. But, she's also a tiny little thing, weighing in around 16 lbs.
She's been sick again, and as soon as I write this, i'm getting her up from her nap and taking her back to the pediatrician. I might as well invest in their stock, because we've been to the doctor more times than I would've liked in the past 2 months. She has a cold that has settled in her eyes, and you can see how red and puffy they are in the picture above.

On the bright side, we've gotten a lot of cuddle time!

The urge to pray has hit me hard over the last few days and I just wanted to share a few requests:.

~ Pray that the doctors can give us some insight on Megan and why she's been so sick. I know it's just a cold, but it's so hard when she's so miserable.

~ A friend of ours (her son) is having surgery today to replace tubes in his ears.

~ Another online friend, just found out that her grandmother is sick and in the hospital with tests needing to be done.

~ Pray for the town of Branson, Mo and that they are able to rebuild and recuperate for their upcoming vacation season. The shows and parks should be reopening in March, but they may be delayed. I have a friend that lives 30 minutes from there and she knows people that have lost things.

~ Pray that DJ and I can find and agree upon a church here in Tulsa. We've been visiting many churches and we have yet to find that fit for our family, and it's something that I'm struggling with.

~ Pray that a buyer will come along for our house in Indiana. It's not currently on the market, and it is being rented, but the renter may move out in a few months. So pray that our house could sell, or that he will renew his lease for another 6 months.

Enjoy your day and week. I hear the weather here is suppose to hit close to 80 tomorrow and i'm looking forward to it!

Prayers for Emmett

I'm hugging Gretchen a little tighter tonight. After tucking her into bed, I logged onto Facebook (a somewhat usual routine) and read a link about a mother who's 2 year old son has disappeared in Arizona from his home.

After reading further, I realized that I "knew" this mother from a message board that I post on. Her little boy is just a month or so older than Gretchen. I never imagined, that I would be reading about, or watching on t.v., about a family that I was some how connected to. Especially, one that is in so much pain right now.

I ask each of you to say a prayer for this family, for the police involved, and for the little boy. If any of you are in the Arizona area, please keep your eye out for Emmett or repost on your own blog, facebook, twitter, etc.
This is not something I ever do. I hurt for missing children, but I don't think it ever hits so close to home. Granted, I've never met his mother personally. I don't even respond to a lot of her post. But, I'm writing this just as support for her; to let her know that I'm praying for her and for her little boy.

There are so many times where I take my own child for granted, and there have been many instances, where I'm reminded not to; that every day is precious with her. I'm thankful for those moments, and I'm thankful that she's safe tonight.

National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. As a Christian, I feel that this is an important day for us to remember.

I remember the "See You at the Pole" days while I was in school, but as I grow older, I don't hear about these days as often.

My favorite radio station, KLOVE, is having pastors pray on their station all day long, and they've been talking about this day all week.

So, I wanted to blog about it and learn a bit more about it myself! And, of course, share it all with you guys!

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force’s mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.

The theme for this year is “Prayer for Such a Time as This” and is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”

You can go to their website to learn more about this day, and to sign up for weekly prayer tips, find an event near you, and to sign a petition to keep this observance.

I challenge you to take a few moments out of your busy day to say a prayer for our country, its leaders, and for your family. I also challenge you to pray with your little honey's tonight and for God's guidance in your life.

If you are participating in this day, please take a moment to leave a comment, so I can pray for you as well.