...and then there were FOUR!

I always have the intention of keeping this blog up to date, but I always fail miserably. But, when new things happen in the life of the Jemison clan, I must update to keep a record. In this case, something completely life-altering popped (literally) into our lives. 

A BABY GIRL!

It's true. Lance and I were officially (unofficially) done having more kids. We had our 2 boys and a girl, and thought...it can't get any better than this. Well, we were wrong. God said He wasn't done with us yet and gave us a beautiful blessing...

WILLOW ANGELENA

Willow means slender and graceful.

Angelena means angel or messenger.

For Lance and I, her name was the most difficult to come up with out of all of our kids. We weren't planning on having any more kids... plus, I think we were in shock for the first 6 months of the pregnancy, so deciding on a name did not come easy. We made our list of names and could never agree on one. One day, I asked Lance if he liked the name Shiloh or Willow. I was leaning toward Shiloh, so I was hoping he would say he liked it. To my surprise, he liked both, but was leaning toward Willow. (This was the first time we agreed on a name after going through hundreds of names) Since I was leaning toward Shiloh, he told me I could choose. So, there it was...her name would be Shiloh. We decided to keep the name a secret, since we were already about 7 months along. We only told the kids hoping they could keep it a secret. Zoe would tell people all the time that her baby sister's name was "Shi-dow", but, since nobody could understand what she was saying, we were in the clear. Then, one day, everything changed.

I was doing some decor shopping at TJ Maxx. I was taking my time going through the store looking at all of the cute items I could buy for the house. I picked up a few things, but the kids were getting restless, so I decided to check out. I pull up to the counter and see a young girl at the cash register with such a sweet smile on her face. "Ma'am, I can help you over here." she said. When I looked at her, something about her face looked familiar. She had golden ringlet curls, light brown skin, and green eyes. Then, I thought to myself...she looks like she could be one of my kids. Of course, she was much older than my kids, but she looked like she could fit right in. In that moment, I thought to myself...I wonder if this is what our baby girl will look like? Once I realized I was staring at the poor girl (she probably thought I was some kind of freak), I looked down toward her name tag, and there it read...

"WILLOW" 

I didn't even know what to say, and I think I even gasped. I paid for my items and ran out the store. As soon as I left the store, I called Lance and told him what happened. I told him it was a sign, and we had to name the baby Willow. Lance kind of chuckled, because I probably sounded like a crazy person, and, being my voice of reason, he told me to think on it. 

After the whole crazy incident, I did take some time to think on it, and told Lance we should wait until we see her face.

Once she was born and I saw her beautiful green eyes, light skin, and light brown curls, I knew she was meant to be "Willow".

At first it didn't go over that well as Zoe called her Shiloh for about 2 weeks. She didn't understand why we kept saying the baby's name was "Willow". She would even correct us if we called the baby Willow. She would say, "She's not Willow. She's 'Shi-dow'". But, after much convincing, she is now Willow to all of us, even Zoe.

Willow's middle name is, also, very special to us.

A few months before we were pregnant with Willow, Lance's Aunt, Angelena or Ann/Angie, as she was affectionately known, passed away. It was sudden and unexpected, and was a huge blow to our entire family. Auntie Ann was very important to Lance and I. She was one of the first family members from Chicago I met. I was so nervous to meet Lance's family, and she was the one who picked us up from the airport. She was so warm that all of my nerves left immediately. She made me feel like family, almost, instantaneously. To know Auntie Ann was to love her. She never missed an opportunity to serve others, encourage others, or tell you how special you were. There are so many stories I could tell about her, but that would be an entire blog post in itself. 

When Lance said he wanted the baby's middle name to be Angelena, I felt there was no better way to honor our aunt. She loved my children like they were her own grandchildren. And, I am certain, she kissed Willow before she came earth-side, because, when Willow was born, she had a mark on her forehead, which the nurses told us was called an angel's kiss. 

How special is that?

Willow's delivery was, by far, my easiest labor and delivery. She came fast, and with virtually no pain. I held her skin-to-skin for almost 2 hours after she was born where we just loved on each other. From day one, she has been our sweet angel, and we cannot imagine a life without her. 

A Home, 3 Kids, 2 Jobs, and a Masters Degree

For the past 12 months, I have been working toward my Masters degree, and I cannot tell you how many days I have questioned my ability, or lack there of, to get through it. But, somehow, I keep trekking along. Many days I want to throw in the towel, but, I, somehow, muster the strength to keep pushing forward. 

