Happy Birthaversary...

I'm very thankful and blessed that 2 years ago my best friend shared his special day with me.  I always wanted a Christmas wedding... Christmas time brings me so much joy, and this would only add to it.  My grandparents got married on my Grandfather's birthday, he always said my Grandmother was the best birthday he ever got, I loved that!!  These grandparents definitely had the type of marriage that stood for everything important, so doing anything like they did was a plus!!!  After dating 7 years, Brett popped the question...  It was perfect!!  To be honest, I can't believe I didn't totally drive poor Brett crazy in my anticipation in this event happening!!  But he did such a great job in picking out the ring (all by himself) and coming up with the proposal plan!

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!

My grandmother :)  Brett had her, and his family hiding in the stands, his sister took pictures :)  I was lured into the stadium by our great friends the Boykin's and Davis' saying they were taking Christmas card pictures and we were meeting the boys there (they had been there for a dinner)

A little over a year later... We were married.  It was a day taken straight out of a fairy tale.  I can't express how absolutely wonderful that day was.  All my dreams came true and everything was absolutely perfect!!!  I can't thank our parents and the Boykins enough for all they did to make everything so wonderful.  Every time I think about our wedding, I think about them and all they have done for us, did for us that day, and what they continue to do.  We are 2 years and counting in our marriage, and with a baby and new house coming this year, I can only imagine how exciting next year will be!!  We are so blessed.  I am so blessed by a husband that adores me, treats me with respect, cares what I think and my opinions, asks for my advice, seeks the Lord for council, is a hard worker, has compassion for all, strength, and the kindest heart.  I love you Brett!!!

The Wedding Party 

The Handsome Groom!! 

 yes, it was pretty cold!!

beautiful bridesmaids!! 

My family

Brett's family

The Hollidays!

Brett's Grandma 

the Boykins 

Trey and Amy 

Mary Helen 

Mary Helen singing, 'Angels Among Us' 

Clayton, the perfect ring barer- he took his job seriously! 

Thank you, Andy!! We couldn't have asked for anything more perfect!! 

 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brett Paulk

The Lamb family- they are AWESOME!!! if anyone ever gets a chance to hear them or have them at an event, jump on it!!!

Thank you Rayla-- the cakes were AMAZING!!! 

Oh Amy!!

And we're off to NYC!!!

It's a...

BOY!!!!!!!

The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.

Isaiah 49:1

Yesterday was such an exciting day for us!!  I have to again say, I was a little nervous about this appointment, but then became just totally excited!!!  Thursday was like the day before my birthday, and I was just counting down until Friday morning!!!

My appointment was at 8:30 and we went right back!  When i first looked at the screen it was just so amazing to see how much our sweet baby has grown!!  From looking like a butter-bean to a sweet baby!!  Then we saw that heart just a beating, which always brings a smile to my face...  then, they continued scrolling down and ask to make sure we wanted to know the gender, of course I said YES before she could finish the sentence!!  She got to that area and asked if we could tell what it was, it just took a glance and it was very easy to tell that we indeed have a baby BOY in there!!  Even Brett could tell :)

The entire ultra sound was just so cool, Brett and I just kept asking questions about what was what and how he was positioned and how in the world ultra sounds really worked!!  We were very intrigued!  Our little guy is already acting like is his daddy in that he would.not.be.still.  We wiggled, squirmed, flapped, and kicked the whole time!  He was so funny!!!  A few times he actually looked liked he was waving to us!!  It was amazing to see this human being, our son, growing inside of me!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 

                                                            Psalm 127:3 

I am now 18 weeks along, and at yesterdays appointment we were told everything is going perfectly!  We saw that his kidneys and stomach were all great, and that all 4 of the chambers of the heart were right in place!  He was right at 7oz. and progressing right along!!  We saw his little hands with his little fingers, and his sweet little feet that were nicely crossed his sweet toes just wiggling. 

Baby BOY P- is now the size of a Bell Pepper... and moving his little arms and legs!  I am starting to feel this more and more... Still mostly flutters but more and more defined.  It's a wonderful feeling!!

Name- Now comes the fun :)  We had a girl name in mind, but we just don't think we have found the perfect boy name yet.  We have a few ideas, but not 100% yet.  I can't wait to give him a name and start calling him by it!!  

