Astalavista 2012

I do not think I have ever been more excited to see a year come to an end! 2012 has an emotional roller coaster and I am ready for 2013!

To recap:

In January-we returned from our 2 week stay in California (post miscarriage) to celebrate Christmas with my family on New Year's Eve. Minnie Pearl joined our family and became the "baby" automatically.

In February-We attended adoption classes, Life Action, had our annual "Love Day" and took a trip to Mobile for the girls first Mardi Gras :)  While on the trip-Mad lost her first tooth!!

In March-Aubrie Kate turned 4 and we celebrated "Tangled" style. We met Fancy Nancy author Jane O'Conner, Todd and I both left our jobs to spend a few months allowing God to lead our family in whatever direction he wanted. What a scary and enlightening time! Madyson sold over 400 boxes of girl scout cookies! Also during March, Todd's mom suffered a massive stroke and our roller coaster began.

In April-I dug down into the world of Vegan eating with my lifestyle change, Aubrie kate finished 3k, our caterpillar turned into a butterfly, I stayed sick with all sorts of illnesses.

In May-the girls had their dance recital. I began being a stay-at-home mom, we had our adoption home study, AK played Tball :) Thirty-one became part of our life.

In June-I was a full-time SAHM and Housewife.  We went on an adventure day, I blogged about real life in "The Highlight Reel"

In July-We went to Disney with our friends (and while there received some Disney Magic we would find out about in August)  Madyson turned six and I had a CVS episode :(

In August-I went to work at our Elementary school, Madyson started 1st grade, We found out baby #3 was coming in Spring of 2013, Todd and I celebrated 7 years of marriage!  we also discovered that Todd's mom's doctors had reached the end of their knowledge in saving her life. It was now a wait and see game. Hardest day.

In September-We adjusted to the shock of expecting baby. and spent every waking moment with Todd's mom. Todd also started a new career this month. And I had my 10 year class reunion.

In October-Madyson raised over $500 for breast cancer research and walked in a 5k, We found out that baby #3 is a little girl, Amelia Margaret. We went to a Christian concert with the girls-And Todd's mom passed away on Halloween. The worst day of our marriage.

In November-We adjusted to our "new" life. Todd celebrated his birthday, Our first "child" Reese (a chi-pom-poo) passed away, We did a new style of thanksgiving and got our first real Christmas tree. I began seeing a specialist to make sure Amelia didn't get parvovirusB19 from me.

In December-We made it through, the best we could. Our elf returned for the 2nd year, we had a scavenger hunt fun night-

2012 was the hardest year in our 7 years of marriage-we had many ups and downs and really had to allow God to take control of every situation. Even today-the last day of the year-we still don't know "why" somethings have happened. But we do know that HE KNOWS and we have to rely on that for comfort.

As we look back on this past year-we are taking it as a learning experience. We made quiet a few mistakes, we learned a lot of lessons, and we are striving to become a more "holy" family. Our prayer for 2013 is to seek Him more, give more of ourselves, and build our family in His sight.

I am signing off from blogging for a few days to work (with Todd) on our family goals for 2013. I will share those when I return.

May your new year be filled with much JOY-

The Broadus Bunch

Christmas 2012

Well-It's over. The holiday that has been the hardest for me to get in the spirit for is officially behind us and now I have a multitude of paper scraps and decorations to clean up-but we are blessed.

First off, lets start with how I was still Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. Yes-Christmas Eve. I couldn't get it all done with work & dr. appointments and life.

I didn't get Christmas Cards mailed-so I am working on New Year Cards.

We didn't bake Christmas cookies.

I didn't finish 4 gifts that I was making.

and I didn't get the dining room decorated-so  we haven't even been in there all month :/

As I was wrapping the final present on Christmas Eve-todd walks in with this tall box. He said-"Merry Christmas." Now, keep in mind 2 days prior I got a brand new Maytag Washer and Dryer...So I wasn't expecting anything.

When I opened it-it was a paddle. Now (back story) before marriage and kids I spent almost every weekend camping and kayaking. It was a great escape and something I was fond of. But Todd and I got married (fast) had kids (faster) and life took off (really fast) For 3 years, I have been talking about wanting to get back into my outdoorsy life...well-as I was standing there holding this paddle...I asked..."Is there another piece." that's when he said to go look outside. And there sat my brand new Kayak! I was SO excited. I rushed to get everything together and head to my parents house.


A few weeks ago, my parents moved to their house about 40 minutes from us. (this is the farthest we have ever lived apart) but its somewhat in the country-and has lakes all around it. So of course I took the kayak out for a spin-or 2-or 3....:)

(see picture on our Instagram)
Then we hung out at their house with my brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew, aunt, uncle and grandmother. We opened gifts and came home LATE!

As soon as we were home the girls were asleep. Santa visited-and Christmas morning we woke up to a fun slew of gifts.

The girls only asked Santa for 4 things (something they will read, wear, need, want) but since its the last Christmas of just the 2 of them-they got a few extras :) and BOY were they excited!

