To My (not-so-little) Sis...{A Letter}

Dear Leani {my forever partner in crime},
Today I was thinking about all the fun memories I have involving us. You are about to embark on a new chapter in life {mommy hood} and I couldn't resist going back in time when we were just rugrats {remember that show?! lol}

Here is a list of things that you should {or should not} do with your little guy {or girl but we won't know 'cuz you're not finding out the gender!!! *sigh* Okay I'm over it...not...} Just a few things to keep in mind:

- Concerts are super cool with Daddy {'NSync, BSB, Britney, Christina, Spice Girls, LFO...remember how we met them?! We were such POP heads haha}
- Write skits and video them! {The Blair Twitch Project...just don't use soap if you want a runny nose effect.}
- Go hiking {even if it's just in the backyard}
- Take weekend trips {Ah, good ol' Westfield, how we love thee. Thanks for the good times.}
- Build super-cool forts in the living room {just don't forget to really tuck in those sheets in between the couch cushions!}
- Have snowball fights {just watch for pieces of ice}
- Play restaurant, store, school etc {this time, YOU get to be the cook, cashier, or teacher lol}
- Blast music and dance like no one is watching {and video it for blackmail footage later, mauahaha}
- Have a Lemonade Stand {this time, charge tax. We totally could have been millionaires by now!}
- Climb tree and read {help them find their own reading branch :)}
- Swim all day and all night {showers not needed all summer...that's what chlorine is for!!} 
- Create a secret writing code {The Secret Sister Code will NEVER be broken. Take that, CIA. Just kidding, don't hurt us.}
- Play dress-up and fashion show {don't forget to take lots of photos for blackmail!}
- Makeup songs and perform them {don't forget to video for blackmail!}
- Be silly as much as possible, laughter does heal the deepest wounds, don't take life so seriously, blow bubbles, run through sprinklers, play badminton, play hide and go seek in the dark, play freeze tag/tv tag, watch The Goonies 184644846+ times, visit the mother island {PR}, make BIG Sat morning breakfasts and love until your heart is about the explode!

Though we did not always get along, we had some great times growing up. It's crazy to think that we are both going to be mommies together...when were we allowed to be in charge?! {Okay, maybe as the big sis, I wasn't allowed but just took over a lot...sorry about that ;) }

Congrats to my Mooch and her fiance Owen! Seeing how natural you guys look in this pic holding my David, I know you both are going to be great parents. It's going to be scary at times but so rewarding. Enjoy the early moments as much as possible...you will get sick of hearing this, but it does fly by :)

As always, I'm here for you sis. When you go through postpartum depression, I'm just a phone call away. When you want to pull out your hair because you don't know what to do, or when something funny happens that you need to share, I will always be there with you to share new memories. Love ya sis...you are going to be an awesome mom to a special little boy or girl {okay, now I'm over it!! okay, still not...}

Love,
Jacy
{your big-lil sis...did I get that right?! lol}

Hello Emotions, meet Postpartum

I was wondering what was going to write about today and then it hit me...a flood of emotions, that is.
Ugh.

Don't you just wish sometimes you had an off button? I mean, I know most of our husbands do {well I'm sure mine does anyway, and I don't blame him!} but REALLY?! I'm happy-go-lucky one minute, then stinkin' evil-selfish-bratface the next! {If that was a super hero name, I'd totally be it. Not sure what my powers may be though...somewhere along the lines of crying because the house is a mess and public humiliation for my family...}

I was SO in denial when the doctor had warned, while pregnant with David, that after birth I could experience some serious depression and emotions. Who, this girl? *insert two thumbs here* pshhhh.
Yeah well, guess what? That stuff is NO joke!! I'm already an emotional person {duh female} but depression? me? No way, I had thought. I never really was depressed a day in my life! {aka 28 years} I tried to be positive, upbeat and happy!

Lately though the emotional roller coaster seems to have gone from medium to flippin' insane in 0.5 seconds. I know it "will pass" but man, when you are in this heavy tornado of tears and meltdowns, you can't help but feel so lonely like you are the only person that has EVER felt this way. Why do we think that??! I mean, right?! How many women in history have gone through things, and for whatever reason, we always think (because it's happening to innocent us) that we are the only ones that have experienced something haha
I am so glad to know that Jesus understands what I'm going through. No, not because He was pregnant and had postpartum...even worse, He died on the cross and suffered shame! Christ felt emotions too; loneliness, despair, maybe even defeat at times...but you know what? He prevailed!! There was victory!!

