Praise God for His wonderful blessings!

God is SO good! Our sweet baby girl gave us all a really big scare Friday night. I took her to the doctor on Friday with an unknown fever. That led us to the Diagnostic Center for a chest x-ray and blood work. That in itself was very traumatic for her and all of us having to watch the nurses poke and prod on her little body. After the chest x-ray results came back the doctor called us to tell us she had brohonclitis, not bronchitis. So we bought her a breathing machine and medicine. Around 10:00 that night our sweet family friend who is Calli Ann's main doctor called and told us to wake her up and take her to the ER because her white blood count was 39,000. I have to be honest I didn't even know what that meant but I do now. After more blood work and a cauterization they still didn't know what was wrong with her they just knew that it was a bad infection. The ER doctor gave us really bad news that it was something a lot worse off than we ever could imagine. My whole life flashed before me. I honestly didn't know what to say or do. I have never in my life been so scared. You know you love your children but you really don't realize how much you love them and how much you care for them until something like this happens to you. I was truly living a real life nightmare. I immediately called my doctor back who had been so amazing to us and my sweet baby girl because I had to hear his voice to tell me what was wrong and what we needed to do next. He informed me that it wasn't cancer and that he really thought it was a really bad infection. We were admitted into the hospital for Calli Ann to be watched throughout the night. The next morning they took her blood again and the Lord was so good and her numbers were lowered a little so that showed us more that the shot of antibiotic was working and it really was an infection. Our doctor came later yesterday morning to tell us again in person that he really thought it was a UTI and that she was ok. He wanted to check her sample later yesterday morning to confirm his findings and that is what she has. I would have that any day and can deal with whatever. I am just so grateful it isn't the other. The love, prayers and support that we have been blessed with is incredible and I cannot thank everyone enough for all you did. Please continue to pray for Calli Ann this week as we have to go sometime this week for an ultrasound and another test to determine if she has kidney reflux. If it is that I know that there is so much that can be done to help her. There have been many times where all I know to do is pray but this was a time where God truly came to me and gave me a peace I could never even describe. I cannot imagine my life without our Jesus and the hope that He gave me that night and these past few days. I know that whatever God throws our way we can handle it with the Hope He gives us. But as I woke last night to Calli Ann talking in her bed tears streamed down my face and my heart was SO grateful to Him for what he has done for us. It really gave me a whole new perspective on life and my need for Jesus. You have to have Him in the good and the bad. Without Him I am nothing. We love you all and thank you all from the bottom of my soul for ALL the prayers and love we have received. Here are a few pics of CA in her little gown. By the end of the day yesterday we knew she was feeling better because her smile was back.

School Days!

Well the school year has offically been going for about 2 weeks now. I cannot believe the summer is over and we are getting into the swing of things!! Calli Ann has been staying with Amy aka Mamie for the past couple of weeks and I was again very sad for her to leave Amy today. I know that we will be seeing her all the time but I just felt so comfortable with Calli Ann staying with her. I told her if she changed her mind about keeping Calli Ann we are only a phone call away!!!! Calli Ann is starting Pway this week. We went and met her teachers on Wednesday. The Lord has truly blessed me with precious girls to watch Calli Ann while I"m away. I know they are going to love on her and take such good care of her. Hope everyone out in blog world is doing well. Again, sorry I have been so bad about updating but maybe one of these days I'll do better!!!

We miss you already, Mac!

We had a great time having Mac and Elizabeth home. They were here from Dallas for a week and a half and of course it went by too fast. Calli Ann was sad to see her sweet friend leave. We cannot wait for ya'll to come back in September. Here are a few pics from their trip!! We love ya'll so much!!!


Alice Anne bought them matching outfits!! Thanks, AA!


Pitty Pat and Cis Cis!


Mac's first visit to our house!


Meredith came to see us!!


Calli Ann admiring Mac!


My favorite! We love you, Mac!!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Katie

Katie sorry your cake was so small!!!


Katie and her girls!!



Katie and Hendley!!



All my sweet girls getting a good scrub!! Don't think I neglected Calli Ann I was holding her up!! She loves her big cousins!

On Sunday we celebrated my sister, Katie's, 34th birthday in Columbus! We ate a late, late lunch and just enjoyed spending some time with my precious girls!!! I cannot believe Mary Avnor is about to start Kindergarten! I'll look up and Calli Ann will be starting!!!! Hope everyone is enjoying the sound of thunder, I just love it!!!