We hung out at the house and watched the Disney Christmas Parade! (FYI-big news on the Disney blog) then we headed to Todd's stepdad's house for Christmas day.

This was an extremely hard time. Its the first Christmas without Grandmomma and everyone felt the missing spirit of the day. Madyson and Todd had a break down and the mood went from jolly to somber. It's hard getting over these "first" without her.

We came home and napped and played and then headed to dinner at waffle house-because...well...why not.

We are now cleaning and organizing-trying to get ready for 2013!!! We are declaring that 2013 is our year!(more on that soon :)

Merry Christmas :)

Merry Christmas :)

Day of Silence.

A fun night.

We spent the day cleaning. The girls room gets so overtaken with "stuff" that it takes hours-to clean it, organize it, all that "fun stuff".

The girls-worked so hard that Todd and I decided to reward them with a "fun night!"


We told them to go get dressed in Christmas clothes-and meet us outside. We were going on a surprise adventure.

We loaded up the car and headed to Chick-fil-a for dinner!

 After dinner we went on a Christmas Light Scavenger hunt :)

Source: holidaypins.org via Sarah on Pinterest

The kids loved this! We even found some amazing houses!!

Afterwards we headed to the theater to watch "Rise of the Guardians". It was a really neat movie! It wasn't your normal Santa/Easter Bunny story. It was a good over evil movie. The kids laughed the whole time.

It was a fun night ;) and we are so blessed to be able to spend it with our little ones!

a friday.

Yesterday-I stayed home to nurse a cold. Today-I forced myself back to work because we have 6 school days til Christmas break-and A LOT of stuff to get done.

The day started out like any other day. We decided to have "Ornament Friday" were we worked meticulously on ornaments with our 25 kiddos for them to take home next week. We gathered field trip money, tied bows, worked on worksheets, and went to lunch. The kids go out to play after lunch and I get a few minutes to eat in the lounge with other teachers.

We were all discussing weekend plans, my illness, typical daily chatter.

When one of our janitors told us to pull up the news on our phones. "There's been a school shooting"

Immediately, the 10 of us start pulling up information and learning about the massacre in Connecticut

As an employee in the school system, the words "School shooting" radiates through your body. Its the one drill that is hard to practice because of the fear it instills in children and in teachers. The sad reality is, it is probably used more than the earthquake drills.

I went back to the room as the kids were entering with the other teacher. We just whispered about the incident and went on with our day. Speaking no words near the ears of the babes.

When school was over and the last child was on the bus, the day was over and it was now time to go and learn more of the details of this event.

News report after news report, my heart sank even more. Kids ages 5-10....dead. Teachers dead. The shooters mother...dead. Facebook/twitter was filled with #prayfornewtown, and "holding my babes closer tonight".

My heart aches for these families, for our country and for the community that will have to live with this incident forever.

You never know when and where your last moment on earth will be. You could endure this type of horrific event in public schools, private schools, home school groups....You could be driving down the road and wreck, you could be walking to a mailbox and a tree fall. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Pray for your community, your state,  your nation-daily. Not just in the aftermath of a tragedy. Hold your babes tight every chance you get.  .....((I will step off my soapbox..I could say a lot more..but we will save that for another time.))

We took a positive approach to the evening and stepped away from the television. We visited Grandaddy and helped him put up his Christmas tree.

This Christmas we are learning in more ways than one about gratefulness. We are grateful for the amazing Christmas we had last year in California with Todd's mom, we are grateful for the months we had her pre-stroke. We are grateful for the determination and strength she had post-stroke. We are grateful for the caretakers and family that cared for her in her last days...we are grateful that tonight-we were able to smile and laugh and be a family. When so many are hurting.

dr. appointment pity party (for female eyes only)

Well-I had another doctor appointment today-This time...with Dr. M.

Amelia is big 1.5lbs and momma is BIGGER. Turns out-my "start weight" wasn't what I thought it was...and my weight now...is much more. I saw on Entertainment Tonight that Megan Fox gained 23lbs during her ENTIRE pregnancy. Well, lets say...I have done that plus some and I still have a whole trimester to go :/

This is one of those things that they don't tell you when your pregnant...SO I am going to and Dr. Greg, Peter...any man reading this...please stop at this point (.)

THE WORST PART OF PREGNANCY IS GETTING SO FAT THAT YOU CAN NOT TAKE YOUR CUTE BLACK BOOTS OFF DURING A V*G*N*L ULTRASOUND....SO You just have to pull your pants down to your ankles. EMBARRASSING!

Yes, that was me today falling over in the tiny ultrasound booth trying to get my shoes off....when the tech walked in and said "Just hop up here...we can work around it."

I know what a blessing this is to be pregnant. And I am beyond thankful for a healthy baby. But I just wish 1 time, just 1 time...I wouldn't be a preggo whale.

I eat on a schedule. I eat healthy food. I have only had oreos 4x. and still....so big.

