30 Days of Thanks: Days 15-21

I am so far behind it's not funny! However, if you had been in my house the last 2 weeks, you would completely understand! The flu, strep, pregnancy, puppies...the list goes on and on. So I'm going to catch up on all my days now, and I am striving to stay caught up for the rest of the month.

Day15--I am thankful that God has given us nurses, doctors, ARNP's, and midwives. I'm thankful that the doctor Chris seen diagnosed him quickly and gave him medicine the effectively got rid of the flu right away. I'm thankful for our pediatrician. The whole office is wonderful and I am usually able to get Maddison a same day appointment, and I'm so thankful for that. Ann has been great from day one and there is no one else that I trust with my children. She's very personable, cares about me as a parent, offers great advice and take the absolute best care of Maddison. She was able to see her right away and had no issues with it being my mother in law who brought her in. I'm thankful for Cyndi, who is my midwife. She is awesome. She has taken great care of C.J. and myself and has not forced anything on me, but has listened and give the best advice. I believe the God is THE GREATEST physician and can cure anything quicker than any doctor, but I am so thankful that he has given our doctors the knowledge, and personalities that we need to fit us and our needs.

Day 16--I'm thankful for a family that still holds true to old family values and believes in coming together and helping one another out. There are many families today that never get help from one another. I would be in serious trouble if our families decided to no longer help. It just so happens that when Maddison got sick, the first appointment I could get her was on the same day and at the same time as mine. It was quite interesting to think about how I was going to be in Gainesville and Starke at the same time. Both appointments were very important and I didn't want to cancel either. Thankfully, my mother in law graciously said she would take Maddison to her appointment. I knew she would, but it's just so nice to know that no matter what, I have that help when I need it. Chris and I both have been blessed with families that have done and continue to do all the can for us in all aspects of life. We would definitely be lost with out them.

Day 17-- I'm thankful that God has allowed me to bear children. There are many people in this world who want nothing more than to be able to have children of their own and can't.  I always think and pray about two special families that have been brought into my life and who cannot have children. There have been times in my pregnancy when I have felt bad for talking about how great it is to be pregnant, or for inviting them to my baby shower, to share in something that they will never experience. However, these people have been great to us, celebrate in our happiness, and have never had a bad outlook. I know that in the comfort of their homes, tears have been shed and that the want for children will never go away, so I do my best to not take my children for granted. To enjoy, even the most rough parts of being pregnant, and I always say a little prayer for those who can't have children of their own. I am very thankful for the option of surrogacy and adoption so that my precious friends still have the option to parent children. I pray that God continues to bless them and that when His time is right, that they will have the children that they have wanted for so long.

Day 18-- I'm thankful for my jeep and Chris's car. Where would we be without these? My jeep is nothing special, not new, has some things that need work, but it's mine. There are no payments to be made, and it gets me from one point to the next. I can depend on it and it's plenty big enough for our family and our luggage for when we take a trip. Chris's car is also dependable, a little newer and we're still making payments on it. However, it has taught us a lot of responsibility and it will feel rewarding to him to know he has paid for the car on his own and that it's his when it's paid off. Many people don't have the luxury of owning or having cars like we do, and I'm thankful we have been blessed with them.

Day 19-- I'm thankful for my Bible. The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. I'm thankful that when I have a question about how God wants me to handle something or how he wants me to dress, treat my husband and my children that I can go to His word and find all the answers. I'm thankful that when someone tells me what I believe is wrong or that my view on a controversial subject is not right, I can open my Bible and show them, that they might not agree, but that it's what the Bible says, and I do not have to argue the Bible. Everything in there is what God said, and what God said, is final, whether we like it or not.

Day 20--I'm thankful for such a great pregnancy. It has been rough, there's no questioning that. I am exhausted, I hurt all the time, I am never comfortable, I am always going to the bathroom and getting a good nights sleep....it out of the question. But, it could definitely be much worse, and I'm thankful that it's not. I'm taking it all with the best stride possible, and even though I tend to look as bad as I feel, I'm staying positive. I've had no issues with blood pressure, protein or glucose in my urine and C.J. has been active, had a great heartbeat and has been growing normally the entire time. I know I could be in a lot worse shape and I have watched many women go through steroid shots, induction and emergency c-sections because of issues they've had, and I'm so thankful that is not me. I do not take it for granted that things have been "easy" for me. I know when it's all over, I'll miss being pregnant and feeling the wonderful movement of a child inside me, so I'm doing my best to enjoy it. It won't be long and he will be in my arms...I cannot wait! :)

Day 21-- I'm thankful for Christopher's job. He's working over because of a little mishap, he'll be working tomorrow (Thanksgiving), he'll work Friday, Saturday and Sunday,which is usually his day off, but they needed people to work. If things don't work out...he'll work Christmas, and New Years too. It's rough and I do not want to spend my holidays without him, but I'm thankful he has a job. There are many people who don't have one and are struggling to make and to find a job. So until God opens another door, we'll continue to make this one work and just be thankful that it pays well and provides the things we need.

