What a great day it's been! I can't tell you the last time that Josh and I had the whole day together without one of us having to leave for work or for a concert or the road! What a joy it has been. We started off the morning with him making a run to McDonalds. For some reason when I woke up I HAD to have a sausage McMuffin. LOL. So like a good hubby he went and got his preggo wife a sausage McMuffin. Then we ran out to run some errands. I was able to find a cute maternity top to where to my high school class reunion next week. Then we bought a gift for a baby shower we are going to. But, the fun part was while we were getting the gift we started looking at things we might want to register for, for OUR baby. I walked out of Babies R Us with a huge grin on my face. I can't wait. It's going to be so much fun!!!

Tonight we went out to dinner with our really good friends Ryan and Stefanie Williams. It seems like forever since we have seen them. We met them at Chili's at 6:30 for dinner. At 9:30 we were still sitting there talking away like we had just gotten there. We're so greatful that the Lord has brought us such good friends into our lives!

It's been an amazing Saturday just spending time with my hubby! I'm just so thankful for days like this!

Thank goodness for wonderful Mothers who help out so much. And fathers, so parents I should say. This week my in laws came down to help out with the kids while Trey is in Nashville. They brought down my 3 nieces who are almost 10, 8 and 5. We have had a blast. James is gonna be so bored today after they leave. I haven't really seen him at all this week. When I get home from work, he is playing so well with them, he hardly notices I came home. Such a difference, usually I am bombarded. He has had a blast and I am so glad. Eliza has too. Big girls to follow around. They are so good with her. They actually have another baby sister on the way! Yes 4 girls, plus they are a blended family and they have 2 step sisters. 6 girls! I think its awesome. Maybe they will get their own reality show. But I will miss the laughter that has filled the house this week. I am blessed to have a great relationship with Treys parents. And it was really nice having someone else cook! I will miss them. It was nice not being alone.

One another note, my mom is keeping the kids this weekend so I can go to Nashville to be with Trey. I really want to be a part of the recording and at least see what goes on. Trey is so excited about it and wants to share it with me too. Plus, I have never been to Nashville and am excited to see it. I hear its really cool: Trey has picked out all the places we will eat already. My mom is awesome for keeping them, my dad too, so I can go. I am gonna leave as soon as I get off work today. I am looking forward to the drive by myself....wow. how quiet....

So Josh and I are 17 weeks pregnant now and are very excited! It's still is all so surreal because of everything that we've been through this past year. Next week we go back to the doctor for our next check up and this will be the first time that Josh will hear the baby's heartbeat. I can't wait for him to get to experience that! Then two weeks from tomorrow we get to find out what we are having! We are both just over the moon excited to know! We've got so much to do once we do find out.

The biggest thing that we are trying to do is get our house ready to possibly be put up on the market. And try to sell it before the baby comes. I know that this is probably not the best time to try and sell, but, we feel like this is the right thing to do and are just following what we feel like the Lord has told us to do. HOWEVER, to do this, so many things around the house have to be fixed or fixed up. My in-laws came over a couple of weeks ago and painted our living room a neutral color. I looooove dark rich colors, but, it doesn't help sell the house because "neutral" is what realtors say you should have. Anyway, it looks really nice downstairs now. Then today my mother-in-law came over and started priming our bedroom (again a dark color...hunter green). I went to Home Depot last night and picked out a really pretty cream color for our room. So today she primed and tomorrow she will paint. It's been amazing to have her help...especially when I can't. After our bedroom we only have one more small bedroom to paint (navy blue in that room...lol...I know). Then we will be done with the painting. Once all the painting is done we have to replace our water heater and fix the drywall from some water damage and get the carpets cleaned. Then I think we'll be ready. Whew! A lot to do in such a short amount of time. But, I'm very excited about this and ready to move on to a place that Josh and I can call "OURS" and not a place that I bought and he moved into.

Last night I was looking over the paperwork that the doctor gave us when we first got pregnant. And I was blown away at things they are saying we need to do already. I have to send in my admissions paperwork to the hospital in 3 weeks. Wow! Then look for a birthing class AND start looking for a pediatrician. Yikes! Seems like this is so early to do but then again the baby will be here before we know it. I need to make a to do list! My pregnancy brain isn't letting me remember a lot of things these days...so lists have become my friend!

Today at work, Kevin & Taylor announced that Echoing Angels will be playing at Celebrate Freedom in September. That was a lot of fun hearing them talk about the guys. And I can't wait for the guys to debut all their new music for everyone to hear! So if you're in the Atlanta area on September 4th, come out to Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta and support them! It's absolutely FREE!

Tonight Josh and I are going to my parents church to "critique" a teen steppers group from their youth group. They are going to the national Fine Arts Festival for the Assemblies of God to represent the State of Georgia there. And they've asked us to come and watch their performance tonight to see if they need to improve on anything performance wise. So that should be fun. That kind of stuff always fascinates me because I don't think I could be a stepper.

I'm also working on getting things ready for our trip next week to Michigan. Very much looking forward to seeing old High School Friends that I haven't seen in forever. I'm also looking forward to showing Josh where I grew up at. Granted it's a small town and won't take a long time to do the tour, but, it's still a lot of memories for me that I can't wait to share with him! So, I'm trying to make final preparations for that.

Well, as you can see my mind is just full of a mish mash of stuff right now. Got a lot on my mind. So I think I'll stop for now. Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!

