James' Journey: 2010

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Blessings

Patrick and I are in the roughest place we have experienced in our marriage of 13.5 yrs. The things surrounding us are at times overwhelming. Work the plan, stay focused on the end result, breath, the plan, focus....... It is daunting to say the least. I can not go into detail as we both agree this is best left between us and want privacy. But we could use prayer right now!!!!

Soooo instead of feeling over run by things, today I am counting my blessings.

1. My Savior Jesus Christ for loving me in spite of all that I am
2. My wonderful, patient, loving husband- my best friend Patrick
3. My children- your laughter and spirit remind me daily why we are doing what we are. You amaze me with you beauty.
4 Our parents- your support we can not live with out!!!!!

Is it just me or is this starting to sound like a very BAD award speech?!? Yeah I thought so....
Annnnyyyy Waaaaay

5. Our jobs.... we have them nuf said!
6. Our house..... we have one and even though the To Do list is TOOO long we are so thankful we live in a house with enough room and are blessed to be where we are.

So the sun comes out and we get through one more day knowing we are truly blessed, no matter what the situation brings we have each other, God and that my friends is enough!!!!

Bjames

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

My little girl is 9!

It is so hard to think that my baby girl just turned 9. I still look at her and see this tiny face with messy curls. I thought I would share some pictures of her that most haven't seen.

My sweet girl,
I am so incredibly blessed to have you. Your laughter is contagious. Your smile tender and your spirit is so caring. I have loved watching you grow and mature. You continue to amaze me daily. You make my heart happy! A million kisses to you.
Mom

From James' Journey

From that to this...... Time goes by fast, breath it in!

From James' Journey

You are so beautiful inside and out. We love you! Happy Birthday baby girl.

Jeremiah 1:5 (New International Version)

5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;

The Saga...

Our story began in 1995, when I met Patrick at a Wesley Foundation function in college. Of all things it was roller-skating. I have to say Patrick was really bad at it, but I didn't mind. It truly was love at first sight. I knew that night that I never wanted to be with out him. We became best friends and on July 27, 1996 we were married. Two years later on October 30, 1998 we had a son, Brennon who is now 10. On January 11, 2001 we were again blessed, this time a daughter, Madilyn Claire who is now 8. Our life was blessed far beyond what we deserved and we were complete, or so we thought. In August of 06 we found out shockingly that we were pregnant. Surprised and joyful we began to plan for our growing family. November 18th of that year our sweet baby went to be with the Lord. I continue to work through the anger and hurt. I take great comfort in knowing that Jesus will always hold him. In October of 07 we welcomed another baby boy into our family. Braiden Wesley (named after where we met) James arrived 5 weeks early and is the joy of our family. We adore him. We are truly in awe of everything God does in our life. We don't understand it all but are so grateful to have a loveing Father who is in charge of it all.
Brandi- My parents are James and Janice Murray and David and Deborah Eason. I have a sis Jami and BIL Blake Creel who we just found out is expecting their 1st baby in August. We are so excited. I have a brother Jeff who is dealing with his own battles of sickness and seperation from God. Keep him in your prayers. God can heal the ugliest of addictions and bring new life. He has 4 beautiful children. I also have 2 step bro Michael and John.
I work at a Big BABY hospital in B'ham teaching labor & delivery and newborn care classes one night a week. I also used to work PRN as a labor/delivery nurse. Since Braiden was born I have taken some time off from the floor to enjoy my family.
Patrick- My parents are Preston and Dexine James. I have a bro Marty and SIL Peyton. I was recently made an uncle with a beautiful, sweet niece Lily Grace.
I work as a Production Manager for an automotive supply company. Please be in prayer for more buisness in this ever decreasing car market.
Brennon loves to play sports particularly baseball - and found out he is pretty good at basketball too. While not doing sports he likes playing computer games, PS2, riding his 4 wheeler and bike, watching football and being at home with his family.
Madilyn Claire AKA Drama Queen- She loves to dance. She takes Jazz, ballet and tap.
Her recent accomplishment was making a competition team at her dance studio. She also enjoys school; she is one of the top readers in her class. She loves playing with her friends and doing girly things like make up and hair.
Braiden - Well all he does right now is play and make messes. His favorite thing is still ... nurse. But we are working on weaning it is just slow. I secrestly am enjoying every minute of it Shhh don't tell.
This past March we started attending Daystar church. If you are near our area you should definatley check this church out. It has been life changing for us. This past summer our kids went to church camp and spent the week away from home. They were saved and were later baptized. Patrick and I have also learned so much. The Wed classes are wonderful, we are now going to fireproof our marriage and are currently working through Love Dare. They have great praise and worship with messages for your everyday walk with the Lord. You are not just going to church on Sundays you are truly living it all week. It is the best church.
Insert plug here (http://www.daystarchurch.tv/ ) Check them out.
Our life is full and alot crazy and a bit unorganized at times but it's our life and we wouldn't have it any other way. Well maybe a little more sleep now and then.