On My Heart: Bloom Where You Are Planted


I will be linking up with Amanda @ A Royal Daughter for today's On My Heart post. Amanda's blog and the way she lives her life inspires me, which is what this post is all about.

 

I recently read Kelle Hampton's book, Bloom. It was given to me by a fantastic lady out in California who blogs here. Kelle had put out to the world on Facebook that if her readers wanted to give or receive a copy of her book, to email her and request to either donate or request that you wanted one. I've been wanting to read her book ever since I knew it was being released. Unfortunately, budget hadn't allowed me to splurge on it, and something else more important always came up. So, I wrote in.

This fantastic woman read my email, read the story I told about Cameron being on the way, and money being tight, and she was kind enough to send me not only the book, but an adorable set of baby blankets, and a box of baby wipes as well! SO needed, and I just wanted to take a moment and THANK HER for the generosity and kindness she showed me. I can't wait to have him here so I can wrap him up in that adorable blanket and send her a photo of him!

Thank you, Marci Phee, you have no idea how your kindness has touched me!


So, I had a chance to read her book the whole way through, and while I knew the general story of Nella's birth through reading her blog, I was touched by the real emotions she had during the first year of her life. She went from one extreme (denial and sadness) to the other (pride and joy) and did so with grace and determination. I was impressed with how strong of a woman she is. I don't know that I could have done what she did. Granted I haven't been placed in that situation at all, but her book forced me to think about what would happen if Cameron was born with that magical chromosome that makes these children beautiful, yet different. I would like to think that I would handle it. I would like to think that it would be like no big deal. But if I am truly honest with myself, and you, that I would probably be worse off than Kelle was the moment she laid eyes on her daughter with her almond eyes and knew she was different. I have so many dreams for Cameron, just like Kelle did. I would hope that I could be as accepting and graceful as she is, and make his life the best it could be just by loving him, which is all you can really do for any of your children.

And I would and will love him. I know I will. So while Kelle's book gave me much to think about, I am determined to love Cameron...and Natalie...with all of my heart for all of the days of my life!

 

 

Until later lovebugs,

 

Rachael

Mani Monday

 

 

 

Last week I posted a photo that included a fantastic coral color that I fell in love with a few weeks ago. Well I had a wedding to go to this weekend, and bought a coral colored dress just so I could paint my nails this fabulous color! When I was deciding what to wear jewelry-wise I wanted to accent with some turquoise. So, I went to pinterest, and found this:

 

 

 So I decided to go for it! Here are the colors I used:

 

 

 

Here's how it turned out!

 

I also spend some time with my Mama on Saturday and she gave me a pedicure complete with foot rub and all! I was actually pretty upset the last time I went to get a pedicure because they refused to rub my feet! They said that I could go into preterm labor, so they can't rub. I couldn't believe it! So, the foot rub from my Mom was a blessing, felt amazing afterwards, and LOOK! No preterm labor!! GRRR on you nail salon!!

She also painted my toes with Kook-a-mango. I must say it looks amazing as a pedicure color! I love it =)

I also tried Seche Vite this time for the first time and I am in LOVE! It dries SO fast!! I usually just run my nails under cold water to dry/set them for 30 seconds each, but this stuff I didn't need to at all! Of course, I was nervous so I still babied them for about an hour afterward, but next time I'm going to give it a real test! It may be my new favorite top coat!!

Next week I am debating about either the blue combo I previously talked about, or a hot Barbie pink! Everyone is doing it for summer, and it's making me want to join in! What do you think?

BLUE


or


PINK?

 

Linking up with Vicki, Tara, and Heather and Anna! Thanks girls for inspiring me!



See you later lovebugs!

Rachael

My Husband Rocks Vol. 11

No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."

(from the From*me Tees Mission Reflection)

 

 

 

This week I am joined by the sweet Amanda from A Royal Daughter! Check out her post here:

This week we are talking about a time when your husband helped you through a difficult point in your life, or how he supports you when you're having a bad day!

On a side note, Amanda has been writing about her journey with infertility this week, and I just wanted to say I am praying for you, your husband, and your forever baby Amanda! I hope that someday you will get to experience the joy that is motherhood. I am rooting for you!

 

 

 

Oh, this guy. He may not look like much, but he is my rock. He keeps me sane more times than not. One of those times was earlier this year. I didn't talk about it here, because honestly it was the first time I have had to deal with anything hitting this close to home before.



My Grandpa went to heaven.



He was my last Grandpa, and my favorite grandparent. I had lost my Dad's Dad when I was really young to cancer, so it hadn't affected me all that much. My Grandma died when I was in high school, and although I regret it now, I was totally engrossed in my own life, and hadn't really cared - even though I, of course, loved her very much.

 I had just seen him two weeks before when he visited me at work and we had lunch together. About a week before that, he had come in and Ida and I fitted him for new glasses. I never even got to see them on him because he moved to a nursing home about three hours away the day after our lunch date. Then, he fell and was moved to a hospital. Then, he caught pneumonia. And then, just like that - he was gone.

I keep thinking, "Thank God he got to meet Natalie." It was so important to me. "Thank God I got to tell him about Cameron." I wish he was still here so he could meet him.

