On this day at the same time in Kayla's pregnancy (1 day shy of 21 weeks), I was admitted into ER for pain that I can not even describe. (Worse than childbirth....:))
At that point, we had no idea what was going on. The doctors didn't. They took a wild guess. Ovarian torsion. Super rare, but all signs pointed to it. 48 hours later, I went into exploratory surgery to remove whatever was growing in there. My OBGYN has been doctoring for over 30 years, and had never had to do that surgery on a pregnant woman. I'm thankful he had the skill to know what to do when that time came!
Kayla was a champ-she came out of surgery with her heartbeat as strong as ever, but my body decided to go into labor. With some magnesium (yuck!), and other meds, they got my contractions slowed down (which had been about 2-5 minutes apart).
We went home 5 days later, and bed rest became my lifestyle! The next 18 weeks were another challenge, but one worth taking, as we met Kayla just 3 days after I was taken off all bed rest at 38 weeks. There were so many days when I wasn't sure I would even get to hold her in my arms. Then even if I did, would she be ok?
The feeling of hopelessness-knowing there is nothing you can do but lay there and pray your body doesn't go into labor.
Talk about some of the scariest days of my life. My faith was tested right along side with my patience. It was a "Daniel" experience. An experience I hope I always remember the lessons I learned so that I never have to experience it again.
At same time, the amount of love and sacrifice that so many of my family and friends made to help us was so humbling. I am so blessed to have such incredible people in my life.
A special thanks to my amazing husband who took care of pretty much everything during that time, and to My mom and sister for being such amazing help. Jenny for driving up from Boise to help take care of me. To my mother-in-law who also made a trip out from Montana during that time. Taryn and Cathy for driving up from Boise to visit. And so many others who provided meals, stopped in for visits and took the time to call.
So here we are-one day past where that was, and I am so thankful. For each healthy day, I will give thanks and praise the One who gives them to me!
That's not always easy with a 2-year old running around (in the throws of potty training...). But I can still choose joy and a positive, thankful attitude.
To Him be the Glory!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
A few more adventures!
Hello blog world! Remember me? Sorry I have been MIA. Life has happened, and it's been a ride!
You see, the Kovanda's wouldn't want 2012 to be the first "normal" year of marriage would they? Of course not! The Lord has kept us on our toes.
Of which I am thankful.
I never want to be too content (that is a fine line), or complacent. That is a scary place to be. Ever read about that in the Bible?
We celebrated our 5th year anniversary (with a trip to Cabo San Lucas!!), and yet, because of all we have experienced in the past 5 years, I sometimes feel like we have been married 10-15! And not in a bad way. I am just so thankful the Lord has brought us together to experience this life as a team. I surely couldn't do it without him!
So here we go on two more big adventures!
The Lord has blessed us with another child on the way, due to arrive around February 1, 2013. I can't believe I am already 20 weeks along. The pregnancy has gone pretty well so far. Sick for the first 16 weeks, and now I have developed placenta previa, but baby is great!! Hooray!!
Kayla will be a big sister, and we will go from a family of 3 to 4! We still remember our first, though and can't wait to meet him/her someday!
Gender reveal is tomorrow. Can't wait!
Ben is starting a new job on Monday. Another big change for him as well as our little family. That will be for another blog post, but I am so proud of him for leading our family in this way. He is taking a road less traveled and really stepping out in faith, but I couldn't be more excited for him!
Deep breath. :). I think that's good for tonight.
Thank you Lord for the many many blessings you have given us!
You see, the Kovanda's wouldn't want 2012 to be the first "normal" year of marriage would they? Of course not! The Lord has kept us on our toes.
Of which I am thankful.
I never want to be too content (that is a fine line), or complacent. That is a scary place to be. Ever read about that in the Bible?
We celebrated our 5th year anniversary (with a trip to Cabo San Lucas!!), and yet, because of all we have experienced in the past 5 years, I sometimes feel like we have been married 10-15! And not in a bad way. I am just so thankful the Lord has brought us together to experience this life as a team. I surely couldn't do it without him!
So here we go on two more big adventures!
The Lord has blessed us with another child on the way, due to arrive around February 1, 2013. I can't believe I am already 20 weeks along. The pregnancy has gone pretty well so far. Sick for the first 16 weeks, and now I have developed placenta previa, but baby is great!! Hooray!!
Kayla will be a big sister, and we will go from a family of 3 to 4! We still remember our first, though and can't wait to meet him/her someday!
Gender reveal is tomorrow. Can't wait!
