End of the Year Blessings...

What an amazing time of year for so many people and yet for another set of people it's the hardest time of year to cope and deal with life. I used to be one of the people in the latter group - in many ways I hated the holidays - felt like I had to "fake" my happiness - I was expecting people's reactions to my gifts to be more than what they showed - and that was disappointing for my heart. THIS YEAR is very different. My son, Lincoln, has changed that for me this year. I look at life so very differently now - through his eyes - and more importantly, my Savior's eyes... or at least I try to.

This year, I was able to receive some amazing gifts of love and generosity! A gal in my LifeGroup wanted to do something amazing - she paid off my credit card! WOW!!! Then I received a gift card to Lane Bryant for $100 for some new clothes!!! And a STARBUCKS card! JACKPOT!!! But the biggest gift that I can think of is when Mark gave his heart to Jesus last night at Christmas Eve service! Now we'll have to see how "real" it is by how he reacts and responds to things, but I know that Jesus has saved him and that if he allows Jesus to really move in his heart, GREAT things will happen...but that's up to him on what he will allow Jesus to do...

I am in hopes and prayers that I will be moving back home to California sometime next year. I have grown soooo much here in KY, but I am really wanting Lincoln to be around family as he grows up and while he can. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have my father's influence on my son, with his Godly wisdom, as well as, just what it means to be a man. I can't teach him those things, or not very well, but I know that my Dad would be able to bestow upon him some great knowledge...

Mark moved back in for a SHORT time to save up money for his own place and boy, am I really looking forward to him moving out and him being independent...cut all ties for good...

More to come in the beginning of the year...

UPDATE

Hello everyone! It has been awhile since I have written and I so apologize! Mark moved out, I went to CA for my 40th birthday!!! WOW...the big 4-0!!! It's amazing how time flies... anyways, it was a GREAT visit with my parents and friends...oh how I've missed them!

Lincoln of course was a hit at both family picnics!!! :o) Can't believe my little baby is now acting and being a little boy... even though he's almost 7 mo old now... still amazing! He's sitting up by himself, rolling over, has 2 bottom teeth, working on his 2 top teeth, wanting to crawl and take off! He's scooting on his back, so I call him scooty booty! lol He's just amazing!!!

Overall, I'm feeling stuck, stagnate, but I KNOW that God is going to open the door for me when it's time for me to go back to work....I keep applying to places and keep pitching... only Jesus knows what He has for me.... trying to not get depressed and stressed about being broke all the time...

Meanwhile, a friend and her husband bought me a better car!!! I don't have a timeline in paying them back, which is an awesome thing, but you know me - hate having a personal debt! Soooo, I have a better/safer car, but it's a V6 so it sucks up gas more - used to my little crackerbox of a car that goes forever on a tank (or at least it seemed... lol)...

More to come later...

Life...

...is sure is interesting! Well, Lincoln is doing great! He is 5 mo old now, 27.5 in long and 18 pounds! WHEW!!! BIG boy!!!

Mark has been living with me for about a month now, but 2 wks ago, I asked him to move out - for different reasons, but realize that was NOT the plan that Jesus has or even had for me. I am wanting to do what Jesus wants me to do, be a good example to Lincoln, and I know that God will bless the faithfulness...but more importantly, I know that it's not about being blessed - it's about just having a close relationship with my Jesus. I will NEVER be alone or have to be afraid - HE is right there!!! What a peaceful feeling that is for me...and for those who desire and crave that as well...

Off to do things with Dominique (college roomie that came out to visit for the week) and Lincoln... we are headed back to Cali on the 17th...Lincoln and I will be there for 2 weeks!!! WOOOHOOOO!!! Hope to see everyone...

Lincoln...

Well, I finally gave birth March 10, 2010 after being in labor for 24 hours. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz, 20 in long. For the most part, he is a good baby - just doesn't burp real good and has gas all the time, which translates into LONG nights for Mommy...

It has taken awhile to get the "hang" of being Mama, but I think it's starting to get there. The first week of motherhood was NOT pleasant at all! Those stinkin' hormones are just crazy and NEVER want to do that again! But things are better now... Dad was able to come out for 2 weeks and be here for Easter with Lincoln and I, which was nice and great to have family around for the special holiday.

The one thing that I miss most right now is: SLEEP! I look forward to when Lincoln can and will sleep through the night, which in turn, Mama sleeps through the night and can function better as a Mama for him.... c'mon Linc....sleep for Mama.... lol

More to come as it develops...

Update on Lincoln

Well, here I am at 8 months pregnant and feeling every move and kicking! It's such a great feeling!! It's just amazing to think that I'm going to be a Mama very, very soon!!! My heart's desire is finally becoming a reality for me...I'm anxious and excited all rolled into one! I know that it will be difficult, but it will be well worth it...

I can't wait to hold Lincoln Lee Dupree in my arms in a few short weeks....

Keep you posted...