My wonderful in laws came down from Virginia yesterday to help me with the kids this week. Trey left this morning for NashVegas for 8 days to record acoustic guitar and vocals for the new album. It is SO wonderful to have the childcare covered for this week. They brought down my nieces with them. It is so wonderful to have them here. They are 10, 8, and 5. The best girls! And James and Eliza are enamored with them. So I have a feeling I am getting a few days off from the "mommy play with me" plead. And suddenly I am not the baby's favorite! Whew, while I love being needed so much by the both of them, I will take the much needed break. For instance, I am typing this blog with no interruption! Shocking. And my mother in law is cooking! Wow, now I'm in heaven. A break from cooking this week too? And she just asked me about doing my laundry. Thank you Lord for Mothers. My own mother used to live with us for a while and oh my, what a blessing. She cooked and cleaned and did laundry. Why did she move out?....oh yeah, I had another baby and needed the bedroom. Boo! But it turned out to be what God had in mind. My parents live about 50 minutes away and have jobs they love.
We went to the Zoo today because we bought the year pass and could get all of us, but one, in for free. So for $18, 8 of us had more sweaty fun than we could handle. It was already 100 degrees when we arrived there this morning, but we all had fun. I have to work the rest of the week and that is such a bummer to not be able to hang out. Maybe I will put my name on the imaginary list to get off early....yeah, right, we are so short staffed, I will end up staying late instead. I hope not....

Well...for the 2nd time this summer our air conditioner died in our hosue! Last night before I was going to go to bed I couldn't understand why I was sweating. Then when I saw the thermostat was set at 74 and it was 83 in the house I knew it was dead. I went to bed but did not sleep well. I have to have the room nice and cool...especially these days being pregnant. Thankfully our air conditioner guy goes to our church. Josh called him and he came out this afternoon and fixed it. However, he said we couldn't turn the air on for awhile because we had to let the air unit cool down. We apprently fried something in the unit and he replaced it. But, it was still really hot and so it can't be turned on yet. So Gracie Bear and I sit hear burning up. Right now it's 95 in the house. ugh. Poor Gracie is in front of the floor fan and just panting so bad. If we can't turn it on soon we may have to go for a ride because I'm to the point where I can't take it anymore.

It's kind of funny though. My studio at the station that I work in is like an igloo. I literally wear a winter coat in there everyday and bring socks for my feet because it's sooo cold. Then I come home and it's like an oven in here. I'm not that picky of a person...I'd be okay with a happy medium. Although, I want to go to Whitewater Park and float in the Hootch, I'm about ready for fall to show up and cool down. For those of you not in Atlanta, our heat index today is supposed to reach 105 degrees. Bring on the fall!!!

Today we went back to our home church Liberty Hill. It was awesome to see everyone and be back where we belong. It is such an awesome church. We are acutely aware that Trey would not be in the position he is right now if not for the amazing people in this church. Their support is what got us here and continues to sustain us. The worship was awesome and the message spoke directly to my heart.

One of the things the pastor said was "the opposite of faith is safety. Faith takes risk." That hit me like a tons of bricks. It is so true. We are living that out right now. Everything we are going through right now feels unsafe, unsure, and full of unknown outcomes. But if we hadn't taken the chances over the last 10 years we would not be on the precipice of a new album, of a dream coming true, a fulfillment of a vision. It is so hard when faced with decisions to think about the long term goal and not just the short term discomfort. Its uncomfortable a lot... following God's will. He never leaves you in your comfort zone. If he did, you wouldn't experience God's fullness and faithfulness. One individual asked me this morning if I was still working full time. I said "yes," she asked why? I politely said that the money for Trey wasn't enough right now for me to quit. She said, "how depressing!" I was totally caught off guard for a moment. I am sure people have thought this before but just didn't say it out loud. Most people are supportive. After that moment passed, I said, "no, how exciting! God is showing His faithfulness and the the vision will be filled in His time. And I am not sad at the role I have." Its amazing...your ability to cope in your situation is all in how you perceive it! You can choose to look at all God is not doing that you think He should be or choose to look at all He has done and is doing!

Wednesday night was girls night out with all the Angel wives. It was a historical event. It was the first time we have ever done this. We went to California Pizza Kitchen and had a wonderful time! I think we all discovered things about each other we didn't know. I was struck by the awesomeness, if that's a word, of these ladies. God could have chosen to give me challenging relationships with women I didn't care for, but instead, he gave me 3 great women who are quickly becoming my best friends. I am hoping our relationships progress in such a way that leaning on each other is second nature. God is so good. This is one of those unexpected blessings. He always gives us more than we ask. I didn't even know to pray for this when I prayed that Trey would find a band....I am praising Him today, for always knowing my hearts desire before I do!

Today, I had the day off. It was great to be home, away from the daily drama looming at work these days. Trey has locked himself away all day trying to finish lyrics for the record. He leaves Sunday to start recording the vocals. The label chose 2 songs that had no words at all!! Surprise! And there were 2 others that he had been making up some of the words every time they played it for the last year!!! hahahaha lol! That cracks me up. I just found this out, it's no wonder I couldn't remember them to sing along! I don't feel so stupid anymore! Trey could have won that show, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Do you remember it? He is so good at making up stuff off the cuff. He is always singing about what the kids are doing, narrating it as they do it. They love it because it, of course, comes with funny voices. But I hope he finishes soon. I haven't seen him all week and now I haven't on my off day and he leaves Monday for 7 or 8 days. Hmmm. Good times, as my bro n law would say. But it will pay off, I know.

Good nite!

