Terra's Tune

Our Saturday Morning.. in pictures.

2012-02-11T10:59:00.000-06:00

A day at the park...

2012-02-11T10:56:00.000-06:00

It has been WAY too long since I have blogged! Selah and I have been super busy getting things ready for Sterling's arrival in a few short weeks. We have also been extremely sick with the stomach bug that is going around. I cannot wait to post pictures of the finish product once I get Sterling's room together. In the mean time... here are a few pictures of my day at the park with Gracie girl.

15 months old

2012-01-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

The more I watch my children grow, the more and more I am 100% convinced that God knew exactly what he was doing when he planned their lives. Selah Grace is now 15 months old and has started early with her toddler behavior. But hear me out... her behavior is not ALL bad. She has learned how to whine, throw herself on the ground in frustration, disobey intentionally, and has learned her own versions of how to be sneaky. :) BUT... She has also learned more words, how to run without falling, and we are working on lots of skills like brushing her teeth, using utensils, and how to safely climb the stairs. A really recent development is that she has learned how to shake her head "yes" when she wants something. It has helped her not get so frustrated when she can't verbalize what she is trying to tell me. I really notice the "toddler" behavior when she is frustrated. I have to really catch myself from being overwhelmed with frustration when I see her act in this way. I have to remind myself that there is a reason why she is doing such things and I really try to use patience in teaching her alternate ways of how to show me what she wants. When you are massively pregnant and hormonal.. this is harder than you would think ;).

Yesterday, I took Selah out for a little photo shoot. It is getting increasingly harder to take her out for a shoot by myself these days. She is super wiggly and wants to explore everywhere. Lots of pointing at all the trees, water falls, and birds. I can't really capture her full attention anymore with my camera unless I have trapped her somewhere and can make her laugh. It's not an easy job :)... but I enjoy capturing this stage of her life. The one where I see more of her backside when we are at the park. All of the snapshots I get of her little buckteeth in mid-sentence as she tells me, "see?" when she is in mid-exploration of new things.

Just like Selah in her frustrations, I am having to embrace all these new changes in our life with an entirely new perspective. I enjoy being on the other side of the camera, watching her play and laugh. I feel blessed to be able to spend so much time with her, that I am able to teach her and take the time for the simple things in life that mold her little mind and heart into what it needs to be.

And as for Mr. Sterling, he is a moving and a-shakin this morning. Today, I am going to start preparing his room for his arrival. I have lots of ideas and know that I need to reign it in. I'll blame it on Pinterest.com all day long! He is healthy and measuring about two weeks ahead. I did fail my first glucose test and then had to return for the THREE hour long second glucose test. I haven't heard if I passed yet or not but I am hoping for good news :)

I'll blame that on eating WAY too many Christmas cookies!

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-04T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Andrew and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. I cannot believe how much we attempted to cram into the past three years. I have learned so much about that man. And I am oh so sure that he has learned a thing or two about me. I'm sure if you ask either one of us for some stories... we could come up with a couple :)

It's funny how time works. No matter how fast it flies by, my brain doesn't feel like it gets any older. I turn 25 on Saturday and I can honestly say that it feels like I am still 18. Three years - two kids - a dog - a house - a business... I feel accomplished. But oh my.. satan and this world do not want me to feel accomplished. Welcoming a new year brings lots of things to my mind. I have big plans for this year and I feel like discouragement is on my heels trying to trip me up already. The more children you have the more people believe that you are letting your dreams slip away from you. The more God churns my heart to seek out new friendships, opportunities and possibilities.. the more satan whispers, "You can't do it."

One skill I have sharpened this past year has been being able to discern God's voice against satan's. Guarding my mind and heart from discouragement and truly being able to see God in my circumstance. This has taken a little while and I will be working on it until the day I die but I am closer than I was. Things that rocked my world several years ago are now memories that remind me how faithful God is. 2011 was great.. but 2012 is going to be even better!!

I feel like my to-do list for this year is so exciting and a bit overwhelming. I will have some adjusting to do once Sterling is born but I am already giving myself lots of pep talks. Some things I want to do this year: plant a huge garden in my new backyard, learn how to take care of my new fruit trees, loose all that baby weight after Sterling arrives, cook some new and inventive recipes for my family, wear my hair down more, spend more daily time with God, make at least 10 new friends, write more letters, be a great mom, become an even better wife, and not speed so much behind the wheel. :)

That is the short version of my list! I hope and pray that you are feeling encouraged and not discouraged already this year.

Below are a few pictures that remind me that time isn't going to wait for me to catch up. Selah Grace is growing up so fast. This year, I will make it a point to stop and have tea parties with her, teach her how to swim, and show her the love of Jesus. This morning, I found her giving her baby doll (her Christmas present) a spanking with a wooden spoon she smuggled from the dishwasher as I was unloading it. I started laughing as I stood back to watch her. As she put her baby in her new baby doll stroller, the poor plastic doll kept slipping out due to the amount of force Selah was shoving her in with. The more the baby would fall the more frustrated Selah would get. Finally, to get her babbling point across... the baby received a pop from the wooden spoon gripped tightly in my 15 month old's little hand. I headed in to save the baby from more pain and agony and before I could get there, Selah had picked the baby up and kissed her on the forehead. She gently laid the baby back into the stroller and tucked the wooden spoon beside her.. and off they went. I couldn't help but laugh. My life in 2012 is going to be very interesting. Prayers are appreciated ;)

care for some tea?

wanting me to take a picture of her ball..

Selah Grace's new baby doll

Christmas Vacation 2011

2012-01-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

This year, Andrew and I took a much needed Christmas vacation... Texas style :). We visited both sets of families and left feeling very very blessed. We were able to see some relatives that we haven't seen in almost a year. We are officially back home and resting up from such a hectic end to 2011. Now, it's time to start preparing for baby Sterling!! Here are some of my favorite pictures from Christmas:

Webb Family Christmas tree

My Mom and Selah Grace

Playing a very exciting round of Farkle :)

iPad master...

present time

opening a gift from Selah Grace

got bows?

checking out all the goodies

caught by Papa

love him :)

baby doll!

cruising around the living room

playing with zsa zsa

all by herself :)

cousins

Dallas Zoo

Andrew, my brother, my dad Selah Grace, & I

that kid loves animals

with Honey and GPa

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T12:39:00.000-06:00

And have a Happy New Year!!

Our new home - before and after!

2011-12-20T11:57:00.000-06:00

Andrew and I signed the papers and received the keys to our new (new to us) home on Friday, December the 9, 2011! Then, we had our great friend, Michael O'Neal with M&M painting, come in and get to work. Here are the things that we have updated in our home in one week: De-textured all of the ceilings throughout the entire house, painted the ceilings, closets, walls, trim, and doors... changed out all of the light fixtures, faucets, door knobs, outlet covers, vent covers, and all of the kitchen appliances. We packed, moved, unpacked, and decorated our home in three days while the pregnancy pains persisted and our one year old watched. This was probably one of the craziest things we have ever done in our marriage. To move a week before we leave for Christmas vacation was completely insane but was the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for! Below are some of the before and after pictures of the down stairs area of our home. The upstairs is still a little bit of a work in progress. We are beginning to work on getting Sterling's room ready for his arrival in March. Enjoy!

Before - living room

After - living room

Before - living room

After - living room

Before - living room

After - living room

Before - kitchen

After - kitchen

Before - Kitchen

After - kitchen

Before - breakfast nook

After - breakfast nook

Before - entry

After - entry

Before - office

After - office

Before - hallway between living room and kitchen

After - Hallway between living room and kitchen

I'm sure that decorations will be changed and others will be added but this is what our house looks like about 5 days post move-in! Come and visit :) We have a whole list of things to do to the back yard once spring comes but for now this is what it looks like:

view from back french doors

pool, shed, swing set and lots of fruit trees!

swing set with slide, rock wall, baby & adult swings, tire swing and monkey bars :)

The back view of the house

Can't wait for everyone to see it!

crazy wonderful busy life!

