Snow Day!

Today is the first official snow day of 2009! Its always a little exciting for me to see snow, even though we're pretty much stuck inside! I guess it reminds me of all those snow days we had when school was cancelled...we got to go out and play all day, come in to hot soup and grilled cheese (my mom's is the best!), and just relax. Those were some of the best times. I would love to take Sawyer out today, but she has just gotten over her little cold, so I better not. Maybe we'll get another snow in the next few weeks and I'll get a chance to get her out there for a bit.
Last year, when we had our "big" snow, mom and I took Sawyer outside, even though she really didn't know what was going on. She had the sweetest little bunny hat. These pictures are (obviously) from last year...it's crazy how much they grow in just a year's time!

You'll Never Believe This One...

Let me just start by saying that I don't think I would even believe this story myself, unless it actually happened to me...but let me assure you, IT HAPPENED.
This morning I had to go down in the basement (where our laundry room is) and grab Sawyer a new pair of socks, so, like I always do, I shut the basement door behind me so she wouldn't fall down the stairs. Sawyer was in the living room having a snack and watching a cartoon at this time, but I guess she heard me head downstairs...she's a nosy little thing anyways.
So I get the socks and head back up the stairs. The door is still shut, but I can see under the crack her two little feet standing there behind the door. I didn't think much of that, because often times she's waiting for me to come back up. I go to unlock the door...and it doesn't budge. I wiggled it a bit, thinking it was just stuck...nothing. At this point I felt nauseous, and though all this happened within a few seconds, it was like it was happening in slow motion.
My daughter had locked me in our basement.
I start wiggling the knob faster, and I call out to Sawyer calmly, "Sawyer baby, can you turn the lock and let Mommy out?" I can hear her trying to turn the lock and then she just gets frustrated, screams, and runs away! So, there I am, calling out to her-begging her to try and unlock the door, and I know she could probably sense me getting frantic. She runs back to the door, tries again, starts crying...and runs away again.
By this time I realized there was no way she was going to be able to let me out so I run back down the stairs to find something to help me escape....by this time I was crying myself. What to I grab? One of Preston's old crutches from his knee surgery. At the time it seemed totally logical. Thinking about it now, I have to laugh. I start trying to beat the door down with the crutch, but of course, its much too big to maneuver...so I just threw that back down the stairs and start looking for something else. And then, I found it...a bat. I race back up the stairs (at this point Sawyer wasn't standing behind the door, and I couldn't even hear her) and start beating the doorknob. I mean, seriously, I was going crazy with that bat...it was like something off a movie...ha ha ha. After about 10 hits, the knob came loose, and I was free!
Sawyer was just sitting on the living room floor, probably scared to death from all that noise. I don't think Ive ever been so relieved. For the next half hour all she kept saying was "lock...lock...stairs...door!"
I have a feeling I'm going to be laughing about this one for quite a while.

A Productive Day...

I got so much done today! Preston had to work late today, so Sawyer and I stayed home in our pj's all day and did some much needed cleaning out and organizing! We turned the TV off, the radio on and jumped in. Sawyer was so good...she went right along side me most of the time, and was a big helper! She tossed some things in the trash can for me, and mostly just kept me company. We accomplished...
-Re-organizing all the kitchen cabinets, and cleaning out the kitchen junk drawer
- Cleaning out our spare bedroom, which unfortunately had turned into a catch-all for a lot of our stuff
-Cleaning out the bathroom cabinets...they were in dyer need!
-Cleaning out and re-organizing our hallway linen closet...which holds a heck of a lot more than linens!
I did a few other things, but those were the main few. Of course, Sawyer and I took a couple of breaks throughout the day, filled with laughing, a Veggie Tale, chasing, tickling, and dancing. We had a good time together. And hey, what other job lets you take breaks like that?
Sawyer is feeling so much better...she still has a cough and runny nose, but she's definately back to her happy self. She's in bed now, and Preston doesnt get off for a little bit, so, Im off to scrub down the shower!

Birds of a Feather...

Sawyer loves Papaw's hat. She likes to take it off, try it on, talk about it, put it on her stuffed animals...she just really thinks it's something! So I thought it might be a good idea to get a few pictures of Sawyer and Papaw both wearing their hats together!

God's plans vs. Mine....