30 Days of Thanks: Days 13 and 14

I'm not really sure where day 13 ended and day 14 began for. It's been a crazy here in my house with Maddison getting sick...so I'm just going to group these two days together.

Day 13 & 14--- I am thankful for tylenol, prayers, a king size bed, DVR, luke warm baths and mothers who have great advice.
The tylenol and luke warm bath have helped Maddison break her fever, now it's just a waiting game to see if it comes back. Thankfully, I am able to call my mom and my mother in law and ask what the best the thing to do in this situation is. It's kind of scary, especially knowing she was exposed to the flu.
The prayers have helped me know that someone cares, and that with God, I will get through this. It has been one thing after another lately, and I just cannot seem to catch a break and I feel there is no rest for the weary...yet I know God will supply my rest and give me the strength to make it through whatever valley I come too.
A king size bed and DVR....we would be in trouble without these. There is NOTHING worth watching on at 2:30 in the morning when your sick child feels it's time to be in mom and dad's bed. We don't have a DVD player, but thankfully we have several of Maddison's favorite movies recorded on DVR. Beauty and the Beast, George of the Jungle, Scooby Doo, and Tangled to just name a few. The king size bed, well it needs to be bigger. As it turns out, no matter what, Daddy and Maddison are not giving up more of the bed than they have too. I have no idea where C.J. is going to fit because I cannot possibly slide over any more, or I will be on the floor. I guess it's just a mother thing, but I always sleep conservative when my baby is the bed so she has plenty of room and we don't feel squished. However, her daddy doesn't see things like I do and proceeds to sleep all crazy and take up a good chunk of the bed. I think I may just slide him to the inside so he can cuddle with the wall and be cramped and uncomfortable for a change. :p
Mostly I just like to give him a hard time...I know that when he's gone to work and the children are napping that my wonderful job allows me to nap where his doesn't, so I try not to pick on him too much. However, I'm thankful we gave of the queen and got the king because we would really be in a tough spot. I don't mind lounging out in one of the recliners in the living room with Maddison, but for now, the bed is the place I have to be and I'm thankful although it's tight quarters, we're close, and none of us mind that! <3

30 Days of Thanks: Days 11 &12

Day 11--- I'm thankful for Veterans; past, present and future. These men and women have willingly put their lives in danger defending all the things that I cherish in this life. My freedoms, the comfort of knowing that I can lay my head on my pillow and know the war is not on my back yard. They have sacrificed time with their families, their freedom, the luxuries we have, and some have even gave their lives. I can never thank them enough for what they have done. There are a few veterans in my life that are very near and dear to me: my one and only, Chris,and his battle buddy Danny...they seem to have helped each other a lot through the deployment. My uncle Steve who fought in the war on terrorism. He went over several times and thankfully made it back each time. He even sent me a a wonderful blanket from over there which I love and use each winter. The last two men were always veterans and I always had an appreciation for them like I do all the veterans but it wasn't until many many years after their service that I met them and they became so much more than just another veteran and those two men are Christopher's (and now mine) grandfathers, Papa John and Papa Jackie. I did not know them during their time of service, however, I am so very thankful for them because if men like them didn't do what they did, things would be very different today.

Day 12--- I'm thankful for my home. It's small and definitely not grand and to most people is just a house that has a lot of stairs. To me though, it's my home. It's full of all the great memories I had  growing up. The Christmases with mom, dad and Anthony, the many birthdays, Easters, and just family get togethers we had. This is the place where Chris asked me to be his wife, where we began our journey together, where we brought Maddison home to and where we will bring C.J.. It doesn't even compare to the houses that others live in, but it's home. It's cozy, welcoming, and if walls could talk they would tell you just how wonderful our home is. It's not perfect, it needs a little TLC in certain area's but I'm thankful we have it to live in. Many people don't have a house to call home and I'm thankful that after almost 19 years of living here, the house my mom made a home for us is now the place I'm making a home for our children.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 10

Day 10--- I'm thankful for extended family, great conversations, fires, s'mores, lots of food and corn hole. I'm thankful for the cool weather, the fall decorations and for time. Sometimes we take the "small" things for granted and never realize just how important they are until they're gone. I find myself wanting to be a homebody often, but I'm so glad that I make myself get dressed and go to the things that I could have easily skipped out on. I always leave feeling better than when I got there and I ALWAYS have a great time...no matter what the occasion is. One of my goals now is when I commit to going to something that I've been invited, is to go and not skip out at the last minute. Be sure to cherish the time with those who are important....everything can change in the blink of an eye!