2011-12-20T11:20:00.000-06:00

We have been moving the past week and therefore I have been dying to blog about all that has taken place in our life since I spoke with you last! First, we had a very happy Thanksgiving with all the trimmings :) We stayed here and spent it with just our little family. We ate way too much food and watched Christmas movies.... then... Andrew woke up to go black Friday shopping... yes, he did!
Check out our Thanksgiving spread:

Once Thanksgiving hits... it's all about Christmas! I wasn't able to decorate my house right away for Christmas due to the fact that we were moving. So.. I decorated Selah everyday for Christmas :)

Next, Andrew and I had a date night out to one of his work holiday parties. We got all dolled up and had a great time! I squeezed my pregnant self into a formal dress and high heels. I'm very proud of myself for this :)

Next, we moved.. and have been taking lots and lots of trips to Home Depot...

My next blog will be some before and after pictures of my house... stay tuned :)

Selah Grace - Fall Photo Shoot

2011-11-23T08:53:00.000-06:00

Selah and I went out for a little fall photo shoot yesterday. I just love this little girl so much! Her laugh and smile is infectious :)
Enjoy peeking at some of the pictures I took of her!

I also have these posted on my photography blog. Click HERE to see the larger files :)

Hide & Seek

2011-11-21T13:25:00.001-06:00

His Name!

2011-11-21T12:53:00.001-06:00

Have you heard? We are having a BOY! We are so very excited :)

For Andrew and I, naming our children is one of the biggest joys we have had in our marriage. We both feel that names carry such meanings and pray that the names we name them will carry such weight in their lives.

James Sterling Wagner

Doesn't that have such a magnificent ring to it? You may not think so, but we do!

James - Origin is Hebrew / Meaning is Supplanter. It is also a family name carried down by the first born Wagner men.

Sterling - Origin is English / Meaning is little star, stellar, genuine, and of high value.

I pray that he will become a stellar little star that carries a character in his soul that is considered of high value to those that he meets. Andrew and I have already started discussing the things that we will teach and show him. I've never been a Mom to a little boy, but I hear that they will melt your heart. I'm excited to experience that kind of love.

We are still hoping that the meaning of Selah Grace's name will stick with her one day :) She isn't very "still or peaceful" right now, but her smile is smothered with Grace.

Rainy Monday Morning

2011-11-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

Good soggy morning to ya...
It is currently 65 degrees in Nashville right now and the sound of pitter patter on our skylight is making my bed look so inviting. But the constant to-do list running in my mind is keeping me from cat napping. This is what my boring morning has looked like so far...

Praise the Lord for nap time...

Now, it's time to clean up the "Selah Grace Disaster Zone"

Clipping Thanksgiving Day coupons :)

I may or may not have eaten a piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast...

Lots and lots of rain

My to-do list is about two miles long!

I have been a terrible blogger the past few weeks! Nothing too exciting has been going on just life as normal and doing lots and lots of photography jobs. Also, I am slowly growing, growing, growing in to my maternity clothes and trying to get Selah to rapidly grow into her 12 month clothes. We move in about 2.5 weeks and are SOO ready to move. We have outgrown our space and are getting VERY antsy to get a move on! The past couple of weeks have been filled with paperwork and packing boxes. Nothing really blog worthy.

I have been making a whole bunch of crafty things, but cannot post them. They're Christmas presents :)

I'll keep you updated on the move. It is going to be a whirlwind just a couple of weeks before Christmas... have I mentioned how ready I am to move??

Here is a little sneak peek of some of the iphone pictures I have snagged the past few weeks.. just to catch you up on the cuteness that is known in our house as, Selah Grace.

Do you spot something green?

Loves chatting with herself!

Passed plum out..

Shoe shopping with Daddy :)

That's a whole mouth full of teeth..

Love my little girl

Messy girl

got her slippers on and now ready to take the dog outside

Good morning Mom!

I love my simple life with my dramatic little girl!

Enjoy your rainy Monday.

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

This year for Halloween, Selah Grace was a bug. A really really cute bug! I was a cat and Andrew was a bum... he won't dress up for nothing!

We had a great time watching Selah at Trunk or Treat. Next year I am sure she will be more into the whole "candy" thing.

Guess what?

2011-11-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

Early morning promise

2011-11-01T05:28:00.001-05:00

I can't sleep...

Whether it be due to the amount of sugar I stole from Selah's Trunk or Treat bag, or the fact that baby no 2 woke up ready to party at 3am. I'm guessing one led to the other :)

As I lay here, I feel like I have been pregnant for as long as I can remember. The past two years have been fast, wonderful, and jam packed with tough life lessons. I know I should be forcing myself to sleep because in about 3 hours I will have to be awake and alert, ready for another day with my one year old.

Life with Selah is so enjoyable. That kid makes me smile and sigh all at the same time. She's a mess. Half parrot, I'm convinced. "No", is a new word she has learned recently. Selah come here, please... No. Please eat your green beans... No. Do you love Mommy more than Daddy... NO!

That child is a typical first born female. Independent and thinks she owns the world. I can look at her and see massive amounts of potential for such an amazing life. I daily think about my petite shadow and how she mirrors me. Lord, help me to show her the right way to harness all that independence for you.

My favorite thing she has learned this past month is how to "play" with Ginger. Teasing her relentlessly with toys and chasing her around and around the dining room table. I caught them playing a hard core game of tug-of-war with one of Selah's baby dolls yesterday morning. I swear that doll was screaming for help from across the room. "Baby" was almost decapitated. Poor thing. Her smile now rests a little crooked since Selah has learned to walk.

I guess my mind has had a hard time shutting off in the stillness of the night due to our recent decision to buy a house and move. We are excited to wrap up the long process of buying a house and actually start living in it :). We haven't really told many people that we've been looking. Just praying and seeing what God has for us.

Over time & now being pregnant with (technically) baby number 4 my heart has become a bit guarded against getting too excited about things or giving away too many details to everyone. I'm learning that the rather unfortunate side of life as a woman can include the nasty and all too familiar bitter heart. There are lots of ways your heart can become bitter. And when you feel tired and weak, bitterness will try and take over. Bitter words, bitter actions, and bitter thoughts. There is nothing more unattractive than a bitter woman.

I can spot one from a mile away! And I can, because many times I have been one. You can hear the tone in her voice and the look in her eyes as she spots another woman who possesses loveliness that pokes a knife into her already cracked and bleeding heart. Oh, I have been that woman. And I refuse to let her take me over.

So as I am forever aware that my petite shadow sees my actions and hears my words, I WILL NOT live a bitter life. It will not be perfect and I will have to really depend on God to not let life and the nasty evil twin of mine named "bitter" live my life for me.

As the sunlight approaches the horizon and my alarm clock gets antsy with anticipation, I will make a promise in the quietness of my home. With the hum of gentle snoring coming from Andrew beside me and Selah on the baby monitor, I will promise God that my day will begin with a whole heart. One that has not been beaten to death with bitterness.

I will begin my day in that way so that I can be an example to my husband, children, family, and friends. God gave his only son for me, so that I could live eternally with him in joy, not so I could live in bitterness.

This week, I have another doctors appointment that I seem to be nervous about. Trying to fight off my fleshy worries and live boldly, no matter what the outcome. Every doctors appointment I have, each child of mine floods my thought process. Bitterness tries to stake it's claim on past hurt and the potential for future hurt and loss.

There goes my alarm clock.., time to play lots of tug-of-war, pack lots of boxes, have a Christmas dance party in my living room, and teach Selah Grace the word, "Yes".

Wish me luck :)

Walden Pumpkin Farm 2011

2011-10-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Andrew and I have a yearly tradition of going to the best pumpkin farm around here during the fall, Walden Pumpkin Farm.
We even enjoyed ourselves without having kids... but now it is a blast because Selah is here and is so much more active. One thing I love about Tennessee is the Fall. The colors, weather, and all of the pumpkin patches. Last year when we went I was BIG with baby... 2 days away from giving birth to Selah Grace. This year, I was 4 months pregnant with baby no 2 and chasing around my one year old! Time sure does fly :)

Enjoy the pictures I snagged of our pumpkin adventure:

18 weeks and counting

2011-10-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

I have officially hit my growth spurt... ya know, the one where the baby doubles in size... therefore you start to look like a pumpkin ready for the pickin... yep, that one. I'm 18 weeks and counting! We will find out in just a few short weeks if a little boy or girl will be joining our family in the spring.
Along with my rapid growth, Selah got rapidly sick this week. Lovely, right? This past weekend will go down as our first experience with a really really sick child. Selah spent most of the weekend projecting liquid from every crevice of her body. It didn't help that we were in the car for a total of 12 hours in a 72 hour time period. Car motion, projectile vomit, diarrhea... do you get the picture yet? Totally gross. We survived by the hair on Andrew's chiny chin chin and arrived home last night with lots of stories to one day tell our children when they are going through the same thing :)
This weekend was also my brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception in Ohio. Here are some of the pictures I took for them: http://takenbyterrablog.com/2011/10/17/mr-mrs-webb-the-wedding-reception/

Here is one picture that shows of the spurt growing ;)

They say you pop out quicker with your second child... let's hope the popping slows a little :)

Selah turned ONE!