Juggling school, work, kids, and a home is no easy feat. In fact, when I let people know what I have been up to, they give me that look of pity. "Wait...you have 3 kids, 2 jobs, and you are going to school? Wow...you are crazy." Most of the time, I nod my head in agreeance. I am crazy. What in the heck was I thinking?

The truth is,  
I set a goal in my head and I can't let it go.

Years ago, I was a single girl, living with roommates, and enjoying life. I was going to college, but not taking it too seriously.
But, life has a way of slapping you in the face.

I loved to dance (still do), so when my friend invited me to her birthday party where there was plenty of dancing...I was there.
Wow...that day feels like yesterday.
(It was 11 years ago...WOW!)
I walked in that birthday party and there he was.
He was so handsome.
Light brown skin, green eyes, athletic build...
he was exactly my type.
At the time, I was in a relationship...bummer.
But, as soon as I saw him, I knew there was something special about him.
That night, we spent talking about our lives, our future plans, and dancing and partying like young 20 year olds.
But, something in my heart said...don't forget this guy.
He must have felt the same, because, at the end of the night, he handed me a note. The note read "You're cute" with a phone number to call him.
I was disappointed, because I knew I was in a relationship. But, I just had to get to know this guy.

Months down the road, my relationship had ended and I was complaining to a friend that I did not know what to do as a single girl. I had always been in relationships, so what was a single girl to do?
  

She told me that I needed to go on a date. I was hesitant as I had just got out of a relationship. I had no desire to be committed to anyone. Until, she mentioned who I should go on a date with. "Remember that guy from my birthday party? The one with the green eyes? Why don't you see what he's up to?"
This was almost 3 months later.
I was certain he had probably forgotten about me.
My friend suggested that she would call his friend up to see if he was available.

Well, to my surprise, he remembered me. A few hours later, I was getting a call...and it was him! I was so nervous and excited. We talked for a little while on the phone, and, then, he asked if I had plans that night. We, agreed, that he would come pick me up and we would do dinner and a movie. 

It was, absolutely, the best last first date I ever had! We had so much in common! It was so comfortable. I felt like we had known each other for years.

If you haven't guessed it already, that man I met at the friend's birthday party became my husband.
I, completely, fell head over heels in love.

I went from being the fun girl, who had no desire to be married, to a bride and mother within a matter of a couple years.

It's amazing how your plans may be different than God's plans. But, God's plans are always better.

During that time of engagement, marriage, and being a new mom, I continued to pursue finishing school. 
It was taking me longer than I had planned, and this was frustrating for me.
When I got pregnant with my first son, I had to drop out of school. I was put on bed rest, because of early labor problems.
After he turned one, I went back to school. I was finishing up my junior year, when I became pregnant with my second son. I became severely ill during that pregnancy, and was hospitalized. Again, I had to drop from school.

I remember, during this time, being so ashamed of myself. I felt like I had failed.
Here I am pushing 30.
a husband...2 kids.
Still no career.
I'm a failure.

I remember one day crying to God. I was so embarrassed. I was working as a server with 2 kids. To me, this was shameful. I was not, at all, where I thought I would be in my life.

I decided to go back to school.
I was heading towards the end of my senior year.
I was, finally, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I made the Dean's list.
I was chosen as the Who's Who of American College Students.
I was nominated in my department as a student, who had overcome great odds to graduate, and they were going to honor me at graduation.
Finally, things were coming together.

Around this time, I became pregnant again.
Honestly, I was upset.
I was about to graduate in a couple of months.
I did not want this holding me back.

That's when God really spoke to my heart.
He showed me how this was all His plan. I was, exactly, where He wanted me to be.
God knew how important staying at home with my kids would be.
By working a part time job, I was able to spend time with my little ones that I will never be able to get back.
I experienced their first steps, their first words, their first days at school. What an amazing gift God gave me!

I, finally, learned to let go and let God take control.

During this last pregnancy, I was hospitalized again. I, just, gave it to God. A week before finals, I was released. I was able to complete my classes and graduate!

I decided, shortly after my daughter was born, that I would go for my Master's degree. 
It is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I, often, tell my husband that I am done with school.
But, I know this is all a part of God's perfect plan.

