The Pages of Our Life

Our Little Snow Angel

2011-02-04T18:29:00.003-06:00

Addy and Mommy had so much fun in the snow today. Addy made a snow angel and tried to walk in the snow.

2011-01-25T19:54:00.002-06:00

Addison is growing by leaps and bounds these days! She is SO much fun to be with!!! She constantly makes me laugh and has learned over twenty signs in order to communicate with us. She knows 9 animal signs and about 10-15 food signs. She is starting to make different sounds that you can tell are the beginnings of her words. She sleeps about 10 hours at night and still is taking approvimately two naps a day althoug, on some days, it is just one really long nap. I am guessing she is trying to transition to a one nap a day routine. She ABSOLUTELY LOVES her puzzles and books. You can tell that her brain is working overtime these days.

I am currently still at home, although I have recently accepted a position as an interim Children's Minister for a local church here in Haslet. I am able to work from home right now as I am also doing taxes and trying to keep up with a very vibrant and fast 15 month old. We are enjoying our new church home and getting to know fellow believers.

Jonathan is still with the FAA in Ft. Worth and is loving every minute of it. We are truly feeling very blessed right now and are thoroughly enjoying our baby girl!!!

Love to all, and I hope I don't wait too long before another post!

2011-01-14T09:48:00.001-06:00

My craftiness...

2010-10-13T22:32:00.007-05:00

So I thought of a new project and I got a little crafty...

See what I made?!?!

I would have to say I am pretty proud!

A Little Bumble Bee

2010-10-13T22:19:00.004-05:00

Mommy's little Bumble Bee!!!

So Addison will be a bumble bee this year and we had a chance to go to my Grandmother's senior adult apartments and give everyone a treat. They were all playing BINGO, so Addy walked around and gave each of them a treat out of her goodie bag. I guess it is good that she is learning to give rather than receive first! :)

I LOVE being a Mother!!! It is the best job I have ever been able to do!!! Addison truly is the joy in my day!!! Until we see Jonathan, then he is the joy in both of our days!!! I love our little family!!!

Look what Addison is Learning!!!

2010-05-21T16:36:00.003-05:00

Look out world, here comes Addison!!!

Addy!!!

2010-05-13T19:08:00.009-05:00

Hello all!

There is not too much to update you guys on other than Addy's progress. She is officially six months one week and 6 days old!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!! She is growing WAY too fast!!! I wish I could put a brick on her head and help her to stop growing. She is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!! Some people say she looks more like me, but most say she looks exactly like Jonathan. She has light brown eyes most days, but sometimes, they turn just a shade of blue. Her hair is light brown and in the sun you can see the natural highlights of red. She is in the 50th percentile for height and weight, so she is growing at just the right pace. She absolutely amazes me each and everyday with all of the new things she is learning. Her favoirte meal is sweet potatoes and pears. Which oddly enough, sounds good to me!!! SHe rolls everywhere she wants to go, however she gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth trying to crawl. She is ALWAYS smiling. I am hard pressed to find a picture that we have taken of her where she is not smiling. You look at her and her face lights up and her smile is so BIG!!! She can brighten anyones day. She talks a lot!!! She talks to her toys and to us, she just loves to tell us about her day. She has the BEST laugh too!!! She is SO much FUN!!!

Granny is still watching her for 2 1/2 days a week while Mommy is working. Granny loves her time with Addy and misses her when she doesn't see her for a day or more. Mommy misses her all the time when Addy is not with her. Daddy gets home and Addy is always ready to play with him. She is never short of smiles for Daddy.

Here a just a few pictures from our last photo session and a few candids from home.

This photo won a contest at www.littledivatutus.com

Our Perfect little girl!!!

Look out Bono!!!

Anybody know the number for Starbucks advertising???

I LOVE Aunt Banny!!!

Our Little Angel!!! Look at her smirk!!!

Our Father

2010-02-28T07:50:00.001-06:00

I cannot take credit for this prayer, but oh how fitting it is for our baby girl!!! ENJOY!!!

My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:3
even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8: 41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 5:48
I am the perfect Father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all of your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all of your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8: 38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

At Last...

2010-02-18T15:59:00.027-06:00

Well, well, well...

I have been really slow in getting my blog updated lately. I guess time management is not a really big strong point in my life. I need to work on that. Well, Addy is groing by leaps and bounds!!! She is rolling over from tummy to back, she is sucking on her first two fingers of either hand, and she is teething ALREADY!!! Which, by the way, makes for some long days for Granny!

I started back to work January 31st, so Granny has been keeping Addy. I absolutely LOVE that my Mom can watch her! Nothing like the influence of a Granny on my child's life. No doubt some extra spoiling is going on...for instance, my mother gave her a tiny taste of some chocolate yogurt today. But that's okay, she seems to love pickle juice as well seeing as how Jonathan found that out yesterday. Solid foods should be coming soon...

Here are some pictures to get us up to date with Addy's growth!

Not too happy with Daddy!

Nap time......zzzzzzzzzzThis looks like the "Bend and Snap" from Legally Blonde...
So Sweet!!!This is at the Family Christmas Party in Houston Dec. 5thSame Family Christmas Party!Mommy's Graduation Day Dec. 18th!I don't know what day this is...but she sure is cute!Christmas eve, after our two hour ride home from the Christmas Eve service because of the ice.

Addy's first Christmas morning!!!Another family Christmas party Dec. 26th!New Year's eve at my brother's wedding. I remember when Kaitlyn and Riley were this little! :)Riley with his new baby cousin!Kaitlyn and her new best friend!!!Look at that smile!She doesn't always look disgusted for her bath.hmmm...I don't know what to say about this one...Deep in thought!Our baby snow angeljust sittin' in the snow!Kind of likin' it!All smiles for Mommy and Daddy!

I absolutely love this last picture!!! That's my girl!!!

I hope all is well with you and your families. I hopefully won't wait so long to post again!!!

Love to all!

Holly, Jonathan and Addy Page

It's Been A While...

2010-02-16T13:40:00.002-06:00

I know I have not blogged since Addy was born and yes, she is now almost 4 months old (Geesh, time flies when you're having fun)!

However, I will be posting some pictures of Addy on here a little later, I wanted to show you two videos that I have found and absolutely love. It is a challenge to be a parent, and these are some encouraging words, one for Moms and one for Dads. If you're like me, I watched both of them so I know how to best encourage my husband at the end of the day.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1P92rA95M8 - Dads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL4LtYg8HG4 - Moms

I am not advertising for this conference, although it is a good one for Ministers and Church Leaders.

:)

Addison Ryanne Page is born!

2009-11-01T10:18:00.003-06:00

We would like to introduce our beautiful new little girl - Addison Ryanne Page. Addy was born on October 30th at 6:39PM and weighed 8lbs and was 19 3/4in long. She is a perfect, beautiful, healthy little girl with a button nose (probably mine) and Jonathan's lips. We think her eyes will be blue and she has dark brown hair. She likes quite feedings, long naps, and moonlit walks around the hospital corridors...

