A Review of 2010...

This year has probably been the hardest year since Matthew and I have been married. But there have been lots of times too!

In January, we started out the year loosing a very special person, Danny Green. I was so worried about Reba, Katie and Taylor. But God answers prayers and our family is stronger and closer than it ever has been! We also learned that there was going to be a new Staggs family member, Tommy and Kelly's little girl, Ella Grace. Matthew and I decided that after 8 months of trying to have a baby, we were going to start taking fertility meds.

In February, it's my birthday month. So we went on our annual Gatlinburg trip. It was so much fun and it poured snow! We also went to visit Tommy and Kelly in Nashville. We went to a Preditors Game and hung out.

In March, it's Matthew's birthday month. We also started a new study in sunday school, The Love Dare. It is the most meaningful and awsome study we have ever done! Our marriage has grown everyday since! We also did D-NOW with our youth group. We housed eight 10th and 11th grade girls for the weekend! It was soooo much fun and we learned alot about ourselves and the girls!




In April, we went to Talladega with my parents. It was also Easter. We celebrated it with our families!

In May, we went to Perry Mtn. for a 24 hour dirt bike race. One of Danny's friends raced for him. It was a really cool experience! We had a graduation party for Katie. We swam, cooked out and I got to meet alot of her friends. We got to see her graduate, which we are so proud of her!

In June, we spent alot of time on the lake and fishing. I love summer months! We also went to lots of Baron's games!

In July, we had a baby shower for Ella Grace. We had our familes over for a 4th of July party. We celebrated my parents, bother and sister-in- law's birthdays. Dorie and I drove to Atlanta for Kristen's baby shower. Which was lots of fun too!

In August, we added to new animals to our house, Jeb and Leola, the rabbits! We went to the fair and ate lots of cotton candy! We also went with our families to Bristol. We spent a couple of days in Gatlinburg before the race. It was alot of fun to be in 1 house with our familes! Matthew and I also started house hunting with Reba to find her a place closer to her family. We also added a family member, Ella Grace!

In September, we celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. We went to St. Augustine, FL. We had such a wonderful time!! It was one of the best trips we have been on since we've been married!!

In October, we went camping with 3 other familes who have been close family friends. It was so much fun and we can't wait to do it again next year! Reba bought a house in Alabaster, so we helped move her and help her say goodbye to Moody. It was very bittersweet!

In November, we went to Talladega for the fall race. We hung out with some long time friends, Ben and Heather. It was cold, but alot of fun!! We celebrated Thanksgiving with our families. We also went to an Alabama game. It was FREEZING!!!

Finally in December, it was a month of celebrating with family and friends, lots of shopping and decorating! Tommy, Kelly, Will and Ella and Pete stayed with us the week of Christmas. Even though I had the flu, we still had lots of fun! We also added a new member to our family, Ellee Mae. She is the sweetest puppy and I was sooo surprised when Matthew and his mom came in the door with her!

Our God has done some amazing things in our lives this year! I am exicted to see what 2011 holds for us. One thing will not change, though, is the love of our Father and the love for each other. We know there will be struggles, but we have to keep the faith and keep on praying! We are not sure what step to take next, but we will just keep asking and waiting.

The Giver and the Gift

Three men and a star in the sky,

Oh what I'd give for a wisdom so bright.

One girl with a journey to make,

Oh how I wish I was that brave.

Fearless, shameless, faith through the dark,

How I wish I was as strong as they are.

A child far away born in the night,

Too young to know what is meant for his life.

But he'll grow and he'll love more than anyone can,

And the world's gonna see a light where he stands.

Christmas eve, all I see is snow on the trees,

And it's white and it glows, that's how I want to be.

And He says, Come to me, wait no more.

I give you all you're asking for.

Forget the lies this world has told,

I'll wrap your life in red and gold.

I'm more than just only one night that's holy.

I'm your star and I'm your wish,

Cause I am both the giver and the gift.

Merry Christmas!

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The Gift

Winter snow is falling down,

Children laughing all around.

Lights are turning on like a fairy-tale come true.

Sitting by the fire we made,

You're the answer when I prayed,

I would find someone, and baby I found you!

And all I want is to hold you forever.

All I need is you more everyday.

You saved my heart from being broken apart.

You gave your love away,

And I'm thankful everyday for the gift!

Watching as you softly sleep,

What I'd give if I could keep just this moment,

If only time stood still.

But the colors fade away,

And the years will make us grey,

But baby in my eyes,

You'll still be beautiful!