Since we found out yesterday that it is a boy, I already feel more connected, and so many wonderful thoughts are already going through my head about this wonderful blessing.  Brett didn't have a huge fist pump reaction or let out a sigh of relief that it's a boy, he 100% didn't care and is only desiring a healthy baby (and mamma)!  Don't get me wrong, he had a huge smile on his face, and as the day went on he made more and more comments on how excited he is.  The first thing he said was when we went back tot he waiting room, he looked at me and said, "Looks like you're out-numbered now!"  And I can't wait!  Brett is going to be an amazing daddy, and I pray our little guy takes after him!  That he gets Brett's compassion, strength, gentle heart, smarts, spiritual leadership, and so much more!!  And of course I hope he looks just like him :)

We can't put into words how excited and how blessed we are.  We are praising God for all this wonderful news!!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 

John 1:16

looking at us

putting his hand over his face (something his Daddy would do while taking pictures :) )

thumbs up!

sweet man

HEY!!!

first "something blue" from Stacey when I got back to work :)

It's beginning to look a lot like... there's a baby inside me :)

And here we are... 17 weeks!!!  And confession... my blogging skills are awful!  But let's be honest... who really reads this ;)

Since my last post, about 3 weeks ago, it seems as if a little 'pouch' has sprouted at my stomach!  It's crazy because sometimes I'll do a double take in the mirror, and think wow, this is really happening!!  My last appointment went great!  They found the heart beat using the doppler without any problems, which relieved this often worrisome think the worst mamma!  I have to give a shout out to my Dr.'s office.. I absolutely love everyone that is there!!!  My nurse is great and so is my doctor.. along with everyone else in the practice!!  Anytime I have had any question or concern I have had NO problems getting an answer quick, coming right in to the office, and having my mind set at ease.  We are so thrilled to be being taken care of by such great people!! for those wondering...

Baby P- is now the size of a turnip (about 5 inches long from head to bottom, and weighs about 4.94 oz- says my baby app ;) )

Movement- I have to say, that I really think that I have felt some flutters recently!!  It happens about the same time everyday (once I sit down after standing up for a long time and after I eat) and at about the same spot.  It's a crazy feeling, and so cool.  And again, let's be honest, this is my first rodeo, so what I think I'm feeling could actually be indigestion ;)

Gender- FRIDAY is the big day!!  We will find out if we have a quarterback or cheerleader in there :)  What do I think... I've said girl from day one, no real reason for why I think girl, I just do!  Every 'old wives tale' and urban legend I've done all point to BOY, so... we will see!!  I'm very anxious about Friday's appointment, no not because I care that much about if it's a girl or boy, but because we will learn so much more.  Making sure all organs are growing correctly and in the right place, seeing those 10 (or 11 if it's like my granddad) toes and fingers, and hearing that wonderful heart beating!!  I keep reminding myself
 "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
And what is our prayer??  A healthy baby- of course!  And most importantly God's plan to play out.  After all that is what the name of this blog is referring to.  Brett and my desire to follow where God is calling us to go and rolling with whatever He blesses us with.  He has the plans for this wonderful blessing He's giving us already laid out, I just hope we don't stand in His way! "Before you were born I set you apart I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5


Weight Gain- Right at 5 pounds.. in 17 weeks, I'll take it :)


Cravings- Nothing crazy, still just bad McDonald's french fries!!  I'm still having my aversion to sweets, with the exception of peppermint milk shakes from Chik-fil-a!  Wow.. these aren't good cravings, huh!!!


Sleep- No real problems in this area.. just those extra potty breaks!!


I still have to throw major props to my amazing husband!!  Brett continues to be AWESOME!!  I was sick last week with the stomach bug, and he didn't hesitate in one bit of taking care of me, and cleaning up messes!!  He continues to pick up my slack on keeping our life organized and not a total mess!!  I am truly blessed, and so thankful for him!!!  Last week I actually had him convince me to go back to the gym... and I'm so feeling it right now as I'm struggling walking and reaching with my arms!!  Having a trainer for a husband is awesome, but sometimes painful ;) (And for those that asked..  No, Brett is not a full time trainer..  Back in July he got certified to teach Crossfit at the gym we are members of.  Our good friends the Shamblin's run this gym, Drew just lets Brett teach the 5:45 am class... Brett is still 100% engineer)


What's been going on with us...  We spent Thanksgiving in Fort Deposit, and had a great time, and ate wonderful food.  We have so much to be thankful for!!  We went to Auburn for the big game Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend, and for the first time, out of 6 tries, I FINALLY got to see Alabama beat Auburn in person- I'm still surprised Brett let me go ;) despite a little extra effort in getting home, we had a great time.  Now...  we are awaiting the festivities of Christmas and enjoying life as a family of 2!