If you give your cares, worries, and burdens to Him. He will take care of you! 
Honestly, I do not know how I do it.
And...most days...I don't do a very good job. I have piles of laundry and dishes, I turn in assignments late, and I'm exhausted at work.
But, it always turns out ok.
I trust in Him.
I trust He knows what He is doing.
And...I give it ALL to Him.

That is how I do it...
HE does it!

Puerto Vallarta

Here comes another vacation post...

trust me, this is not the norm for us.

But, we were beyond blessed to go on another vaca before summer was officially over!

A couple months back, a few friends of ours were telling us how they had such an amazing time on their trip to Dominican Republic. It was just the two of them, and, by their description, it seemed heavenly.

Our last vacation (Disney World) was a blast. But, let's be honest for one minute. Trekking 3 kids across country, pushing through crowds of people, and melting in the Florida heat wasn't the most relaxing vacation. Of course, the joy on our kids faces was worth the trek. But, we came back needing a vacation from our vacation. 

Our friends decided they had so much fun in the Dominican that they wanted to share the experience with their friends. They looked into some deals, and decided the perfect place for a kids-free, friends vacation was Puerto Vallarta. When they asked Lance and I to join them...we could not resist. 

Lance and I decided to leave a day early to have some one-on-one quality time together...and I am so glad we did! Let me tell you, leaving the kids behind almost put me in a full blown anxiety attack. I have never left the baby over night anywhere! So, I was so concerned about leaving her. Plus, right before we left, her top tooth started cutting. I knew she would be miserable all weekend and wanting her momma. But...as soon as my toes hit those sandy beaches and I had a margarita in my hand, all anxiety was gone. (Plus...lots and lots of prayer! God knew I NEEDED this time and He gave me the peace I needed) 

For the record, this was the BEST vacation I have ever been on! Although it was hot...I mean hot, hot, hot...like sweat dripping off your body hot, we had a blast! We spent hours in the pool and ocean, went paddle boarding, got a couple massage (BEST massage of my life!), explored the city, went on a 6 hour adventure through the mountain complete with zip lines,repelling, ATVs, rope climb, hike, and water slide, ate some of the most AMAZING Mexican food I have ever had, but, most importantly, spent some much needed quality time with my best friend. 

This vacation was exactly what Lance and I needed to recharge. I never realized how important it was to put aside time for just the two of us (without the kids). There was no stress about waking up at a certain time, or eating at a certain time, or someone saying they had to go potty, or asking us questions every 5 seconds. And, the best part...I could take a shower when I wanted to for as long as I wanted to! Wow! The things you look forward to once you become a parent. haha! 

Needless to say, I missed those kids like CRAZY! Every kid Lance and I saw on our trip would remind us of those little boogers.We kept saying to each other...the kids would like this, next time we're bringing the kids, or this reminds me of the kids. And, coming home to them was sweet, sweet, sweet!

My one regret of the entire trip...I did not take enough pictures! We kept our phones in our room for most of the trip along with my camera. We were having so much fun that we forgot to take pictures! But, I do have a few fun ones to share.

ENJOY!

Summer's Over (a re-cap)

I just cannot believe that summer has come to an end!! I guess you can say we had one fun summer!

The reason I started this blog was to keep record of memories, have a creative outlet, and keep everyone up to date on our family happenings.

Well, it's safe to say I have failed miserably. But, I am here to redeem myself with a re-cap of what in the heck we've been up to. 

Ever since last year, Jude has been begging us to go on a Disney cruise. Every time that commercial comes on with kids going down water slides and hanging out with the Disney crew, I do not hear the end of it. I decided to just look into it for our family vaca this year, since we try to go somewhere every year. It's safe to say, it was WAY out of our budget. (Maybe one day, Jude)So, I decided to look into other cruise lines, which were more affordable. Then, the thought dawned on me. Why not make a trip to Disney World instead? We have family about an hour way, who have been begging us to visit. It seemed like a win-win.

Long story short, we unanimously decided that a family vacation to Florida sounded like a FABULOUS idea.

So, we started our summer with one of the BEST trips I have ever had! And...it's safe to say, that the kids concur. 

Here is a phone re-cap of our incredible trip:

This trip was packed with so many fun memories. We will never forget our unexpected 6 hour drive to Atlanta.

But, it was ALL worth it!

The kids LOVED Disney World...and Zoe got to meet her great-grandmother!!