Friday started out normally, just with a few contractions. By 9:30 in the morning the contractions were between 3 and 5 minutes a part. I had a doctors appointment that mom was taking me to at 10:15, but when I showed up the nurse sent me to labor and delivery. I got checked and was already at 5cm. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! We were admitted and slowly the whole family started showing up. Dad and Jonathan, both coming from work, were racing down hwy 114 to get there before the big moment. I soon found out I really did want an epidural (greatest thing ever created!), and shortly after that it was fast moving but relaxing. By 6:00 I was fully dilated, but Addy still wasn't moving all the way down and was sunny-side up (facing up vs down). The nurse put me in all these crazy positions - the bicycles, the yoga runner, and so on trying to get her to come down and turn. After all the circus maneuvers the doctor recommended a c-section. Not too much longer and she was born. Jonathan was great since due to the nausea and surgery I wasn't able to actually hold her yet. As I was getting patched back up he held her for me to see and made sure she was comfortable. After she was born we spent about an hour in recovery and then the nurse and Jonathan took her to get her bath and check-up. As they went down the hall a paparazzi of family swarmed the bassinet and ooed and aawed (we cant blame them). Shortly after that, they gave her a bath while I was getting cleaned up and moved into our new room. The rest is still history, but we hope to go home on Monday (or Tuesday at the latest). We've been really enjoy all the family and friends coming to see her (letting us show her off), and just getting to know our new little girl and her personality.

There are many fun things we are looking forward! For more pictures look at my Facebook.

Yes!!! I am still here!

2009-10-26T14:34:00.003-05:00

Hello to all!
I am so sorry it has been a while since I last posted to update you about the goings on in the Page household. :)
It has been a fun and eventful couple of weeks. We have had three baby showers, Doctors visit like crazy and cleaning and getting ready for sweet baby Addison to make her arrival.
On Tuesday we had a sonogram and then the results on Thursday. Dr. said my fluid around Addy is a little high, but not to worry. I went back this morning and apparently prayer definitely works because the fluid had gone down. But, no chance of an induction right now. I thought maybe he would say "okay, I'll meet you at the hospital Tuesday morning!" But no! :( We have to wait on Addy to decide when she is ready. Oh well!
This week is another very busy week for me and Jonathan. The Fall Festival at church which I am in charge of is Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30. If that doesn't send me into labor...I'm going to begin to lose hope :( Then Thursday is my last day of work. We have planned on my maternity leave to start on November 1st and go through January 31st. It would be great if Addy came a little early, but at the same time, I really like being at the Fall festival, so I'm okay with waiting too. Well, that is all for now! I hope you and yours are doing well!
Love to all,
Holly

Let Me Tell You How I Really Feel!

2009-09-17T11:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I hope this post does not seem to whiny, but I am going to tell you how I really feel about what my body is morphing into.

I am going to do this in a checklist fashion:

My feet are swollen
My feet hurt
My back aches every evening and in the morning.
I have headaches often
I cannot see my feet
I trip over things such as dogs and dog toys because I cannot see them.
I am TIRED
I have to potty OFTEN
I don't sleep too well
I cannot stand for long periods of time
My dreams are all too real

and last but not least:
I do not mind any of this for one minute because I am so in love with this baby girl!!!

I don't think I complain too much but I think Jonathan might tell you a different story if you asked him. I'm not too sure if I get whiny a lot. Maybe I need to complain more in order to get more foot and back rubs :) We'll let him comment on that.
This little girl has stolen my heart from the very beginning and I cannot wait to be a mommy. Especially to a little girl because I can do the same things my Mom did with me. I hope we have the same type of relationship as well. I have an ever ready shopping partner, and one to go and get our toes done with. I am also planning on her liking softball...but if not, that's okay too. Yes, I plan on spoiling this girl, but not too much of course. I am sure her Daddy will help in this department as well :)

We are exactly 6 weeks and 6 days away from her due date and I am getting very excited. I am not too nervous except for maybe the labor part, but just the sheer excitement overwhelms me more than the fear of pain.

PEOPLE!!!!! Do you understand that I am going to be a MOMMY...and I thought this day would NEVER come!!!

I am SO EXCITED!!!!!

Love,
Addison's Mother (Holly)

Addison's room!!!

2009-09-14T21:27:00.006-05:00

Addison's bedroom is almost all done!!! I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

Poor girl, won't have enough clothing!!! :)

We cannot wait for Addy to be able to use her new room!!!

More Pictures of Addison's Nursery

2009-08-08T18:38:00.000-05:00

So, I have been asked to post pictures as we do more things to the room. Well, last weekend, Jonathan, Greg my father-in-law and my dad all got busy on the paneling in Addison's nursery. To tell you the truth, I did not know how it would turn out...I just knew that in my head, it looked beautiful!!! So, the fabulous men went to work on Saturday and worked for 6 hours to complete the job. Here are the pictures of the finished work.

Don't mind the mess of the tools and the dirty carpet...the work is still in progress!!! I think they did a WONDERFUL job and they all worked so well together!!! Thanks Greg, Dad and my wonderful hubby for all the work you did in there!!! I hope you enjoyed your second sneak peek into Addison's nursery!!!

Holly

Movements!!!

2009-08-06T12:15:00.000-05:00

So, I have come to realize that Jonathan and I are going to have our hands full when Addy arrives. She moves A LOT except for when he wants to feel her move. I keep telling him that she is enamored with his voice and it soothes her, but I am beginning to think she is just stubborn. I mean, it is in her blood...Jonathan and I can be pretty stubborn.
I do have to say that feeling her move and kick is one of the things I look forward to most when I get up. She really starts going at about 10am and then throughout the day, off and on. However, when I get off of work and go home, she is awake for a good hour or so just kicking every which way she can. When looking at my stomach somtimes, I think "geez, this girl is going to bust out!" She calms down until about 10pm and then she goes to town again. I do not recall waking up feeling her kick during the night, but when I am supposed to wake up, around 7am, she is using my bladder as a punching bag. Mind you, I have already gone to the bathroom sometimes twice during the night.
I LOVE the thought of being a mother. I can only imagine how much fun we will have. I am not a girly girl, and I don't hink I will turn into one, but I could see Addy becoming one. Just look at her closet already! I look forward to our adventures as parents...although I know not all adventures will be ones we are going to be ready to take, but that's what it is all about!
Addison Ryanne Page, we love you more and more each day and we cannot wait to meet you and grow with you! You are a miracle and only God could have given us such a gift as wonderful as you!!! We look forward to seeing you and meeting you and getting to know you as a person and our daughter! Thank you Lord for entrusting Addison with us!!!
In Him,
Holly

The Nursery!!!

2009-07-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the progress on the nursery. It still needs a lot of work, but enjoy the pictures of the progress~~~

The closet door, there will be paneling on the bottom half of the room, that's why the paint is not all the way down.

The nursery window!!

The Beautiful crib awaiting the bedding!!!

There will be a matching upholstered chair next to the night stand. It matches the bedding! :)

Her very own dresser! The mirrors will go on the wall in front of the dresser.

View from the door to the closet

Look at the clothes!!! We haven't even had a shower yet!!!

Yes, look at her "shoes!!!"

Part of her name~~~still in progress!