Andrew couldn't see!  We <3 the Boykin family!!!!!!!!!

Our annual picture!!  Some of our oldest friends, Amy and Trey Huff, love the friend.. not the school! RTR guys!!

wonderful phone picture!!  At the end of the iron bowl, too bad you can't see the 42-14 on the score board!!!

14 weeks... and growing!!

Well, so much for updating every week ;)

I have to say it's hard for me to believe that I am already over 14 weeks along now!!  I just know the holiday season will fly by, and we will be well into the new year before I know it!!  At 14 weeks, I feel as if I am finally over the hump of nausea and having to have crackers on stand by at all time!!  I hoping all my energy comes soon as well!!  My only complaint recently is just lots of drainage and sinus pressure..  I really can't complain too much though, I have heard many worse horror stories from other women about their pregnancy experiences!!

And, in case you were wondering...

Baby P--about the size of a lemon... on everything I've read the baby's size is always compared to a fruit- some of which I've never heard of!
Movement--haven't felt any yet!
Weight gain--is about 2 lbs. (I think ;) I go to Dr this Thursday)
Maternity clothes--Haven't worn any official maternity clothes yet, but I do have a 'belly band' and have used a rubber-band to 'button' my jeans.. They will button, it's just not comfortable all day!  I feel like this past week I've just started poking out!
Food cravings--nothing crazy that I've noticed.. The only thing I've really wanted is McDonald's french fries- which I resist the urge :) and I guess along with cravings, I have NOT desired any sweets- now that's weird for me!!

             Sleep--I've been sleeping well except for the 4-6 potty breaks ;)

As I said earlier, I go back to the Dr Thursday, she told me it would be a 'boring' visit because I won't have a sonogram, and I've had one at every other visit!!  But hearing that precious heart beat will make it totally worthwhile and NOT boring!!  It's a humbling thought knowing there is something with a beating heart inside of me-- GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

We should find out the baby's gender December 8, less than 4 weeks!!!  As always I am so thankful to God for this amazing blessing he placed upon Brett and I to start this family!  He is definitely taking care of us every step of the way!

Here's what's been going on with us recently...

For Halloween Brett and I were "Shrek and Fiona"

At the gym everyone calls Brett "Shrek", this started years ago when Drew first called him and ogre, and then well, Shrek just stuck!!  It could be worse... I guess!

Tailgating.. our favorite thing to do in Tuscaloosa on gameday! 

Fam Jam!  This was before the LSU game.. although the game didn't turn out as we had hoped, it was a great day!

On Veteran's day, Eileen and I decided to use our day off to take a road trip to Florence to visit Katie.. Katie we miss you!!!

And 3 years ago today, November 13, 2008, my best friend asked me a very important question..,

and I, gladly said YES!!!!

Proud to announce...

If any of you know me, you know how much I don't do surprises, and when something exciting is going on, I am always ready to share the good news!!  I always like to know when something is going to happen, and to be in control of the situation...  If I have learned ANYTHING in the past 8 weeks, it has been, I don't (and won't) have to be in control of every situation, and sometimes- I can keep exciting things in!!

Re-Cap of mine and Brett's life the past 4 months...

Early spring Brett and I prayerfully decided to sell our house..  After lots of prayer (and to be honest, silly impatience on my part- an example of a situation where I wanted to be in control) ...we sold!  It really didn't take long for our house to sell, and the way it all happened made it very evident to us that God sold our house.  He totally took the situation and made it happen very effortlessly!  The timing was perfect, for many reasons!!  His timing always is perfect!!  In our prayerful decision to sell, we were prayerfully deciding to build a home.  In August we moved into an apartment, and bought the piece of land that we will be building on.  We are very excited about all of this!!

