Arkansas Strong

It's been quite a week in Arkansas, which isn't news to anyone. The tornadoes that hit Central AR on Sunday night completely devastated cities like Vilonia and Mayflower, taking with them homes, belongings and, tragically, lives.

Graphic by Josh Phillips 

My parents were actually on the way back to their hometown in Heber Springs, which is also located in the central part of the state. Thankfully, they beat the storms by the skin of their teeth and were off of I-40 (the interstate that runs to the central part of Arkansas) right before they swept through.

Others were not so lucky.

The Smith family of Vilonia lost their two children, sons ages 7 and 8. Go here to read their story. (Warning: you'll need tissue. Or a towel.)

I cannot imagine what those parents must be going through right now. It isn't fair. It makes me sad. It also makes me mad. It makes me question why God allows some things to happen.

I'm human. I'm imperfect. And, sometimes, His plans don't make sense to me.

They aren't meant to, I suppose.

I ask you today to please pray for the Smith family, as well as others who were affected by Sunday's storms. Pray that the victims will somehow find a sense of peace during this chaotic aftermath.

Also, count your blessings. The dirty clothes, the dishes piled high in the sink, the crying baby, the snoring husband, the car that makes funny noises. For it is during times like this that these "annoyances" become the biggest gifts imaginable.

See you back here tomorrow, friends.

A Blend, A Baptism

I'm bummed that this pic is a little blurry and dark, but love that we captured our family of three on such a special day!

I don't touch on religion or faith very often on here, but I did want to share about a very special weekend for our family.

Caroline Rose was baptized at our church, Central United Methodist, yesterday and it was such a special occasion. Our pastor, the same pastor that married us in 2011, performed the ceremony and it was so beautiful. It was touching to see the entire congregation come together to welcome Caroline into the Methodist church family.

Back when we were married, we decided to join the Methodist Church because it was the perfect blend of Stephen's upbringing (Catholic) and mine (Baptist). We loved to imagine the day that we'd have a baby and be able to baptize her in the church, then one day tell her the story of how her mommy and daddy chose a faith that blended their backgrounds. She is the first of our little family of three to be baptized into the UMC and so it was really special for us and the culmination of our faith journey as a married couple.

So, to any young couples out there who may be from different faith backgrounds, know that it can be done - pretty easily, in fact! Whether you find a middle ground like we did, or if one of you converts to join the other, it can absolutely work. I'm a big believer in the adage that we all serve the same God, and He will show up no matter what the church looks like : )

Yesterday, both of our families joined us for the ceremony and it was such a beautiful thing. We are lucky to be surrounded by such supportive parents, siblings and grandparents. And little Caroline will always be surrounded by the same.

Here are a few photos from after the service with family.

Confessional Friday: {Link-Up}

Lots of randomness going on for Confessional Friday, so read up and play along, friends!

1) I confess that I cheated on the Mystic Tan with Versa...and I'm not even sorry. I'm a fan of spray tanning. If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know this. Back in October, I tried the Versa spray booth for the first time and fell in brown, misty love. It created a much smoother looking tan than the Mystic, plus it was a more pleasant experience. The color, for me anyway, was closer to the color achieved through natural sunlight, (read: no orange.) Anywho, I did it again right before Easter last weekend to combat my pastiness and loved the color again. So, if you enjoy a good spray tan, I'd suggest using this over the Mystic any day of the week.

2) I confess that I devoured (partially) a cinnamon roll the size of my head for lunch yesterday. I'm not sorry about that either.

3) I confess that I have absolutely not one thing accomplished for Caroline's baptism/dedication party on Sunday. Not one single thing. Oh, except she has an outfit for the service and another for her party! And Stephen and I have our clothes picked out. So if nothing else, we shall be well-dressed. Our poor party attendees may end up eating PB&Js if I don't get some things accomplished today. Whoops!

4) I confess that I believe I may have gone the better part of yesterday morning with my pants unzipped. This is true. I have this pair of white jeans that I LOVE, but the zipper is crap. Around 10:00 a.m.-ish yesterday morning, I went to the restroom at work and noticed that the fly had come undone. This was after I'd gone to a strategy meeting to discuss a big project. Gotta love walking around looking like a Kindergarten boy.

5) I confess that Stephen took off work today to be home with the baby and me, and I am PUMPED. Is it wrong that I selfishly love the prospect of doing the grocery shopping sans kiddo today? Well, if it is, then I don't want to be right.

Your turn, fair maids and maidens. Tell me what's been on your mind this week!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

I'm a Mom. I Also Work Out.

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't exercise one lick when I was expecting Caroline. Between the hyperemesis, (read: constant puking), and the lethargy that came as a result of that, working out sounded about as appealing as a DIY root canal.

Doing our "Monday" workout yesterday.

After the little bambina arrived, I decided that I wanted to try to eat healthier and start exercising again. I really want to always set a good example for her. I want her to know that it's important to fuel your body with good food, (and the occasional Sonic Chili Cheese Coney), and to make health a top priority.

I'll be honest, I did purchase a few workout DVDs, but the weather has been so nice that I've found myself outside nearly every day cardio-ing it up with Caroline.

Here's a sample of what my weekly "workout" routine looks like right now:

I will say, I'm at home all day with the baby Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so we do a lot of our working out in the mornings around 10:00 a.m.

Monday:
PART ONE:
30 minutes of HIIT with the jogging stroller (breakdown is below)

-5 minute warm-up walk
-10 two-minute intervals of jogging, running and then fast paced walking while pushing the jogging stroller
-10 minute cool-down walk

PART TWO:
20 minutes of mommy and me yoga
You can find some of the moves we do here.

Wednesday:
30-35 minute incline walking with jogging stroller or baby carrier
(We walk in our subdivision since it's really hilly.)

Friday:
20 minutes of mommy and me yoga
Moves are here.

Saturday:
Total body workout with baby. Here are the moves we do!

I'll be sharing a few of my meal plans next week, so stay tuned for that.

The Easter Song

I post this song every year on Good Friday because, for me at least, it tells the Greatest Story of Love and Sacrifice more beautifully and more simply than I've ever heard. It's called "The Garden" by NEEDTOBREATHE, one of my favorite bands.

I hope that wherever you are this upcoming Easter weekend, you realize that God loves you fully and unconditionally.