Eight Months Old

My how the time has flown by! Our baby boy is no longer a baby :( He is crawling, sitting up, babbling away, and eating everything we give him. He's now eight months old and we are excitedly anticipating his first Christmas.
It's hard to believe that in less than four months, he'll be one year old already. My independent little boy is growing up too fast.
Here are a few of the pictures I took of my eight month old:

Baby boy, stop growing up so quickly. Your dad and I cherish our time with you. You are a precious little boy and I just wish all your aunts and uncles could see that. You are our life and your dad and I will do everything in our power to raise you up right and protect you from all negativity and evil influences. We love you, son...always.

The Fight of Their Life

Sharing the happiest day of my life with my parents, grandma, aunt, and uncle.

My aunt and uncle have a serious battle on their hands. This past August they heard news that no one ever wants to hear: my uncle has cancer. 

Not only does he have lung cancer, he also has a collapsed lung. Lately, he has had several health scares and he needs all the love, encouragement, thoughts, and prayers that we can send his way.

Because he has no immune system, he CANNOT have visitors other than my aunt and their children. It's tough because I'd love to visit them but I send my love and support from a distance. When Uncle Duane is feeling better I'll be able to visit...bearing gifts of food, of course.

If you would love to show your support for my aunt and uncle, I'd appreciate it if you sent them a card. Private message me on Facebook for their address. I know they'd love hearing from you.

Thank you for keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. 

Happiest Girl In the Whole USA

One of my favorite songs is Donna Fargo's Happiest Girl In the Whole USA. The first time I heard that song I was a teenager. I listened to it for years while dreaming of having a relationship like the song depicted.
I hadn't heard that song for years but just the other day it came on the radio. It was special to me cause I finally had the chance to listen to that song as a married woman. So I looked in my husband's eyes and belted it out. I was happy.
These past few months I've struggled with happiness. My hormones have been way out of wack. I guess it's normal post partum behavior but it sometimes feels like there's two of me.
It has also been really hard for me to get my pre-pregnancy body back. The slow healing incision, multiple infections, and stress have had a negative impact on me. As the number on the scale rises, I sometimes see my life spiraling out of control. I am dedicated to getting my weight under control.
My husband and I have already made diet changes and I am planning to start drinking green tea again. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can start walking again. I hate taking Sonny out in the cold or rain and now that he's starting to feel better, I can take him outside more often.
I need the support and encouragement from my friends and family now more than ever. Please leave a comment below of your diet secrets (if you're willing to share).
Now that stress has removed itself from my life I feel that I will be able to lose weight and live a happier, healthier life. Today was one of those days where I went from happy to sad to happy again. Also, throw moody and angry in there and that defines my day.
One happy moment came when my husband and I went for a walk down to the creek. My mom, who's staying for the weekend, stayed inside to watch Sonny. Wendell and I spent a few precious moments together before walking back to the house. We were happy.

It was during that moment with my man that I realized that I need to be that woman in the song. "So shine on me sunshine, walk with me world, it's a skippity do da dey, I'm the happiest girl in the whole USA!"

Sonny's First Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Eve, Wendell's parents came and brought supper so we enjoyed a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and salad. We had a great time visiting.
His parents spent the night. Thanksgiving morning I made breakfast of homemade oatmeal and dippy eggs. Then we visited for an hour or so before they headed to Lancaster County to meet with my father in law's siblings. We enjoyed our time with them and hopefully we get to see them again before they head west for Michigan.

My in-laws with Sonny on Thanksgiving morning. He loves his grandma and grandpa.

Reaching for grandpa's pen. He spent so much time playing with grandpa's pen.

Robert and Kristan came over in the morning and we spent the day together. Kristan and I made filling, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin pie to go with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes.
After lunch, we played rummy and relaxed. While Sonny napped we watched Sling Blade. Wendell and I hadn't seen it before so we enjoyed watching it with Robert and Kristan.
Kristan, Rachel, mom, and I have plans to go black Friday shopping on Friday afternoon so I have that to look forward to. We're planning on hitting the crafts stores and buying scrapbooking supplies. Wooohoo! This girl loves to scrapbook!!

