The Slay Family

2012-01-16T18:08:00.001-08:00

shaped crayons

2011-12-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Take broken crayons.
Break them up small.
Put them in Sylicon Mold.
Bake at the lowest setting in the oven.
Watch them close and when they look like liquid pull them out and let them cool.

Wha La....(smooth the back down)

In this case I made gingerbread for Christmas.

So Pinterested....

2011-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

So I love Pinterest. I have now made several of the wonderful things I have found and feel completely inspired. I am going to start posting what I have made and give feedback on my experiences. I am also going to post some family recipes and craft projects as I do them. Should be fun and I hope anyone reading will enjoy. Mostly I hope my girls will be able to learn from this one day.

Amy ♥

Now 3 Months Old

2011-10-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

She found her thumb at the same age her sister did.

Noticed the unwanted paci right next to her!

Zoey's Birth Story

2011-10-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2011

5:30am Saturday morning at 5:30 I woke up with contractions and started timing them. They were consistent at 5 min apart and 1 min long. I woke Mike up after about 45 minutes because things were steady and then I went and woke my mom up , who lives with us, about 15 min later. As soon as I got up everything slowed down to 10 min apart and maybe 30 sec. all the way out to 30 min apart.

7:00am We ate breakfast and I went and layed back down for an hour or so. As soon as I did that it all picked back up again but this time it was 7 min apart 1 min long and when I got up it all slowed to a crawl again! I was so frustrated just not knowing what to do.

11:00am Mike and I went to Wal-Mart to walk around for a while . We ate lunch there and walked for about 45minutes. Nothing happened. I maybe felt one small contraction. So we decided to go home and rest.

1:30pm I sent Mike to work. I really didn’t think anything was going on and I just needed to get rest for when it all really kicked in. I just had to pray too that God would make this go as quick and as possible.

3:30pm I felt like there was something holding me back. Like my body wasn’t opening up. I didn’t think her head was engaging. I called and left a message with my doctor and was waiting for a call back. I called my sister who suggested pelvic rocks and gets some rest I also called a friend who is a midwife in training and she suggested the same thing. My doctor called back and I let him know what was going on and he suggested that I take 2 Tylenol pm and go to bed because he really didn’t think it was happening for a while either.

6:00pm So I took some of the Tylenol PM and my mom got me some dinner but I really couldn’t eat. I sat most of the afternoon in on her bed having contractions that I just didn’t think were doing anything. I got up at one point and had a strong one that I had to have her help me through.

6:15pm After that I called Mike to come home, I just wanted him with me. And I called my sister and told her in tears that I just didn’t want to do this anymore. Should have been a big clue!

6:45pm I got up from all this and went to the bathroom where I had a burning sensation but again I didn’t think it was anything with how constipated I had been. I got in the shower and had 2 really strong contractions so I got out got dressed and got into bed.
7:12pm As soon as I layed down I screamed for my mom. I had to push! 1 small push and my water broke all over the bed. My mom got a towel and she ran and got her phone and called 911. I push 2 more times and she was out. I had to yell through those two pushes the 911 operator barely could hear my mom. They walked her though how to stimulate the baby and then a police officer showed up and then very shortly the Firemen and paramedics.

It was crazy. All these huge men (they were in their fire fighting pants) were surrounding my bed and all seemed afraid to touch anything until the paramedic, who was right there, started working, and just then Mike came in. I felt so bad that he missed it that the first thing I said when he came in was “I am sorry” of course he thought that was crazy and encouraged me.

pics

2011-09-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

Due Date

2011-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today is my due date, nothing is happening. So frustrating. We will have to wait and see.

Father's Day

2011-06-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

We made Mike this "Super Hero" Kit. Which he loved. He truly is our Super Hero!!!! We love you babe.

Almost There

2011-06-16T08:33:00.001-07:00

Ok, so with Kaitlyn I was 10 days after my due date and I still had to be educed. It wasn't until those last few days that I was ready to just do what ever it took to have her. Now It is 13 days before my Estimated due date and I am done. I am ready to hold her and give lots of kisses but who knows when it could happen. I keep repeating to myself. "God is in Control," it is the only way I can get through it. I am so impatient this time.

God is truly trying to teach me a lesson on patience. We are working on it with Kaitlyn too. Funny how that works out.