I am so exicted that we get to hear Jim Brickman again this year! He is my favorite panist! We have seen him for te past 5 years and his music never gets old! His songs were the majority of our wedding music! I don't want to work tomorrow, but itKs one day closer to seeing Jimmy! (Thats my name for him ;-) ) Well it's about time to get up and get ready for church.

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The gift goes on...

The Father gave the Son,

The Son gave the Spirit,

The Spirit gives us life,

So we can give the Gift of life,

And the gift goes on.

Don't you love to get a present,

wrapped up in a Christmas bow.

God gave each of us a present,

On that night so long ago.

It's a gift that keeps on giving,

If our spirits can receive.

It's the secret joy of living,

If our hearts will just believe.

And the gift goes on.

When your life is full of Christmas,

Then your life is full of love.

You can give away the present,

That began with God above.

Just like ripples in the water,

The circles of our love extend.

What was started with the Father,

Is a gift that has no end!

And the gift goes on.

I've got peace like a river...

So many people have told me these past couple of days that they are praying for me and us. I am sooo blessed and thankful for all the prayers! It make such a differance! Today I had my HSG. I NEVER want to do that again!! But it's all for a wonderful cause! Anyways, I was sitting here thinking about everything I was told today. At first I was worried and concerned because we couldn't see one side. But she told me that it could be open we just couldn't see it. Then it hit me, it doesn't matter what the doctor saw and told me, NOTHING is impossible with God! I know I have said this alot, but I am so glad that He loves me and wants the BEST for us! We will find out on Christmas Eve if we are pregnant or not. I can just imagine how Christmas day will be if we are. But I know if we aren't then God has a much more awesomer (new word!) timing! I have given all to Him...sometimes it's hard not to think about or worry about. I am very thankful that I have not been told that we cannot have babies like so many girls have been told before. We are so blessed to have this opportunity to even think about having a baby! So, this is the last post about all this stuff until the new year! I love going back and reading everything since we've started this journey...we have grown and have become such a stronger couple... and for that I am most thankful!!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

This past weekend we decorated our house for christmas. We're not done with the out side yet...it was too cold! So here is a small preview!

I love my wrapping paper this year!!

This is our new ornament for our tree this year! I try to get one new ornament every year.

This is the wreath I made this year!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We have soooo much to be thankful for every single day!!

It's the small answers....

THAT MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!

Today my OB/GYN called me about my labs. Even though it wasn't the greatest answer, we know what we have to do next. So with that being said...Matthew did his test today and we will see what that tells us tomorrow. If it's not good we go see a urologist. I have to go have an HSG next month. I am nervous about this but I know it will all be okay! I have learned soooo much about my Heavenly Father these past months. I know if we were not going through this I would miss all His blessings!! I know that what God has in store for us is so much greater than we can imagine! And that makes me so excited!!

All we can ask is that you keep us in your prayers...Prayers for peace and patience. Love and understanding.
We also ask that you pray for our niece, Ella. She is having some GI problems and is seeing the doctor a week from today. Pray for clear answers for Tommy and Kelly!

I cannot wait to put up my Christmas decorations!! The radio is already playing Christmas music. But I will have to wait probably another week or so...BOO!

Oh I almost forgot! Matthew's truck died a few months back. Sooooo, we went looking at other vehicles. Matthew found a 2003 Mustang GT in Harpersville on craigs list. We went and drove it and made and offer. We both love it! It's a perfect weekend car!

Well that's all that's been going on these past few weeks....Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

Thankful...

things i am thankful for...


1. That I serve a mighty God! He loves me when I am unlovable. He is patient and is always
near to listen to me even though He already knows!
2. I can see and hear all the beautiful, wonderful things on this earth and enjoying every
season.
3. My family. He has given me such wonderful parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins,
nieces and nephews.
4. My husband. He is my stronghold and I don't know what I would do without him! He is a
wonderful man of God. God has truly blessed me with this one!
5. A house to cover our heads and to make precious memories in.
6. Our jobs. Even though some days are stressful for both of us, I wouldn't trade it!
7. For my freedom. So many have given their lives for me and I am so thankful!!
8. My church family. They have been a great support group and wonderful prayer warriors!
9. Our sunday school class. God has brought all of us togather to help each other in good and
bad times...it's awsome!!
10. For hot showers on cold mornings, heat and air conditioning, water and light!
11. Good friends! Even if we don't get to talk to each other everyday or even week, we seem
to pick up where we left off!
12. Vacations with our families.
13. A car to drive.
14. The freedom to worship and praise God wherever and whenever I want!
15. Great co-workers.
16. Life experiences. Good and bad ones...they have made who I am today.
17. That I learn something new everyday!
18. Good southern cooking!
19. Lillee...she brings so much laughter and joy to our lives. If I am having a bad day I can come home and she does such funny and sweet things!
20. My salvation!