So today, as I'm sitting here debating about whether I should cry or laugh, Jesus is also here by my side, saying:

"Daughter, my heart was heavy once too. I can feel what you feel; see what you see. Just hold on and take things slow. Hold my hand, because I'm not going anywhere. When you feel alone, remember my Voice and be soothed. When you feel overwhelmed, remember I carried the cross and died to lift off those burdens. When you are sad, troubled, confused, emotionally drained...remember with me, you shall never be faint or weary, as long as you run under my wings! I love you and will never let you go!"

Man, we serve an awesome God!!

Don't forget to thank Him today

{even if you are a evil-selfish-bratface}

Dear David... {From Mom AND Friend: Letter 3}

I've started a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

Recently the topic has comes up a few times about parents, especially moms, claiming they are not suppose to be friends with their children, only the parent. Now you are only a few months old now so you haven't had much drama in your life for me to sift through...however, David, this is mommys opinion...

I remember being a self-conscious, emotional teenager who needed a friend...and not just a friend to have fun with, but most importantly, to listen and give advice. I've been told that famous phrase "I'm not your friend, I'm your parent" and quite frankly, it hurt my heart. You see, son, when you are in need of ears to hear your situation or even to vent frustrations about life, you will go everywhere to find that someone who will stop what they are doing and pay attention. I want that person to be me!

So here's are my thoughts. Yes, I am your mother first BUT your friend second!! I do not have to eliminate that position just because I'm your authority and disciplinarian...I want you to feel comfortable to talk to me about anything, without the fear of me being "all business." I feel being your friend IS part of being a mother! I don't get it when someone claims they will never be their child's friend...to mommy, this is a sad statement and they are missing out on getting to know the child as a person, not just their son or daughter.

I want to know you as a human being, an individual, not just a title of son. You have your own heart and if that breaks, who will you run to? At first, I pray it's Jesus, for He heals the brokenhearted...but second, I pray it's either me or daddy (not so secretly, me first...) Most kids will run to their friends first because most of the time, the parents have never established a friendship with them. What kind of advice/counseling can  another teenager give? Most are dealing with their own problems! And though it's great to relate with someone of the same age, it is even better to go to a seasoned parent, who has been through the fire and has come out victorious. Does this make sense?

So, David boy, I want to say that you can come and talk to me anytime. Without fear of judgment or typical adult criticism. I may not be perfect and neither my advice, however I am your mother, and it's part of my job to know where you are at, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...and if you are off base, it's my job to listen to your words and your heart, to guide you towards the right choices/decisions and most of all, to be a Christ-like example of what a friend should be.

Love Always,

Mom

I'm One Month!! {already}

Hi guys!

My name is David and I am already a month old...wow.

If you want to know where my mama has been, well, she's been taking care of me! I may or may not let her come back, but for now I will give her a lil' break to brag and show off adorable pics of me...mommy & daddy took these by themselves! Enjoy!

My Lil' Shepherd Boy {DIY Nursery Reveal}

Okay, I have been waiting for this post!!

I have been enjoying my lil' shepherd boy David soooooo much...my heart has never been wrapped so tight around a tiny little finger :)

When we were getting ready for our Wiggles (my nickname for him...even in the womb, he is just so wiggly lol) I knew my studio, which took up the second bedroom, would have to be relocated. I had a ball with his nursery projects and though I was stressed by the end, it came out so cool!

Without further ado, here is the smattering of photos...I will also be sharing my project tutorials for this room in future posts.

One of my favorite things about the nursery are the multi-colored IKEA curtains!  I scoured the internet for the right curtains for this room. When I found them at IKEA, I knew we HAD to get them. Sure enough, my husband drove his very pregnant wife 45 minutes late at night to the nearest store. It was SO worth it!!

Past post of a nursery project:

- DIY Motivational/Subway Art Plaque

 Future DIY nursery project posts will include:

- Revamped Red Mirror

- Recovered Striped Bumper

- Chevron Crib Skirt Tutorial

- Mobile/Nightlight Corner Fixture

Stay tuned...

Dear David... {Prayer Works: Letter 2}

I've started a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

I feel this letter needs to go back to a basic principle.
Mommy didn't have the same upbringing as daddy did. He was blessed enough to be brought up in the presence of God, something I did not really feel or even understand until I was 22. I had values and morals, and was God-conscience, but I had never really felt His Spirit. It all started with prayer...and that's what I'd like to talk to you about.


