Monday, June 14, 2010

some belly pics

over the last several weeks we have been taking some pics to capture my belly as it grows.  not the best pics of me...but just look at my belly :)


almost 14 weeks


almost 16 weeks



today at work....17 weeks

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Baby Phillippe's first gift!

I arrived home from work today to find this on the front porch.



I immediately opened it and saw...



Pink and blue tissue!  Perfect since we do not yet know what we are having.  Inside the tissue...




Whoop!!  Gig'em Aggs!

Thanks Mom (grandma Lanier)!!  We love it!!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Great Day

Yesterday was a GREAT day - our 2 year anniversary!!

It started out with the blessing of morning sickness. Incase you did not know yet we are pregnant!



Then, while in the shower, my sweet husband said "would you like some cinnamon rolls?"  To which I replied "sure!"  It's our most favorite at home breakfast.  It might actually be my all time favorite breakfast.  I grew up eating Pillsbury cinn rolls with my parents on the weekends.  So not only tasty, but good childhood memories too!

      

Then at 8:08 we rushed out the door to the doctor for our 12 week appointment...listening for the heartbeat.  It was amazing and very relieving at the same time!  Sweet baby...we can't wait to welcome you at Thanksgiving!  Stay healthy in there!  My wonderful husband took a short video of the event on his iphone and now I can watch it over and over.  Thanks hunny for being so thoughtful in capturing the moment!

Next we came home and promptly emailed several friends to share the good news!  Grateful for all the loving and supportive friends we have.  Next, we were out the door to start a registry.  That's right...I know it's way early, but it was a fun way to celebrate the morning events.  We only put 2 items on it which was funny to the helpful gal at the service desk. There is so much stuff to pick from.  I will definitely be soliciting the help of my mommy friends to find the best items. 

Then off to the mall for lunch and a movie.  One of the best things about being off on a Monday...hardly anyone at the mall or movie theater.  It was really great not having to battle the hurds of people that flock to Northpark Mall on the weekends.  Dave ate salad and I ate pizza (very typical for him to be more healthy than me).  Next up, Eddie Bauer to get Dave some shirts for work, then Paciugo for a pre-movie treat...Dave at chocolate, I ate wedding cake (also very typical). However, I will add that over the last 12 weeks I have lost my sweet tooth!  I know...those beloved cake and ice cream treats have not sounded the best. But yesterday was such a good day, I thought I could not pass up celebrating with both, thus the wedding cake flavored ice cream. Also very fitting for an anniversary treat.

Iron Man was the movie...not too bad.  Definitely too loud in the theater, but the movie was ok.  Then we came home, let the pup out...gave her dinner and then we were off to have another favorite meal...Houston's!  Ribs for me, steak for Dave (again, fairly typical).  It was delicious!  We love that place - also great memories for me with my family growing up in H-Town.  And now with my husband! 

It was a wonderful day!  One of my most favorite things about being married is just hanging out.  I am a quality time person and spending the entire day together celebrating each other and our marriage hit the spot.  No fancy vacations needed, just a sweet day being with my best friend!  I love you hunny!



Thursday, May 6, 2010

Love

Tonight I have the opportunity to share my testimony with a group of young women who feel personal conviction towards pro-life. The group is 20-somethings here in Dallas and I have no doubts that at least one woman in that group has either personally experienced abortion or knows someone who is hurting from this painful decision. I am so humbled that God would use me in such a bold way and I also feel very unworthy. That of course can be good and bad...good if it's completely under the belief that it is only by grace that I have been saved and that nothing I can do could ever win favor with God...bad if it's bases on lies. I think I fall in the middle, but I am fighting the lies. God knows all of that, of course, and what did He do about it this week...he provided more than one opportunity for me to be publicly (which I don't like) encouraged and reminded of all GOD has done in my life through what has been a challenging season of growth. He is good and knows our hearts and what we need and when the perfect timing is. Thank you Father, for your sweet reminders.


Last night I spent some time journaling about my past and thinking through the important key components of God's work in my life. To name a few: community, examples of unconditional love from dear friends, authenticity, scripture and obedience. Then I found myself thinking through who God is. With which I was left with one word LOVE.

