The Role of a Mother....

There are times when I wonder if I am doing all of this right. You know, being a mother and a wife. Some days I have to ask myself (and complain a little)..."Is this what I signed up for?" The cleaning, clothes washing, cooking, more cleaning, bath time, more clothes washing...

Yes it can be exhausting after working all day and giving 100% to the students I teach. There are days that I feel drained and just want to come home, get on the couch and not move.

But then I am reminded, with a sweet hug and kiss from a precious little boy, this is what I signed up for! I do all of those routine, boring, never-ending things because that is what God called me to do as a mother and a wife. I have been reading Proverbs 31 to help remind me of my role and what is honoring to God. I have to recite this sometimes because life can be hard and being a mother and wife can be hard!

Proverbs 31:10-31 [b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

So what I have to remind myself is this...It is an honor to do all of those things that I don't love to do some days. The Lord has blessed me with a husband and a son; He is allowing me to take care of them for a short time. This life with them will not last forever and I pray that I do everything for them (even if it is washing poop out of shorts) with a grateful heart. The Lord has put me in this position for a purpose and I pray that I will glorify Him with it. I pray that one day the Lord will say that I have fulfilled my purpose and lived out Proverbs 31.

My prayer for you - if you are a wife or mother or both - That you would read it daily and remind yourself that what you do for your family glorifies Him! I pray that you would find encouragement in these verses and live them out daily! If you are not a wife or mother yet - pray these verses anyways. Pray that when you do marry and have children, that you will be ready to live out Proverbs 31.

Thanks for letting me share my heart for a moment!

I will leave you with a recent picture of my two boys ! I am thankful that the Lord allows me to serve them!

We went to feed the fish this evening at our family pond! We love living in the country!

Blessings,

Meagan

Tough Times...

Ok...so it has been a while since I have blogged. I had wanted (really wanted) to blog weekly about weight loss and all the fun things going on in the Roberts house! Well, as the Lord does sometimes, plans changed when Brock-Allen's health went down hill.
Let me start from the beginning...it started in August 2011. Our sweet boy would run a random fever here and there with no visible symptoms. We would take him to the pediatrician who would just say it was a virus. But my 'mommy' instinct knew something was wrong. Well after our first pediatrician basically told me that I was over-reacting and that Brock-Allen was fine, we found a new pediatrician. I knew this wasn't normal. By this time, the fevers were pretty consistent, running 1-2 fevers per month. He would also catch everything he came in contact with...the flu, colds, croup, pneumonia...everything...back to back. He never even had a chance to recover from the first illness before a new one would start.
Well our new pediatrician (whom we love!) agreed that this was not normal also. She immediately referred us to Infectious Disease at Emory Children's Hospital in Atlanta. Our doctor at Infectious Disease (who we also love) started running lots of test to rule out or find out what was causing all of this. Test after test came back negative, which was a blessing, but frustrating at the same time. Our boy was still sick and still running fever! After multiple trips to Atlanta, lots of blood work, and being hospitalized for seriously high fevers...our doctors began to nail down what was going on.
Brock-Allen has been diagnosed with -Periodic fever, Aphthous-stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome-yes a very long diagnosis. He has been put on some experimental medicines as well as steroids when he runs a fever (he runs a fever 1-2 times per month). The promising thing and hope is that there is a chance he can outgrow this, typically by the time he hits puberty. So yes, we have a while to go, but at least we can manage it with medication (we hope). We are so thankful that it was not something more serious and that we have wonderful doctors that are available to us 24/7! We are thankful also for a diagnosis! It has been emotionally and physically draining for Brock-Allen, myself, and Wes.
He is still not 100% better, and probably won't be until he completely outgrows this but we know that the Lord will not give us more than we can handle. We have learned so much through this. We have learned the importance of prayer and just being honest and real with God. Of course we have been worried, scared, anxious...you name it. We have cried lots of tears during this time, but we know that the Lord is walking beside us through this all! I am going to try and stay updated this time with how he is doing. Forgive me if I ramble and share lots of crazy medical information about PFAPA. Please continue to pray for our precious boy. Pray specifically that he will outgrow this disease and that the fevers will not get to terribly high.
Thank you so much! I am going to attach some information about this disease if you would be interested in reading about it more.