Ben is starting a new job on Monday. Another big change for him as well as our little family. That will be for another blog post, but I am so proud of him for leading our family in this way. He is taking a road less traveled and really stepping out in faith, but I couldn't be more excited for him!
Deep breath. :). I think that's good for tonight.
Thank you Lord for the many many blessings you have given us!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Relationships
Relationships take work. That's not new news, right?!
I thought in honor of Valentine's Day this week, and a few things that have been on my heart, I would post about relationships.
We were blessed to be able to enjoy dinner out on Sunday without sweet Kayla (thanks Mom!), and we began mattress shopping. I think I have decided I would rather shop for carpet. :)
So, on Valentine's Day, we headed back to Spokane to try and finish the mattress shopping. Sucess (or so we think, until we actually get the new bed! We will keep our fingers crossed!) We ended our day at The Old Spaghetti Factory (one of my favorites!), and Kayla was a champ all afternoon.
Anyway, on the way home, I was listening to a radio broadcast on Positive Life Radio, and they were talking about relationships.
I am so blessed to have wonderful friends, family, and an incredible husband. When things are good in those relationships, it doesn't seem to take a lot of work, right? But when we start hitting some rough patches, or things don't quite go as we expect, all the sudden drama enters the picture, right? Or am I the only one that this happens to?
All the sudden, we see the blaring faults and wonder how we got here AGAIN. How did we get hurt by this same thing again? How did we make the same mistake again?
Well, it should be pretty simple if we really think about it.
We are two imperfect people trying to have a "perfect" relationship. (This relationship can be with our spouse, friend, or family member)
Does our relationship with the Lord come easy? I don't know about you, but mine doesn't. It takes work, right? Work to carve out that time to spend with Him. Work to know what He is saying. Work to know what He wants us to do. It doesn't come easy.
And that relationship has one perfect person in the equation.
So why should we expect our earthly relationships to come easy? These relationships have TWO imperfect, sinful people in the equation. Ever stop to think about that?
Interesting thought. Thank the good Lord for grace, so that we can start each day with a fresh perspective, looking at these relationships with that in mind. Of course it takes work.
Work on myself. Instead of expecting that person to be what I think I need in the relationship, am I BECOMING the kind of person they want to be around?
How do I do this?
Colossions gives us a pretty good idea about what this should look like:
1. Be compassionate
2. Be kind (giving people what they need, not what they deserve),
3. Be humble
4. Be gentle
5. Be patient (put up with those you would rather put down)
6. Over everything else-clothe yourself with LOVE
How do we do this?
How do these become attributes we "put on" daily?
The end of that passage sums it up-"let the word of Christ dwell in you richly"
I must spend time in the Word, with Him, for these to be characteristics of my daily life.
What a challenge!
I thought in honor of Valentine's Day this week, and a few things that have been on my heart, I would post about relationships.
We were blessed to be able to enjoy dinner out on Sunday without sweet Kayla (thanks Mom!), and we began mattress shopping. I think I have decided I would rather shop for carpet. :)
So, on Valentine's Day, we headed back to Spokane to try and finish the mattress shopping. Sucess (or so we think, until we actually get the new bed! We will keep our fingers crossed!) We ended our day at The Old Spaghetti Factory (one of my favorites!), and Kayla was a champ all afternoon.
Anyway, on the way home, I was listening to a radio broadcast on Positive Life Radio, and they were talking about relationships.
I am so blessed to have wonderful friends, family, and an incredible husband. When things are good in those relationships, it doesn't seem to take a lot of work, right? But when we start hitting some rough patches, or things don't quite go as we expect, all the sudden drama enters the picture, right? Or am I the only one that this happens to?
All the sudden, we see the blaring faults and wonder how we got here AGAIN. How did we get hurt by this same thing again? How did we make the same mistake again?
Well, it should be pretty simple if we really think about it.
We are two imperfect people trying to have a "perfect" relationship. (This relationship can be with our spouse, friend, or family member)
Does our relationship with the Lord come easy? I don't know about you, but mine doesn't. It takes work, right? Work to carve out that time to spend with Him. Work to know what He is saying. Work to know what He wants us to do. It doesn't come easy.
And that relationship has one perfect person in the equation.
So why should we expect our earthly relationships to come easy? These relationships have TWO imperfect, sinful people in the equation. Ever stop to think about that?
Interesting thought. Thank the good Lord for grace, so that we can start each day with a fresh perspective, looking at these relationships with that in mind. Of course it takes work.