I am already praying that you will be a better David than the one in the Bible. Don't feel pressured, sweetie!! Mommy is not trying to say that she expects you to be this amazing warrior...actually, mommy has been praying that if you are anything of a warrior, to be a warrior of love. We know our family can be, well, prideful. Thick-headed. Stubborn. Argumentative. You know I'm talking about both sides!
You are half French and Hispanic...I feel for ya kid...
But seriously, I've been praying that all that passionate emotion will be used for God's glory! Can you imagine what would happen if we took all of the fire inside and used it for the Kingdom?
I know! So mommy has been praying that you will be different and break this vicious cycle...

You will go through trials and will have to learn the power of prayer on your own. This is not something I think I'll ever be prepared for, because learning means you have to make mistakes first. I don't want my baby boy to make mistakes! But you will...and we can pray through them together, but ultimately, you will have to establish your own prayer life.

To inspire you, mommy has a story to tell. It the year 2011 that you were conceived; actually, about a month or so before. I was a camp counselor at church camp, for the junior girls. Yeah, I know...junior girls can be a little crazy. Anyways we had this BIG tornado warning...the sky turned black and everything! It was really scary especially because we were all waiting outside in line so that we could eat. The clouds swirled over our heads and the light started to fade...
Of course, the girls started to get a little frightened. Mommy could see in their faces that they were confused and terrified. Many of their parents were miles away, and the only ones who could comfort them were the counselors. And God.
Mommy prayed a short prayer for wisdom. I had to help them get their minds off the scary stuff, even though we didn't know what was going to happen. Jesus led me to gather the girls together in a prayer circle and hold hands. Girls that didn't even like each other huddled together without thinking twice. In a calm tone, I said:

"Okay girls, we are going to pray now. I know you are scared...I am too but we know that God has all the power and can take care of us. Right?" They all nodded their heads eagerly, as water droplets started to fall from above. We closed our eyes and prayed for God to have His way...for Jesus to protect us...for the storm to pass over...for everyone to be safe...for the Lord to be with us...


Then we heard someone shout. The tornado was headed right for the camp!!
The counselors tried to keep their groups together but just as we started rushing towards the safe building, a huge crash of thunder scared everyone, and started a stampede. Kids and adults started running all over the place! The clouds opened wide and dumped about an ocean of water, in big drops and splashes!
Mommy was so nervous because she wanted her girls safe but the group had split up. All I could do was run towards the safe building, gathering up as many of my girls as I could. One girl broke down in a panic, screaming for her mom...it echoed through the harsh wind...
Once inside, every person was told to go to the basement...and wait. Thankfully everyone was accounted for. While down there, the lights flickered and we lost power multiple times. The girls were cold, wet and scared. "Oh Lord," I thought, "please keep us safe."

After what seemed like forever we finally got good news...the tornado missed the entire camp ground!!
Somehow, someway, it went right AROUND us and took a different route before disappearing. No one was injured and our families outside of the camp were okay. The girls cheered and jumped for joy!
We were given the okay to call our family, allow the kids to call theirs and then continue our schedule.

The entire time we were at the cafeteria, I could not stop smiling as I overheard the conversations of my girls. It wasn't terror they were talking about...the girls were sharing with everyone how they had prayed and their prayers were answered! I overheard one girl tell an entire table of junior boys "I was really scared, but then Sis Jacy said we were going to pray and we all held hands, and prayed, and then the tornado went away!"

It wasn't me, David. We serve the all powerful God Almighty! I only yielded to His Spirit and encouraged the girls to do the same through prayer. There is power in prayer, son! Sometimes, yes, it will feel a bit silly to you. You may feel overwhelmed, lonely, confused, self conscious and whatever else. but I want you to know that God is always with you and prayer is a way of communication. Keep the lines open and eventually the storm will pass!!

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Psalms 5:1-3 

Love Always,

Mom

He's here!!

