Let's see how loud I can make my voice!

Rachel has started "talking" and "screaming" in a happy manner. When she focuses in on something she likes, she decides she is going to tell whatever it is a story. Sometimes her stories are is so intense, she screams. I'm going to quote one of my all time favorite verses here, because I believe Rachel's little noises are a reminder of how precious children are to our Lord and Savior.
But Jesus said, "Allow little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

1/1/2012 Twins everywhere!

This morning Rachel was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. She laughed so much at the sunshine and her momma's voice! Her laughs mimicked coughs. It was quite a scene watching the giddy little showstopper :-)
Today the girls met their cousins Kaliyah, Kamara, and Kamille. Kaliyah and Kamara are also twins. Many priceless pictures were taken, and they are soon to come. All three "big" girls were excited, and they were more than willing to help with the bottle feeding. The trio of girls have grown soooo much. Kaliyah and Kamara are both so smart and so observant, and Kamille is a sly one with a growing vocabulary. She sang "twinkle twinkle"...some words were left out, while others were pronounced perfectly. Diamond seemed to be her favorite word...is she expecting some bling in her future?
Aunt Rachel is staying in Bedford this evening so that she can care for the twins on mommy's first day back to work. We captured a priceless photo below. Charlotte once again proves that she is Miss Smiley.

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Ragsdales' Year In Pictures 2012

If this is any indication of what my year is going to be like, then I can't wait. Little glimpses of heaven are reflected in the faces of my beautiful daughters. I don't deserve these precious little ladies, but I am going to do my best to set a Christ-like example as their mother.

Above you will see the smaller of the pair, Charlotte Reese; weighing in at only 6lbs 11oz at her last doctor's appointment. It took her a few weeks longer to smile like her sister, Rachel Lynn, but she has more than made up for it. She smiles more frequently than her sister...bright lights and patterns actually make her coo. She also enjoys "talking" with her momma while her diaper is being changed.

And here is Miss Rachel. She is very alert...sometimes you begin to suspect that she knows what you're thinking. She is the sleeper, snorter sister. Charlotte has the same habits, however not to the extent of her sister. Rachel has been known to focus in on various objects and people for extended periods of time.

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 ¹ These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

strong fathers, strong daughters

so...we recently found out that we are having two little ladies. It was unexpected to say the least, but lets be honest, nothing about this pregnancy has been predictable. This is God's plan for us, therefore we're diving in knowing He is in control. The adjustment has been slightly more difficult for James, but I can't think of a sweeter, more affectionate man for the job(I say this with a masculine flair). I have learned that little girls need a loving daddy. Charlotte and Rachel's relationship with their heavenly father is of utmost importance, but there is a lot to be said for the relationship they will have with their earthly father. Never have I doubted that James is the man God intended for me...everyday He is revealing His plan for our life together. James was uniquely designed to be adored by two little daughters.
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."-Malachi 4:6

pregnancy makes you beastly

I couldn't be happier about the little blessings growing inside of me...too bad my attitude often reflects something a little different. Sweet James has seen a less considerate, less affectionate side of his wife, and through it all he has been patient.

Pregnancy affects all women differently. I would like to share some of the "unique" things it has done to me.
1. The woman that once sugar coated all negative thoughts, no longer does.
2. Sleep isn't a nightime routine, it's a 24 hour hobby. Sometimes it sneaks up on me at the most inconveniant times too...during classroom lessons, in mid converstaion, you get the idea.
3. Food that was once delightful is now practically flavorless
4. Odd habits of my students have become less cute and more irritating.
5. Pills make me cry.
6. Stairs make me wheeze.
7. A woman who prides herself on being independent, now asks her husband to pick up items just inches from her grasp.
8. I must be right, even when I am inadvertently wrong.

The list could go on, but I'll stop there. I don't want to discourage future mothers :)

Here's the thing, Cruella Deville may have taken up residence in apartment 3038 temporarily, however her savior continously reminds her of the light at the end of the tunnel. I know two beautiful babies will be in my arms seven months from now, and tears well up at just the thought of it.

Psalm 18:2. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock , in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation.

to every purpose under heaven...

I decided to create a blog as a means to celebrate all the miraculous twists and turns of life that God designs  for his children. Lately, my life has been "exciting" to say the least. Isn't amazing how God uses pastors and teachers as vessels to share messages from his word that correspond with what is going on in our lives exactly. I have made this verse my focus for the week...

1 Corinthians 10:13 . . .¨But God is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond what YOU can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for YOU to be able to endure it.¨

Pastor Rick Warren once said, "I used to think that life was hills and valleys – you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don’t believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it’s kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for."

All I know is, God endures. Every "good" and "bad" thing that has happened in my life has led me further down the road He has planned for me. My current job is "strange and mysterious"(for lack of a better term), but it is most definitely my calling to be there. More clearly than ever, I have recognized opportunities to be a Christian friend to those seeking understanding.

With that being said, James and I recently found out we are having twins in October.

We are scared and excited at the same time. This wasn't our plan but God's, and as many of you know, what He says, goes. Yes, the world may tell us we're not ready(finances, housing, etc), but God said HA! He obviously knows more than we do, and He has a divine purpose for these little babies and for us as their parents. God said to me yesterday,"Prove to others that this is my plan by handling it as I know you should." So, once again we are going to give it to Him and continue down the wacky, whimsical path that is the Christian life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Please feel free to share about a time when you thought you were in over your head, only to realise it was all part of God's bigger plan.