Well-thats my pity party for today.

Thanks for listening. 

Christmas time weekend.

Its just a few weeks from Christmas and I am still not in the Christmas spirit. I am not sure if it is the hot weather, the lack of energy I have to purchase/wrap/make Christmas presents, or if its something else. I would be okay with skipping it this year.(I know...sad)

However, the rest of my house is in full "Christmas Spirit" mode-so I am doing my best to be cheery!

Friday Night Todd's office had a Christmas party so we went-We both looked really cute (but sadly no pictures. We were getting ready to take one when we got the call that Madyson had busted her head open...and we had to go check on her)

She ended up being okay (she was with my mom) and they headed out to an "Old Fashion Christmas" at the Science Museum. All the pics from her phone are grainy...so fail again on Friday.

Saturday-we (as in all Broadus') did yard work. We have MASSIVE trees in our yard and they are still dropping leaves (worst part about Southern Winter....) So we had to rake them all up-mow the grass-trim the bushes-and hang Christmas lights. I helped as much as I could-and it wore me out!

After we were done, we showered...and picked up Chinese for dinner and watched ABC FAMILY 25 days til Christmas movies. (LOVE THIS!)

Sunday-we headed to church, then to my aunts. Her birthday is Wednesday and we have a tradition of doing her Christmas Tree for her for her birthday. This year Madyson did most of it. I love having a big kid!

After Lunch, we had to go to Girl Scouts. It was my day to lead...I am a much better cookie chair :) Luckily, we were missing a few girls so it was an easy/calm day :)

This week its not as busy as last week...
Work all week-Dr. Appointment Tuesday-Christmas Party in the weekend :)

P.S.
Saturday Night-Madyson decided what she wants for Christmas-Her 2 front teeth :)

Trip to the specialist...round 3

{{Amelia,
You are a very prayed for miracle of a child. We have longed and waited for our precious #3 for over 4 years. Your arrival into our lives has been a roller coaster thus far...and the exciting time is still to come!! You are growing BIG! Dr. P says you are around 1.3lbs and 12in long :) at this rate,you will be our biggest baby :) you still show no signs of the parvob19 virus :) which makes me soooo happy!!! 2 more weeks and we will be released from Dr. p's care. You absolutely HATE sonograms. Which made dr.p check, again, to see if you were still a girl..or a stubborn boy. but, to no surprise...you are just a feisty, strong willed little girl. (we all believe you are red headed.) }}

Today's appointment went very well. Amelia is right on track and healthy! Praise HIM!

She moves so much now! Everyone can feel her move and see it if she is having "a party". Aubrie Kate is least excited about this. It is very odd to her to have a moving, living, human in my belly.

1 more specialist appointment til we are clear :) 

((THIS is what I see when I look down now-wait til you see it from the side!!))

The Weekend.

Ugh-its Sunday Night as I type this (probably Monday by the time I get around to publishing it) and my weekend is over...and went by too fast.

Friday after work-The girls and myself and my mom had a girls night of Chick-fil-a and A huge milestone. Aubrie kate has been begging for her ears to be pierced. I have been putting it off and putting it off and finally made a plan. Once we got to the place-she picked out her earrings ( Pink Glitter Hearts) and set in the chair and did it without a flinch. Madyson-watching-decided that since it didn't hurt Aubrie Kate...she would do it as well. (she had planned to wait until she was ten) She picked out Simple 3mm silver balls. (totally different kids here) and I talked her up to the CZ 3mm "diamond" earrings. She agreed. And as soon as the girl was finished she looked at me and said, "oh my! That hurt so bad." Broke my heart. The girls were so happy though they went out skipping and jumping. They both love their earrings so much :) After I was done crying, we stopped by to pick me up some bigger Maternity jeans...Amelia is growing-by leaps and bounds! (pre-pregnancy size 2...current size 6/8)

Saturday morning we woke up and drove to Baton Rouge to visit family for my Great aunt and uncle's 60th wedding anniversary. After their party-we went out to eat with my cousin Josh, his wife Tina, and their 2 kids. We all use to live 20 houses apart and a few months ago they moved to Baton Rouge. Tina was my decorating buddy-so since they have left-my house has gone to mess :( we miss them!

Sunday (today) we woke up and spent the morning at Cabela's Store. We had a great time. We got home this afternoon and have been resting since!

This week is extremely busy. Work all week + Girl Scout Meeting for Cookies, Amelia's Specialist appointment, Todd has a work meeting, the kids have grief counseling, and then Todd's office has a Christmas party. Not to mention-I have done no Christmas Shopping, my belly is getting huge (I might post a picture...its getting kind of ridiculous), We haven't even done Christmas Card pictures... and I am so far behind on Disney post over on the Disney blog-we will probably be back from our 2014 trip by the time I get around to it.

