Forecast: Looks Like Showers Of Blessings

Within the last few weeks, I have been so blessed and God faithfully is providing for our little Isabella Grace. He says in His Word, "So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 11:13-15 That is precisely what is happening for our family, left and right, and we thank God for his constant provision for us and our children.


I had a shower given to me by my sweet and dear friend Paula the last Saturday of April at her home. She is such a humble and faithful servant for the Lord and it doesn't surprise me she would open her home to so many women and pamper both Tim and I so much that day. This shower was attended by the women in my mommies group which are so near and dear to my heart. They have been such a BIG part of my spiritual walk the last few years and I have laughed, cried, and prayed with these faithful and Godly women many a time. They are some of my dearest friends. Many of them helped Paula out with the shower: Elizabeth baked some BEAUTIFUL cupcakes! Deana made the GORGEOUS diaper cakes that were centerpieces, and had the invitations made and sent out and also had a frame matted with the frame made for our Bella...she is so talented! Kimberly had the favors made which were TOO CUTE! They were wrappers that went around Hershey's chocolate bars that thanked the guests for attending and had the ingredients and 'fat' content...really funny...and DELICIOUS! Jeria and Josie made the food which never fails to AMAZE me! They are such hardworking and loving women. Aunt Michelle, Sabrina, and Tamara were Paula's right hand girls and helped her with all the behind the scenes details...they are the unsung heroes!! Brenda donated lots of stuff to use for the shower...she is so kind and generous! I sure hope I didn't forget anyone. My preggie brain is not what it used to be.





Although this was an all girl shower, Tim loves the MVCF Mommies and they love him, so he had NO PROBLEM being the only male at the shower. When I told him it was for girls only he said, "But, this is my little girl, too! My first little girl...I want to be there." So, he was and Paula made sure to make him feel welcome, as only Paula can, by having a game centered around the 'Ol Chap (As she likes to call him)...pin the tail on the Daddy. It was hilarious and Tim was such a good sport.

(Nicole was the winner...she got the tail smack dab on Tim's face, which Paula put on the donkey's rear end...I know she loved that part of the game!)



(Tim surprised me with a beautiful GUESS watch that has a pink face to represent our little girl. It was so sweet and he got lots of points for that thoughtful gesture!)


We had such a good time opening all gifts that contained the cute, pink, frilly clothes. Man, that was FUN! This little one is set for quite awhile with cute outfits to wear!!! God is so good! So, thank you Paula for being the Hostess w/the Mostess, Girl! And thank you to all you precious Mommies that have been a part of many of my pregnancies, and have prayed so diligently for each one and my family. I truly love you all so much!

(Me and Janet: She is 6 days ahead of me and pregnant with Olivia Grace.)
(Paula, my pea in the same pod, whom was the host. She always makes me feel so special. I adore you, Girl!! BTW, the pretty ribbons and bow hat that the girls made for me is one they asked me to wear during labor...I have accepted the challenge and will have Tim take pictures to prove it. Be on the lookout for those in the next month!)

(Here's the cooking, cleaning, and chatting crew...we all hung out and enjoyed some laughs after most of the women had left. Tim got to hear some interesting girl talk!)


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The next shower was hosted by my SIL, Natalie over at Raising Miracles. She sure knows how to make a girl feel special! This shower was attended by family and the women from my church. Some of the women brought treats, Karizma helped her Auntie set up before the shower, Etta helped Natalie too, Corinna used her awesome photography skills and Omi rocked the house with the cutest thank you gifts for coming to the shower. Since the theme was welcoming our 'little cupcake', she handmade the prettiest aprons for EACH of the women that attended. Unbelievable! Thank you so much, Omi! And to all the extra hands that helped Natalie put this together! You each blessed me more than words can express.

(Me 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant and LOVIN' it!)

(Bette, whom we love and adore and have dubbed the kids surrogate grandma, holding Gracen and wearing her bow. Love this picture!)



I was extremely touched by the way Natalie decided to do my shower. She asked each of the women in the room to please say something to encourage me as a mother, and each and every women in that room blessed my heart so much as they gave me the sweetest words to carry in my heart. It is something I will not soon forget. I love my women of Grace!! After pigging out on some great food, Natalie read me a beautiful poem. So sweet!



Then we got to open Bella's gifts. Can I just say that the women at my church have fantastic taste?!? I can't wait to see her in these beautiful outfits soon!


(I wanted to bless Karizma with something special and that would tie in with her becoming a big sister to Bella...I got her her very own Hot Sling in the cutest pink and brown print. I can't wait to see her snuggling with the baby soon! Who knows, she might use this with her own little cupcake someday. Aww!)




(This is Natalie, myself, and Corinna...I was so blessed she made the trip down to San Diego. What a doll!)

Sorry that these next pics are so small...I didn't know how to make them bigger...

Below are 3 of my favorite gifts received: The first is a brown, very brown, baby doll given to Isabella Grace by Auntie Nat. Natalie knows how much I would love for our little cupcake to come chocolately like Karizma...she keeps joking that she will come out whiter, blue eyed and blonde. The next one, with the gorgeous quilt, was a gift handmade by a sweet 14 year old girl from my church, named Jenna. I was so touched that she went through all the trouble and she knows she holds a very special place in my heart. Last but certainly not least, is of a super sweet onesie given to Bella by Corinna that says, "Jesus loves me and so does my Mommy." How precious is that?!!






Here are the pretty aprons that Omi made. What a great thank you gift!


PEEK A BOO!! Yeah, no shame in my game!


Thanks to my sweet Natalie, her little elves, and all the women of Grace that blessed me with their presence, their kind words and generous gifts for our little girl. I can't wait for all of you to meet her!!


BTW, ONLY 30 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!