Wednesday, September 23, 2009

God is FAITHFUL!!!

Well, sorry for the hiatus! I know I've been gone for a while, and I'm sorry for that. We have had A LOT happen the last few months/weeks. God has been really good to us through the trials though. One thing that I have learned through it all is to FULLY relly on HIM in EVERY aspect of life. And also that HIS timing is PERFECT and WHATEVER happens in life, if we are following HIM...is HIS will and HE only does it to make us stronger.

As many of you know about the loss we suffered back in Feb., we suffered another loss on two weeks ago or so. It all started when I learned I was pregnant again. It was Aug. 24. I was SOO excited and wanted to do EVERYTHING right. I had gone to the dr. that following Monday. I had already had two bloodtests and all seemed okay with the levels...so they were not concerned, but still wanted to watch me closely. It was on Sunday, September 13 that I started bleeding again. So, we got in the car and headed to the ER. The did SERVERAL tests and lots of bloodwork, as well as two u/s (the regular one and an internal one-to check for an ectopic pregnancy). According to the day of my last cycle, Sunday was the start of my 8th week (or rather supposed to be), but when they did the u/s they measured me at only 5weeks and 4days). We were concerned, but clinging(praying that) to the numbers/math being wrong until otherwise.

After 4 1/2 hours in the ER they diagnosed me as having a "threaten miscarraige". When the dr. came in to talk to us, he did say that bleeding/spotting was normal during pregnancy, and that he could see on the u/s where the bleeding is coming from, so that I was just to be on restricted activity and take it easy, and be out of work until further notice. Since I had no bleeding or spotting with Asher and the only time that I had any was the last time I had a miscarraige, I was a little nervous, but still having faith that God was in control.

Then after the u/s and bloodwork I had done in the ER, I had another blood test done on Tues. the 15 and then another u/s done on Thurs. the 17. , then on Fri. the 18 I recieved a call from the ob that I am going to now that they wanted to see me that day. So, I went in at 11:00am that morning, to find out that the pregnancy had not been a good one, but that I hadn't passed it yet, and my hormone levels were still high because my body was trying to hold on to this one.
So they scheduled me for a D&C on Monday, the 21. I went into same day surgery dept. at about 2:45 and went into surgery about 5:00, and got out about 5:30. Then we returned home about 6:00-6:15. I since then have been out of work, and on tylenol with Codeine (powerful stuff let me tell you--but hey, I'm not in pain). I am going back to work tomorrow for the first time since Sept. 11.
I am still feeling very emotionally drained and also still in pain a lot.
Please pray for me that the transition back to work will be a good one, and pray for our family during this hard emotional time.

I will be glad to talk to anyone about it or just be there to listen to you. Just send me a message and I will give you my email address.


One of the other things I have realized is that in God's timing we WILL get our baby, ,and for now Asher is the only one that we are to have. I am FULLY enjoying Asher and starting to realize that if he is going to be our only one than that is God's Will for us.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Where has it gone? I can't believe that Saturday is already Aug. 1st. That's just not right.Well, as I sit here at 12:31 on Thursday afternoon while the lil man is taking his daily nap, I ponder the happenings and such of July. Although July has been filled with laughter and lots of fun, it has also been filled with tears and learning.Our family suffered a crisis during July 4th-July 11th. I have come to learn through it and trust in God more now that I ever have before. During that week, He showed himself to me in ways that I have NEVER seen Him before.As you can see I have embeded a video that I came across on you tube. Now for those of you who don't know....Casting Crowns has a VERY special place in my heart. They are not only my absolute FAVORITE band, but I have a personal connection to Mark Hall who is the lead singer.Anyway, this song is called Praise You In This Storm. How awesome! That's all I can say. This song has helped me through MANY a trials. Now, don't get me wrong, ALL thier songs are awesome, but I REALLY like this one.Now, I know that this blog has been all over the place as far as my thoughts go, but I challenge you to listen to the song, and hear the words as they are being sung.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw


(sorry, I couldn't figure out how to embed the video from youtube, so you will have to click on the link to hear the song.)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

I'm back!