Work on myself. Instead of expecting that person to be what I think I need in the relationship, am I BECOMING the kind of person they want to be around?
How do I do this?
Colossions gives us a pretty good idea about what this should look like:
1. Be compassionate
2. Be kind (giving people what they need, not what they deserve),
3. Be humble
4. Be gentle
5. Be patient (put up with those you would rather put down)
6. Over everything else-clothe yourself with LOVE
How do we do this?
How do these become attributes we "put on" daily?
The end of that passage sums it up-"let the word of Christ dwell in you richly"
I must spend time in the Word, with Him, for these to be characteristics of my daily life.
What a challenge!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The rest of the January Declutter list
How is your decluttering going? :)
I know I gave you a pretty long list last time, and don't worry if you didn't get through it, because I didn't either. I got side tracked on a few projects. And that's ok!
So here's the rest of my list for January:
It's a blizzard here today, so what a great afternoon for a cup of coffee and some quality time with my files!
Good luck!
I know I gave you a pretty long list last time, and don't worry if you didn't get through it, because I didn't either. I got side tracked on a few projects. And that's ok!
So here's the rest of my list for January:
- Catch up on paperwork and year end filing (We were a couple years behind, so just tackle it, wherever you are at!)
- Declutter file cabinets. (Go through old files, and throw out papers and manuals you don't need)
- Sort through all those "paper piles" You know, the ones that sit there or get put in a drawer to "do later." :)
It's a blizzard here today, so what a great afternoon for a cup of coffee and some quality time with my files!
Good luck!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Declutter!
So I found a great 2012 Declutter and Organize Calendar from mysimplerlife.com/blog
In thinking about keeping things "simpler" this year, I really liked this calendar. It gives you a task a day that can be done in a short amount of time. By the end of the year, you have gotten through a log of projects you easily put off!
So I am going to re-blog some of her ideas, as well as incorporate some of my own. I'm hoping to come up with my own version of a Simpler, Decluttered 2012 Calendar!
As I stated in my last post, don't let the "list" bog you down. If you have some things that apply, and you would feel better if you prioritized them, then do it! If not, let it go, and have a great day doing the things you alredy have planned!
She has hers listed one a day, but I am going to chunk them into a week or two weeks worth of time. I know that I won't always do the "one a day" approach, but might do a couple items on the list in one day, and then none for a couple.
Anyway, take it as you wish, and happy Decluttering and Organizing your life! :)
January 1-14
Oh, and make sure you prioritize time with God, your sweet little ones, and yourself! (I'm speaking to myself on this one too!)
In thinking about keeping things "simpler" this year, I really liked this calendar. It gives you a task a day that can be done in a short amount of time. By the end of the year, you have gotten through a log of projects you easily put off!
So I am going to re-blog some of her ideas, as well as incorporate some of my own. I'm hoping to come up with my own version of a Simpler, Decluttered 2012 Calendar!
As I stated in my last post, don't let the "list" bog you down. If you have some things that apply, and you would feel better if you prioritized them, then do it! If not, let it go, and have a great day doing the things you alredy have planned!
She has hers listed one a day, but I am going to chunk them into a week or two weeks worth of time. I know that I won't always do the "one a day" approach, but might do a couple items on the list in one day, and then none for a couple.
Anyway, take it as you wish, and happy Decluttering and Organizing your life! :)
January 1-14
- Set up a place to donate items you are getting rid of (either for goodwill or garage sale)
- Pick a cabinet in your washroom/entry way and clean out just the top shelf or one drawer
- Declutter the top of your kitchen cabinets and dust
- Go through old spices to discard expired and old ones (and get some fresh ones from your PC consultant! ;) )
- Organize your "can" shelf. Make it workable-do what works for you!
- Go through your freezer to let go of old, freezer burned food
- Declutter and clean out your nightstand (and the top of it!)
- Clean out under the bed
- Throw out the junk in your junk drawer
- Organize your junk drawer
- Go through and declutter your island (if you have one)
Oh, and make sure you prioritize time with God, your sweet little ones, and yourself! (I'm speaking to myself on this one too!)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Beginning of 2012
Happy New Year! I really can't believe that we will start writing 2012. I remember when they all predicted the world was going to end when we rolled from 1999 to 2000. Where do the years go?
We just got back from a week vacation with the Morgan Family on Whidbey Island. We stayed in a beautiful home that had an incredible view of the water and mountains. What a fun way to bring in the new year!
I'm not one for "resolutions." I think I've tried before, only to feel like I failed when I look back and see what I didn't accomplish. As with most of those that make resolutions, I think.