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:1
I'm pretty sure God must be amused, and maybe even let out a laugh when He hears us talking about the big plans we're making for ourselves. I can just imagine Him saying, "Oh, sweet child! If you ONLY KNEW the things I have in store for you!"
I can still hear myself talking with my girlfriends in high school...discussing who would be the first to get married, have children, start a career, and so on. I was far from the first on the list to get married any time soon, and I'm almost ashamed to say it now, but there was a brief time in my life when I wasn't sure I wanted to have any children at all! I had some pretty big plans for myself...finish college, find a job that I loved, move into my own place...do just about whatever I wanted whenever I wanted!
Look how differently my life has turned out! I was married just after my 20th birthday, and two years later became a mother. I honestly cannot imagine my life being any different than it is now...I have the best job in the world. I get to be a wife and best friend to the most wonderful man Ive ever met...a man that I happen to be madly in love with. I get to be a stay at home mom to the most beautiful, amazing little girl, and watch her grow and learn new things every day. We have a beautiful home, and I could never say it enough...God had blessed us beyond measure, and provided for our every need.
Praise God that He had MUCH better plans in store for me than I could ever had imagined for myself! Sure, there are always "bumps" along the road of life...we face crisis, setbacks, or disappointments. The plans we worked so hard to make start to unravel, and we suddenly find ourselves questioning God and His plan for our lives. But we can remain confident even in the uncertain times, because God tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I don't know about you, but that's ALL I need to know!

Warning....I have much to say...

The past few days have been almost a blur! We've been very busy, with planned as well as unplanned things!
Sunday we celebrated mom's birthday with lunch at BD'S Mongolian Grille...if you haven't yet been there, I would highly recommend it! Later that evening everyone came over for dinner and games, and Preston (or should I say Dr. Petersen) reigned supreme in our game of "Life."
Monday Preston was off work, so we spent a big chunk of the day at the Mall, letting Sawyer play on the big boat...she had a blast! She was probably the youngest child there, but she certainly held her own! Sawyer was in such a good mood Monday and Tuesday, laughing and smiling all day... she was just a joy. Those are the kind of days that make all the not so fun times worth it!
Last night Preston and I had to attend a continuing education class for Nursery volunteers at church, so Mom and Dad came over to watch Sawyer for us. When we came home, she was still awake,(which was very unusual) and Mom said she didn't think she was feeling well. Sawyer did seem a little "whinier" than usual and her nose was running, but I just chalked it up to her being sleepy, or those last few teeth trying to come in.
I changed my mind when she woke up screaming crying just an hour after she'd fallen asleep...with a fever, and the worst cough Ive heard in a while. The poor thing, her cough was so bad it was gagging her. Preston and I were worried (to say the least) so we grabbed her bag and headed to the emergency room. After we signed in and Sawyer did her initial check-in, we went to the waiting room, which was jam-packed, and discovered that there were people there who had been waiting over 5 hours. By this time I had already been warned by the check-in nurse that it was going to be awhile because the pediatric doctor was gone for the night, but 5 hours, seriously! There was no way she could wait that long...she was exhausted. So we made a unanimous decision that we would take her home, and get her to her pediatrician first thing in the morning.
To say that last night was LONG, would be an understatement. She was up just about every hour, and I just slept on the couch so I could hear her and not have to wake Preston up...he had to be at at meeting at 6 this morning! She was miserable. I was miserably tired, and I felt so sorry for her. She was pitiful.
Luckily this morning we got in the doctor first thing, and it turned out she has a bad cold plus an ear infection. They put her on an antibiotic and told me to give her Tylenol to help with her fever and aches, and to use her humidifier to help her breath while she's sleeping. It sure did the trick, because she's been asleep for an hour and a half and she doesn't look like she'll be waking up any time soon. I'm so thankful she's able to get some rest. Her doctor said it may take a couple of weeks to get her feeling 100%, but I'm just glad it wasn't something worse.
If you think about it, please pray that Sawyer would feel better soon, and that I would be full of gentleness and patience as I care for her while she's sick.

Sawyer...The Lipstick Queen

Today, Sawyer had another run-in with Mimi's lipstick. She was once again rummaging through Mimi's purse (a favorite pastime) and discovered her beloved lipstick, which she just refers to as, "lip."
Of course, Mimi let her play with it to the point of ruining the entire tube, but it was worth it. The pictures I got are priceless...and we had a good laugh. What a girly-girl we have on our hands!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday...she is the most amazing woman I know, and there are countless reasons why I LOVE her. Just to name a few...

