Where my ladies at?? I'm looking for you...

Let me start off by saying that just like any other year 2012 has been full of ups and downs, growth, change, forward moving, backwards moving, etc. Although all that seems normal, this past year was not normal for me.

Kevin and I made the resolution last year to read the whole Bible in 1 year. This seemed like a huge commitment coming from someone (myself) who has never done this before.  I knew I had to though. I knew I couldn't sit on the fence any longer. I knew I NEEDED God's word penetrating deep into my soul.  In order to do so I needed to get committed. To get quiet. To get serious, and just do it.

I didn't decide to read the Bible in a year, just to be able to say I did it. I did it because I was very lax in my devotions. I was ever struggling to make consistent time to read the Word. I found myself getting very frustrated at the fact that reading the Word wasn't a habit in my life.  I was always confused as to where to start reading, so I would usually give up. I needed the accountability, and I felt like reading the Bible in a year could offer that to me.   {and it did!}

And by-golly I did (we did).  We held each other accountable and encouraged each other through what we were learning.  Being in the Word consistently allowed Kevin and I to offer each other hope, truth, wisdom, and strength.

FORWARD MOVING THAT CAME THROUGH THE WORD: 

Over the course of this year, my anxiety levels decreased dramatically. My heart moved from fear, worry, anxiety, to one filled with more peace. Anxiety has been a thief in my life; stealing my joy, my security, my hope, my love, and my peace. By no means am I perfect in this area, I still struggle, BUT it's gotten so much better. I truly believe I can attribute most of the positive change to being in the Word consistently. This is just one example of the success I feel it's brought me this year.

I asked Kevin what the biggest impact for him was from being in the Word this year. He said, "peace."  I ditto that!

more reasons WHY I DID IT:  {short version} 

In a world that sure knows how to fight against us, I desire as a Christian to have all the tools possible to fight back. The Word is one of the greatest tools we need as Christ followers. 

Over and over the words of Jesus rang in my ears before I began this journey:
It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4 NKJV  :: While He was in the dessert 40 days and 40 nightsJesus said this when He was battling Satan :: 

We are in a fight for our lives, our families lives, and the lives of those around us. I asked myself, how can I live out the Word and fight daily if I'm not nourishing myself in it?  Simply put: I couldn't. 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Eph. 6:10-18 NKJV

I could go on and on with verses that encouraged me to get into the Word, but this post is getting long. ;)

 some STRUGGLES I HAD A LONG THE WAY: 

I'm not perfect. I definitely had days where I missed my reading, but I never let that stop me. I would eventually get caught back up. This is bound to happen as life happens. It was helpful having Kevin to hold me accountable. Knowing that no matter what we did, we NEEDED to make time with God.

I read a lot at night. I really don't think there is anything wrong with reading your Bible at night or before bed. I think it all depends on the person. I personally think the best times for me to read the Word is in the morning or during the daytime. I often times found myself reading in the evenings when I was tired, which made it a little harder to focus.  I was still able to receive from the Word at these times, but knowing myself, I think it's best for me to be reading during the day.

WHERE I'M GETTING AT

& 

WHY I TOLD YOU ABOUT OUR 2012 JOURNEY:  

Ladies, 

I want to invite you along...

I want to invite you to make 2013 different...

I want to invite you to become the remnant...

I want to invite you to experience God's truth this year...

I want to invite you to experience your fathers love...

I want to invite you to forward moving...

I want to invite you to change...

I want to invite you to love...

I want to invite you to strength...

I want to invite you to peace...

I want to invite you to becoming the warrior your heart was made to be...

Come journey with me as I embark on going through the Bible in 1 year. 

I'm looking for some ladies who are interested in being accountable to God's Word this year. 

Let myself and other women come alongside and encourage you along the way.

I'm looking to meet once a month (at the end of the month) with this group of women. 

I envision this being a time of prayer and accountability on how reading your Bible is going. 

A time when we can offer encouragement to each other. 