I always look forward to the New Year, though, as it seems to bring a fresh start to life.
So often, I think of all that I need to accomplish in a year/month/week/day, and make my lists accordingly. I get excited as I "check things off" the list. One by one, the tasks diminish, until my page is all scratched off.
Then I start a new one.
Sometimes my projects and tasks never do get crossed off. Sometimes, I just rip the page out, and add those projects that didn't get marked off to my "new" list.
Am I the only one that does this?!
Like I said, it can get easy to get lost in the list, tasks and projects for the day.
Instead, can I pause and remember the One who gave me the ability to...
wash the dishes
clean the bathroom
change a diaper
make a lunch
pick up toys
manage our finances
take care of our home
tend to the yard
pick up toys
make meals
call friends and family
teach lessons
encourage my husband
did I mention pick up toys? :)
...and realize that He doesn't ask me to make a list so I can check it off.
He asks me to bring Glory to Him as I go throughout each task, praising Him for the ability to do what I can with the time, talents and treasures He has given me.
I pray I will do a better job of keeping this mindset this coming year. It is hard, as the pace of life continues to pick up speed, trying to rob us of the joys that each moment brings.
I'm sure I will continue to make my "lists." But maybe I can have a different perspective.
Be still. Stop and listen. You just might hear a voice saying, "well done, my good and faithful servant," rather then the nagging voice of "how come you couldn't get that done?!"
Here is to a simpler 2012!
We just got back from a week vacation with the Morgan Family on Whidbey Island. We stayed in a beautiful home that had an incredible view of the water and mountains. What a fun way to bring in the new year!
I'm not one for "resolutions." I think I've tried before, only to feel like I failed when I look back and see what I didn't accomplish. As with most of those that make resolutions, I think.
I always look forward to the New Year, though, as it seems to bring a fresh start to life.
So often, I think of all that I need to accomplish in a year/month/week/day, and make my lists accordingly. I get excited as I "check things off" the list. One by one, the tasks diminish, until my page is all scratched off.
Then I start a new one.
Sometimes my projects and tasks never do get crossed off. Sometimes, I just rip the page out, and add those projects that didn't get marked off to my "new" list.
Am I the only one that does this?!
Like I said, it can get easy to get lost in the list, tasks and projects for the day.
Instead, can I pause and remember the One who gave me the ability to...
wash the dishes
clean the bathroom
change a diaper
make a lunch
pick up toys
manage our finances
take care of our home
tend to the yard
pick up toys
make meals
call friends and family
teach lessons
encourage my husband
did I mention pick up toys? :)
...and realize that He doesn't ask me to make a list so I can check it off.
He asks me to bring Glory to Him as I go throughout each task, praising Him for the ability to do what I can with the time, talents and treasures He has given me.
I pray I will do a better job of keeping this mindset this coming year. It is hard, as the pace of life continues to pick up speed, trying to rob us of the joys that each moment brings.
I'm sure I will continue to make my "lists." But maybe I can have a different perspective.
Be still. Stop and listen. You just might hear a voice saying, "well done, my good and faithful servant," rather then the nagging voice of "how come you couldn't get that done?!"
Here is to a simpler 2012!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Blessing and Sacrifice
As I drink my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, I reflect on being a mom.
It is by far been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Kayla is a true gift from God that we don't deserve, but have been blessed with. I can't imagine my life without her. Ben and I's love for each other has only grown as we realize we have even more love to give to our sweet daughter.
Is is also the biggest sacrifice I have ever had to make.
Being a parent has humbled me. There is someone else in my life now that needs my time and attention. She is completely dependent on me to meet her needs, 24 hours a day. (Thankfully she loves to sleep about 10-11 of those hours at night!)
It doesn't matter if I want to do this or that, if she needs something, I serve her. It doesn't matter if I want to sleep in, or if I want to go work out, her needs must be met first. It doesn't mean that I still don't make time for "me" things (because I think that is SUPER important for the mental health of being a mommy!!), but the focus changes.
I have always wanted to be a wife and mother. Just ask my mom. I "played house/mommy" ever since I was old enough to walk. The Lord laid that desire on my heart years ago.
So I was ready for that big change, the change of being a parent, and yet, there are days that take me by surprise.
There are days...
...when I would love to just run to the gym and work out without having to arrange for a babysitter.
...when I would love to go meet a friend for coffee without the distraction of a baby
...when I would love to be able to help others with acts of service when they need it
...when I would love to take a last minute trip and leave my responsibilities behind
I think it is human to have these emotions. To sometimes feel "tied" to home. While it is a blessing, it is a sacrifice.
