my sweet little girl...

I'm traveling all this week BUT had to share a few pictures of Annie Rice! I just can't take enough of her:) 

where He leads, I'll follow...

There are 2 things that I have really grown to love over the last several months: writing and prayer. 2 things that I honestly have never done a whole lot of. I’m not the best in grammar or writing[just ask my husband or college roommate Anne], and prayer has always been something that I knew I needed to do but didn’t really think it mattered...That’s sad to say, but the truth. 

Several months ago, the Lord gave me such a new perspective on prayer and writing...He encouraged me to be bold with my request, He gave me the faith to really believe what I was praying, and He gave me a time to pray that was different than I’ve ever had. It became my “must have” of the day...A few months ago, I started walking everyday for about an hour and that became my time to pray instead of listening to my iPod. I started praying for things that I didn’t really know why I was praying for...things that at the time didn’t seem important but would later make sense...friends and family, bloggers who I’d never met but knew there needs, etc. I literally drove 35 minutes everyday just to walk in a certain place because that was my favorite place to pray...the ravenel bridge. When I think of that bridge or drive on it, that’s my first thought. There have been a ton of prayers lifted up on this bridge. I prayed every single day for our sweet baby who at the time we had never met.

Kaz and I have been through a lot. I wouldn’t change any of that...the Lord has shown us His faithfulness, His goodness, His desire for us to know Him, His blessing, His presence, etc. Those things weren’t always pleasant to see, because the times where I’ve grown the most is when I’ve hurt and struggled the most. For so long, our constant prayer has been for a baby. And I’m not going to lie that I thought once that happened, life would be much easier. I love our sweet Annie Rice more than words can describe, and the Lord has brought us so much joy through her. But lately, He has been stirring my heart in ways that scare me. He has been doing things in our life that I know are meant for good, and once I see the bigger picture will make a lot of sense. He has given me a sense of discernment to see some of those small things that wouldn’t phase anyone else...BUT they scare me. Every morning, I pray to see what the Lord is doing in all of this...I pray for answers and knowledge. Some mornings it’s easy for me to leave it at His feet. Other mornings, I call Kaz after my walk and just bombard him with questions wanting to know what he thinks, etc. My heart can be so anxious. I have cried every single day this week because of how scared I am for this next step I feel like the Lord is calling us too. I cry because like most women I imagine something happening[long before it happens.. if it even does happen:)] and cry because I can already picture the scenario. Silly, but the truth. 

My heart is scared, anxious, sad, excited...AND I am so thankful that I have a God that I can call on at anytime. That even though I make a mess of my life, He is faithful. I’m thankful that I am one of His sheep and He leads my path. I’m thankful that when my words seem like mumbo jumbo, He understands my needs and can calm my heart and mind. What a huge blessing it is to know Christ. To have a relationship with Him, and to be able to lay things at His feet no matter how many times I take them back. I’m beginning to see that my blog title, Our Journey Together, is more than just about adoption...For we are on a crazy journey, that He is leading...That’s what I have to keep trusting. 

Psalm 18: 1-6; 32

I love you, O Lord, my strength. 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliever;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. 

32 It is God who arms with me strength and makes my way perfect. 

my little crab....

My parent's church recently had a shower for Annie Rice! It was so nice of them, and we received so many wonderful gifts! I absolutely loved Annie Rice's outfit that she wore to the shower, so I had to post a few pictures:)

Our sweet friends Liz and Todd came all the way from Columbia to the shower:)

a little encouragement...

Friday night, Kaz and I went on a little date while granddaddy and mama watched Annie Rice:) I have been wanting to wear this one dress all summer but it needed a lot of ironing and I have just put it off and off, SO I FINALLY decided to wear it on Friday night. I specifically remember the last time I wore that same dress and the outcome wasn't very pleasant! It was at our friends wedding in Jamaica, which I had pictures from! What a difference a year makes, lots of running, and eating healthy for the most part! It was definitely encouraging to see the difference and has motivated me each morning on my run!

i'm obsessed....

I'm quite obsessed with a few things....where oh where to begin...

My favorite thing, first thing in the morning is Running...now with a jogging stroller:) This is my favorite time of the day for myself...When Annie Rice gets up, I change her diaper and clothes and we go straight to the jogging stroller. She loves going for a run also:) It's such a freeing time for me. I wish words could describe how I feel when I start our running! Freeing would be the best....and then half way through I'm thinking, why oh why do I run? HaHa!

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Mini Moon Pies...They have replaced my 100 calorie packs. I love putting them in the microwave for 20 seconds! As Annie Rice would say, Yum Yum...or sometimes Num Num! 

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Little girls pjs! I just can't help but buy them! I love all kinds. I mean seriously, aren't they the cutest thing!

Groupon and Living Social....I look at the deals everyday in several different cities! I have been especially looking at the New York deals for our upcoming trip! I look for myself and gifts! Great, great websites!

Going to the movies....Just the thought gets me excited! I love going with people or by myself! 

