~ The McCall Family ~

The Latest, Long Overdue

2008-11-15T16:09:00.004-05:00

I'm attempting a new post! Wow! Is it actually happening?

Yes!

We've been busy to say the least. Not so busy that I couldn't have posted something, just have a ton of other things I'm spending my free time doing ('free time' has a whole new meaning to be now). Truett is a busy, 7 1/2 month old boy! He is playing on the floor a lot, on the verge of crawling. At first I was encouraging it, trying to help him learn to get up on his knees. Then I realized that would change my life forever --- I would be chasing him around the house trying to keep him out of things. So, he's on his own now :) (but it won't be long - just today he 'crawled' over to a basket and tried to get in it). He is full of joy and such a delight! He giggles a lot and it brightens my day. We've also been busy with family and friends. I had a couple of visits with my dear friend, Robyn and her little one Hannah (who is already 1!!!). We've had alot of Artie's family in and out of town too. We're hosting Thanksgiving this year, so now I'm busy with those details - which I thoroughly enjoy, I might add.

My post is short, but a post none the less.

Here are some photos to catch you up.

A Passionate One

2008-07-23T19:42:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was rocking Truett thinking about his little characteristics that have started to unfold before my very eyes. All the sudden, the pieces fit together ... Truett is a passion little thing! Everything he does, he does it with all his strength and with alot of heart. When he plays, he plays hard ... bobbing his head while on tummy time, trying to talk (which sounds more like squeeling), and trying to move toward a toy on the floor all at the same time. When we stand him up in our laps (which is his favorite way to posture himself) he digs his feet in, holds his head up proud, throws his arms open wide and squeels until it makes him laugh. When we give him a bath, he stares with intent at the running water and tries to reach it and taste it too. And unfortunately, when he gets mad he is passionate about that too. He stiffens his legs, pulls his eyes tightly shut and makes this cute frustrated sound. What comes with being the mother of a passionate child? Multiple prayers for wisdom in how to channel this passion toward Christ. What a great challenge to have?!

He's a precious one! He gives smiles away pretty freely. Just today I had to run some errands and everywhere I went he just smiled at everyone he saw.

It's starting to get really fun now. He likes to lay and play for awhile, I'm learning how to get out more and more, and he sleeping through the night!!! I think I had totally forgotten how good it feels to get a full night's sleep! We're approaching the time when I can start feeding him food, I'm very excited about that. I'm reading up on it as the time is quickly approaching.

So - that's my update. I know I'm due to post some of our wonderful NC vacation photos. I will do that soon. Thanks for keeping up with us. God Bless!

Lullaby

2008-07-02T17:22:00.003-04:00

Truett loves music! Have I mentioned that? I guess he would, given that I spend my first seven months of pregnancy on a stage twice a week singing in front of a drum set. Plus all the coorporate gatherings of God's people in singing that I participate in. Music just seems to calm him. I guess because it takes him back to the safety of being in the womb. He's been in the world only 4 months now and he was in the womb for 9. I don't blame him. We have a sweet time of worship together everyday. He just lights up with a smile when I sing to him. It's the dearest thing in the world. Here is his lullaby that he requests frequently, which is a prayer of mine for him...

You're a little piece of Heaven
You're a tiny ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
If there's one thing I could tell you
It's no matter what you do...

Hold to Jesus
He's holding onto you

The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty is on the outside
And being good is a losing fight
Hold to what I tell you
For the world will make you choose

Hold to Jesus
He's holding onto you

Hold onto Jesus
And cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don't lose sight of His goodness
And don't ever doubt this truth
When you hold onto Jesus
He's holding onto you

Here me dear Jesus

Rock this little one to sleep

Keep him close when he's scared

Give him grace when he's weak

I know he'll stumble

But I know he'll make it through

If you hold onto him

Just like You said you'd do

Hold him, Jesus

So he'll hold on tight...to You

"Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus."

~Philippians 3:12~

3 Months Old

2008-06-05T08:52:00.002-04:00

How does this happen so fast? Truett is almost 12 weeks old. It's hard to believe that much time has passed. Though some times I feel like he's always been a part of our lives. I can't imagine life without him now?! What did we used to do all day?

Truett is growing so much. He weighed almost 13 pounds at his 2 month well visit! He is really holding his head up while holding him, and while laying on his tummy too. It's so funny, he gets very serious while trying to balance his head with arms stiffed out and legs squarely in line. It's adorable! He is really cooing, gurggling, and "singing." He smiles SO big (especially when we greet him after he wakes up). He is reaching for things and laughing at his toys. He is actually majorly teething right now! The doctor said he has two top and two bottom teeth coming in. This early? My mother said that I was an early teether. O well, I guess let's just get this over with, right? He's not taking it too terribly (yet?!).

He is the love of my life. I am enjoying my call to raise this little boy. I'm taking advice by really just enjoying the time I have with him right now. I'm not in a hurry to get busy, I'm just enjoying having a new baby! Because before I know it, he's going to want to get down and play.

Just a few of the names I call Truett: Butter Bean, Pumpkin Pie, Sugar Beet, Buster Brown, Love Bug, Buddy Boy, and Momma's Baby. Artie calls Truett: BOY (it's so cute!). My mother (or Ma-Dea) calls Truett: Mister Buster (she says it in this little voice she uses, it's so funny, Truett lights up when she calls him). My sister Charlotte calls Truett: Twooit (like Elmer Fud..."We're hunting wabbits"). My niece calls him: Baby Truett. My Dad calls him: T.Lee (for his middle name). And some of the kids at church call him: Tru Dog. Needless to say, he's got a few nicknames.