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July a few days late!! I didn't have my cord with me so I was unable to download my pictures from the 4th. We had a wonderful 4th at the beach with my family. Katie we missed ya'll! This was Calli Ann's second time to the beach and I think she enjoyed it a little more this time because she was able to move around instead of staying in one place. We did a whole lot of nothing. Laid out, ate, watched fireworks, played etc. I loved spending time with my new sister in love, Elizabeth and precious niece Isabelle! I hope that everyone had a great 4th!! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

A lot has happened...

Since my last post! Sorry to those of you who still even check my Blog. I've been staying busy with Calli Ann and other things I haven't been updating like I should!A lot has been going on since my brother's wedding!! We went to the beach for a week and Calli Ann's first trip to the beach! We had a wonderful time with Aaron's family and I think Calli Ann really enjoyed the sand and the pool. We are planning on taking her back for the 4th of July!

Mom and I headed out to the big state of Texas to welcome "little man", Mac Ellis into this world. Of cousrse, we had a wonderful time visiting with Elizabeth and Robert but like I told Elizabeth after the baby is born people don't really care as much about you as they do the baby!!! We soaked up every minute of our time there and were so sad to have to leave and come home but oh how I missed my sweet baby. I knew I missed her but when I saw her after being gone for 4 days I just cried I was so happy to have her back. Aaron was a trooper. He kept her while I was gone and did a wonderful job. The house was even clean when I got home!! Thank you Aaron and thank you to my precious friends who had my sweet family over and for all the phone calls to "check" on him.

I attended my first Corks and Canvas a few weeks ago and had the best time. I'm sure I drove the teacher nuts with all my questions and I don't know if I'll go back because I just finally realized that painting is not my gift. But seeing people and the many laughs we had were well worth it! Still don't have a place for my pears but maybe they would look nice in my closet!!!!

My niece, Mary Avnor came and stayed with us for a week so that she could go to AUMC's Bible School. We had the best time with her being here. She was the biggest help with Calli Ann and made some sweet "Auburn Friends". Calli Ann had her first tea party while MA was here also. Of course she had no idea what she was doing but of course I had to take some pics! My new little niece, Isabelle came to Columbus and is going to VBS with my other nieces. We had a fun trip to Columbus to visit them this past week. My sweet little girls are growing up so fast. I just sit there and almost cry watching them and knowing that they are still little girls but that they are growing up too fast! Time flies!

I cannot believe we only have a little over a month of summer left. So far it has been the best summer ever. Calli Ann just turned 8 months and is crawling all over the place. She is saying "mama", "dada", "bye bye", "hey", "woof", and of course my mom's favorite she said "Pitty Pat" (it wasn't understandable but you know that is what she is saying) yesterday for the first time. We had to put her crib down because she is pulling up on everything and one day we went in there and she was just standing in her bed. Even though I love these milestones I really cannot believe she is already doing these things. These past 8 months have flown by so fast but we are loving EVERY minute of her and the new things she does each day! I was reading a little book the other day about how we are our children's world now and it is up to us to train them and raise them up. Even though I know those things it is so neat to really see her soaking up everything we do with her and I pray that God gives us the wisdom to train her up in the way of the Lord.

I hope to keep everyone updated a little better now that I'm home for awhile. I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Here are a few pics from the past month!

Wedding!!!

Well the wedding has come and gone! I cannot believe that it has already happened. It was an amazing weekend and everything was great! I have never in my life seen Casey as happy as he was on Saturday. It brought so much joy to my heart to see him this happy. Elizabeth was a radiant bride and we are so glad she and Isabelle are officially apart of our crazy family!

My mom, Calli Ann and I drove to Florence on Thursday along with 13 flower arrangements, all of our luggage and Calli Ann's toys. Thanks to Joanna for letting us borrow her "Turtle" for the car. We could have never gotten all of our things there without it Jo. Thanks so much. Thursday night we went to Elizabeth's lingerie party at her sister in laws house. She got some really cute things!! Friday was a crazy day trying to help mama with all of the rehearsal dinner plans. Everything went really smooth and I even survived my toast! I've been thinking of what I wanted to say to Casey for months and when I got up there my mind went blank and I forgot everything I was going to say. Oh well! The night ended with a party after the rehearsal dinner. It was really fun to see some familiar faces from Auburn! After all the festivities we all headed back to the Jeffery's lake house. Casey surprised us and ended up spending one last night with us. That is when it hit me that this would be the last night I ever have Casey all to ourselves. So many people asked if I was sad but I'm not sad just sentimental with having to share my big brother with someone else forever but after getting over being selfish I am more happy and filled with joy for Casey and Elizabeth. Saturday started off early because we had to be at the church around 8:30. We took tons of pics and hung out until noon! The ceremony was wonderful and was so precious. I was so honored to be able to stand by them on Saturday. After the wedding Elizabeth's parents held a beautiful reception. After all the festivities they left for Ross Bridge in Birmingham and then flew out yesterday to Canada for the week. I honestly cannot believe that everything is over. I know it will be a day I hold close to my heart forever. There is nothing like seeing your big brother get married. Casey I love you and I'm so happy for you. Liz welcome to the family we love you and thanks for making Casey one of the happiest men in the world. I will continue to pray for y'all and look forward to making many new memories with you!

