Update!

So, its been quite a while. Good to see that everyone in blog land is doing well. I must share that although I haven't been posting, I have been reading every one's blogs. I haven't posted in a while because I just haven't felt inspired... I know, I know. With so much stuff going on, how could I not blog about it, but (sigh), I just wasn't feeling it. So eventually I will post about all the fun things we have been doing, for example, Gracie's 3rd birthday party, Vacations to Vegas, Mother's Day and such, but for now I have an even bigger topic to post about!
Joey and I are pregnant! (again)
We are still keeping this quiet in our everyday lives, so if we are facebook friends, please don't say anything to me on facebook. I feel fairly certain that I have very few blog readers, so I felt like it would be the perfect place to "shout it out" without making too much of a ruckus.
We are only about 7 and a half weeks along, and are praying for a healthy pregnancy. Its been super tough on us this time. I didn't realize how pessimistic I would be this time. After three miscarriages in a row, how can I not be? We have weekly sonograms and every time we are in the room, I am scared of the bad news I am destined to hear.
But then, I have a few overwhelming moments, when I look at Gracie, and feel this intense rush of emotion. Its in these moments that I feel the powerful hands of God. I am constantly reminding myself that He has a plan for my little family, and that He promised us that He would never fail us. This is where my faith is.
Last night, Joey and I were sitting on our porch swing, eating snow cones while watching Gracie play in the grass. Joey asked me what we will do if this one doesn't work out. What will we do when the floor falls out from under us? And out of nowhere came my answer. We will survive... that was my answer. It seems like that is the only thing I have learned over the last few years. I know for sure that if this pregnancy comes to a sad end, God will not fail me. I will survive. I know I will, because I have survived the past three. God has carried me through them and we are now on the other side.
So say a prayer for me. I definitely need it! I have a sonogram tomorrow and will keep you all posted!

Dear God,

Dear God,
I am feeling overwhelmed today. I know that the source of my stess and sadness is very small in the "Grand Scheme of Things", but could you please intervene for me today. I need a lift in spirits, a ray of sunshine would help.
Thanks,
Sarah

Something Fancy

My little Gracie started dance two weeks ago. She loves it!! They offer it once a week at her preschool. She has talked nonstop about dancing at school since she started, so Joey and I went with her this morning to watch our tiny dancer in action.
It was so Precious!! Gracie was quite shy while we were there, so we snuck out to watch through a window. She perked up once she thought we were gone.
I think this was by far the cutest thing I have ever seen. All the little girls were dressed in their dance leotards and tutus, and they were wearing their tap tappy shoes.
Well, all of them but one.
Gracie doesn't have a dance outfit yet... I felt like the worst mother ever! Here I am, the boutique mom of the group, and my baby didn't have on anything that resembed a rhinestone, sequine, or sparkle!! She told me last night that she needed something Fancy! Well, thats gonna change quickly!!
So, if anyone has any suggestions on where to find the cutest dance outfit ever, let me know!! I am desperate for one!!

Patience & Blessings

Today I had an epiphany! (is that how you spell it?)


So, most of my readers know that I have had 3 miscarriages in the past 2 years. It has been so difficult for me to heal and move on. Miscarriage is an indescribable loss! Well with the support of my sweet husband, precious daughter Gracie, family and friends, I feel like I have finally climbed out of all the sadness. Don't get me wrong, it still sucks! I will always mourn my babies, but today, I know that God has a plan. This is a quote that I have heard over and over again throughout the past two years. I must be honest, I hate that saying!! I have really struggled with that, but hey, that's another blog. On to my epiphany!!


I just finished reading one of my favorite blogs, Beth & Company. If you are a mom and you don't read her blog, you should!! No one writes a more honest portrayal of how we feel as moms. Anyway, Beth just had her second Baby. A girl. She has two little girls now! A set of Sisters!! To have a sister is one of the most precious gifts God has give to me, and I have been desperate for Gracie to have one as well. Well this is where my Epiphany happened... I was looking at the beautiful pictures Beth has posted of her sweet girls and I thought, " What blessing, Carter is old enough to remember the day her little sister was born. She is old enough to understand, she was is old enough to dream of her little sister to be. God truly had a plan for Beth, Nate, and little miss Carter. The timing was perfect. Carter is going to be a great big sis.


So my Epiphany?? Here it is: God truly does have a plan. He also works on his own time, and from the looks of my friend's blog, His timing is always perfect. Thank you Beth. God has been trying to show me that His time is perfect for a while now. I finally got it!


I may not have another baby this year, or ever for that matter. God only knows, but eventually, one way or another God will give little Gracie a sister, and when He does, Gracie will be up for it! She will just the right age to qualify for sisterhood (no matter how old she may be)!

Missing my mama!!

So I have been trying to talk my parents into coming to visit me... They won't! My dad hates Dallas, and there are just too many fun things to be doing in Gardendale, I guess....
I have so many things I need them to here.
My tree is broken...
Gracie needs to teach Nana the Hot Dog Dance...
I I desperately need my mom to take me shopping...
Poor pitiful Me!!

Welcome Baby Addison!

Addison Elizabeth Vander Woude is finally here! She was born July 27th, 2009 At 9:34AM weighing in at a healthy 7 lbs ans 6 oz.
Joey, Gracie and I could not be happier for our dear friends Jeff and Ashley.

Jeff and Ashley,

Congratulations on your tiny blessing from God! I can't wait to hear about all of her firsts... her first smile, her first hiccup, and eventually first word...

Lots of Love!!

S. J. & G.

Blah Blah Blah....

Ok. So its been a month since I blogged. I don't think I will waste the time to catch anyone up on whats been going on during that month. I will just hit the high points.

Gracie got a new pair of shoes.

We went on vacation in Pagosa Springs, CO. It was beautiful. While we were there we had to take Gracie to the hospital. After lots of poking for an IV and a Barium Enima, she ended up being okay. It was awful!

We had Katy's baby shower! It turned out so cute!!

Other than that, it has been work, work, work!

It has been a busy month of just the regular mundane stuff.

For all of you who love to see pictures of my Gracie, here is a cute one. It was taken last week when we went bowling. Enjoy!!