In two weeks Josh and I will be heading up to Michigan to where I grew up for my high school reunion. I can't believe that time has flown by. But, I have to say that I am so excited to see my old classmates and show Josh my hometown. It's funny because after I graduated I had only kept up with just a few friends. Then Facebook came along and changed it all. It's been amazing how God has brought several girlfriends from HS back into my life, exactly when I needed them! My friend Billie I reconnected with in early '09. And I can't even believe what an encourager she has been over the last year. When we went through our miscarriages she was there uplifting us in prayer and sending sweet encouraging cards and e-mails. Then in January I had a chance to go with Echoing Angels to Michigan. On one of the dates we were about two and half hours from my hometown. But, two girls that I knew and hadn't seen since high school decided to come down to the show and see me. And what a reunion it was. It was just like we picked up right where we left off. My friend Jenn was one of those girls. And she has been a rock for me the last six months. Then she was able to come down and see me in June and now we get to see her in two weeks. It's funny how when old friends start phasing out for some reason God brings those into or back into your life exactly at the right time. I couldn't have asked for a better friend than Jenn. She always knows how to make me laugh. We were talking tonight on the phone and talking about how crazy and cool it's gonna be to see everyone and how everyone has changed.

On a different note, a lot of people have been asking me about if I've had any weird pregnancy cravings. And honestly, the answer is no. But, I will say that my favorite pregnancy craving right now is Strawberry Crush. Oh my gosh...soooo yummy! If you haven't tried it, you need to!

Isn't it funny (not as in ha-ha...but as in ironic) how when you have plans all set up to do something then life throws you a curve ball and changes those plans? That's how it was for me today. I was going to go home and take Gracie to my parents. Then go back home and clean up the living room because our friend John was coming over to do a chair massage on Josh's shoulder. Then I was going to also be working on my kit for my Signature HomeStyles home business and weed out the stuff I dont' need and put in the fall/holiday stuff that just came in. See...I had a plan. Then I got home to find out that the power is out. Really??? It was so hot. All we know is that it's supposed to be back on sometime in the next 24 hours. So of course that means changing all the plans that you had already built into your mind. The one thing though is that it was definitely too warm to stay in that house (although I'm sure Josh would say it wasn't really hot...but being pregnant I get a lot hotter easier these days.). Anyway, I packed up my Signature Stuff and packed up Gracie Bear and we came over to see my parents at their church. I got our friend to make plans meet us here at the church instead of at our house so that ended up working out. But, it made more work having to rearrange everything. Sometimes I think that God likes to throw us these little curve balls to keep us on our toes so that we'll be prepared for anything and be quick to move. I'm just praying that the power comes back on so I can go home and sleep in my own bed tonight. But, if it doesn't, my parents have graciously offered us a room at their house. Thanks Daddy & Momma!

I do have to say though that I am very excited about tomorrow night. The Real Angels (us wives) are gonna get together for dinner. I think this will be the first time that we have ALL been together in one place. I just love this group of girls. It's amazing to see how God brought the right group of guys together in Echoing Angels. But, for all of us girls to get along so well is just precious and amazing! The Lord truly knew what He was doing. And for that I am blessed with 3 really good friends. There's no cattiness between us. We all like to laugh and have fun. And we all love our husbands and support them in the ministry that God has called them to. It's so awesome to have these girls in my life because they know EXACTLY what I'm going through and what I'm feeling. On the days that I'm overwhelmed or discouraged Iknow that I could call them and that they would be there with a word of encouragement for me. And I hope that they know that I would be there in the same way for them. I feel so blessed to know these girls and call them my friends. I hope that you are blessed to have such good friends in your life as well.

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind. We got home from the beach Friday night at 7. Baby girl once again made it clear she hates long car rides. I got up Saturday and worked another 16 hour shift. It just about killed me. Yesterday I did enough laundry for 8 people and went to the grocery store. After 2 weeks being away, its feels it will take a year to get my house back in order. But it was definitely worth it. I had such a great time and I feel like I got to know everyone better.
I just have to brag a little on what God did last week. 2 people from the resort who were not even a part of the camp were saved. One was a teenager the band and some campers met on the beach and invited to come to worship. The other was an older woman who heard the music from the lobby. Oh and the cafeteria lady that had been serving us food all week came to worship with us.
It just gives me chills how great God is. I even had a God appointment myself. I will share that with you later, when I'm ready. All of this was just confirmation that Echoing Angels is walking in the will of God. I think this is the tip of the iceberg. God has big plans for them. They are such great guys with hearts chasing after God. They have persevered through so many hardships the last couple of years, and when the rest of the world said to give it up, they waited on the Lord. He kept sustaining them....and now we/they are in just the beginning of the blessing. God promises to bless those who are faithful and that we can move mountains with just a little mustard seed faith. And He came through. He always does what He promises, not in our timing though. This is a direct blessing from the Daniel Fast we do every year. We fasted, allowing God to open up his hand to us. Did you know there are 20 great promises in the bible only given to those who fast? I didn't either until 4 years ago when God convicted me that I should be doing it. It has changed my life, spiritually and even physically. We start every year with a 21 day fast. I will be sharing more on this as January approaches. But we are living proof that it works and is a blessed endeavor.
Trey leaves next Monday for Nashville to begin recording the vocals. He is excited. This album is a.miracle from God and we give Him all the praise. Only a great God like ours could have saved the day like He did. I just know, know, know that God is orchestrating something fantastic for EA. His hand is evident. I'm so in love with my savior and in awe!