2011-10-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Well... It has come and gone. Selah Grace is now one and we had a great party to celebrate :)

It was a costume party filled with games, dinner, dessert, and smores by the fire. We had an egg & spoon relay and then a pumpkin roll for the older kids. Peter Pan, The Flinstone Family, and even a miniature bear showed up ready for fun! I handmade everything except for the cupcakes which my Mom helped me out with. Selah's banner and cupcake stand turned out so well.. I was pretty pleased. We had lots of tables and chairs and of course the bon fire with LOTS of smores to be made. The kids left with big pumpkin goodie bags full of sugary candy. Overall I think that it was a success! Happy Birthday Selah Grace. You are so special!

Here are a few pictures of the highlights:

The dessert table

Owl Cupcakes

Cupcake Stand Topper

extra cupcakes

Smash CAKE!

Edible Acorns... Yum!

Peter Pan, Wendy, & Tinker Bell

Sean actually made his mask... It looked so real!

a baby bear and her victims.... HAHA!

Ethan the dragon!

The bear attack survivors are needing some grub...

The first "Real Housewife of Nashville" and her little owl!

My Mom helped me with my golden eyelashes... and got glue in my eyeball.

The Flinstone Family

crazy hair girl :)

Selah and her honey

Mini Mouse

A Race car Driver & a Firefighter

A Monkey and a Kitty

Power Ranger doing the egg relay

GPa and Selah

The Pumpkin Roll

Smash Cake Time!!

Look whooo's turning ONE!

2011-09-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

Selah Grace's birthday is just a few short days away! I almost have every single thing done for her party and for all my company coming into town. It's almost like Christmas! I decided that Selah was going to be an owl for her costume party. She is the little owl who is turning one... seemed appropriate to me :) I finally finished her costume this morning and in celebration of what took me forever to pull together.. we had a little photo shoot.
So here are a few sneak peek pictures (they will be displayed at her party) for all of the out-of-town family that can't see her in person on that special day.

While taking her pictures, I kept having to tell her to stop pulling her feathers off. Apparently, they are not supposed to be there.. according to Selah. And when I would tell her to smile she would blow me a kiss which caused half of my pictures to have her little hand in front of her face. Gotta love my one year old. So independent and quite cute. I did manage to sneak in a few good shots among all of the booty shots of her running away from me.

Enjoy :)

Once Upon A Pie

2011-09-26T10:58:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Here is a post for all my North Dallas friends... My Mom just started a business called Once Upon A Pie and has numerous goodies for sale this holiday season! Check it out and order some treats for you and yours. Trust me, you will not be disappointed :)

xoxo, Terra

Birthday prep

2011-09-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

This week I have been quite the busy bee. Lots to do and only two weeks to get it all done!! Selah Grace's BDay party is coming up in the next couple of weeks and I am starting to get super excited about all the games, decor, food, and of course the costumes I am preparing. Andrew has still not completely decided on an outfit for himself yet.... it's about to kill me! I am super OCD and want this thing to go off without a hitch. I want my house to be fall-tastic and for everything to be in place. Can you tell my heart is racing just talking about it!? I can't wait to show you the pictures once it is all said and done. It's going to be a blast!
SO... I have been bombarded by autumn pictures online.. obviously everyone is as ready as I am about the change of seasons. Pinterest is hopping right now with "autumn love".

Here are some of my favorites from this week to help inspire you :) Bring on the cold fronts!

(http://pinterest.com/pin/197091270/)

(http://pinterest.com/pin/195738477/)

(http://pinterest.com/pin/203757730/)

(http://pinterest.com/pin/178757838/)

(http://pinterest.com/pin/208915527/)

(http://pinterest.com/pin/203757730/)

xoxo, Terra

One small task, One great reward

2011-09-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

"BBOOMMM!!!"...

"Selah! What did you do?"

"MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAAAAA!"

and the crying contiues...

This is one of the sounds that fill my day. Now that Selah is walking, my days look a lot different than they used to. Many more messes, many more boo-boos, and much much more joy. Selah is a little clumsy. I am going to blame it on her incredibly small feet. She is still wearing size 2 shoes and has a hard time putting her brain and body together without falling. While walking, she tries to curl her toes around the floor beneath her to stabilize herself. All that ends up happening, is that her little busy body get so carried away, that her tiny feet cannot keep up and she goes head first into every single piece of furniture that I have.

Her feet are so small that she has to waddle-walk to keep her balance. Oh my goodness... it is the funniest thing ever! She has this crazy hair, and is constantly squealing with excitement while waddle-walking 90 mph anywhere she goes. I pray that my mind never forgets the joy that I have in the moments of watching her waddle-walk.

When adjusting to being a stay-at-home-mom, you really change many things in your world. Your child becomes your world in all circumstances. They are your ministry, your job, your life.. and you are exhausted by the end of the day. But, even though I am four months pregnant, and chasing a one year old around I can still find the strength to fall asleep smirking at the funny things she does during the day. Knowing that Jesus could have taken her to Heaven to be with her other siblings, I am overwhelmed with joy to think that God said, "Selah Grace, you are going to do some great things in this world", and he let me bring her into this world and experience the best gift ever.

I am reminding myself also that I have to refuel myself each day to be able to pour into my kids. The one of the outside and inside of me. Many days, are laundry days in which we may or may not make it out of our pajamas. It may look boring to some people but to me, I am learning that I am making a difference in my area of ministry. At times it can be hard. Being 24 and quite the busy body, I still feel like I could be in college living off of Taco Bell burritos. I think that Satan tries to attack women that stay home with their babies as equally as he attacks working moms. When you stay home, he tries to feed your mind with insecurity... that you are not worth much and that being home is not a real job. And when you work, he creeps in to feed you lies that you are a bad mother and then may list the reasons to plant insecurity in your heart. Hear this you beautiful godly woman, no matter if you are a mom at home or a mom at work, you are loved and important and valuable. The other night I went to bed thinking, "I feel so small!" I immediately told Satan to get lost or I would shove a baseball bat in an unpleasant area. I realized that I was letting the lies get to me and that I had to guard my heart and my mind from that destructive mentality.

Esther... was just a small Jewish orphan girl who God chose to raise up and make Queen of Persia. She aided in the deliverance of the Jewish people. She knew that if she went to the king unsummoned and begged for her life and the life of her people, that one she would be exposing herself for her she really was and two that she could be killed. She obeyed the small task that was given to her and ended up saving all of God's chosen people. One small task, one great reward.

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

Take your task, as small as it may be today, and curl your little toes around it. Waddle-walk if you need to! I won't judge :)

Here is my reward for being obedient in carting my child off to church...

Selah Grace's first Sunday School artwork

One small task, one great reward.

You are loved,
Terra XOXO

13 weeks and counting!

2011-09-13T08:45:00.001-05:00

Being pregnant with your second child is so drastically different than with your first. Especially if you have had numerous miscarriages. I am just now starting to get excited about the second little Wagner that is coming. For some reason, I was really really afraid to go to my doctors appointment last week. Not quite sure why I was so worked up, but once I heard that strong heartbeat combined with the loud sounds of the kicks and jabs, my heart settled down.