(Information from Cleveland Clinic - www.clevelandclinic.org)
Periodic fever, Aphthous-stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome This syndrome includes recurrent episodes of fever with aphthous-stomatitis (mouth sores), pharyngitis (sore throat with redness and sometimes a throat that has a white covering – exudate - like that seen in a throat with streptococcal infection. PFAPA affects children in early childhood, usually starting at age two to four years. Episodes usually decrease in frequency and resolve after the age of 10 years. This disease was recognized for the first time in 1987 and was called Marshall’s. How common is it?The frequency of PFAPA is not known, but the disease appears to be more common than generally appreciated. What causes PFAPA?The answer to this question is not yet known. No gene defect has yet to be found in PFAPA, although in some cases more than one family member has the disease. No infectious cause has been found in PFAPA, thus it is not a contagious disease. It is clear that the inflammatory process is activated during episodes but it is not clear why it is triggered. What are the main symptoms?The main symptoms are episodic fevers, accompanied by a sore throat, mouth ulcers, or enlarged cervical lymph nodes (glands in the neck, an important part of the immune system). The episodes of fever start abruptly and last for three to seven days. During episodes, the child looks very ill and complains about at least one of the three symptoms mentioned above. The episodes of fever recur every few weeks and often families know the exact day when an attack will start. On the day the fever starts the child will feel a little ill before the attack and the family knows an attack is about to start. Not all children have all symptoms, especially mouth sores. Some children have other symptoms like joint pain, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting or diarrhea. How is PFAPA diagnosed?There are no laboratory tests, or imaging procedures, specific for diagnosing PFAPA. The disease will be diagnosed based on the results of a physical examination and other symptoms. Inflammatory blood tests like the white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the C-reactive protein are increased during attacks. Before the diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to exclude all other diseases that may present with similar symptoms (especially a streptococcal throat). The dramatic response to treatment (see below) also helps diagnose PFAPA. How is PFAPA treated?There is no specific treatment to cure PFAPA. The aim of treatment is to control symptoms during the episodes of fever, to shorten the duration of episodes, and in some children to prevent attacks from occurring. In most children, the disease will resolve by itself without treatment, usually after the age of 10 years. The fever does not usually respond well to Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A single dose of steroids (usually prednisone), given when symptoms first appear, has been shown to shorten an episode and sometimes even end the episode. However, the interval between episodes may also be shortened with this treatment, and the next episode may occur earlier than expected. In some patients using cimetidine (a medicine that is used to treat stomach ulcers) may prevents attacks from occurring. In patients with very frequent attacks, a tonsillectomy (removing the tonsils by surgery) may be considered. What is the outcome and course of PFAPA?The disease may last for several years. Over time, the intervals between the episodes will increase and usually after the age of 10 years resolve by itself. Children with PFAPA continue to grow and develop normally. Periodic fever, Aphthous-stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome This syndrome includes recurrent episodes of fever with aphthous-stomatitis (mouth sores), pharyngitis (sore throat with redness and sometimes a throat that has a white covering – exudate - like that seen in a throat with streptococcal infection. PFAPA affects children in early childhood, usually starting at age two to four years. Episodes usually decrease in frequency and resolve after the age of 10 years. This disease was recognized for the first time in 1987 and was called Marshall’s. How common is it?The frequency of PFAPA is not known, but the disease appears to be more common than generally appreciated. What causes PFAPA?The answer to this question is not yet known. No gene defect has yet to be found in PFAPA, although in some cases more than one family member has the disease. No infectious cause has been found in PFAPA, thus it is not a contagious disease. It is clear that the inflammatory process is activated during episodes but it is not clear why it is triggered. What are the main symptoms?The main symptoms are episodic fevers, accompanied by a sore throat, mouth ulcers, or enlarged cervical lymph nodes (glands in the neck, an important part of the immune system). The episodes of fever start abruptly and last for three to seven days. During episodes, the child looks very ill and complains about at least one of the three symptoms mentioned above. The episodes of fever recur every few weeks and often families know the exact day when an attack will start. On the day the fever starts the child will feel a little ill before the attack and the family knows an attack is about to start. Not all children have all symptoms, especially mouth sores. Some children have other symptoms like joint pain, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting or diarrhea. How is PFAPA diagnosed?There are no laboratory tests, or imaging procedures, specific for diagnosing PFAPA. The disease will be diagnosed based on the results of a physical examination and other symptoms. Inflammatory blood tests like the white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the C-reactive protein are increased during attacks. Before the diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to exclude all other diseases that may present with similar symptoms (especially a streptococcal throat). The dramatic response to treatment (see below) also helps diagnose PFAPA. How is PFAPA treated?There is no specific treatment to cure PFAPA. The aim of treatment is to control symptoms during the episodes of fever, to shorten the duration of episodes, and in some children to prevent attacks from occurring. In most children, the disease will resolve by itself without treatment, usually after the age of 10 years. The fever does not usually respond well to Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A single dose of steroids (usually prednisone), given when symptoms first appear, has been shown to shorten an episode and sometimes even end the episode. However, the interval between episodes may also be shortened with this treatment, and the next episode may occur earlier than expected. In some patients using cimetidine (a medicine that is used to treat stomach ulcers) may prevents attacks from occurring. In patients with very frequent attacks, a tonsillectomy (removing the tonsils by surgery) may be considered. What is the outcome and course of PFAPA?The disease may last for several years. Over time, the intervals between the episodes will increase and usually after the age of 10 years resolve by itself. Children with PFAPA continue to grow and develop normally.