So I am back from two awesome weeks spent with my husband, little boy, the EA guys, and Emily and her children. I can't believe how fast those two weeks went. I am so thankful that I have a job in which I have summers off so I can travel with Jon. I am a little sad, however, that I have to go back to work in two weeks. Ugh!!! This summer has been wonderful! I have had a chance to spend some quality time with my little boy before our next little blessing arrives. Speaking of him or her, he or she will be here in about 5 weeks! Wow how time flies!! The good news is when the new baby gets here I will be able to take some more time off to recover and spend time with my family. Oh how I wish I could stay home at least part-time. Having 10 weeks off in the summer is such a blessing, but it is sooooo difficult to go back. This is my prayer, to be able to potentially go part time at work so I can spend more time with Jon and our children. According to Habakkuk 2:2-3, the Lord commands us to write down our vision, and make it plain upon tables. He may run that readeth it. For the vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. This passage of scripture is and was pinnacle to me as my faith is continually being tested. I will keep you updated on how this vision pans out.

I have to say that one of the things that I love about my job is that I am constantly learning new things. I started working as an on air personality at the station back in 2001 not long after the station came on the air. It was one of those jobs that literally fell into my lap. I was looking for a job and a friend of mine told me that I should send my resume for the promotions assistant job. After her nagging me enough I sent my resume and to my surprise got a phone call back. After interviewing with them they decided that they were going to have someone already at the station add this job to their duties. And although disappointed, I understood because it was saving money. But, they called me back and said that they liked me so much that they wanted to hire me to be a board operator (basically do everything an on air personality did but not go on the air). So, I said sure. After a couple of months our program director asked me if I wanted to train to go on the air. So I was like sure...why not. LOL...who knew it'd be a job that I'd fall in love with and actually be decent at. I ended up working full time for them but worked the overnight hours from 10 pm to 5:30 am and did this for about 6 years. Then Josh and I got married and because our work hours were so different we never saw each other. Not the best way to start off our marriage. So after three months we decided that it'd be best if I came off of working overnights. So I became a fill in person. Well, this has opened opportunities for me to learn so many different things. I filled in for the morning show producer last year for about 3 1/2 months and just loved it and had an amazing time. Then this past February, I was asked to work with our three AM stations. And in April started working full time. They had me doing some travel and transit reporting. And in the last month have been doing traffic reporting. And it has been so interesting. You NEVER know what is going to happen. Take today for instance. I was filling in for the afternoon traffic girl. Things started off just fine. Then before you know it we had 3 accidents on the interstates (2 with in just a few miles of each other) that shut the interstate down. Then we had a few more accidents that had at least 3 lanes blocked and then of course you have your single accidents and stalls that block just one lane. But, when you're reporting for 2 different stations...whew...it becomes exhausting. But, it sure was fun because for me I learn better when I am thrown into the deep end and have to try to stay above the water. I'm just very happy to be learning new things. It keeps things fresh and fun. But, TGIF!!!! I'm sooo happy that the weekend is here! Knowing I do not have to get up at 4:45 for a few days is very exciting! Plus, Gracie (our furry baby) wasn't thrilled about getting up when it was dark and going to bed when it was light out. She didn't get that. But, Josh is on his way home now and will be home for a couple of weeks. So Gracie Bear won't have to worry about that. I don't think we have any big plans for the weekend but to just relax. And I am A-OK with that!!!

I have to be honest. The last couple of days have been really tough for me. Not only am I pregnant, but, this was the first week of me starting to get up at 4:45 am. And my body hasn't responded really well to it and still hasn't adjusted yet. Every morning when I get to work I'm just so nauseaus...and it's not a morning sickness kind of nauseaus. It usually takes until close to noon for me to start feeling better. So I guess because I haven't been feeling well that my tolerance level has been really low too.

This past week I have run into some people in all areas of my life with really bad attitudes. And I don't know if it's just because they are feeling bad about themselves, but, apparently feel the need to tear others down and rip them to shreds. Why do we do that to each other. I understand that we get frustrated with circumstances and situations that present itself to us. But, why must we make others feel bad or tear them down behind their backs? Doesn't Ephisians 4:29 say "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen"?

It's just very disappointing to see this happening and makes me want to ask "How old are we again?" It's time to grow up and be Christians and lift each other up and not tear each other apart. Let's love each other and work towards harmony. If you have a problem with someone, then go talk to them about it to resolve it and not tear them down with unnecessary jabs or rip them to shreds behind their backs.

Whew....thanks for letting me vent. I just needed to get that off of my chest. Now in other good news...Josh is coming home tomorrow! And that makes me VERY happy! I know they've had a great time in Hilton Head...but, I've missed him so much and can't wait to spend some quality time with him. So that is giving me something to look forward to! Yeah!

Its our last full day in Hilton Head. We have had such an awesome time. The weather has been good, the kids have been good, and the trip a success. Eliza was quite a pistol this morning so she is taking an extended nap right now. I hope she is in a good mood to enjoy the beach one more time. The reality that I have to go back to normal rat race life in a few days is sinking in. I have taken 2 weeks off (with the exception of the 16 hour last sunday and the 16 hour I have in 2 days) and I have never done that before. There is SOOOOO much drama at work and I have enjoyed being away. But life will go on.

I think we are going to find a place to eat out tonight....seafood I hope. Any suggestions? I have had enough camp food. Hopefully the kids won't be so tired that they are not pleasant eating companions. We'll see.....

So our trip to Hilton Head got off to an interesting start. We arrived to find out that our rooms had been mixed up and ALL of us were supposed to squeeze into 2-1 bedroom studios...yes, thats 10 people. um, it was so small, there was no room on the floor for James' air mattress so he would have to sleep on a bunk bed that was in the wall in the hall, on the top since Jayce is 2 and would need the bottom...oh and it had no latter. Yes,....oh and the only place for the pak-n-play for Eliza was in the kitchen. Yes thats right. My hopes for any kind of sleep and relaxation were falling to the floor and I was stressing Trey out with the my stress, and was ready to turn around and drive home. After returning to the front desk for a 3rd time (the first 2 times we were told there were no 2 bedrooms available) they miraculously found one....Praise God. I was really ready to find another room at another hotel. But God provided.