Naturally, while having the best job in the entire world of chasing Selah around all day, I have not had time to worry or stress about baby no 2. But one thing is for sure, people can't stop with the giving of unwanted advice about second babies. Lord have mercy on my soul... it is never-ending. When someone starts a conversation with me that begins with, "Well, you know..." My brain goes into auto-shut-off mode. No matter how many times people say to me... "good luck, it's gonna be hard"... I am eager to remind myself that each child is a gift from God. Ladies, you can be destructive with your words... lighten up, please. :) There are many many women who cannot have children and would give anything to have a child of their own. I remember them when my thoughts carry me away with fear. Think of them before you open your mouth.
I am now 13 weeks and counting! Have been so sick that I have lost 14 lbs instead of gaining anything. But baby is healthy and I am not as sick as I once was! Which I am VERY happy about :)

13 weeks with baby no 2

16 weeks with Selah Grace

Now, onto a different subject. Selah... she is so cute and just turned 11 months old. I am working hard to make sure her BDay party is one for the history books. I am just so excited to celebrate her healthy little life. She is such an incredible blessing to everyone she meets!
Andrew and I took Selah to the park this past Saturday night and let her swing until her heart was content.... or until the sun went down. The sun beat out the content heart and there was lots of kicking and screaming on the way back to the car. Just about broke her heart! Andrew and I couldn't help but chuckle. She was happy again once she got "Dind-uh", formally known as "Ginger", back into her little dirt covered hands. When "Dind-uh" hears her squeal and sees her wobbly run across the living room... she starts running herself. My little 7 lb terrorist of a dog has now become a personal pillow/slobber rag/and best friend. She is very patient with Selah and only Selah.
Here are some pictures of our evening at the park:

This is an Andrew face

This is a Terra face

This is an Andrew face :)

We are still working on getting the straw in her mouth :)

keeps her eyes on her Daddy at all times!

big news and a new routine

2011-08-25T10:55:00.000-05:00

First off, I have some big news to share to those of you that do not already know...
I am 10.5 weeks pregnant with baby no. 2!

We are very excited and thank God for a healthy pregnancy so far. I had a miscarriage in March and then had no idea that I was pregnant when I found out a while ago. I was super sick, so I took a pregnancy test and my suspicions were confirmed. Two pink lines, our world is going to change drastically, and I couldn't be happier :)

This week will be going on two weeks of my new "stay at home Mom" status. I am loving being at home and spending time with my little girl. I have been extremely sick, though. Taking antibiotics for a non-pregnancy illness has not helped the weak pregnant stomach. I'll leave it at that :) Also, Selah Grace is cutting her 5th tooth on top, which equals lots and lots of poopie diapers, which equals lots and lots of diaper rash. Poor thing. Diaper changing time involves lots of gnashing of teeth. The literal kind.

BUT... I really couldn't be happier. We are now, in the past couple of days, getting into a routine. It's not like a light switch you can just turn on and off. For the first couple of days, Selah Grace was waking me up at the regular 6am time. Now, she is sleeping until about 7:30am. She is also transitioning into a one-long-nap-a-day schedule. And she has now learned how to say, "GINGER!" It sounds more like Dinder.. but we know what she is saying :)

Here is preview of what our past couple of days have looked like:

her new favorite thing - reading to me :)

and.. she sings to me.. while playing her piano

I love this smile!

For Selah Grace's birthday in October... I am currently in the process of making her a play kitchen. The colors match my fiesta ware themed kitchen. I am getting closer to finishing it. I still have not decided if I am going to put the hinged doors on it or just put cute storage baskets in the place of the doors. I am also going to have a pot rack hanging above the kitchen on the wall. One side of the kitchen contains a chalkboard wall for her to write out her menu or love notes to Mom. The other side contains four knobs to hang her dish towel and matching apron on. I have had several several bumps in the road when it has come to finishing this little kitchen... but I am getting there! What do you think so far?

Enjoy your day :)

Wilson County Fair 2011

2011-08-15T11:03:00.001-05:00

Andrew and I ventured out to the Wilson County Fair this past Saturday morning. We had such a great time. We are quite the fair/festival goers. People watching, funnel cake eating, ride riding... can't get any better than that! Shana and Ted met us there with their two kiddos and we had a great time. Leaving stuffed full of fried food and very very sunburned... it was a good day!

life is rough for this little one

very excited

not so sure

me and my girl!

first prize winner

crazy looking bird...

passed out..

crazy bed head

Eli did this the entire time

someone did not want to go home ;)

giving me the stare down...

Walking

2011-08-15T09:48:00.001-05:00

I think it is safe to say that Selah Grace is officially walking! This morning I found her pacing her crib and yesterday she was walking repeated steps by herself. She isn't quite running yet, but we certainly aren't encouraging it. We'll take it as it comes :) and it is COMING QUICK!

Best Friends

2011-08-15T09:24:00.001-05:00

Ginger and Selah Grace absolutely love each other. Ginger needs to be right next to her AT ALL TIMES. They are BFFs. When my Mom was in town, we made our way outside one night when the weather felt almost fall-like and let the two kiddos loose.
Here is what I captured. They really are soul mates :)

Into EVERYTHING!

2011-08-15T08:20:00.001-05:00

Everything in my house has now been spotted in the eyes of my little girl as a shiny, big ole' toy...
I could have the biggest buffet of toys known to man sitting out just waiting to be played with... and she goes straight for the heirloom stained-glass lamp. This is something I will be discussing with God when I get to heaven.

And yet, she smiles...

Caught in the act!

going for the coffee table goodies...

going in for the lamp

Things I love this week - DIY!

2011-08-11T13:51:00.001-05:00

Sorry... long time - no blog! I have been super busy with my Mom being in town and me gearing up for becoming a stay at home Mom!! Very exciting for our family :)

Since, I am now going to have a little time on my hands, I have some things I want to do! I am always wanting to create something. I think that is my Mom coming out in me. Every week I catch myself looking at new and fun things to create. Just thought I would fill you in on what goodies I have found this week :)

I want my craft area to look like this! So COLORFUL!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108475649/

I have made one of these for a friend before but now I will be making one for me!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108476560/

Organization is my thing..
http://pinterest.com/pin/108498127/

Easy and cute idea for wall art!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108500217/

Love this idea!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108483844/

I want my guest bedroom to look like this at Christmas time.
http://pinterest.com/pin/108487582/

Another idea for great wall art!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108487667/

PHOTO BOOTH!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108487220/

Pillows made out of old sweaters!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108487286/

You crochet these!
http://pinterest.com/pin/108487001/

My Latest Jobs - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-08-09T12:46:00.002-05:00

Click HERE to go to my photography blog... I have been SO busy with jobs lately that I forgot to keep you updated :)

Here are some highlights from my latest photo shoots:

9 months old!

2011-07-26T18:26:00.001-05:00

Technically she is almost 10 months old. I am a little late with this months pictures. I'll blame it on technology :)

Here are some milestones that have happened in the last 4 weeks or so:

1. She can now say these words fluently: Mama, Dada, & Hi.
2. She is now standing on her own and showing interest in lifting her leg to take a step.
3. Feeds herself table food.
4. Sleeps completely through the night successfully... praise the LORD!
5. Can wave.
6. Can clap.
7. GIVE LOTS AND LOTS OF KISSES!!

Here are a few of her 9 month old pictures. The pink toto has reappeared for more pictures. I didn't have any better ideas for this month. I'll get more creative next month - promise!

I love Pinterest.com

2011-07-26T14:11:00.001-05:00

After what I thought was my computer crashing... I am now back up and running! Something wiggled loose when I was installing a new cd burner into my computer and therefore I was sweating thinking that I was going to have to make a computer investment soon. Luckily, I don't have to! YEAH!

Soo.. I'm back! Lots of catching up to do. First, here are some things that are now on my list of to-do's this month.. or rather, next month :)

I need to get started on my fall blanket! {Pinterest.com}

These are photo frames from Organic Bloom. I LOVE THEM! {Pinterest.com}

And again. Love. {Pinterest.com}

Bookshelf made out of old apple crates!
Now, where am I going to find apple crates??
{Pinterest.com}

Growin up!

2011-07-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

It's crazy to me how Selah is starting to look more and more like a toddler and not such a baby anymore. She says, "Hi" and waves like a maniac... she has even started clapping at anything that makes her happy... which is almost everything that happens. She is extremely happy and sweet, cries easily, and LOVES her Daddy. She loves Andrew so much that any time he walks in a room she almost has a nervous breakdown until he picks her up! She is definitely going to be a Daddy's girl. It has already begun...

This past week she has started standing up periodically on her own. Once she realizes that her tiny tiny feet are holding her up.. down she goes.. crashing her diaper into the tile.