And just so you know...I have lost 0 pounds...yes 0! With everything going, losing weight has been at the bottom of my list. Oh well, I still have an online subscription to Weight Watchers and hope to get started again soon. Brock-Allen and his health is much more important right now :)

Blessings,
Meagan

2012 - New Beginnings....

2012....

So here goes nothing...well not really but I am about to expose myself on this blog. Why you ask, well, I feel like if I let you in, you can encourage me! Ok - so Wes and I sat down last night and wrote out several things that we would like to see change or happen in 2012. One of mine is losing 30 pounds. I turn 30 on June 27th and would like to lose 30 before 30. I am overweight not by much but enough that I feel blah and unhealthy! We can't afford all those fancy gym memberships (remember we are building a house right now), but I did sign up for Weight Watchers online. I have done WW before and been very successful, but this was pre-baby and now I have a post-baby body! My first WW go-round, I lost 25 pounds in about 4 months so I am hoping that I can do that again. Confession - I started WW before Christmas and lost about 9 pounds in 4 weeks but hello Christmas and those 9 pounds! Ok so here is my plan. I am going to try to blog on a weekly basis and let you in on how much weight I have lost and recipes and I might even get up the courage to post a before and after picture on here. So feel free to comment and encourage me and if you have any weight loss secrets or success stories please share them!

-On another note - as I mentioned above, we are building a house! Not just any house...but our last house! My grandmother has given us 5 acres of family land and we are just weeks from moving into our house! We couldn't feel more anxious, excited, blessed...you name it! Surprisingly, we have not argued over anything...the only thing Wes requested was a big walk in shower and he is getting that! 6ft.x5ft shower with a shower head adjusted to his 6'3 height!

Sorry to all of my (10) followers that I have not blogged in about a year! Life runs at warp speed around here but one of my resolutions was to be a better blogger!

I am going to post some pictures of the house and a picture or two of BA - he turned 2 on November 3! We are loving every minute with him and enjoying our stubborn little boy!

Hope you have had a great Christmas and that 2012 is good to you!

BA at his 2nd birthday party! It was train- themed! (I have lots more pictures of Party Day and plan on blogging about it!)

{Spring Break Fun}

Spring Break - a rite of passage for many - for me, well I just thank God that I have made it this far in the school year and that summer is close! Last week was my spring break. I always look forward to spring break because as a teacher it means that the end of the school year is just around the corner! 6 more weeks to be exact and then I am home free for 8 whole weeks!!!!

