Chasing Girlz and Chaos

Is anyone else having a hard time believing that we are already 4 days into the new year? I can't grasp it....

In just 3 days my baby, Ella, will be turning 4! It's so sad to think  how quickly she's sprouted up and how mature and wonderful she is! She has such a whit and spunk about her! She is such a blessing! This is the first year we aren't doing a big-to-do kind of party. Just out to eat with our family and then maybe something small with a couple friends. I'm excited about a simple birthday gathering. And we won't be doing any school work that day! It'll be fun!



Ella, 3 years old.

I remember 4 years ago when I was just 20 weeks pregnant.... We were so excited about our appointment to find out what we were having! Girl? Boy? If you're a parent you know the excitement and all the thoughts running wild through your mind! I had to start planning and painting and filling the closet! And names? What would the name be?

So we waited....... looked at the hands and feet... counted fingers and toes. Looked at the head and listened to the heartbeat and FINALLY.... IT'S A GIRL!!!!!! Yay!! We already knew what to do with a girl and our oldest daughter, Jada, would be so excited cause she prayed for a sister!!

And then..... with a vaginal ultrasound it was determined I had to immediately go on bed rest due to "funneling". The devastation, the tears, the "what ifs" and "how are we gonna's" started invading my thoughts. I could hardly talk through my sobbing as I talked to the receptionist when leaving. Greg just stood by my side. I think we were both confused and scared. We had already been through a great loss with our baby boy 2 years earlier. But, I never doubted this little girl would make it. Rather my fears were things like, "How would we pay our bills?, "How would I take care of Jada" (she was only 4 then) "How would Greg work and grocery shop, clean......? "

As we drove home I tried getting my thoughts together. I came home and went to lay down. I cried. I prayed. I cried some more. I begged God to help me. And He did, for the rest of my pregnancy He gave me strength to stay on bed rest. He helped me endure that trying time and gave me peace. He raised people up at our church to help financially. They gave money every month or here and there, they signed up to bring meals, they cleaned our house, they prayed! Oh how wonderful it is to be a part of the Body of Christ, who will go to someone in need and relieve anxiety and stress and bless their lives! I experienced the "hands and feet" of Jesus during that time and we wouldn't have made it through w/out so many people who loved us and who were obedient to God's calling to help us!

As I sit and look at my sweet Ella Beth and as she's driving me crazy, always breaking or spilling something, I'm reminded of all the hard work it took to get her here and I'm thankful! So thankful God blessed my life with her. And I know He has something big in store for our family's lives! I can't wait to see what it is!!

How has God blessed you? I would love to hear!! I hope to always tell my girls the stories of how God works and moves in the lives of those who love Him!!

He is so Good!

In honor of my babies upcoming day here are some pictures of that sweet thing!!

Happy Birthday Ella Elizabeth Altizer! You really live up to your name and are a Torch!! You shine in the dark and are a little firecracker!! We love you more than words can express!