And Three....Make Six!!!

Well, I gave up on the blogging idea long ago, as you can see it has been two years since a new post has been shared.  However so many people have asked us to share our new adventure with them and I think this will be the best way to do it.  So here is yet again another attempt at blogging-- we shall see how it goes.  

About 6 weeks ago Tigh and I found out that we were expecting.  We were about 3 weeks pregnant... I know of very few people who find out they are pregnant at three weeks, but I was feeling really sick and decided to take a test.  It was positive.  We were excited and having had a child already my momma brain had forgotten the process.....I called the dr to schedule our first ultrasound and they said we had to wait 5 weeks until I was about 8 weeks along.  

So 5 weeks and waiting.... in those 5 weeks I have never felt so sick.  I called many of my friends who are also expecting their second child... asking them if they are as sick as I am was.  They all said no, and "maybe it's a girl, cause you're so sick."  Well I just thought to myself if this child is a girl, it is one fierce child and it is going to come into this world with a vengeance!   Then I started asking friends are you already showing??? "No not much, but maybe you are showing because it's your second and you pop out faster..." I quickly went to the store and bought some oversized shirts because I thought people would start talking if they saw how far my belly was already sticking out.  

Twins runs on my grandfather's side of the family, and I began having this crazy thought that I may be pregnant with twins!!! I started Googling "how to know if you are expecting twins before an ultrasound."  Tigh thought I was nuts, and said I was going to drive myself insane if I continued to pry for this answer.

8 weeks FINALLY arrived, and it was Monday morning.  My mom came over to watch Gray.  I stumbled around to get myself upright and dressed to go to the dr.  Since I had been horizontal on the couch all the weeks beforehand.  We got to the Dr. and went into the ultrasound room.  Angie, the ultrasound tech who also did all of Grayson's ultrasound began doing her job.  As I looked at the screen I saw what I thought were two sacs....In my head I thought "OMGoodness it is twins, this all makes sense."  After a few minutes...that seemed like hours, Angie finally spoke and said...."Well, Y'all are expecting TRIPLETS!!!!"  

Are you ready for it.... Here is what everyone asks us----- "WHAT DID YOU DO IN THAT MOMENT!?!?!?!"  I so wish I could answer that questions and say I handled it with so much grace, and I was so brave....but that would be so far from the truth.  I began balling my eyes out, covered my eyes and said "NO" about 8,00 times.. followed by "No I can't do this, No I don't want to do this, No we can't afford this, how could God think that we could handle this?"  Tigh being the champ that he is, chuckled and said "Well God sure does have a sense of humor, and I am going to work my butt off, we are going to do this."   Praise God for giving me such an amazing man to walk this journey with.  He is such a rock and I am beyond blessed to call him mine.  

Through my hysteria Angie finished the ultrasound and shared with us the 3 strong heartbeats.  I couldn't calm myself down long enough to really listen and allow such a precious sound to really penetrate my ears.  Angie left the room and told us she would give us a few minutes so I could get collected.  About 15 minutes later, we reappeared.  We went and sat in the waiting room in complete and utter shock and disbelief.  We both just stared at the wall until our name was called to see the dr.  Once we were in the room waiting for the dr.  we called our moms.  I was still in complete tears and after sharing the news with both my mom and mother in law, I begged..... I begged them to promise to help us, I begged them to promise that we didn't have to do this alone..... They both responded with such comfort that we were going to walk this road together as a family and that brought me some peace.  

Dr. R came in and through my tears I asked him my first question..."Does this really happen to people?"  His response...."Yes, and you, me, Tigh and God are going to get you through this!" We discussed all the details.  And much to my surprise he explained to us that we did in fact get pregnant with twins and one egg divided making Triplets.  We will have a set of Identicals and then a Singleton (fraternal twin)! (I can say now that that is very exciting to me, it wasn't at the time of first being told.) 

I sit here today exactly a week after finding out and my heart couldn't be happier.  I believe I have experienced every emotion known to man in the past week.  I have asked God so many questions as to why he chose me to bring three of his children into this world at once.  My eyes were quickly open to the fact that about 2 months ago I began feverishly listening to this song called "Oceans" by Hillsong and I prayed this prayer about 30 times....

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

My fears, my doubts, my disbelief were quietly hushed by an overwhelming sense of God telling me, "you asked me to take you deeper, you asked me to make your faith in me stronger, you asked me to lead you beyond your own trust....."  and here we are.   In the past week I have experienced God's complete control over this, and have felt a closeness to him like no other. I have NO idea what this road is going to be like.  I know there are probably going to be extreme highs and extreme lows.  I also know that I have made the choice to be strong and brave for these babies, and that I am going to do everything I can for them.  God has shown us an abundance of Grace this past week through the community of family and friends that he has surrounded us with.  My heart is so full to the brim of thanksgiving for the people who have stepped up and said, "We support you guys, we love you guys, we are praying, we are here, you do not need to walk through this alone."  Because of God's grace and all of our friends and family, we know that we can get through whatever may be ahead.  We are beyond excited for this journey.  I have said it before and I will say it again we know it is going to be BEAUTIFULLY CHAOTIC!  We are ready to hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride!  

