Perspective

Most of the time my blogs are light-hearted and just informing the blog world about my life. Well, I have decided to throw in a more reflective blog now and again. I am a reflective person....so, I thought I might being sharing some of my reflections.

To start off with this picture. Some may see a young girl while others see an old lady. A few may even be able to see both. It is all in how you look at it or your perspective.

I just got home from my church small group, which is a group of wonderful people I look forward to listening and sharing each week with them. This week we focused on how we handle trials and struggles. Because, we all know church is not for the "perfect," but for the sick and sinners and broken. Chuck started us off with saying, "It is not If you will have a trial....it is WHEN." We each shared how we handled it.

To make a long story short, we ended with how have we or how is God refining us as a person. I began to think. And I thought of something. I wrestled with God in my head for a moment. I didn't want to share how I am being refined. It was too personal and it made me too vulnerable. But, the words were coming out of my mouth before I could get them back in. I said, "I believe God is refining me to being a strong wife. Every time my husband walks out the door to go to work, I have to say a little pray that he will GET to come home." Being a police officers wife is HARD. Michael is constantly reassuring me that he will come home, but it is a daily struggle. I am humbled by how NOT in control I am. He is literally in God's hands when he goes to work. I can't protect him. So, this gives me perspective about love in my marriage. Yes, there are times when I am very lonely. Twelve hour shifts are long and he has to sleep too. But, sleeping or not....he comes home to Audrie and me. I am not saying that we don't disagree at times or that he makes me want to pull out all my hair on occasion. I would rather disagree with him every day than not have him at all. I have loved him since I was eighteen years old. I will continue to love him until my last breathe.

Dear God, refine me all you want! You are the potter, and I am the clay. Mold me into the wife I need to be for my Michael.

Spring Break Wrap-Up

On Friday...I got a pedicure! I always get so paranoid about my feet. Then, I saw the person sitting next to me. After that, I didn't feel so bad. (No, I didn't know this person.) I have had a gift certificate that my sweet friends: Kolak, Calcote, and Germany, gave me when I was pregnant as a birthday present. I know that was a long time ago, but you know the saying, "life happens!" I took Audrie with me, and she was a doll. All the workers made comments on how good and cute she is. I got be a proud momma :) Plus, I got to catch up with Kolak...who was getting a pedicure to go camping with her boyfriend. I did point out the irony of it to her.

We got a rug. FINALLY! I have long awaited this rug. I am getting to start decorating my house. We have only lived there for about a year and a half. Today, we all went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and I got some ideas :)

Well, I am going to say farewell to Spring Break 2011 with some lesson plans and watching one of my favorite shows: Army Wives. If you don't watch it, you should. I am still waiting for someone to get the great idea of a show about police officer wives as many law enforcement shows as there are out there, you would think it would get created. Until then, I will stick to Army Wives.

On February 16th Little Bit turned 5 months. These are pics from our 5 month photo shoot.

Her big discovery of 5 months was her feet. Now, I can't keep them out of her mouth!

She also learned to rolled from her back to her tummy and started eating cereal. I weighed her, and she was about 14 pounds :)

Happy Heart Day!

Audrie had her first Valentines Day! She was decked out with the outfit her Grammy gave her.
I got a wonderful surprise of a dozen red roses to my work from my sweet hubby. They were beautiful! I got him a basket full of candy. He has a bit of a sweet tooth.

Audrie' godmother, Emmylou, came to visit about a week ago. She even came bearing a gift. Audrie might start thinking Emmylou = presents. Better watch out! haha just kidding. It was so good getting to catch up with her. Audrie loved getting to hang out too!

Spring Break 2011

We started off with my niece's 2nd birthday. I can't believe Kate is 2!!! She didn't have just a party...she had a pawty! You got it-puppy dog theme. There were pink poodles everywhere. For those of you who don't know. My S.I.L. is the next generation of Martha Stewart. She is amazing. Handmade invitations. Instead of presents, guests were asked to bring something for the animal shelter (yes, and she is also extremely thoughtful). Of course, we still got Kate a present too. I couldn't resist. The kids all wore dog ears like party hats...I could go on and on, but I won't. It was a wonderful day to celebrate Kate!

Audrie with her Aunt Sissy

Birthday Girl with her cake

opening gifts

me with my little pound puppy

Little Bit is 6 MONTHS!!!

While we were in Byhalia, MS I got Audrie's 6 month portraits done by Cassie Bousson. She is Amanda's cousin. She does this on the side for now. But, she is AMAZING! Audrie was so tired during the entire photo session, but Cassie got her to smile! I will post the pics as soon as I get them. Here is her website http://boussonphotography.blogspot.com

Here are the photos I took on the actual 6 month mark-March 16,2011

We go to the doctor next week to get her stats and everything. 6 months has flown by! I am enjoying every little stage. Audrie has become a very good eater. She has liked everything she tried: rice cereal, oatmeal, bananas (her favorite), apple sauce, pears, peaches, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots. Next to try is squash. She is chewing on everything. It won't be long before we start seeing some teeth!

I am wrapping up Spring Break with cleaning and catching up on life. It is nice to have some time just to be home.

Project Nursery: Done...Finally!

