Christmas movies..Past and Present

It's that time of year. You cannot turn on the tube without perusing through an endless array of Christmas films from yesteryear and those that our children call their favorites today. I am in awe at the options. Will it be "The Grinch" (1966), "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York", "Christmas from Rockefeller Center", "It's a Wonderful Life"? Oh my..decisions, decisions. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. I want to make it a point to soak it all in and enjoy this time with my wonderful husband and children.

I was tipped off to this website earlier today. Check it out. It has a listing of all the movies that will be shown between now and Christmas. They are arranged in chronological order by date and also have the network and time listed to make for easy navigation. Merry Christmas and enjoy every minute of the light side of the holiday!!

http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/christmas/whats-on-tv.htm

Styles Family Update

It has been far too long. We are super busy most days and loving every minute of it. Since I last posted in July, our little family continues to be so blessed. Lauren has been in pre-k since August. She is learning more than I would have ever imagined and is growing into a beautiful young lady. Alyssa is 15 months old and crawling everywhere, getting into everything. She is not yet walking, but she gets around just fine in her own way. She is also "talking" a lot these days. I love those girls.

Thanksgiving came and went with such gust. We didn't really have much time to rest, as we were on the move most of the time. However, as a family, we are counting our blessings day in and day out. This year has been a challenging one for us, but God has sustained us through it all. Chris lost his job with the Huntsville City school system in May due to budget cuts. This economy has made finding a teaching job anything but easy. He has spent the last few months working for various friends. This is not exactly how he envisioned his year going, but as a family and couple, God continues teaching us patience, perseverance, and faith. We are growing stronger and believing in Jesus through all of our trials. He has never left us, and we are grateful for all that he does for us. His blessing have been immense!!

Christmas is just around the corner. Alyssa is at that stage of exploration and awe. She is fascinated with the beautiful lights, ornaments, and all this time of year has to offer. Last year was fun, but this year is shaping up to be a blast. I cannot wait to see the looks on my girls' faces as we continue enjoying the festivities and all that is in store throughout the season. Check back soon for additional updates. God bless and remember to always give thanks!


Did I mention I love to climb??

Gotta Have Faith.....

Boy has the Lord been teaching me this one over and over lately. Without going into detail right now, I can say that my little family's faith has been through the test over the last few months..really, the last few years. We have had so many ups and downs, as all families do. It has just seemed harder as of late. I have to repeatedly remind myself that all it takes is the tiniest amount of FAITH to move a mountain. God has reassured of us of that fact! Why is it in our nature to doubt and want to cling so tightly to our problems? Life would be so much easier if we (I) would let it all go and let Him take it all on for us. There wouldn't be a worry or care left in us. If only we could truly walk in that Faith. Hmmmm..As I ponder this, I'll pray that the Lord continue to grow me and teach me to not hold so tightly to that which is out of my control.

God Bless!
Brandi

Freshly Sharpened Pencils

What is it about the swiftly approaching fall and the ever impending start of a new school year that puts a knot in the pit of my stomach? If you know me at all, you know that I have a nervous personality anyway. Throw me out of my routine and into something new, and I can be a wreck. This year is definitely no exception. I am embarking on a "new" workplace/school, faculty, and administration. While the physical location will be unchanged, we will no longer be Riverton Middle School. As of August 6, you are looking at a 6th grade teacher for the brand new Riverton Intermediate School. I am beyond excited at the changes; however, that uncertainty still drives my nerves.

As I mentioned in the previous post, Lauren is starting pre-k in a couple of weeks as well. She and I made a trip to town a few days ago to start knocking out that insanely long supply list. Well, $50 later, and we're still not finished. Can you believe that educating a 4 year old can break the bank like that. I guess I shouldn't really complain until we start paying the tuition. It is actually about the same as what we were paying in daycare costs, so I'm not too taken aback. But, I do look forward to the day when we can save more money and enjoy the fruits of our labor a little more. The girls are totally worth it though!!! We feel the blessings everyday!

In the words of Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail", "There is just something about the smell of freshly sharpened pencils". Bring on those loads of supplies, stacks of textbooks, school bus stops, students with nervous stomachs, and frazzled parents.

God Bless!
Brandi

Summer 2010

We are still here!! I have taken a long blog break but hate to keep looking back and see February as the last post. So, what have we been up to? Chris and I have had the pleasure of spending lots of time at home with our girls this summer. It has been fun, but I am exhausted. Work is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to it..well, maybe just a little.

We took a trip to Gulf Shores the last week of June. It was an absolute blast! Alyssa is a water baby and couldn't get enough of the pool. Lauren is also a big fan of the water as well as the sand. I really wish we could have had the opportunity to hang out and splash around in the ocean water; however, for the first time ever the Gulf water was just not pretty. The oil from the spill wreaked havoc on the beach the week we were there. It was really quite depressing, but we had fun nonetheless. The remainder of the summer was spent with us relaxing, taking a day trip to Six Flags, and mostly just enjoying being together.

