I got up this morning like every day lately feeling kinda ughhh and thinking of the five thousand things that needed to be done but wasn't sure just how they would all get done in time. I decided to make a pit stop at my office and just take a quick look at a couple of the blogs that I read on a daily basis and although that is not normally what I do to start my day I now understand why God had me do that today. 

I am soooooo guilty of feeling overwhelmed and allowing myself to get stressed out for no real reason. Chad tells me all the time "it will all get done, I don't know why you stress so much" he is the layed back one and I am the "it has to be done NOW " one. Not necessarily the best attribute to have and not the worst but I think for me I needed a serious wake up call. Today God gave that to me. I read today of a woman who has decided that it's time to stop the treatments and let GOD do whatever is best for her life that she is done fighting the cancer and if it is her time to go meet her saviour that fine she is ready. Such faith, such surrender such love.......I read of another friend who to me is the true example of what a Southern Christian Lady would be like state that in church Sunday they were speaking of the "the STORY" the real reason this season is suppose to be celebrated. Yeah it really isn't about the gifts and what you spend or don't spend it's about the fact that God's son was born and later gave his life for OUR sins so that we might have eternal life in heaven. The way she wrote of how God spoke to her it was like looking into her heart...it was beautiful. I feel so honored to know these people and receive glimpses into there lives and to feel such inspiration and warmth and love from them. 
This year for Christmas Chad and I didn't really decorate I just didn't have the energy to put everything up and to be honest all I care/cared about was just getting ready for Gracie to arrive. There is a lot to do and a lot to prepare for BUT I think I will look at it differently. For me the best Christmas gift has been Gracie. We didn't know if there would EVER be a baby and now we have this precious little miracle coming and instead of enjoying the thrill of it I allow the stress to take over and push the excitement out of the way.
 I was told having a baby would change you in ways you can't imagine. I believe that simply because it already has changed me. I want so much more for her than I ever had. I was her to have a Daddy that is active and there and present...a protector and provider. I want to show her that marriage can be a wonderful thing if both people have there eyes set on GOD and follow his plan for the way it should be. I want to remember that WORDS do hurt and when angry I want to do my best to turn away and NOT say that thing that will hurt her or affect her self-esteem, I want to show her that as a woman you can do anything and be anything. Maybe not wait as long as mom did to achieve it but none the less you can do it. lol 
I also want to show her the side of what joy there is in being a mom, wife, and taking care of the home. What pleasure there is in loving GOD enough to let him lead you on the path meant for you. I can never show her perfection because I am far from perfect......but being able to say your sorry when you hurt someone, helping others when they are down and loving GOD with all that is in you. Those are the important things....
I will never expect her to be perfect but I pray that she always knows she is loved and no matter what mistakes she may or may not make she will be loved and accepted by us.

As her mommy I already know she will achieve HUGE things,,,,after all she has been in the hands of my Granny Parker and has listened to her whispered secrets of how to get through things. She comes with an advantage and many kisses and hugs. She also talked with her cousin that she won't get to talk to here and I can just about bet he has many words of advice to share with her. 

So as I stop stressing and prepare for this little blessing I will remember these women who GOD used as a gentle reminder to appreciate life for what it is and trust him for the rest. This mommy is going to take it one day at a time.....while I am at it..thank GOD everyday for Chad and Gracie. Life is good and I am blessed and need to say "Thank you" more. 
Merry Christmas to all of you .....May you be blessed in this New Year to come! 
Love to you all,
Francine 

So after referring to our little miracle for um quite some time as a HE we have found out that was not quite the plan God had. So instead of Aiden we now have a GRACIE! Yep our little miracle is a GIRL! We were shocked I will be honest but we bounced back quickly and we are thankful for this sweet little girl that is fixing to turn our lives upside down. As a mommy that sews and loves all things girly I am rather excited and looking forward to this..as a daddy who KNOWS she will have him wrapped around her finger from the day he is born he is also excited. Chad was even more happy when he realized that just because she is a girl doesn't mean she can't hunt, fish, play ball or any of those other things. I was a tom boy to some degree and I have no doubt she will be as well. You can be a little of it all and be good it...That will be our little Country-Princess.,,,,Gracie Frances Evans!  
So now that we know what we are having its time to start looking at paint, clothes, patters for sewing, material, furniture and ect...In January we have one baby shower, February we have a shower and our Wedding and either the end of march or first of April she will be here. There is much to do after the first of the year. My mom is coming up after the shower in January since its in Florida and she is going to stay for a while help me with some things and be here for the babies birth. I am frantically searching for ideas for the nursery and I think I have found some good ones.  I am thinking Country-Princess with butterfly's, bling, pink, and some princess and of course Pink Camo....:0) 
I will have some pictures by tomorrow that you can look at....ideas are welcomed for sure! 
That's it for now....
Francine 

Good afternoon everyone! Fixing to head out of here and go to AL to see family but wanted to update really quick. Went to the doctor today I am 20 weeks and 4 days. Baby is doing awesome!! Very active and busy but my midwife was thrilled about that and said that it makes her feel better to see a baby busy and active with a strong heart beat. So I was very pleased to know that....I worry ya'll I try not too but boy do I! I am staying right at the weight I have and that made her happy as well. We did get to see the baby on the sonogram and he was too cute. His little legs were pulled up, he waved to me, yawned and kept putting his hands on his face as if to say LEAVE ME ALONE! LOL  He was also sucking his thumb...made this mama smile and tear up a tad. Next wed. is the BIG DAY will it be a BOY or will it be a GIRL! We will see! I know this is short I will be back home Sunday night and I have some thing to blog about until than everyone have a great weekend and be safe! 
love to all, 
Francine 

After taking a much needed break from blogging to figure out some things in my life and to get settled back in Georgia where I feel I belong I am finally ready to share what all has been going on in my life. God has blessed me immeasurably and I have so much to look forward to. This blog will share all my struggles of being a first time mom and what all craziness happens while preparing for that day to get here. I am not so crazy as to think it will all be a bed of roses but no matter what in all of it I will be thankful because I truly never thought I would be blessed to be marrying this amazing man I am going to marry and to be able to become a mom as well. We don't always understand God's plan but we have to believe he always knows best. 
Till next time!
Francine