Well, after a couple months hiatus....I'm back. Please forgive me for not posting, but things have not been normal around here latley.
Well, we are now moved in to our house...not fully unpacked yet, but we are getting there slowly. I am enjoying this house much better than the other house we were in. Yes, there was more storage space (the other house had a full size basement and a garage), but this one is just layed out better and all.
Here is a lil update about our family. Of course, nothing has really changed but hey:

Kent-still a mgr. for McDonalds and works VERY hard to provide for our family and in the process of working for McDonalds..also works for the church as the interim music minister and the bi-vocational minister of students (that particular phrasiology is chosen as to incorporate not only the youth, but also the college age kids). So needless to say, Kent stays a pretty busy man, but still manages to spend time with myself and our son in the process.

Asher-He is still a VERY VERY active lil man. He just turned two on May 16th and has more energy of ANYONE that I have EVER seen. He just started @ a different pre-school a couple weeks ago, and seems to like it. So far it seems to really be a good thing for him. There are more activities and he seems to get more one on one attention. He has activities such as water day, moon bounce day, etc. They are VERY good with him and his vocabulary has REALLY improved A LOT latley, so we are VERY proud of him in that way. Well, we are VERY proud of him with whatever he does, but no worries...we aren't bias or anything. :)

Jodie (Me)-I am transferring to a different store in a week, and REALLY looking forward to making a fresh/new start and meeting new people. I am REALLY likeing the company and am THRILLED to be staying with them. I am still loving being home with my son when I have the opportunity too, but in the say and age....the economy makes it pretty near impossible for mothers to stay home with the kids, ya know?
I am still standing by Kent in his ministry (though it's a tough road sometimes) and supporting him EVERY step of the way. I am really enjoying getting to know that youth of our church more and more as well. I pray God continues to allow me to get to know that in the weeks/months/years to come.

Well, that is it for now. More later. I must go tend to the dishes and other wifely duties. :D

Saturday, April 25, 2009

The House!!

Well, I want to first start by saying Thank You all for you continued prayers on the houseing situation. As many of you know, we were presented with the option to buy the current house we are in and in seeking God's will and leaning on Him for the decision, that is no longer an option. We did however look at a house yesterday, to rent for little more money a month than we are paying now, that is in-town Lewes. Unfortunatley I don't have pictures at this time, but will when we are moved in and settled. We have not signed any papers yet, so nothing has been done yet, yesterday the realtor told us that we he was going to talk to the owner and work up the rental aggrement. We are excited, but trying not to get our hopes us as we are seeking the Lord's will in this situation. If this is the house that the Lord has for us, we are praying that God will open doors and allow us to get into it. We are to be out of our current house at the end of May, so that gives just over a month to get all of our stuff packed up. I would encourage all continued prayers for our family during this time. I will keep you all update on any new situations that may arise.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Grace, Struggles, and Judging

I have REALLY been STRUGGLING latley with some things in my life and the sermon on Sunday could NOT have come at a better time. We were in Luke 6: 37-38.
Anyway, there is a song that I absolutley love and it seems to fit so well right now...and it also happens to be one of my absolute faves...here it is...
Many of you may not know the song,
The song is called Grace, and it is song by the Soundforth Singers:
Grace
Lord, as I seek Your guidance for the day,
I find my thoughts unyielding, confusion crowds my way;
but then when I bow to you, the challenges you guide Me through,
Your promises are ever new, I claim them for today.

Chorus
Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me,
Your hand will protect me, I rest in Your care.
Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me, and when I am faltering,
I still will find You there.



Each new day's design is charted by Your hand and graciously revealed as I seek Your master plan.
Keep my footsteps faithful when from You I go. Return me to the joy that Your blessings can bestow.


Chorus:
Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me,
Your hand will protect me, I rest in your care.
Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me, and when I am faltering,
I still will find you there.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Weekend-o-Fun!!!

