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Hello world!

a7deas — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:22:43 +0000

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bringing Him a gift

a7deas — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:06:00 +0000

On December 20th we had the privilege of joining with other friends and families in having Nessa dedicated to the Lord. A couple of our friends’ babies were born after Nessa so we decided to wait it out to have our children dedicated together. What a special moment to have Nessa dedicated during the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus! It seemed more than appropriate that we would bring Him an offering, of dedicating our lives as well as Nessa’s to the Lord. And how fitting to make such declaration with others, as certainly we can’t walk this journey alone.
We were happy that Papa Lu and Nana (V’s parents) were able to make it for this special day.

Having a child certainly opens your mind more to how unconditional our heavenly Father’s love is. It has opened my eyes (though at times my head turns away, eyes half-open, with a look of pain on my face) to the reality of a mess I am without truly letting the Lord lead, guide, and rule my life. Certainly who I am in Him, will shape and form who Nessa will become. How a mother’s heart aches for her child to truly have such an unforgettable experience with Jesus at a young age that their heart would never seek anything else for such true fulfillment. Though I too often allow the meaningless things of life to push out the quiet moments with the Lord, I am often reminded through Nessa (be it her willingness to obey, or willingness to throw a tantrum!) that my time with Him will certainly overflow into each moment with her.
help me Lord…

first birthday

a7deas — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:55:00 +0000

I recently received the much awaited pictures that our friend had taken during Nessa’s birthday party. So thankful he was there, and just so happened to have his camera in his car to snap some shots. I wanted to have pictures to post before discussing anything further about Nessa’s first birthday party. On Saturday December 19th we had a small party at our home with close friends. And let me say, I was so happy to see all that came. We have some of the most amazing people in our lives since being here in OK, and I feel so blessed to call them friends!
I was wanting to do something fun, yet not too over-the-top for Nessa’s first birthday party. Having finally found a theme-Winter ONEderland, I was able to gather ideas from there.
The Birthday Invite: front

and back.
Thankful for a talented husband! Thanks babe!
Here’s a few videos (we really need to invest in a camcorder so we don’t have to watch 20-3 minute videos from our vintage digital camera!)

There were about 10 kids at the party, not counting the sweet babies that came with their parents, so I was wanting to have something fun for them to do. Winter ONEderland theme…how about some snow!?! I had used some instant snow in my Pre K classroom when I taught and it was a hit. We had some shipping issues and thought we weren’t going to be able to bring snow to OK for the party, but Vernon saved the day again. We called around and found a toy store in Norman that carried the item-THE DAY OF THE PARTY! Why do I self-inflict stress?? And Nessa’s daddy didn’t hesitate to make the trek to bring snow to our Winter ONEderland. We had fun watching the kids play in it, and also had fun watching the worried looks of the parents each time ‘snow’ would get dumped on the carpet. (No worries parents-it all came out just fine!) The kids got to take some snow home at the end of the party.
We had a great time, and my first birthday party planning experience seemed to go well overall…until I realized after the party I had forgotten to pull the Capri Suns out of the frig drawer for the kids!!! Agghhhh!! Oh well. We enjoyed sharing the special moment with great friends and Nessa seemed to enjoy it too, despite her lack of nap.

To my fellow moms and to those of you who’ve ever given a listening ear, shared your own stories that I’ve learned much from, or simply helped me feel like I wasn’t alone-thanks for encouraging me, supporting me, empathizing with me, and overall just reminding me how great the journey of motherhood can be. Couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) go another year without you! Thank You!

i’m convinced

a7deas — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:20:00 +0000

Another great year has come and gone. I’m convinced that what “they” (whomever ‘they’ might be) say is true-time seems to go by faster the older I get. 2009 was most certainly a very memorable year. So many firsts with Nessa; first smile to first steps, it all happened too quickly. At times like this I wish our lives were a Truman Show and I could rewind and press play to take it all in again. While it’s nice to sit and give thanks for the many blessings of the year past, it’s also exciting to look forward to what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to Nessa getting out with me more as the weather warms up and watching her mind spin as she takes in all the wonderment of being a little girl in God’s great big world.
Also looking forward to what’s ahead for Vernon and I. 2009 was certainly a year of walking and sometimes feeling like we were even stumbling by faith-if that makes any sense at all. It was quite a challenging year, which meant even more moments for God to prove His faithfulness time and again. This next year is certainly going to be full of more faith-challenging moments. And I’m truly excited about it!! Truly!
It’s also been a great year to keep up with those out in the blogosphere. There are so many great blogs out there! Seriously-if you’re curious about something, or how to even do something-there’s probably a blog out there for it! Sorry, I digress…
Thanks to all of you who are so kind to check and see what’s new with the Deas’ family. And thanks for sharing on your own blogs! I have truly enjoyed keeping up with friends and family-even if, like myself, you don’t get around to blogging as often as you’d like.
We have more than enough to be thankful for looking back at 2009-all the more reason to be anticipating the greatness that 2010 has in store! Happy New Year all!