We are So excited to get her room done!!! Can't wait to see her in it!!!

I hope you liked your sneak preview!!!

Holly

99 Days!!!

2009-07-28T14:23:00.001-05:00

That's right folks!!! I am now in the double digits!!! 99 more days until Jonathan and I get to meet our sweet little girl Addison Ryanne "Addy". It is amazing to think that even though right now, our lives have changed very little, except for the way I sleep, or lack there of, in just a few weeks (approximately 12-14, unless she is stubborn like her daddy(hehe)) we will have a little one in our arms. This is so amazing to me. To know that God has entrusted to us this little life to bring up and raise in the fear and admonition of the Lord, is simply breathtaking!!! I know all too well that I have no clue what lies ahead of me, but I am up for the challenge and the love and the spit up and the sleepless nights. I think some nights I might just lie awake and stare at her sleeping, just because I know she is going to be beautiful and perfect in my eyes. In the sonograms, I think she looks like me, but we shall see. There is nothing wrong with her looking like her handsome daddy!!! My prayer these days is for our health. Not only mine and Addy's but for Jonathan as well as he is taking on some heavy loads around the house. Things I either cannot lift or change (the cat litter), and it is year end at his job really soon. So, not only stress at home with finishing the nursery (pictures REALLY soon, I promise) but also at work.
I have another sonogram on August 12th. Because I am still monitored by my oncologist, my baby doctor labeled me "high risk." All that really means for me is that I get to see sweet Addy a lot more! Hey, I'll take every chance I can get to see her stretch, yawn, move and grow.
Time has flown by. I have been told that the last few months will drag, but I am in the seventh month, and I have A LOT still to do, so I am happy that I have time. But, she will be here before I know it!!! :)
My next post will be of the pictures of Addy's room and closet (clothes). Stay tuned!!!

Honest Scrap Award

2009-06-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

Honest Scrap Award!

My friend, Taylor at A Little Slice of Heaven..., gave me the Honest Scrap award! There are a couple of things you have to do when you get this award:~ You have to tell your readers ten things about you they may not know, but that are true.~ You have to tag 10 people with the award.~ Let all the people you've given the award to know that they've gotten it.~ Make sure you link back to the person who awarded it to you.

So Here it goes...

1. I absolutely despise folding laundry and putting it away. It is a necessary evil!!! I don't mind doing laundry, but I'd rather let the laundry fairy fold it...could we invent one of those???

2. I am the youngest of four kids...I was basically raised by 5 people because I am the youngest by seven years. I LOVE it though! My brothers and sister are the BEST!!! My parents are AMAZING!!!

3. My absolute favorite vehicle is a Dodge Ram and I definitely am jealous that my father is driving one right now.

4. I LOVE country music and I pride myself on knowing almost all the words to most of the songs that come on the radio...not snobby, just a good memory I guess.

5. At night I pray for every single one of my family members by name and their circumstances if I know them at the moment. I do not miss one...unless I fall asleep. Hey, what can I say, I have a HUGE family. Yes, that includes nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

6. When my husband is not at home due to traveling for work, I wake up no less than three times in the middle of the night.

7. I love romantic comedy movies. However, my husband does not like going to movies so they are few and far between...Maybe I need a girls night out...

8. I LOVE getting letters in the mail!!! I recently received a postcard from someone who I adore when she went to Florida and it truly made my day!!!

9. My husband leaves little notes or cards around the house when he leaves on a business trip and I get really giddy when I get home because I get to hunt for them.

10. I never knew how much I would enjoy saying that I have a little girl on the way. Because I have two older brothers and an older sister and we were born boy, girl, boy, girl, I thought I would want a boy first...however, now that I know I am having a little girl, I couldn't be any happier!!!

I am sure glad you know all of this now... :)

Tag you're it...

Chelsea at As of late...

Jessie at Connor's Song

Gail at Kegan and Ty Setliff

Nina at Life is Full of Little Treats

Courtney at Modest Mumblings of a Modern Mommy

Phillip at My Life...

Sarah at Pittsfest

I'm off to learn more lyrics to more songs!!!

It's A...

2009-06-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

GIRL!!!!!
That's right...I was totally off on my prediction. God decided to show off again! :) Just kidding! We are so VERY excited! We have a few names we are thinking and praying through, and we will post the name as soon as we know what it is. We headed to Frisco last night to return the boy bedding we bought. Now it is a frantic search for the perfect girl bedding. I wish I had a camera in the office yesterday when the sonographer wrote on the screen "hi mom and dad, I am your daughter." I started tearing up and Jonathan smiled from ear to ear. I don't think I have seen that many of his teeth in one smile. The sonographer said that it is definitely a girl though.
Well, that is all for now, I am off to prepare more for VBS. Pray for us!
Holly

It's going to be a long day!!!

2009-06-09T08:54:00.001-05:00

Well, today is the day we are supposed to find out whether this baby is a boy or girl!!! :) Our appointment is not until 3:30pm :( This is going to make one heck of a long day. I am pretty sure I am having a boy...however, I will be VERY happy with a little girl!!! I don't know why I think it is a boy...well I do, but nothing that would make sense to others really. But, hopefully if the baby cooperates, we will know no later than today.
On other news...VBS starts next Monday. I am getting pretty excited about it. Just small things are needing to be done, the big stuff is getting taken care of or is already taken care of. I have a wonderful team here at the church that know how to get the job done!!! I love working with this team in the Childhood Ministry area!!! Once VBS is over, I think I will be more enthusiastic about shopping for the baby. Not that I am not enthused about it right now...I just do not have time! Oh well!!! Not like the baby will be here tomorrow (Lord willing)!
Nothing else is really going on, however I will post when I do know if it is a boy or girl!!!

Things to pray for for the Page family:
Pray for wisdom with VBS
Pray that VBS goes smoothly!
Pray for the salvation of the kids who come to hear God's word
Pray for our workers and the preparation that still needs to be done
Pray for the health of the baby and the stress level of Mommy!

Love to all,
Holly

I Promise I Am Still Here!!!

2009-05-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I can tell McSkittlebump is making great strides in the growing department!!! I am very excited about this baby and to be able to tell he/she is growing is AMAZING!!! I go in June 9th and hopefully with a little cooperation from the baby, we can tell whether it is a boy or girl. Jonathan is busy around the house these next few weeks getting some last minute things done because I think he knows once we know the gender of the baby...that all I am going to want to do is work on the baby's room. We did make a bold move and bought the bedding for a boy. Hey, we had to, it was going to be discontinued. However, on June 9th, if the baby is a girl, we will be heading to Frisco to take it back. Not too much is going on these days, just working and living the life. We are definitely looking forward to a four day weekend this weekend. I know Jonathan is taking advantage of it to do some painting...however, since I am pregnant, I am not supposed to be in a closed room with the paint fumes. So I would imagine either he is going to kick me out of the house, or I will be in the living room/nook working on our baby book with the windows open sure to go in the rooms he is painting and give him a few pointers from time to time. Jonathan did take me shopping last friday to Motherhood Maternity and we bought some maternity clothes which happen to be some of the most comfortable clothes I have ever worn. They are pretty darn cute as well!
Well, not too much is happening here, I will be sure to post after we find out the gender, but I suspect you could hear from me sooner than that if I have some funny stories about our painting adventure!!! Have a WONDERFUL day!!!
Holly

McSkittlebump!!!