He enjoys rocking, singing, taking a bath, music, going on walks, swinging, being outside, his paci, and being with Mommy and Daddy (and others that love him). We stay pretty busy. It's amazing how fast the day goes. Before I know it, it's almost time for Artie to come home and to get dinner going.

We going on our family vacation this summer to North Carolina. Can't wait! There's a ton of us going. We're staying in my mom's cottage and then will visit Artie's mom too. I'm looking forward to being outside without this horrible heat, getting fresh air, and just enjoying the blissful beauty of outdoor NC. We'll have lots to post about when we return.

Sweet & Funny Moments...

2008-05-08T15:22:00.005-04:00

Okay, I have had several "posts" on my mind, just not really finding the time to post them. I have some sweet things that happen and I always hope to get it on a post. Then I have funny things happy and I always think, "this would be funny to tell." The trouble with doing it, you ask? Well, Truett's afternoon nap (which isn't totally consistant in time nor duration yet) is the only time I can think to do it (because at night I'm usually too fried to even have much of an adult conversation with Artie, unless I've had a nap ... which means I didn't post during the day -- get that? --). And the computer is located right next to him at the moment. So, I'm still working on that. But, the good news is, I'm finding a minute to do it now (at the forsaking of a nap and getting my own rest).

Truett is doing great! I caught up on my reading yesterday of where he "should be" developmentally and it amazed me to realize that he has been ahead of 'schedule' (who writes this stuff anyway?) all along -- so far. He has been smiling for a couple weeks now ... especially at me and Artie. It steals our hearts! He is holding his head up quite a bit and loves to look around, especially at the reflection of light (which Charlotte says is an attribute of an artist!). He can hold his head up while laying on his tummy. And lately, he has really started to coo and talk. It's so funny when he tries to "talk" to me or smile at me while he's nursing. Milk comes out everywhere and he just stares at me with a big smile and gurgles his lunch. So cute! It makes me laugh everytime. I am getting back into a little bit of "norm". I'm getting a walk everyday (which is the only way he'll take a long morning nap at this point). I'm back in church (though Wednesdays are hard, still working on those). I'm LOVING being a mother to the dearest little boy and the wife of the sweetest man on the planet. I LOVE my husband more than ever and I am head over heals in love with my son. Life is good! (It's hard work and tiring, but it's wonderful.)

Funny Moments...

1. I was trying to get my hair and makeup done for church one Sunday, and Truett just wanted to be held. So I put him in a baby sling with my bra and underwear on and stood in front of the mirror bouncing Truett, doing my hair and trying not to drop any makeup on him while applying it. :) Classic mother moment, huh?

2. So, going green, I walked to the postoffice from our house to buy some stamps. I grabbed my checkbook and Truett's paci and headed out the door. When purchasing them, I wrote my check and gladly handed it over - proud of my "killing two birds with one stone" kind-of day and the lady said, "How great that you walked, now I just need your Drivers Liscense." "WHAT?" I didn't have it! So, needless to say, I returned home without any stamps.

Sweet Moments...

(How to choose?)

1. Everytime I nurse, it's a sweet moment. I love the bond that Truett and I have together. He just stares at me, I love his big brown eyes staring at me.

2. One time, I couldn't get him to go to sleep. I was trying EVERYTHING. Finally, I just did what came natural ... I cuddled him close in my arms, swayed back and forth and sang praise songs right into his ear. He went right to sleep! (He LOVES music ... I have to keep a CD going in room while he naps. This shouldn't surprise me, I prayed non-stop when he was in the womb that God's praises would be written on his heart.)

3. The first time and every time he smiles at me!

4. Truett and I's prayer time together. We spend time praying out loud in the mornings. We pray for Daddy, for STF, for family, for our home, for friends, for his future wife and friends, etc.

4. When Artie gets home from work, he comes in and says, "Where are my babies?" and he gives both of us a kiss and tells us he's glad to be home (this makes my day!).

5. Before Artie and I go to bed, we go into Truett's room to do our final 'check on him' (yes, we still check on him every now and then), and we both just look at him and then look at each other and smile so big, then we pray for him when we say our nightly prayers together.

I could go on and on ...

I LOVE our little family and am proud to be the mother of this sweet little boy.

Thanks for keeping up with us. Email me! LelaMcCall@verizon.net

Here are some photos to keep you coming back...

One Month Old

2008-04-24T10:01:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

Things are going great with Truett. He is growing, growing, growing!!! I went to a friends' house yesterday to meet up with her and her one week old baby for a stroll and it was so amazing to see Truett bigger than another baby (it was my first time seeing that). My, they grow fast!

He is such a sweet baby. He has a very sweet and content temperment. Did I mention he is BEAUTIFUL!? He is starting to smile a little bit at me in the mornings when he's fed, changed and well slept. It steals my heart!

We still don't have much of a schedule - though I see us settling into one slowly. We were really struggling with no morning nap, besides little cat naps here and there, but then this week ... I figured him out. He is a paci/thumb (once he can find it) baby! And he also has to have praise music on to take his nap ... so sweet! I was hoping he wouldn't be a paci baby and I was fighting it, but I can only nurse him so many times before he'll just fall asleep. I thought about it yesterday though, I sucked my fingers for 10 years!!!!!! I found much comfort in my sucking, so why am I depriving my child from that joy? (Because I want to save him - and Artie and I $$$ - the teeth issue.) But, O well.