So Spring Break...when I was 20 it was a perfectly planned beach trip with sorority sisters, but now that I am rounding the corner to 30 it is perfectly fine if I stay home and hang out with my sweet husband and precious son! Fortunately, since Wes works from home, I got to spend some great quality time with my boys! To make it even better my parents came up to see us for a few days as well!

We started off spring break with a fun trip to the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, GA. We are loving how much there is to do here in Columbus and what is only a few minutes from us!

It was so amazing - we rode a schools bus that had been painted like a zebra! The animals came right up to the window and would eat out of your hand. BA was fascinated by it all and loved it when the animals came close. The safari is 3 miles long and takes about an hour. After about 20 minutes into the safari BA was starting to get sleepy - and this is what happened...

He gave way to the motion of the bus and nap time. So, he slept through the last part of the ride but I know he enjoyed the first part. Once the ride was over, we ate lunch at the Animal Cafe and then ventured out to see the animals that were in the "walk through" section of the park. It was very fun and although I have mixed emotions about seeing animals in cages, it is very interesting to see them up close.

Wes and BA checking out the bears. Daddy was telling BA all about the bears! (I love moments like these!)

Spring Break started off with a bang! We had a blast at the animal safari! I have lots more to post about spring break, but that will have to wait till tomorrow - another post, because this girl is tired! Hope you are having a blessed week!

Happy Spring!

xoxo

{Meagan}

Happy St. Patty's Day {A little late}

Just wanted to share a few photos from St. Patrick's Day. I bought BA a cute t-shirt at Carters and had to share a few photos of my handsome little man! Enjoy!

This little man melts my heart each day! I love him so!!!!

{Just Sharing My Heart}

I am FAMOUS for starting a bible study and not finishing it. (I know what you are saying, Kelli Knick, "Yes she is!") But I do start them with the best of intentions and somehow I let other things get in the way or come before spending time in the word. Not my best quality.... Ok, so I decided the other day that I was going to stick to this one, determined to finish it to the end - Thanks to my best friend Kelli, she recommended 'Ruth' - The Living Room Series by Kelly Minter (who is fabulous, by the way!). So yes, I have actually completed almost three weeks of this study and it has pierced my heart, no doubt! I prayed asking God to show up in a mighty way in my life - I have been in need of some "spirit refreshing." He has been teaching me some very cool things these last few weeks! So if you don't mind, I would love to share them with you.... During one of the daily studies, Kelly Minter talked about Ruth and how she left all that she knew to follow her mother-in-law...Really Ruth? Who does that? Your mother-in-law? And Ruth was not even a Christian/believer at the time - she told her mother-in-law that she would follow her and her God. Wow...right there Ruth proves to have a lot more heart than most of us! Ruth had lots to overcome! She lost her husband and was a widow, she was leaving all that she knew to follow her mother-in-law to a foreign land where she knew she wasn't going to be accepted...she had lots to overcome! After reading the first chapter of Ruth, Wes and I were discussing the significance of Ruth arriving in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Now for those of you who know Wes, you know he likes to dig and find the meaning behind everything. So we got on the laptop and began to google...and this is what we found... The barley harvest represented overcomers (not sure if that is a word but, oh well). Barley can also with-stand extreme heat and cold. It was very hearty and was hard to kill. It survived on very little! Ok...wow God, now you have just opened up a whole new meaning. Ruth arrived at the beginning of the barley harvest...think about how much meaning that has - think about what all she has had to endure, will endure and has had to overcome! I can't help but think how amazing it is that we have assurance that Christ has overcome the world! He has overcome death and the grave! I constantly ask myself, "Why do you allow your circumstances to dictate your days when the God that loves you has overcome it all?" I think I can get so caught up in my challenges and struggles that I forget what all He has overcome. I forget that I am His child and that there is nothing that can take that away from me! If you haven't read Ruth you must - it is a short book of the Bible and a great read! I can't help but think about all that Ruth lost and endured, but yet God was already at work before she even arrived in Bethlehem. She goes from widow and poor (collecting the left over barley that was left in the field) to marrying a wealthy man and having a son, Obed - the grandfather of David! Whoa...so for sure God was at work! He is at work in our lives before we even know what is going to happen. He knows the outcome and has overcome! I pray that I can remind myself daily that His plans are best and that I am not called to a life of worry! God is holding our hand even when we think we are walking all alone! Please know that He loves you more than anyone or anything in this world could and wants to walk with you! He has overcome!!!! How awesome that we can wake up each morning with this hope and assurance! Have a blessed week!!! {Meagan}

Weekends are made for FUN!!!

