Word-Filled Wednesday

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Happy New Year!

Read my previous post about the new year.

Almost A New Year

I can't believe it is only days away from being 2011. Wow. This year has went by so slow,but at the same time went by so very fast. It was a particularly hard year for me and still has been. It's not been a worse,just hard. A lot of trials and self-discovery. That's why I said hard,not worse. Trials and finding out more about yourself are probably two of the most effective ways God can draw us to Him.

I hope to sit and write down a few goals for the new year. I have done this since 2005 and really enjoy it. I seem so scatter brained with being a young Mother of young children. Most days I just want a bath and to be able to see my floor in the apartment. Tis a season that will pass,more quickly than I realize I think.

I turned 27. My oldest son turned 2. We got a used SUV. We had snow. A dear friend and mentor passed away. I became pregnant again. My youngest turned 1. That's just some of the things that happened this past year. We made mistakes and we conquered new ground. It's all a part of living and learning. We have dreams of moving back "home" near our families,but it has to be part of God's will for us. It would truly be a miracle if this happened for us. We shall see what God has in store for us in the near future.

Some of our year in pictures! If I really think about my life,I am blessed. I am blessed more than I think I should be. I have a Savior who still calls to me even when I don't answer. I have a God who sees fit to give me things that I know I do not deserve. I have a husband who is the most amazing man God could have given me. I have 2 beautiful boys that adore me and that I adore. I have another little one on the way to hold,kiss,and sing too. Really....what do I have to complain about? Not a lot compared to what I have not to complain about. Thank You,Lord. Keep me humble. Keep me pure. Keep me focused on You and my blessings. In Jesus Name,Amen!

Keeping Christ in Christmas

Sadly this will be one of my last entries. We are cutting off our internet and t.v. It is the best way to cut down on costs. It is just something we have to do right now. I will miss all of you dearly. You can find me on twitter (HeatherKae27) or email me the_stricklands@yahoo.com . I love writing,but right now I cannot do it as I wish and the internet just sits being unused. I will have internet service on my phone and can email and twitter there. I can comment from my husband's lap top,but I can't write an entry,not sure why. So you may hear from me through comments.

I wanted to share how we keep Christ in Christmas and link up with At the Well.

This week we are going to share a way that we keep CHRIST in Christmas. How does this look in your life? Do you do something with your church? Do you do something as a family? This week will truly be special, because we will get ideas of how to keep the true meaning of Christmas in our communities, homes, and hearts!


We always watch a movie about the birth of Jesus. It is something we love to do. We also read the story of his birth Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. We have wanted to do shoe boxes,but haven't yet. When our kids came in the picture I wanted them to know Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Christ and it's not about presents. So I found a Jesse Tree. I printed out the ornaments and have been doing that with Daniel. It has scripture and the meaning of the ornament for each day. He really has learned a lot for an almost 3 year old. He loves doing it too. I have been receiving Advent emails from Bible Gateway and it's been very awesome. Next year I plan for us to do it as a family more. I want to find an Advent Calender and do candles. I love reading and gleaning on the coming of the Messiah. We are also going to do a birthday cake for Jesus,which Daniel is so excited about! That is what we have been doing so far. We also go to church and they do Advent candles and scripture every Sunday night. I love it! 


Next year, I would like too do some shoe boxes and an angel tree. I want my boys(and the baby when he/she is older) to see it is more important to give. Yes, we bought them presents,but I haven't been centering Christmas Day around that. I have been telling Daniel on Christmas Day we will sing to Jesus and have him a cake. I keep telling him we celebrated and give because we have been given much. He has the same love for Christmas as I did growing up and still do. It's amazing watching things through my children's eyes. 


So what do you do? Share with us! Have a Merry Christ filled Christmas!!

Thankful Thursday

I can't believe it is less than a week 2 weeks till Christmas! I always feel different this time of the year. It's so humbling to think about Jesus being born as a baby.

I am 11 weeks pregnant and boy it's been a rough time. The sickness lingers throughout the day no matter what I do. Despite the sickness I am so thankful for my baby. A little life is being formed inside my womb. So amazing. My husband says women are amazing because of what they can do. It is amazing how we can grow another human inside of us,birth it,and then nurture it. God is so detailed,yet makes it so simple for us to come to Him. Without Him women could not do what they do. Thank You,Lord for life,Your life!

Join us for Thankful Thursday and our host Iris@Grace Alone.

Word-Filled Wednesday

I love this time of the year. This is a favorite picture and verse of mine.

Word-Filled Wednesday.

Thankful Thursday

This month is already flying by! I love this month and wish I could go at it in slow motion. Since I can't I capture every moment possible with my camera. Iris@Grace Alone is our host this month. Link up with us and leave a comment for Iris!

I am thankful for my Mother. She has always been so good to me. We have had our times,but what Mother/Daughter doesn't. She raised and reared us in the ways of the Lord. She set an example of how to be a Godly wife and home-maker for us. I am blessed. She also helps out with the Grandbabies and they love her so much!! I pray my children can say the same thing about me one day.

