Counting my blessings and being thankful

It is November- what does that mean? Dave's favorite- pumpkin pie has become a regular staple in the Humphries home, the leaves are falling and we aren't raking :-), crisp mornings and even crisper evenings, no shave November (so glad Dave doesn't take part in that) and all the Thankful posts on Facebook. As it does every year, it made me start thinking what am I thankful for, and as I started to make my "list" I realized just how lucky I am.

I am thankful for my parents. God has blessed me with two amazing and loving parents. I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for them. They have taught me many things, things I hope I will never forget, and I hope that I can teach Hadley one day. The most important thing they taught me was the importance of Church and a relationship with God. My parents were always involved with my Sunday School class in some way- whether it was volunteering for something or leading it. They were my youth leaders from 6-11th grade. I have seen them involved it Bible Studies, I have seen them teach Bible Studies. I have seen them volunteer for different organizations. They both have generous hearts that love to serve our Lord and I am glad that they made that a priority for me to see.

I am thankful for my Grandparents. I love going to visit them. I loved visiting them when I was little. It was always fun to stay with them. I was privileged to know them in my childhood and now as an adult. I love hearing stories from them from when they were younger and I love that I can call and talk to them now about anything. Another one of God's great blessings- Grandparents.

I am thankful for Dave. He is a hard worker, which allows me to have a job that I love and the ability to stay home with Hadley. If it weren't for him, I would probably sit at home most nights, with a book in my hand. He forces (ok helps) me to be social and reach beyond my comfort zone. He is a solid rock I know I can lean on. He helps me see the good in me when I struggle to see it for myself. He is so much more than all that is listed, but most importantly he makes me Happy. For that I am truly blessed.

I am thankful for a sweet 5 month old named Hadley Elizabeth(Named for many family members but specifically, my Grandmother and Mother). One of the highlights of my day is getting her out of her crib each morning. We walk in the room and she looks at you with her big blue eyes and will just give you a smile that will melt your heart (When Dave is off work- we race into the room, because we both want to see that first smile). She is a joy, her smiles, her giggles, her cries (yes her cries) all of it. I love watching her grow and discover new things. Most importantly, after a few minor scares, she is happy and health- for that I am truly blessed.

I am thankful for the two church families that I have. Cassidy- the church I grew up in, and Arcola- the church Dave and I attend now. There are so many people at Cassidy that I love, Sunday School teachers, past Preachers, past choir directors, and friends. Cassidy has so many memories for me- preschool, Sunday school, youth, it is where I accepted christ, and it was where I married my best friend. That church and the people in that church will always put a smile of my face. Dave found Arcola UMC by typing in Methodist church in his GPS and it was the closest one to our home at the time. The deal was- I was moving away from my family- we were going to go to a church where I was familiar with the doctrine and beliefs. I never could have dreamed of all the blessings that would come from Arcola. The community that we have there is amazing. We have met many people, and those many people have a  very special place in my heart.  Arcola has became my home away from home. When I get home sick for Tennessee, all I have to think about is my community at Arcola and even though it will never be Tennessee it is a very close second- and for that I am very thankful and blessed.

I thank God for all my blessings. I am one lucky girl.

Meet Hadley

Meet Hadley                   

It's hard to believe that my baby girl is 3 weeks old.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday and sometimes it seems like months ago. To be honest- I don't even know what day of the week it is.  It really seems like it was yesterday that Dave and I found out I was pregnant. This year has truly flown by.

Hadley is a good combination of Dave and me. She has his full head of hair- my hair fell out and came back blonde- and people say she has my nose. There are times that I look at her and I see all Dave and then there are times that I look at her and I see me.  

She is a cuddle bug. She loves to be close to you and be rocked. She hates getting her clothes changed and her diapers changed. I am hoping that will pass, because the screaming at 2am during a diaper change is not very pleasant.  She loves to eat and hates to be burped. Even though her Daddy is quite proud of some of the burps she has accomplished (I can't believe I am talking about burping!) 

There hasn't been any HUGE surprises for me. I knew that I would be tired, I knew she would cry (ok SCREAM) and I would get stressed and frustrated, I know everything won't always be "fun" but I wouldn't trade anything for it! The biggest surprise for me is how protective I am of her. I think I drive Dave a little crazy- but there is nothing new with that because I drove him crazy before we had her... :-) 

Hadley is a precious gift from God and I am so thankful that she is here with us and healthy.  It is amazing how much my life has changed in 3 short weeks, and I am looking forward to the weeks to come. 