Chapstick...not just any kind...Burt's Bees. I always have to have chapstick. It's a must and I feel like a crazy person when I can't find any!

Fall and Christmas clothes for Annie Rice! Kaz just needs to go ahead and build another closet for her! HaHa! I bought this onesie the other day. It's perfect because she calls me mum instead of mom. I LOVE it! I want her to always call me mum...She's my little british girl:)

I asked Kaz if he could think of any other things I'm obsessed with it...His response, "my phone". I guess he's right on that one:)

a birthday celebration...

We recently celebrated Charlie's 1st birthday! It was such a special day, and we were so thankful to be apart of it! It seems like yesterday that I got the phone call from Liz that they were going to pick up their sweet little boy! Oh HOW THANKFUL I am for these wonderful friends, and for little Charlie!

 He kept giving Annie Rice love but she wasn't interested[at least NOT NOW anyway:)]! 

birthmoms and adoption...

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for awhile now, but just keep putting it off. It’s MY PERSONAL OPINION, so I’m sure some of you will disagree with me, which is ok! 

A lot of people always ask about Annie Rice’s birth mom and how we feel about her...are we scared she will find us one day, etc. 

We hear on a daily basis, “I can’t understand how someone could give their child up.” To be honest, I can’t either BUT BUT BUT I’m so thankful there are women out there that do. Birth moms think LONG AND HARD about their decision, which most of the time isn’t recognized. It’s not an easy decision, but from our experience we have seen just how much thought goes into it. They are doing the best thing possible for that child by giving it up if they don’t think they can raise it, instead of the alternative which is abortion. Kaz and I prayed every single day for our birth mom. We love her more than words can describe. She gave us a gift so precious that a million thank you’s would never be good enough. While it wasn’t an easy decision for her, I’m so thankful and proud of her for making that decision despite any negative pressure from friends or family. She did what was right for her, and in the end will be a blessing every single day for us and so many other people. We love her so much. Does the fear that she may find us one day scare us? Not one bit. I can honestly say that. I trust her and to be honest, if she wanted to find us today she could. With the internet and technology today, that’s unavoidable. I think that fear alone stops so many people from considering adoption. Kaz and I have said from day 1, that Annie Rice will always know she was adopted. She will know about her birth mom and birthfather. She will see pictures of them, and if the Lord allows she will meet her mom. I never want to hide this from her. It has been a huge part of our life...one with many struggles, hardships, joy, sorrow, and more happiness than I can ever explain. It is a testimony of our faith and I pray one day it’s the same for her. 

I know that her decision will probably be an everyday struggle...one that I can’t understand. The day that we got Annie Rice, I experienced another level of emotions seeing her birth mom’s hurt. There’s not a day that I lay Annie Rice down for bed that I don’t think of this sweet woman. I pray for her daily, and am forever thankful for her and the decision she made. Without her, I wouldn’t have my precious Annie Rice. 

a few more of my favorites...

Below are a few more of my favorites from our family session!

Mexican bake...[and your favorite recipes]

This is one of our favorite recipes! My friend Liz made it for us last year on our trip to Tennessee and we have been hooked ever since! Not to mention, it’s super easy!

Ingredients:

1lb of ground beef[or turkey]

1 1/2 cup of cheese

Crumbled fritos[enough to cover the dish]

1 can of crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350

Place crescent rolls[rolled out flat] on the bottom of a pyrex dish[or clear baking dish]

Cook for 7-8 minutes or until the rolls are getting slightly done

Add meat, cheese, and crumbled fritos on top

Cook for 7-8 more minutes or until the bottom of the crescent rolls are golden brown!

Fix-in's on the side:

Add your favorite mexican ingredients on top:) Our favorites are refried beans, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole!

Easy, easy, easy, AND SUPER YUMMY!

Tell me one of your families favorite recipes!

i'm a dreamer...

I’ve been quite the dreamer lately...thinking about and pondering things that I would love....dreaming...some small dreams, others REALLY BIG dreams....I’ll let you in on a few of them...

I’ve been dreaming a lot lately about visiting a place I’ve always wanted to see...a place I have wanted to visit since I was a little girl...Maine, Prince Edward Island..that whole part of the country. The lighthouses have always sparked my attention...and then I fell in love with the idea after watching Anne Of Green Gables as a child. Kaz and I have started talking about this being our next family vacation...I of course, can’t help but begin planning and dreaming! I can picture it already...walking along those big cliffs overlooking the ocean, walking through big green fields holding hands with Annie beside us....Yes, I think I must begin planning now!

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I’ve been dreaming of fall....county fairs, candy apples, orange everywhere, the cool brisk air, and pumpkin patch candles from Bath & Body Works....

I’ve been dreaming of waking up every morning and running along side the ocean, or the mountains on the West Coast....running somewhere everyday other than cookie cutter houses in 98 degree weather and 105 humidity at 8am in the morning....Don’t worry mom, we’re not moving BUT I can dream right?