I am at the beach now and will update later. Calli Ann loved the beach today. Hope everyone has a great week!! Sorry this post is so long. I would've made it longer but thought I would spare you all with the details!!!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

This weekend we enjoyed our Memorial Day at the lake. We had the best time just hanging out and relaxing. Calli Ann took her first boat ride, had her first visit to one of my favorite restaurants, Oskars and spent the whole weekend with her sweet friend Caroline!! Hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend.

Thanks, Amy

After school on Friday I was SO excited to leave but then as I was driving to pick Calli Ann up I got so sad. It was more bittersweet than anything. I am so excited to be out of school but so sad to be leaving sweet Amy. Calli Ann has been staying with the sweetest lady, Amy Smith. God truly answered my prayers when she offered to keep Calli Ann when I went back to school. Even though it was so hard I knew that she was loved on and taken good care of while I was at work. I could not have asked for a better situation for Calli Ann. When it was time to leave on Friday I thought if I were busy getting her things together I would be ok but then I started telling Landon, her little boy, bye and then when I told Amy bye I just lost it. She was crying I was crying it was pitiful but that just showed me even more how much she loved my little girl. Aaron didn't quite understand at first why I was so sad but I told him that Amy was the biggest blessing for us and Calli Ann and Amy loved on her when I wasn't able to. So Amy if you ever read this thank you for all you did for us and for loving my sweet baby. We love you so much!!

Schools OUT for the Summer!!!!!

Thank goodness, school is finally out for the summer. I am so excited. This morning I think I actually jumped out of the bed when my alarm went off because I knew I had to get my day started. When I came back at the end of January after my maternity leave I thought I would never be able to leave Calli Ann. It was probably one of the saddest/hardest days of my life. After I got through with that first week and then the next and so on I realized I could do this. I wanted to find something for next year that wasn't as stressful but after lots of prayer and talking with Aaron and others I realized I wanted to be back in the classroom for a couple more years. I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I would go back but I'm going back to the Preschool at AEEC next Fall. I'm excited but nervous as well. The job I've had this year has been a lot less stressful with little responsibilty. I'm in the process of finding someone to take care of Calli Ann in the mornings and all day Friday next year so if anyone knows of someone please pass it along to me. I know it will be hard to leave her again come August so pray I can find someone to fill in for me while I work. I'm looking foward to this summer and spending tons of time with family and my sweet friends who I feel I never see. We are off to Florence next Thursday for Casey's wedding so I'll keep everyone posted!! I cannot believe it is finally here! Looking foward to hopefully seeing you all this summer. Have a great long weekend.

Baby Mac Has Arrived!!!

Baby Mac has arrived! Mac was born late this afternoon. He weighs 7 lbs 12 ounces 20 1/2 in long. Elizabeth and Mac are both doing great!! We are so thankful you are here, Mac. Lots of love from Auburn!!!

Tagged!!!

I have been tagged and I’m finally getting around to doing this after a couple of weeks. Sorry Mandi and Elizabeth!! So here it goes!

10 years ago: I was ending my senior year at Auburn High School and ready to be out of Auburn High School and start Auburn University. I cannot believe we are having our 10 year reunion this summer.

5 years ago: I was:
Aaron and I had just gotten engaged at the end of March and we were planning our wedding which was in September. We didn’t want a long engagement. I was trying to end my first Master’s in Collaborative Special Education and already stressing out about comps. Those were AWFUL.

1 year ago: I was:
Finding out that God had blessed us with a precious baby girl. Trying to endure the last few weeks of school!!