First Bath 

Momma and Hadley 

First Family Picture 

GO VOLS 

3 generations 

Dave's Parent's and Niece 

Special photo shoot 

The Proud Daddy 

My parents 

3 generations 

After a long stay in the Hospital we finally were able to come home! 

cutie 

another cute outfit 

Photo shoot in some special clothes- that my Gran's dress 

Surrendering All to God

I accepted Jesus into my life when I was in 5th grade. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was Sunday morning and I was with my family at church. The sermon was over and we were singing our last hymn. It was I surrender all. I remember starting to sing the song and all of the sudden just crying, I couldn't explain to you why I was crying I just was- I was standing in between my Mom and Dad and I remember trying to hide my tears...I didn't know why I was crying but I didn't want anyone else to see me crying. Well, hiding the tears didn't really work and my Mom saw me crying pretty quickly...She kept asking me if I was okay or if I wanted to go up front and speak with the preacher. I told her I was fine and we kept singing- but I kept crying..She asked me again if I was ok...I again said I'm fine...but then she said something to me, that I will never ever forget- If God is telling you YES don't you say NO. So I ended up going upfront in the sanctuary and speaking with the preacher. It is a day and a song that will always be special to me. I hear that song, and it takes me back to that moment and the tears come all over again. You may be wondering why I am writing about this- a few months ago our pastor asked us to send in our favorite hymn and a story behind why its your favorite. My first thought was this is going to be difficult! There are so many songs that I could choose from, but I knew right way that this was the one for me. So, I sit down to write a paragraph to submit. That paragraph took me 2 months to write. I couldn't find the right words..or I just didn't know where to start. I was finally able to write my paragraph and for the past 6 weeks I kept questioning myself...was it too personal, did I right enough, was that really the song I should have chosen (I tend to worry a little to much sometimes). But it also made me take a step back and think- What does it mean to surrender ALL to GOD. But here it gets worse- I have been struggling lately- struggling with myself- I obviously have to go to work, but then I come home, do stuff around the house, multiple Bible studies and, and other random things that I am involved in. I thought I was doing pretty good- I was content with all that I was doing. Then one night- Dave said Katie, I want to talk to you about something(well crap, what have I done) was my first reaction..but then he said I want us to do a bible study together or even just joys and concerns..What I was thinking and what I actually said totally surprised me...in my head I was thinking...thats a cool idea why haven't we done this before. What came out of my mouth was- really? Another Bible study? I really think I am involved in enough- Well, the look on his face said it all. I felt horrible, for saying that to him to it was like I said to God...I do all this other stuff...can't I just have some time for me? Then for about 2-3 weeks after that conversation- I have had 2 strong thoughts in my head 1. God doesn't call us to be content and comfortable. 2. What does it mean to Surrender all to God? 1. I was happy with everything I was doing- especially with my Bible studies- I have made some great friends, my work- youth activities were going great, Our church has a great group of youth. I am blessed that they are in my life. Even though there are times Dave drives me crazy- I love him more today than I ever thought possible. I started to think am I to comfortable with my life? what can I change,add, take away? What I learned with part of this was that what I needed was "me time" not me all alone- but me with God- reading, or listening, or just soaking in his beautiful creations. I have noticed a difference, but I always question myself- am I really doing all I can to serve my God, but it's more than that- am I living and showing my middle schoolers what it means to live a christian life? 2. To surrender all to God- that is a hard one for me- I like to have plans and plan for my plans....I like to make lists of what is coming next(Dave says I make lists for all my lists) - what to expect when....It is hard but truly rewarding when I find myself fully surrendering to God- Its amazing how one statement that I made 6 weeks ago has opened my eyes and helped me see and experience God's love. I am truly blessed.

whats going on

What an adventure the past few months have been. The Saturday before Halloween I slipped on our front porch steps and I ended up breaking my ankle. Which meant I had to have surgery (yikes!) I now have 7 screws and a plate in my foot permanently. This has been quite an ordeal, and it made me realize how lucky (and loved) I am. From Dave, my parents, other family, church and neighbors.

I know I can always count on Dave- but we also know that I am stubborn and like to do things myself and don't like to ask for help. Dave has really stepped up- with making the house clean, cooking meals, running errands, and taking me places even if he didn't want to go. I am so thankful to have someone like him in my life.

My Parents, came up for the surgery and then my mom came back a week later to stay with me when Dave had to go back to work. I am so lucky that God gave me them. I am truly blessed that they are in my life. They have always been there for me and for that I am grateful.

My church families (this include Cassidy UMC and Arcola UMC) I got so many cards from Cassidy and it really made my day to read the cards and little notes that people wrote me. It was always a bright spot in my day. Arcola brought meals, the youth group sent me flowers and the church also made me a prayers and squares quilt (that hasn't left my side). Co-workers moved meetings to my house so i wouldn't have to get out of the house and all the rides that people have offered and still offer.