Well, my wonderful hubby was off of work this weekend, and we had a wonderful time together as a family. On Sat. morning, Asher woke me up around 7:45 (and those that know Asher know that is late, as he is usually up between 6:45-7:00), so I went in to get him ready for the day (what I thought was going to be a play/lounge around the house day), and then we got breakfast and both went downstairs to get laundry out of the dryer. So, then after all that was done we came back upstairs and went to his bedroom to clean up/organize (if you know me you know that I can't stand mess or unorganization) and so we were in his room cleaning and organizing and Kent came in and asked if we had breakfast yet. I said, "no why?" (I had eaten a little, and Asher wouldn't eat). He then preceeded to tell us that we were going out for breakfast. So, I finished what I was doing, got my shoes on and got Asher ready to go. We then went to breakfast and then went to Wal Mart. When we got home we played outside (photos on Facebook) and got some pics of Asher in the flowers and in the back yard (exploring). We had a wonderful family day yesterday. This morning we all got up around 7:30 and got ready for church (which was AMAZING I might add) then we had lunch at church. We came home and Asher took his nap and then he got up and we played together as a family and then Kent said "hey, I wonder if we could find someone to watch Asher for us so we can see a movie". I made a phone call and got a last minute sitter for him. We went to Fast and Furious! Go see it!


Yeah, I know this is short, but I just thought I would share. I will share more later.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Baby Do's and Don'ts....

How funny is this? I got this link from a friends profile on facebook....and I just HAD to post it. It really made me laugh.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=64405921839&h=-dwfe&u=tgkkx&ref=nf

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

March Family Update

Hello All,

I must admit that I have not been very good about sending out these updates. I will try to do better, but it just seems like if not one thing it's the other. Our lives have been terribly busy latley.
Kent is still working for McDonalds as a 1st Assistant in Milsboro, DE, as well as still working with the youth group at the church which also keeps him VERY busy.
I am still at home with Asher during the day and LOVING IT!! That keeps me very busy.
Asher is now almost 2 years old (May 16th is his bday) and he had a well-child check-up yesterday and while there was measured and weighed. He weighed in at 34 lbs and was 2'11" tall. The doctor said that he is going to be a big boy. It's hard to believe that he is growing up SOO fast. I mean, he is almost up to my waist. It seems like just yesterday he was just a little guy. He is not so much little anymore. We have people that comment on his size. The say that he doesn't even look like a 1 1/2 year old. They say he looks like he is about 3 years old. I can't believe my baby is growing up, I'm so sad!!

Sorry this update is soo short, but duty calls. I will update more soon.

Asher the Builder

Okay, now I know that this is really supposed to be a family website, and recently it's been all about Asher, but since he and I have sooo much fun during the day while daddy is at work, I wanted to share these pics with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.





Sunday, March 22, 2009

My little Chef

On Thursday, Kent was off work, so we decided to make a big dinner. (Now, we usually don't because Kent is a manager at McDonalds and so that means many dinners by ourselves). Well, anyway, so we decided to make Spaghetti that night. It was tons of fun. We really enjoyed the family time. Especially Asher, he has become such a DADDY'S BOY latley! Well, we had lots of fun and a good laugh. Take a look at some of these photo ops from our comedian son.


I was informed by a good friend that we must be old fashioned because apparently in this day and age you need beaters to make spaghetti. LoL
(He pulled them out of the drawer and tried to hand them to me to stir the spaghetti sauce....it was quite funny actually)

This was the scene in our kitchen (on our kitchen floor) on Thursday as we prepared our family meal.







Stirring the sauce


Yeah, we don't really know what this one is about.
Needless to say, we had a blast as you can tell. Asher just joined right in. (When Kent put a little on the spoon to let me taste it...Asher did the same thing) HaHa...such a little copy cat.
Enjoy!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Okay...so here is what happened....

