the ramblings of a Southern girl: 2013

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

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.