Our Thanksgiving

Every year we have done Thanksgiving at Todd's mom's house with her sisters, mother, their kids and their kids....Its one of my favorite times of the year. This year-we are all still raw from her passing and getting together at her house just wasn't going to work for anyone. So we all split up to do our own thing. Hopefully next year we can recoop but it wasn't in the cards this year.

Todd and I had tons of offers for the holidays-a trip to Atlanta to be with his siblings and stepmom, a trip to mobile to be with his dad, a family reunion with my dad's side of the family...

But we needed to just do something...for us. So we planned a simple Thanksgiving menu (fried Turkey, ham, mac&cheese, Broccoli casserole, dressing, cranberry sauce and pecan pie) and had Todd's stepdad over to our house for dinner. I invited my parents to join us since they haven't really gotten to spend alot of time with him since Kathy's passing. He brought over Max, his pomadoodle and we had a simple and relaxing dinner, on Wednesday evening. We followed it up with a viewing of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.

Thursday morning we woke up and made a breakfast of eggs, bacon, strawberry muffins and hot coco. We stayed in our jammies and we watch the Thanksgiving parade.

Around 12 we went to pick out our first real Christmas tree. Every year we have had an artificial tree and this year Todd really wanted a real one. So-he won. Even though I sneeze everyday-all day because of it. I adore our tree.

After the tree was in place-we snuggled in with Thanksgiving leftovers and watched Aurthur's Christmas...followed by a nap.

Once we were awake, Todd climbed in the attic and brought down all 15 boxes of Xmas decor!

We decided to change up how we decorate this year. The den is more Earthy and minimal and my "frufru" is in the dining room. (pics to come soon!)

Usually, after Thanksgiving, the girls spend the night with Todd's parents and we go Black Friday Shopping all night. Well, this year we didn't do that (for the obvious reason) my mom did go with me to Belk for 1 hour to let me get some boots and the kids some clothes. 

Todd went hunting Friday & Saturday and the girls and I worked on decorations, watched movies (hello 25 days to Christmas on ABCfamily!) and napped. It was very relaxing.

Sunday-our sneaky little Elf,  "Fluffy Ice", arrived for the 2nd Christmas Season. He brought with him his famous Elf Snacks and fixing for Hot Cocoa and a few happies for the girls. Also...a note from Santa-explaining his "why" of sending "Fluffy Ice".

Coming up we have a trip to Louisiana planned for my great aunt/uncles 60th wedding anniversary! I am getting to travel pass my restricted amount because I begged (and ill be in the specialist Tuesday so if I have any change...they will catch it fast :) and then 3 weeks of school/work until Christmas Break! During those 3 weeks I have 2 specialist appointments and 2 reg. dr. appointments. :) and hopefully 3 new girly bedrooms to show you!

Growing Baby! 21 weeks!

How far along? 21 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs.
 

Maternity clothes? Live in Maternity pants. Old Navy Skinnies mainly. Dresses are normal-some maternity tops-some regular ones :)

Stretch marks? Not any new ones. I believe Madyson gave them all to me first go around.

Best moment this week:  Watching Amelia yawn on the sonogram. She is just so sweet.

Miss Anything? Nope :)

Food cravings:Pickles, Apple Juice, Soup, Onion Rings

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smells. 

Gender: Girl. Amelia Margaret

Labor Signs: nope

Pregnancy Issues: Diagnosed with Parvovirus B19, sent to specialist to monitor babies Cerebral Blood Flow, Thyroid levels have gone wack, Anterior Placenta, Breech Baby, Tachycardia returned :) All are under control and being monitored.

Wedding rings on or off? wedding band on-engagement ring off

Happy or Moody most of the time:Happy...well unless the house is a mess :) 

Amelia's Nursery! We are busy getting ready for the holidays as well as creating all three girls new rooms! Amelia's room is very eclectic. It has a vintage modern feel-but cozy in that!

 Her bedding is made from fun ivory/coral/aqua fabric. Its going to be a surprise until reveal day :)

Her crib is from Ikea

Her changing table I purchased from Craigslist this is the "Before" picture

Her wall art is a mix of "The Best of Pinterst" plus some vintage prints (and a Disney pic!")

...and there is more but you'll have to wait to see :)

On Tuesday of this week we had our 2 meeting with Dr. P. He is very "happy, happy, happy" with Amelia although she is very stubborn and doesn't like sonogram days. I spoke before about how she yawns and doesn't participate well with profile pictures. Well this time, after a few shakes of the belly to get her to rotate, she threw up her pointer finger and turned directly to the Doppler like she was saying, "LOOK, I am not doing this today. LEAVE ME ALONE" 

Oh boy! Another strong-willed girl. Good thing their momma can go toe-to-toe with them :)
    

tonights blog...

Normal blogging will resume tomorrow. Tonights blog has been interrupted with Chick-fil-a and Disney's Brave :)

*Family Time*

Dr. Appointment-Date Night-and more :)

This past weekend Todd and I had a fun little date night to celebrate his birthday. With all the changes in our lives recently-we haven't had a time to sit down-the two of us-and talk, relax, and laugh. We are truly best friends and when this time isn't present...we both get a bit crazy.

