Jumping back in...

There's so much to catch up on and so little time to do it, so I'm just going to just start from right now...

We are having a baby!  Yes, we are expecting our first child in June. 

Announcing our news to the world via

2 bottles of BLUE Jones Soda...It's a Boy!





We are having a little boy and we are thrilled!!

I'll be 28 weeks prego on Wednesday. 28 weeks...how is that even possible?! 

I swear it was just yesterday that I took a pregnancy test and then almost fell over as it came back positive.  Now we are registering for baby gear, about to take infant care classes, reading Parenting magazine, and thinking about names daily.  28 weeks and our world is flipped upside down...and he hasn't even arrived yet.  It's so surreal.

Pregnancy has been a really interesting phenomenon for me on so many levels.  I thought I would be so different while pregnant.   I'm really not sure how to explain this.  I really thought I would be...well, how can I say this...more neurotic!?  Is that the right word!?!  I don't know...I just thought I would be more intentional about everything.  Maybe a little more sentimental in a way.  Maybe I was thinking I'd become more maternal or more organized or more of what I picture a great mom being.  Do you understand me yet?  Probably not...I'm not understanding myself either.  Let me try to explain...

To start, I really thought I would document this little guy's beginning of life a lot better.  I really have seen so many darling ways of doing this through the world of Pinterest and blogs and just knew that would be me.  I'd be photographing, blogging and journaling all about this baby's growth and development...all about the crazy beauty of pregnancy.  I would want to remember this so I would make the time to write it down, or at least photograph it.   The reality...I've snapped a few camera phone photos in my husband's closet of my expanding waistline...most of the time without makeup on and in a totally cluttered space that shows just how unorganized we are.  Lovely and so NOT blog worthy.

Second, I thought I would read up on all of the latest and greatest parenting techniques and baby books that so many friends have recommended.  I would take notes on how to organize a sleep schedule, a feeding schedule, a developmental schedule for my little man.  I would want to devour as much information as possible since I have no experience in raising a child...or growing a baby...or giving birth.  The truth... I've read half of What to Expect When You are Expecting and decided to skim the rest.  I've read one full baby book and started another that I do intend to finish by the time that the little man gets here, but I'm concerned that I've actually retained nothing.  I have a list a mile long of other recommended reads, but really think that by the time I get to them and through them, we'll be having our second child.  Devouring information...not exactly.  I've really almost done a google search for Cliff Notes for expectant moms.  Yikes.  Don't judge.

The big shocker too...I thought I would have the nursery designed, planned, and completed by now.  After all, I started a Pinterest board for baby rooms 2 years ago, long before this baby was even a thought in our head, so that I would have plenty of inspiration when the time came along.  I had the look and design dreamed up in my head of what I thought I would want.  This part was going to be easy and so much fun.  I would contact one of my favorite e-designers and would have her help me put together an unforgettable nursery fit for our little king.  You would want photos of it.  It would be repinned over and over again on Pinterest, obviously!   The truth...I finally found some fabric and have slowly started piecing a nursery together.  We ordered a crib...a big step, indeed, but it's sitting in the garage.  It's in the box.  It taunts me sometimes when I walk by it.  But, I just keep walking past it.  I've even had the daring thought that if the room isn't completed by the time he arrives, I won't be upset about it.  He'll probably be sleeping in our room in a bassinet for a little while anyway. No sweat.

Ummm, what?  WHO AM I?  Hello, Natalie...your little iPhone app keeps reminding you that there are only 13 weeks to go...13 weeks if our little guy waits until his actual due date. Our docs have already warned me that June 19th is probably unlikely.  Hello!?   

I don't know why I thought I would be so different, and I'm not sure why I've been more relaxed (or naive) about this than I was when I first decided to get a dog.  Seriously.  I just have great peace.  Or maybe it's that the hormones for today are bringing me great peace. Seriously.  I think my faith in knowing that God made me for this and chose this time in our life to have a child is one of the big comforts that allows me to sleep at night.  I think knowing that I have a strong, supportive network of great friends that are an endless resource on the latest and greatest parenting techniques allows me to keep my panic levels low.  I think knowing that my husband is the most amazing partner and friend helps keeps me focused on the fact that I'm not in this alone...and that he's going to be right there beside me, struggling and laughing along the way, as we try to figure all of this out together.  And I keep thinking that this precious baby growing inside doesn't care or need to have photos about his journey into the world blogged about each day.  He's not going to judge me or shake his head when he learns that I've only read one parenting book.  He's not going to cry over the fact that his nursery wasn't magazine worthy or finished months before he arrived.  He's not going to feel any less loved or less welcomed.  He's just going to be so loved and supported that's he's never going to care or worry about it being any other way.  He's going to know he was made just for us by God.  It's all so humbling and exciting and terrifying.