Offer suggestions on how we make the time to to read/spend time with God, etc.

Sometimes we just need to know others are doing the same thing in order to get us moving in the direction we desire to go. 

If you are interested in the accountability of reading the Bible in 1 year, or just being consistent with reading the Bible, then let me know. 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CONTACT ME:

Private message me through Facebook

OR

Email me at finchwings@gmail.com 

I look forward to hearing from you!

*Location and dates to be announced*

My personal goals with reading the Word this year:

:: Read more during the day vs. reading at night

:: Take more time to pray before or after being in the Word

:: Journal or blog more along the way

:: Encourage others along the way as they too read the Word

:: Remember the characters of the Bible better (I'm bad at this) ;)

:: Dig deeper to find the true meanings behind the verses

:: Live out the verses daily
:: To hear His whispers better

:: Crazy Baby ::

This was by far one of the best congratulations Kevin and I received. 

Our friend Bryan is super creative and is awesome with a camera.  Byran's been a good friend of Kevin's for years. We appreciate him and the time he put into this awesome video. :)

I hope you find the humor and awesomeness in this video like we did. 
(Lyrics below the video)

Crazy Baby from Bryan Richards on Vimeo.

:: Lyrics ::

Yo. 2012.
My boy, Kevin, is hav’n a little boy…or girl…we don’t know, yet.
Yo son, He showed me...
His appreciation, time I show him appreciation back, son.
Yo, we doin this right now Kevin. You're crazy for this, son.
Here we go! Here we go.
Bring it dfiasodnfsdf

Here we go right now.
The future is here.
It's looking bright.
So realize.

What can I say, Kev? I'm proud of ya, son.
Came all the way to here, then back again, son.
It's beyond me, to see how someone like you
Could get no congrats, at where it's due.

Gotta say, I'm sorry, son. Had a lot on my plate,
But Kevin, even though I may say it enough,
I eat the dunking fatts out of love out of you,
and shant funk where due
and we ain't lookin back.

And erbuddy got der baby in my face,
And it gets hard to distinguish everything today.
And I want you to know that I really care,
So consider this offer that I give to you.

Chorus: 
I’m pretty good with names…
Maybe you could, let me name—let me name – let me name your babayee…
I know it sounds insaaaane…But life won’t be the same
Let me name…let me name your baby…

(Pause)

Abraham – It’s in the Bible son!
Balthazaar – It’s Barbaric son!
Bane – It’s Batman son!
Abraham – It’s Presidential too, son!
LazerDog – Shoots lasers son!
Galvatron – Oh, F*#K yea, son!
Slayer – That’s Metal son!

Get a pin, cuz now they comin son!

Tie-­‐Fighter - Star Wars, son!
Terminator – I’ll be back son!
Bill Murray -­ Ghostbuster son!
Beauwolf – CG Graphics!
Clarence – Old School Son!
Mastadon – METAL SON!
Lion-­‐o

Woo! Yea, you can do better than that. Here we go, one time. On mo’ time!
Yea! Woo! Woo!

Yea that’s what I’m talkin about. Take it away. Yea!

OUTRO:
Yea.
This is as real as it gets son.
This is real life.
Proud of ya son.
Yea Kev, you’re my boy.
Any of these names are yours for the takin.
You take em…and den you run wit em.
Peace.

:: 18 Weeks ::

Welcome to 18 weeks baby!

  Yes this picture is taken in the bathroom (at work). I don't like taking my bump pics in there, 

because you risk having an awkward moment when someone walks in as you're snapping a selfie. Sure enough it happened to me this time around. Out of insecurity and embarrassment, I ended up telling the lady what I was doing, in hopes that she wouldn't think I just like to take pictures of myself for no good reason. She was sweet about it. ;) Glad that's over. 

 Nothing too different happened in the baby department this week.
It was more of an emotional roller-coaster kind of week.
 Filled with things God is teaching me about my own heart, about love, patience, etc. 