When my mom called me, I was driving. I pulled over, and bawled my eyes out. I feel like I didn't even get to say goodbye, and it came out of nowhere. I knew he was in the hospital, but he was always so strong, I wanted  to believe he would pull through. But, he didn't.

My wonderful husband, he was there for me. Went to my mom's hometown with me to the funeral. I was a mess, and Mike was a rock. He helped me through it. I don't know what I would have done without him there.

My Husband Rocks. And so does my snazzy Grandpa. I hope they have refrigerated Hershey Kisses in heaven, because if not I'm sending you a bag right now! I love you Grandpa and I miss you so much!

Four generations: If you count me, who was taking the photo =)

 

 

 

 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

<center> <a href="http://thegrowingtreeblog.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Husband%20Rocks"><img alt="The Growing Tree" src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh534/thegrowingtree/MHR200x200button.jpg" height="200"/></a></center>

*Next Sunday*

Jen from On a Rock in the Pacific will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

What ways does your husband support you in your dreams?

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Amanda's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 

See you later lovebugs!



Rachael

Baby Cameron: Bump Update

I really have to apologize, I have been a very bad mommy and only have this week's bump photos to show for the last four weeks! =( My lovely co-worker went on vacation and I suck a selfies, so thus...no bump photos. Not to worry, we are back on track!!

How far along? 28 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: Around 15 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Yes. Pants and tops, although I was able to find quite a few tops from Walmart that will do. Loose fitting, and lots of long camis!

Stretch marks? The beginnings, but I don't mind so much. I am pretty sure my days of bikini wear is over, but I'm still putting cocoa butter lotion on them....when I can remember.

Symptoms: HEARTBURN. Seriously. If the wives tales are right, this kid will have four TIMES the hair his sister did! Acne....I feel like I'm 15 again. Oh how I hate those little bumps, and I can't EVER leave them alone!! Oh, and leg cramps/restless legs. Ugh, I hate it.

Sleep: Sleep is still good most nights. I'm starting to get used to not sleeping on my belly, although I REALLY miss it.

Best moment this week: Seeing the baby again, and knowing that he is TWO POUNDS already!

Have you told family and friends? Yes, everyone knows! It would be a little hard to keep it a secret at this point!

Miss anything? Sleeping on my tummy, not feeling tired all the time. Stretching, and being able to walk around without feeling pain/pressure.

Movement: Tons. Mostly after I eat!

Food Cravings: Ice cream (chocolate marshmallow), Chocolate milk, chocolate candy, Starbursts, Wheat thins, Fruit, pickles, (Yes I'm a stereotypical preggo!) Thin Mints, and also an adversion to red meat. I'd much rather have salad, seafood (no sushi or salmon though - I'm talkin crabmeat YUM) or chicken lately. Also spicy food: buffalo chicken, salsa, hot sauce on tacos, etc.

NEW: White cheddar popcorn, regular popcorn, pb&j sandwiches, Mt. Dew. and Starbucks hot chocolate.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really, I just stay away from anything that looks like it might make me icky.

Have you started to show yet? Oh yes. It has been obvious for weeks now!

Baby is a: Bouncing baby boy!! Cameron Glenn =)

Belly Button in or out: It's really starting to thin out. I'm thinking there won't be much left here soon!

Wedding rings on or off? Still on. I kept them on all the way through delivery with Natalie so hopefully I will be able to do that with this one as well. I don't know how I would feel if I couldn't wear them!!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Ask my hubby and he would probably say moody, but other than having no sleep and being cranky I think I'm still a pretty happy camper. My Natalie keeps me smiling!

Looking forward to: Finding out whether or not I have Gestational Diabetes again ( I'm PRAYING for a big ol' NOPE!) and just getting through the next few weeks!

NOT looking forward to: Having to change my eating if I do have GD, and having to prick my fingers four times a day. I just did my three hour glucose test today, so I should know for sure soon.

That's all for now! Look for another update soon!


See you later lovebugs,



Rachael

Mani Monday

 

Last week I put it to you all to help me decide between three colors:

My Instagram friends answered!

 

 

Here's how it turned out!

It is such a gorgeous color red, I am happy to rock this all week long!

Coming up on the blog, I have two new colors that I bought yesterday that I am going to be featuring! I've been looking for both of these colors for a while now, and I can't wait to try them!

Kook-a-Mango is a really pretty coral that will match the dress I am wearing to my cousin's wedding PERFECTLY, so that will be next week. The following week I will be pairing Mermaid's Tale with this color:

Calypso Blue! I can't wait to give it a try!!

 

Linking up with Vicki, Tara, and Heather and Anna! Thanks girls for inspiring me!

Also linking up with Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip!



See you later lovebugs!

Rachael

My Husband Rocks Vol. 10

No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy."

(from the From*me Tees Mission Reflection)

 

 

 

This week I am joined by the gorgeous Kristina from The Streeters Unlimited! Check out her post here:

This week is about your proposal. Tell me the story of how he/she proposed, or if you are still dating tell me about your dream proposal!

Mike actually did a really good job with his proposal!