I'm so thankful to be where I am today, not where or how I thought I would be...but rather how I really am...scattered and unprepared and ready all at the same time. 

Wednesday's words...

This really spoke to me yesterday...

What if this was our prayer everyday?

XOXO

Good reminders...

It's been a good/bad week.  I had my 3 month check up since my IVIG treatments finished and the doc was thrilled to see how well I've been doing.  I was thrilled to report the good news! 

All good news, right? 

Right... 

But, with the good news came the lurking anxiety in me.  What if I get sick again?  What if the plans we keep making and discussing come true and then...sick!  It's silly, right?  Right, I know.  I KNOW THIS...and yet the anxiety builds.  I'm sorting this all out in my head.  

So, tonight with lots on my mind I turned to my board on Pinterest that I save funny, inspirational, true quotes to that make me laugh or just remind me that it's all gonna be ok.

I'll share a few of my favorites with you...

And one of my favorites...

You know you wished this too.  Right?

Happy weekend, loves!

My cup runneth over...

For a long time I have wanted to come and enjoy a full week at the Fredericksburg ranch.  In my opinion it is heaven on earth.  It's approx. 200 acres of pure perfection and I could not love any place more.  Josh's family has owned it for over 20 years and his best memories are from this little utopia. 

When Josh and I started planning for our 3 year anniversary I knew exactly what I wanted...a week at the ranch.  I knew it wouldn't be possible to steal my husband away for a full week because of work and commitments, but I thought I could at least try to get him there for multiple days.  We made our plans, I put in my vacation request, and God smiled upon us.  We packed up this past weekend, coordinated some house watching and Pug watching with my mom, and loaded the big dogs and a lot of fishing gear and sunscreen in the truck. 

Waking up here this week has made me appreciate even more how blessed Josh and I are.  God has covered us in love and sunshine and it's only Tuesday.  Do we deserve this?  No.  Do I stand in awe of this blessed place that God created?  Yes.  Total awe.   

It's truly been amazing and it's just Tuesday.  Tuesday. 

If you can't hear the glee and joy in my voice, I'm not sure what else to say.  I'm not sure how else to express it. 

There's an old Robert Earl Keen song that says, "it feels so good feelin' good again."  That is what I keep playing over and over again in my head.  Along with the Christian song that goes,  "blessings and honor and glory and power forever to our God."  What a mix...Robert Earl and Rebecca St. James together.  Makes me smile...

My cup runneth over.  Truly.

On a side note...there is no internet access at the ranch so I had to come into town to write this.  It just so happens that The Fredericksburg Bakery happens to have WIFI.  It also happens that they sell my favorite all time pastry...their very own German pretzel.  To say that it is to die for is a true understatement.  It's time for me to run...and go play.  My sis-in-law is meeting me for a little power shopping. 

A few pics to enjoy from our Monday here...

Love to you all!

 

A blessed Easter...

Happy Easter! 

Since Easter does get turned into a commercial holiday so much of time, filled with bunnies, eggs, baskets, and treats, I believe it's important to reflect on what the holiday is really about.  Now, I know that this can difficult to do with little guys around but sharing Jesus' story is so important...especially this weekend. 

I too am guilty of the commercial buy in to the holiday, don't judge...we've purchased 2 bags of Starburst jelly beans and a chocolate rabbit currently sits headless in the kitchen.  However, you can celebrate the true meaning of Easter in fun/practical ways with your family.  I think Darby at Fly Through Our Window (one of my favorite family blogs) shared an excellent way to reflect on Easter's meaning and importance with a recipe for Resurrection Cookies a couple of years ago. If you have little ones around this would be a perfect activity to make with them today. 

Fly Through Our Window's Holy Week Cookies

I hope you all have a blessed weekend and are able to spend some time thanking Jesus for His sacrifice for our lives.

Have a wonderful Easter!

XOXO

November? Seriously?

Wow...I have no idea how November got here.  I was cruising along in September when I blinked and November arrived. 

Woah.

Most of October was a big blur.  The main reason being that Josh and I were gone for a major part of it.  We recently returned from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.  We were there for nine very long days.  The trip was actually really wonderful despite the fact that we were there for medical reasons. 

Here are just a few pics from the trip...

I took a walk on the red dirt outside of Sedona...

to feel the earth's healing 'vortexes'.  It couldn't hurt, right?