Some of the week was filled with preparing for my brother Tyler to get here on 

Christmas eve and prepping for Christmas. 

Some words from friends and loved ones stood out to me this week. 

I think it had a lot to do with the emotions I was facing. 

Words can be so powerful when you least expect it. 

I was emailing with my friend Sara, and telling her how I feel like I have so much to figure out concerning all this change. 

Her response was very reassuring to me. 

"You are right, there IS a lot to figure out. My advice to you, is to pray about things with Kevin, and be sure to do what feels right for YOUR family. There are so many parenting "trends" out there, its easy to get sucked into things just because its the way your friends are parenting, and that will make you miserable. :) Research and pray and do what feels right!"

As soon as I read the word "pray", I felt like I could take a deep breath again. You know, one of those reminders you just needed to hear. Well this was that for me.
Thanks Sara for that simple yet profound reminder. ;)

:: And then this ::

Ever have someone say something, and it means so much to you that

it almost feels like too much to bear? That was me.

Anytime I thought about what Kevin said to me this day, 

my eyes would fill with tears and I would just wanted to sob.

I'm so grateful for his love. I treasure his words. 

I truly believe God uses him to speak to me. 

I was at work feeling overwhelmed by life, and then this message appeared.

11:01 AMVan Wynsberg, Kevin Paul

I love you and I love our baby.

Can't wait to snuggle both of you at the same time. There's room on my chest for both of you.

11:02 AMVan Wynsberg, Melanie Ann

aw, boo you're making me tear up. I love you SOOOOOO much.

11:02 AMVan Wynsberg, Kevin Paul

: )

11:02 AMVan Wynsberg, Melanie Ann

Baby and I will love snuggling close to your heart.

Van Wynsberg, Kevin Paul

It will be wonderful.

Wow. Talk about a moment and words that make your heart feel secure. 

Isn't this what our heavenly Father says to us all the time? 

He is always there. Never leaving, never forsaking. 

Always room on his chest to feel and hear His heartbeat. 

Christmas is the symbol of this very thing. 

God's son given, so that we can experience the true beating heart of love. 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and is looking forward to the New Year! 

:: 17 Weeks ::

 

Welcome to Week 17!

Pregnancy Highlights:

:: How far along - 17 Weeks

:: Size of baby – about the length of a turnip; around 5 inches long

:: Total Weight Gain/Loss - rather not say. ;) Actually, I'm not sure, since i haven't weighed myself in awhile. Maybe I'll share that next time

:: Maternity Clothes - Yes, just recently went all out in this area, and I feel much better in my skin

:: Gender - 2 weeks till we find out!

:: Gender guesses – I’ve gotten a lot of boy and girl guesses from people. I’m still thinking boy, but was kind of feeling girl this week.

I’m definitely on the edge of my seat wanting to know.

Whatever it is, we’re going to be surprised. 

:: Names - No solid names, just a few maybes

:: Movement - I don’t think I’ve felt anything. I really have no idea if what I’m feeling is the baby. I wish I knew!

:: Sleep - I'm sleeping pretty good. I wake up more than normal to use the restroom. I also find it hard to sleep on just my left side (which is what I heard I’m supposed to do).

I’m a tummy sleeper, so my body naturally tries to lay that way when I’m sleeping. It usually wakes me up, because that is a no go now

:: What I miss - My mouth not tasting like metal, water not tasting like dirt, and sleeping on my stomach

:: Cravings - Nothing really. I do like really cold drinks, which I didn’t care about before becoming pregnant

:: Symptoms – Moments of being overwhelmingly emotional. For some reason these moments have happened mostly when I’m around Kevin.

Thankfully he’s super understanding and a great support. Metal taste still on and off. Food digestion has gotten better! I’ve also begun to tolerate coffee a little bit.

I don’t drink much of it, just maybe a few sips once or twice a week.

 :: Best Moment this week – Maternity clothes shopping at a legit maternity store! Merry Christmas to me!  