So, the other part of all this ... ME! It is quite an adjustment. It's a major change in daily life, in marriage, physically, spiritually and everything in between. I have a new found respect for my mother (how in the world did she do this SIX times and so close together?!?!?!). I pray more than I ever have in my life (and out loud too!). I call on the Lord in ways I never have. I see the Father heart of God in a whole new way. He LOVES us so much! His heart is always for us. He is contantly acting for our best. Yet, there are parts I cannot relate to God --- He NEVER tires. His patience NEVER runs out. He is NEVER selfish. He NEVER over reacts. He is the PERFECT parent. I find a lot of comfort knowing that I am free to know the Perfect Father and to call on His help and wisdom in caring for my child.

It blows Artie and I's minds that God chose to give us this child. We are called to shepherd his heart and to be his connection to Christ --- and Christ is his connection to God. What a priviledge and a humbling task ... to be the connection point to the Savior of every soul. And to get to do that to the love of your life ~ your child! Amazing!

Okay, I know my thoughts are scattered, but that's all I have time for right now. At least until I understand our day a little better.

Here are some photos to keep you coming back :)

Truett's first visit to Daddy's office :)

Truett Lee

2008-03-28T19:13:00.003-04:00

So we have a new love in our lives ... our new baby boy ~ Truett Lee! We are so happy to announce his arrival on March 19th. He is just perfect and the prettiest baby in the whole wide world! Here's my proof...

We had a long road in labor (31 hours!) but he is well worth the work and wait. We are praising God for our healthy baby and spending most of our time, energy and affections on this new life God has given us.

Artie and I are doing good too. We're tired, but making it. We try to nap but it's hard when you just don't have much free hand time.

We stopped by the church office today to show him off to the staff - - - he's a celebrity over there. We're anticipating quite a wake when we finally make it to church.

My brain is pretty scattered right now - so that's all for now. I'll write again and bring you more pictures of our little man.

Love,

Lela (new Mommy!)

9 Months Pregnant!

2008-03-08T18:27:00.006-05:00

VERY PREGNANT ~

Well, I am officially 9 MONTHS pregnant! (And trust me, I can tell!!!) I have only one week left until my due date. I'm on the weekly doctors appointment rotation now. It's funny, when I walk in the office (waddling and limping from my sciatic nerve being pinched by this baby's position), the ladies at the front window just wave at me and say, "Don't worry about signing in, Lela, just have a seat." Then, the other day I was coming out of a dentist appointment and I passed a mail man walking the sidewalk. He took one look at me and said, "Wow, you've got the any day walk." I always swore I would never waddle when I was pregnant ... but Lord have mercy! Now I know why there is such a stigma this late in the game. It is uncomfortable and you are ready for this baby to be born!

At the same time, it is trully a delight. I have had a wonderful pregnancy with no complications and really no discomforts (minus the 1st trimester sickness and the last few weeks). I praise God for the health of me and the baby. I will admit, though, every morning I pray for it to be the day for this baby to be born. My spirit is lifted and my expectation is in Christ alone.

BABY SHOWERS ~

So I know that I am so late posting about this too ... sorry! I had two very fun baby showers. One coed at a friends house (Artie LOVES opening presents for those of you that don't know! I read the cards because I LOVE words and he tears open the gifts). And another shower with five very sweet, gracious hostess'! Artie and I have felt very overwhelmed with the generosity and the kindness expressed to us as we prepare for this little one on the way. I honestly do not know how we could have done this without our very supportive families and our incredibly loving church family. We are very thankful to each of you!!! (And thanks to you, we have a nursery full and ready to go, just missing a baby really.) Here are some photos...

STAY AT HOME "MOM" ~

Though I'm not a mom yet ... I am officially staying at home now. I resigned from working at South Tampa Fellowship to stay home and begin the awesome chapter of raising this precious piece of Artie and piece of me (and other children to come, Lord willing). It has been quite an adjustment for me in more ways than one. I want to write a post about this in particular, but don't have the energy right now, plus Artie is telling me he's starting to get hungry - so I better go start dinner, after all he did install a new garage door opener for me today.

For now, I am passing the time by nesting quite a bit with cleaning out closets, running errands, organizing random things, cleaning EVERYTHING, catching up with old friends, cooking, baking and constantly being sure the house is picked up because "this could be the day!" (And trying to make myself relax too because my mother keeps telling me, "save up your energy to push that baby out!) But most of all, I am WAITING on this sweet baby boy to come into this world and let Artie and I begin to love him and share with him the faithfulness of our Wonderful God!

UNTIL LATER ~

So, I guess until delivery ... I'm signing off. Stay tuned for photos of the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world :)

Much love to each of you!

Lela

God of Time

2008-01-30T12:46:00.000-05:00

I am so emotional! This part of pregnancy is such a different experience. I cry so easily. A friend passed on a new album for me to take a listen to. There was a song that made me cry as he sang about time because this morning I read that I have 47 days or 6 weeks left of this sweet pregnancy time. It's hard to believe that we're coming to end of the beginning of this journey. We had dinner with a couple from church last night and were telling our story of the miracle of this child on the way. To stop and remember our travelings and our faith walk thus far has really moved me. To remember the times of prayer, pleeding, believing and walking with God as we sought to start a family moves me still. "Time" has been a common thought for me for this whole road I've walked. And "time" is also the center of my prayers for our coming son. My verse for him is Deuteronomy 7:9...

"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is GOD, the faithful God, who keeps his covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands."

And "time" is where God specializes.
A song of my heart sings...

You're there in the struggle

You're there in the fight

You'll be there all the time!