It was the day before my 27th birthday when we found out that we had a lot more than a new house on the way!!  I remember being like, OH MY!!! And.. OOOHHHHH MMMMYYYYYY!!!  At first I really couldn't believe it, then the stuck on grin appeared!!  I told Brett that afternoon, and it took him a bit to actually believe me- and showing him the proof!

Ha.. I actually took 5!!!

It was my silly smile that I think kept throwing him off!!  It wasn't long before we were both totally pumped and filled with many wonderful thoughts!!!!

We are now right at the 12 week point (Thursday) and so far.. so good!!  This of course being our first has been filled with excitement, scares, and many smiles.  Throughout this whole thing I've realized more and more how out of control I am.  Thankfully, God is in Control.  When a little bit of worry comes in I am comforted in knowing that God is taking care of everything!  Everyday I catch myself saying, "For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11-- how awesome is that!!  This whole process truly is a blessing, and I can't wait to see what all God has in store.  Our always constant prayer is to follow God's path for us- to listen to Him- and go where He calls.  God is so good!!!!!!  We are so thankful for the miracle He has happening to us right now!!

CHEESE ALERT----

I have to share how TOTALLY AMAZING Brett Paulk has been.  Amazing doesn't even cover it!!  I couldn't ask for more support, encouragement, respect, guidance, patience, -- I could go on and on!!  I haven't been feeling great.. nausea, fatigue, extra trips to the doctor, and what really would look like pure laziness to any outsider!  He has kept up with laundry, cleaning our apartment, dishes, meals, garbage, getting me anything I ask for, praying for me and our baby, dropping everything and going to the doctor with me, watches me take naps, and all without the first complaint or asking of anything in return.  All while opening the gym at 5:30am 4 out of 5 mornings a week, working all day, doing some traveling for work, coaching a 6 year old flag football team, creating our house plans, and preparing tailgates... I AM SO BLESSED!!!!  God gave me such a gift when He allowed Brett and I to form our relationship, have it grow, and become married.  Thank you so much Brett for the man you are!!!!!

AND NOW, INTRODUCING BABY PAULK:

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.  Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you" Jeremiah 1:5

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him" Psalm 127:3

Christmas Time at the Paulk's

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  The holiday season truly is my favorite time of year.  All the time spent with friends and family, wonderful decorations, amazing dinners and smells of the season, coats and scarves, and so much more.  The main reason I love it so much is because I'm reminded how truly blessed I am.  It's amazing how God continues to bless Brett and I daily, we are truly thankful, and should be showing our gratitude more!!  If the holiday season wasn't filled with lights and tinsel, home cooked dinners and a red and green wardrobe I hope that I would still enjoy this time of year just as much.  If we had nothing I hope I would still be just as grateful as I am now for I will always have the blessing of Christ's love for (which is HUGE!!!!!! I'm so unworthy, but He is so good!!).  God is so good, and I am thankful!!

On Veterans Day Brett and I were both off work so while he was doing things in the garage I was inside decorating the house for Christmas (yes, this was 2 weeks before Thanksgiving!!).  I was a little excited, it was the first time I was decorating my own home!!  Many of our Christmas decorations were wedding gifts so it was so fun to open them back up and be reminded of how truly amazing and perfect our wedding was.  It was so much fun filling our home with all the decorations of Christmas, but I was reminded (again by reading another's blog) again that if we didn't have all of this, would I be satisfied?  Am I satisfied with Christ's love alone?  I think I am, I pray that I am, and I ask friends to let me know if I am not living accordingly!!  I read the hymn, In Christ Alone, and wow did it touch me.  So as you scroll through some of the pictures of our home this holiday season I will have the lyrics to this wonderful song...

In Christ alone my hope is found

he is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid Ground 

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my All in All

here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone!  who took on flesh

Fluness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness

scorned by the ones he came to save:

till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied-

For every sin on him was laid;

here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the fround His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am His and He is mine-

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

We try to have our home be a place that is open for anyone to come in and always be welcome.  Our house is not huge by any means, but it is perfect for us and we couldn't need anything else.  We like to ultimately fill our house with love 365 days a year.  An abundant love for Christ and an abundant love of each other through Christ.  If you're ever in the neighborhood stop on by!!

Merry Christmas, love the Paulk's