Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Memories

On this date back in 2000 mom and I were just a little busy. We were checking last minute arrangements, scheduling deliveries and pick-up times with the florist, dress place and the wonderful woman who made my beautiful (original) wedding cake to match my unique unity candle (I also rebelled and had red velvet instead of the traditionalJ.) Luke was I am sure just as busy making his arrangements for after the weddingJ. Tomorrow, because of God’s wonderful mercy, we will be celebrating our 9th year together. In that time we have lived in 7 different houses or apts. We have seen many end meeting jobs and have gone through 4 vehicles. We have also been honored to spend three of those years here at Bridgeview Baptist Church. Luke will be graduating in May, and we have been blessed with the addition of five amazing people to our family and this world. A lot can happen in 9 years and I pray God grants us many, many more (years not childrenJ.)

On January 4th, 2005 I was going in to see my OB and get ready for my induction on the 5th. I went in and one of the three Dr. who practiced there came in (the one I didn’t like) and said: “So you are scheduled to be induced tomorrow…” “yes” I replied with a grin from ear to ear. “Well, we are going to have to cancel that” she said flatly. I laughed thinking she was kidding, but she did not smile. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Yes, we have had too many naturally started labors come up and we don’t have room for you induction.” I was crushed. I left the room and as soon as I saw Luke in the waiting room, also smiling from ear to ear, I buts into inconsolable tears. He asked me what was wrong and was furious when I finally managed to get it out. He tried to comfort me and when that didn’t work, he took me to Culvers for the best frozen custard around.

Well, we both decided we were too ready to have this baby so we went out to eat spicy Mexican (he made me eat tons of hot sauceJ) and then we went speed walking at the mall for as long as I could stand. And you know what? It worked (or I like to think so.) That night at 1am I felt the first contraction. His mom made it to the house by 2 and we were at the hospital by 3. The nurse set me up and said they would monitor me for a few hours and see if they would keep me or send me home. Well at 5 when she checked me we were admitted and the epidural was ordered. At 8:10 am our beautiful Abigail Joy was born. She weighed 7.11 and was 20 ½ inches long. I will never forget. They put her in the warmer and she stared at me for an hour. It was so special. That was 4 years ago this past Monday, and she has lived up to her name which means ‘fathers joy.’ She has a wonderful sense of humor and is always making us smile. ‘We love you Abigail!!’

I thank God, not only for the memories, but for every day He gives me to make more. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,  with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.’ James 1:17

Oh yeah! I’ve added blog sites to my blog. Best of Becky is obviously my aunt (the one who kept up this blog for so long.) Gleanings is my mom’s blog and the rest are my brother’s and his wife (the ones in full time missions in Germany.) Feel free to check them out and keep up the communications that began during this journey.

11 comments:

Kaci Lusk said...

Dear Emily,

You don't know me, but I've been wanting to write you for a while now. I followed a link on Becky's page to yours one day while you were sick. I prayed & wept as you fought. I laughed and cheered as you got better. I want you to know that your life has touched mine in ways you will never know. I thank God for you!!

God bless you,
Have a wonderful day,
Kaci Lusk - Borger, TX

Amy said...

I remember that red velvet cake. :) Happy 9th Anniversary!! You've had a full 9 years.
I love you!
Amy

Becky Dietz said...

Praise God for 9 years & 5 kids!! Woo-Hoo!!

Anonymous said...

Emily~ It is so good to see you blogging. We have been still praying for you continued healing. And that you would have energy. Love you guys!

Tony and Heidi
www.simplyheidi.com

Tanya said...

I remember the red velvet cake too! I also remember the bells...oh the bells...the ringing!
Paul and I are so blessed to know you and Luke! We pray for ya'll often!

Linda Clark said...

I enjoyed seeing the pics of your children. Great to hear from you and the blessings you continue to feel day by day. Mindy is getting married this May, so I enjoyed reading your recent blog. Blessings. Linda Clark

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!! It was truly amazing seeing and hugging you at CBS!! I love you Emily and I am here if you need me to come stay with you or watch the kiddos-whatever! Katie Phillips

Janis said...

Happy Ninth Anniversary! We have such fond memories of that lovely wedding! We thank God for giving us such a precious daughter, for Luke, for Hannah, for Noah, for Abigail, for Lily, and for Sarah. AMEN!!

Anonymous said...

I remember that red velvet cake too. And my dress not fitting and having to be altered at the last minute. And driving like crazy to get to Tyler before ya'll did so you'd have candles lit in your room when you got there. And hoping that my wedding would be just as special. I'm glad you're able to celebrate 9 years today! Love you.

Cheryl Dietz said...

It is always easy for me to remember your anniversary,Ashlyn celebrates her birthday just 2 weeks before. She is 9 so that makes it 9 for you! I remember that day and trying to shove my post-baby body into my dress and Ashlyn wearing her little green suit and Andy and the "cousins" teaching Jonah where his boogers come from. "sweet" memories?! Congrats and prayers for many, many more. We love you and miss you and can't wait till 2010, woohoo!

Anonymous said...

Emily, your blog is encouraging......Praise God for such good memories and many more to come.
Praying for you
Sherwin Sandlin,