 

 

We saw 5 rainbows around Sedona's red rock canyons.  Amazing!

Loved the red rock cliffs.

Saguaro Lake outside of Scottsdale

Could not have made it without my #1 supporter...love him!

More on all of that to come. 

Just know...God is SO good!  SO good!

XOXO

Words of encouragment...

This past week I have been in bed...truly for almost a full week...well, 5 days, but it still counts.

I had one of the IVIG treatments that I receive each month on Monday.  These treatments are working and are helping reduce the crazy symptoms from this neuro disease that my body has, but they have some lovely side effects...primarily migraines and massive body aches.  It's totally fun...I hope you can sense my sarcasm. 

Spending an entire week in bed, even with a Tempurpedic, is not fun.  I actually figured out that your body and back can max out on Tempurpedic cushioning.  Maybe my spine is too straight now. 

My sweet husband has done a fabulous job of taking care of me, mainly by taking care of our house and dogs while I slept and slept.  I'm so thankful for him.  So thankful.  And blessed.  He's worked hard to make me smile and keep me laughing, even if it was only momentarily, before going back to sleep with a rag on my head.

Most of the time his simple, "I love you" and, "We will get through this" are certainly enough, but when Josh isn't here or his encouragment just isn't enough, I have to cling to the verses of the bible that wrap around me like a hug from Christ.

Just in case you need a hug too...here are the words that I have led me through the dark days.  Maybe that's a bit dramatic...through the past 5 days, in bed, with the curtains closed. 

via gatherlove

via Fabulous K

My Pink Life

And a few more to make you smile (they made me smile)...

My Revelment

love made me do it

via Pinterest

Happy Friday, Loves!

XOXO

Oh my...

I haven't been on here in awhile.  Yikes!  Well, let's do some quick updating...

1. I'm feeling pretty well!  I have completed my third IVIG treatment and we are seeing some results!  We are hoping that the next three treatments will continue to produce positive effects.  We shall see.  We are praying and praising God each day for the improvements. 

2. Projects, projects, projects!  We have so many going on right now.  There is a lot to blog on and I just need to sit down and find some time to do it.  The master bedroom is getting an overhaul, paint is constantly under my nails, and we've been doing a lot of "junking" lately...hitting all of the random antique and junk stores around.  Oh have I found some treasures, including this...


Wagon wheel hub...I have big plans for it.

3. Someone I know has become a cover model! 

That's right...my cute husband is on the cover of Saltwater Angler with a huge trout that he caught while fishing with his brother and dad at the coast.  His brother submitted the photo to Saltwater Angler and had no idea if it would even get printed.  Pretty cool surprise!  Almost as cool as catching the big trout!

4. The ministry that Josh and his friend Dusty started almost a year ago has grown and grown and officially has a name!  God is so AWESOME!!  He continues to bring new men to the group each week.  They have grown so much that they have outgrown our house already.  We will be signing a lease on a new little ranchette for the guys to set up their headquarters very soon.  They'll be on part of a ranch that is not far from our house.  There will be plenty of space for the bow range, lots of outside space for meeting, and a small little ranch house to make their own.  It's so incredible how far this group has come in such a short amount of time.  Thank you, Lord!!!

This is just a short update to let you know that I am here!  And that we are surviving.  Summer is flying by and I hope to have the time to share some of our summer adventures and projects very soon. 

Stay cool, loves!

xoxo

God remains...

Olive Thinks

Enough said.

xoxo

They say...

Absense makes the heart grow fonder.

Well, I sure hope the saying is true.

It's definitely been a long absense, I know.  I'm just hoping that your hearts have grown fonder.

A quick update on this crazy unknown illness...it's progressed some; I did a crazy treatment of IVIG in early May and will do another in June; I'm waiting to go to the Mayo clinic in June to meet with the pros and see if we can get some answers.  I'm crossing my fingers and praying...a lot.

Alright, now for a much better (and fun) update...

May 19th I turned 32!  Eeekk.  I really have no idea how I got to be this age.  Seriously.  32 means I am officially "in" my 30's.  Wow.

My husband handled my birthday week, oh yes...a week, like a pro.  He was prepared for my erratic 32 year old behavior...filled with attempts to remain childlike and questions on what I have actually accomplished in my life.

Josh gave me a birthday card on Monday that was quite creative and definitely made me laugh.

It said...

X 2! = 32

He thinks he's so clever!  I have to give it to him though...it was pretty clever.

He did surprise me with two really fun rings that I had ooohhed and aaahed over months ago.  They are sweet initial rings from Catbird NYC. 

I LOVE them!  I'm now sporting a "J" and an "N" on my hand.