Lauren starts pre-k at Mt. Carmel Elementary in a week and a half. I'm trying not to get too emotional about it, but it just doesn't seem possible. Alyssa starts back to daycare next week. I know she will be so excited to see her teachers again. I'm sure the teachers feel the same. She has changed so much and grown up before our very eyes. To wrap things up, I am feeling truly blessed to have had this time with my family. Let the good times roll!!

God Bless!
Brandi

**Update- I forgot to mention that Lauren started soccer last month. Watching 4 and 5 year olds play an organized sport is nothing short of hilarious! She is so very excited about her first game this Saturday. Go Eagles!!

The Crud that Keeps on Giving

The good ole' fashioned crud has hit our family and is not exiting quietly. Alyssa was diagnosed with RSV about 2 weeks ago. I've never seen such a small child be that sick. It has not been fun. She was on the mend, and then I came down with bronchitis or something closely resembling what she has/had. Well, she is now getting sick again and I cannot quit coughing to save my life. So, we are praying that spring will approach with zest. I know..not much of a post. I'll update on something of substance as soon as we start to feel human again.

This Life of Ours

I believe I set a record for the longest duration between posts. Life has a way of getting hectic beyond hectic, and updating the blog gets shelved. Having said that, we are well. Alyssa turned 5 months old a couple of days ago. Lauren will be 4 in just a few weeks. I cannot believe how my girls are growing up right before our eyes. It makes me weepy to dwell on that for too long.

We had a very nice Christmas holiday. It was filled with way too much food and an abundance of presents. We are running out of room in this house!!! Honestly, I think we're going to need a bigger house in a few years. The girls accumulate so much in such a short amount of time. I guess that's my fault. I hate getting rid of perfectly good things. Maybe I need to be on the show "Hoarders". lol.....I'm not even close to that bad!!

We've enjoyed the deep South snow that has blown our way this winter. It's been nice seeing more of the white stuff. That doesn't happen in our neck of the woods very often. But, it's been a crazy season.

Enjoy a few pictures of my girls. I have more recent pictures of the baby but just haven't loaded them to the computer. More to come. Toodles!
Brandi

What are you Thankful for this year?

My family and I have so much to be thankful for this year! We have seen God at work in both big and small ways.

TODAY I GIVE THANKS FOR:

my salvation- I sin and fall short of His glory so very often, but God continues to show his favor in my life!! For that, I am thankful!

my two precious children- They keep me young, do/say the wittiest things that reminds me to laugh and not be so serious all the time, they bless me daily. For that, I am thankful!

my husband- Chris took a chance on an "older" woman, and 12 years later we're still going strong. It has been a crazy, yet blessed 8 1/2 year marriage. For that, I am thankful!

my job- It is stressful to say the least, but I try not to take it for granted. Working with middle school kids has afforded me more laughs and good times than I can begin to mention. It is both rewarding and challenging. For that, I am thankful!

my home- I love this house which we have made into our "home". It is a wonderful place to watch our children run, play, and grow up in. For that, I am thankful!

overcoming- It has been a very long time since I wrote about our loss. We were so happy to find out in July 2009 that God was sending us another baby. Within days of finding out the wonderful news, He took her home to Heaven. Many tears were shed for months, but He sent Alyssa Claire Styles to us and our lives will never be the same. For that, I am thankful!

....I could write for days. These are just a few things that I give thanks for today. What are you thankful for this year?

Hanging in There

We are still hanging in there. Life is crazy busy though. The girls are both doing very well, and we are all adjusting as expected to our growing family. I'll try to do a real update soon. Until then, enjoy the girls fall "school" pictures. Toodles!!



Alyssa- 10 weeks




Lauren- 3 1/2

6 weeks old

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is 6 weeks old already. The good Lord has blessed us with another very good little one. She is a great sleeper, both at nap times (which are a lot) and at night. We still get up 1-2 times per night for feedings. She eats to her belly's content, and then she goes back to sleep pretty easily. I cannot complain. Lauren is adjusting fairly well to being a big sister and sharing the spotlight. We try to include her in everything, and carry on just as we did before to make sure she doesn't feel left out. She is responding better than I would have imagined and is a huge help. All in all, God is outdoing himself!! Enjoy some recent pictures..some from A's 1st weeks and some from our recent family vacay to Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Fall is in the air

Growing up, I hated this time of year. It meant that everything was dying and the carefree days of summer were long gone. Well, as an adult I have learned to appreciate the beauty that fall brings. It is my absolute favorite season. The colors, the crispness of the air, football, Halloween, Tate Farm pumpkins, and cider are among some of the things that make this time of year so appealing. Since I'm on maternity leave, I've had a little time on my hands for decorating the house. I am in full autumn mode and am feeling anxious for all that is ahead. In keeping with the theme, my blog is also newly designed. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Comment on your favorite season. Why is it your favorite and what are your memories surrounding that time of year?