So Friday, Madyson was going to a slumber party and Aubrie was going to have some cousin time with my nieces and my mom. So Todd and I went to Bass Pro Shop to purchase him some new camoflauge for hunting season :) (Romantic...I know)
Then we stopped in at O'Charleys and had some PepperJack Cheese Wedges...salads, etc. Our server was a cool chick whose birthday was the next day (we get to know our servers)
So we left her a fun birthday tip :)

Then we went over to Target to start our Christmas Shopping...then to Steinmart....then home :)

We enjoyed no phones, no distractions, no talking about what has happened in the past few days...just us and the things we love (traveling, desserts...:)

Saturday-we had to come back to reality to help Todd's aunts clean out his mother's closets. Then we had a birthday party to attend for our sweet 2 year old God-daughter :)

Sunday-we went to church and then came home and cleaned house.

This is the last week of school before Thanksgiving Break-and I am so excited to get 9 days (5 weekdays and 4 weekend days) with my kiddos!

Today, I had an appointment with Dr. M. My regular OB-we ofcourse got to see Miss Amelia :)She is so adorable. Yawning throughout her sonogram-she isn't near as excited to see us as we are to see her!

She is chilling in a breech position-legs thrown up over her head-and the placenta is anterior. Not a big deal since she will be a c-section baby anyway-but still...more to watch.

The sono tech also did a cervical measurement and that looks good! (yah!) so all my contractions aren't bothering her little home inside me.

I have 3 more doctor appointments over the next 4 weeks. Each a sonogram-each a few hours long. As inconvenient as they are-I can not begin to express how thankful I am to be sitting here. If we remember back to November 2011-I was in agony waiting to see if our other baby would get its heartbeat and would develop properly-only to spend Thanksgiving break mourning the loss of our wee one. 

God has brought our family so far over the past year-and as hard as the miscarriage was-I am grateful, thankful, and fully in awe of our Lord for allowing us to struggle with that to see how minor all these "precautions" with Amelia are. 

My biggest concern for this visit was being put on bed rest (like I was with Madyson) mainly because I love my 25 kiddos I get to spend my days with and really wanted to continue through the holidays. Dr. M, gave me the "Limit your extracurricular activities" but said to just take it easy when I can...at least for 4 more weeks.
 

Here is Amelia's latest sonogram picture :) Tomorrow Ill be back with the 20 week belly shot and nursery update :)

Visit 1 with prenatal specialist

Today we had our 1st visit with the prenatal specialist Dr. P.

First let me say, I am thankful that I have great doctors and Todd has amazing insurance. Amelia def. would be our most expensive baby to date....and she isnt even here yet!

Second, the appointment went well. All of her measurements, blood flow, etc. are normal. Praise the Lord. Meaning that as of now, he believes she falls in the 85% of babies that do not contract the disease. However, for him to be 100% sure we will be visiting him 3 more times over the next 6 weeks. That means a sonogram every 2 weeks. Amelia will also be our most photographed baby :)

She is 100% girl :), very stubborn in the fact they had to poke the mess out of my abdomen to get her to do what the needed. She is active-a thumb sucker-and has long legs :)

Prayers for her to continue to be well and for momma to grow! Shes a little squished :)

Next week is my Regular OB appointment with Dr. M. And I will also have a nursery update :)

..........the old man is snoring.

God will not give us  more than we can handle. That is a promise. But sometimes-it sure hurts to go through His plan for life.

When Todd and I first got married we got this little mutt dog. We drove 3 hours to this crazy puppy mill in the middle of the woods to pay $100 for this little tiny ball of fur-we were told was a girl. Bella Broadus :) We drove to Petsmart to purchase Bella a bed, and food and toys...only to find out Bella was a boy. We named him Reece and he became our first baby.

Reece was a great puppy. The night before Madyson was born he was snuggled to me all night. He was whiny and clingy. Turns out I was having issues inside that I was unaware and after a trip to the doctor and 4 days in the hospital-we came home with his little sister Madyson. If he had not of been so persistent, I probably would have gone on without heading to the doctor. And who knows what would have happened.

As Reece aged he still loved and adored Todd and I, but he became aggressive to the girls and he had to become an outside dog. Over the last year he began to turn grey, loose his hair and become more temperamental.

Tonight, we found Reece lying in a lawn chair coughing up blood and having a hard time breathing. Todd and I wrapped him in a towel and held him until he passed away. Then at 10:45 we buried him near our garden.

Rest in Peace-little man. You are always the king of the house.

Its Raining...Its Pouring...

In the midst of sharing with you all the journey of my Mother-in-law, I have forgotten to include you on the latest update on Miss Amelia.

About a month and a half ago I was with our sweet friends having dinner. A few days later, Momma B, called and told me that baby B was diagnosed with Fifths Disease and that I needed to be tested. I called my OB and went in for blood work. The first round of results came back negative with an alert to retest in 3 weeks. I did the 3 week test at my last visit and this time the results came back as positive.