49 Days Left

2011-05-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Only 49 Days Left until my Estimated Due Date. I stress Estimated because last time I didn't deliver until 10 days after this date.

We have some great big changes going on. New munchkin coming, we have put Kaitlyn in a Big girl bed, and my Mom is coming to live with us. I think God likes to keep me on my toes. I really hope and pray all goes well with the move in and the birth. Kaitlyn is doing well with her new bed. Some rough nights but that is to be expected.

Our Zoey Mikayla will be in my arms soon. I can not wait! I know a bit more of what to expect any maybe how to handle things. I am grateful my mom will be there to help and I have been able to nurture some of my relationships lately which I am so grateful for. We, especially as women, need our friends. My husband is wonderful but he doesn't always know what do do with all my emotions, though he does a good job when he has to.

I think God is using this time in my life to help me see my need for Him. I forget and rely on myself a lot which is never a good idea. God has given me the ability to handle a lot of stressful situations but when I go to Him, pray about it, read the word. I wind up on the other end happier no matter what has happened because I know God is in control. That lifts a huge burden off of your shoulders. We were never meant to carry these burdens by ourselves. God wants them and gives you people to help you through life.

Psalm 55:22a (New International Version)
22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.

and

Galatians 6:2 (New International Version)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

It is amazing the amount of hope that can be gleaned from a little bit of scripture!!!!

Enter to wing a Cricut Expression 2

2011-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

you will love it...

While the previous Cricut Expression machines were great to begin with, the new Cricut Expression 2: Anniversary Edition is even better. All of the minor grievances you may have had with your previous machine have been addressed and improved upon in the new edition. If you want a pleasant die-cutting experience, I would already recommend trying a Cricut machine, but if you want a top of the line, luxury die-cutting experience, make sure you try out the Cricut Expression 2: Anniversary Edition machine!

Enter Here

Our Family Pics by Dora Adams

2011-04-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Latest

2010-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

We go in for another sono today. She couldn't get good measurements last time so we go today and this time Mike can come. A little nervous. Always a little nervous this time around. There have been some losses around me in the last couple of years. Some beautiful ladies lost their beautiful bundles and it is very hard not to take on their pain and fears for this munchkin. 7 weeks and 3 days so we should get a good pic. Will post later.

We're Pregnant

2010-11-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well, 2 days before our Precious Daughters 2nd Birthday we found out number 2 is on the way. Very tired and starting to get sick now but so grateful our new one is coming.

ok

2010-08-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Had a great day yesterday, did not cheat!!! I lost 2 pounds just from sticking with the diet. Just goes to show me that if i follow the guidance given it I will succeed. You can get advice about things all day long but if you don't pick something and go with it whole heartily it will never be successful...

Here is an updated pic of KK...

Diet

2010-08-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Such a dirty word but, I am on a diet. A life change really. It is time or me to take control. Self control, there's a phrase for you. The bible says it in a ton of ways that we need to be Self Controlled and that self control is a fruit of the spirit. I know God has given me the ability to do this but man it is hard.

Currently I am down about 23 pounds, my goal is to lose 105 in total. A lot I know but that is where my self control has been, non existant.

Lately I have been cheating like crazy. Any carb I see I want to eat, This is a calorie restrictive diet but I can have starches and fats just in a moderate way. I, in truth, am not being deprived in any way. So, why can I just gain some self control here.

Galatians 5:16-26

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Is what I keep thinking of, I want to mimic this scripture but I feel like I am in such a hole right now. I feel like God is yelling at me to change every area of my life all at once and I am stuck. I think Satan is beating me down and trying to take control of who I am completely.

I know that losing weight is just the start of a larger change in character for me. If I want to keep the weight off, the lessons I learn now are essential especially if I want to pass them on to Kaitlyn.

I want to be a good daughter to God, a good wife, mother and friend.

God Is good and will not forsake me. I know a lot of what I am going through is emotional and can and will be delt with. So hear I am venting trying to get out all of my emotions and not let them control me.

30 Day challenge to Encouraging Your Husbands

2010-01-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

click here

It is time to Change!!!!!! Pray for me :)

2010-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

There are so many times in life big lessons come about. It is good. You grow and become a better person through them, but it is hard.