We have enjoyed worship with the band. They are awesome as usual. Its really cool to see how they engage the teens in worship. This morning Trey and Neil were dueling a song out...Trey singing the girl part in his best Hannah Montana voice and Neil singing the guys part in his wanna be Barry White voice. Too funny. All the while Jayce and James are playing drums in the back to the music on sand buckets, which they broke after the second song. Yes, James has now broken his first snare head....but they entertained themselves. Last night during worship, Eliza entertained herself with some of the sand toys too. There was a rather large sand shovel. It was about as long as she was....she was trying desperately trying to take that shovel to the stage, she really thought Trey needed a shovel! But overall they have been great, their usual charming selves.

Turns out Eliza does like the sand and waves. She took off all by herself toward the water! And James was much less scared too. Although there is no comparing the beauty of the gulf to the east coast, the waves are smaller with no undertoe and the sand is packed so much much less messy. It made for happy kids. And of course I took no pictures. I have big plans for that today. So we are good and having fun. And most importantly the campers seem to be having a blast too.

Well, I just got home a little bit ago. The hours I was working have changed and I'm now working 6 am to 2 pm. I LOVE getting off early, but, boy, getting up at 4:45 in the morning is not easy. I used to think that 4:45 only came around once a day. Not anymore. But, that's why God invented naps, right?

Well, the guys are on their way to Hilton Head and actually should be pulling in right about now. Emily and Nikki and their families were able to go on this trip with them too. And although I'm so happy for them, I must say, I'm a bit jealous. Oh how I'd love to be hanging out with the girls and their kids on the beach and also spending time with Josh. The only times I've been out with EA has mostly in the winter time and it was FREEZING. Something just isn't right about that! I think that Josh needs to take me to the beach before the end of the summer. Maybe a last hurrah before the baby comes. ;-)

Anyway, I must stay and hold the fort down and work at the station. And thankfully, I do love my job and the people that I work with. They definitely make it a lot of fun and keep me laughing. Plus, with everything that we've been through in the last year with our miscarriages, they have been so supportive and caring. Even during this pregnancy they have all been so concerned. Any time I've been off I get texts, emails and phone calls checking on me to make sure everything is okay. It's so very sweet. And I know it makes Josh feel so good knowing that so many people care and are here for me, especially when he is out of town. Back in the end of May I started spotting and was afraid that I may be on my way to another miscarriage. Well, three of my co-workers came and prayed for me and prayed God's protection over this baby. Then I found out later that the word started spreading throughout the station and more people started praying. Blows my mind at their thoughtfulness! Then just today my friend Taylor came and said she had something for me. Well, the other day I had just told her about these cookies that I had been craving from Starbucks. And of course now that I'm craving them do you think I can find them? Of course not. Anyway, I told her about that the other day. Well today she surprised me with some cookies she found in the store that were very similar to the ones I was wanting. It was so sweet and thoughtful and very yummy!!!

I'm just so thankful for all the amazing people the Lord has brought into my life at work. With the exception of three months in 2006, I have been with the station since January of 2001. A long time! I couldn't have asked for a better place to work. This is my second family! It's truly amazing!

Well, after all that talk about the cookies, the baby is telling me that I'm hungry. So I'm gonna go get a snack! :-)

So today I am working my 16 hour shift. I haven't done one of these in years. There's a reason for that, they are brutal. Our weekend call used to be 12 hours which you were paid overtime for, however, now they are 16s that put vacation time back into your bank. So far, I'm not diggin it. I have lost a significant portion of my income ...which helped fund the EA music adventure. Some serious rebudgeting is in our future. But I am still so thankful to have a job and I know God will provide. I know 100% that God wants us right where we are and that Trey is walking in His will. So we will just have to wait for God to provide. He always does.

So last night, baby girl kept me awake til 3....yes I got up at 6 I couldn't ask trey to tend to her because he just got home from panama yesterday and was already 3 sheets to the wind, had to lead worship today, stayed up til midnight learning 3 new songs for today! Yikes. And of course its busy in the OR today. But I will survive.

We leave tomorrow for Hilton Head at 7 am and I will get home about 1130. I think I am crazy but its ok. I'd rather do it than stay home. My life could be boring, right?
Today, I will praise God for the adventure!

We had a great time in Panama City Beach. The kids were great (other than baby girl crying the entire trip home...but she hates the car and does it every time so I am getting good at ignoring it). Both love the water. She is a water baby, but only in the pool. She hated the sand, everything about the sand....don't touch me if you have sand on your hand! Didn't like to waves either. Clung to me like life depended on it. James, however, loved the ocean. Yesterday was only a yellow flag so everyone could get in the ocean again. He also beat me at Putt Putt....yes, I'm serious. He's 4 and ridiculous at it, even got a hole in one.

The band did a fantastic job leading worship this week and the campers loved them as usual. This must be mating season for tree frogs...or maybe they just bark all the time. There was a particular frog right outside the patio that barked ALL NIGHT long! Natalie (the kiddos fav babysitter came along to help me this week with the kids. She is SOOOOOO wonderful) and I tried to catch the stupid thing because he would jump and stick himself to the window glass. But our attempts were futile. They were actually so loud at the putt putt golf that you could hardly carry on a conversation! I mean, I grew up in the country...our frogs were loud all summer long, but I never remember hearing them bark like this, it sounded like a 100 poodles. Wow.