We praise You...

The God of our yesterdays

We praise You...

The God who is here today

We praise You...

Our God, as tomorrow comes.

We thank You...

For grace in our yesterdays

We thank You...

For peace in our hearts today

We thank You...

Our Joy, as tomorrow comes.

We will trust you God!

You're always closer than we know!

The God Who Was, Who Is, and Is to Come!

Holiday Photos

2008-01-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

So I figured out what keeps me from blogging. Sometimes I feel like I have too much catch up to sit down and write the past events, in order, with pictures. So - I'm starting a fresh. I'm not going to attempt to catch up on things, I'll just share some pictures from Christmas and then get right back to where I am. Hopefully this will get me on track for 2008 :)

Went to "Behold The Lamb" concert ... great time!

Got to meet my most inspiring song writer, Sara Groves!

Artie & his sister, Carrie

Christmas Eve w/ sibs

Artie & Me on Christmas morning

My Mom, Maw-Dee or Momma Lea, with Zoe in matching pjs

Me & Zoe-bug

Me & Artie on Christmas night

Charlotte and her boots

And lastly, our group photo to finish off the holiday pics

Nesting - Stage 1

2007-12-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

If you've ever been pregnant, you know the overwhelming feeling of "this is undone and it's driving me crazy and I have to get it done NOW!" Well, I have spells of it already. This weekend Artie and I completed a projectc - a fun one! My mom bought me a nice nursing glider and it came in so we had to pick it up and find a place for it in our little house. I always forget how little our house is until we start rearranging a room. So, we jigsawed a room or two to fit it inside until we can put the nursery together. We are not putting the nursery together until after Chritsmas because my sister and her husband come and stay with us and we'll be losing our queen bed guest room to the baby boy coming. We changed the office into more of an office / bedroom by adding a twin size bed. This project was so fun because we didn't spend a dime! We just rearranged some things in the shed and in the house to make it more of a bedroom. It's hard to do projects because I'm a do-it-myself-er and Artie won't let me move furniture or paint anything so I had to just let him know what I had in mind and just oversee the project ... didn't I marry a prince?!

So, one room down and one to go (the baby's room!). I just can't wait to get his room together and feel like he's already a part of our home by seeing a crib and baby things. I'm ready! I really can't wait until he comes. I dream about labor and delivery now, and I'm officially 5 days away from my 3rd trimester - yikes, this has flown bye. He is getting stronger in his kicks and movements. He has his active times of the day and I tell Artie, "the baby is awake" or "he's sleeping." It's getting to where I know when he's been still for a long time. So sweet! I'm also surprised at short my lunch will last me - I'm hungry (like for another meal) only a couple hours later. It's fun to be hungry when you have good things to eat ... so come on Christmas!

We went to my sister, Maggie's house for our annual JOMOOO (see previous post for description) and we had a blast. We were missing Charlie this year and it always feels like a lot less people when there is even just one of us missing. Zoe (my two year old niece) sees me and says, "Baby in your tummy, he come out?" And I always reply, "Not until after Christmas" and she says, "I'm gonna kiss him." She sings to him through my belly button too - it's adorable. Cousins! I love my cousins and I'm excited that our little guy will have lots too (b/c I have SIX siblings!).

Well, that's all for now. Again, this is Nesting - Stage 1 ... because I know I'll have more coming.
Bye for now.

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

So refreshed!!! Artie and I have had a tradition since we got engaged to be with his family on Thanksgiving. We spend Christmas at home in Tampa (being in ministry, Christmas isn't an easy time to get away) and with my family here in town it works out well. This year we traveled up to North Carolina where Artie's mom, Jean, lives and her twin sister has a big lake house on the same lake that Artie's mom lives on. What fun! My sisters and I would love to all live on the same lake. They have a pontoon boat that they drive in between the houses ... so fun! It's always so relaxing when we go to see his famiy. No agenda - just hang out with each other. It was so great!

Artie's cousin, Joe and his wife Nancy, adopted a little boy from Russia a few years ago - Nicholay. And his cousin Jennifer has a little boy, Joseph. And we're having our little boy in March. So - there will be all boys for grandchildren on Artie's side. Lots of fun boys to grow up together.

Speaking of our baby boy, he's doing great. I'm almost 25 weeks pregnant now. I'm feeling really good and loving being pregnant (now that I'm not sick all day anymore). He's got a routine of his active times of the day now. It's so sweet to feel him moving almost everyday now. He wakes me up at night occasionally, but Artie and I think it's just God's way of getting us ready for when he's here.

Entering into the Christmas season now, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I think Christmas is what inspired my blog when I began to write. There are always good stories to tell at Christmas. Like tomorrow is JOMOOO (those are my siblings and I's last name initials in order). It's our annual gathering after Thanksgiving to draw names for Christmas gifts. It is always such a blast to all be together, just the kids (and spouses and children). I'm sure I'll have something to write about, so stay tuned.

For now, here are a few pictures from our trip and our first Christmas picture...

Artie- driving the boat

Artie & his sister, Carrie

Me & Baby

The Whole Thanksgiving Gang
Merry Christmas!

Baby News

2007-11-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

I don’t know if I have written this yet, but we found out what we’re having!

It’s a BOY!

My heart just skipped a beat when Artie and I got to see our little guy at our 20 week sonogram. It was such a sweet moment to find out the Heavenly secret of who is growing inside me. I just love knowing because then “it” (or “the baby” as Artie and I kept referring) becomes a person to us. Someone that has a future held in the security of God. It also changed my prayers for this little guy. Now I pray even more specifically for his life that is coming. We can’t wait to meet him in March … it just can’t get here soon enough.