5 things on my to do list today:
1. Return things to Wal-Mart
2. Email Brooke about my pics-Sorry Brooke!!
3. Call Isabelle and wish her a Happy Birthday
4. Go to Boot Camp- So much fun. Ya’ll should try it out!!
5. Clean our house b/c Aaron’s parents are coming tomorrow night

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Baked Cheetos
2. Celery and Peanut Butter
3. Movie Popcorn-yes with butter
4. Cheese and Triscuits
5. Granola Bars

If I were a billionaire I would:
1. Give to our church and Auburn United Methodist church (where I grew up and still my home!)
2. Pay off our debt and all or our families
3. Save for our children, their children and their children!!
4. Research for Autism
5. Buy a few vacation homes
6. Give to some type of organization for children with special needs

5 bad habits:
1. Procrastinator
2. Go to bed too late
3. Don’t spend enough time with the Lord each day
4. Don’t exercise enough
5. Stay on the computer way too long when I have other things to be doing like right now!!!

5 places I have lived:
1. Auburn, AL
2. Dowdell Hall-Freshman year- Last year with NO air conditioner but SO much fun
3. Estes Park, CO
4. El Reneuvo, Venezeula (I cannot believe you almost forgot Elizabeth!!!)
5. Auburn, AL


5 jobs I have had:
1. Preschool Special Education Teacher
2. Title One Teacher
3. Grad Assistant
4. Tons of babysitting!!
5. Auburn University Athletic Ticket Office
6. Camp Counselor-Camp Timberline-Estes Park, CO

No pressure but ya’ll have been tagged!!!!!:
1. Alyssa Northcutt
2. Scarlotte Vaughn( now you have to start a blog!!)
3. Jennifer Plaisance
4. Kelly Gross
5. Leslie Jeffery

Wow, 6 months, already!!!!!

I know this is a shocker that I'm doing two posts in one day!! I was just sitting here and really cannot believe Calli Ann is 6 months old today. It is hard to believe she has already been here for half a year. It is scary to think how fast time flies.

Happy ½ year birthday, Calli Ann!! You are such a precious treasure to us and we love you so much. You amaze us each and everyday. You are our precious gift from God! You have blessed our lives so much and have already brought us so much joy in the last 6 months.

God, thank you for our daughter! Thank you for her life and for blessing us with her. Thank you for choosing to give her to us. I pray each day we are faithful to raising her to love and honor You. Please give us the wisdom to train her up in Your ways. I long for her to know and worship you. I pray that you will grow her roots deep and that she will cling to you. Please protect her and guard her. I know that trials will come into her life but I pray that they will sharpen and refine her. I pray that she will have a relationship with you and will know you at an early age. I pray that she will love others as you love her. Please guard her heart and give her self-control. I pray she will be pure in heart and that she will grow to become a Godly woman. I pray she will glorify you in all she says and does. Thank you Precious Jesus for our daughter. You amaze me each day! Thank you!

Thanks Jo

Yesterday my sweet friend Joanna kept Calli Ann for the day! Thank you so much Jo. Prather, thanks for sharing your sweet mama and your toys with Calli Ann. She had so much fun as you can tell fromt the pictures. Prather and Calli Ann are about a month apart. We are going to have so much fun raising our babies together! We cannot wait to keep Prather when I get out of school this summer!!

Thanks Anna!!!!

My sweet friend, Anna D. Hancy has given my Blog a facelift. It was much needed!!! Thank you so much Anna!!! If anyone wants a new look on their page I know she would love to help you. Check our her Blog under The Hancys. Have a great weekend.

Baby Northcutt is a.....

GIRL!!! Welcome to the world Caroline Grace Northcutt!!! Caroline was born on March 30 at 8:30 p.m. She weighed 7.13 and was 21 in long. She is absolutely beautiful with a head full of black curly hair. Alyssa is doing great!!!! Chris also survived!!! We are so thankful you are here Caroline!!

Casey is ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you are reading that correctly!! My big brother, Casey, is engaged!! If any of you know my brother you are probably smiling right now!!! I have had a smile on my face since last Sunday when Casey called us to tell us he had asked Elizabeth's dad for his blessing. It all happened so fast. When I asked Casey when he quickly responded "this week". We all jumped into action and helped him get the ring and got all of the little details for the proposal in order. It all happened Thursday night with my mom, nieces, Isabelle, Calli Ann and Elizabeth's parents. Casey took Elizabeth out for a nice dinner while she thought we had the girls eating pizza. To her surprise we were all behind a curtain waiting for the waiter to tell us it was time. Isabelle took daffodils and the ring out and surprised Elizabeth. Casey got on his knee and asked her to marry him. And she said "YES". She didn't even know her parents or my mom were there so they made it even more special. Some of us made a toast and then ate a wonderful meal at John's in downtown Birmingham!!! The wedding is set for May 31st in Florence, AL. We are so blessed by God for the way He has orchestrated everything even down to the smallest little detail. I have never in my life seen Casey as happy as he was on Thursday. I have been praying for Casey's wife for many years and all I could say was Praise the Lord for His wonderful works. We love you Elizabeth and Isabelle! We are all so excited and cannot wait for the big day!!!!!