We also went and played putt putt with the band, minus the rugrats. It was a riot. There were several hole in ones by Josh. And Shannon lost his ball twice in the bushes. I lost as usual, tying with Shannon. Josh and Neil were next and Trey won, as usual.

The guys drive back tomorrow, only to leave for Hilton Head on Monday. I know they are exhausted, but excited to get on the road again. I have tomorrow to do laundry and repack since we are going to Hilton Head too. But I have to work a 16 hour shift on Sunday first. Yes, I am crazy. But it is my life. I may regret later taking us to Hilton head, but I really don't want to miss it. Trey and I went on our honeymoon there 10 years ago and haven't been back! So I am looking forward to it. I have never taken off 2 weeks of vacation in a row either. Its fun.

Ok, well, I am exhausted and gonna go to bed now with the kids. Yep, its 8pm, but I don't care. 7 am will come early!

Well, yesterday was the day for my 14 week doctors appointment. It was a big day. The day that we were to find out if the baby was still doing well and if we were in the clear. And of course I had to work before the appointment and it felt like the time just stood still. I just wanted to get it over with to know our little miracle was still okay. FINALLY time came to go to the appointment. And of course the one time that I want to get it over with is the time that you sit in the waiting room for what seems like an eternity. After about 40 minutes they finally took us back to see the nurse where we did the normal weight check and blood pressure check. I learned that I had lost 12 pounds during the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy. And blood pressure was good. Well, then the nurse told us that no rooms were available so we we had to wait in the waiting room outside of the rooms. We got to talking with another girl who we found out was 36 weeks along and ready to have her baby. It's pretty cool the things you can learn about people when you take the time to open up and talk with them. Anyway, we finally met with the doctor and she told me that it might take a little bit to find the heart beat. But, our little miracle didn't think that was necessary because as soon as she put the little monitor thing on my belly that baby's heartbeat was just beating and beating and beating. The doctor smiled really big and said that the heartbeat was PERFECT! Yeah!!! But, what lifted the huge weight off of my shoulders is when she said that we were in the clear and this baby was going to be just fine! REALLY??? This was the news that I had been waiting to hear for so long. I felt like I could actually breathe again and really begin to enjoy this pregnancy. After hearing the news all I could do was just keep thanking the Lord for giving us this little miracle and for letting our little miracle be okay! Josh wasn't able to be there with me because he is in Florida with Echoing Angels. But, I have an amazing support system here at home and my momma went with me and was able to share that special moment hearing that precious little heartbeat. I don't think I'll forget that moment. We go back to the doctor in 4 weeks so hopefully Josh will be able to go and be able to hear the heartbeat himself for the first time. Then we go back on August 12th to find out if we are having a baby boy LeBlanc or baby girl LeBlanc. I cannot wait to find out who our little miracle is gonna be. So what do you think? Boy or Girl? Either way...this is our miracle and God is still in the Miracle business!!!

Josh and I have been married for about 2 1/2 years now. And it has been truly amazing! Ever since we were dating we always talked about wanting to have 2 kids. I wanted a boy and a girl while he said he wanted 2 boys. Once we got married we decided that we would wait a year before we would begin trying to have a little LeBlanc. So a year ago we started and in the beginning of August of 2009 found out that we were pregnant. We were so excited and overjoyed. Then on August 26th I started spotting and went to the doctor to find out that we were indeed having a miscarriage. We couldn't understand why this was happening. But really leaned on the Lord to get us through it. But, even though we had this tragedy we knew that it wouldn't stop us from trying again. In January of this year we found out again that we were pregnant and knew that this time was going to be different and were just so unbelievably happy! We found out that my progesterone was a low and so they put me on prometrium to help bring that level up. We figured that was probably what caused the first miscarriage. Well, a few weeks later after blood work and two ultra sounds we learned that our baby had stopped developing after 5 1/2 weeks. Lord please! Not again! I just couldn't believe it! So they scheduled me for a D&C the next day. I was stunned and just could not understand why this was happening again. I had begged God to not let me get pregnant again if I was going to have another miscarriage and yet here I got pregnant and yet again went through another miscarriage. It was devastating. I tried to find answers anywhere I could to figure out how I was going to get through this heartbreak. There were three songs that I clung to that really helped me during this time....What Faith Can Do by Kutless...Before the Morning by Josh Wilson...and You're Not Shaken by Phil Stacey. Every time I would get down I would turn one of these songs on just to help me get through the sadness. It's amazing what the power of music can do and how it can help you get through certain situations. During this period my amazing doctor decided that 2 miscarriages was enough and ran every test (24 total) possible to see if we could figure out the problem. 23 tests came back normal...1 didn't. They found out that I have MTHFR and in a nutshell basically my enzymes were not absorbing enough folic acid for the baby to grow. WE HAD AN ANSWER!!! We found out what I needed to do and started immediately on rectifying the situation. On April 19th Josh and I found out that we were pregnant with our little miracle! And now, we are 14 1/2 weeks along. My doctor had told me that she felt confident that if I could get through 14 weeks with no problems that the rest of the pregnancy should be just fine. So tomorrow I have another doctors appointment to go make sure the baby is great. And although I have no reason to think that this little miracle isn't okay, I'm still scared and anxious. I know God has blessed us with this little miracle and that this time it's going just fine. But, I think sometime Satan tries to pull in past memories and fears to make you doubt. But, I'm stand in faith and trusting God that our little miracle is just fine. Oh, and by the way, our little miracle's due date is New Years Eve. A GREAT way to end 2010!!!