Just a little pregnancy update: I have a doctors appointment on Thursday, but C.J. seems to be doing well...moving lots, has had the hiccups several times the past few days, he's an expert at punching my bladder, and seems to love Christmas music. We played some the other day and it looked like he was swaying back and forth in my belly listening to it. I am so anxious and I cannot wait to hold this precious little boy! Only three weeks to go before I am considered full term and time is going fast! I'm so excited to become a family of four. God has blessed me with WAY more than I deserve, and I'm thankful for ALL His blessings!

One last note....if you haven't read the article I posted, please do, especially if you are married. There is one for husbands and one for wives. It's very convicting, but I believe if we can put these things into actions our marriages, families and homes will be much stronger!
Here are the links-For the wife: http://lovinglifeathome.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/25-ways-to-communicate-respect/
For the husband: http://alltruthisgodstruth.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/25-ways-to-show-your-wife-you-love-her/

30 Days of Thanks: Day 9

Day 9---I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to be a stay at home wife and mother. In today's time it takes two incomes for a family to survive, but God sure has blessed us and between the National Guard and the prison, we have made. It's a struggle and most of the time we live paycheck to paycheck, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm also thankful that God placed Scentsy in my life. It has helped a lot as well. I haven't done absolutely wonderful with it, but on the months we need it the most, it has the supplied the little extra we needed. I know I just need to put more time into my business and I would probably very successful.
Anyways, many people say why don't you just work and help your family out....you tell me where I can work that is going to pay enough to cover my gas and daycare for my children. It's almost impossible to find something like that. We also feel that until Maddison and C.J. start school, the best place for them to be is with me. I know what they watch on t.v., I know what they are eating, and I know the language that they are around. Maddison has done well out of daycare, we haven't had many sicknesses and even though she's not around children all the time, she still does well with them.
It may be hard, and we may struggle, but God has provided our every need and I have no doubt that he will continue to do so. I have no problem getting a job and am very capable of working, but I'm so glad that I can stay at home and I cherish the time that I get to spend with my children. I also love that when Chris gets home from work, I'm here, and when he has time off there's no hassle in me trying to get time off...we can just go and do as we please. Being a working mom/wife would be a completely different world for me. I'm so thankful that I have a husband that supports me being home and that is willing to work the less than glamorous job to provide for us.  

30 Days of Thanks: Day 7 and 8

Sometimes in the evening I am just so ready to go to bed that by the time Maddison goes down, I am ready to go with her. That makes everything I haven't done for that day get pushed to the next. I am, however, okay with this because I definitely need the rest. Little C.J. is kicking my butt and the more rest I have, the better I feel. :) At this moment, I can feel him hiccup, and I am cherishing this time I get to feel him move because I know it won't be long and he no longer be taking up residence in my belly!

Day 7-- I am thankful for my church. Our church family is wonderful, not perfect as no one is, but wonderful. They care about us, miss us when we're gone and pray for our needs. Our church is not extremely huge with a whole ton of people, but I like it that way. Our preacher is awesome...willing to do anything for us at any time of the day, regardless of what the need is. His wife is one of the greatest prayer warriors we know, and I'm so thankful that I go to a church where I can depend on them to help me out and I know that I can trust the advice they give.

Day 8--I'm thankful for my best friend Chelsey! She is absolutely wonderful! She has been with me through it all. We have been friends for more than 18 years and I couldn't ask for a better friend. She was at my wedding, stayed at the hospital waiting for Maddison to get here, has went to all 5 of baby showers for both of my children, has listened to me fuss about everything, and even spent several nights with while Chris was deployed. Many people think we're sisters...especially now that we have the same last name. Sadly, we tell them no, but she's the sister I never had. I pray for her and that God blesses her with all her needs and then gives her a little more. She is wonderful and I know that I can depend on her. We don't see each other often, but I know that she is there and all I have to do is call and text and she will listen to me. I'm looking forward to many, many more years of being friends with her! I'm thankful God placed her in my life. She has helped me in ways I can never explain!

                                            One of our very first pictures, this was 2nd grade

                                    Our most recent picture. Nov. 3rd, 2012 at my baby shower

30 Days of Thanks- Day 6

Today I am thankful for my freedoms. I'm thankful that I can go vote, I can choose and practice my religion and that I can openly share my opinions. I'm thankful to be a part of a family that has sacrificed to keep our freedoms. I hope that today you took the time to vote. I hope that researched each person and amendment and made an education choice when you colored in that circle. Your vote does count and you need to make sure you are heard. You cannot sit around and whine and complain if you don't do something about it. Take a stand and be confident in the decisions you have made.