I have finally completed sweet Audrie's nursery. I am only 4 months late....better late than never? I have to say it is my favorite room in the house. Mainly due to it being the only one decorate fully. Either way....it is finished.

The rocking chair and homemade curtains by Grammy

An Audrie size rocking chair

The changing station

Top of the dresser. I think the cow lamp is so cute!

The little baby on the moon is very special. My big brother, Luke, picked that out to hang on the hospital door for when I was born. Picture hanging is a belly picture...the flash kind of messed this shot up, but you get the jest of it.

The last addition to the room was the "Audrie" canvases.
The room is truly hers now!
Love you sweet baby girl!

Speaking of baby girl....she is sick. She has RSV, which can be pretty serious for babies and young children. We are giving her breathing treatments twice a day. I hope she gets better quickly!

A New Year... A Fresh Start

Our little girl is constantly growing. She is now actually playing and grabbing toys.

She doesn't hate tummy time as much anymore. She is much stronger with holding her head up. She is now attempting to roll over. She is 3/4 way there.

3 Years of Wedded Bliss
Then.....

Now....

Marriage is such a wonderful blessing. I count my lucky stars for God bringing Michael in my life. I look forward to many more years with him. LOVE YOU PEANUT!

A Baby Dedication

On January 16, 2010, we had Audrie's church baby dedication. It is a Sunday were our congregation celebrates on the new babies and new members of the previous year. Also, the church is requested to join in the spiritual upbringing of all the new little one.
"It take a village to raise a child."

Audrie's Meme gave her this beautiful gown to wear.

Too bad she got a stomach bug and couldn't come :(

Of course, there had to be decorations....

The service at church...

Family pics

Audrie's godmother, Emmylou, and Auntie Ashley came too! There is not a doubt this little girl is loved.

Our precious nephew, Preston playing

Aunt Sissy, Kate, and Preston

4 month photos

2010 was a wonderful year-God gave us Audrie. You can get any better than that. Mine and Michael's world has completely transformed from just the two of us to being parents. There is no greater responsibility than raising a child. By all means, we are not doing this alone. Our family and friends are our support system. As Michael calls them our "bungee chords." We thank all of you for your love and support. I like to think of each new year as a fresh start. As you know, I don't believe in new year's resolutions. Mainly because people never seem to follow through with them. Or....I know that I don't. I do believe in reaching goals. So, I have a new year word, CONTENTMENT. My focus for 2011 is to be content. So many people are always wanting more and more. We are told by society this is the American dream. But is it? Or...is the American dream what you make it? I feel as though I am living my American dream. I have loving husband, beautiful daughter, amazing family and friends, my health, a job and most importantly a God who loves me unconditionally. What else could I possibly long for? So, 2011 is to be filled with the feeling of contentment.

"Over the River and Through the Woods".....Christmas 2010

How can I start off describing Christmas 2010? It was absolutely AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL!

Our first Christmas with our sweet baby girl and Santa's first visit to the Case house!

There was lots of eating, opening presents, traveling, but most importantly spending time with family and friends. But speaking of traveling....

We started of at Byhalia, MS where the Cantrell family lives! We arrive to a feast cooking :) No complaints there! There was turkey, potatoes, and asparagus. One word: YUM! The company wasn't so bad either. Just kidding. We always love getting to spend time with my brother's family. Mom and Benny arrived shortly after we did. Kate, my niece, is so entertaining to watch. Way better than television. She is all over the place. It was her first year to really start enjoying opening presents, which she passed out to everyone. She is a smart girl!

I always enjoy some snuggle time with my girl.

Present time!

Grammy and PopPop with their grandchildren.

Can you say mini-Michael Case?

After Byhalia, MS we headed to Tremont, MS for my dad's side of the family. We ate lunch and visited with everyone.

Granny holding her name-sake :)
Audrey and Audrie
LOOK at that grin. I think she likes her Aunt Jan!

Madison and Ethan were there too. Madison was a natural holding Preston and Audrie!

Audrie and NinaBelle

Four generations:
1st Audrey Thorn Cantrell
2nd Larry Q Cantrell
3rd Katie Cantrell Case
4th Audrie Louise Case

Next, we drove onto Tupelo, MS to Aunt Hilda's for dinner, which was soup and sandwiches.
I love my little niece :)

Our branch of the Tally family tree

We finally made it home! Audrie was worn out.

On Christmas Eve, we went over to Michael's parent's house. Audrie got to meet her Uncle Brandon and Aunt Heather for the first time! It was so good getting to see them.

All of the Case crew

Audrie got some precious ornaments this year.
One from her Meme

One from Aunt Sissy and Uncle Luke

...and one from my good friend, Cassie V.

Pic of our last real tree. Michael did a good job picking it out.

Christmas Day

Audrie must have been really good in her first 3 months. Santa loaded her up...with a little help from Meme and Grammy

Playing on Christmas morning

The Cases came over for lunch and to see the loot. I fixed a big pot of potato soup. (Thanks Aunt Jen and Aunt Hilda for the recipe.)

Audrie with her Pawpaw

The Cantrells came for a short visit. Luke had a get-together with his old high school buddies. We were just glad they could stay with us :)

Audrie playing with Kate

I believe this is a beginning of a forever friendship.

On December 28th, Michael turned 27! We are getting closer and closer to 30. Happy late birthday Peanut!