Pumpkins!!

Yep! It's my favorite time of the year...carving pumpkins and then roasting the seeds! They are very yummy and good for you too. Here is what i did and it's very simple....

   1. Dry the pumpkin seeds for a day or so on a towel.

   2. Put all the pumpkin seeds in a large bowl and drizzle EVOO

over them and toss to coat all the seeds.

   3. Get your favorite seasonings. I used some Paula Deen house seasoning and Tony Chares (i don't think that's spelled right). Toss to coat.

   4. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

   5. Place seeds on a cookie sheet and put in oven for 10 min. After 10 minutes take out and stir them around then flatten them out again. Put back in for 10 more minutes. Take out and stir them again and put them back in for 10 more minutes. This time you need to watch them so they don't burn.

ENJOY!!

Guess who has arrived!!!

ELLA GRACE STAGGS

Ella Grace made her entrance August 30 at 2:18 p.m. She was 9lbs 7oz.

We are so exicted to have Miss Ella in our family!

God's promises...

I want to remember different promises from God that are in the bible. Sometimes I forget that I serve a Almighty, All-knowing God.
The Greatest Promise in the Bible...Philippians 4:19
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory
in Jesus Christ."
A quote that was told to me today is:
If I do not ACQUIRE it from God, then I do not REQUIRE it.

So, with that being said...I haven't updated in a while. Kelly still has not had Ella yet. Hopefully this week or next! I can't wait to meet that sweet girl!!
My 10 year high school reunion was last night...It was pretty fun and interesting. Everyone looks the same...just older! I'm glad I went. I was only 50/50 on going because Matthew could not go and I didn't want to go by myself. But Russell, Dorie's husband, could not go either so we went together!
Today is Steven and Ryan's 1st anniversary. I cooked lunch today and everyone came over to eat after church. Then we played the Wii for a couple of hours. It was really fun!!
We leave for Bristol on Thursday..so only a 3 day work week!! I am soooo excited about going!!
Well...that's about all for now!

Getting ready...

Getting ready for what you might ask....Well next month I have 3 baby showers!! The first one I am hosting for Kelly, my sister in law, then it's Shelley's at work and last is Kristen's in Georgia!! I am having so much fun making things for Will (Ella's big brother) and Ella and cannot wait for Kelly's shower!! Here are some things I have done...



Here is the planter I painted along with the ladybug and frog for Will!!
Here are the invites and a ladybug to put in the planter that I made! I think they turned out so adorable!!





And here are the party favors! It's a flower pot I painted a pink flower on it and put seeds inside!








Ok...on another note...My parents have been out of town for a week. We are keeping their dog, Lucy. She is also a mini weenie dog....except not so much of the mini part. She is very meaty!! I am not sure who is more exicted to see my parents...me or her! Don't get me wrong, she is the sweetest dog, but I am a little tired of her!



This is the only way I could get them to not chase each other around the house...give them a bone!!

Well, that's what I have been up to this past week. Holler till next time!

I love this song...

Imagine how God can sing
How His voice delights the universe
With a range that blends eternally
Into chords of His love

Imagine how God can dance
Moving gracefully up to our hearts
To invite us to be intimate
And share in His joy

Then imagine how God must feel
If we move back away from Him
To design our own destinies
Shaping lives of desiring and fear

Then imagine God's happiness
When a wanderer cries out to Him
For the peace that only He can give
For the strength He grants to truly live
And when the choice is made to look to Him
And finally draw near

It's been a while...

Well....I'm not very good at this blogging thing...obviously!! I'm going to try and start doing it once a week...we'll see!
What can I catch up on??! We've started a patio out in the backyard and we're getting some prices on pools! I am very excited about that! Next we're going to start on the landscaping in the front. We pulled up all the bushes and we're going to start over. We've got almost everything changed out inside the house that we want.
We've got our Bristol tickets (well Kelly has them actually) and we've got the condo rented! I am soooo excited now. We're staying in Severville, TN and driving up to Bristol Saturday morning since it's a night race. It is going to be so much fun!!
In September, Matthew and I are going to St. Augustine, FL. We've never been there and since there is oil in the gulf we decided to go the opposite way. It should be fun!
We're still working on baby. I am still on the clomid and all that junk. My headaches have gotten better and I am sooo glad about that! We know everything is in God's timing. When we do get pregnant it will be perfect! But I still can't wait!!
I am enjoying working 5 days a week still. Hopefully there will be some changes in Matthew's department....hopefully...
So anyways...that's what has been going on these past couple of months!