 Catbird NYC

I'm thinking that some alpha earrings would be quite precious for my 32nd and a 1/2 birthday, don't you?  Maybe ones with an "X" and an "O".  Two letters I'm quite fond of!

Catbird NYC

For my 32nd year on this earth, I'm praying for God to guide me and show me the purpose behind this crazy illness and life changing event.  Maybe He will and maybe He won't, but I know He's in control and there is a greater good and purpose behind all of this.  I'll remain faithful and continue to turn to Him for the answers and the comfort. 

For my 32nd year on this earth, I'm also feeling the love that surrounds me every day from my husband, family and friends...and all of you.  It's been an overwhelming feeling to check into my blog to see that so many of you are still loyally checking it weekly to see if and when I will finally post something.  It's like having an online hug every single week knowing that you are all still there.  Thank you so so much.

Alright, enough love fest stuff...

I'll just say...My cup runneth over!

Happy Wednesday!  I promise to be back soon. 

xoxo

Staying afloat...

It's been a little rough lately.  I'll be honest. 

This neurological flare up that my body decided to have in November has really started taking it's toll.  I'm just sick of it in so many more ways than one. 

We've seen multiple doctors, tried multiple drugs, and have slowed our lives waaaaaayyy down.  Yet all of the pain, numbness, and problems still continue.  It's kicking my butt. 

And I'm starting to feel a little low.  I keep praying that God will give us some answers, that He'll guide us and direct us, that He'll take the pain away, that He'll show me what to do, what to say, who to ask...and here I stand deflated, defeated and tired. 

 Via Sunshine and Pearls

 
 I saw this the other day and it hit me and then made me smile. 

 

Etsy

I know this illness is my puddle right now.  I do know that God has control, that He is guiding me, directing me, listening to me, and taking me through the puddle.

And, I know that without Him I would drown.  The puddle would feel like the ocean and I wouldn't survive.  That's the time when I remember to stop, THANK Him, and keep swimming.  As hard as that may seem on days when getting out of my robe seems to be all that I can handle, I know in my heart that He has it all under control and I am to praise Him and cling to Him a little tighter.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me afloat right now.  This puddle seems so big and scary, but I know that You are bigger and stronger.  I cling to you right now and ask for your protection and guidance. 

Where ya been?

This statement says it all...

Keep-Calm-and...

Unfortunately the Thanksgiving holiday didn't bring about the fun that I had hoped.  It was a wonderful day, but the strange neurological disease that I have battled since I was 17 showed it's ugly head during the break.  It's been NO fun and I have had to take some time off from regular life to seek out doctors and treatment. 

So to say the least, this Thanksgiving I was thankful for doctors, medication, a comfy bed, my wonderful husband, and the time off to rest.  Thank you, Lord, for each of those.  I know that God has me right where he wants me to be...it's just tough to understand why all of this is happening now.  I've lived the past 5 years without any major problems so the change has definitely brought about some shock.

Ok, enough about the serious stuff...let's get back to the fun! 

Guess what arrived yesterday?  She's just beautiful.  She arrived at 3:52 pm, weighing 13 lb. 2 oz, and measuring 25" long.

Yes, our beautiful dining room chandelier is here. 

We brought her home yesterday and placed her in her new room!  We just love her!  She's still adjusting to the change, but we hope to have her in place and loving our home very soon. 

I'm hoping to get back to blogging very soon.  Thanks to all of you that have kept checking back to see if I have posted.  I have tons and tons of ideas spinning in my head so stay tuned! 

xoxo,

Nat

Today...

Via lovemaegan

NOT.  

Remember using "not" after you sarcastically said something!? 
Ah yes, I grew up in the 90's. 

It has just been one of "those" days...if something could go wrong, it has! And it's only 12:30pm!

I love these days!  NOT. 

It's on these days that I have to stop and THANK God for all of the little teeny-tiny problems that I have that sometimes overwhelm me.  They are so tiny in comparison to so many in the world.  Sometimes He gives me these days to refocus and see the good even when all I want to focus on is the bad, insignificant details. 

Today I had to stop and thank Him...

Today I thanked God for giving me a house to sleep in...that isn't clean and made me sigh as I had to step over piles of laundry before letting the dogs out this morning.

I thanked Him for giving me a good bill of health for over 4 years now...when my disease decided to show it's ugly head this week with some wonderfully fun symptoms.

I thanked Him for giving me a husband that sincerely loves the Lord and wants to serve Him...that has 3 bible studies a week right now...so we have little time for each other and see each other around 10 pm as we are falling into bed exhausted.