My OB has referred me to a prenatal specialist. I will be meeting with him on Tuesday. From what I gather about parvovirus B19 (the medical term) is that the specialist will do an intense ultrasound and examine all of Amelia's organs, growth, etc. He will determine if she has it (It causes swelling/severe anemia in babies) and what the plan of action is. I can not take any medicine for it. It is one of those things. In worse case senerio-it can also lead to miscarriage and stillbirths...but we aren't going there.

My OB says in clinical practice she has never seen it turn into everything. So I am doing my best to stay focused and positive and not to WebMD it to death.

The Last Days.

The last days have been a blur. A worldwind of emotions. A time I will treasure but never want to repeat.

Monday afternoon Todd called me and said, "The nurse doesn't expect her to be here much longer". Her-meaning his mom. His mother who has fought breast cancer for almost the last decade.

He went to be by her side. Asking me to stay with the girls. Monday night was awful-he was there. I was here. I didn't want to call and text him a lot. But I wanted to call and text him a lot. Finally-after a night of not sleeping I had the girls ready for my mom to take to school and let to be by his side at 5am Tuesday morning. We sat by his mom's side for the next 28 hours. Taking turns through the night praying over her. Letting her know we love her and its okay for her to leave.

It was a long night.

Wednesday morning, I left her house to go back to work. I needed to be around happy children. and I  needed to see my girls. Todd called around 1 and let me know he was coming home and we were going to take the girls trick-or-treating. Something that is almost foreign to them since we have done the church festival most of their little lives. We got all dressed up and loaded up in the truck and drove around the neighborhood and let them trick-or-treat. They had a blast.

Around 7:15 we got a call from Todd's grandmother. The time was close. At 7:28 a message saying "she's gone baby".

She was surrounded by her mother, sisters, husband, and best friends. I am a 100% sure she waited until Todd was not there because she never wanted him to see her vulnerable.

We dropped the girls off with my parents-telling them we had an errand to run and they could go in and eat candy. We headed to her house. Her body was still there-peaceful and calm. Todd went back and spent a few last minutes before the funeral home came. The hospice nurse joined us to handle all the final details and the house filled with love from family and friends.

Kathy was an amazing Mother-in-law. From our first lunch date to O'Charley's, where she made it clear that Todd was a handful and was I prepared for him...and did I know she was sick...and all that " I am the main woman in his life" front. To our final night last night-where I stood over her and talked to her almost lifeless self about how Todd and I will take care of each other. The past 7 years my life has been so filled with extra love and joy because of the amazing mother-in-law I was blessed with. I have so many memories that I thank God for.

Tonight-we celebrate because Kathy is now cancer free. She fought her fight and she can now be at peace. Tomorrow-we tell the girls. The hardest part, I believe, in this journey.

Kathy's verse she claimed during her battle was Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." She did all things-and he gave her strength.  May her strength live on through all those she touched.

The race.

2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.

Weeks ago, Madyson and I were laying in the bed discussing death and the fight grandmomma has fought against Cancer. As my 6 year old laid beside me...with tears rolling down her face asking me, "what can I do to save Grandmomma?" I set speechless.

I have learned, as a parent, when you dont have the answer...God will step in. The verse found in 2 Timothy 4 came to mind, then the thought of breast cancer awareness month followed. I shared with madyson how in order to find a cure for Cancer, researchers needed money/funding. And one way they get this is by walkers/runners in marathons fundraise for them. Thats all it took. She asked if she could participate in a walk so she could "save the grandmommas" for other kids so they wouldnt have to watch their grandmother suffer, the way she has. How could I say no? We signed her up online and discussed raising $250 for breast cancer. I thought that was reasonable. Thanks to amazing friends and family, Madyson raised $500.

Today, we got up and headed to the state capital to make strides. My brother, sister-in-law, neices/nephew, mom, todd and Madyson were all registered walkers. Aubrie kate and I planned to cheer them on.

The race began and they were off. Aubrie kate and I found a spot near the finish line and entertained ourselves with the ipad and snacks.

45 minutes into the race my mom, SIL, todd and madyson returned. My mom (a breast cancer survivor) was walked out, my SIL had bronchitis and the cold air wasnt helping and todd and madyson had to help them get back.

I could tell Madyson wasn't done and to be truthful, I was frustrated Todd didnt keep going with her. ( I know hormones...) I asked her if she wanted to finish-she said she did...with me. So 5month pregnant momma took her by the hand and we cut over to the 1mile sign where they had left off and hand and hand we walked (with daddy)  the rest of the 2.2 miles. the whole time I prayed for no contractions and heart problems. I knew Madyson needed to finish this goal for grandmomma and for her own mental being. One thing about Madyson is she processes things like an adult. The weeks leading up to the walk, she kept telling me..."Im going to tell grandmomma how I am helping find a cure for Cancer so when you are a grandmomma you wont have to be sick like her."