2009-03-16T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hello to all out there in the blog world!!! I have been waiting to post for several weeks now, and feel pretty good about sharing my happy news!!! Jonathan and I are expecting a baby!!! We are a little over 7 months away from the blessed event, but we are so THRILLED!!! We have known for over three weeks now, and have just been waiting until all our family knew before I posted on the blog. Well, yesterday, I believe everyone was informed of our pregnancy and we are so excited to share this time of our lives with our friends and family!!! We are due November 4th which is race weekend and the opening weekend of deer season, so I have put my race loving, hunting father and brothers in a pickle.
If you know me, you know that I had a BIG fear of not being able to conceive after cancer treatments. I have been praying for a LONG time about being able to conceive and for some reason, God chose to answer my request. Believe me, it did not take long after we started trying. If I remember correctly, my very first post on this blog (or second) will tell you the thoughts I had about becoming a mommy and my fears about it as well.
That is all I have for now, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MY BABY!!!
By the way, McSkittlebump is the baby's nickname.
Love to all,

2009-02-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

I don't know about other women's husbands, but I know I have the BEST one of the bunch!!! I'm sorry you guys didn't get him, but you'll just have to settle for what you got!!! (just kidding). He is always thinking of me and what I might like and what would make me happy. I knew he was a romantic when I married him...but to his day he still surprises me with his gifts or just the words he says!!! Yesterday, I received flowers from my husband as a congratulations on being cancer free for 4 years!!! All the ladies in my office are jealous! He is so good!!! I love you so much Jonathan!!!

The card reads: Congratulations on your 4 years!

Love, Jonathan

What were you doing on February 23, 2005???

2009-02-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

I know what I was doing...

It was a beautiful clear day and there were hardly any clouds in the sky, which was unusual in Houston. I had just finished classes for the day at Houston Baptist University and I was driving to work...about 30 minutes away.

It was a Wednesday and I was going to get ready for church that night. I was driving down highway 59 just north of Highway 99 and I received a phone call. It was my oncologist and I thought for a minute that he was going to tell me to come on in. you see I had a PET scan run two days before that and I was kind of worried that he would tell me that the cancer has not been affected by our aggressive treatments. I had spent time with the Lord that morning telling Him that whatever news may come, that I would rejoice and glorify His name. Well, here is EXACTLY how the conversation went with Dr. Popatia (from India...so there is a thick accent on the other end of the phone).

Dr. P: Holly???
Me: Yes???
Dr. P.: This is Amarali Popatia...
Me: Okay???
Dr. P.: Holly I was so excited, I couldn't wait to tell you the news...
Me: Okay???
Dr. P.: Holly, there is no more cancer in your body!!!
Me.: What???
Dr. P.: Holly!!!(yelling practically) There is no more cancer in you body!!!
Me.: You're kidding!!!
Dr. P.: No!!!
Me: You're kidding!!!
Dr. P.: Holly, No!
Me.: YOU'RE KIDDING ME!!!
Dr. P.: Holly!!! I AM NOT KIDDING!!! (HEAVY accent)
Me: (tearful and happy) Dr. Popatia...you have just made my day!!!
Dr.P.: Good...I am happy for you!
Me.: Thank you!!!
Dr.P: You are welcome...Good bye!
Me.: Bye!

I was so excited, I almost had to pull over. However, I kept on driving and I called my fiance (at the time) and my parents and my sister and my brothers. I then started calling friends. By this time I had made it to work and I was in tears and went and told my pastor who was elated and almost cried himself. That night I had my church family around me and knew that God had blessed me thoroughly. I do not know how an unchurched person could face those difficulties without the support, love and prayer from a church family.
Well, that night, Jonathan and my parents came into town to be with me for my second to last chemo treatment the next day. We ate at Gringo's Mexican Kitchen and then went home and had dessert. This is a day that will forever be in my memory and one of the top three best days of my life with number one being the day I asked Christ to be the Lord of my life and day two being my wedding day.

Today, I went to my oncologist to get the results from my bloodwork on Friday, and I exclaimed to her that this was the 4 year anniversary that I was told I was cancer free, and I told her the story. She laughed and without any hesitation, she told me with a thick Indian accent, "Holly, there is still no more cancer in your body!" (She is a true white woman, so it was pretty funny)

Jonathan, Mom, dad, Brandy, Charlie and Casey sorry I did not tell you that funny story earlier, but I just thought I would let you read about it with the rest of my "fans."

I hope you have a wonderfully blessed day!!!
Love,
Holly

Speaking Engagements!!!

2009-01-21T15:29:00.000-06:00

Hey there! It has been a while since my last post, but I just thought I would update you on all of the goings ons of the Page household. This past week, I was able to attend the Preschool and Children's Ministers retreat in Salado, TX which was a great time. I was able to see Ginger, one of my mentor's and former boss which was AWESOME!!! It was a great time of learning and a wonderful time to get to know other children's ministers and to know that they are going through some of the same things I am going through. I was able to stay a little longer than most due to the fact that Diane Lane, the children's and preschool coordinator over the whoel BGCT asked me to stay and learn how to lead a conference for them, so I did not get home until about 12am on Tuesday night. I got up and went to work on Wednesday seeing as how it would be my only day in at the office and I worked all day until 8:30pm because we had evening church as well. i woke up on Thursday and I was off to the airport to go to Glorietta, NM. I had never been there before, but I had a blast. Tarrant Baptist Association paid my way because I was going to train on how to lead a VBS conference for them. I met so many wonderful people and found my birthday twin (exact same day, just two hours apart...and she LOVES softball like me!!!) So, I got to see A LOT of snow and I was so excited about that!!! I learned all about VBS 09 and how Lifeway really does decide about the Bible studies and games and music. It was an eye opening experience, but one I would gladly go back to. I came back about noon on Saturday and Jonathan and I piddled around until we had to go to a birthday party at 3pm for one of his buddies from the corps. It was great to see all of them!!! We got up for church on Sunday and I led a Bible study for our preteens that evening and then we went to dinner with Mom and Dad which was wonderful because I had not seen either one of them for over a week!!!
It was a fun and fast week, and now I am looking forward to trying to catch up on my rest as well as school work!
Love to all!!!

Remember when...

2009-01-08T11:26:00.001-06:00

Remember when...

Life was a little slower?

Riding our bikes was ALL we HAD to do in the day?

You would sing as loud as you could in the shower (okay maybe that was just me)?

You would run, just because you wanted to be chased...not because you needed to lose weight?

You could eat whatever you wanted and no fear of seeing it expandyour body?

You would Laugh with your friends until your stomach hurt?

Playing Hide and go seek?

Christmas was about GETTING presents?

We could be care free?

But now...

Life is so fast

Riding our bikes is called exercise.

Singing as loud as you can is no longer, because all you want is some peace and quiet.

Just looking at food can increase your body size.

Laughing with your friends but fearing something may leak (sorry if that was offensive:))

Playing hide and go seek, but falling asleep while you are counting.