I thanked Him for 4 dogs...that I seriously could have given away this morning because of their mischevious and bad behavior.

I thanked Him for the land that we own...that is filled with the dirt that covered my work pants after 4 dogs lovingly had to brush against and jump on before trying to leave for work.

I thanked Him for clothes to wear...since I had to change from all of the mud.

I thanked him for food to eat...and the mess that was left when the food spilled all over my 2nd pair of pants while getting into the car.

I thanked Him for a car to drive and job to go to...even though I was late due to traffic being terrible this morning.

I thanked Him for loving me and forgiving me...since I am so selfish at times and forget that my purpose is to glorify Him in all of the big and tiny things in my life.

I thanked Him for today and tomorrow...more time and another day to work on improving my life for His purpose.  Thank you, Lord, for the time!

Now it's not looking all so bad.  He just needed me to readjust my mindset and look at things a little differently.  Thankfully He keeps forgiving and giving me a new chance to start all over again. 

xoxo

Breathe in...breathe out...

Monday is here. It was a great weekend, but the usual Monday anxiety is building in me. The checklists for the day, the week, the month, the rest of the year are running through my head this morning.

This really spoke to me.

via FRYD + DESIGN

And so did this...

Matthew 6:34 "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Deep breath. Prayer. Deep breath.

Fawn love...

I've been eagerly waiting for these summertime days to begin. They are my absolute favorite!

The fawns are here!

At the end of May and early part of June, the hill country whitetail deer begin to have their babies. Precious little fawns with their wobbly legs and little white spots begin showing up in the tall grasses. Twins are commonly seen following behind their momma, cautiously watching as they try to mimic her moves.

This morning I saw two new babies on my drive to work. It knew it would be an awesome day! I had to pull over and text Josh to tell him that the fawn season had started. Whether he was in a meeting or not, I knew he would be dying to know (not really, but he humors me when I get excited like this).

We saw these precious little ones outside of Bandera. They were so sweet and innocent. It was all I could do not to try to go out there and pick one up and love on it.

I know better...and Josh told me 'no'.









This time of year makes me think of God's amazing glory and how He created all of this for our eyes to see.

We just need to make sure that we are taking the time to look.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

He's always there...

Long time...no talk (or blog for that matter). Last weekend Josh and I were in Houston for my best friend's 30th birthday. We celebrated like kings and queens and had a fabulous time until Sunday when we both came home with an awful flu like virus. We visited the doc on Monday to get meds for this virus and I learned that I had a sinus infection too! Wohoo! Happy Monday to us both. My body has not fought this thing off at all and I am on my second round of antibiotics and have spent maybe a total of 8 hours in the office all week. Lovely.

All that being said, our week has been tough. While laying in bed I was daydreaming about blog topics and decided I had to share this experience with you. This is an email from Josh to some of our friends and family about an extraordinary thing that we saw on Tuesday night. I hope my precious husband doesn't mind me sharing this email with you all.

Good Morning All,
I thought I would share this with you. I believe I experienced a truly extraordinary event last night. Lately I have been battling with some stress at work. Natalie has been on me to spend more time in fervent prayer about it; for whatever reason I subconsciously was convinced that I could analyze and solve the situation on my own. I attended a religious seminar with a good friend last night. I had to leave early because Natalie has been very sick and was at home. I had this work topic heavy on my mind throughout the entire seminar, I even made notes on the way home, and spent an hour or so discussing it with Natalie when I got there.
We fed the dogs, turned out the lights and were heading to bed when I glanced at the moon through our front door. It took a second to hit me and I called Nat over to see what I was looking at. We both stood in awe for a bit when it dawned on me to grab a camera, I snapped a few shots, we prayed and I asked Nat what He was trying to tell us. She immediately replied, "to have faith in Him for He is right here with us always." I ran out of the room to change camera lenses to get a few more pics. The house was black with the lights out, and coming back, moments later, I ran into our entry table and a profane word flew out of my mouth. When i reached the door, just a few moments after I had previously taken the first two pictures the last two pics attached is what we saw, and just like that the cross was gone. There wasn't another cloud in the rest of the entire sky.
He captivated my attention to say the least. When i walked into the office this morning and read my devotional it stated Hebrews 11:6- which states to have Faith in Him! I thought this was too amazing not to share.
Have a great day,
Josh

Here are the photos that Josh took of the sideways cross...





And then it was gone...



I think this was a message from Christ that we each needed to see. He is here with us, through the work stressors, daily tasks, lifelong battles, sicknesses, joys and triumphs...along every step of every path. He is there.