Haley(my sister),Mama,and me at Easter earlier this year.

Some Pictures

Just a few pictures!!!

4 years

4 years ago today I married my prince. I can't believe it's been 4 years!! He is a passionate,God-fearing,caring,loving man. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He helps me,challenges me,guides me,and loves me. I am so glad God brought us together!

Thankful Thursday

I missed last week,but I was spending time with my family. It was a great Thanksgiving! Now, it's December,where has the time gone? This is my favorite month and favorite time of the year. I am thankful for Jesus. He came to this wretched earth as a baby born in a manger,lived as toddler,a pre-teen,a teenager,and an adult. He did not have to do this. He could have let us have no hope for eternity,but instead he gave up his riches in glory to come save us from hell. I am so humbled by that. I am so glad I know him and that he knows me. Though we do not know the real date of his birth we have chosen to celebrate it on December 25th. I was questioning whether to even do this since it is not his real birthday,but it is a time when the body of Christ celebrates his birth. While the rest of the world are celebrating with Santa Claus and presents alone,we get to reflect upon the time that Jesus was born. I have always said without his birth,there is no cross. You first have to live in order to die. Then you die in order to live. It's really that simple. Let us not forget why we celebrate this time of the year. It's not because of presents,food,or even family. It is because of Jesus,our Savior of the world!

Iris@Grace Alone is our host for the month of November. Read her post and link up with us!

Word-Filled Wednesday

Share a scripture with us. Word-Filled Wednesday.

A Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my window... It's pretty windy and rainy out! We have been under tornado warnings all night!

I am thinking...about Christmas and Advent. It is my first year for Advent or the Jesse Tree. We are enjoying them both! I love this time of the year! 

I am thankful for...my home. So many without a home,warm bed,and a hot bath. I am grateful for my humble home.

From the kitchen... I have not been up to cooking much,blah! The site or smell of food makes me gag! So it's been take out or fast food. I know sad!

I am wearing...some pj pants and a tank top.

I am creating... a Jesse Tree with Daniel.

I am going... to decorate the house some more later this week!

I am reading...the Voice of the Martyr's magazine

I am hoping...today is relaxing and involves no sickness

I am hearing...Daniel talking to Aaron; the wind and the rain making a ruckus outside!

Around the house...the table needs to be cleared off,the floor needs vacuuming,and clothes need to be washed.

One of my favorite things...Christmas. I was pondering whether or not to celebrate it since it's not on the original birthday of Jesus,but it is the day we celebrate with family,friends,and the body of Christ. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: get groceries,finish some shopping for family,and visit with my sister and her kids.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

It's a picture of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Beauvior. While I sit in my comfy home,there are soldiers dying everyday and they may never get a proper burial. 

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Friday's Fave Five

1. Drinking coffee was a favorite this week. French Vanilla Dunkin Donuts is so good! I shared a cup with my love one morning.
2. Having cinnamon rolls for breakfast is a fave too! I love doing that with the boys.
3. Celebrating Thanksgiving with my husband and my 2 sons. I cooked a small lunch and it was really good.
4. I also went to both sets of parents for Thanksgiving with the boys. It was fun to see Daniel and Aaron playing with family. The food was yummy too!
5. Football!! Today is the big game between Auburn and Alabama called the Iron Bowl. OH yeah! Go Auburn!! 

It's been a rough week pregnancy wise,the sickness is no longer being helped with the non-drowsy med. It will just hit me throughout the day. But other than that it's been a good week!! Join Susanna@Living to tell the Story!

Word-Filled Wednesday

I've not been around lately,but here is a verse I love. Join us for Word-Filled Wednesday.

Here is a new post from my other blog.

Friday's Fave Five

1. The morning sickness has kicked in and thank goodness I have some medicine for it. Whew! If not I would be in bed all day and would not eat a thing.
2. I got to see my Nurse Midwife last Friday. It went good,though not exactly the way I wanted. But I'm thankful to have someone looking out for me and the baby.
3. My husband has helped me so much this week. At night when the boys go to sleep we curl up on the futon and watch t.v.
4. The weather has been more than gorgeous here! Loooooving it!!!
5. Sweet things. Chocolate,cakes,candy,and so much more. :) 

Join in with Susanne@Living to tell the Story and share about your week.

Thankful Thursday

 

Wow, Thanksgiving is next week! It is really crazy that it is that time again. I'm so thankful for family and friends. I'm thankful for my husband and children. I'm just thankful. I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior. Where would I be without him? I'm thankful for the internet and all these wonderful ladies I have met. I'm thankful for healing and for life. God is just so good. He is too good to me sometimes.