Christmas is about GIVING more than receiving (However, I do like this a lot more)

The frozen pecans (pros and cons - mom knows what I am saying) of growing up

Cons...

More responsibility, life does go by faster, no more carefree bike riding or running...it's now exercise, just plain getting older.

Pros...

Growing up is fun in some ways...more life experiences, smarter for some of us, old friends, new friends, driving (I still like that one). We add to our families, have jobs that most of us kind of like, make our own money, make our own rules. Your parents are still there for you.

I couldn't end on a sad note, so I had to put the pros last.

But, to further the interest of this post, I am putting a photo in here of me that definitely takes the cake and believe me, when I saw it last night, I laughed hysterically, but no fear, I am not THAT old to worry about leaking!!!

Thank you Brandy...You are dearly LOVED!!!

Who is this Man???

2008-12-30T14:04:00.001-06:00

While dancing our way through the Christmas season and ultimately through the New Year, I have been profoundly affected by the lack of knowledge that others have about Christ. So, here is my little description of Christ using few words but mostly pictures...

Christ is God. He is the humanity of God. He is the great I AM...

Christ is the Spring of Water that gives us...

Christ says...
Whoever Enters... Through the Gate... Will Be SAVED!!!

You see Christ died on the cross for you and for me. He died so that we may live eternally (have everlasting Life) and so that we could be forgiven. Without Christ, we would be nowhere. Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave the ultimate gift by giving His life when He could have just said "No, I won't do it!" But, God loved us so much He gave His only Son in order that we may live with Him FOREVER!!!

So, who is this man???

He is...

Our Savior!!!
(Do you see the cross?)

So, are we really entitled to all we have??? Do we deserve the nice cars, beautiful homes, XBOX, new boots, and so on??? The answer is no, we don't even come close to deserving what we have. Thank goodness, because what we deserve is far worse than we could even imagine. Because of Christ we do not get what we deserve. We deserve a life far away from God, but Christ paid our price and forgives us of our sins and we are able to see Jesus in Heaven if we just (A) admit that we are sinners. (B) Believe that Jesus is God's Son. And (C) Confess Jesus as our Savior and our Lord. This is not of good works. You cannot save yourself. However, if you know Christ, your good works will shine through. This is because of Christ and what He did on the cross.

My prayer for all of us today is that we will one day meet our maker and hear Him say these words..."Well done good and faithful servant."

P.S. Okay, so there were more words than I had thought.

CRAZY Weekend!!!

2008-12-16T15:50:00.000-06:00

Well, this weekend was a wonderful weekend. We had our family Christmas party at my brother Charlie's house. I forgot my camera though, so I might have to see if I can get some pics to upload on here for you guys to see. However, it was a fun filled afternoon at their house. wonderful time of family and friends! After that party, we all hurried to my house before my parents could get there for my Dad's surprise party. The family Christmas party was over at 6pm, but Jonathan and I left a little early to make sure we would be back in time for my dad's friends and family to show up. Dad and Mom got there at about 7:30pm and we had baout 65 people on my driveway waiting for him to get there. He was sure surprised!!! We got him so good. Here are a few pictures from the party!

After all was said and done, we had a wonderful turn out and a wonderful day with friends and family. I am so glad Dad did not know anything about his party...he was SO SURPRISED!!!

On Sunday, we decided to take some fun pictures of our puppies and kitty cat because we just do not have nearly enough already...yea right;)

What can I say...they are the highlight of our lives...for now!!!

Love Always,

Jingle Bell Run

2008-12-06T22:04:00.000-06:00

Well, it is a little after 10pm and we finished the Jingle bell run this afternoon. It was a lot of fun! It benefitted the arthiritus foundation and there were a lot of arthiritus sufferers out there in wheelchairs or people were running in honor of them. It was a blessing to see!

Jonathan and I did a mixture of running and walking and with 3.1 miles, we did it in 47 minutes. This is a bad time if you are an avid runner, but for Jonathan and I we were comfortable with it. Here are a few pictures of us before the run and after as well as the Christmas tree that lights up downtown. ENJOY!!!

Jingle Bell Run!!!

2008-12-02T09:28:00.000-06:00

Well, this Saturday in the Jingle Bell run and Jonathan and I are participating in it. Jonathan could run the whole thing, me on the other hand, I might have to walk some. However, I am very excited that we are signed up and following through with it. Festivities start at 2:30 at Sundance Square in Ft. Worth, but the run/walk is not until 5pm. So it might be a little chilly, oh well! Pray for us and our friends that have signed up with us. It is our first fun run/walk, but I have a feeling it will not be the last. I would love to join the leukemia and lymphoma society and do their fun run/walk.

I hope you all have a BLESSED day!

Holly

A Little Late

2008-12-02T09:06:00.001-06:00

Well, as we all know, Thanksgiving has come and gone! However, I would like to post a few things I am thankful for. My top 10 if you will:

10. I am thankful for a home to live in.

9. I am thankful for a vehicle to drive (a new one at that :))

8. I am thankful for a job that provides for my necessities and then some.

7. I am thankful for my continued health.

6. I am thankful for my pets who give me laughs and joy everyday (yes, even Toby! ha ha! on the right).

Gracie, Zoe, Toby

5. I am thankful for my schooling

4. I am thankful for all of my loving friends and those that aren't so loving (he he!)

3. I am thankful for my family who has stood beside me in everything I have done and being there when things didn't go so well. I love you guys and you truly are a gift from God. You will never know how much I truly cherish your love, friendship and devotion in my life.

2. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who also has stood by me when life gave us lemons. We have survived A LOT together and without you by my side and holding my hand, I do not know that I would have seen the light on the other side. You are an inspiration and a motivation for me and I LOVE YOU!!!

1. Most of all I am thankful for God. He has given me life, He died so that I could live and He deserves my ALL. He has been there in my most dark and trying times and brought me through them all. He gave me my family, friends and my husband to show me His true love and strength. He knows everything about me and for that I am TRULY THANKFUL!!! Thank you God for Dieing on the cross for my sins and rising on the third day to show me that I can have life through you if I just believe and confess. You are my ALL IN ALL!!!

As Christmas is approaching, I would like to challenge you to remember what the Christmas time is all about. Remember to be thankful and humbled that Christ came and died for YOU. God gave up His only Son so that in Him, we could live eternally. YOU are the reason that Jesus was born!!!

God bless and have a wonderful December!!!

In Him,

Holly

Test Results!!!

2008-11-19T13:35:00.000-06:00

Well fans...just so you know, all of my test results came back clear!!! I'm still cancer free!!! We serve an AMAZING God! He is So GOOD!!!
Thanks for all of your prayers!
In Him,
Holly
P.S. now I am off to work and to write two papers for two classes! Pray about that one now! :)

Can Insurance Play Doctor???