Ginger has been receiving the brunt of her excitement these days. She drags Ginger by her tail, chases her around and lays on her, and takes her ears pulling her in for a kiss. All while squealing at the top of her lungs. She squeals so much that, while on the phone with my Mom, we end up losing track of what we are talking about because we are so mesmerized by the constant squeal of excitement coming from that little body. She is happy and I can only hope that all of my children are that happy. Look for her 9 month old pictures coming soon!!

Here are some pictures to bless your heart this Thursday morning:

Those chunky legs just melt my heart!

She's tries to act tough... Is it working? ;)

Spiced Pumpkin Tea

2011-07-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

Try this... you will be glad you did :)

Spiced Pumpkin Tea

1/4 cup of pumpkin puree
2 cups of strong prepared black tea - or chai tea - hot
1 cup of milk, half and half or cream - hot
1/2 tsp. of cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp. of ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. of ground cloves
1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract
Sugar to taste ~ I use about a 1/3 to 1/2 cup
Whipping cream - optional
Cinnamon powder for sprinkling - optional

The monster called "Insecurity"

2011-07-20T10:45:00.001-05:00

Insecurity. The one thing that can destroy someone's self-esteem, relationships, and can act as a thorn in the side of anything good.

What does it mean to be insecure?

Definition (via Internet source) - Insecurity is a feeling of general unease or nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving of oneself to be vulnerable in some way.

A person who is insecure lacks confidence in their own value, and one or more of their capabilities, lacks trust in themselves or others, or has fears that a present positive state is temporary, and will let them down and cause them loss or distress by "going wrong" in the future. This is a common trait, which only differs in degree between people.

This is not to be confused with humility, which involves recognizing one's shortcomings but still maintaining a healthy dose of self-confidence. Insecurity is not an objective evaluation of one's ability but an emotional interpretation, as two people with the same capabilities may have entirely different levels of insecurity.

Insecurity may help to cause shyness, paranoia and social withdrawal, or alternatively it may encourage compensatory behaviors such as arrogance, aggression, or bullying, in some cases.

Here recently, God has been teaching me a whole lot about insecurity. Some insecurities that I have and when to notice someone else's insecurities. Do you sometimes wonder why someone is acting shy around you, or just the opposite... arrogant or like a bully toward you? Instead of being so personally offended with how someone treats me, God has really had me look deeper into the heart of the matter. Are they acting out of insecurity? If so, I am then able to act with wisdom in the situation. Taking on a different mindset in how to handle the situation. And not react to their reaction.

People that are confident in themselves, along with their talents and abilities are usually the first ones to notice some acting out of insecurity toward them. I always thought that women were the worst at this behavior - but in the past few years, my eyes have been dramatically opened to Men and their insecurities.

Men and Women both struggle with insecurity, but in very different ways.

In my experience... Women are often more concerned with how someone views them or is emotionally treating them. They usually feel threatened by younger, attractive, talented, and confident young women. They become insecure around women that they subconsicously feel are "better" in some way then them. Then with that insecurity, some then look at those women that make them feel insecure and lash out. Reminding themselves that they are better and then arrogantly act on those thoughts.
For Men, it is all about their ability to provide. A man drives up in a big truck, pulling his brand new boat, model wife in the passenger seat and brilliant children in the back seat. "He must do something amazing!"... "Does my wife think I am a loser because I can't provide all of that?" ... Feeling like a failure, their mind lingers on their insecurities as they size themselves next to Mr. & Mrs. Jones.

Last week, I had Dr. Phil on as background noise as I straightened up my house one afternoon. This particular day they were talking about and to gold diggers. These women that go after rich men to get what they want. They would rather sacrifice love and relationship by settling for a big diamond ring. That screams insecurity to me.

Or the girl who is so insecure with herself that she will have sex before marriage just to please that one guy or seem cool & mature in the eyes of her girlfriends. The feeling of security that she is looking for... will not linger long. It will be gone in the blink of an eye and she will be left feeling even more worthless than she did before she acted on her insecurity.

Relationships can suffer tremendously when insecurity is present. Control, jealousy, and emotional/verbal/physical abuse can be traced back to even a small hint of insecurity. When looking for someone to date and ultimately marry, there is one VERY important thing you should look for: Are they insecure and do they act on their insecurities in a negative way?

Ladies & Gentlemen - You CAN be secure in only one thing in life. God. He made you exactly how he wanted you. And he does intend for you to praise him for creating you in the way you were created. The physical flaws that you think are glaringly obvious and awful are enhancements in his magnificent creation. Now, look at yourself in the mirror. Did you just roll your eyes at what you just read? If so, you.. my friend.. are acting on your insecurities. Why not accept yourself for who you are? Striving to improve yourself as a person in the eyes of God and in the eyes of man are two very different things.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

I pray that God will reveal the monster inside me called insecurity and help to notice when I am acting on it. Are you ready to done with it as well?

Things I love this week :)

2011-07-18T13:37:00.000-05:00

Here are some things I love love love this week! I am in a fall kind-a mood. It is so miserably hot outside. I am ready for some cooler weather so that Selah Grace and I can spend as much time outdoors as possible! I am DYING to do lots of photography during Autumn! Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes and sweaters!

I am planning on squeezing in some time in between the craziness that is this week and take Selah Grace's 9 month pictures! I cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are enjoying yourself. I love my life and all the things that fill it! I am constantly keeping my hands busy with new art projects. My newest obsession is Selah's first birthday party. I posted earlier in the summer about it. I am so excited to celebrate her first year of life on this earth. I thought she would never get here and now she is almost walking and is saying "Hi" to anything and everything she can get her hands on.

Sooo... here are some things I have stumbled upon this past week. If only there were 40 hours in one day. Think of how much we could all get done!! Autumn is just around the corner... can you tell I am anxious about summer being over with!?

Fall Perfection! Pintrest.com

Great idea for photography! Pintrest.com

I think I may attempt in making this for Selah Grace's Birthday :) Pintrest.com

I need this! Pintrest.com

I am in love with this idea! Pintrest.com

Very inventive! Pintrest.com

Christmas lights poked through canvas... genius! Pintrest.com

Ethan - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-07-15T17:17:00.003-05:00

Click HERE to see this very cute 7 week old!

His Love.

2011-07-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon. I have sat down to write this blog post for about two weeks now and can't seem to spit out the words. I am dealing with a bit of sensory overload. There are two many things pulling at me and trying to grab my attention that I can't seem to focus. I've found that I have left my car keys hanging from the lock outside of the front door on numerous occasions. Can you say, brain dead. I guess once I get in the door, I am off to the next thing. I need to slooooow doooooown.

I have been really busy with my photography business (Taken By Terra)!! And I am loving every minute. If you would have told me that I would actually have people calling, emailing, facebooking, and texting me about doing a session this time last year... I would have laughed... hard.

My life has changed so much in the past year. My sweet little chunk of love, Selah Grace, has blessed my world. My life was pretty great with just Andrew, Ginger, and I.. she just added the sparkle.

I often look back at my blog posts from a year ago when I am needing to be reminded of God's blessings in my life. I stumbled upon this little beauty.. My blog post titled.. "Stretch"

Cracked me up. Seriously, I am sitting at my computer just laughing at my words. I am still dealing with these nasty dead gum stretch marks. I have super fair skin.. lucky me! Oh, the things that worry us in this world. Even though that post was written out of completely and total sarcasm, most women on this planet will go to any length to get rid off old scars, wounds, and blemishes. Why do scars bother us so much? My scars help me to remember. I have one scar below my right elbow from falling down the stairs when I was big and pregnant. It wasn't funny then but it is really funny now. If you could have seen me laughing hysterically while crying at the same time (I am not sure how it is possible) when I hit the bottom of those stairs, you would have laughed too.

Scars shows the place where there was once a wound. It took my arm a long time to heal and was super sore for months as it tried its hardest to forget that my tumble ever happened.

God has really been dealing with some things in me lately. My scars. My wounds. Some, I didn't even know I had. He is teaching me his love. His. Love. Those two words have taken several months to hammer out in this thick skull of mine. I asked God to evaluate my heart and mind and begin a new work in me. Wow. When you ask, you shall receive a spring cleaning that you will never forget. Spiders the size of Guatemala were found in my dark & crusty corners. Loving people that are nasty to you is so hard. Forgiving people that have hurt you is so hard. Loving people that do not deserve love is so hard. For me anyway.