I’m 22 weeks now and still growing. I’m officially out of my own clothes now – I’ve been squeezing it until the last day. I can’t even wear my own shirts anymore (unless it’s okay for my belly to hang out the bottom). It’s funny what happens to your husband when you really start to “look pregnant” (as he calls it). See, it’s real to me everyday that we’re having a baby and that I’m pregnant … but to your husband, you look the same for awhile in the beginning. But now that I’m showing and it’s pretty obvious that I’m having his baby – he got so much more ‘into it’. He’s always been very involved and excited, but he loves being able to look at me and see that I’m carrying his child. It is such a sweet time!

Things have been busy. Our church moved into our new building – which is GREAT! But, it’s made for some long days and weekends. All worth it! It’s just so much fun to see the answered prayer and the smiles on everyone’s face as we make a transition together.

Plus, Robyn (my best friend!!) had her first baby. A baby girl – Hannah is her name. She is just beautiful. One of the most beautiful baby girls I’ve ever met. Robyn is so in love with her and just a wonderful mother. I see her at any moment Robyn feels up to company. She’s three weeks old and growing so well. Here’s a photo of little Hannah –

I guess that’s all for now, Artie just got home, so I’ll be back later. (I’ve been waiting on him to get home so we can share a root beer float! Mmmm!)

Just for Alicia ...

2007-11-05T15:24:00.001-05:00

Okay, for my friend who moved away and doesn't get to watch my growing belly, here are a few pictures ...

It's really fun now that it looks more official that I'm pregnant. I'm starting to have strangers ask me when I'm due. We're 21 weeks now, over the half way hump. Can't believe it.

O, and Alicia - I went to a baby consignment shop and found a Pottery Barn Kids crib. I couldn't pass it up ... I bought it immediately! Daddy-to-be is going to refinish it for me. So exciting!

Weeks 1-16 & The Fall Season

2007-10-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

Today, I am 16 (almost 17) weeks pregnant! Everyone told me that when you get into your 2nd trimester - everything gets better. I reluctantly listened because my first trimester was rather tough. I had "morning sickness" (who the heck named it that? It's not morning, it's "all day sickness") for all of weeks 6 through 13. (That was actually how we finally discovered that we were pregnant - I went home from work sick, feeling strange). It was hard to get up and get ready for work in the beginning, hard to say "I'm good, how are you?", hard to cook anything (I don't think I did cook in my 1st trimester, we just ordered out a lot ... thank you Baby!) and hard to feel rested. It was rough, but now it's over! Now, I feel like I'm back - back to my old self and it feels great!!! (And just in time for the holidays :) )

The whole food craving thing hasn't really kicked in for me. During my first trimester, I wanted anything with cheese (and I'm not normally a cheese eater) and I also craved a lot of fruit. Now, I feel like I'm just back to normal besides eating more snacks. I hope I do get a craving of some kind, so I can tell this baby (like all of our mothers tell us), "With you, I couldn't get enough of _____!" O, well - we do have 23 weeks to go, we'll see what weird things I might crave later.

On a seperate note - I love it when there is a change of season! Last night, Artie and I got out our fall decorations. We put things around the house that symbol the fall season (pumpkins, mums, things about giving thanks for "Thanksgiving") and bought pumpkins for the front porch. I love it when it feels like we're moving into the holiday season. I don't think I noticed it as much when I was single, but when I got married and nestled a home and now have a baby on the way - it's just so sweet as you sense Christmas, family together time, celebration, and cool nights ahead (even though it will be awhile before there are cool nights!). Artie and I have lots of little things we do to make the holiday season sweet and it is such a tender time in people's hearts - we always wind up speaking to people about Christ because it's a celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world ~ Jesus, and it's fun to remind each other of that.

Speaking of that - I just love my neighborhood! Christmas always seems to bring our neighborhood together more (we have parties together and bake for each other and give each other small gifts). When Artie and I went to Chicago last week for a conference, we came home and our neighbors had brought our newspapers up to the front porch - and we hadn't even asked them to. We also have neighbors call out "hello's" and "how's that baby doing so far?" over their fences. This morning, I was reading in Matthew where Jesus calls us (or commands us) to be the salt of the earth. In other words, we as children of God are to bring the flavor of God or taste of His character to the circles that we live in. That includes our neighborhoods. My heart was burdened for those I live among that need the tenderness, forgiveness, mercy and love of God. How do I do that? God lifted my burden by saying, "Salt is a common seasoning, Lela ... I'm not requiring you to be extra ordinary, just common! Common salt." I'm like everyone else ... I have messes to clean up, I have relationships to restore, I have crabby days ... but I have hope, peace, joy, love... And this holiday season, I hope to bring the flavor of God to a world that is hurt, hopeless and without peace - and thank goodness He just requires us to be common folks, just plain ol table salt ... because that's all I have to offer.

"You are the salt of the earth..."

Matthew 5:13

Here's some photos of our trip to Chicago just for fun ...

My Cup Runneth Over, Much

2007-09-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

So, we're in a season right now of just pure JOY! The blessings of God are over flowing into our lives so much right now that my heart is just speechless but full of praise to God. There are so many things that Artie and I have been praying about together since we got married. And we're watching God open up the floodgates of His provision in granting those requests. We're just so humbled by it.

What am I referring to, you ask? Big things...