We can talk to eachother about anything.
She is a major source of encouragement when Im down.
She makes me laugh.
She has set a great example for me of what a mother should be.
She puts others before herself.
She's my favorite shopping partner.
She put up with me when I was a bratty teenager(searching for homecoming dresses!)
She has as a wonderful and unique sense of humor.
She goes out of her way to make me feel special.
She gives good advice.
She loves Sawyer, and enjoys watching her have fun.
She loves Preston like he's her own son.
She's a great cook!
She's FULL of ideas.
She's honest.
She loves the Lord.
And...she loves me, unconditionally.

I could go on and on...but really, there arent enough words to express how much I love her. She's just the best. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Madame Blueberry...

Sawyer LOVES Veggie Tales, and one of her favorite episodes happens to be "Madame Blueberry." It's such a cute show, and a little ironic because Sawyer's new favorite snack seems to be...blueberries! I bought her some freeze dried blueberries at the Fresh Market and they were a big hit. She actually finished off the whole container in just 3 days. I'm glad she likes them because they're so good for her...They're a total mess, but worth it! In case you can't tell, these pictures are of her enjoying her new treat!

Sweet Baby Ruby Lynn...

The day before yesterday, Preston and I went to the hospital to meet Jon and Margaret's sweet little girl, Ruby Lynn! She is precious, and she looks exactly like her Daddy! Margaret is doing such a great job with her, she's a natural! Jon and Margaret are going to make a wonderful set of parents, and of course, we're excited that Sawyer will have yet another playmate soon! Congratulations guys!

Back to Normal...

Well, Preston, Sawyer and I are back home and settled in...with a non-leaky shower! Preston did a PERFECT job fixing our tub...I'm so glad he's a handy man!
Jon and Margaret came over last night and we enjoyed our time with them...Jon watched Preston's all-time favorite show (24) with him, so I got some time to visit with Margaret, who is two weeks past he due date with baby Ruby...she can't wait to finally meet her! Margaret is demonstrating so much patience waiting for this little girl to come, and I know she's going to be an amazing mother! Hopefully, we'll all get to meet Ms. Ruby Lynn very soon!
Sawyer is doing wonderful. Her personality gets bigger every day! She is learning, and growing, and becoming more and more fun all the time! She loves being around people, and is quite the little ham...and goodness, what a chatter-box!
As always, we have SO much to be thankful for...We have been so richly blessed!
1 John 5:14,15 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

Series of Unfortunate Events...

Well, the week is only half over, but it has been eventful to say the least....
The day before yesterday Preston discovered we had a leak in our basement coming from the upstairs bathroom. Apparently our fairly new shower needed to be re-sealed, which puts the bathtub/shower out of comission for 48 hours. Since thats the only bathroom we have, and since Preston, Sawyer and I all enjoy bathing, (ha ha ha) we decided to stay a couple nights at Mom and Dads (were bathrooms are plentyful.)Preston had already completed the first part of the re-sealing process, so we headed over to my parents house to spend the rest of the evening. We all had a great time together...Mom made BLT's for dinner and we played CLUE, which was pretty funny because we messed the game up BOTH times we played...hey, it had been a while!
Anyhow, this morning I was headed down the road with Sawyer to go meet Mom, and out of the left corner of my eye I see another car flying toward me. I could see that by the speed he was going that he didn't plan on stopping, so I tried to speed up a bit and swerve to the right....didn't help. The other car still hit me - hard. Praise the Lord, no one was seriously hurt, especially Sawyer. I guess the guy (who unfortunately spoke no english) just wasn't paying attention or didnt see me. Preston was actually behind me when the accident happened, so he stayed with SawBug and I while the police came. He had been headed to our house to work on the bathroom before he went to work, so by the time everything was over it was too late to go. Looks like we'll be at Mom and Dad's an extra day....

"By Your Side"

Yet another amazing song I was listening to on he radio this morning by Tenth Avenue North....It is a reminder of how much God truly loves us.

'By Your Side' Lyrics:

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

'Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

(Chorus 2x)

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

(Chorus 2x)

My Undying Love For Her....