   

Highlights of the Week:

:: This is not my belly. The store had one you could try on with your clothes, so I did.
The belly's a bit lumpy, and I don't know why I'm making that face, but you get the idea ::

After dinner and shopping, we headed on over to the Dickens Christmas event that was going on in downtown Roanoke. That was a lot of fun. Hotel Roanoke was having a Christmas tree decorating contest. I wish I would have taken more pictures of the trees, but picture probably wouldn't do it justice.

Here's one we got. ;)

:: I got to hold precious baby Grace ::

She is adorable! Tiny tiny tiny!

I'm always surprised at how quickly my arms get tired when holding a baby.
Mom's have super-human powers. I hope that happens to me. ;)

:: Food ::

Kevin and I are NOT cooks. 

We've despised cooking our whole marriage. It feels like a chore we don't enjoy. 

Well, recently, I came across a Groupon for The Fresh 20 website, so we gave it a try and have been enjoying cooking more and more ever since. 

Since we don't know how to cook, a lot of time we make the same things over and over again, which gets ridiculously boring. So this site has helped us shop for the things we need and branch out and get creative with cooking. 

We've learned a lot in the last few weeks, and the meals have been healthy and great.

Kevin made this meal last night and it was awesome!

Chicken & Sweet Pepper Mozzarella Melts - with Tomato Soup. 

We've never once made homemade tomato soup, so this was quite an accomplishment!

:: Stockings ::

I finally got around to making the burlap stockings I had been envisioning for awhile. 

I had bought the materials weeks back, but didn't have the time or energy to tackle them. 

But, they are done!  They turned out a  little more narrow than I thought, but I still like them a lot. :)

It's been a good week.

I'm thankful for the love and strength God has been providing through this journey.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. - Philippians 3:12

:: 16 Weeks ::

Welcome to 16 Weeks! 

The weeks have begun to roll on by, but yet at the same time can't go quick enough. :)

This has been a fun week 16, so I thought I'd share what we've been up to this week, 

and where my heart has been. 

**Speaking of heart, one thing I love about Kevin is that he randomly asks me how my heart is. I'm the type of person who can be reluctant to share. I leave walls up thinking it's my duty to climb them on my own, and sometimes if I just ignore them they will go away. This mentality doesn't give room for much growth, so I appreciate that he draws it out of me.  I think everyone needs a friend or spouse who cares like that.**

:: The good ::

We splurged and bought me some cinnamon and orange citrus toothpaste.

So far I've only tried the cinnamon and it's made brushing my teeth much better. 

I've been consistent with my work outs this week. SO that's exciting. 

It seems things feel like they have expanded quickly if you know what I mean. 

I mentioned it in a previous post, but I believe the baby is in my thighs, forget the belly. ;P

:: The bad, weird, and I just don't know ::

My mouth has a non-stop awful awful taste in it. 

Metal is the best way I can think to describe it. 

Some days are worse than others, but this particular week has been bad. 

Jolly Ranchers have been a lifesaver for this. 

My stomach doesn't have much room already. 

I find that I have to eat very small portions, which is NOT always an easy task when you have a delicious meal in front of you. I've had to learn to eat out of need instead of just want. 

That's a good thing. It's taught me a new level of portion control and self-control as well.

I've been getting stomach cramps here and there. I heard it's from my uterus growing.
That's OK, I'll take that over sickness for sure.

 :: My biggest stress; Flu shot ::

Oddly enough my biggest stress this pregnancy has been whether or not I should get the flu shot.
I cannot make up my mind, and it's bothering me. I've been praying about it, and asking God to lead me, but I'm still feeling torn. I think I have more peace about not getting it.
I've read too many pros and cons both ways. :(
 Ah well.

 :: Things we've been up to in week 16 ::

We had some fun dressing Bailey in Kevin's shirt.
Random, but funny.
She looks like a deer in headlights. haha poor girl

We cleaned a lot this weekend, and took a lot of stuff to Goodwill.
It's amazing how freeing it feels when you purge things from your home. 