I haven't been around much. With 2 kids and then pregnancy sickness kicking in,it's all I can do to keep awake during the day. Hopefully, the 2nd trimester I will have more energy and more time. Don't forget to check out Laurie@Woman Taking A Stand who is our host this month. Have a blessed weekend!!

A Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my window... The rain is falling and sounds ever so sweet! It's not the thunderstorm rain,just light rain falling. I love it!

I am thinking...about my pregnancy and the end of it. I am so ready to know what we are having and to have that bundle in my arms. 

I am thankful for...my health. There are so many that are really sick and I am healthy. Despite some boils I had last week I feel much better.  

From the kitchen... We didn't have much for breakfast. :-/ I am cooking lunch soon though. Chicken sandwiches,baked fries,and macaroni & cheese!

I am wearing...some lounge pants and a t-shirt

I am creating... a list of candies I want to do for Christmas.

I am going... out for groceries tomorrow and to do some shopping with my Mama for my hubby.

I am reading...The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson still 

I am hoping...the blah goes away soon from the 1st trimester; that today we can relax and play.

I am hearing...nothing,but the rain falling. :)

Around the house...I need to go through maternity clothes and figure out what I can wear and the floors need to be vacuumed.

One of my favorite things...food. ;-) We had peanut butter & jelly sandwiches this morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: get groceries,shop,and hopefully get some family portraits doen.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

God's promises are true!!

Friday's Fave Five

1. We got to spend some time with family Sunday and Monday. It was nice! The boys always enjoy going to either Grandparents house.
2. I got to eat some Hungry Howie's pizza!!! I LOVE this stuff! I have been craving it and Wednesday my hubby picked us up some.
3. I got some relief for my arm. It hurt to get the relief,but so thankful I can use it now.
4. The beautiful weather! It's been insanely gorgeous and so nice outside!
5. I get to go see my Nurse Midwife today! I am SO excited!! I was going Tuesday,but she said today may be better. She's in a hospital,but is a Certified Nurse Midwife and she is awesome!

Join us and Susanne@Living to tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five. Have a blessed day!

Thankful Thursday

Wow,what a week already! Yesterday I found out the knot under my arm was an abscess and was infected. So they slit the knot,then drained it of all the junk. OUCH! I almost passed out when he told me what they had to do right then and there. I have 2 more trying to come up. He said take the antibiotics he gave me and put very warm compresses on them.  My arm was so sore because of the infection I could not lift it. I am thankful for Doctors who diagnose the problem right. I'm not really big on Doctor's now days,but this one told me the truth. They have no clue where infection comes from,or mine anyway. God gave me the strength to make it through the procedure. Oh my. He had to numb it first and that hurt the worst. It was in my arm pit. Thank God I found out what it was and got it taken care of. Prayers would be appreciated! I just want the others gone and to stay gone!!

I am also thankful for my husband. He has been helping out so much since we found out I was pregnant due to me being very tired. When I came home yesterday he helped out even more. My arm was still sore from the cutting. He's a wonderful man! He could have just let me do it all myself,but he didn't. I love him so much! I am blessed!

It is Veteran's Day and I am so thankful for those who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom!! Thank God men and women have a desire to do this. May we never forget their sacrifice or the Lamb of God's sacrifice on the cross!

Join us for Thankful Thursday. Laurie@Women Taking A Stand is our host for this month,so check out her post and link up!

Friday's Fave Five

1.  We found out we are expecting another baby next July! It was a surprise to us,but not a bad one. 
2. We found some Dunkin Donuts coffee on sale at Target this week. I hear it's the best!! Can't wait to try some of it with my man!
3. Ahhh sleep. I have been sleeping so good this past week! I love when I am well rested to tackle the day!
4. My big man,Daniel, is using the potty and doing really good at it! He has very few accidents and even tells us when he has to go.
5. The cool weather!! Though it is a killer in the mornings when I go walk,I would rather be cold than hot!!

Join us for Friday's Fave Five and Susanne@Living to tell the Story.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! Laurie@Women Taking A Stand will be our host for this month. She poses the question are we gratified or are we grateful? It's something to think about as we come up on Thanksgiving very soon.

Today I am thankful for life. God is the giver of life. He is the only one who can give life and He is the only one who can take life away. There is another little life growing inside my womb right now. We found out last Friday that I was pregnant,about 4 weeks. We are so excited!! I sure never thought I would be the mother of 3 kids and maybe more. I love being a Mother though. It is a hard job,but there sure isn't anything else more rewarding than to have those little ones say I love you or give you hugs and kisses. I feel overwhelmed at times with joy. This was unexpected to us,but it wasn't too God. We wanted more,but wanted a little more space between them,but God knows best! He is such an awesome God! Next July we will be bringing our little one home and starting as a family of  5. Wow! So keep us in your prayers. It will be hard at times during this pregnancy I assume,but God will give me the strength and grace to make it. He will provide for our needs and never let us down,we are sure of that! Thank you for all the sweet congrats from yesterday too!

Join us and share your thankful heart!