Sonny and Uncle Bert having a fun moment together.

I am so thankful to have my two Wendells in my life. Wendell is a loving husband who works hard to provide for me and our son. Sonny did something I thought would never happen...he made me a mother. My life has changed for the better and I have my husband and son to thank for.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Miller Family Thanksgiving Party

This past weekend was very stressful as we dealt with family drama (I'll cover that in my next post). Needless to say, I really needed time with the family members who have an active role in my life.
Sunday afternoon, we had my brother Robert and his wife Kristan, my sister Rachel, my oldest brother Lynnie, my mom and dad, my "nephew" Aron, my grandma, my cousin Paul and his wife Jackie, and my Aunt Julie here for lunch. It was a delicious feast.
Rachel took some family pictures of us so that I could use them in our Christmas cards. I was quite pleased with the results. Some pictures turned out very well but I kept noticing how big my belly has gotten. This mama has to go on a diet.
Anyway, here are some of my favorite pictures:

This is the picture I chose as our Christmas card. 

Took a few pictures inside as well. 

We're busy planning activities for December. We're planning to bake cookies, go to Christmas Village, and we're planning our Christmas party. I have so much to be thankful for.

Thank you to all my family, friends, and followers. 

Have a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

My Thanksgiving Story

This month people all over social media are sharing what they're thankful for with the #Thanksgiving and #30DaysOfThanks. For the past several years, I have been doing this myself. This year is no different. Each day I shared what I was thankful for until this week.
First, I had a fussy, clingy, sick baby to care for since last Saturday. He had a fever off and on for 3 days before the cough and runny nose set in. We believe he's working on his upper teeth which is affecting his sinuses. I hope that's it and he doesn't have a cold.
Second, Sunday morning the stove wouldn't work when I went to make breakfast. We thought it was a breaker but none were flipped. We thought one was burned out but none look burned. My husband contacted our landlord and he was informed that their maintenance man would be out ASAP to fix it. Monday passed, no maintenance man. Tuesday passed, no maintenance man. Wednesday passed, no maintenance man. By Thursday morning, I was livid. I was tired of eating microwave foods and whatever I could make in the crockpot. I was also sick of eating hot dogs! Don't ask me how many I ate those 3 days!!
Finally, Thursday afternoon the maintenance man arrived and checked out the breaker...it was fine. He informed me that it could be the first outlet nearest the breaker box. He pulled the spare bed away from the wall and there it was...a fried outlet, literally. He told me that we were fortunate that we didn't have a house fire.
At that moment, my unthankfulness melted away. I realized that God had watched over us all week and that He was and is in control.
 After experiencing a house fire in 2004, I know that it's one life experience I never want to go through ever again. God's will be done.
Anyway, the maintenance man wasn't able to fix it yesterday. He said he'd be out today. As of now, he hasn't made it out. He has some issues to work through so I'm trying not to get worked up. BUT I WANT TO BOIL WATER AND MAKE SPAGHETTI AND BREW TEA. I WILL NEVER TAKE COOKING OVER A STOVE FOR GRANTED AGAIN.
So even though Sonny isn't feeling well and the stove isn't working, I'm thankful for God's protection and the time I have to spend with my two guys.
Side note, I found out Thursday night that my uncle was in the hospital. Please keep him and my aunt in your prayers. I love you, Aunt Julie and Uncle Duane. Let's kick cancer's butt. Someone needs to take Sonny to his first Steelers game.