We went to our friends Josh and Shelby's Christmas party. 

It was hosted by Shelby and Kerry, and they did a great job. 

The best part for me was getting to chat with other moms. 

  :: Questions and Answers ::

I asked them a million questions, and even took notes. ;)

Thought I'd share a few:

What books to read? - Baby Wise, What to Expect When Expecting, Nursing Mother Companion, Dr. Sears The Vaccine Book, Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer 

**If you have a favorite book you read when pregnant, let me know! I'd love to hear about it. 

How to get your baby to sleep? - Read baby wise, routine, aden + anais sleeping bag, sound        machine homedics

What to expect after birth? (got an earful on this one; good stuff to know) -Don't have expectations, and if you don't feel instantly connected to your baby, that's OK, it happens. Have support from family and friends. The sleepless night shall pass. Give breastfeeding time, but don't force yourself to do it if it's not happening for you. Spend quality./alone time with Kevin whenever you can.

What pediatrician to use, and why? - got some good leads

What tips can you offer? - Buy a swing

The flu shot? -The ladies I asked, didn't get the shot, one did with one baby, but not the other two. Didn't have problems either way

What baby wrap to use? - NOT the moby, Use the Ergobaby

What is a #1 essential? -  Angelcare video monitor

etc.

Can you tell I'm a first timer?

Having a baby feels foreign, so I appreciate all the insight they gave me. 

I know these are only suggestions, and what works for one baby and family may not work for another. I'm sure I'll learn as the baby comes what actually will work for us. Either way though, I feel like this insight gives me at least a starting point on some things, which is really helpful :)

:: Pictures from the party ::

:: 15 Weeks ::

Welcome to week 15 baby!

This week started out like any other.
Sick sick and more sick, BUT thank the Lord it got better!

The acid reflux I was dealing with started to get much better.
I'm not really sure what solved it.
**Probably not eating oranges or drinking orange juice anymore** ;0)
It still comes and goes, but not as intense as it had been for awhile.
I'm praying this sticks. ;)

Everyday is new, and everyday I am still in awe and wonder at the fact that I have a baby floating in my body. Still feels surreal.

We find out what we are having on Jan. 2nd!
We can't wait.
We haven't done any planning for baby, but once we find out what it is, it will begin!
I'm really starting to learn and see all these choices we have to make as parents, and it's just begun!
We keep reminding each other to take it one day at a time, and God will lead.

:: Here are some common questions I get asked ::
**I don't mind getting asked, I would be wondering the same things** ;)

Do you have a preference on the gender: No. 
For a long time Kevin always said he wanted a boy first, and I said girl first, but now that it's here, we could careless either way. We eventually want both (Lord willing), and are equally excited for what God has in store.

 Do you have a feeling on what it is?
Somewhat. I'm feeling more like boy.
When I think about baby being a boy I'm not as shocked, as when I think about it being a girl. 

Do you have names picked out? No.
We have some maybe names.
I have a boys name that I would feel confident using, but it's nothing solid.
We haven't dived into really figuring it out.
Again, waiting on the gender.

Will you be sharing the name? Not sure yet.
I asked Kevin his opinion on this question the other night, and I was surprised by his answer.
He leaning towards not telling until the baby is born.
I'm torn. I think it will be hard for me to not say, but we'll see. :)

:: In other news ::

 I did start back working out this week.
It feels good to get back into a routine.
I've been running on the treadmill at the gym. I don't feel like I can go as far or as fast though :(
Least I'm moving. I notice my mental state is also in a better place when I'm active.

:: Something I can't stand lately :: 

Brushing my teeth at night time.
It gags me. I HATE it, but I still do it.
I'm seriously thinking about trying some kids bubble gum kind or something.
It's just that the mint is too much and I hate the after taste of toothpaste.
For some reason it's fine in the morning, but not at night.

Cheers to 15 weeks!

Only 5 more till we find out what baby Van Wynsberg is!
I get more excited by the day. :)