We have had a great weekend! Our Friday night was filled with dinner at Smokey Bones and Thomas the Train fun (see pics below). Wes had to shoot a wedding on Saturday so BA and I went to lunch with our GiGi. (GiGi is my grandmother and BA's great-grandmother. BA is the youngest (but won't be for long - my cousin is pregnant with great-grand child #13) of 12 great-grandchildren. Our GiGi is great and at 78 she is able to do more than most people younger than her!) We went to lunch at Steak n' Shake! Who doesn't love a great hamburger and chocolate shake?! After lunch we went back to GiGi's house and played for a little bit and then took golf cart ride! Sunday we had a fun and relaxing day! We went to sweet Ava's birthday party at my Aunt's house. My cousin's little girl, Ava, turned 8 today and we celebrated with cake, ice cream and some good old fashioned outside play time! BA had a blast! If anything is remotely associated with the outdoors my child loves it! He played hard and was so dirty when it was time to go home! Playing in the play house outside at Aunt Barbara's or Aunt Nana as we call her!

BA loved the swing because he figured out how to climb into it and get down!

Cousin Jake helping BA out of the swing.

Determined BA was pushing the John Deer Gator around the yard!

Pushing the Gator with a little hlep from daddy.

BA loves to pick up sticks and dirt and leaves and put it in the back of the Gator! Such a boy!

Friday afternoon/evening/night are my favorites! I get to come home, hang out and relax with my two favorite boys! It is so nice to know that you have two days off when Friday afternoon rolls around. Our usual routine is to grab some dinner out and then come home and play! We made a pit-stop after dinner at Toys-R-Us! Brock-Allen got his first Thomas the Train set! Just a brief history - Thomas is the one and only at our house! Brock-Allen will sit still for 20 minutes just mesmerized by Thomas on TV! Thankfully we have lots of Thomas to keep the obsession strong! Of course, Wes and I have memorized all the Thomas songs and lines to the movies. Ok...so after we went to Toys-R-Us we took our new Thomas purchase home and set up the train tracks! Brock-Allen loved helping his daddy by taking the tracks and dragging them all over the house. Once the track was set, Daddy and BA enjoyed watching Thomas go round' and round' the track!

Watching Thomas go through the tunnel.

Waiting for Thomas to come through the tunnel.

Mesmerized by Thomas!

We put jammies on and played before bed time! Daddy showing BA that Thomas can go through the tunnel.

Checking out a piece of the Thomas track.

(Also, notice the cute outfit he is wearing made by OkaySewWhat on Etsy! I have a slight obession with Etsy...I love handmade things!)

Pushing Thomas around on the carpet.

We hope you had a blessed weekend as well! Enjoy time with your family! Every moment is a blessing and gift from God!

Love to All,

{Meagan}

What a Beautiful Day!!!!

The weather today was wonderful! High 76 and sunny...not a cloud in the sky! After a long, rough, hard day at work I came home to my sweet hubby and precious little man! Wes had Brock-Allen's backpack ready and said, "Let's go for a walk at the park." Of course I didn't hesitate! To spend a moment with my two boys, I jump at every opportunity! So off we went to the park to watch the ducks, walk and just enjoy each others company! Sometimes it is the simple things in life that let you know you are the most loved! Especially when the Lord provides you with moments like these!

BA loves riding in his stroller! He just loves being outside!

Daddy was telling BA all about the ducks!

Checking out the ducks!

Walking with Mommy!

(Just wanted to let you know that his shirt does say "Dad Rules" but in fine red print under that it says "Until Mom gets home!" Yes sir...I do rule)

Have a wonderful Weekend!

Many Blessings,

{Meagan}

Learning...