Seven Months Old

It's hard to believe that our little Sonny is 7 months old. I'll never forget all that I went through to bring him into this world.
He's so precious and some people in my family just can't see that. I'm so tired of him being ignored by people that are supposed to be loving him and seeing him for the precious little boy that he is. But, hey, it's their loss but it doesn't mean that I don't hurt for him.
My son is blessed to have some awesome people in his life. I'm so thankful for that. They don't ignore him; instead, they treat him with the utmost love and affection.
That being said, my heart aches for those suffering the loss of a child. I can only imagine how it feels. I pray to God I never get to experience it myself.
Last month at Grandma Sensenig's funeral, I asked my mother in law if she imagined years ago that they'd have 22 grandchildren someday. Her response almost made me cry. She told me how tough it was for them after their stillborn daughter, Rosalie, was born. They weren't able to conceive for a while afterwards. Thankfully they had 5 healthy children. However, she suffered through numerous miscarriages  (7, she thinks). I am thankful to have her to lean on whenever I'm feeling down.
Anywho, our little guy is an adventurous little guy. He's always exploring and investigating his environment. Nothing misses his trained eye. I'm finding it very hard to keep up with him some days. Just wait til he's walking...oy vey!!
Yesterday, I took some pictures of him to mark his 7 months on earth. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Please be sure to follow this blog and like it on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you. You can comment below or message me on Facebook.

Happy Veteran's Day

I want to take a few moments to honor our veterans. They deserve all our respect and they deserve so much more than the pittance they receive from our government. Today, and every day, I salute you, veterans, for all you do or did for our country.
Veteran's day is a special day for me because I think of my late grandfather. My grandpa Miller served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and fought a hard battle against cancer. On March 27, 1984, just a couple weeks before I was born, he passed away from cancer.
To this day, my one wish is to have met him and have just one picture of him holding me. He loved my siblings and I'm sure he was looking forward to my arrival. Mom used to tell me over and over again that he would've loved my red hair.
I know that if he were here today,that he would love my son. He would love my husband. He would love my uncle. All the grandchildren and great grandchildren born in the last 31 years who never got to meet him. He was a man with weaknesses but he was a loving man. I love you, Beebaw.

My grandparents on their wedding day.

My grandpa in uniform.  Hubba Hubba!!

My grandparents at a wedding.  Can't remember whose though.

Today, in honor of Veteran's Day, I will find time to listen to Mr. Miller by Paul Overstreet and I'll try not to cry...much.

It's Been A While

It's been a little while since I blogged last. I've been one busy mama. Little Sonny will be 7 months old tomorrow and my how the time is flying by. He is growing like a weed. He has a checkup on Thursday and I can't wait to see his measurements. He's one chunky boy.
Over the weekend, my husband, son, and I spent some time outside on our deck. It was a bit chilly but the view was spectacular.  This is my husband's and my favorite time of the year. This coming weekend we are planning to go to Christmas Village to see the lights. We'll be going with members of my family.
Then on Sunday, my brother in law and his family are coming for lunch. I'm looking forward to spending time with them. Their youngest is 1 and he will be a playmate of Sonny's. He's a cutie...they all are. Such precious children.

Pics on deck.

Gerber Baby Contest

I entered our Sonny Sunshine in the Gerber Baby 2015 Photo contest. You can only vote once daily now thru November 24...so make your votes count. Thank you for your votes.

https://gerber.promo.eprize.com/photosearch2015/?entry_id=248526


Just click on the link above and follow the instructions. It should take you to Sonny's pic. Below is the pic of Sonny that I entered into the contest.


These big brown eyes are saying, "Vote for me."

My Vida Loco

I'm trying to get settled in after a hectic weekend. Thursday and Friday were spent with family as we said goodbye to grandma. Thursday night all of Wendell's siblings stayed with us at a family friend's house... 10 adults and 22 children under one roof!! It was an exciting night.
We spent all day Friday with family before they headed to their prospective homes. We also had time to meet up with my sister and her family. They were down from NY for a different funeral and wanted to see us. It was nice to see them again.
We picked up my mom and Izzy and brought them home with us Friday night. Saturday I rode with Wendell in his truck. We delivered a load from Chambersburg to Fairless Hills. During the day, Wendell started to feel like he was getting the cold.
He spent all day Sunday resting as Sonny and I took my mom and Izzy to church.
Monday Wendell was sick but he went to work. I made sure he had hot tea in his lunch. Tuesday and Wednesday we worked on redding up the house. It's amazing how messy a house can get with an infant and a sick husband living in it...can't forget a stressed out wife. I love my life but I can do without the sick part. Sonny's been fighting a cold as well and I think he's teething again. He's been glued to my hip. I love it but it's hard to get anything done when he's fussy and wants to be held all the time. He really enjoys being outside so I take him for walks whenever I can.
Now that the holiday season is right around the corner, I know that we will be super busy. I'm looking forward to spending this time with my two loves.