Well, this is the first blog I (Preston) have done. I think it is fitting if I start by telling you how awesome and wonderful my wife is. All I can say is "WOW"!!! She never ceases to amaze me with her diligence, hard work, beauty, but most of all, her love for our heavenly father. She has given me the two best gifts you can recieve, second only to our salvation in christ: her love and my daughter. We are not promised tomorrow, which is why I have come to realize that I need to, and do, cherish every moment with her. She is a light in this world that is so dark. She is the salt that Jesus talks of in Matthew Chapter 5, the salt that changes and strengthens and makes a difference.

And what a difference maker she is. She has made the type of difference in my life that changes a person, make me want to be a better man type of difference. I love her for her persistance and her compassion. She is always thinking of others, and how to make my life easier. She is the best mom I know. When I come home from work and Sawyer can say six or seven new words, I now it is because my wife has spent hours playing and carrying on with that little bug. I know that when I come home, have clean sheets to lay on, the house is clean, clothes washed and dinner ready, it is all because she loves and cares for me. She has taken on the hardest job in the world, a stay at home mom and wife. I applaud her for that because it is a job that I don't know if I could do. And even if I could, she is always smiling, never a complaint.

I love her for her jokes and laughter, how she makes me feel lighter when it has been a rough day. She is always on my side. She is a partner that no matter what happens, will be by my side, helping me to the finish. I love her so much, and I know that I can never repay her for what she has done for me.

Two things I know for sure: I know she is the Proverbs 31 wife. I also know only because of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ my love for her will never fade....as time goes on our Lord makes the flame grow stronger and stronger. Amen.

I love you Ree!!!

Sawyer Likes Mimi's Lipstick....

So, today Sawyer got into Mimi's lipstick (Mimi didn't object of course!) and it was pretty interesting to say the least! I saw her rummaging through Mom's purse, and watched her discover the tube of lipstick...and in true "Sawyer" fashion, she began to closely examine. I left the room, and returned shortly thereafter to discover her with the tube open...and lipstick all over her face! I about died laughing...not just because of the way she looked, but because Mom was just sitting there on the couch watching her with a big smile. So, I had to run and get my camera...it was too good to miss. She was really enjoying herself...until mom got out her mirror to let her have a look at herself. Sawyer either did NOT like the way she looked AT ALL, or she didn't appreciate us giggling at her. Anyhow it made for a fun few minutes, and I'm sure there will be many more "encounters" with Mimi's lipstick to come!

Sweet Baby Cameryn...

One of my very best friends, Jordan, had her baby girl last night. Preston and I went to the hospital today to visit while mom and dad watched Sawyer for a little while. Goodness, she sure is sweet...Cameryn Lynn Burt. Ive known Jordan almost my entire life, and I just know she is going to make an amazing mommy! I'm also excited about Sawyer having a new playmate! I hope our two little girls will grow up and have a close bond like Jordan and I...and I'm sure they'll share tons of laughter and fun!

Shadowfeet...

There's a new song on the radio that I love...it's called Shadowfeet, by Brooke Fraser. Listen for it on 88.5 and 105.9....it's AWESOME!

Shadowfeet lyrics

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
Toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing
Less and less asleep
Made of different stuff than when I began
And I have sensed it all along
Fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

There's distraction buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
But I've heard rumours of true reality
Whispers of a well-lit way

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

You make all things new

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

The Many Faces of "Papaw"....

I have already discussed in previous posts how much Sawyer loves her Papaw. Well, for the past few months it seems Sawyer has named several of her toys "Papaw," or either she thinks they genuinely look like him. Every time she sees on of these toys and says, "Papaw," I just have to laugh. The funniest part about the whole thing is that the toys seriously have some of my fathers physical attributes...pretty smart little girl, huh? Anyhow, she really takes good care of her "papaw" toys, rocking them, kissing them, and even putting them down for a "night-night!" So, I thought I'd show everyone a few of Sawyer's other Papaws...I'm sure you'll get a kick out of these pictures!

I LOVE Weddings...