So now that Brock-Allen is 16 months old, we are trying to get him used to holding a spoon and putting it in his food. I have started with yogurt, pudding, etc...things that are easy to scoop and easy to transfer to his mouth. OK - so tonight we gave him vanilla pudding and a spoon and let him go to town. He had the best time trying to spoon it into his own mouth. Once he was tired of the spoon he decided to just put his hands in it! Obviously, when you are 16 months old that is much more fun than using a spoon! I think he got more on himself and his shirt than actually went into his mouth, but who cares....from a teacher perspective he was learning about texture and problem solving! After the pudding explosion, he, of course, needed a bath! Enjoy our evening of pudding, a bath and some fun play time before bed.

I love this picture of him pointing! He is saying his favorite phrase "You See?"

After the pudding "explosion," a bath was in order!

Of course, he enjoys every minute of his bath time...complete with Thomas the Tank Engine tub toys and boat!

We then enjoyed some fun play time before it was time for "Jammies" and bed.

This little boy makes each day brighter and we never have a dull moment! I wouldn't trade it for one moment of quiet time!

Love and Blessings,

{Meagan}

"What-a-Ya Have, What-a-Ya Have"

So, two weeks ago we took a short afternoon/evening trip to "Hotlanta" to see Wes' best friend Barrett Foster. For those of you that don't know, Barrett was in a terrible car accident on January 25th outside of Troy, AL. When we received the phone call that afternoon that he had been in a car accident and his prognosis was not good, we fell to our knees with tears running down our faces and asked God to intervene in a mighty way! Wes immediately dropped what he was doing and headed to Montgomery to be with Michelle, their kids and the rest of the Foster family. Barrett spent several weeks at UAB hospital in Birmingham, before being transferred to the Shepard Center in Atlanta for rehab. Barrett and his wife, Michelle, mean the world to us and are like an aunt and uncle to Brock-Allen. (We call them Aunt Michelle and Uncle Barrett.) I praise God for Barrett and his friendship to Wes. They have stuck by each other through the good and bad; have encouraged each other and held each other accountable. Every wife should pray for that friend for her husband! I am so thankful for Michelle and how God has proven to her that he is real and will take care of her family! God has proven himself to be true and we know he is not finished with Barrett! Barrett is a true testimony of God's grace, mercy and love.
Since we were going to see our Uncle Barrett, Wes wanted to make a pit stop - at his favorite hot dog joint! The Varsity! The Varsity, the place for the true Atlanta chili dog (and heartburn)! We enjoyed a chili dog, (Wes enjoyed 3 chili dogs) and then made our way to see Barrett at the Shepard Center! It brought tears to my eyes when we walked in his room and we was propped up in bed watching tv and smiling! The last time I saw him he was in ICU with tubes coming out everywhere and not even breathing on his own....but now he was our Barrett again! Although he still has a long road of therapy ahead, we know that God will see him through it all! Barrett, we love you more than you will ever know and I am so thankful for you, especially for what you mean to Wes! Praying for you always!
You can keep up with Barrett and check out his progress at his Caring Bridge website -

www.caringbridge.org/visit/barrettfoster


Here is a picture from outside the Varsity- March 11, 2011


Many Blessings,

{Meagan}

Enjoy a "Moment" with me...

Being this little boys mother is the most amazing journey God has allowed me to embark on! Every day is new and no matter what he loves me! He loves me despite my faults, how I look, how I dress...he loves me! And I will always love him. I never understood a mothers love or the impact it could have on one's life until I met this little guy on November 3, 2009. He took my breath away and still does each and every day! Brock-Allen, I love you with all my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be your mommy!

Long Lost Blogger...