Saying Goodbye to Grandma

On Friday, October 16, 2015, God called Anna Mary Sensenig home. She was born in Weaverland, Pa. to the late Henry & Martha Weaver. She was the wife of the late Ivan Z. Sensenig, who died on March 21, 2013, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage.

She was a homemaker and a member of Valley View Mennonite Church.
She is survived by four sons and two daughters: Carl, husband of Rhoda (Good) Sensenig of Myerstown, Mary Jane, wife of Randy Meadath of Stevens, Ivan Ray, husband of Lois (Nolt) Sensenig of Ephrata, Erla, wife of Arthur Nolt of Clare, MI, Marlin, husband of Martha (Martin) Sensenig of Ephrata, Elvin, husband of Carolyn (Martin) Sensenig of Stevens; thirty-four grandchildren & eighty-one great-grandchildren; three sisters, Edna, wife of Luke Weaver, Alta, wife of Donald Hollinger, Minerva, wife of Elmer Nolt.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son and one daughter, Vera Mae and David; one granddaughter; four brothers and two sisters, Frank, husband of the late Edna, Ivan, husband of the late Lavina, Clarence, husband of Lydia, Irvin, Esther, wife of the late Samuel Hostetter, Eva, wife of Martin Nolt.
A viewing will be held Thursday, October 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Mennonite Church, 194 Gockley Rd., Stevens. Funeral services following at Valley View Mennonite Church, Friday, October 23 at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.
Kindly omit flowers.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

The little time I had with grandma she made a point to tell me that her mother was named Martha and that her daughter in law is named Martha. She was one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet and she always had a smile on her face. She was ready to go Home and longed for God to call her home. Now she is pain free and walking without any difficulty. Thank You, God, for the honor of knowing her and calling her Grandma.

Tomorrow and Friday will be difficult to get through but it'll be a great time for family to remember grandma's life and honor her memory. I'm looking forward to spending time with my in-laws and comforting them any way I can.

Our Love Story

On April 10, 2014, the eve of my 30th birthday, I was feeling alone. I had a membership with Christian Mingle that was about to end and I had no plans to renew it. I decided to try one last time and sent out a smiley face to this handsome looking man who's profile captivated me.

The next morning I awoke to a message from him. He and I exchanged messages that entire weekend before exchanging phone numbers.

We talked and texted each other on the phone for a week before meeting in person. The first date led to a second date and on and on until we were quite inseparable. Less than two months after meeting, my love proposed. I said yes, of course. We set a date for a Thanksgiving wedding and started making plans. A month later, we couldn't think of waiting so long so we eloped... sort of. We gave everyone 5 days notice before exchanging vows at my parent's church. Unfortunately, most of his family was unable to attend.

One of our early dates to Kimmel's Lookout. What a beautiful day it was!

Our engagement pictures.

One of my favorite pictures.

My husband and I posing with my parents, aunt and uncle, and my grandma.

With my grandma.

Enjoying the fall weather with my husband. I was in my first trimester and feeling great.

Wearing my "wedding" dress. It hadn't arrived in time for the ceremony. I was five months pregnant in this picture.

Used the PIP app to create this masterpiece.

Posing with my love a month after our 1 yr anniversary.

Celebrating a night out alone.

It's hard to believe that 15 months have passed since I married the love of my life. I'm so blessed to have him and our son in my life. I'm looking forward to all that the future holds for us. God is good.