Wonder where I've been, blog world?
Oh just bringing a new soul into this world :)

HE'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAVID JONATHAN PULFORD

BORN APRIL 27, 2012 @ 8:43PM

6LBS 4OZ 19.75IN

Let the hunger games begin...lol

Dear David... {Letter #1 Girl Advice}

I've decided I love blogging about my life and what great things God is doing. One HUGE blessing is this little jumping bean inside my tummy :) His name is David and I can't wait to meet him! 5 weeks left, ah! So I want to start a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

You don't know this yet but you will be what this world calls a stud. How do I know this? Well, just look at your parents! Actually, the idea of girls swooning after my baby boy is making mommy a little nervous. You see, whether you want to admit it or not, mommy is a girl. I know I'll be known for wiping your bottom and runny nose but I know firsthand how girls can be when it comes to boys. Believe me, we can be crazy & nuts!

So I'm going to list some things you should always be careful of when it comes to the ladies. Remember, mommy loves you and wants to protect you. I don't want you to grow up in a bubble but I want my boy to be smart and aware...okay? Okay.

1.) Watch your words

David, girls will hang on every word a guy says if they like them. Please, for the love of Moses, be careful what you say to a girl especially if you know she likes you. Don't make her feel like you like her back if you don't BUT don't be mean either. Be the nice little boy Jesus called you to be; a sweet gentleman with sweet words.

2.) Respect her even if she doesn't respect herself

Many girls don't understand good or bad. That doesn't mean you can go ahead and abandon what we've taught you about respecting girls. They are princesses of the King and need to be treated like royalty. Speak kindly even if she speaks foul. Respect her entire palace: mind, thoughts, decisions, heart and body...not just what SHE will allow...respect all of it! Sometimes girls act on emotions and will think they have to say or do certain things to get a guy's attention. Always remember this: one day, she will be someone's wife...so treat her like she's already taken.

3.) Play nice

Boys can play rough with one another, I know that. You will witness daddy and uncle Nikko probably wrestling in the living room or being really competitive during a session of Wii boxing. When you play with girls, you can't play with them like that. Sure playing games are fun, I'm not being negative, son. Just remember that your tolerance of this sort of thing is wayyyy different than a girls. It's not that we are weak and helpless...you know your mommy is definitely not! It goes back to the respect thing; she's still a lady and you cannot hit her even if she is beating you like crazy in Mario Cart.

Here are some quick things to keep in mind also:

- Use your manners, even if she belches like a 200 lb man

- Only call her names that are classy & flattering, not vulgar & disrespectful

- See her as your fellow sister in Christ not just a pretty face

- When she cries, don't laugh. Ask her what is wrong and listen.

- A kiss is one of the most important things to a girl's heart; save it for the right one!

- Dating is like an interviewing process for marriage; be selective

- If she's angry, that means her feelings are hurt. Make things right.

- No spitting, biting, hitting, throwing, shouting, slapping, kicking etc. or you will have to answer to daddy!

I can probably go all day and list things for you. Hopefully, I can be the type of mother that you admire and look up to as an example of what a godly woman should be. I want you to come to me with any questions you have about girls because, after all, I still am one :)

Love Always,

Mom

Mommy Changes & Fears

                        

Today, I feel like being transparent.

Not because my skin is pale or anything...that's another story all together.

I'm getting a little nervous and, well, scared.

I was okay the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, but now that it's getting down to the wire, everything is getting so real...real fast too.

My mind has been spinning with different thoughts and yeah, I know God will guide me through mommyhood....but truth is, my human mentality can't help but go over all of my weaknesses...

What if I drop him?

What if I teach him the wrong things?

What if I lash out at him with my temper?

Can I be the mommy he needs?

Can I show him what a Christian woman should be?

Can I teach him to love Jesus no matter what?

Will I be able to show him unconditional love?

Will I show him the right way to treat people?

Am I ready to be super selfless?

Am I ready to put his needs first?

Can I show him what it means to pray?

Will I know how to communicate with him?

  Source: Uploaded by user via Jacy on Pinterest

I haven't been up all night with my thoughts, but while I'm busy with my day {blogging, cleaning, designing} something will just pop in from the back of my subconscious and it makes me stop in my tracks...

 

I'm not even a "real" mom yet and I'm leaning on Jesus already! We need someone to guide us and teach us. We need that hope, that solid Rock, a place where our feet are planted as this world shifts around our child...if I'm unstable in faith, my son will be too...

The one thing that keeps me from going insane, is knowing that my Jesus doesn't change...though I will. I will have to change to be the mommy my boy needs me to be...I will have to change in order to adjust to this new schedule and life...I need to change for this new role...

Luckily no matter how much I change, He stays the same...and that thought is the best one yet!!