Here's to The Holmstrom Family.....Party of SIX!!!!!! 

Way Over Due....

Wow! I have not written on here in way too long.  The crazy thing is I have actually had time to do it, I just forgot all about it....maybe it's "Baby Brain."  That's right Baby Brain! A lot has happened in the past few months, where to start......


First, I resigned from teaching to take a job at our church Woodlands Point Community Church.  God opened all the right doors at just the right time for this amazing opportunity.  As much as I love teaching, I love what I am doing 1000X more! I am the Elementary Kids Director for their Children's Ministry.  I have never been happier at a job then I am now.  I look forward to work everyday, and am so thankful for the opportunity God has given me.  I most certainly do not feel qualified to be in the position I am, but God continues to blow me away with giving me what I need when I need it the most!  


Next, Tigh and I are EXPECTING! We found out at the end of May.  I am about 15 weeks along right now and feeling GREAT! My due date is Feb. 7.  I have been so blessed.  I breezed through my first trimester with NO problems other then being dizzy if I stand too long.  After one near fainting episode-- I quickly realized I need to eat every 2 hours, drink lots of water, and not stand stationary for long periods of time. Things since then have been great.  I have not been sick at all.  Truly thankful for that, as I have many friends where this has not been the case.  Our first ultrasound was amazing.  Getting to hear the heartbeat was so wonderful.  Here is a picture of our little peanut at 5 weeks.  

We went back for our second ultrasound at 11 weeks.  This one blew me away.  I have had a few friends who have told me to drink orange juice before going to an ultrasound, as it is supposed to get the baby moving.  Well I forgot-- so right as we pulled in I took a sip of Tigh's extra sweet sugary coffee (YUCK).  We went in for the ultrasound and got to see some MAJOR action.  My heart melted instantly-- little arms were flying, legs were kicking, and at one point the ultrasound tech let out a little "ahhhh" because of the baby jumping so much.  :)  I was in love.  The tech also told us it's looking like a BOY! She pointed out...well you know....about 4 to 5 times.  We are not 100% sure but from the looks of things that is what we are thinking.  5 more weeks and time will tell.  Here are some pictures of our sweet....boy??

Check out those lips sticking out! :) 

Contentment...what a belly! 

Needless to say- my heart is bursting during this season Tigh and I are in.  After the year we are coming off of-- it does our hearts well to know that we are entering a new phase of life.  One we know little about, but are so excited to walk through together.  This verse has stuck out to me as we found out about our pregnancy--

"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26

Thankful for the season of blessing we are in! 

Saving the best for last....My mom is doing extremely well and for that I could fall to my knees daily shouting praise! She has finished her treatments and is feeling great.  She has been redoing our kitchen, and helping me with "nesting" things around the house.  I love our days together, and take them in more then ever before.  

Life is as busy as ever, but sweeter then ever! 

THINGS TO CELEBRATE!

This week there is a lot to celebrate in my family.  Monday my mom goes for her 6th and final Chemo treatment after a very long 8 months. My dad and I will be there with her.  She told me there is a big bell you ring upon completion of your last treatment.  Let me just say that we are going to be RINGING that bell for the whole place to hear, along with the loudest cheering they have ever heard! Watching her go through this has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life.  There are days I just cry my eyes out asking why God, how is this happening to your people?  But then there are days where I cry my eyes out praising and thanking him for bringing her this far along through this trial.  Everyday I wake up and thank him for giving me another day with my family I love so very much.  Here is a picture of her that my dad took.  Isn't she beautiful? 

On a lighter note..I am also celebrating my 2 week Winter Break from work!!!!! hahaha Tigh just found out he has a week off of work too.  I can't wait to spend some time with him. 

I have many, many projects lined up for the break.  First, of course baking.  I want to carry on my Grandmother's tradition of having a million cookies at Christmas time.  On the cookie menu- cookies from the Cookie Press:

followed by Almond Yule Logs:

Followed by Molasses:

My other project is to have a little Modge Podge Maddness!! I bought some really cool bottles I want to Modge Podge some vintage paper on, as well as a 3 tier candle holder that I am going to fix up a bit.

  I have crocheting to do... which I have been doing but getting really frustrated with for one reason or another, but my mom and I have a few days of "therapeutic" crocheting to do.  When she does it with me, it is much more relaxing because she knows what she is doing and I don't. :) I am looking forward to it.

 

And finally my biggest project I want to tackle is this amazing Book Wreath

My friend made one and it turned out beautiful! I can't wait to start! I don't know where I am going to put it in the house, but I'm sure I will find a spot.  Here is the link if you are interested in making one!  http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html

 

Busy week-- I better go get started.  Pictures to follow if I get any of these projects finished.   

