Jesus, Thank You

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

As most know but probably not many, Devan lost his job at Dish Network in mid June and has been applying every day since. At first we were very optimistic and knew God had a better plan for us. After a few weeks of no call backs of either yes we want an interview or no, we both became very discouraged and wondered why God was allowing it to be so difficult to get a job. We understand the economy is bad and not many people are hiring but yet laying off, we just couldn't understand that even something as simple as fast food wasn't calling back. 

After a couple of months (yes I said months) he was finally getting call backs for interviews. At this point we were so excited and of course praying constantly the entire time. After the interviews, Devan was told that he would hear back within the week. A week would go by so Dev would call and either leave a voice mail for them or they would answer and tell him they are still deciding. After about 5 or 6 of those you tend to fall back in to getting discouraged and wondering where God is at that point. We still were trusting that obviously God has something even better. Even though every interview opportunity we thought, 'This HAS to be it! How can God have anything better then THIS?' it would fall through and not work out. "Why God?? Why? We have a little girl and a baby on the way...what are you trying to teach us through this"

Pastor Ryan preached on praying boldly and I tried really hard to do just that, and that's what we (I) were doing. I know for myself I began to struggle with even praying about it because I felt like every prayer for every interview was the same. It's like I didn't know how to pray anymore. 

We have such an awesome God who is so kind and loving to send people our way to encourage us and point us back to truth. We have not had an income for 5 months and by Gods Grace we have been able to pay our bills, which means we've been able to keep our vehicle and all of our stuff in storage. You would think in a situation like this, your car would be repossessed or your storage would be auctioned out cause you couldn't pay. The first month Dev didn't have a job was the only month we were withdrawn by a lot in our bank account and at that point we were trusting that God had a better plan and it was in his hands. God has provided in so many ways to keep us from dealing with that again. He is just so amazing. 

This was always a great reminder for me when I was struggling with doubt, fear, anxiety etc. . . God is so much bigger then I am and I only see right now when God sees the BIG picture (5 months ahead). God knew that I would need Devan's help and support after the baby came and that was so kind because 4 weeks after Dublin was born God provided a job for Devan working full time.  Dev and I never thought it would be so long before he found another job but by God's grace and love here we are and we are so thankful. What a sovereign God we serve!!!

Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world, just give me Jesus!!

He's not heavy, he's my brother. . .

This last month has been such a roller coaster for me but I wouldn't change a thing. I wake up every morning ready for a new adventure. The adventure might not always be a fun or exciting one but it's always a surprise. 

I just wanted to share how much this little girl is in love with her baby brother. No matter who walks in the room, Ireland is determined for you to know that her baby brother is in the room. The second you walk in her room to wake her up in the mornings, the first thing out of her mouth is "baby??" 

She isn't too sure how to be gentle yet or understand just how fragile he is right now as she tends to squeeze him to death when she hugs him or she wants to pat his back cause he's crying and it turns in to her looking like she's giving him the Heimlich. 

She could sit in my lap holding him for hours. Even when he's crying in her arms it does not phase her, in fact I think she prefers it so she knows he's safe. If I try taking him away to comfort him she fights for him. It's rather sweet. 

I hope this lasts forever. 

Dublin Patrick McCammack

Born at 8:01am 8lbs 1oz 20.5in

God was so kind through this entire process. I was actually very anxious about a lot during the last few weeks of being pregnant and had no idea what the end result would look like. I was scheduled to have a c-section Oct 26th (today) and the possibility of still going in to labor at home on my own before that day got here. 

A week before my scheduled date I started getting extremely uncomfortable and kept saying, I can't imagine going another full week being pregnant. Monday (Oct 22) I woke up having minor contractions and thought I would wait it out and see what happens throughout the day and by 6pm that night I called up my family Dr. Aimee Merritt and asked her what she thinks I should do. Should I call the Dr or just go in to the hospital and get checked out, just to be safe. 

Around 7pm we got to the hospital and I was hooked up for about an hour and my contractions were every 3 minutes but not too strong and after another hour they were every 2-4 minutes apart but not dilated at all. They still were unsure what was going to happen as far as me staying or just going home.  

So now it was a waiting game....

*By the way...does anyone look good in these things*

Turns out they kept me and planned on me getting a c-section in the morning at 7:30 am. By this time my anxiety was a tad higher. However, I was thankful I no longer had a week to think about 'what if's' and how is it all going to happen, I only had a few hours. 

Dev & I didn't get any sleep that night as we were both excited and (I was) nervous

Well 7am came around and by this poinst my contractions were a lot stronger but I was still ready to run home, jump in to bed and go to sleep. I was up for 24 hours and had no food in me since lunch the day before. All I could do right now is pray and ask God to calm my heart and my mind and just trust him. I knew I was in this situation again for a reason and God knows what's best for me and the baby. A big concern of mine was getting sick during and after the surgery and thinking about it was making me ill. God was so gracious and allowed me to have nurses and Dr.'s who were so kind and gentle and there by my side the entire time. After surgery I did get sick a few+ times and believe it or not, everything was O.K. God allowed my pain level to be hardly any this entire time. There is pain, but not nearly as much as what I remember with Ireland. 

Dublin was born and tears flowed heavily.....Dublin was crying too 

He is just perfect. Devan & I still can't believe we have our boy AND another boy added to our CBC clan of babies.

Not long after Dub was born and Mommy & Daddy got some rest, the family showed up to say hello.

Even a few friends made their way in . . .

Ireland is already in love with her baby brother. Before she walks in the room, I can hear her down the hall saying "BABY". I don't think there will be a problem with her accepting him in to our family.

We are so thankful for Gods kindness & love for us through all of this & for two amazing, beautiful kids. Excited for the adventures to come and praying for strength through them.

Also want to add that this man has been amazing through all of this and I couldn't say 'Thank You' enough!! 

August 28, 2012

Well somehow it's that time of year again. The time where you look back and realize, 'wow 2 years ago today we said "I DO". 

Sometimes it feels like we've only been married less then a year and sometimes it feels like we've been married for 10. 

We were given a very gracious gift, a date night on our anniversary. Good friends from church volunteered to take Ireland for a few hours so we can enjoy a nice date night. 

We decided to go to downtown Naperville and go on the Riverwalk. It was just perfect. Even though I missed my baby girl all evening, I knew she was in very good hands and I continued to enjoy my time with my best friend. 

I think for now this might be an Anniversary tradition for us. It's so beautiful and peaceful.