We have arrived in Panama city beach last night. We had a great trip. But the poor guys in the van and trailer had some difficulty. The got off late start because the trailer hitch broke and there was no one to repair it since it was a holiday. So they borrowed another trailer, unloaded and reloaded, pulled out of the parking lot and the tire blew! Good grief. So a new trailer and new tire later, they were finally on their way.
We are having a great time. I am just thrilled to be able to join the band this week. Otherwise, I would be stuck at home working and trying to find childcare. But it really is cool for me to be able to see my husband everyday and for the kids to see their daddy. And it is great to spend time with the guys of Echoing Angels. They are like my brothers now. God gives and takes away....A year ago, we felt like Trey needed to step down from leading worship at our church and concentrate on the band full time. It was such a heart breaking decision because they were our family. But God gave me a family with this band, brothers and sisters to share to journey.
The kids are having a great time. Fortunately there are no tar balls and the beached are great. It is more crowded than I thought it would be. The under current and waves are pretty big today so James' attempt to learn to boogie board today were not so fun. Eliza does not like to sand at all! But she loved to pool.

One of the things that we hear a lot of people say to the guys is "wow...it must be so cool being able to travel all over" and "You are living the life of a rock star" and "what a glamorous life you live." And although the guys LOVE being out on the road and traveling and ministering to people there's a lot of things that people don't see.

Take today for instance. The guys are leaving today for Panama City Beach to do a week long camp. I know...suffering for Jesus! LOL. But, they are looking forward to being with all of the kids and leading them in worship. Anyway, I took Josh to meet the guys to head out on the road. That was at 9:30 this morning. We arrived at the Galleria and unloaded Josh's luggage and gear when Josh noticed that the axel thingymabobber (I don't know the technical term) was broken. Thankfully he noticed it before the guys got out on the road and broke down on the interstate. So, we call a trailer place to get it fixed but they could not get it fixed until tomorrow and no other trailer place was open. So, Josh's boss graciously let the guys borrow his trailer. So we head up to the shop and transfer everything in EA's trailer to the other trailer. As we headed out to head down to the trailer place to drop it off to get fixed this week, the other trailer blew a tire less than a mile from where we had just left. So off to find a tire we went. We went to a WalMart up the road only to find out their tire place closed down. So, we went to another WalMart and found the same size tire, but not the same grade. Well, Wally World wouldn't put the tire on the wheel thingy because they said they couldn't do it for liability purposes since it wasn't the same grade. Really? Ugh! So we left there and went to Kauffman Tire across the street. They carried the tire we needed...Yeah! BUT...they were out of stock! Okay, this is starting to get humorous. Shannon asked them if we bought the tire at WalMart if they would put it on the rim thingy and they said yes. So back to WalMart we went to buy the tire and back to Kauffman for them to put it on. We went back to the van and the guys put the tire on and then we got the EA trailer to the trailer place and off the guys went. So we started at 9:30 and got them off at about 2 pm.

So as you can see things are not always so glamourous. But, the guys were great and did it with smiles on their face. And now they are on their way to minister to all the kids that will be at the camp this week. Just pray for their safety as they drive to Florida. And pray that the Lord uses the guys this week in a mighty way because it seems like Satan was doing everything he could to prevent them from getting there. So it just means that there are some big things waiting to happen this week!

So our little family outing last night was a mild success. We saw the fireworks on a very nice and surprisingly cool evening in Hotlanta. We have found a great place to watch the fireworks, maybe a little creepy though. There is large cemetery nearby, up on a big hill and the view is fantastic, far enough away too that the kids aren't frightened by the booms. And its never crowded and easy in and out, probably for obvious reasons...nobody else is crazy enough to mix the the birth of our nation with a cemetery.... However, the budget crunch must have hit our city because the fireworks were pretty but very slow. It could not hold either child's attention, especially not at 10 pm. Pay attention! They only happen once a year! The ending was great however and we were together. Such a rarity these days.

I was up with our youngest again last night. Poor baby. I really don't know what is bothering her. Maybe now she just knows I will come in if she whines more than 20 minutes. I would like to not see 3 AM on the clock for a while. But when I am up, I usually begin to pray. I just started praising God for the answers to prayer that have come for Echoing Angels in the last few months. The band is so talented but was dangerously close to walking away from the ministry because of the hardships and, well, musical famine they were in. And at the last moment God stood in that gap and said "no" it was not time to stop. And the band ended up with a new management and a new record deal. As I thanked God for bringing us through that part of the wilderness, and though not out of those woods yet, I prayed that we had been sincerely thankful for the manna that had sustained us. The people of Israel had gotten so tired to the same old food, the same old routine while wandering that they had not turned to praise Him for leading them up to that point and keeping them alive with the promise of a new land. I know there were many times over the last 2 years that we have been frustrated and questioned God's will and direction. But I am sure that we thanked him for what He was doing and praised Him for the blessings He had already provided. I don't want God to change the manna to something we think we need that is not Gods' will....for surely we will never see the dream planted in our hearts come to fruition. I do not want to be like to children of Israel. I want to see the Promised Land. I want all God has in His mighty hand for us. The further we get into this new record, the more I see how God has orchestrated it all from the beginning, working all the while we were doubting and almost giving up. I can not wait to see what God is gonna do. Trey and I have been fasting and praying for this musical ministry for years and with each year we see God's promises happen. It is so awesome when His word becomes real. It's in these times we get the opportunity to experience God in all His glory.