A baby! Yes, we're pregnant! Isn't it just every woman's dream? What a journey of faith! We are so thankful to Jesus for giving us this special blessing of a child on the way. My heart is so full for this little person already: prayers, dreams, visions, excitements, worries, fears, and everything in between. Our families are so excited. My mother and sister call me almost everyday to see how I'm doing (so sweet, love y'all!). Artie's mom sent us flowers when we told her we were pregnant (this will be her first grandchild). Our church family is such a blessing too. On Wednesday nights, the Pastors challenge us to a specific people group to pray for in small groups before our service starts. Last night JJ asked us to pray for expecting parents, parents and grandparents. In our circle of six, there were prayers offered to God for Artie and I's little one by our brothers and sisters in Christ. (It was actually quite funny, Scott Avriett prayed for strength for our up and coming late night feedings - we all giggled, but I said AMEN!) I have also had friends offer me their materinity clothes. O - it just humbles me and brings tears to my eyes of the beautiful support and love of the Body of Christ! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Artie - a liscensed minister of the Gospel of Christ! Artie was liscensed last night in the Wednesday night service. At the first steps of God bringing to fruition the call on Artie's life and my life and our life together - is just so amazing! As I was driving to the service, I caught a view of the sky. There was a cloud covering over South Tampa and God brought a memory to my heart. May 20th, 2000 ~ "OneDay" ~ a powerful conference where I heard God's call to ministry for my life. Having no idea how or when or even what it was going to be ... He had spoken a destination into my young believing heart. And here I am, at my Gilgal (an Israelite camp on their journey to the Promised Land), full circle ... a cloud covering reminding me of the verses that were read from the platform at OneDay...

"There is no One like our God,

who rides on the heavens to help you

and on the clouds in His majesty"

"He makes the clouds His chariot"

He was hovering over us yesterday as He fulfilled His promise. Hallelujah!

Those are just two of a very long list (and yes I have made a list). Pastor Todd challenged Artie and I to start a "Blessings Journal" to record all that God is doing. He told us when we have times of doubt or trouble to go back and read our journal as a family and remember what God has done for us. Great advice! And advice taken!

I plan on posting throughout our pregnancy. The baby is due on March 17th and we get to find out what we're having sometime in November. So, keep checking in for updates and pictures (I have my first belly picture I'll post) and keep us in your prayers.

"The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name!"

Luke 1:49

June and July

2007-07-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

Wow! What happened to me? I used to write for my blog and keep up with things?!

I guess we've been busy. We're wrapping up with Artie being in school ... the end is in sight!!!
He will be done in mid-August and we can't wait!! We'll have Tuesday nights together again. I am so happy for him to have the free brain time when he gets home from work and on the weekends. He has worked so hard and been so faithful to his call. Once again, his life challenges mine and I adore him.

It's hot!!! I thought I loved gardening until summer settled in - everything dies in this Florida heat! We lost most of our flowers to the heat. I've learned to plant what's native to Florida so that it can withstand the heat. Like our Crepe Myrtles and our Bouganvilla (sp?) are doing great! There's a lesson in that I think.

We went on a VERY fun vacation in July. We drove up to North Carolina and passed through Georgia on our way. We had a good time. NC was a blast! We stayed at my mother's cottage that has lots of fun things to do on the property (hike, gardens, places to eat, hammocks, canoeing, etc.). We got to see alot of my family and Artie's. It was amazing to get out of the concrete city and see the sky, the earth, the trees, the mountains, the rivers and waterfalls ... it just does something to my soul to connect with the Lord in His creation. I left with a real sense of peace in God's provision. He provides for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field, why would He not that much more provide for His children?! I think just being still was one of the best parts. I really enjoyed the restful, quiet place that NC is. We hope to go every summer. I'll post some pictures. I took a TON of course!

My oldest sister turned 28 and my youngest brother turned 17! It's been an exciting month, we've had lots of fun get togethers. I went to see my neice and nephew for Maggie's birthday. What fun! Children just lighten up life, don't they? Zoe is so adorable. She's piecing together her sentences and Matt - well, he's trying to talk. He'll look right at you and coo away thinking you're having a conversation. Adorable! I'll see if I can upload the video of it.

My best friend Robyn is haveing her first child in October. She's really showing now. It's quite sweet. We also had some friends at church deliver their first baby. Tis the season, I suppose. What a blessed season too ... for children are a gift from God.

Thanks for baring with me in my absense. I promise to do better!

Photos to come soon...

Corrisponding Pictures

2007-05-21T18:08:00.000-04:00

I hoped I would have time this week ... and vuala! Something got cancelled tonight - so here I am. Artie's on a run and I decided to blog ... so this is my idea of working out :)

Matt's Baby Shower

One of many sweet gifts that were given

Cedar Key Crew: Carrie, Artie, Lela, Dixie, Casey, Joseph, Jan, Jean, Jennifer

I just love that Artie's mom has sisters ... what is life without them?! (Artie's grandmother had two sisters too, weird!?)

This picture didn't come out clear, but this is the house that Artie's grandmother grew up in.

Our Cedar Key weekend was in celebration of Great Aunt Dixie's 90th Birthday!

Robyn & I on Good Friday

Baby Matt was born!

Aunt Charlotte with Matt

Look at what a BEAUTIFUL baby boy!

I have to end with this HILARIOUS picture! We took Zoe out to give mom & dad a nap time and she went up to the manican and held her hand, then looked up at her and said, "Shoes?" That's right Zoe, where are her shoes?! So funny!

More to come ... Artie and I were extremely blessed with a get away weekend to the beach. I will be posting more soon. Thanks for sticking with me!