Our neighbors have been awesome! Dave works nights so when he leaves Peyton still needs to be walked one more time. Our neighbors have really helped out with this. That has been a true blessing that I haven't had to worry about (even though I miss taking Peyton out!)

The one thing that disappointed me through this whole process is that I had to stop all my work out routines. It's kind of hard to run and exercise when you can't put any weight on your foot. I have been working so hard to lose weight since April and I was finally seeing some good results. I was afraid that with the surgery I would gain some weight back- and that was NOT OK! It is so easy to put weight on and SO HARD to get it off. Since April I have lost 40 lbs and I even lost some weight during this whole ordeal, so that made me happy, but I am itching to get back to the gym for a normal routine.

I still have a ways to go. I start Physical Therapy next week and that will go on for the next 4 weeks and then I will be DONE. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel and I am so close. Heres to hoping the last month of this goes as fast as the first 2!

16 pounds!

I have decided to start up the blog again. I know it has almost been a year since my last entry...

Let me take you back to Christmas for a second. Dave and I were driving to my parents house and I was looking at one of our phones and saw this weight loss program ran by the hospital. We were both really interested in it, but when we called and found out how much it was we quickly changed our minds! Our thought at the time was this money could be spent on something like a vacation or even just put it in saving to feel "safe".

The more we thought about it the more we knew we needed to do it. So we saved and in April we started the weight loss program with the hospital. It is a 12 week class and we are on week 8 I think. I have learned SO much. There is always a lecture before each exercise class. Some of these classes are just terrible. But most of them are great! We have learned anything from what to look at on labels to how sleep and stress can even contribute to over eating and weight problems. The work out classes have been "fun" for me to. We have done, Zumba (which I now have on the wii), stability ball training, kick boxing, and just regular weight training.

The past 8 weeks have been difficult when it came to food. For the first month we could only eat what they gave us plus 4 oz of really lean meat and 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked veggies. To date I have lost 16 pounds. I am really pleased with myself. 1. That I stuck with it and didn't give up. 2. I found out that I actually like doing some of the exercises. I love being outside and Peyton loves it to (except when it is as hot as it is today!) I think what really motivates me is the pedometer that I wear. They say that 10,000 steps means you are active. I try to get at lease 12,000 or more.

I really feel like my life has changed for the better and will continue to change for the better because we did this program. Dave and I went to a group boot camp at the gym that we are members at today. I didn't think I would like it. I thought everything would be to hard and I wouldn't be able to do it. I LOVED IT! More so because even though it was in a group we still had lots of 1 on 1 time with the trainer and he told me different things I could do at home and at the gym that would help. We don't get 1 on 1 with the hospital class it is one group class and you are kind of on your own. Doing this boot camp class taught me things I can do on my own and the gym where I don't have to be scared for not doing it right. or that people are looking at me, cause now I just don't care what other people think (ok, I'm still working on that one- but I am close.)

Where I have lost 16 pounds- Dave has lost 30+ pounds. I know that guys lose faster than girls but it is hard to see sometimes that We are doing some of the same stuff and he is losing double what I am losing. I try not to let it bother me and I am thrilled even if I just lose 1 pound. It just reminds me that there is a long road ahead and that I will one day reach it and I will be really happy when I get there.

I think the best part of the weight loss (besides the new clothes) is that everything seems cheaper! Grocery bills are hardly there and when we eat out now we split something and save money for something else.

I encourage everyone to go take a walk today(after it cools down.) That is all it really took for me to get started. I have dropped inches and pounds and can hardly fit in the pants or shorts from last summer- Life is GREAT!

It's been a while!

It has been a while since I have posted something. Ironically the last post was our house is on the market- This post I am sitting in my NEW HOME! Dave and I are so happy! We have more than enough space. I will post pictures if I can figure that out.

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone! It seems like we have had a busy week since my summer break started- from moving, the mission trip, visiting family, more unpacking, and just getting settled in there hasn't been much of a break.

I am excited about the fall though because it seems like the middle school youth are going to have a great year! We will be focusing on Mission projects this year- I think they will really like what we have in store for them.

I am off now to do some laundry! sounds fun doesn't it!

Our TownHouse is on the market!

I can't believe it- Our town house is officially on the market! Now to start looking for a new home. This process has been a little more stressful than I thought. I had to go through everything just to declutter- then put things in boxes just to have it stored in our garage. Our house looks empty! I was curious to see how peyton would react too boxes moving around and it turns out as long as all of his stuff if left alone he is fine!

We have looked at some homes-the ones we have liked have already sold so we start over on Monday. I think we are going to try to find some model homes to look around in- hopefullly not all of those homes will sell!

Its been a busy week- I am looking forward to a "more relaxing" week next week- even though next week will be busy too- busy with errands for church.

Here's to a relaxing rest of the weekend!