2008-11-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

Well...my secondary insurance is playing doctor again. Last week they had rescheduled my PET scan from Friday to Tuesday (today) because they wanted to see the results of my CT scan before they approved my PET scan. Well, I got the call last night that my insurance did not approve the PET for me to do today. I am not too sure how to read in to this, so I am trying as hard as I can not to. So, I will still be going tomorrow morning for the results of my blood work, CT scan and mammogram. Hopefully my oncologist will tell me what to do next. Whether or not we will reschedule the PET and try again, or just not do it. We'll see, but continue to pray! I know God is in control, I just need to not be so stressed or worried.
Love to all,
Holly

We signed up!!!

2008-11-12T17:36:00.000-06:00

Yes, Jonathan and I signed up for a 5k run. It is Saturday December 6th in Downtown Ft. Worth. It benefits the arthritis foundation and we will be wearing reindeer's and jingle bells on our shoes. Well, at least I will be doing that, not too sure that we can get Jonathan to do that:)! We are well on our way to losing the weight we wanted by January 1st, and are very happy about it. It is supposed to get somewhat cold this weekend and I am so excited about that as well.
Also, on another note, today marks the 4 year anniversary since I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and I am proud to say that I am a survivor!!! I went today for blood work and I go tomorrow for my CT scan and Friday for my PET scan and a mammogram. FUN huh?!?!? All this testing, and I get no present in the end...well, if I am still clear, I guess you could say I get to keep my health.:) I went for blood work today, and no lie, I usually go in there and they have to stick me like 6 times before they find my (deep) vein. Well, I went in today and they found it on the first try YEAH!!!!!!!!!. However, I had to request the nurse that pokes the chemo patients because she has been the only one out of four phlebotomists(blood suckers, I like to call them) that can find my vein. Besides that she talks to me and makes me forget what she is doing, until I laugh and it jiggles the needle...oh well. Enough about that, but I would like for you to pray for me in the coming week. I do not get any results from all of my tests until Wednesday, and I do get SEVERELY nervous. I may not show it, but I get jittery and I can't think about anything else the whole week. Such is life every six months...besides all that, what do I have to fear, GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! He knows me and knows the desires of my heart and He is the ULTIMATE PHYSICIAN. But, I am still human and I need to get over my nervousness.

On another note, Jonathan and I are going to the A&M game in Waco when they play Baylor this Saturday! I am VERY excited about that, so for at least three hours, I will think of something other than test results. Gotta love those AGGIES!!!

I hope you all have a GREAT week and God Bless!!!

In Him,
Holly

Who's your Leader?

2008-11-04T16:50:00.000-06:00

So, with the day of election at hand, I thought I would give my two cents as well. I must start off with saying that I am a McCain/Palin supporter. I am a republican. However, I have heard many people very distraught over the fact that Obama might win the campaign. As much as I might not like it or believe he is the wrong choice, I must say that I am at peace with it BECAUSE, I know that God is still on His throne. The Bible tells us to be submissive to our leaders and government officials because God knows who they are and what there heart is all about. God is in control. Nothing has happened that He was surprised by. He did not wake up one day and say "whoops, I didn't mean to do that." No, God is sovereign and He knows what we need and when we need it. I am not saying that Obama is right for our country, don't hear me saying that at all! What I am saying is that God is right for our country and He has our best at heart.
Now, just so I am clear, this is not an Obama endorsement at all, I did not vote for him, nor would I vote democrat due to my Biblical foundation on the issues of abortion and gay marriage as well as my overall moral values.
Saying all of this...If you have not voted...GET OUT AND VOTE!!! Stand for your beliefs, even if they do not align with mine, let your voice be heard!
God Bless, and God Bless America!

Father, I pray for our next president, I pray that He would fear you and do the things you would have him do. Allow our country to come together during these times of crisis. Let Your light shine through us so that those that don't know you, but know us, will come to know You because they know us. AMEN!
Holly

It's OVER!!! YEAH!!!

2008-10-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

Well...I am sorry I have not written sooner. I have been preoccupied with school and projects and this little thing called the Fall Festival at church. The Fall Festival was last night and we had approximately 1200 people there within 2 hours. It was crazy but oh so fun!!!
Jonathan is in Baltimore right now (he missed the Fall Festival fun) looking out at the wonderful and beautiful bay...I'm jealous. But, he is stuck in a conference during the day, and only gets out at night, so I'm not too jealous.
I love fall time. I absolutely don't like Halloween, but the fall, I love. I love the colors of the trees (not in Texas though). I also love the weather. By the way, Jonathan is freezing to death right now and last night it was a wonderful 65 degrees for our Fall Festival :P This weather means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming which is a wonderful time of year. I turn 27 this year, however, I do not feel bad about getting older, but ask me in three years when I turn 30.
Not too much exciting has happened. I am grateful for keeping up with my school work, tax class and a full time job on top of that being a wife, daughter, sister and friend. It is tiring, but enjoyable. Just 3 more weeks of the tax class and 5 more weeks of school and I will be done until mid January...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. After this semester I will be half way done with my master's degree WOOHOO!!!
Well, like I said, not too much new going on, but just thought I should update the blog!
Next time I will post some intriguing, life inspiring, thought provoking subjects...until then...

Love,
Holly

ORLANDO... Here I come!!!

2008-10-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I am sorry I have not blogged in a week, but not too much going on these days. Jonathan and I are still walking, and I am finding some muscles that have been dormant for a while. But, we are having fun. I am able to go to Orlando tomorrow through Thursday, so I am pretty excited to have some East coast time. Jonathan will have to walk/run on his own for a week, but I am going to be running in Disney Land. Well, next to it anyway. I'm excited, but nervous, I have NEVER flown by myself, and I really don't want to, but I guess I can since I am not paying for the trip. :) Pray for us this week as we embark on running. I am definitely NOT a runner, but if I want to do the race in December, I have to get used to it sometime. Our weight loss journey is still going smoothly. However, I am not telling (on my blog) how much I have lost until I get to about where I want to be...hopefully by Christmas! We'll see.

Jonathan and I also have another prayer request. We are more than likely going to go to Spain in March for a mission trip with our church. We are in need of prayer because we are not too sure how we are going to pay for it, we just know we are supposed to go. This is a HUGE leap of faith for us, but we are excited about the journey.

Until next time...

This is really MY family???

2008-10-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, Jonathan and I got up early and drove to Cleburne with my mother to watch my nephew Justin's soccer game and J.C's football game. They did a wonderful job and played their hardest. I was so happy to be out in the wonderful weather with my family watching the boys play. I got a bit of sun and almost blew away, but it was fun!
Dad met us at the football game and after the games we went back to Charlie's house and saw their puppy, an english bulldog named Clyde. He is adorable and HUGE!!! After that we told everybody goodbye and snuck over to one of their friends houses for a surprise birthday party for Charity, Charlie's fiance. Needless to say, she wasn't very surprised about the party, apparently Charlie cannot keep a secret so well. However, my sister Brandy and her husband Keary and their kids Kaitlyn and Riley came and so did my brother Casey. My Aunt Caryn and my grandmother showed up as well. If you remember in a recent post I told of how I LOVED getting together with my family. Well...this weekend did not disappoint at all.
First of all, our family's speaking volume is about 20 decibles higher than any normal person. Secondly, we love to make fun of one another. I was told my blogs were too long, but at least I now know they are reading them or at least attempting to read them; Casey and Charlie! Apparently my brother has come up with a great idea about his coming wedding to Charity. They have yet to set a date, however, he would like to go to Vegas and be married by Elvis wearing a blue 70's suit with the ruffles. Could this really be MY brother?
I never new of his fantasy wedding and apparently neither did anybody else until Charity e-mailed us all for some help on what to do with Charlie. Well, I think we took care of that for them. Now, they are going to do whatever Charity wants. Charlie has been relieved of all planning duties!!!
Well, at least our topic of conversation did not go to the norm, "how many squares of toilet paper you should use before you are titled too greedy." I know, my family is very weird, however, I love every one of them and wouldn't change any of them.
Until next time...