As many of you know our family has suffered a terrible loss over Valentine's weekend. I know what some of you are thinking...of all times...why then? Well, we will never know until we get to heaven and can ask God ourselves why He did what He did. But His plan is perfect, and so we just have to trust that He knows what He is doing and what is best for our family at this time. Jer. 29:11 has been a verse that I have clung very tightly too latley.
We found out on Jan. 31st that we were expecting our second child we were soo happy. We knew that our little Asher would be the best big brother out there. He is soo happy and soo gentle with babies and LOVES babies.
I will say though that when I found out that I was pregnant again, I was a little weary and concerned. I KNEW that God had a plan, but at the same time knew that it was not the best time for us to bring another life into the world as there were many things going on in my life at the point (there still are), and a lot of stress, so even though I was concerned I tried VERY HARD to let the Lord take control and let HIM have HIS PERFECT WILL. So, although I knew that something was wrong the whole time, I was trying to keep a positive attitude. Well, everything seemed to be going find until about Wednesday (Feb. 10) I started spotting and cramping just a bit. I (being the paranoid person that I am) ran into the bedroom and told Kent and then immediatley called my Dr., Kent tried to console me and tell me that spotting is normal and that there is nothing to worry about. I being the stubborn person that I am, wanted to hear it for myself. Well, then when the dr. finally called me back, he did say that spotting/cramping in the first trimester is normal, but to just take it easy, stay off my feet if I could, and if anything gets worse to call the office again. So, I did. Well, I tried to stay off my feet, but with a two year old running around the house, and you are the only one taking care of him because your husband is working, I did the best that I could. So, Thursday I started bleeding REALLY HEAVY and having BAD cramps. So, when I called the dr. office, they told me to go straight to the ER for some tests. We had some friends watch Asher for us, and Kent and I packed up and loaded in the car (not knowing how long we would be up there) and headed to the hospital. I was immediatley seen by the triage nurse who asked me a series of questions and took my blood pressure. They got me back in a room where I saw the ER dr., they did an hCg test and two ultrasounds. The hCg test was actually higher than it had been the day before and the two ultrasounds showed the baby and that it was not an ectopic/tubal pregnancy (which was thier first fear), at which point the ER dr. came in gave the news and told me that vaginal bleeding/cramping was probably just due to my early stage of pregnancy. (Let me state, I had NO bleeding WHATSOEVER with Asher, which is why I was soo paranoid this time) Since the hCg test was higher (not as high as they would like), and the sonograms were both good, they sent me home with strict orders to take it easy and go back Monday (the 16th) for another hCg test. So, I went home took it easy (well, those of you that know me, know that easy for me, is not easy for alot of people, LoL), and then the next morning, started bleeding again. I called the dr. again, and I saw the prenatal nurse who ordered the same blood test that the ER dr. had ordered the day before. This time the prenatal nurse put me on complete bed rest (no getting up AT ALL except to go to the bathroom or get something to drink-which again, if you know me-was REALLY HARD, but I knew that if it was going to help me and the baby, I was going to have to do it), so I was on complete bedrest all weekend and then when Monday (16th) came around I was to go straight to the outpatient surgery center and get the test done again, so I did. So, after the test I came home and went straight back to bed and waited for the dr. to call me with the results. That was the LONGEST day of my life, let me tell you. Well, at about 5:15pm the dr. called me. He had bad news, and I could tell from his voice that it was not good. He confirmed my worst fear. I had lost the baby. Now the best I can tell is that she was gone on Fri., but we won't know until we get to heaven.
Now, to those that don't know how the levels/tests work. hCg is the hormone that women produce when they are pregnant. It is only given off by the baby, so it is very uncommon to have a false positive. My tests at home (all three) were positive, but when I went in to the dr. that test was negative, so that is when they did the blood test (which is pretty much 100% accurate). The hCg levels are supposed to double exponentially every 72 hours. When I took the blood test on the 2nd it was only at 183, then when I took it again on the 9th it had gone up a little, but only to 283, and then at the ER on Thur. it was only at 338. By Monday the 16th, it had dropped back down to only 37. The hormone level is detected at 25, so that confirmed it for me, I had lost our little girl (we felt VERY strongly it was a girl).
So, Kent was actually at work when I got the call, so I called him and he came home from work early and we just hugged and cried and sat on the couch and snuggled, I asked why...that kind of thing. We named her....Jordyn Blaire. She is in heaven with Jesus right now, laughing and having a great old time. We will one day see her beautiful face. We loved her so much! The people that don't think it's a baby from conception...it is, and you are just cold-hearted!
We don't know why GOD chose to take her from us, there are soo many firsts that we will never get to experience. Her first cry, her frist crawl, her first steps, many many more. But I just have to keep reminding myself that she will never experience hunger, tears, pain, or anything else negative because there is none of that in heaven.
Now, even though there is nothing that I did to cause this, I will tell you that I don't believe that (at least not yet), I still find myself asking why and what I did to cause my body to reject the pregnancy of a beautiful (no matter what) little gift from the Lord.
And yes, I do plan on telling Asher about his little sister (that he never had the privledge of meeting) that is in heaven with Jesus.