december december

a7deas — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:19:00 +0000

seems to have come and is almost gone! We’ve been busy! Birthdays, baby dedications and holidays-fun-fun-fun!!
Yes, I have some catching up to do, but it will have to wait until the holidays are over.
Just found out they’re not going to be publishing my next favorite magazine!!! First Domino, now Cookie…so sad.
This year seems that much more special celebrating the birth of our savior with Nessa this year. Looking forward to a great Christmas holiday.
Hope you all have a Happy Christmas!

not so rosy roseola

a7deas — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:52:00 +0000

Nessa’s ill symptoms started Tuesday, as I posted earlier. She finally broke her fever around 9pm Thursday. Saturday we noticed a slight rash on her chest, back, and forehead. Vernon decided to keep her home Sunday, as she was still not quite herself. Vernon said that she had taken 3 naps from the time she woke at 8am until I got home around 2:30 from church. I called the on-call Pediatrician and she said she was almost 100% sure Nessa had Roseola. Odd how I felt relieved just to have a name for what she was working through. I was also relieved that she, according to typical course of the illness, would be on the up and up soon. I could tell she had perked up a bit when I got home. I was encouraged to ensure she was getting fluids and continued to let her rest. I held her for most of the afternoon and she ended up taking another nap around 5-7pm. She’s been talking more and even laughing and being playful. What a relief! I know I have much to be thankful for…it was tough watching her hurting and just not herself. Thankful for the power in prayer and having a healthy family. Health and wholeness to you and yours!

11 months

a7deas — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:33:00 +0000

I never really took Nessa’s 11 month photos as we were getting ready to leave town for the Thanksgiving holiday. We did get some pic’s during Thanksgiving and just got our Christmas photos done the other day. Sad thing is, Tuesday morning (the day we scheduled the afternoon to take Christmas pic’s) Nessa started with symptoms of something coming on. The last two days she’s had a fever fluctuating between 101 and 102. And it is not fun!! Breaks mommy and daddy’s heart when our little boo isn’t her fun self. She does attempt to still have fun, attempting some peek-a-boo as mommy and daddy smile, but she continues to stare on with a half glazed look on her face. Pediatrician said we’re doing about all we can since she’s not showing any other concerning symptoms. She just wants mommy to hold her. And besides not getting things done around the house, I’m perfectly fine doing just that. Here’s a few photos from our session with our talented friend. Thanks Travis!

been lookin’ a lot like christmas

a7deas — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000

With all the stores, and the city as well, putting up Christmas decor back at the beginning of November, I decided this year would be the start of doing the same. A few weeks ago I pulled out the Christmas decor. We’re always gone during Thanksgiving and Christmas and it’s been nice having them up to enjoy. Since we’re not usually here, and Nessa’s still young, we only put up our small pencil trees. Perhaps next year we’ll put up the big tree…we’ll see.
Nessa liked looking at the decorations and immediately noticed there was something different in the room. One tug on the small tree, ending in it toppling over on her, was enough to remember not to touch it anymore. Every-now-and-again we’ll catch her looking at us, reaching out to grab an ornament off the tree.
I’ve been asking and looking around for some ideas for Christmas traditions to start. Here’s a couple we’ve decided on thus far:
1. I’d like to get a nativity set, one that Nessa can touch and play with, and each year talk about the story of Jesus’ birth. (There’s even a nativity set of Santa bringing baby Jesus a gift and bowing…hmmm….)
2. Each year we’d like Nessa to pick an ornament of her choice and when she gets older and has her own Christmas tree, or gets married, we’ll have a set of ornaments to give her to decorate her own tree with. (Vernon’s response, in a sarcastic tone “soooo she’ll only have like 25 ornaments for her tree??!!?” He’s not one for ‘traditions’ ;D) I picked up a snowflake photo ornament for her this year. Her Birthday is the first day of winter and we’re having a Winter ONEderland birthday theme. So it being her 1st Birthday and somewhat her 1st Christmas (last year was officially her first Christmas being born four days before) I thought perhaps the snowflake would be fitting.
3. With Nessa’s birthday being close to Christmas it sparked the urge to find an idea, so as not to have our house looking like Toys R’ Us, to keep Christmas gifts minimal. (As well as avoid over-spending) I found this idea: each year Nessa (as well as any other future children) will get three gifts from us. It stems from the three wise men who brought gifts to greet baby Jesus.
Gold-represents a luxury item. This will be one gift off their list of ‘wants.’
Frankincense-represents medicine/protection. This will be a clothing item.
Myrrh-represents health/healing. (will be more like mental health! ;D) This will be an educational item, such as a book, journal, writing utensils, etc.
4. Each year we want to emphasize GIVING at Christmas. Someone shared the idea of having their children pick a toy from their own toy box to give away. I’m sure as she gets older and understands a bit more this may be challenging, but I hope she feels the joys of giving just the same.