How can I love God if I do not unconditionally love his people? Even the people that hurt me. Loving people is not worldly - it is Godly. How can I teach my daughter love and forgiveness if I don't practice what I preach? I refuse to give her any excuse for not living a Godly life. I will live to be her example. And I know that I will fail... but she will (hopefully) see me humbly admit when I do and crawl back to God.

God has done a work in me the past couple of weeks and I feel refreshed. I have forgiven and loved like I have never done before. Only by the divine power of God was it possible. Now, I am naturally a very kind person. I love easily. I'm a hugger and always smiling. BUT there is a difference in loving someone like Jesus would love someone. I'm still a work in progress but I get very excited at my baby steps. And I know for a fact that God smiles at it too. Are you making baby steps in conquering your struggles?? If not, get on it! Life is too short to be an open walking wound. It's not attractive. Go and dunk yourself in some hydrogen peroxide!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Tiffany & Jared are getting married - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-07-13T11:58:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to see the sneak peek of my latest photography session. Enjoy!

The Raney Family - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-07-10T08:54:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to see my latest photography session with The Raney Family!

July 4th Weekend!

2011-07-04T11:13:00.002-05:00

This fourth of July weekend we rented a cabin in the smoky mountains. My brother, Travis, came down from Ohio to join us for our little vacation. He is in the military and therefore we were able to use his discount for everything in Gatlinburg we wanted to do. We are now taking him on every vacation!! HA! The cabin we stayed at was fan-tastic! Pool table, hot tub, jacuzzi bath tub, king size beds, fireplace, and very secluded. Awesome. Just what we needed! Saturday, we spent the day playing in downtown Gatlinburg. We arrived Friday evening and left Sunday afternoon. Really quick trip, but it was full of fun! Here are some of the pictures from our adventures in the Smoky Mountains.

This is our cabin. We played, ate smores, and lounged by the fire :)

There was a whole lot of losin going on...

she's so cute!

yummo!

Saturday afternoon we went to several different attractions. First stop, Ripley's Believe It Or NOT! It is the huge and full of crazy things!

Someone had a whole lot of time on their hands..

Andrew and Travis - their shadows

Next stop, The Gatlinburg Moonshine Distillery.

They now sell legal moonshine in Gatlinburg.

passed out...

my back was killing me...

Next stop, The Smoky Mountain Aquarium!

Creepy..

The Shark Tunnel!

Jellies

Huge stingrays!

African Penguins

Penguins!

Sharkman

Last stop, Cades Cove!

Church from the 1800's

Andrew and Travis - cheesing it up

please, don't be blinded by my VERY white legs

lots of wildflowers

& pine cones

cutie

she was sleepy

time to hit the road jack!

Brookline - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-06-29T14:24:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to see my latest photography session with this awesome Nashville band, Brookline.

I won, I won!!

2011-06-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

Can't believe I won! So excited!! Click here to see what I won :)

Giggles

2011-06-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

It's coming! It's coming!

2011-06-21T13:01:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have already started planning Selah Grace's first birthday party. It is going to be fan-tastic!! I can't give away all of the details because I want guests to be BLOWN AWAY when they arrive... but I will show you this little bit of my inspiration to give you some hints...

{All pictures from pintrest.com}

Cute Cousins - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-06-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to see my latest photography session with some cute cousins!

Giveaway over at Miss MinnieBelle!

2011-06-20T10:30:00.002-05:00

Okay all my crafty ladies... click HERE to check out this awesome giveaway over at my friend, Miss MinnieBelle's, blog!

You could win...

THIS!

She's pretty talented :)

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T17:37:00.000-05:00

Selah and I are sooo grateful for the men in our life. Grandpas and Daddys... we love them all!! Andrew has been such a wonderful husband to me and has been such an awesome Dad to Selah. I could go on and on and on about how much I love him... but I think you already know :)

Here are some pictures of Selah Grace on Father's Day. I made sure she was extra glittery for her Daddy :)

Yes, I made Selahs glitter toto. I am so proud.

And we had to have a matching hair bow :)

8 Months Old!

2011-06-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

My sweet Selah Grace turned 8 MONTHS OLD on Saturday :)

She is crawling like a mad woman, pulling up on EVERYTHING, and is trying to stand up on her own. Her words so far are Mama, Dada, Hi, and Shoe (really random, I know).

We have had several bruises due to getting way ahead of herself. She is quite determined!

I snapped a few pictures of her in her room today while playing after work. She is just looking so grown-up. It makes me sad to think that she is not a itty bitty newborn anymore. She's growing up. Tear.

Playing the day away

2011-06-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Andrew & I watched a little girl from about 2-9pm. Her parents are new to the area and we have become fast friends. Soo.. Emily and Selah played and played.. and PLAYED!

TGIF!

2011-06-10T12:48:00.002-05:00

I am sooo glad that it's Friday!! It has been quite the week. And that's even an understatement!

Here are some pictures of us from the past couple of weeks. Time to do a little catch-up!

Emily & Selah playing on Memorial Day. Emily stole Selah's paci!

My summertime table. Only special occasions...
I'm not fancy enough to set my table like this every day.

wanna come and eat?

I love love love sunflowers this summer! So happy!

My garden is doing well. A whole lot of bloomin going on.

My cilantro plant and tomato plant have now grown together...

I know have little tomatoes growing at the top of my cilantro plant...

Time to bust out the patriotic yard lights...

Do you see the millions of lightning bugs in this picture? Look really close!

Audrey and I went power walking this morning and then got bkfst.
We felt that it was only necessary for you all to see our feet.
The other parts of us were a little scary....

FACEBOOK SUMMER CONTEST - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-06-09T12:19:00.003-05:00

Check out my Summer "Cutest Kid" Contest on Facebook!!!! Search for my TAKEN BY TERRA facebook page to see the details!

I'm baking out here, people!

2011-06-07T11:50:00.004-05:00

Y'all... it's hot outside. No, really. I am dying.

It's that time of the year again! Everyday I see little munchkins come in and greet me at my desk with sweaty face smiles. Their dirt covered hands always seem to be reaching in to find some goodies in my candy bowl. I'd love to set up a snow-cone stand at my desk but I don't think that would fly. I would never get any work done!!

Here are some recent pictures off of my phone. Summer is already flying by. Fall will be here before we know it!

Watching Cat in the Hat on Saturday morning. She was glued!

Helping Daddy handle the car at the drive-in movie.

Bacon Cheddar Quiche anyone?? YUMMO!

Harassing Daddy at work :)

always smilin...

always playin...

Sweet lil chunk of love

I made Selah a glam paci clip for the Summer!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Boswell Family Part II - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-06-03T16:14:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to see my latest photography session with the Boswell Family!

Enjoy!

Selah's First Word!

2011-06-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Selah made my day. My day started out with a very severe case of food poisoning... so God knew I needed a little pick-me-up. Her first word was... MAMA!

Oh, bless my everlovin heart. After she discovered that she could say MAMA, all evening was filled with, "MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA!"

Let the talking begin!

rub a dub dub, get me in that TUB!

2011-05-31T07:39:00.003-05:00

Teething.

2011-05-26T17:01:00.007-05:00

Need I say more...

Three teeth down... LOTS MORE TO GO!

SUMMER SPECIAL - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-05-26T14:14:00.003-05:00

Click HERE to check out the details of my Summer Special photography package!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Change...

2011-05-26T10:31:00.000-05:00

Change - Verb: Make or become different.

Spoiler alert... I'm not good with change.

I have a hard time taking this verb, change, and making it my reality. I have a hard time moving, changing churches, switching jobs, throwing out old clothes... etc. CHANGE! Scary...

Even if I want a new adventure or if God is calling and beckoning me somewhere different that isn't the everyday norm.. it's hard for me to get my mind wrapped around that idea.

I have a contradicting soul sometimes. I am the first one to volunteer to step off of the cliff when asked. Trusting that God will provide isn't really the hard part, it is knowing how hard it is for my earthly self to accept the change that comes with jumping off of that cliff.

Is anyone else out there with me on this one?

Lately, Andrew and I have been talking a lot about our life. Where we live, our friends, our church, our jobs... What is our five year plan? Do we buy a house now or a year from now? Do we stay here in Tennessee or do we move back to Texas?