You see, so often in my life I find myself believing lies like God is just some deity over my head waiting for me to get it right. Questioning how real he is, how loving he is and what this is all really about. But last night I thought to myself, if God is just waiting for ME to get it right, then wouldn't I likely still be living in painful destructive relationships, pushing everyone out of my life, living in complete isolation and depression, burdened by guilt and shame? Absolutely!! Because if it's ever up to ME alone...I choose familiar; even if familiar is heart wrenching and painful.

The good news is God isn't just a deity waiting on me to get it right! He loves me and He showed that to me over and over again through my healing process and through my years of depression. God is love. It's a loving thing when someone brings people into your life who love you as you are and who are willing to walk with you. It's a loving thing when a doctor shares his skills to heal your deep wounds and repair your broken heart. It's a loving thing when broken relationships are reconciled and begin moving towards newness. It's a loving thing when all your needs are met above and beyond when you are so weak you can't hardly get up. It's a loving thing to listen, dry tears and comfort hearts. It is loving to speak heard truths that pierce deep and cause growth. And it is loving to extend grace and welcome someone in who has done so many undeserving things.

And I ended with this truth...For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not of yourself, it is a gift from God and not by works so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9

Today I am so thankful for the grace that has been given me through my mustard seed of faith.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Get Excited!

For everyone who thought my post was silly...I received this email yesterday...
 
Dear Ms. Phillippe,
 
Thank you for writing to Necco about our Conversation Hearts.
 
I have some good news for you... we are  going to be offering the Classic Sweethearts flavors in a solo item next year so you will be able to purchase the original flavors next year.
                                                                                                  
Thank you again for writing.

 As silly as I might be...I can at least rest easy until next year knowing that my beloved sugary goodness will be back!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Not So Classic Any More

I would not consider myself a gal that gets into Valentine's Day.  I will say, that each year I look forward to over indulging in one of my favorite seasonal candies...the classic conversation heart.  Like any other year I waited patiently for my beloved sugary goodness.  Only to find that Necco, the "American Classic" candy maker, had changed it's classic conversation heart! According to their website it's now "more fun to eat". That does not sound "classic" to me!  The new flavors are too much! Necco, please bring back that classic sugary goodness that only candy hearts can have!

If you too were saddened by this so called improvement...please join me in filing a complaint.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Nearly 10 Years

It seems lately, lots of people are reflecting on the last decade. I have a friend who posted 9 lists reflecting all that God has brought her through, grown her through, and revealed himself through over the last 10 years. It was amazing for me to read. We have been friends for 4+ years and I think the world of who she is and all that she has done in my life. Reading them makes me realize more how BIG God has been in her life and in who she is today. I love that about her and so much look forward to being her friend through this decade ahead.

In all that...God has really been tugging on my heart to reflect back on my last 10 years and I am not sure why, but I am just not making the time for it. Well, if I am honest, I think I do know why...but that's another post for another day. Let's just say in summary...I'm A Runner (not the athletic kind).

In our staff meeting this week, I realized (not that I ever really forget) that in March 2010, it will be 10 years since I chose myself over life, my fears over God's love and gave up one of the most precious gifts God has given me. I let my pride and fears drive me deeper into sin that would forever change my life and leave a hole in my heart for my precious baby, John Michael. THANKFULLY my story does not end there!! The same God that has been BIG in my friend's life, has been BIG in my life too these past 10 year. I'll admit it took Him allowing 6 years of depression, 6 month of Celebrate Recovery, 3 rounds through Forgiven and Set Free, a community of loving, godly friends, several books & bible studies and so much more to see Him and let in. But as He knew He would, He got my attention. Because that's who He is...patient, kind, loving, faithful, unchanging, sovereign, good, wonderful, counselor, mighty, creator, healer, sustainer, King and Father. And I need all those qualities of Him just to make it through each moment. Thank you God for loving me when I did not love you and for never giving up on me. 

I wish that I had something BIG to offer him for all he has done for me...total and unfailing devotion comes to mind.  But I still wrestle tons, asking lots of questions and sometimes battling doubt.  But He reminded me this week, that it's just not over yet.  He's still growinging, teaching and revealing himself in my life. I just need to keep giving him room.  Father, help me give you all the room you need!