In a Nut Shell

2007-05-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

As promised, I am hoping to catch you up on the events of the McCall family. I think since so much time has passed, I would like to simply offer you a bullet point item list. Then I can get down to the good stuff ... the photos!

Jobson Shower - In celebration of our coming nephew we had a party. It was a gorgeous day with lots of friends, family, cute baby boy items and a lot of fun!
Cedar Key Trip - (Yes, Ida Marie - your connections to Artie continue, his grandmother's side of the family is all from Cedar Key and was a part of the Island's discovery and development). We spent a day in Cedar Key learning the history of the Island and the history of our family. Artie's mother's mother (catch that?) - or Lillian White Lankford - and her two sisters grew up on the Island. Due to Lillian's passing in the early 90's we were celebrating her sister, Dixie, as she turned 90 years old. We had a wonderful visit with Artie's family as we dug into the past and must have flipped through 1,000 pictures. I really enjoyed learning more about Artie's family heritage.
"Believing God" - the girls and I finished our 4th semester of Bible study. We had a strong finish and we all know that we are marked for life from this one. (I'm sure I will come back and write more about this bullet point ... Wow!)
Spring Fling - our annual church picnic that is a total blast ... I MISSED IT! I was so incredibly sick! So disappointing! Charlotte and I annually race up the rock wall climb and this year was the first time we hadn't done it (for 6 years in a row we did).
Easter Weekend - What a special time! Artie and I joined with close friends to celebrate Jesus through observing the Passover and remember all that Jesus came to do. We had such a sweet time of remembrance! Then we had the choir's presentation of the Sacrifice which was awesome! Then Easter Sunday, was full, wonderful and glorious day.
Aprill 11, 2007 (a Wednesday) - Matt Jobson (our nephew) was born! I drove over for a couple of hours to meet him. Then we (Artie, me, & Charlotte) went back that Saturday to spend some time helping out and getting to know our newest little guy.
Charlotte lived with us for the past couple of months and is still moving out, little by little. We had a lot of fun being together again under the same roof. But, I will admit ... it's GREAT having the house back to just me and Artie again!

There is yet more going on now than I am able to write about, but I know I will find the time to soon.

Pictures coming soon...

Our New Nephew

2007-04-12T12:31:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post ... more to come later. Artie and I are an Aunt and Uncle - yet again!

Matthew Pacini Jobson was born to my sister Maggie and her husband Jeremy yesterday (and to big sister Zoe), April 11, 2007 weighing 8 lb 14 oz. Mommy & Baby are doing great!

Praise You Lord, for this new little life - we pray You bless him and give Him Jesus!

Spring Updates: House

2007-03-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am lousey in the 'blog' department. My apologies for my faithful readers out there. Last time I posted was on February 4th and now it is March 19th. Lousey, I say, lousey! I have no excuse because there has plenty to write about. I'll attempt to catch you up on the McCall family events (with more to come, I promise).

Seeing how I don't have children to fill with my blog site, I will tell you about the one I am nurturing, growing and pouring myself into :) ...

My House:
Artie and I have officially began to focus our attention on our yard. We haven't done a thing up until this point. I believe the last freeze is behind us, so I took the plunge (or should I say PAID the price - yard stuff ain't cheap!) and began the art and task of landscaping. I am a southern classic, a girl who loves flowers and vine-like plants. So, that was my goal. Get some color in this yard. We tackled our planting and such towards the end of February. As I finished my last potted plant and Artie plopped down after blowing the dirt off the yard, he told me that he was shocked I hadn't taken a single picture all weekend. So, yes - I totally forgot to take before and after pictures ... sorry. I'll dig into the photos of when we bought the house (though the people that used to live here had the time to stand in the yard with a hose and water the lawn, apparently I don't because most of the grass is dead now). I love the colors and also the birds and butterflies that they have drawn. For my birthday we added some outdoor seating (lounge chairs ... I love to lounge) in the back. You'll have to come visit to see! When we come home from work, we just sit in the yard and enjoy the beautiful weather that Florida is famous for this time of year.

Another house project ... we got rid of the Pelican window!!!! That hidious stained-glass. Everytime I drove up into my driveway, I always felt like I was pulling into the wrong house. But - Artie to the rescue, and presto, the bird is burried (literally - we sandwiched the window between a beautiful, custom made china rack made by Artie and painted stucco on the outside). It's fabulous! I love my dining room, more and more.

On that note - we got new dining room chairs. See, it gets even better because I didn't pay a single penny for them. I was talking with this lady that owns an antique store that I go to quite a bit and she offered to do a swap with me and call it even. So, I gave her my six hand-me-down chairs and she gave me her six that match my dining room table almost perfectly! It was a wonderful thing to come home from an antique store with six new dining room chairs and your husband say, "How much were they, Honey?" and I get to say, "Nothin'!" We were so excited. I plan to recover the seats with a colorful fabric - one day.

Artie and I LOVE the work of our hands.

I have been doing some thinking about that statement lately. Especially when I sit outside and enjoy the product of my aching back, dirty hands, and slimmed monthly budget. There is something about the product that your own hard work produces. My Bible study that I'm doing took me to the place that my heart was trying to go when the author reminded us of who God is. He is Creator God, Unique, Powerful, Imaginative, Intellegent, and One Marvolous Craftsman. He created us (create in the original language means "to make something from nothing"). And the secret to our amazing beings ... we are made by Him, in His image = a reflection of who He is. We are not like God, only simply made in His image. See, I didn't create anything I've done to this house/yard/whatever. I only formed them (form in the original language means "to shape, mold, change something from something"). I am creative, but only with what I was already given. Put that perspective on this verse: "Create in me, a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 Even our very hearts, clean before Him - are created by Him. He is a magnificent God, a glorious Creator, a powerful Savior, and one amazing Gardner (see John 15).