Baby Alyssa

If you haven't heard already, Alyssa Claire was born on August 28 at around 7:19 a.m. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lb. 15 oz. and was 19 inches long. We too couldn't believe we created such a little peanut after having an 8+ pounder three years earlier. As a family, we could not be more proud to have our new addition. God continues blessing us everyday.

BTW..the delivery (c-section) went very well and I am recovering remarkably well also.

It's almost Liftoff

It's hard to believe that in 44 hours, our little family of 3 will become one of 4 in just a matter of minutes. Alyssa and Mommy have been ready for this to happen for days now, but I guess the good Lord has other plans. So, Friday it is. We are feeling truly blessed and are finishing up those last minute preparations. Stay in touch as God shows up with yet another miracle.
Brandi

The Countdown is on

Praise the Lord. We are officially in countdown mode. Today marks week 38 and our new baby girl is about to make her entrance. This week was a rough one for me. I had high hopes of working up until the day before the birth, but that just did NOT happen. My back and rib pain is preventing that. As you can see in the picture below, Alyssa Claire is going to be a big girl. The weight around my mid-section is putting a big strain on my back. I am beyond ready for her to get here!! If I do not go into labor before the big day, she will be delivered via c-section at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children next Friday (Aug. 28) at 7:00 a.m. Please pray for my dr. and the medical team that will be assisting. Child birth is always a scary thing, but anytime surgery is a part of it the risks are always greater. I'll try to stay up-to-date as everything unfolds and upload pictures as I find time.

Sleeping Beauty

Baby Update

I haven't posted in a while. Everything is moving very fast with this baby business. The nursery is just about complete, and we are squaring away those last details. I am not working today. I've been in a lot of pain since last week. This past weekend was torture. I believe we are on that final countdown to D-Day. The scheduled c-section is supposed to be Aug. 28th. If she holds out that long, it is going to be a long and miserable wait. I'm calling the dr. as soon as they open this morning to see if they'll move my afternoon appointment up to this morning. I really need answers..not that they will have any. I have a feeling the answer will be to just rest and take it easy. Uggg. If that's the case, I guess I'll be starting maternity leave earlier than expected...without the baby to show for it. She'll be here in her time though. I have to keep telling myself that. I'll update when I have more to share.
Brandi

Baby Update

I went to the dr. yesterday (Monday) for my 33 week appointment. I had been placed on a two-week rotation, as d-day is approaching at warp speed. As far as the big factors are concerned (my blood pressure, baby's heart rate and movement, weight gain, measurement, etc.), everything is as it should be. However, my symptoms have been intensifying with each passing day. Thankfully some days are better than others. I am experiencing a lot of spells of rapid/increased heart rate. During these episodes, I have a very hard time catching my breath. The dr. seems to think that it for one, is not completely uncommon. The baby is so high up right now. I am all of 5'2", so there is not a lot of stretching or spreading out room for the little one. Therefore, she is sitting closer and closer to my lungs. He feels that I might be anemic, which could contribute to some of these problems. I am adding an iron pill to my nightly prenatal regimen. We'll see if that changes anything. Also, I have been having more frequent and intense Braxton-Hicks contractions. If you're familiar, you know that these are not typically painful, but are uncomfortable. I am at the stage for this to happen, but I feel that it is happening too often. He "encouraged" me to increase my water intake. When I say increase, I don't mean a little. He said I should be drinking between 8-10 glasses per day. SHEESH!! In gist, too little fluid can spawn contractions and ultimately lead to early labor. As of now, I do good to drink 2-3 glasses of any fluid on a given day. That one will be tough. But, I'll take one for the team.

Having said all of that, I am now being moved to the once a week rotation. I know it is a few weeks early for that. But, with my pregnancy history and these most recent concerns, he feels that is best to go ahead and watch everything closely. I will see Dr. Wheeler next Monday, and it looks like we might be scheduling the c-section and hopefully getting pre-registered at the hospital. I still feel that they will aim for sometime in the last week of August. At this point, I am sure that the contraction issue will weigh a little more heavily on that decision though. I'll continue to update as everything unfolds. We are super excited and so very thankful that the special day is approaching so quickly.

BTW..I hope this didn't sound all negative. It has actually been a much smoother pregnancy than I had with Lauren..at least once I got passed the sickly first trimester. :)

It's a Growin'

What's a growin'?

33 weeks..and the countdown is on. The dr. is saying that the baby will be taken (c-section) no later than the last week of August. So, if she doesn't try to come earlier, we think we have roughly 5 more weeks.

Splish Splash

Lauren's new favorite thing to do this summer is play in the splash pad at Bridge Street. She was afraid of it last year but not anymore. She begs to go all of the time. It is especially nice to go at night, as the sun is going down. It is still warm, but the breeze is nice and the sun is not scorching. Enjoy these pictures from one of our visits.



popping bubbles before heading to the water



here we go

Baby Bump...or is it a Watermelon?!

I've added a couple of pictures from my 28th week. I am going to get new pics up later this week, being that I am now almost 33 weeks..and looking every bit of it!!