We love you Jordyn Blaire!!! Mommy, Daddy and Asher already miss you!

Monday, February 16, 2009

It's a sad day!

There are not going to be 4 of us at this time.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!! Do not try to comment or ask me what happened. I don't want to talk about it right now. Maybe later, but not right now!

Thank you in advance, for those who respected my privacy!

Monday, February 9, 2009

And now there are 4....

I am very happy to finally announce that Asher Kent is now going to be a big brother sometime either at the end of Sept. or beginning of Oct.
Please keep us in prayer as we are going to be going through a time of adjustment, but we also ask your prayers for a healthy baby.

We are not really concerned with the sex of the baby as much as we are the health of the baby. We are going to be thrilled with whatever God gives us. Although we already have a boy, so a girl would be nice. We do have names picked out, here they are:

Girl: MaKara Jade
Boy: Zorrin Kale

(P.S. I was so kindly reminded by a good friend that now I have to change the URL..any suggestions...LoL)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words.

I must start by saying that I give my sister-in-law the credit for this picture (seeing as my son was holding my hand and I didn't take the picture). She did such an awesome job.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Updates and such!!!

Okay, well since I have been asked for an update on the life of the Stafford's. Here goes....

Asher is a bouncing, vibrant 20-month old (I don't know where he gets all of his energy, but I do know that I am too old to keep up with him some days.) who loves life and pretty much anything and everything else. His new things now are "gucks and panes" (for those of you who are unfamiliar with 2 year old jargon that's "trucks and planes"). He had a great CHRISTmas this year, as it was really his first CHRISTmas to really enjoy all the gifts and the boxes that the gifts came in (which were a greater hit than the toy sometimes). He has a "mammy" (That's what he calls Handy Manny) doll that goes everywhere with us, and he even has some "mammy" jammies that he got from his Mama Joan and Papa Mike that he likes to wear fairly regularly (as a matter of fact he has them on right now.)

Kent is now working at a different location than he was about 3 weeks ago, and that is going wonderfully. There is A LOT less stress, and he even actually likes his manager. He still works for the same owner, who is a wonderful man and very Godly as well. He is still also serving as the music minister for the time being until they get a permanent one....He will admit it does have it's challenges, but he really enjoys doing it. He is also still acting as bi-vocational student minister and ABSOLUTLEY LOVES IT!!!

I am still staying home full time with Asher and enjoying EVERY MINUTE of it. I would not trade staying home with him for the best paying job in the world (which I know that I mentioned that before, but can you tell I'm really enjoying myself). I am contemplating going into photography for myself, but I don't know what all that will entail (I have actually been thinking about that for a VERY VERY long time, and had SEVERAL people tell me that I should). I am also thinking about going back to school to finish and get my elem. educ. degree, but again, I am contemplating and don't know what all that will entail.

Well, since it's a new year....I thought maybe I would "try" to set some new year's resolutions. I'm not sure how they will pan out, but maybe if I publicly state them, I will have better luck. :)

1. continue working out on a daily basis (I have already slacked in that area and missed some time)

2. loose this extra baby weight that was put on with Asher

3. be a better housewife

4. be a better wife to my husband

5. be a better mother

6. be a better person in general

7. daily be in God's word and strive to be more like Him.


Maybe, hopefully, someone reading this will help hold me accountable.

Well, maybe none of this made sense, but these are my ramblings and just thought I would write them down. Hopefully someone some where will get this. LoL

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Texas 2009












Well, as some, or many of you know, Kent, Asher and I took a family vacation to Texas for the week of Jan. 2-10. We had a blast, but are glad to be home again. It was a very relaxing weekend. Here are a few pictures from the trip.