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made..."

~Romans 1:20~

"He {Jesus} is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."

~Colossians 1:15~

(More to come ... my 24th birthday, our 2nd Anniversary, Maggie's baby shower, McCall family in town...)

United States of America

2007-02-04T17:49:00.000-05:00

You know when you buy a house, you notice little things every so often ("O, that's how you turn that light on outside!" or "O, that's how you open that door when it gets stuck!"). Well, shortly after we moved in, I noticed that the previous owners left a flag holder posted to the outside of our house. I have always loved flags on people's front porches. I just think it's a great way to share with the neighborhood how you celebrate life (especially at Christmas time ... I can't wait to have a Jesus Christmas flag!). Anyway, we were at Home Depot yesterday grabbing a couple of little things and I saw a display full of flags with poles. Artie and I asked for a price check and it was well worth a flag pole, extra hinge, and a beautiful RED, WHITE, and BLUE American flag! Luckily, my husband is a passionate patriot of this great nation we live in, so, after the price check (and months of me requesting that we invest in a flag pole soon) Artie said, "Let's do it!"

(SIDE NOTE: For those of you that don't know that Artie is a patriot, don't know Artie very well. When we got married, we had to get new checks for our join bank account and I just ordered what I like since I carry the checkbook most the time. Well, when we had to reorder, Artie asked if he could pick this time - something less girly were his words - and with one look and a definate answer we have American Flag checks. That's just a small example. I have a hard time keeping up with news, but when I learn something and think that I'm going to share it with Artie, he lets me finish my excited spill of words and then assures me that he knew that already and then procedes to tell me the even latest on the subject. I live with him and I don't know how he knows so much! He's not a news junkie in anyway. He's brilliant and I'm glad he's my husband!)

Anyway, here is a goofy picture to share ... and YES, Artie thinks I'm pretty rediculous to get photos of something like this.

St. George Island

2007-01-27T16:49:00.001-05:00

Artie and I went to St. George Island for a long weekend. We had a fabulous time resting, reading, hanging out with friends (Rod & Robyn) and simply just being together outside of the hustle and bustle of South Tampa life. Here are some pictures to share our joys...

Birthdays & Yard Sales

2007-01-14T18:04:00.000-05:00

To catch you up in the events of the McCall house, here you go.

We have been pretty busy lately (minus our precious weekends, we only had a couple of weeknight dinners at home in the last couple of weeks). Not bad busy, just that kind of season where you have a lot going on. Just the other day, Artie and I were talking about our schedule for the first half of 2007 and we discovered that until August (his graduation!!!) it would be a long, tiring, road - between his commitments and mine, and the ones we need to give up for the love of our family. He said to me, "We're just going to have to remember that this will only be for a season." That was life to me. Words empower me, now I will have the echo of my husband's encouragment throughtout most of 2007 ... "There's an end to every season, Babe, let's hang in there."

Side note: That makes me think of something ... it amazes me how much God will pull you out of your comfort zone - or the place you feel most self sufficient and cause you to depend on Him in a way you wouldn't have if He hadn't of put you in that place at that time. That is the story of my life. From the outside looking in, you might think that I'm one of those social butterfly kind of people (and actually, I get characterized this way quite OFTEN). But in all actuality, in my gut of guts and in my true colors - I am a home-body and one who likes the road less traveled because that means I get more time off the road to rest. But let me be the first to tell you, I am the most content, happy and joyful when I am OUTSIDE of that comfort. There is something so energizing and compelling AFTER you make the determination to do whatever it is He's calling you to - convenient or not, and always in the Name of Jesus. So, whatever type you might be - He can (and most of the time will) pull you up and out of your comfort zone, all in discovering the mighty power that He has graced you with. There's a Sara Groves song about this titled "This Kingdom Is Coming" - doing anything He asks for the coming Kingdom ... planting seeds in hearts when you fear their rejection, serving when you wish someone would just serve you, offering your home when you want the privacy of it ... this gift we offer to the coming Kingdom in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a delight to serve and so worthy of it, Lord!

Amongst things going on at our house were the following...
I had my first Yard Sale - what a blast (and cash bearer too!). I highly recommend it, but be careful to be very organized and ready because you will have early birds. We were supposed to start at 8:30am, I went out to the garage to open it and pull everything out to the driveway around 7:50am and there were cars with people waiting for me to open up shop. Funny stuff.

Then, my mom's birthday. Now that we have a dining room and table that seats up to 12 people now (yea!) we tend to be hosting a lot of things, and LOVE it! Happy Birthday, Momma Lea! We love you!

So, there you have it. Story caught up to date. Yes!

(I can't get pictures to upload - they'll be coming as soon as I can get them online)

The Hooplah of Extreme Makeover

2007-01-14T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hollywood has been in town...

If you haven't heard already, the Extreme Makeover is here in Tampa. There is a family on Davis Islands (the Tate's) and they are the new owners (as of today at 2PM) of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition beautiful house. There are plenty of people who have posted about it, so here are some links to check out if you're interested ...
www.noshoes.blogspot.com
www.thomasmichaeljohnston.com
The most incredible part is how FAST this house goes up. I am witness that they really do build a house in seven days. Now, that is amazing!
Congrats to the Tate family!