Lots of questions that require lots of answers that need to be carefully thought out and prayed over. The monotony of everyday life can sweep by without us even realizing it. What are we doing with our life? Are we just trying to make it to that next paycheck? Are we investing in others lives? Is anyone investing in our life?

Getting caught up with the tiny details of my life, I sometimes forget to call someone or drop in to see how someone else's day is going.

Friend - (one of the many definitions) Noun: a person you know well and regard with affection and trust.

Being a woman and making friends are usually something that take on the form of oil and water for a lot of people. I have been burned by many of my friends in the past couple of years. You can only try so hard to reach out, love, and try to tear down that wall they are holding up between the two of you for so long. It gets exhausting to keep calling and inviting them to church... Or even begin of friendship with someone when they won't let you into their heart or know who they truly are.

While I was in high school and college, I made a very concerted effort to try and be the best friend to every single person I knew. It wore me out. I was giving SO much of myself and receiving NOTHING in return. I got burned and I retreated back to my comfort zone... my little family of four that would love me no matter what.

Do you struggle with this? You would be lying if you said that you didn't have some difficulty in handling your relationships in the exact way that God intended. God put us here on the earth to live with each other.. not live trying to keep each other at a safe distance away. There is a fine line between privacy and being a good friend. You can have both.

My college roommate, Alaina, and I had this game going of trying to beat each other with how many friends we had on facebook. I remember one night, while in a candy apple coma, we just started asking complete strangers to be our friends just to beat each other. (I miss you Alaina!!) FYI - the people that only have a relationship with you inside of your computer should not be your only friends in life.

Really random but - I met someone in the grocery store the other day who spotted me, walked over, and gave me a big ole hug. It really took me back. She said, "I am so happy to meet you and Selah Grace!" Wow.. she knew our names! I was racking my brain trying to remember where I had met her before and then she said, "I read your blog..." Holy Cow. That has never happened to me before. I had just happened to be cleaning everything in my house that day and looked like a hot mess. She said, "I feel like I know you!" Looking down at my attire for the day I was embarrassed. She's going to see my nappy hair and worn out running shoes... oh no! It struck me funny because I did not have a clue anything about this woman but she knew a whole lot about me. We spoke for a moment and then parted ways.

As I was driving home I began to think about my relationship with God. He knows everything about me. Do I seek to know everything about him. He pursues the ultimate friendship with me and I continually put up walls. He keeps knocking at my door and inviting me to come and dine with him and I keep putting him off. Does he get burned out of trying to be my friend? No. He loves me and will pursue me until the day I die.

I am blessed that he calls me friend. That is one friendship I don't deserve.

Okay ladies.. here's your challenge for the day..

Make an effort to love on someone today. Be a good friend. Let's try to conquer this whole uncomfortable task of making friends and accepting change. You can do it!!! I know you can :)

Love you guys!

Harper Sneak Peek - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-05-24T18:00:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to see my latest photog session with a beautiful one month old!

Enjoy!

If I were a toy...

2011-05-17T17:22:00.001-05:00

Today, Selah decided to slobber, spit up, and poop on her toys. Yes, poop. Don't ask how it happened. You'd have nightmares...

As I was sitting there cleaning off all kinds of hazardous material off of this toy...

I began to think about the movie Toy Story and what it would be like to be one of Selah's toys.

Those toys would not stand a chance in our house... they would run for dear life.

Oooooo... toy......

I'm comin to get you....

Be scared... be very scared...

gotcha!

Ahhh.. you're kinda cute...

why are you singing to me?

put on your raincoat.. I'm comin in!!!

Our Trip to Abilene

2011-05-16T15:25:00.010-05:00

All of Andrew's family (excluding his sister and her family) live in Abilene, TX. Soo... this weekend we were able to go down and visit them. We haven't been back to Abilene in three years, so it was soo good to see everyone. All of Selah's great-grandparents were able to see and squeeze her, which I think Andrew really enjoyed. The WHOLE family was able to get together. My Mother-In-Law, Julie, even invited my parents to come and join us. They ended up coming for the BBQ on Saturday. The whole family has not been together since May two years ago when we took a trip to Corpus Christi. In the midst of stuffing my face with BBQ, Cheesecake, and orange rolls.. I was snapping pictures like crazy!

Enjoy!

Aunt Tessa with Selah

G-Pa with Selah

Playing with Daddy

Papa Baker's hand with Selah's hands

visiting out in the yard

My niece Addison

60 degrees in West Texas... CRAZY!

Ma Maw Shirley with Selah

Breakfast

Look at that face :)

The two girls with their grandpa

Granny Baker with Selah

Andrew, Selah with Papa Baker

Daisy

Julie with Selah

Look at those toenails

Julie with the girls

James with his dogs :)

Honey with Selah

Crawlin machine

Cousins

Ma Maw Toots with Selah

My hubby is a stud...

The Wagner family

Simple day

2011-05-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a simple day. Just work, then play.

She's so sassy!

You can never be too young for dress-up... :)

I love love LOVE those cheeks!

Selah decided that while I was cleaning she would try and climb into my towel bucket. She couldn't get all the way in so I helped her a little. Once she realized she couldn't get out... she threw the most dramatic fit in all of the world. So.. I got out my camera.

Selah Grace - 7 months old!

2011-05-06T10:38:00.001-05:00

I really cannot believe that my baby is crawling, eating baby food, trying to wean herself from breastfeeding... Yep, you heard me.. she is ALREADY trying to wean herself. That little independent stinker. She will not stay latched on for more than 5 minutes at a time and when she she's a bottle anywhere she has an absolute melt down pointing and grunting. It's about to break my heart into a million little pieces. Seven months sounds early for that to already be happening but it is. She even tries to knock my hand off of her bottle when I am feeding her.

I see many spankings in her future...

She is just growing up so fast... I feel like we are on the turbo setting and I am slamming my foot up against the passenger side floor mat trying to slow it down. Sheesh...

Anyways, Here are a few pictures (CLICK HERE) I snapped of miss Selah Grace this morning while we were getting ready for the day. I hope you enjoy peeking at my strawberry blonde headed crawling chunk of love.

PS: I have officially become my Mother.. I have been yelling, "SELAH" at Ginger all morning. Happy Friday to you and yours. :)

In tha Muthahood

2011-05-05T12:29:00.002-05:00

OMGOODNESS... sooo funny!

I love my Mom

2011-05-05T10:49:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 1:8-9 states, "Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck"

I've decided to get this tattooed somewhere on me... any suggestions?

HAHAHA! JUST KIDDING!
OK Mom.. pick yourself up off of the floor. I think if I ever got a tattoo she would strangle me with my graceful garland and pendants around my neck.

Oh, sweet and sentimental Mother's Day. It is upon us again. We (us Moms) are about to get a frilly card and a kiss from the food covered faces that we spend our days cleaning up after. Wet wipes have become our friend these days. Selah is discovering sweet potatoes this week and I have been quite surprised as to how she gets more sweet potatoes in the crevices of her body than in her mouth. And the mystery continues....

This is my first Mother's Day that I get to enjoy having a baby to hold and squeeze. I feel so accomplished coming into this holiday. I feel like I should get a dozen roses even today, because the diaper I changed this morning was absolutely volatile. Yes, deadly. THE most disgusting thing I have EVER laid my eyes and nose on. gross...

Did I mention how nasty that thing was? I'm gagging just thinking about it.

But seriously, I do feel very proud to be a Mom. Ya know, being a Mom can be tough. It requires tons of sacrifice. When your baby is awake.. you are awake. Even now when I sit down to eat, Selah is not satisfied until she has eaten first. The loading and unloading of your vehicle when you have a baby... total sacrifice. It ultimately takes 15 minutes to get in and out of a parking lot. I love how when I am entering into the deepest of deep rem cycles in the night... Andrew wakes ME up to let ME know that Selah is crying in the baby monitor. Really? Really?

Even though I am only 24, and lots of my friends are still living the fun, fast-paced, & exciting life in the city... I don't envy it at all. I am satisfied with being a wife and a mom. I love our little family of four and am willing to sacrifice late nights hanging with the girls for changing nasty sweet potato diapers at 3am. Sounds crazy, right? Well, when you become a mom you'll understand. Promise :)

I still get to dream big dreams, have the occasional late night (9:30pm!) with friends AND love on the most amazing baby, puppy, and hubby in all of the world. The best of both worlds? I think so!