Now, I must return to the nursery to finish getting stuff put away and to continue listening to the reports of how the election is turning out. I'm just keeping in mind that no matter who wins....God is still in control!

I hope you have a great night!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 3, 4 and 5

What a crazy weekend! I am terrible about sitting down and making time for the little things, like blogging....because of this, my blog suffered over the weekend. However, I will now catch up and share the things I'm thankful for for Days 3, 4, and 5!

Day 3---I am so very thankful for my children! They are wonderful and such a blessing. I never knew a love like I know now, and I can't imagine living a life that doesn't involve the wonderful blessing of children.

Maddison~ This little girl changed me in ways I never knew were possible. During deployment when I didn't want to get out of bed, didn't want to smile, laugh or even eat....she gave the strength to do so. She kept me going and filled a void in my life that I never knew was there. She has brought so much joy to my life. When I first found out I was pregnant with her, I was scared to death. Was I ready to be a mom, would I ever really be ready? Thankfully, she has a daddy that stood right by me and together, we have learned some of the ropes to parenting. She has taught me patience, to cherish the little things, and that children grow up way too fast!

Baby # 2~ This tiny little baby also changed me. I don't know whether this was a boy or girl, and I have no pictures to look at, but this baby is just as much my child as Maddison. I seen the little baby on the ultrasound, to me, it looked perfect, but for some reason God seen different and called this precious little being home before we ever laid eyes him/her. This was one of the most difficult things I have ever been through and at times I didn't think I was going to get over it. Miscarriage is an awful thing, but I leaned on my God and my family and seen the blessing through the trial. I wanted another baby so bad, and I was so excited, yet it was all taken from me in the blink of an eye. However, I'm thankful it was an early miscarriage. I am now a stronger person, someone who can reach out to those who go through the same thing and tell them that there is still hope for a healthy baby, and that they can get through it just like I did. I would love nothing more than to hold this baby in my arms and love on it and cherish it, but I know Jesus can do a much better job at that than I can. I can rest easy and move because I know my child is living the perfect life and is my Lord and Savior. It's been almost a year since he/she went to heaven and there are many times I think about him/her and sometimes I still cry for my baby, but I know everything happens for a reason and that God has the perfect plan.This baby taught me just how precious life really is.

C.J.~ I have yet to meet this little boy, but I am waiting patiently. I have seen the wonderful miracle of life come together on the ultrasound screen. My very first visit, there was nothing but a yolk sac that was preparing for a baby....exactly one week later, there was a baby with a wonderful heartbeat. At 20 weeks, he was just as healthy, growing wonderfully and moving all around. He has taught me that even though God saw fit to bring my second home with Him, that he can still bless me with healthy children. I have already learned, just through pregnancy, that boys are much different than girls and I am most certainly going to have my hands full! I cannot wait to hold this precious baby in my arms and I refuse to take every moment of this pregnancy of his life for granted, because I have already learned that life is just too short!

Day 4---I am thankful for my parents and my in laws. No matter what, Chris and I can always count of them for whatever we need. They have given us advice, helped us financially and even taken care of our child when we just needed a break. Our parents raised us to the best of their ability, and if I can say so myself, they did a pretty good job. We consider ourselves lucky to both come from homes where our parents are still married and that because of this, they have taught us that when things get hard, doesn't mean it's time to quit. They all are also wonderful grandparents. I know what it means to have a great relationship with your grandparents and what it means to have wonderful grandparents and I'm so thankful that God has blessed my children with them.

Day 5--- I am thankful for friends and family that pray! Last week was rough, and if today is an inkling of how the rest of the week will be, I just want to go to bed and stay there. Since that is not a possibility, I'm just praying and being thankful to those that pray with me and I'm trusting that God will take care of everything and has a plan in motion. If you're reading this, just please say a prayer for my family and I. We greatly need it and appreciate it! :)

Thirty Days of Thanks-Day 2

      Day 2: I am thankful for my husband! For those of you who don't know it...here's our story.