Happy Dad's Day! (a day late)

So I know I am bias but, I do have the best dad in the whole wide world.  He is the most caring, self sacrificing man.  He would go to the ends of the earth for his family.  Just don't ask him to help you with something while he is watching The Situation Room on CNN.... he won't be helping till it's over.  I am so thankful that I was blessed with a father who taught me values, what it means to love and serve in your family, and how to hold Christ in the center of your life above all else.  I love this picture that was taken at my wedding after I got to dance with him to "My Brown Eyed Girl".

He is wonderful...Thank you Dad for all the love you have poured into my life! I LOVE YOU!

Attempt #2 at Blogging

Well this is try #2. The other night I worked for about 3 hours on my first post-- only to have selected the bottom sentence to delete and it deleted the whole post.  :(  Needless to say- I am fed up with Blogspot and not too sure about this whole thing.  However, I have been blog stalking for so long I have finally given in and decided to start a blog.  I figured it's a good way to document the ups and downs of life, blessings, and trial, the good times, the bad, etc...So here we go.


Tigh and I have been married for almost 3 months now.  I have to honestly say being a wife has been way more challenging then I thought it was going to be, but way more of a blessing, and way more fun then I thought it was going to be too.  I LOVE coming home to Tigh everyday.  I feel like each and everyday we share together, we grow closer and closer and become more in sync with one another.  I still wake up every morning and am amazed that I get to be with such an amazing, loving, respectful, caring man. 


I have been thinking a lot about life lately-- My life has been easy for the most part.  Don't get me wrong my family has gone through some valleys.. but for the most part it has been good. 


I have always been a follower of Christ, but I think my love and relationship for Christ really grew when I went off to college.  I realized there were two roads to choose from, one that offered eternal life, grace, love and mercy.  The other that offered emptiness, always longing for something, hopelessness, and ultimately death.  I choose the first.  I pressed into God and wanted to learn more about him.  When I was 20 I got diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma.  I remember my dad coming into my room at 7:00 in the morning as I was packing up to go back to school.  He said the Dr had called and told him we needed to go and meet with the surgeon that day.  I was shocked-- I was scared.  I remember thinking to myself, "God how in the world could you allow this to happen.  I have prayed for purity and good health, and you are allowing this badness to grow in me.."  I questioned for a while.  But after going through this experience I realized exactly why he had me walk through this.


As I walked down the halls of MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in downtown Houston, I realized how much of a self-centered and shallow life I had been living.  I realized the things I thought were important in life, were not important at all.  I had NO idea how many people were affected with Cancer.  I had NO idea the magnitude of people diagnosed and treated every second of everyday.  ...(I will not get started on this topic-- that is for another post because I could go on and on) I saw their hurt and their pain as I walked by


I was very fortunate that by God's grace  and with the Dr.'s help healing was bestowed on me and I was ok.  This experience changed the way I viewed life, I grew so much closer to God then I had ever been, I saw life differently.  For these reasons I was thankful. But as time elapsed, so had my thoughts of Cancer, what I had seen, and what I had felt.


Life recently has been so good.  I can't even begin to describe it, it almost has felt too good to be true.  I have been blessed with a loving husband who exceeds all my dreams of a husband, a beautiful home,  an amazing family, a brother who has finally gotten his act together :), a church home in which we have met the most wonderful friends.  A few weekends ago we had "Croquet Sunday" at my parents house.  I sat there that day and just took it all in...  My beautiful family, the laughter, the good food, the fun, the beautiful day with a crystal clear blue sky, a breeze and the love that was flowing between each of us.  The contentment I felt was like no other, it was like I was being told to savor this moment and I did...  Here are a few pictures from the day...

My mom was the photographer (doing what she loves) which is why she is not in any of the pictures... My heart was so very full that day.


It's amazing how things can change within a few weeks. This past week my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  The news of this hit me like a ton of bricks, as there have been no signs, no warnings.  She will have to have a double Mastectomy along with Chemotherapy.  We are still unsure of the magnitude of the cancer, she will be going for a full body scan this week to determine if it has spread.


My heart now feels like it has been ripped wide open.  I hurt for the process she is going to have to go through, for the pain she will experience, for the questions she has even though she is a strong believer, and for the unsureness of the situation.  I have sat and listened to a song by my husband's band Gatlin Elms.  The song is called "Stronger."  The lyrics have been so encouraging to me-- as they basically state-- We aren't strong enough-- but "Christ" has broken through the clouds, filled our hearts with HOPE--  his love is enough-- our hearts can not get enough-- he never fades and never disappears..we are stronger now because of his love, We are stronger now..... I know with his love, his hope, his strength we can get through this.


This news has served as a reminder to me just how fragile life is, and how quickly it can change. It sounds cliche because you hear it a lot.  I have woken up every morning since last Monday and things feel different. The sun looks just that much brighter, the trees look just that much greener,  and my mom's voice on the other end of the phone is just that much sweeter.  I know these next few months are going to be very challenging for my family.  But I am thankful that we do not have to be strong enough by ourselves-- we can rely on him for the strength we need. I am hopeful for the healing he will give her.