I almost forgot I had a blog - seriously! Life has been moving at such a rapid pace that I rarely have time to take a breath, but I wouldn't have it any other way. So much has taken place since my last post - this time last year! I am not even sure where to begin! So here it goes -


1. We moved! That's right! We packed up our little cottage and moved away from all that we knew. We left our beloved little town of Troy, Al and headed to the "big" Phenix City. I was offered a job teaching at Loyd Elementary on post at Ft. Benning. I am an official employee of the Department of Defense. I am so thankful that God has given us this opportunity. Though I second guess our decision at times, I am grateful for all that He has blessed us with. We have met some amazing people, found an incredible church, and are making some lasting relationships with my family that is close by! Although our cottage has not sold, God has provided so amazing renters! We are living in an apartment in Phenix City, which some days is not ideal with a 16 month old little boy that has more energy than I can keep up with, but God is meeting our needs and continues to provide all that we need and ask for! We are going to begin the house hunting journey, praying that the Lord will open up a door and provide us a house in a great neighborhood and within our budget! We are trusting Him!


2. Brock-Allen turned 1! Yes sir he did! And now, 16 months old, he is learning more and more each day, saying new words daily, running (not walking), playing non-stop, and just enjoying life as a little boy. He weighs a solid 30 lbs and is around 34 inches tall. He wears 2t-3t size clothes and a 6 1/2 shoe! He is growing so fast I feel like like I buy him new clothes and shoes weekly! We have been battling lots of sickness. BA had ear tubes put in during November 2010 and that went great, no ear infections since then! But, we have had the flu (2 times), tonsillitis, and pneumonia! But praise God, he did great and bounced right back each time! Wes and I are so blessed that he is such a sweet, healthy, lovable little boy! Thank you, God!



Cake is delicious!





The party was amazing and we all had a blast!





BA had to get tubes put in his ears in November 2010. Our ENT doctor is amazing and we were blessed that BA did great and has been ear infection free since then!


3. Wes Roberts Photography is still going strong! Wes continues to work from home and spend great quality time with Brock-Allen on a daily basis! Before BA was born, we prayed that the Lord would allow one of us to stay at home with him and He has! The photography business is still going strong and continues to grow by leaps and bounds! Wes has learned so much about himself and his business over the past year. His pictures are better and better each day! He recently went out to Las Vegas to the annual WPPI photography convention. He had a great experience and had 6 intense days filled with learning new tricks! I am so thankful for Wes' heart and how God continues to use photography to impact people and share the gospel!
Check out how awesome some of his recent work is: http://www.wesrobertsphotography.com/

So, there is just a short recap of our past year! Of course, lots more has happened in between all of that but it would take days to type it all out! I hope I have not lost my faithful blog readers and I pray that you are doing well!



Brock-Allen - 1 year photo shoot - November 2010



Much Love, Meagan

A Little of Everything!!!!

I know I am blogging about this a little late...but...for Spring Break we headed to Winter Haven, Florida! My parents live there and it is where I grew up! It only about 45 minutes outside of Orlando...so you can imagine we had a blast! BA had a lot of "firsts" that week! He had his first trip to a theme park, first bite of "solid" food (cereal and sweet peas), first time riding in his big boy stroller...Enjoy the pictures. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this beautiful spring time weather! Have a great Easter. Take time to reflect on what Christ did for us as he suffered and died a cruel death on the Cross. What an amazing thing! Praise the Lord He did that for me!


We visited Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando

Universal City Walk lights up at night will all kinds of fun - due to having a baby we no longer get to participate in any sort of night life...but that is OK we would not trade it for anything!

Riding in my big boy stroller!

Meeting Popeye and Olive Oil! BA was very interested in Popeye. Please excuse the fact that I have a whole lot more weight to lose after carrying my sweet boy for 9 months! (Boy...pictures sure do let you know when you need to fix something!)

Wes (or Uncle Bubba) (as Caden and Paige (my sister's children) call him) with Caden!

Nick Studios at Universal Studios Orlando

Hanging out in my stroller. BA is and was such a great baby that day! He enjoyed taking in all the sights!

My first taste of cereal. BA was not to sure about the whole spoon thing, but he has since gotten the hang of it and loves his food!!

Daddy giving me my cereal for the first time!

Uncle Bubba and Baby Paige. Obviously Paige is no longer a baby....when my sister found out she was pregnant with Paige, Caden started calling his new sister, "baby Paige" and it has stuck...that is what we all call her now :) I love nick names :)

BA hanging out with Auntie Summer (my sister)!

Hope you enjoyed your spring break as much as we did!

Love to all!!!