My wonderful Dear Husband (DH) has joined the police academy, a scary prospect for me, I have had a very bad experience with a police officer in my past (and no I was not arrested :) ). My best friend growing up. Her dad was a very bad man and a police officer. Well, since Mike decided to join I have had to deal with that whole situation and more importantly trust that God would take care of my man and keep him safe. After much discussion I decided that he really wants to do this, he is miserable where he is at, I need to trust my DH. I do not ever want to be the wife that would not "allow" her DH to fulfill his dreams. What kind of bitterness and resentment would build up in his heart for me, I do not want to imagine.

It has been about 3 months now and it has been a tough road. He as been working so very hard but that kind of stress can take its toll on a marriage. He is a little more cranky and I, who have been very use to having him all to myself, am learning to share him with the academy and soon the whole city. Needless to say we have had more than one "bump". This last one was a duzey, I don't even remember what it was all about originally but i told, I am very ashamed to say, that "Our Marriage Sucked," you should have seen the hurt in his eyes. It was devastating. I immediately regretted it. It does not "suck" far from it. I can get sooo emotional that there is no telling what will fly out of my mouth. I spent the next 2 or 3 days apologizing and crying over it and feeling awful.

Every time I brought it up he would forgive me but eventually he got tired of me bringing it up, it was making him relive the moment. I needed to forgive myself. I needed the forgiveness of God, which I already had I just needed to allow myself to see it. The next day I wrote him a letter telling him all the reasons that I loved him which I think really did encourage him but my heart still was so very sad. I really thought it was unforgivable. That 3rd day I got a lot of advice from my sister, who is an angel sent to me from God to help me get through this life, telling me to pray and give it up to God and then to start encouraging the socks off of my DH. I also spoke with another friend that is also in the Police Academy and she helps me see what my DH is going through from a woman's perspective. That night the floodgates opened. I haven't prayed that hard and that real in a very long time. Crying out to not lose my DH, to be able to encourage him, to be able to change my heart for God, and for the needs of people I know and love.

Lets put it this way...DH and I had a GREAT weekend. We talked, we played games we just had fun together. I didn't nag him "too much" about how he was feeling, that prayer helped me let go.It wasn't a bumpless weekend but it was "perfect" for us. I know I have a lot of work to do but here goes. I want to be a changed person.

I found something on another blog called the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives" By Nancy Leigh DeMos and I have set my heart on doing it. It is day seven today and it is going GREAT...the scriptures today are...
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches
certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."
Proverbs 8:21

For the Next 23 days now I will be nothing but encouraging and positive. No matter how I am feeling. I will eventually be able to discuss all the feelings again but by the time I do I will be able to think more positively as a whole, this is forcing me to see the positive in my DH on a daily basis. For Today, basically I am not going to criticize him on $$ issues. Which is funny because I will be working on the budget tonight. Pray for me to be encouraging and loving to him. Isn't it amazing how God works...

I hope all this make sense and I look forward to sharing more as each day goes by...

If anyone wants a copy of this I will be uploading it to my blog soon.

Lots Going On

2009-12-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Our Kailtyn has been walking for a month now. WOW. It is amazing how quickly she is growing. We went to see my dad this weekend. It is always good to see him. Kaitlyn is afraid of her Grandpa right now but I know she will love him very soon.

I was able to have a good talk with my step mom (I hate calling her step mom because she is definitely not the bad connotation of that phrase). She let me teach her about E.F.T. emotional freedom technique (emofree.com) This is a wonderful technique that helps you deal with emotional scars in your life without drugs. It is important to me because it has help me tremendously in my life to work through a lot of emotional baggage. God has perfectly and wonderfully made our bodies to heal both physically and emotionally. I am extremely grateful. I wish I could pass this technique on to everyone. Mostly I get crazy eyed looks because it is a "natural" very granola thing to do. My S.M. even let me show her the technique and work on some things.

Getting ready for Christmas...We are putting our tree up tonight. Very late I know. it has been hard to get into the spirit at home for some reason. But I am motivated because I want there to be a tree and lights up on Christmas day for Kaitlyn. Granted she wont remember But Mike and I will and the picture will be great with all of us in our special Christmas PJs making GREAT memories. Someone told me once that it is not about all the things you do and the money spent but about the memories made. The little moments that we don't forget.

