Nap time is officially over...

Jubal has been such a good napper ever since he was born. I have really enjoyed these quiet times to sew, read my Bible, or take a nap myself. But for the last few weeks, Jubal has had a hard time going to bed at night. I tried getting him to sleep shorter naps, get up earlier, lots of running/bike riding, etc. but it seemed like our nighttime routine was getting a little more stressful for all of us. Then yesterday Jubal woke up at 9AM (!!!) so I decided it would be a good day to try no nap. It was just fine. We were busy all day and it worked great. Normally he gets really grumpy when he doesn't get a nap but he did fine. Nighttime was the test. He went to bed a lot better and went to sleep a lot faster. Today is our second venture of no nap and it's going very well. It's actually kind of nice now that we don't have a nap schedule to go by. Even though I will miss the napping days I will also enjoy our nights with less battles. I think it's worth it.

And then came our son.....

Four years ago today, Stephen and I were blessed beyond measure with a beautiful baby boy. After 25 hours of intense labor, Stephen and I gave birth to an 8 lb. 4 oz. little human being. I will never forget that day. It was the hardest thing I have ever done yet one of the most incredible experiences I will ever take part in. It's hard to believe 4 years have gone by, it has happened so quickly. I am so thankful for the privilege that I have to be a mommy and to see our precious little boy grow up. I am looking forward to many more fun birthdays with him.

Isn't he cute???

Ten years ago.....

I didn't sleep well that night. I went to bed thinking about what the day would be like, how I would feel, what he would look like, how the flowers would be arranged and if my prince in shining armor would cry. I drifted off to sleep off and on through the night and every time I jolted awake I would look at the clock...wondering...waiting....so excited. Finally it was time to get up. My heart raced, my skin felt like it would jump off my body. I ran downstairs, and started to wake up some of my girlfriends. As they were stirring I ate some grapes, drank some juice and waited for my hair dresser to come. Oh, I hope my hair looks like I want it too. Finally she arrives. She starts working on my hair. Braid after braid, bobby pin after bobby pin and finally lots of hairspray. Enough to last me the year in fact. Not too bad. It looks great and I am pleased, very pleased. I am feeling like a queen already. I can't wait to put my dress on. I wonder if he got any sleep. I wonder if he is nervous or excited.
It's time to head to the church building. I am getting so excited! I hope I remembered everything. I walk in, the decorations look great and the atmosphere is bubbling. I can't believe it's almost time. My girls are looking gorgeous. I am so happy they could come and celebrate this day with me. I finally get my dress on. It's perfect. Makeup goes on and I touch up my hair. I get tons of pictures taken. My photographer is great. Whew! It's almost time. I try to eat and drink a little but my stomach feels otherwise. I look at the clock. It's time to meet my dad in the hallway. There he is. He is so handsome. I hope he is proud. After looking at him a little closer, I see a sparkle in his eye. He smiles and gives me a hug. I put my arm in his. Wow, it's really happening. I can't believe it. I hope he likes my dress.
The door opens. Oh my goodness! My heart is really racing. My body is shaking with excitement and butterflies. The moment is finally here. I am going to be with my groom in a few short moments. I look up. His lip is quivering. He's crying! I start to tear up. I feel so beautiful. I relish every moment of walking down the aisle. I get closer to the love of my life. I wonder what our life is going to be like as a married couple. I know it will be an adventure. I hope I don't trip. Oh, the flowers are beautiful. I love it all. We finally arrive, my dad hands me over to his future son-in-law. We are both so nervous, young and happy. What a moment!!!
Each vow that flows from our lips are said with honesty, thoughtfulness and care. We slide the bands we picked out onto each others finger. We smile. Awesome! We did it. I am so happy. He is so happy.
After the ceremony we smile until our cheeks hurt for pictures and we head over to the reception. I can't believe I have a husband. He's all mine. As we approach the door, Stephen decides to pick me up and carry me in. How sweet. I love him so much. As we walk in, people clap for us and the wonderful aroma of food fills my nostrils. Everything looks so beautiful. There is even an ice sculpture in the middle of all the fruit. That is a surprise. We walk around and talk with our friends and family. We cut the cake. I "accidentally" got some icing on Stephen's nose. Gotcha! People start trickling out of the reception hall. We get ready to go. As we go outside, I notice Stephen's car is...what? Filled with cans and balloons. Holy Moley! How am I going to get in? People are throwing birdseed like crazy and spraying silly string everywhere. Get me in the car. Let's get out of here. We finally get in and we are on our way. What a day. It was perfect. God is so good and I am so thankful for the man he gave me to marry. Help me to be the Godly wife You want me to be God. I love this man so much and he deserves the best.
Ten years later, I sit and think about our special beautiful day. It has been wonderful, challenging, and full of adventure. I am more in love than the day we said I do. I am so proud of our accomplishment and praise God for the life that we have together. I am definitely looking forward to many more years to come with the love of my life, my handsome groom, and my best friend. I love you Stephen!

Tuesday nights

For a couple years, Stephen has been officiating fixed gear bike track races here in Asheville. Jubal and I enjoy these times because there is a big playground and park at the bike track plus we get to see Stephen being the "enforcer of the rules". This year has been different because Stephen is racing now instead of being an official. I have to say, it's much more exciting for us to be there because we love to watch Stephen race. This past Tuesday we watched Stephen race the clock on an individual event called a time trial. Basically he rode as fast as he could for 8 laps. He sure has a lot of stamina. It's fun cheering him on and it's fun seeing him accomplish his personal goals. Here are some pics.

Sorry it's been a while

Hey blog friends. I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life has been a little busy for the Janes family. Hopefully things will start settling down a bit and I can start blogging a little more regularly.
One thing I want to write about while I am sitting here is about Mother's day. I want to thank all you moms out there for doing what you do. We (along with our husbands) have a big, important, fun, challenging, unpredictable, and very blessed responsibility. I have to say, I enjoy being a mom so much and I praise God for the opportunity I have to be one. Hang in there when it gets tough, have lots of fun because our kids grow up so fast, and enjoy the sweet moments that God allows us to have with our children.
Happy Mother's Day (a little early)!

A bit nosey

About 11 years ago, I had the privilege of going to India to work in some orphanages and experience the Indian Culture. Even though it was a very challenging time in my life, I loved every minute and God really changed me while I was there. I will never forget it. One of the things that was a lasting impression was the jewelry that the women wear. They wear beautiful necklaces, bracelets, anklets and nose rings. The different types of jewelry represents certain things in their culture. For example, nose piercing represents beauty (among other reasons).
I loved the jingling anklets and I also really loved the nose rings. Ever since then, I have had a little quiet desire to get my nose pierced yet I was too scared to get it done. After I had Jubal, I had worked up the nerve to get it done but couldn't find a good place to get it pierced.
Finally after almost 4 years, I met a friend who has his own business doing body piercings so I felt really comfortable with that idea. My friend Jessie went with me and I did it! I can't believe it. This is one thing that really means a lot to me and I am so proud that I did it. Jesus did a beautiful thing in my life while I was India. I will never be the same since that experience. Not only did He work in my life then, He continues to work in my life, making me more like Him.