Tired

2008-10-02T08:37:00.001-05:00

Well...getting up at 5AM is tougher than expected. However, I do like the way I feel for most of the day after I get over the sleepiness. We have walked for 4 days straight this week and the new shoes definitely work better than the old ones. I'm a little sore, but not too bad. We'll see how I bowl tomorrow and if my soreness kicks in there or not.

Weekend plans consist of going to Cleburne to watch my nephews play some ball...basically I become a cheerleader when I watch them play. It is a lot of fun! I haven't seen my brother and his fiance and family in a while... so I am pretty excited.

Not much else is going on and at this time...my brain is unable to function. So, I am going to make my other brother Casey happy and write a short blog.

Tata for now!!!

Love you Casey!

Just a little quirky...

2008-09-26T19:10:00.000-05:00

Alright guys, here is 7 interesting facts about myself...as if you already did not know...but for some, this may be terrifying :)

1. If I am doing a task, I have to fully complete it before I start another. I also do this with my food. I have to finish one side before I start another. This does not help too much when it comes to homework though.

2. When driving, I like to sing at the top of my mungs with the windows down and definitely making some funny faces...I guess you could call me a driving comic.

3. I love to play softball. I played for 15 years growing up and I still love playing.

4. I am a huge football junkie. Especially Aggies and Cowboys. Not that I know all the facts, but I love watching both of them.

5. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new 2009 Dodge Ram. I plan on getting one one day, but I am thoroughly in love with it. So much so I probably google about it 3 times a day to see if there is any new pictures or videos about it. I have to add, I usually search during my lunvh break or when I am home. :)

6. I love a good chick flick and a comfy blanket and couch on Friday night at about 10:30pm.

7. Some people do not like to hang out with their families, however, I have two brothers and a sister and I love every moment when we get together with our parents. We have A LOT of fun!!!

Tag you're it!

http://keganardell.blogspot.com/

http://karsyncaroline.blogspot.com/

http://mommywilcox.wordpress.com/

http://mattandsarahpitts.blogspot.com/

http://themosleyfamily.blogspot.com/

http://calvarywomen.blogspot.com/

http://thelauralounge.blogspot.com/

Just walkin'

2008-09-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

So, Jonathan and I decided last night to start walking along with our diet program. So, we set our alarm clock for 5:00am and I was so pumped last night going to bed knowing that this could only speed up our weight loss. So I slept pretty good until the alarm at 5AM!!! I woke up, totally not ready to go walking and just about to say, no let's go back to sleep when Jonathan starts shaking me and telling me to get up. So I rolled out of bed...literally... and got ready. We were outside walking by 5:08. I was pretty awake and ready to walk until we ran into about three yards with their sprinklers on. Yes, we got wet. But we walked on. We made it back by 5:30 and I decided I would do some dishes from his morning coffee and make us breakfast. Diet meals of course. I then watched some news and then got in the shower after he got out. I was in the car by 7:15 and made it to work by 7:30. This is a pretty big feat considering I normally have a very hard time waking up at 7am on a normal day.
So, I guess you can call us walkers now. We are going to a running store this weekend to get shoes to fit our feet and walking style. We are actually taking this walking thing pretty seriously. We hope to build up to running and eventually, if everything goes as planned, run in the Jingle Bell run in Sundance Square in Ft. Worth on December 6th. It is to benefit the arthritis foundation. We would also like to get in somewhat good of shape to walk/run in the Leukemia and Lymphoma society walk/run in November in Frisco. We'll see about that one though.
So, please pray for us as we are doing something that I have yet dare to do in my adult life and that is exercise on a REGULAR basis. I would love to join a softball team or do something a little more active once I get done with this busy semester. Jonathan is pretty good at keeping active as he does all of the lawn work and planting stuff. I just do not like doing that type of stuff...however, I don't mind watching him do it!:)
Jonathan left for Kentucky today and so I am by myself for walking tomorrow. I will go bowling with my mother...in place of my sister for their Friday morning bowling league and then come home and walk. I know I will probably need the prayers to make sure I stay motivated to do this. Also, our dog Zoe, our Goldendoodle, does not like the leash at all. Once you put it on her, she falls over and acts like you've just spamked her or something...maybe she's playing dead, I don't know. So pray that she will become at peace with the leash and we can start taking her and Toby with us. That would be fun!!!
Until next post...Happy walking!!!

Control

2008-09-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

You know, sometimes I know it is hard to keep my cool and keep myself under control. However, when it comes to the workplace or out in public, somehow God grants me the wisdom and know how to keep it under control. I have witnessed, that for some people that is a little hard. Sometimes people can fly off the handle before they know all of the facts and then regret it after they come to know all of the facts. I feel for people like this as I know that I do that as well in certain circumstances. When I do not have enough sleep, or I am not feeling too well, I know what conversations, or people I need to avoid to stay in tact. I had not come across a verse that speaks to me in a way that calms me down during these rough, days when I am at my wits end however, I would take some verses out of context and use them to suit my needs. This morning, during my quiet time, God revealed to me a passage that I never looked at in this context, talking about keeping my cool and how to listen. This is how I know God is hearing my heart when it is needing some guidance and insight. It is the first verses of Proverbs.

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance- for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."Proverbs 1:1-7.

It is quite an awesome feeling when you know God is speaking right to you. Now I know how to handle a situation in which I feel like all hope is lost and I am just going to explode. I will commit myself to memorizing these verses and remember that a listening ear is a learning ear. I vow to not take things at face value until I understand all of the ins and outs of the situation.

I am not blogging about this because I went out of control and I need to apologize to somebody, just the opposite, it is because I wanted to know what the Bible said about people getting to that point as I sometimes feel I could get there rather quickly.

What are your thoughts on people getting to the point of self explosion? Do you think God is speaking to this situation with these verses, or is it just that God is telling people to listen to His instructions? If you read on it tells you what will happen if you do not adhere to His teachings, but in Chapter 2, He talks about what happens if you look for wisdom. I don't know, maybe I am taking these verses out of context, but then again, God works through His words and I believe He gave me these verses to comfort me when I do go into a "mood" like that.