It is just going to be the three of us at the house for Christmas this year. We are actually looking forward to a quiet little Christmas at home. We are going to make a traditional dinner (a small one) and just spend the day together. Which is awesome, with Mike in school we don't get the opportunity to spend a lot of time together. It should really be a special day.

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS.

Kaitlyn is 1

2009-11-02T11:06:00.001-08:00

1 Year old in 10 days

2009-10-20T09:20:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful baby girl will be 1 year old in 10 days. This time last year I was past my "due date" and wanted her to get here so badly and now all I want to do is go back to that sweet intimate time with her. But it is sooooo GREAT to have a lively little munchkin around. We could not love her more. She is so close to walking but is still more interested in crawling, I think because she can do things faster.

We are going to have a pumpkin party on Halloween for her birthday. She is going to get her first ever bite of cake. I wonder what she will do. Her grandparents and some other people keep asking me why she can't have any sweet yet but I want her first time to have any to be her Birthday cake. Here are some Fab pics we just got done...

My Baby is 11 months old!!!!

2009-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, the time has gone by so fast. Kaitlyn is 11 months old. Can you believe it? Our family is going through huge changes. Mike is in the police academy and our baby will be 1 year old next month so lots of plans happening there.

I am soooo proud of Mike, please pray for him to be do well and be successful. Most of all to always be the man of integrity that I know he is which will make him and even better police officer.

We also start a toddler parenting class on Sunday. I am very much looking forward to it. Whomever thought of having parenting classes is Genious!!! You don't have to do it word for word, you just have to take what is best for your family and run with it. These classes are called "Growing Kids God's Way" or "Baby Wise" They really are good!!!! We really don't know what we are doing but are given great ideas.

I am extremely grateful for the life God has given us.

Look at these Manly Hunk-a-Men

2009-09-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

We Went to San Antonio

2009-08-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

All my siblings and our families went to San Antonio last weekend and it really was GREAT!! We went to the Alamo, Japanese Tea Garden and River walk. Here is the beginning of our pics (not necessarily in correct order)...

I am going on a date!!!!

2009-07-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been Married now for over 5 years, we have a beautiful daughter and life can be crazy. Out of everything going on right now in our lives I am soooooo very excited about my husband taking me out on a date to see Harry Potter this weekend. Some Awesome friends of ours gave us a gift certificate to the Studio Movie Grill and we are going on Sunday. I have not been this excited about a "date" since we were dating :P I love that I love my husband so much still. I am grateful him, he takes good care of me and Kaitlyn and I would not trade him for the world!!!

some recent pics of the munchkin - she is crawling now!!!!

2009-07-10T08:34:00.001-07:00

Michael Steve Rhodes, Jr.

2009-07-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

He is here. My newest nephew. Isn't he GORGEOUS!!!!

CAMPING

2009-05-26T10:19:00.001-07:00

It seems everytime we go camping it Rains but we had FUN!! It was Kaitlyn's first trip. Not sure she likes it yet but she will warm up to it. We got home on Sunday and she slept all day Sunday and Monday. Here are some pics...

Bluebonnets...

2009-04-11T21:43:00.001-07:00

We have been trying to get to the bluebonnets for the last 5 years as a married couple but now we finally we get out and get pictures with the baby and they are adorable!!! Her is one of them and I will get the rest up later.

This weekend...

2009-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous Marriage Retreat this weekend. The theme was "A Reel Love" and they showed some great movie clips. It was great because they spoke about Oneness in your marriage. Truly being one with each other and God. I am very convicted about becoming better for my husband. We really want to show Kaitlyn what a great marriage can be like. I am extremely grateful to my husband for being open to working on our Marriage whether or not we feel like it needs help. Any marriage can grow! I love him with all my heart!!! We are doing a lot in our lives right now and all of it reminds me of my need for God. I am grateful that God gently reminds us of our need for him. Here are some pics from the weekend

Rhodes Family 1960

2009-02-20T17:20:00.001-08:00

We found these pictures at my Grandmothers after she passed. This is My Nanny, Aunt Sylvia and my Dad

Olivia Grace Villareal and all the kids with Nanna

2009-02-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

7ib 19 inches and cute as a button

Road Trip

2009-02-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

We, went on a road trip the other day to see Mike's mom who is in the hospital. She has several things going on please pray for her to get better and have the drive to do so. We also got to meet our brand new niece Olivia. She is gerogous. Here are a few pics from the trip...

she is sucking her thumb

2009-02-07T21:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, we were fighting it but I think we have lost. Not sure if we should give the fight up. She started sucking her left thumb. I think she has made a decision that she prefers her thumb over the passifiers.