It was Valentine's Day and we had made plans to go with his best friend and his girlfriend to dinner. They came over the night before and spent the night because we knew it was going to snow and they didn't want to get snowed in at his house.

That morning, Mike got up first and went out to "clean off the car." The best friend went out with him to do the same thing. A few minutes later, the best friend came back inside and said I needed to go out to the parking lot, someone had hit my car. I was like "who cares, it's cold. I'll see the damage later."

He retorted with "NO, you need to go outside NOW." I was a little curious at this point, so I got dressed and went outside. When I got out there, I noticed that Mike wasn't even near my car, he was over at his car. I was about to be angry because I couldn't see any damage on my car, and thought "What the blank is he dragging me out here in the cold for?"

Well, as I get to the back of his Durango I see a blanket draped over something in the back. I think, "Oh, he's going to give me my present. COOOL!" Well, little did I know...

He pulled off the blanket, and there sat a HUGE stuffed unicorn in my favorite color (purple of course!) and in between it's two front hooves sat a red rose, with my ring on it! I was shocked, and excited!

I'm not exactly sure what he said to me, but it ended with the traditional "will you marry me?" and although he didn't get down on one knee, I immediately said yes! (I mean, it was snowing....)

And then we went back inside and celebrated! It wasn't what I had envisioned, but it was perfect for him, and perfect for the way we are together, so I couldn't have asked for anything more!

 

 

 

 

We want to hear all about the loves of your lives!

<center> <a href="http://thegrowingtreeblog.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Husband%20Rocks"><img alt="The Growing Tree" src="http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh534/thegrowingtree/MHR200x200button.jpg" height="200"/></a></center>

*Next Sunday*

Amanda from A Royal Daughter will be hosting with me! Topic of conversation will be:

Tell us about a time when your husband helped you through a difficult point in your life, or how he supports you when you're having a bad day!

* If you would like to participate *

Follow the prompt, or just wing it and blog about whatever you want, as long as it is about the love of your life! Don't feel like you can't contribute if you are not married, this is for anyone who wants to celebrate their significant other!  Then come back here and link up in the collection at the bottom of this post. Please grab the button and use it in your post, or post it somewhere on your blog!

The only thing I ask is to follow my blog and my co-host Kristina's  blog via GFC, Bloglovin, Facebook or Twitter (icons at the top of my page - be sure to comment below and let me know how you follow and I will follow you back!) Then, take a look around at the other blogs linked up and leave them some love too!

* If you want to add the blog hop to your post *

If you want to participate in the hop and add the link-up to your post, click here and highlight the first code!

* If you would like me to add you to the advance email OR if you would like to co-host in the future*

If you would like to receive the code for the post before it goes live, or would like to co-host your very own My Husband Rocks Sunday Link-up, send me a message with the subject My Husband Rocks to:

 

See you later lovebugs!



Rachael

Little Miss Natalie

 

 

Just wanted to fill you in on what you have been up to lately!

 

 

We have been spending lots of time "OUTSIDE!" lately! You LOVE IT. You are all the time running to the door and grabbing the handle yelling "OUTSIDE! OUTSIDE! UP! UP!" So cute.

 

 

 

 

You know what a kitty-kitty says, (MOW!) what a dog says, (WUF! WUF!) what a chick says, (PEEP PEEP) and we are currently working on what a cow says.

 

You have a new word, and it is SO cute! It's "Happy". You walk around saying it over and over, and it makes Momma's heart swell to know that you know what it means and you make it a point to say it.

 

You also love to help clean! You "sweep" and "mop" and the other night you took a baby wipe out of your container and wiped down the whole table on your own with a smile on your face! I know it won't last long, but you have a blast with chores! I can't wait to get you "washing dishes" (aka playing with bubbles)

 

 

 

You have also learned the word "No" and you know the difference between that and "yes". You usually say "no" nonchalantly and if you really want to get the point across, it's NO WAY! Or, if you are saying yes, you say "Oh, yes." "oh yeah!" or "yes yes!"

 

You are still being very cuddly, and it doesn't matter who it is as long as they'll hold you. I have to say that Momma is loving it, because I know a lot of my time is going to be taken up by baby brother soon!

 

 

 

You LOVE bathtime. You literally go running for the door anytime we say that word, even if it's not time yet. You get really upset if we won't let you in RIGHT then!! And then if we don't brush teeth after you have a meltdown! If there's one thing we're doing right it's getting you excited about the right things!

 

 

 

One of your favorite toys is your Minnie Mouse car. Daddy zoomed you around the living room and you just laughed and laughed! He had to stop for a minute, and you got SO upset!

 

 

 

Daddy also wants me to add that you love to play hockey, with him, and with Pappy! He brought you home a stick and you had a blast knocking things around on the floor with it...until your doggies chewed on it. Don't worry though you'll get another one real soon, Daddy will make sure of it!

 

You LOVE your play food! You love to pretend to eat it, you love to bring it to us to eat, and you love to throw it around too! We are working with you to put away your toys too, and you are doing really well!

 

 

You are just so beautiful, Momma can't help but be obsessed with you! Momma and Daddy love you so much!

 

Row Merrily my beauty,

Momma