Looking forward to seeing Nessa enjoy Christmas this year. Do you all have any fun Christmas traditions?

first thanksgiving

a7deas — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Nessa’s first Thanksgiving was so wonderful! Perhaps one of the most enjoyable to date. First round was to Granna Jones’. Cory (the dog) was surprisingly calm during our stay. Nessa enjoyed each time he came around.

Next round was on to Grandpa and Grandma Jones’. It was so fun to see Nessa with her cousins. This has been an enjoyable phase. She’s a bit more independent and is walking everywhere! It’s like she changed overnight!

Vernon got in some time with the boys. Doing a little pre-play coaching and having a pep-talk with ‘Larry Johnson’ (that’s who my nephew Brody said he was) on the side line.

Nessa finally got to meet two of her new cousins. Noelle and “Grace”. Vernon got in a cat nap as he was holding sweet Grace.

I was proud of Nessa for trying so many new foods during Thanksgiving dinner. (although she doesn’t have much of an appetite for much as we’ve been back home.) She already knows how to ‘work’ Thanksgiving. Eat and relax!

Last, but certainly not least, we headed to Grandpa and Grandma Deas’! We got to enjoy some yummy leftovers and Nessa made a new friend with Chloe! (Auntie Shay’s dog) Chloe just sat and licked Nessa’s hand as she giggled.

Besides some not-so-fun teething woes, it was a wonderful week with family. I’m so thankful for our health and the many blessings in family that we have and are so glad we got to share this holiday with.
I love that little girl with all my heart. It’s the greatest joy to be her mother and watch her grow (more quickly than my heart is ready for) each day.
The holiday season seems to be more enjoyable having Nessa now. We’re looking forward to visiting everyone at Christmas!

a very good buy

a7deas — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:39:00 +0000

We have gotten so many great compliments and many people asking where we got our Inglesina table booster chair, so I decided to do a little post about it. After a bit of research and debating whether to get something portable or a traditional high chair, we bought it online. We wanted Nessa to be at the table with us while having dinner so we opted for the Inglesina chair. (and finding it for $50 vs. $100+ for the high chair we registered for seemed like a good idea at the time as well.) It has definitely been one of our favorite buys!! However, there have been maybe three tables that we weren’t able to fit it on.
Benefits for us:
-Nessa can sit right at the table with us during meals. Having guests over, we can hook her onto the corner in-between us to make room for more at the table.
-it wipes clean or you can remove the cover and hand wash it.
-there’s a nifty pocket in the back to place an extra bib or spoon.
-it folds up and has a carrying bag attached to it that can fold up into the bottom of the seat when in use! So handy!!
-when she was much younger and not really eating solid foods, she could sit at the counter while I was cooking at play and be a part of what mommy was doing.
-restaurants: when she was first able to sit in the restaurant’s provided high chair, her mouth came right up to table level! It’s nice not worrying about the waiter holding hot food over her head, as we can put her in the booth right beside us.
-wedding receptions: sounds kinda funny, but when we have taken her, it’s been so nice to enjoy talking with friends and enjoying the special day while she can sit and enjoy herself as well! (There have been many people with kids on their laps asking where we purchased it!)
-visiting friends that don’t have high chairs-so nice!
-to the Grandparents’
-to the office when mommy volunteers: We just hook the chair to the desk or counter top and she sits and enjoys some toys or a snack while mommy can help get some work done!

So if you’re a new mommy curious about high chairs, or you’ve been considering a portable high chair but were unsure, I give this chair 2 thumbs way up!!