Preston and I attended a beautiful wedding tonight and I was reminded how much I love them...I love the gorgeous, glowing bride in her white gown, the music, the food, the dancing...the whole atmosphere. Every wedding I go to, I always seem to think back to ours, and I cant help but smile. It was the best day of my life....I remember feeling so in love, and of course, how handsome Preston looked! We were surrounded by all the people who mean the most to us, and the day was, down to just about every last detail, perfect. Every couple of months I get out my wedding pictures and look at them...I guess it's because I just don't want to forget how amazing that day was, and because looking at them makes me remember how much I truly love Preston. I just imagine Sawyer looking at those pictures one day and seeing how happy we were, and knowing that really, not much has changed except for that fact that we love each other even more now.

Every once in a while...

"For You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

I love everything about my little girl...I love her unique personality, her beautiful little face, her wonderful sense of humor...and yes...all her "quirks." Every day is a new adventure, every discovery she makes is exciting, and being with her makes me realize the most simple things in life are most often the best things. But I cant deny it...every once in a while I think back to that precious little newborn I held in my arms for the first time, and I miss it. I'm sure everyone feels this way from time to time, and there's no way I'd every turn back time, because I love this fun stage she's in so much more...but still.

In many ways the day Sawyer was born feels like such a long time ago. But in many ways it still feels like just yesterday. I can remember our trip to the hospital...feeling a million different emotions...excited, nervous, anxious...in disbelief that this day was finally here! The day that felt like it would never arrive was NOW. It was time to meet our little girl. When I heard her cry for the first time I cried myself...it was pure joy. Seeing her sweet face was surreal...it was like I already knew her so well, but at the same time it was also as if I was meeting a new stranger for the very first time-a stranger who I was already head over hills in love with.

Sawyer was such a good baby. During our four day hospital stay I can only remember her crying twice, and I wanted to look at her...study her... hold her ALL day. Preston and I were so thankful for her...we were overwhelmed with the feeling of being so blessed.

Today, well, we still feel the same about her. I still find myself peeking in on her while she's sleeping from time to time...just to watch her. Every chance I get I thank God for giving me such a wonderful gift, for allowing me to be her mother. What an amazing responsibility! I will never have a higher calling (other than being Preston's wife) than raising Sawyer. Every time we see a precious newborn we should be reminded how much our Father loves us...how He make NO mistakes...how we are TRULY "fearfully and wonderfully" made!

Its Been Awhile....

Okay...so I've neglected our blog for a little while. But now that things have settled down a bit, I decided to post an update!

The past few weeks seem like they were just a whirlwind, and I can hardly believe its ALREADY 2009! Preston and I celebrated New Years by going to a get together with our Sunday School class...it was a lot of fun-playing games, eating tasty food, and visiting with everyone. Preston and I actually left before midnight (because it seems we're too old to stay up that late anymore,) but nevertheless, it was fun!

I'm sure everyone has noticed the weather the past week or so has been a little out of the ordinary for December in Louisville...and I was actually pretty excited about the few warmer days we had, because it gave me an opportunity to spend some time outside with Sawyer! Anyone that knows Sawyer understand why this would be so great....Ive never seen another child love being outside as much as her! She so enjoys being able to run, jump, play and most of all explore! Mom and I took her out in our back yard the first "warm" day an let her play in the dirt...it was messy, and after that her clothes were DONE, but it was SOOO worth it...she had a blast! Then Preston and I got to take her out two more days last week and play ball and run around. Sawyer had a great time...and I got the opportunity to take some neat pictures! I hope you enjoy them!

On a final note....

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I had a particularly rough couple of days. Things just weren't going my way, and It seemed I was constantly disciplining Sawyer. Nothing I was doing was working the way I thought it would, or rather I should say AS SOON as I thought it would. I was losing my patience, frustrated, and feeling pretty sorry for myself. One night after my second "bad day," I was doing my devotional, and it took me to this bible verse....

"But He said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I literally just sat there and cried. It was exactly what I needed to hear, and after I did some soul searching and praying it was like a weight was immediately lifted. My Heavenly Father knew just what I needed, and He came to comfort me. Praise the Lord, that as children of God, though we aren't promised things will always be easy...we have HOPE! We have a friend in Christ, someone who we can always turn to...someone who has ALL the answers! I was just really encouraged by this verse, and since it really applies to everyone, I hope you might find some encouragement through it as well!

This weekend is sure to be busy and a lot of fun...we have our first wedding of 2009 to attend tomorrow night, and Sunday we have a day full of church/family stuff...Hopefully my husband will be home soon, so bye for now :)