Anyone have an opinion on thumb sucking?

Finally, Our Birth Story

2009-02-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Our Birth Story

At 41 weeks 5 days, we decided to induce. After trying for 2 weeks to “get things going” and nothing progressed, our Dr. gave us a deadline of 42 weeks before he intervened. In the name of having some control over the situation we decided to induce 2 days before the deadline with Cytotec, a pill induction.

Mike and I woke up early Thursday October 30th 2008; we had breakfast and were in Denton by 6:30am. My sister Elecia arrived shortly after we did, she was there as our doula. About 2 hours later, all the paperwork was done and the admission process was complete. The nurses checked me and I was 1cm; they hooked me up to the monitors to give me an hour on them before they gave me the medication. I had actually started contracting as the monitors indicated. I was given the first pill at Cytotec at 8:30. Then we walked on a sky bridge in the hospital the distance was about 1/8th of a mile one way, and we made very good use of it; we walked at least a mile. Mike was so very good keeping me going and being there when I had a contraction. The contractions were starting but not significantly. As we were walking my Mom, Janice and sister in law, Staci arrived. Our Team was wearing “Team Slay” black shirts with pink footprints, it was so cute. At noon, we made our way back to the room and ate lunch (don’t tell the nurses). My mom was great and brought us all chicken salad sandwiches, definitely needed to keep up the energy for delivery.

I was checked at about 2pm and had only progressed to 2cm. The nurses needed me to be on a monitor for another hour before they gave me my second pill. Let me tell you what, when you are contracting those monitors are awful!!!!! After they gave me the second pill, we went and walked for a little longer, but I decided quickly that I wanted to go back to the room. The contractions were getting strong enough for me to need to concentrate on them. All the prep work really kicked in(we took Bradley Classes). I followed my deep breathing, and Mike did such a great job keeping me focused. I am glad Elecia was there too because she helped remind mike of what to do and helped me keep focused as well. Mike noticed that when I would contract I was wincing my face. When the contractions were getting really hard Elecia would touch my brow and use the term “rag doll” which I understood immediately and was able to follow this helped me focus on relaxing so my body could push Kaitlyn out. I kept going back and forth between the bathroom and on my knees on the bed. The toilet was my favorite position.

The nurses checked me at 5:00p.m., and I was 6cm. I felt like I needed to be on the toilet because it took some of the pressure off. At one point in the bathroom my sister was sitting in front of me, and I had a really hard contraction. In my pain I asked her why I had decided to do this. She repeated back all the reasons I had stated to her. I had chosen this because it was the best way for my baby and the healthiest thing for my baby. I am extremely grateful for her in that moment. I did start asking for drugs but only in the middle of a contraction so Mike an Elecia both knew I did not really want them and they were right. The best thing was the nurse in that moment told me that I had made it so far that I should keep going so I did. I wish I could remember her name. She will always be special to me. They checked me again at 6:00p.m., and I was at 8cm. I was definitely starting to feel pushy and told Elecia as much. I really wanted Dr. Cummings to be in there and started asking for him. I got in the bed. I also really wanted to be on the bed. Then Dr. C came in, and I was on the bed and kept saying “I want to go home,” over and over I kept saying it. Dr. C was funny he just said that I would want to come back really quickly if I left and smiled.

The hard contractions were coming now and it helped to moan through them so I did.
As everyone was getting set up I started saying I had to poop, and a nurse said it was the baby. I just wanted to push. I looked around and did not see my mom at that moment and asked for her, I guess even when youare about to become a mommy you still need yourru mommy. When I saw her, Mike was next to me and Elecia and Staci were there, I was ready. They told me to wait, but I didn’t. All I could do was push I couldn’t help it. I caught Dr. C by surprise; he was getting a towel ready for me to pull against and all the sudden he started seeing her head. He calmly asked for gloves and the next thing I knew they were getting a mirror. I felt a pop, and her head was out. At that point he told me I had to stop pushing because he had to get the cord unwrapped (it was wrapped twice). After that I pushed again, but Dr. C said I didn’t have to do anything anymore and I said, “Really” and he said “that’s it.” He got the cord off, and she fell right out. Now, this entire time my water never broke. From what I understand this is a blessing because it keeps little elbows and knees from jabbing you in delivery. It was 6:42pm at this moment.