Amazing

2008-09-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

It amazes me how some people believe they are above the law of God. Tonight during our evening service, our pastor spoke about the 10 commandments and he showed a clip of a man using "The Way of the Master" witnessing tool. This guy on the clip did not think that God was so black and white. He could not see or even fathom that God would judge him on the little white lies he told, or looking at another woman lustfully or even stealing something when he was younger. It only makes sense that if God created the law, He must judge them by it. This guy thought that God would have sympathy for him and allow him "through" so to speak. So the interviewer asked him if a robber or thief took the stand against a judge and the evidence was mounted against him and everyone saw him steal and he admitted to it, would the judge just let him go? NO!!! God is the same way, every sin we commit must be punished and therefore God had to send His son to pay the price for our sins so that those who believe can be saved. I can picture it now. God says..."Holly Page" I would say, "Sir" "Did you commit these sins against me?" "Yes sir I am guilty as charged" (crying I might add). Just then, Jesus walks in and says, "Father, I have paid the price for her sins and she is clean before you today." God would then say. "Holy Page, please come I have been preparing a place for you." I would walk through His pearly gates and worship Him for all eternity.

It amazes me that all we are asked is to believe in Jesus and that He died for our sins. Sins that could not be paid for other than the atoning sacrifice, pure sacrifice. All I have to do is Confess my sins and believe with all my heart and Jesus writes my name in the book of life. AMAZING!!!

Back to this guy, even after he admitted to his many sins, he did not see a need for God, he had created His own image of God, which by the way is the second commandment..."do not bare any graven images of me. (God) I thought that was funny, because right in the conversation after admitting to breaking three of the ten laws, He breaks another saying that the God that he serves is not jealous and will not judge him for these things (a graven image=thought or picture of a god that is not the God of the Bible).

People, I am here to tell you that God is a jealous God and He loves you with all of His heart. He wants to be with you for eternity. He has given everything...His only son in order that we may have life more abundantly and free in heaven with Him for eternity.

I pray that if you do not know Him, that you would seek out a minister, or a Christian that you know would guide you to Him. If you do not know anyone like that, please open you Bible and read the book of John and then Ephesians. Study His word!!!

Please do not conform to this world...study the word for yourself and come to know the saing knowledge of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. Come to know the One True God!!!

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
In Him,
Holly

Lessons in marriage

2008-09-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

I know I have not been married as long as some of the people reading this, but I have to say that I have learned a lot since Jonathan and I got married. Like, just as I am sitting here writting this, Jonathan is rubbing in my face the fact that he got something right and I got it wrong. Well, other than the fact that you have to make them think they are smarter than you are, I have learned a few other things. I learned that it really is tough to go to bed and wake up next to the same person every night. Who knew that when you go to bed next to a handsome, breath smells good, man, you wake up to a guy who's breath smells as if the dump truck emptied it's content in his mouth, :) (hehe) and his chin is very scratchy. I have learned that in order to get what I want, I have to make him think he thought of it or somehow it benefits him. He constantly asks me if he looks hot which I guess is good because he wants to take care of himself. I guess I could stroke his ego a little bit more. He likes to argue for the sake of arguing, but then again, so do I. He has some of the most annoying habits. However, I learned how incredibly caring he is. He will help clean the house and do the dishes and do the laundry without me having to even ask him. He takes incredibly good care of our lawn and it always looks the best on the street. He loves me without a shadow of a doubt. I know I am not exactly the easiest person to live with, but he puts up with me everyday. He is there for my highest highs and my lowest lows. He sees me when I am angry, when I am sad, and when I am in the best mood in the world. He loves me just for being me, and I love that about him. I love that he is so incredibly smart. He can light the room up with just his smile. When he looks at me I know he sees me, he is not looking beyond me or judging me. He means more to me than anything in this world and I am so glad that God brought him into my life.
So, Jonathan, if you are reading this, I love you with all of my heart and I am so thrilled that you are my husband. I love walking this highway called life with you. You have grown so much spiritually and emotionally. I love watching you work and play. You are an amazing man of God and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. You are my one and only and I love you so much!
Love,
Holly

Fears

2008-09-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

Fears are a funny thing. They can change monthly, weekly or even daily. There are many things to fear in this world like snakes, spiders, well for me, amphibians of any kind. However, there are also daily fears that do not seem to consume our daily minds, but are still there such as "Will I make it to work?" or "Did my husband make it to work?" I guess you could actually call these things worries, but for this post, we will call them fears since that is the title. Personally, fears for me may be a little different than most. I fear that I will not be able to have kids, I fear that my cancer may some day come back, or that due to having cancer, I may not live as long. Fear, sometimes can be a crippling thing. I can find myself having doubts about having kids because I may not be around, or that I don't want to try because I fear failure and not being able to give my husband a child.
However, whatever fears I may have, God tells me not to fear. Isaiah 41:10 says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Proverbs 29:25 says "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." These two verses tell me that I should not fear the things of this world. There is one thing and only one thing that I should fear and that is God. This brings me to my life verse of 1 Samuel 12:24 which says "Fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully for consider what great things He has done for you." As most of you know, I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago this November 12th and ever since then I have held tightly to this verse. God has given me the gift that some do not have and that is a testimony that can help others and bring them closer to Him. If I had to suffer for a while in order for others to come to know Him, I can definitely say to God thank you for using me. In my worldly mind, I know I would've rather not gone through the pain, treatments and hair loss, but who knows how God has used this illness to bring others to Him. This verse in 1 Samuel also serves me today in that it tells me to serve God no matter what I may be going through because ultimately He gets all of the glory.
So, when Jonathan and I decide to step into another phase of our lives as far as children are concerned, I would like to say that I only fear God, but that is something God is working on with me because I cannot seem to give up these thoughts of failure. so whoever may be reading this, I ask for prayer.
Well, as far as health is concerned, I just received a clean bill of health this past August. Everything is still clear and running smoothly. I go back in November for a PET scan and full blood work. I love my oncologist in Southlake. She is a great Christian lady and I feel as though she would tell me the truth and not just what I want to hear. She really is a very personable person.
Well, now that I am done rambling and spilling my fears, I do have to say that I am grateful for this blog and the opportunity to let out some thoughts and things weighing on my heart. I am sure you guys now know more than you wanted to but thank you for reading:)

In Him,
Holly

Our First Page

2008-09-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!!! Welcome to our blog! We decided to enter the new phase of communication with a blog page and without a doubt, this will prove to be a challenge to update regularly and probably something I could get addicted to just like Facebook. These pages will soon fill up with posts from both Jonathan and I but before we get started, I would like to give you all a little update as to what has been happening for the past three years. Yes, that is correct, Jonathan and I have been married for three years as of August 20th. We have moved from Abilene to Haslet which is in North Fort Worth and are loving living back in the metroplex. Jonathan is a contracting manager for FAA which has brought him a lot of happiness, success and busyness over the past four months that he has been there. He loves the people he works with and the hours. The best part is that his job is only a 7 mile commute. Jonathan is also the director of our Sunday school class at church and does a wonderful job of directing and planning events. Holly is working at First Baptist Keller as the Children's Minister and is learning and growing each day as she seeks the Lord's guidance. She is also working on her master's in Childhood Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. We have a cat named Gracie and two dogs. Zoe is a goldendoodle (golden retriever and poodle mix) and she is about 7 months old and Toby, our dachshund is 9 months old. Life is a lot of fun but yet, it seems so busy. That is all I have for now, but stay tuned to the next page!!! :)