"It is Finished"

"It is finished", were Jesus' last three words. How comforting to know that when He said these three last words and died on the cross that it really was finished. He died so that we could be forgiven and He took away our sins. It breaks my heart to think of what our Jesus had to go through for my awful sins. My sister and nieces came to stay with us for a few days during Spring Break and we had the best time with them. During one of our conversations on Friday morning was incredible with the girls. Their questions and precept ion of what Jesus did for us is amazing and so precious. Mary Avnor said, "He did it so ALL of our sins could be gone! They nailed Him on the cross and they just sat there and watched Him isn't that sad GG then He came back and is coming back again one day." Even though sometimes thinking of what He did seems so complex for me it really is just as simple as what my little five year old niece said. Wow! Jesus loves you and me and He did that for us! He is good! I pray you all had a blessed Easter.

Mobile

This past weekend Calli Ann and I went to Mobile to see Anna and Geoffrey!! We had the best time just relaxing and catching up. On Saturday we went to Fairhope to the Arts and Crafts Festival. We really didn't know what we were doing but ended up having the best lunch at Mary Ann's and walking around the precious town of Fairhope. Geo and his friend Curtis cooked us a wonderful meal on Saturday night. I was so happy to be there on Sunday when Anna and Geo joined the church. It was so neat to be apart of that special day for them. I am so happy that y'all found a church family!!! Thanks for a wonderful weekend and we'll be back, soon!!!

Elizabeth and Mac's Shower

We had Elizabeth and Mac's shower this weekend!! It was so much fun and we had the best time. I am so sad it is already over. It seems like we have been talking and planning for so long and it is already over. Mac got the cutest things and he is going to be the best dressed boy in the Lonestar State!!! We cannot wait to meet you Mac. We already love you so much!!!!

Calli Ann's Dedication

Calli Ann was dedicated on February 17th. It was such a wonderful service and we are so thankful to God for our precious child. It is so amazing to know that God has entrusted us with this baby girl. What an honor it is to be able to teach her about our Jesus and I pray each and every day that one day she will love the Lord with all her heart and soul. As a mother I want so many things for her life but the most important thing I want for her is that one day she will know and love the Lord.

After the service we had family and some friends over for a lunch at our house. Calli Ann has been so blessed to have so many people to love and pray for her and her life.

Here is one picture but the rest are on our Picassa page. Someone (Kristin!!!!)needs to show me how to do a slide show!!!

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's etc....

I have had all intentions in updating my Blog over the past month and a half. Our lives have been so crazy and I have not had the time to just sit down and write what has been going on but I'm going to try and be better at updating so everyone knows what is going on here.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. It was wonderful being with family and friends and just hanging out enjoying life. We were so blessed to have Calli Ann this Christmas. Honestly, she was the best gift I could have asked for this year and we had so much fun with her for her first Christmas.

We had a wonderful New Year's hanging out with friends at the lake. It was so nice to just get away and relax. Aaron and I are so thankful for this past year. God has truly blessed us in many ways. We pray that this upcoming year is a blessing to you all. Thank you all for blessing our lives.

I cannot believe that Calli Ann is 3 months already. I go back to work in one week and that is going to be really tough leaving her. We have this precious lady who is going to keep her at her house and she will just be keeping Calli Ann. I am so thankful that she is willing to do this for us. Especially during this time of year where everyone is sick. Calli Ann had her first cold last week and it was so sad seeing her sick but I know it will not be the last unfortunately. I am currently looking for a new job and praying that God will open any doors for us and close the ones that need to be closed. So I'll try and keep you posted on the hunt.

Yesterday, my little niece, Mary Avnor turned 5 years old. She had a Princess, Prince party. It was suppose to be outside but with the 40 degree weather we had to move it inside. It was crazy having 30 children running around her house. It turned out to be a success and at least we know Mary Avnor had fun! It is SO hard to believe that just 5 years ago she entered this world. I knew that day I would never be the same. I love my nieces like they are my own and they have brought so much joy to our lives.

Anyways, this is just a small glimpse of what has been going on here in Auburn. Hopefully, I'll be better at keeping everyone updated on our lives. Hope everyone is having a great 2008 so far.

You can check out pictures from the past couple of months on our picassa page. I just couldn't choose which ones to use so please take a look if you get a chance.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mystephensfamily