More importantly than me celebrating being a Mom this weekend, I get to celebrate the women who have come before me and taught me how to be a mom myself. I don't know where I would be or who I would be without my mom. I love her more than garlic stuffed olives. And if you know me at all... you know that that is DEEP love.

She is an absolute gift from God in my life and in so many other lives as well. This week, she has sacrificed herself to go and take care of my grandmother who has broken her ankle. My mom has put her life on hold to go and serve my family down in Corpus Christi, TX this week without complaint. She's amazing and I hope she knows that. I love you Mom!

Every year for Mother's day, I would round up my two brothers and my sister and we would make hand-made banners, cards, breakfast, etc. My siblings would roll their eyes at my extravagant Mother's day craft projects. They never ended up being brilliant creations and inevitably she would always walk in early in the morning before everything was set up, ruining our surprise. In order to surprise my Mom you would ultimately have to stay up all night long. She's quite the early bird.

I hope and pray that I can be half the Mom to Selah that my Mom was and is to me.

She's pretty fantastic.

Mother's Day SALE - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-04-28T11:03:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to see the details of my Mother's Day photography sale! ENJOY!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T07:38:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful Easter celebrating Jesus. HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

After church pictures...

Then we got together with church friends to celebrate :)

I made Jalapeno Poppers and Sausage Balls! YUMMO

The UItimate Sacrifice

2011-04-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

The tomb could not hold him. Death could not keep him. The ultimate sacrifice... Jesus my Lord!

Good heavenly morning! I woke up at the crack of dawn to scurry around and get some things done. Make a few hair bows, finish the dishes, tend to the little terrorist that lives downstairs. Then.. it hit me.

As I looked outside, I could see sunlight peeking through the trees around the creek behind our house. I had to stop. I had to stop what I was doing. The skies were still dark and very overcast. I could hear birds chirping and the creek trickling. The wind would occasionally bring gusts across the dead branches. They began to give a creaking and almost moaning like sound as they were being joggled about.

I put down my ribbon and glue gun and made my way outside with my bible and camera.

In the quietness I though back on scripture. Remembering growing up and hearing the Easter story and the good news that is contains. I remember one year when we were little kids, my brother Travis came running in to wake every one up on Easter morning. "He has RISEN! He has RISEN! Won't you get up already?!" I can still hear his high little squeaky voice now. :)

As I sat there in the darkness, I began to imagine what it would be like for those friends and family members of Jesus on that day. The day after he was killed and the day before he rose to claim victory. Can you imagine what Jesus' mother, Mary, was thinking and feeling? It literally hurts my heart to think about my own baby having to take on the burden of man and to die such a cruel death. Jesus told his disciples that he would rise up from the grave on the third day. Did they believe him? After seeing his death on a cross, and seeing his body in the sealed tomb... did they believe him?

The longer I sat outside the lighter the sky became. I could not see the sun but I knew it was there.

Jesus was in the tomb. They couldn't see him, but they knew he was there. That is until the third day came.

God sent Jesus to us as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. I pray that you stop what you are doing and sit with Jesus. Because... YOU CAN! He has Risen! He has Risen! Won't you get up already?!

This year, I encourage you to not only think about Easter morning. Think about the day before Easter.
Because Jesus spent that day in the tomb.. I get the free gift of eternal life.

The things I love.

2011-04-21T21:01:00.001-05:00

These are some of the things that filled my day.
I love these kind of days.

Yes, I love sugar cookies almost as much as I love Andrew, Selah, and Ginger combined...
It's a problem, I know.

Selah's Easter Dress - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-04-20T11:40:00.001-05:00

Good Morning!

I am soo excited about EASTER! This week Selah and I decided to play dress up. Click HERE to see some pictures of her in her Easter dress.

I hope you enjoy them :)

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day! We had a picnic after church with our Sunday School class. I love that I have friends that have children that I have watched grow up right before my eyes. Children truly are a gift from God and to see them play and enjoy the sunshine makes me love my life and grateful to live in such a great place. Sooo... I just had to get out my camera :)

DNA

2011-04-16T09:46:00.000-05:00

This morning I am looking back over our baby pictures to prove to Andrew that she looks more like him. What do you think??

Andrew...

Terra...

Selah Grace...

It will be interesting to see who she more resembles when she gets a little older :)

Boswell Family - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-04-15T16:40:00.004-05:00

Click HERE to see more pictures of the Boswell family over at my photography blog! Enjoy :)

Friends!

2011-04-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

My friend Lisa had a baby about 4 months before I did. Kaylee!! Today, Selah Grace and I went over to see our friends.

Thanks for having us over!! :)

Busy Bee...

2011-04-12T17:45:00.001-05:00

I feel like a busy bee today. Running here and running there, but never forgetting to stop and enjoy my precious 6 MONTH OLD! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?

Now that I work part time, I get a whole lot more face time during the day with my sweet Selah Grace. She is such a joy to me. She is sitting up, almost crawling, laughing up a storm, and chattering with anything that has a face. I'm not sure how much she weighs now. I'll find out when we go to the doctor soon.. but I know that she has put on a little weight. She is starting to look more and more chunky. It makes my heart happy.

Every day after work is our girl bonding time. The couple of hours a day I get her all to myself. I get to sit down with her, play, sing, and laugh with her. Once I have fed and bathed her at night... she is ready for bed. Literally. She throws an absolute fit until I go and lay her down in her bed with her paci and rabbit. It's awesome... My Mom really helped me get that routine down when she came to visit and she watched Selah during the day for me. I just lay her down in her bed... She looks up, smiles and me, and then lays her head down and closes her eyes. What a champ! She is still waking me up once a night to eat.... What can I say? The girl loves to eat! I don't blame her.

The afternoons are when I get to feed her, rock her, read her a book, play in floor with her, watch her crack up laughing while watching me try and cook new things for dinner... no really... she laughs at me.

This next picture is a common occurrence during our afternoons together. Yes, she is supposed to be napping when I hear little chuckles coming from the baby monitor. I go upstairs to assess the situation and this is what I find...

My afternoons with Selah are often when I do disaster recovery before Andrew comes home. I cook, pick up the house... yada yada yada. Just so it can get messed up again. :)

Now that she has reached the 6 month hump, Selah has really been chatting up a storm with every thing in sight lately. Like I mentioned earlier... she usually talks to things that have a face...

One of my favorite things to do is to dress Selah each morning. Opening her closet is like getting smacked in the face with a rainbow. And.. she has enough hair bows to accessorize a small nation.

For real...

Here is one of Selah's favorite books... we read it before her afternoon nap.

And... since Selah doesn't have enough hair bows to accessorize a large nation.. I decided to make her some fabric flower bows as well. I made a few for me so I guess that can be my excuse.

Ginger has been feeling a bit jealous these days. Lots of barking, and trying to get in between us and Selah. We may have to take her to obedience school soon if she doesn't get her diva attitude under control. But she is still cute.... I'll give her that.

GARDEN UPDATE: My veggies and herbs are growing so great! But the storms lately have been violating my flowers... I have lots of naked flowers.

Along with my busy bee-ness going on these days.. I hate to stop and do the dishes. It annoys me. I put this sign up in my kitchen to remind me to be joyful while doing the dishes... I'll let you know when it starts working.

Hooray! My small potted plant (that I thought was dead) that I was given at our Women's Retreat has bloomed! I may have a gift for bringing plants back from the dead.

And this is probably the most exciting thing going on in my life right now...
I FOUND SELAH SOME JELLIES!! OMGosh. I am so excited.

I think these little shoes are the cutest things I have ever seen!

My Morning Glory

2011-04-11T07:46:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! Just thought I would brighten your day by showing you what brightens my day :)

Yes, Selah currently prefers the upside-down paci look.

Is it just me or doesn't Selah look like Andrew here? Maybe it's just the ears. :)

And... we're about to have a crawling baby! This weekend, Selah learned how to pull up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth.

Buckle your seat belt.. here we GO!

Addison & Thatcher - TAKEN BY TERRA

2011-04-11T07:10:00.001-05:00

Check out the pictures from my latest session with Addison and Thatcher over at my photography blog.

Hope you enjoy these cuties!