                                                                 Our first picture together.
I was just browsing friends of friends on Myspace one day and came across Christopher's profile. His car was his profile picture and it definitely caught my eye. ( I am a huge Dodge fan...and he had a Charger). Then his profile said he was a Christian, and that he love the Florida Gators...going three for three here. I sent him a message just introducing myself, and to my surprise got one back. We exchanged several messages, then phone numbers and after a gazillion text messages I asked if wanted to go to the "Oklahoma" play in Lake City. Of course he said he would go, and then we finally met in person. It was an interesting but great date to say the least. After that, we began to spend lots of time together and things went from there. We would spend time at the park, just walking around, talking about our lives and getting to know each other...that was a time when things were simple, but wonderful. Through out the time we spent together, two "dates" stand out the most...the one where he almost stood me up at IHOP, and the other when we spent the weekend of July 4th together.
IHOP----I'm not even sure where to begin. I was out putting in applications and we decided to meet at IHOP for lunch. Well....the waitress was really nice, got my drink, and proceeded to check on me often to see if I wanted to order. I kept telling her no, that I was waiting for someone....someone who was supposed to be there an hour ago. I'm telling you, she thought I was stood up...and so did I. Christopher's story was that he had to put his shirt in the dryer to de-wrinkle it and it took longer than he expected. After getting married...I find out the truth....he fell back asleep, but was embarrassed and didn't want to tell me that. At the time I didn't think anything about. No big deal, I just spent my time wondering if he was going to show....afterwards, I felt kind of stupid as I know the waitress felt pitty for me. However, it is something we can laugh about and will always remember.

                                                                         At the race. 


July 4th weekend of 2008----What a great weekend! It was the best weekend I had in a long time, will be something I will always remember. Friday night July 4th began the festivities. Christopher took me to the Landing in Jacksonville for Fireworks. I had never been and I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of people and the drive home was a little crazy, but we managed and had a great time. Saturday, we left early and went to the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona. Christopher, his dad, his papa, his uncle and I all crammed in his car to get to the race....it was interesting, but leaving the race was even more interesting. I had a great time, and being that it was my first time at the race, I wouldn't have had any other way. On Sunday, we ended the weekend by going to church. The weekend flew by, but it was a great one, one that helped us get to where we are and one that will always be remembered.
I love going back and thinking how we got started in the beginning. I know I can say without a doubt, that I didn't think we would be where we are today. Things are not always easy for us, but I'm thankful for Chris. He has been my rock and my encouragement through so much. He gets frustrated with me at times and thinks I'm just this crazy emotional person, but he always helps me through.  He's always there to remind me that everything we've gone, are going through and will go through is just part of God's plan. I'm so thankful that he is a Godly man, serving God and doing what God wants him to do. I'm thankful that I can count on him to pray for me, and to be quote me scriptures when I need it the most. I'm thankful that he's a good daddy, and husband that goes to work for us, provides for us and doesn't complain if we decide to go shopping and get lunch. I'm so thankful that he compliments me in every way and is willing to put up with me even on my hardest days. I am no easy person to live with, but he does it, most of the time takes my craziness with ease and is always there to pick me up when I fall. I'm thankful that he has the same views I do, and that we both agreed that when we said "I do" it was forever, and that just because things get tough, doesn't mean it's time to quit.
I'm so thankful that God seen us fit for each and opened up the doors for everything to fall into place. I am proud to call myself Mrs. Christopher Crews, and I know that I cannot take my relationship for granted. I always wanted to be a stay at home mom, and he has had made the possible for me, and has allowed me the opportunity to go back to school. He doesn't complain to much when the house isn't clean or when I have done laundry, I just have to make sure he has something to eat. :) I love you, Chris and I am so thankful for you!

Thirty Days of Thanks-Day 1

It has been a while since I have written a post, but I figured there's no better time to start blogging again. So many things are going on, my life has been crazy. Yesterday was an awful day...too much stress, too much pain...and just too much of life at one time. However, a good nights rest, and several prayers have made today a little better. Through it all, I can still find a whole lot to be thankful for. I have pondered what my Day One thanks would be as there are many important things in my life but without one thing....nothing else matters!
Day One: I am thankful for Jesus. Without Him, and without knowing that I'm going to heaven, nothing else I am thankful for matters. He is my comfort when I have awful days, He provided my husband, my children, and the rest of my family to pray and help me. He gave me the house I live in, the food I eat and the clothes I wear. He also gave me salvation...the knowing that one day, I will not be in Hell, but in Heaven giving Him and the Father praise and walking on the streets of gold. He has provided everything for me, and I can't be thankful for anything else without being thankful for the Him and the salvation that He gave. He is most important in my life and definitely has to be the number 1 thing I am thankful for. Where would I be without Him?


I'm really hoping that after 30 days of blogging, it will become a habit, and I can blog my thoughts, the growth of my children and the day to day challenges that I go through. As we go through November, take the time to find out what you are most thankful for and if it someone...be sure you tell them!