It's crazy to think that we are already in July of 2010! My how time is flying by so fast!!! But, as we celebrate another 4th of July, I hope that you have great plans to spend with family and friends celebrating our amazing country! I know that is just what we will be doing. Josh is going to be running sound at a big city 4th of July celebration. So, my in-laws, my parents and Gracie Bear (our furry baby) and I will be heading over there to celebrate with him. He may have to work, but, we make it work so we can still celebrate together. It's always a lot of fun hearing great music and then my favorite part of the night...the fireworks! I love them.

But, as we are celebrating today, let's also remember those who are serving our country and those that have served our country. They have sacrificed so much to keep us safe! Today I take time to honor my Uncle David Senf who is a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the Navy, and my cousin Lori who served our country for many years but now is a stay at home mommy of 4 and her husband Chris Rozhon who is still in the Army and has done 3 tours in Iraq in the last few years. Thank you for serving our country and sacrificing so much for our freedom. There's no way that we could ever repay you for that. But, just know that I am so thankful for you and what you do and am proud that you are my family. I love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

Oh it is way too early on a Saturday morning but my kids are awake! Baby girl has kept me up for 3 nights in row (which she never does)....I think she has gas. Every time I go in her room she is in the fetal position, tush in the air, letting off farts! This would be funnier if it wasn't 3 AM. What do you give a 1 year old with gas? Beano? Surely not and I Mylicon has to be only for infants. Anyway. Maybe its not gas. She was coughing a little. Of course I immediately go to "oh know...she's gonna get sick with pneumonia right before we head to the beach!"....because of course this is what usually happens. We got on a plane 2 months ago with James' raging double ear infection. Yes, a plane with already stopped up ears...but we had to go, it was a funeral. And the 2 hour flight turned into 9 hours on the same plane. That is a story for later. He did great and so will she. Hopefully she will feel better today.

Yes, we leave for the beach on Monday. We are gonna be groupies this week and follow the band to Panama City. Fortunately, there is just enough room in the condo booked for the band for us to go and not have to pay for another room. Nikki and her son are going too. We are gonna be squeezed in like sardines, but who cares. It will be fun and am sure not at all relaxing....but its not here! So off we go on Monday. Tonight we will see some fireworks. And I will do enough laundry to serve the Hilton Suites and pack enough for a whole army. Tis the life of a mom.......

Ever have one of those days where you are like "Lord...can I please have a mulligan and start this day over again?" Yeah, that was my day today. I was woken up around 12:30 this morning with 2 phone calls and never really got back to sleep. Had to get up at 4 am to be at the station by 5:15. One thing about the station is that they like to keep the studios pretty chilly, so it could be 100 degrees outside but normally you can find me with a long sleeved shirt and a winter coat on just trying to stay warm. Well...I arrive at work this morning to be the first to find out that the AC that controls the studios busted and it's sweltering hot in there. And being pregnant doesn't help at all in trying to stay cool. So I'm burning up hot and go to get the studio set up for the morning show and first the computer in the producer studio started messing up. Then I go in to the studio and start to pull up the files for the morning show and another computer froze. See where I'm going? Just not a good day. BUT...thankfully...it's Friday and it's a holiday weekend. So, I have 3 days off to relax and recouperate before the hustle and bustle of the work week begins again.

I think Emily had told you in her first blog that most of our husbands also have jobs when they are not on the road. And for Josh and I that is true as well. He works with a production company that does sound, lights and staging for concerts, conferences, etc. So any time that we get together is very precious. He works so hard and I'm so proud of him. Like this weekend, he is working tonight and probably won't get home until about 3 am. Then be back up at and at em tomorrow morning loading in a stage for a 4th of July celebration. And on Sunday working all day running sound at this celebration. Then he leaves on Monday with EA to do a camp in Panama City Beach. However, he has told me that he's going to take me out on a hot date tomorrow night. I'm so looking forward to spending some time with him. I'll let you know later where he takes me. I really do look forward to these few precious moments we have together. And although it's really hard at times because we don't get a lot of time together, I know God has called him to Echoing Angels and know that this is his ministry. And seeing your husband pursue passionately after what God wants him to do is very inspiring. Plus, it's such an exciting time right now with all the stuff happening with EA. I cannot wait to see the doors that the Lord is gonna open up for this amazing group of guys! They've worked so hard and stayed true to their calling and deserve every amazing thing that's about to come their way!

Welcome to the brand new Echoing Angels wive's page! Thanks for joining us. We truly are excited to start sharing our lives with you. I think you'll be surprised at what all goes on when the band is gone...we truly are the "real angels" because we keep the world turning when they are on the road. Most of you might be surprised to know that even with 2 top ten hits on the Christian music charts, we all still have to work. And the guys all have part time jobs/ gigs they do when they are home to make ends meet. And no, we don't have nannys. I get surprised looks all the time by people who think we should all be able to stay at home and travel with them. So there is A LOT that goes on when we are functioning alone, so we thought you might like reading about it, maybe giving us some advice or encouragement, or just to laugh at all the insane moments that happen along the way. That being said, all the wives are united in the role we have. We are all so blessed to be on this journey with EA. God has given them a talent and a purpose. They have the phenomenal responsibility given to them by our Great God to share His love and message with the world. And we know that we have been called to stand by them and support them until that call is over. God has blessed us all with jobs that support our families and the musical journey...and for those of us with children, we are blessed with saintly grandparents nearby to help. When I look ahead, I get overwhelmed at the mountain, but when I look back I always see the grace that got me through! One day at a time. And we hope you will join us on this journey....