We got to the 3 mile marker....it wasnt much longer til we were done. Once she finished, she said..."I finished the race"

Yes baby girl, you did.

We headed out for lunch at the diner and then home for a nap. We had been home a few hours when we got a text from Todds stepdad....

"You might want to make it to the house today...moms not doing good."

Todd and I left the girls with my mom and headed over. When we arrived, we were heartbroken to find she is no longer able to communicate, having a very hard time swollowing, and fading...fast.

We have hours, days, maybe a week left with Grandmomma....and all I can think is..."She has fought the good fight."

Madyson finishing the race. Pictured with My mom-cancer survivor.

The race of life is a difficult and challenging one. Sometimes, in order to finish the race we need to start over. Sometimes, we just need to keep the faith. In Hebrews, we are told "..... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." The race God has planned for me is different than the race God has planned out for you. May you run your race with endurance and faith, always fighting the good fight.

preparing for life with 3 little ladies!

Amelia will be making her appearance in just a few short months. Its crazy to think we are entering the 17th week of pregnancy!
With that said-we are slowly beginning to prepare for life with 3 little ladies. Todd has accepted the idea that one day...(hopefully) we will have 3 weddings to plan for. Well...2 right now. Madyson said she's living with us forever and never getting married!

The girls have always shared a bedroom-but now personal space is becoming an issue so we are beginning to plan for each of the 3 girl's new rooms.
And with their own personalities and quirks-we venture into the first taste of life with 3 girls.

Madyson wants her room to be "Colorful, Creative, and have a reading nook".
Right now we are going to use these awesome Pottery Barn duvets that Todd's mom bought for the girls before she was sick. We have been saving them for this occasion! They fit Madyson perfectly.

Aubrie is a Diva. Bottom.Line. When I asked her what color she wanted to paint her walls, she said...."White". Ok? Then I asked what other colors she wanted to use..and she said "silver and gold". When we went fabric shopping this was her favorite...good grief :)


So Miss Amelia is next on the list. I want her room to be "hers". Indicative of her own personality (which I believe is different from both sisters because this pregnancy is WAY different) and reflective of being a very prayed for blessing. But nothing is coming to me. I have pinterested tons of ideas....none "fit". She has a very special role in this family. Not as the "baby" but as our precious #3 and on top of that...our 3rd beautiful daughter.
So she needs a room that can help her grow into this special role.

I already have the furniture.
 Crib-glider-dresser. All can be painted...changed etc.
The walls are called Dolphin Fin.
and it must a some touch of Disney..since she is a product of fairy dust and the happiest place on Earth. ;)

So-with that said, I am enlisting you..."the virtual family members" to help us out! Here is my Nursery Pinterest Board...please "Like" your favorites and suggest others for us!
#21 weeks and counting!!

growing baby! 16 weeks :)

 Growing Baby! We had our 16 week appointment. After waiting 2 hours-I got to see the doctor. They found the heartbeat with the Doppler (so no sonogram) then we had the "latest problem" talk.

I have had tachycardia since I was 18 and I took medicine for it and it was all good :) well the past few years I haven't really needed it until now. The irregular rhythms are back and so is the medicine. 

Also, I have had really-REALLY bad headaches the past few weeks. Its not caffeine related-blood pressure related-or anemia related. So I now have medicine for that. 

No contractions :) 

and my Blood pressure was 110/78 :) 

How far along? 16 weeks!

Total weight gain: 10 lbs

Maternity clothes? some. trying not to rock the "tent" look-so I'm using a lot of pre-maternity stuff in new ways :) 

Stretch marks? Not any new ones. I believe Madyson gave them all to me first go around.

Best moment this week:  Hearing the heartbeat on the Doppler! and getting little flutters :)

Miss Anything? not at all!

Food cravings: Popeye's Shrimp Po boys, Mexican food, soup

Anything making you queasy or sick:blah.. smells. 

Gender: we had a sneak peek at a sono boutique and they said Girl :) 

Labor Signs: Nope

Symptoms: Just plain sleepy 

Wedding rings on or off? wedding band on-engagement ring off

Happy or Moody most of the time:Happy :)

The "Joy" of being public.

When I began to blog it was my place to tell my story. My journal that was open-page by page-for anyone and everyone to read. They are my words and they are written-so my thought was-if you tried to twist them...I could back it up with print.

Its been over 5 years since I began (the first one is now private and The Broadus Bunch is the main blog) and I still continue to blog for documentation of my life-the good and the bad.

Todd and I joke that before I die-I will probably blog about it first. Gotta keep everyone in the know, ya know?

But in all seriousness-being OPEN for readers is extremely difficult. I have readers who read my blog to find encouragement and to invest in a family that they would probably be friends with in real life.

I have readers who come to graze. Not daily readers-even weekly readers but readers that come to catch up on all things Broadus.

Then, I have readers that come to gather "information" and call other people and say "oh I just read on sarah's blog that...____________" fill in the blank.