Philippians 4:6-7

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God. Ant eh peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

You've got me...

One day you've got me laughing and one day you've got me crying.
One day you've got me thinking I'm going out of my mind.
But one thing is true, the one thing that never changes is that you've always got me.
You've always got me by your side, every single day of my life.
There is one thing you can know for certain is that you've always got me.
On a Monday, on a Tuesday, on a Wednesday.
All the way around 'til Sunday.
You've always got me on the good days and the bad days and the mad days, the happy and the sad days.
You've got me every day of my life!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY AND EVERYDAY!!

Breathe on me

Breathe on me breath of God,
Bring my life close to your spirit.
Beat in me heart of God,
My soul's in prayer to be near it.
Focus my eyes to only see what's you and breathe on me.
Surround me in Your glory,
make Your presence known,
set the path of grace before me
Let your breath become my own.

I hate you headaches!!

Well, as you can see my headaches have returned. A couple of years ago I started taking topamax so I would not have headaches everyday. I weined myself off of them about a year ago. Now, for the past couple of weeks I have had a headaches for 2 and 3 days. Hopefully it's just my hormones changing from all the medicine I'm taking. But it sure is annoying because I'm just not myself and have no motivation. I know Matthew is tired of me saying my head hurts ALL the time! But he has been a great help!
I don't know the memory verse for this week. I even forgot my bible for church this morning. I'm just not all here. I surely hope this week things will get better.
For an update on Chloe Seagraves...Our sunday school class went to visit them this morning at UAB. I didn't go...headache!! Any ways, she had heart surgery on friday and she is getting stronger everyday! Jami and Chris are such strong parents!! Just please keep on praying for comfort and strength everyday. Chloes' breathing is a little labored so they are going to keep her in CICU for another night. Then hopefully they will get to move her to a regular room tomorrow. That way Jami and Chris will be able to stay with her.
God is good all the time...All the time God is good!!!

Prayers...

Our sunday school class has a new member. Her name is Chloe. Chis and Jami had her on Thursday afternoon. They were getting ready to take her home saturday but some test came back that were not what they were expecting. Baby Chloe has a tiny hole in her heart and has a narrow aorta. They took her to UAB and she is in the NICU. They are watching her to see if anything changes. I know God is watching over her, Jami and Chris. God is the great physician and he will heal her. Just pray for peace and comfort.

You love me...

Your eyes look throughout the distant stars, taking in everything in galazies so far. Yet on one crowded planet circling one certain sun, of the billions here I am only one. Yet, you see me.
Your ears take in each day's deafining roar. The screams, the machines, rockets, radios and more. Words of each man and woman, prayers of each boy and girl. Every cry and curse, still somehow in the world You hear me.
Before a word is on my tongue you've seen it birthed within my heart. You even understand my reasons, for you've searched my deepest parts and You know me.
That's why Father God I stand amazed. For you know me so well, yet I'm lavished with Your grace. You forgive all my sin, even call me your child. I'm forever Yours, for I can't deny. You love me, You see me, You hear me, You know me, You love me.

What a wonderful, patient God I serve!

Weekly Memory verse...week 2!

This year I am challenging myself to memorize a verse each week.


"This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carfully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."
Joshua 1:8

God is in control...

Our family lost a very special person on January 2nd. But through the sad times, we all know Danny is healed and praising and worshiping his wonderful Father in heaven! He will always hold a special place in our hearts.
But when one life ends another begins...Kelly (my sister-in-law) found out she's pregnant 2 days after Dannys' death. God's timing is perfect. We are so exicted to be having another little neice or nephew!!
Matthew and I cannot wait to be sharing in the same experience. As I said...God's timing is perfect and what a blessing that is. I will go next week to have some fertility testing done...then probably I will have to have an MRI on my head. I have a microademoma on my pituitary and just want to make sure it's all okay before we get pregnant. I am very scared though that with hormone changes it might grow...and then possibly surgery...very scarry!
God is in control and so is His timing!!

Weekly memory verse...week 1!!

"I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phill. 4:13