I am sure there is a lot that I am forgetting, but this is what I remember most. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I am very glad we decided to have a natural birth. My husband, sister, mom and sister in-law were there and I could not have asked for a better team on my side.

Thank you everyone.

More Pics...adorable!!!

2009-01-16T11:16:00.001-08:00

2008-12-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

http://s462.photobucket.com/albums/qq344/thecreativebug/?action=view¤t=Kaitlyns2months217-1.flv

2008-12-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Kaitlyn is here...

2008-11-17T07:37:00.001-08:00

She was born on 10/30 at 6:42 and was 8ib 3oz 19.5in long and beautiful!!!! I will post the birth story soon...

4 Days Past Due...

2008-10-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

So here I am 4 days "past due" I have been quite a bit frustrated because there is no escape from all the questions and comments and people even flat out laughing at me for still being pregnant. I had a Dr. appt. yesterday which was hopeful. 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and -2 Station. If you don' t know what all that means it means that she is truly starting her decent and getting ready to come out. YEAH! It may be several days yet but that is OK. I know she is on her way. This has been a good time to pray for surrender and patience. I know these are lessons I need to learn so why not now. Mike and Elecia have been sooo helpful and encouraging as well as the H.A.N.D. group I am in (home-birth association of north dallas) they are all very insightful and great for a vent.

I just can't wait to see her face!!!!

Update

2008-10-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

So, we are headed into the home strech and very excited. I do think I am now more excited than nervous. I want to do well and know I can with God's help. Mike is ready to be my fab coach and my sister is our backup. My sister in law is ready for pictures and my family is on standby. We are sooo blessed and could not ask for more.

I have been a little more than cranky but am trying to hold that at bay I know it is all apart of the hormone surge I just hate it when my DH gets the brunt of it all.

I am having a few cramps here and there but nothing productive yet, still brackston hicks I think. We are going to the State Fair tomorrow so we will see what happens. It will be fun to have a really good outing together before she comes no matter what! My DH is my best friend, I am so grateful for him. He is always positive when I need him to be and loves me through my uglyness. I am blessed to be having his child and could not imagine anyone else being her father. I never knew just how much love I could hold in my heart until I met him and now having his child.

God new what he was doing putting us together. He always knows best. Mike and I learn a lot from one another and just want to be together. I love that Rascal Flats song "bless the broken road" I always think of Mike when I hear this.

Villa Real Wedding

2008-10-14T13:13:00.001-07:00

Mike's Sister got married a couple of weeks ago and was beautiful.. I have been needing to post all this for awhile now but am just now able to catch up....

Us & Preg Pics

2008-10-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our Last shower and Preg Pics

2008-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

My fab sister in law took us out to get preg pics on Saturday (being due the very next weekend I figured I wasn't going to get much bigger). I think they turned out Fabulous. Then on Sunday my family gave me a shower that was Amazing!!! Absolutely every person that was their wether blood related or not was family which made it extra special. My Aunt made us a beautiful pink blanket and my mom made a gorgeous going home outfit for Kaitlyn. It is beyond compare.

Mike and I are very humbled by this experience. We have been blessed with 4 showers, the generosity of others to help us give the best to our little one is inspiring. We have already been talking about how we can "pay if forward" so to speak and we are very determined to do so. I am grateful God not only teaches in the hard times but uses these times of great blessing to move our hearts for others.

Here are a few pics from the weekend...

56 Days Left!!! OMG

2008-08-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

There is just no time left. We still have so much to do! Put up the Chair rail in the nursery, paint the nursery finish our guest room for visitors, put the crib together put all the furniture in the nursery, Can I pull my hair out!!! I just feel like I am crazy nesting right now and can not get anything done at the moment. Breathe! I know it will get done, all you really need are diapers and love right!!!