In the bible it says "Whenever they come to see me, they speak falsely, while their hearts gather slander; then they go out and spread it abroad. (NIV)" Psalms 41:6

I will  be the first to say my life is very full. I am blessed beyond belief. and I have been since day one.

To recap-

I was born to two young people who loved me enough to give me a better life through adoption.
I was adopted into a family that encouraged my spirit-and taught me about the Holy Spirit.
I had some rough patches-but I believe God gave me those to learn from.
I have a marriage that I could never have dreamed of. It hasn't always been perfect-but its almost close.
I have been blessed with amazing kids. Literally-they blow my mind.
As an adult-I have the amazing privilege to have relationships with my biological family & siblings while continuing to be a member of the family that I was raised by. Best of both worlds.
We (the broadus') have never gone "without". We've come close sometimes but never have not had the needs.
I have always been blessed with jobs that allow me creativity.

In all-I would say that God has given me so much more than I deserve. When I look at others (families, friends) I can see their blessings. Some which are awesome (and on occasion...even makes me a bit jealous) But I can always step out and see the big picture and somehow find happiness for them that takes away the jealousy.

This past weekend, I experienced some "Joys" of being public. Slander-gossip-twisted words. It was extremely hurtful-and almost made me want to private this blog. But after some thought-I decided that this place-my little place in the blog community is my space-Mine. and I am not going to let others dictate my words for me.
So I am pulling a new motto from Proverbs 20:19:

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

I am making it a point to avoid anyone who talks to much. Not because I dislike them-or don't consider them family or friends-but because I am not going to be fuel for their gossip fire.

I am not going to private my blog from those who gather here for encouragement or silly stories-I am going to continue to post-my life in my way.

If babblers choose to read-may they see a family that loves the Lord and refuses to allow our story to be the root of their evil.

Exciting News!

My husband is great! Like...really great. He knows how much I **need** to see this baby, alot. After a miscarriage you are just so much more at ease when you can see the baby!

So he scheduled an appointment at a sonogram boutique about an hour from where we live!

And while we were there we found out that baby #3 is ........

Another GIRL!!!!

We are so excited! I had the feeling about a week ago that she was a she and sure enough....I was right!

Todd is thrilled also. He loves his girls so this is just another cupcake to love on!

Her Name is....

Amelia Margaret

and we can't WAIT to meet her in March!!

Weekends :)

The past few weekends have been busy busy! in sept.15 weekend my friend rachel came to Jackson to do a Vault denim party at my house! It is so fun to finally meet a friend that you've "known" for so many years through blogging!
We had a great time hanging out and making booties cute :) but we both are terrible bloggers and forgot to take a picture....too much talking! :)

Then that sunday we went to church then Madyson had girl scouts. Her little troop is expanding and we are looking forward to another big cookie year :)

The week of the 17-23 was the last week of my 1st trimester! I went to the doctor and we got to see our sweet active baby!!

On Friday the 21,our dear friends the Byrds came over for dinner. They made me turnip soup (baby is obsessed with soup) & we hung out til we were too tired to move!

On saturday Madyson and Todd headed east to alabama to partake in some football and bbq! They had a great time! Aubrie Kate and I did some bonding as well! We stopped by and picked up a frosty's rootbeer from the little mom&pop shop, put the #1 hits of the 60's cd in, and headed to the flea market. We spent hours looking and shopping. She has a great eye for midcentury modern pieces. After the flea market we grabbed some Krystal's burgers and headed home. There we played, did a makeover and took a 4 hour nap :) it was glorious!!!

Sunday following we went to church and then came home and switched the closets over to fall clothes :)

Happy! Happy! Happy!

That Monday was the offical first day of the 2nd trimester!

{{I am so excited to be getting close to my "release" date. If I make it to 16 weeks without any complications then I am no longer on highrisk watch and get to relax a little!}}

The next weekend todd,aubrie kate and I went on a date to the mexican restaurant then did some window shopping for baby stuff :) Saturday we spent the day sitting with Todds mom. We were at her house for 12hours so that was our entire day. On Sunday, we went to church then my mom treated us to lunch and a movie! We saw Hotel Transylvania and it was really cute!

This past friday-we took the girls to buy new athletic shoes. This was both of theirs first pair :/ (I know...we are such "consignment shoppers" neither of my children have had new tennis shoes, until now.  Then we went out for dinner and came home to relax!


Saturday we got the nursery painted then went to the Ole Brook Festival about an hour away! We were so excited because Francesa Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets, and Andy Cherry were performing and it was a FREE concert! So we took the girls and they loved it! (despite it being 50 degrees)

 

Today-We went to church-then Todd and the girls went to sit with his mom. I stayed home to catch up on laundry and to go to the grocery store.


WHEW! there ya go! Caught up on our weekends! Coming up...

Bob: my biological dad is coming to visit next weekend
Madyson and Todd are doing the Making Strides walk on the 27th
also on the 27th is a tailgating bbq for our community young adult club :)