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I’ve been dreaming lately of something really BIG! Something so BIG only a few people know. Something the Lord has laid on my heart....so personal that it will probably takes months before I share....

I’ve been dreaming lately of being famous....wondering what it’s really like...knowing that’s its NOT ALL IT appears but still dreaming and wondering what my favorite actors/actresses are really like...

I’ve been dreaming lately of reading a book all day in a big wheat or grass field...having no cares in the world but finishing that book....BUT then I start thinking about all the bugs and that dream is over:) HaHa

I’m a dreamer...and I love that! Are you?

life, and all that goes with it....

Being a mom has changed my life in so many ways! One way, that I must admit I think my husband really enjoys, is me cooking more. I'm not sure why that changed once we got Annie Rice, because she doesn't eat anything that I cook[she's still on her yogurt, cheerios, puffs, and cinnamon bread kick], but I have had the urge to cook almost every afternoon! On days that I didn't plan too, I find myself still wanting to cook. For those of you who really know me, you know THIS ISN'T normal for me! I enjoy cooking but I'm a very simple person so I could eat the same thing everyday for months...and in the past I have usually done just that, while Kaz fixed something for himself. He's never complained NOT ONCE...and don't get me wrong, I don't make him fend for himself everyday, but some days he does. Once photography took off and I was working 2 jobs, our routines changed...I didn't have time to cook... BUT I look forward to cooking again, and now have the time:) I'm planning to share one of our favorite family recipes next Tuesday, and would love for you to share yours as well! It can be anything from breakfast, dessert, dinner, etc! I'll post mine next week and have a link for yours, SO YOU HAVE PLENTY of time:) AND it's a great way to get some new ideas for your family!!!

Have I mentioned that I'm a very simple person? Clothes and shoes excite me, BUT I usually end up wearing the same thing all the time! If I find a shirt I like, I buy it in every color! I buy shoes but wear the same ones all the time...Summer=Rainbows, Winter=Sperry's. It doesn't matter how many pairs of shoes I have, I always go back to those! I've been telling Kaz for some time now that I REALLY WANT to get a pair of TOMS shoes for winter instead of buying a new pair of sperry's[mine are getting pretty bad]. I've been looking at them online and I've decided that I MUST have every color! Well, that's what  I want, but in reality that won't happen! BUT for now, I'll take all of these:) Kaz, I know you will read this...hint hint;)

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My little Annie is doing so good! She has improved SO MUCH! I couldn't be prouder of her and how far she has come just in the last month! 

When we got her, she couldn't hold her own bottle, crawl, use a sippy cup..she would cry every time I put her on her stomach. She is not only holding her own bottle, but does it with 1 hand! She is army crawling everywhere, sitting up on her own, drinks usually 8oz of juice out of a sippy cup a day, and loves being on her stomach. She has learned something new every week! She shakes her head every time I walk in the nursery because she thinks I'm going to put her down for a nap. Recently, when I've went to put her down she just kisses my lips over and over. I guess she's learning early to bribe her way out of something she doesn't want to do! It melts my heart:) She loves watching Veggie Tales, reading a book before bedtime and playing with this new toy!

It keeps her attention for usually 2-3 hours at a time...She even falls asleep with it!

 She's such a joy and blessing to our family, and I honestly can't remember life without her. It seems like we've had her forever! She's so happy all the time, and I truly am so thankful! 
[please excuse the quality of these pictures..they were taken with my phone:)]

pounding the road...

Well, let's face it. This last month, I haven't had a ton of time to exercise NOR have I really wanted too! I have enjoyed every second with Annie Rice and wouldn't change it for anything! BUT it's time to start back running and eating healthy! I have come a long way in my weight loss journey...AND I'M HAPPY TO SAY that I have reached my first goal of 155! That's what I weighed when Kaz and I got married! When I started loosing weight in January 2010, I weighed 193. Total weight loss so far is 38 pounds...I have come down 4-6 pants sizes and 2 shirt sizes! When I look back at pictures, I'm floored. When I started, I had a 2nd goal in mind, AND NOW I can officially move forward towards that goal, which is 145! 10 more pounds. 

August 2009

 December 2009

March 2011

April 2011

a few weeks before getting married....THEN compared to NOW...

 NOW...

Back in May, I took the summer off from running because South Carolina is just way too hot...AND I'm not an early riser and if I put running off until late at night, I won't do it! So instead, I started walking 3-4 miles a day, which I enjoyed thoroughly! BUT, my goal for running again was August 1st. We are back in training for another half marathon AND I MUST SAY, it's a lot harder training, pushing a stroller. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO THANKFUL to be pushing that stroller but it's a lot harder to run. I know it will get easier, but for now I'm struggling! We recently bought a BOB stroller and I love it! It makes a world of a difference from our old jogging stroller. 

SO I'm back to running, eating "better", and fighting for those 10 extra pounds! AND I'm fighting to wear my old favorite pair of jeans again[I haven't worn them since 2008]! I can put them on, button and zip, but they are just a tad too tight for me, BUT NOT FOR LONG!