Most days, I serve with joy and am so thankful for the blessing he has given me. After all I went through during my pregnancy, I am even more in tue with this!
But I am only human, and also have days when I miss my freedom.
But I wouldn't change it for the world.
God has called us to the great commission. To take the gospel to the world. I want to stand before him someday and know that I did all that he called me to do.
The great commission starts in our home. Our marriage, and then our children. The children that he entrusts to me are given to me for a purpose. By His grace, I am to guide and direct them in His ways, and pray and trust that they will grow up knowing and loving Him, serving Him all the days of their lives.
That is a heavy calling. A blessing. A sacrifice. But ultimately, I want my life to be a reflection of Him. I want my life to point others to Him. Not to me, but to HIS name be the glory.
We all have the same amount of time in our days. We all get 24 hours. What we do with our time, is determined by what we prioritize. We can all make excuses that we didn't have time to do "this or that," but ultimatley, it's all about what we prioritize. We WILL live out our priorties!
Sometimes mine are out of whack. I so often priortize the things that I (in caps!) want to do. Instead, do I pray for the wisdom to prioritize the things HE wants me to do.
Does HE come first. THEN my husband, THEN my children, THEN my family, THEN my friends?
So often not. That takes sacrifice. Sometimes a sacrifice that I'm not willing to make.
So during this time of sacrifice, I pray that my selfishness with not blind others to His truth.
By his Grace, I go. Some days I fail. Some days He has to remind me of the same lessons over and over. But by his grace and forgiveness, I go forward, thankful for a fresh start each day.
It is by far been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Kayla is a true gift from God that we don't deserve, but have been blessed with. I can't imagine my life without her. Ben and I's love for each other has only grown as we realize we have even more love to give to our sweet daughter.
Is is also the biggest sacrifice I have ever had to make.
Being a parent has humbled me. There is someone else in my life now that needs my time and attention. She is completely dependent on me to meet her needs, 24 hours a day. (Thankfully she loves to sleep about 10-11 of those hours at night!)
It doesn't matter if I want to do this or that, if she needs something, I serve her. It doesn't matter if I want to sleep in, or if I want to go work out, her needs must be met first. It doesn't mean that I still don't make time for "me" things (because I think that is SUPER important for the mental health of being a mommy!!), but the focus changes.
I have always wanted to be a wife and mother. Just ask my mom. I "played house/mommy" ever since I was old enough to walk. The Lord laid that desire on my heart years ago.
So I was ready for that big change, the change of being a parent, and yet, there are days that take me by surprise.
There are days...
...when I would love to just run to the gym and work out without having to arrange for a babysitter.
...when I would love to go meet a friend for coffee without the distraction of a baby
...when I would love to be able to help others with acts of service when they need it
...when I would love to take a last minute trip and leave my responsibilities behind
I think it is human to have these emotions. To sometimes feel "tied" to home. While it is a blessing, it is a sacrifice.
Most days, I serve with joy and am so thankful for the blessing he has given me. After all I went through during my pregnancy, I am even more in tue with this!
But I am only human, and also have days when I miss my freedom.
But I wouldn't change it for the world.
God has called us to the great commission. To take the gospel to the world. I want to stand before him someday and know that I did all that he called me to do.
The great commission starts in our home. Our marriage, and then our children. The children that he entrusts to me are given to me for a purpose. By His grace, I am to guide and direct them in His ways, and pray and trust that they will grow up knowing and loving Him, serving Him all the days of their lives.
That is a heavy calling. A blessing. A sacrifice. But ultimately, I want my life to be a reflection of Him. I want my life to point others to Him. Not to me, but to HIS name be the glory.
We all have the same amount of time in our days. We all get 24 hours. What we do with our time, is determined by what we prioritize. We can all make excuses that we didn't have time to do "this or that," but ultimatley, it's all about what we prioritize. We WILL live out our priorties!
Sometimes mine are out of whack. I so often priortize the things that I (in caps!) want to do. Instead, do I pray for the wisdom to prioritize the things HE wants me to do.
Does HE come first. THEN my husband, THEN my children, THEN my family, THEN my friends?
So often not. That takes sacrifice. Sometimes a sacrifice that I'm not willing to make.
So during this time of sacrifice, I pray that my selfishness with not blind others to His truth.
By his Grace, I go. Some days I fail. Some days He has to remind me of the same lessons over and over. But by his grace and forgiveness, I go forward, thankful for a fresh start each day.
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