This weekend we have my nephew Austin's 1st Birthday. It is going to be an amazing day. He has had an unusual first year but he is a beautiful, walking, happy, afraid of nothing, perfect, little boy!!!! When my first nephew Ryan was born I never knew that I could love a child so intensely, it is amazing to me to see how much more full my heart is with two nephews and now a daughter on the way. With so many more children in our future (between my brother and sister in law planning a family, the two nephews on my Sisters side, 2 nephews and a baby on the way from my DH's sister and our baby coming) our lives are so full of blessings!!!!! Woah, I've never seen it all written out like that. Life keeps going doesn't it!!!

I have learned a lot over the last 7 months and I know I will keep learning more. God has been showing me my heart lately and just how much I think about myself over the other people in my life. I am working hard to change it but it is hard to change your character. Mike and I were able to serve an old friend last night who had a sever accident and almost lost his life. We were able to take them dinner and spend a couple of hours with them just enjoying their company. I have been able to have some great conversations with both family and friends lending an ear. It is amazing how it fills you up when you put yourself out there to help others. I think I am getting a lot more than I am giving.

Well, I am such a random blogger. I guess that is what it is for though, to get your thoughts out.

Life is Already Changing...

2008-07-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

Really just a rant…

So I am now 28 weeks pregnant and thrilled. Mike and I are so very excited to have our Kaitlyn coming but it is a scary thing to know that you have this little life in your hands. In soooo many ways we are thinking about her first now, making sacrifices financially and in time to get things ready and put her best interests at heart. We know that God is watching over us and he knows what we need to be great parents. I never knew we could love someone so much!!

I am fearful about the birth. I keep having these thoughts about "what if I can not handle it?" Mike is so awesome, he reminds me that we are taking the Bradley classes for a reason. We are both going to learn sooo much and be able to get throughout this beautiful and scary time.

It is amazing to me just how critical some people can be at the decisions you make and then in the next turn you find someone who is very positive and supportive. I wish there were more like that around. We seriously do not need people telling us all the things that could go wrong either in birth or in our parenting. We need positive supportive people. We are lucky though the mix of people has been decently lopsided toward the positive.

Well, into the 3rd trimester we go. Mike is looking for a new job and has some positive leads. The one most important thing I think must change right now in our lives is our devotion to God. We have definitely become lax, but God always appreciates change!!!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2008-06-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

We are now at 21 weeks alongg. it is Sooo Exciting. It's a Girl! Can you believe it. The first Girl in either Mike's or my Family since the grandchildren started coming. She will be Kaitlyn. Everything seems to be so much more real now. Every day we get closer to her being here I am more and more amazed. A little fearful of the birth but Amazed. We are starting the Bradley Birthing Classes in August. I can't wait. We both really want a plan and a better understanding of what to expect when our Kaiti is born. Here are some picts...

2008-04-09T15:20:00.001-07:00

This is our 10 week Sono. No More Sonograms until week 20 or 22 to find out Boy or Girl?

Mike is such a proud pappa!

I am sooo excited to be 12 weeks along After bleeding early on and being scared to death of the big MC this is a big accomplishment as it would be for anyone. God has blessed us with allowing me to carry this child. Sometimes when I am sick it can be hard to be greatful I just have to remember this little munchkin and the fact that God is seeing it fit to allow us to have a child. WOW.

Thanks for all your support early on. I know it can be hard to know what to say when someone is facing a hard realty (even if it turns out ok) Knowing there are people praying and thinking about you makes a big difference.

My 7month old Nephew Austin is having surgery Tomorrow morning. He was born with a Tethered spine and now they have to go in and fix it all so it will not damage his spinal cord and brain as he grows. Scary but I know God is on his side. Lots of pryayers going up!!!

We're havin' a Baby!!

2008-03-03T08:54:00.001-08:00

We are Sooooo Excited! to be having this new little one. He/She is due at the end of October WOW! I can't believe it. Parents. I just hope we are the best we can be.

The Slay Famly

2008-01-02T13:01:00.001-08:00

We are starting this blog thing now. I think it is great because we can keep everyone up to date all the time...
A little about us, My husband Mike and I have been married for 3 years and 9 months. We just moved into our first house and LUV IT!! It is so liberating being away from the apartment scene. God has definitely blessed us. Mike Graduated from College with his Bachelor degree in CISM. YEAH. He started school 3 months after we got Married now we get to make up for lost time :)

We hope to have children soon and go to Europe and visit London where he was stationed for 3 years. We figured that whichever comes first the kids or the trip, Children are portable.