16 In Articles

You People…

are SO nice & I want to be JUST LIKE YOU!

I just want to let y’all know how much I appreciate your emails, comments and ummm, yes, your gifts! I wrote “Benefits of Blogging: Take 1” with the premonition that a blog like this might follow.

Above my desk I have scribbled on a business card… “He died for me. This truth ALONE is reason enough to be grateful for the remainder of my days!” And while that truth not only sets me free but gives me great hope & joy I consider each of you a “cherry on top” to the fact that I have a Savior who died for me. Y’all are some super generous, caring, and compassionate people and if ever a blog could be used for His glory I hope this one is… because He certainly is using y’all to encourage me… through not only your thoughts {& words} but also your selfless actions!!!

Some of you thoughtful givers I know in real life… like my friend Katie in Tallahassee, who was in a couples Bible study with us! She’s a friend that I’ve kept up with primarily through blogging and I love her heart. She and her hubs are devout Catholics and we went through a couple studies {one on the Gospel of John and a Covenant Study by Kay Arthur} together and I always valued their input from a perspective that I knew {and still know} little about. She sent me a package last week and in it was a little something for me… a pedicure at a local salon. Would y’all believe that I have never {in my LIFE} had a pedicure?! I’ve had a “polish change” but never a pedicure! I know I’m post-partum but it brought tears to my eyes! Talk about being excited! I can’t wait. Not to mention she included lots of precious things for JM too!

And… then there’s Shelli, who went to Auburn, but is a “couple” years ahead of me and I know we’ve met in real life but ask me when and where and I couldn’t tell you either… probably sorority rush. Anyway, she’s my email and blogging friend and I feel like I know her like I know my own sister {who in real life lives 5 mins from Shelli’s sister}. She has 3 little ones and always sends me encouraging emails when I post. She also would be a great partner in crime at any discount store {ie. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, IKEA} too bad we both have 3 kids and shopping trips for fun are few and far between {and I can’t exactly speak for her, but I know for me I’d have to clean out the loose change that is collecting in my car “ash tray” to pay for my loot!}. Anyway, she sent us a precious care package a couple days ago… and in it was a “Bla Bla” for John Martin. Do y’all know about these things? I didn’t until my friend Katie posted on them today! It’s precious and his little eyes try so hard to focus on it’s bright colors. She also included goodies for the girls & me!

And then last night the doorbell rang {again} and the kind UPS man left a package on my front steps… from: Eloise & Henry in Decatur, AL. My wheels started turning and I thought it must be from Jennie-Marie. She’s one of those thoughtful givers you may have heard about on E’s blog. She was a pledge sister of mine at Auburn and has blessed my children with the most precious things over the last 3 & 1/2 years. Well in the box were 2 bags {of the highest quality you’ve seen} from “Eloise & Henry” and the box smelled like heaven… yes, it smelled SOO good I could eat it {there was a grape scented sachet in there and the girls and I were drooling before we could even look inside the bags}.

The first one was for John Martin from Emma Hensley {the daughter of Jennie-Marie} and the second one was from Stephanie Gantt… the owner of “Eloise & Henry”, a blog stalker that I have never met! Emma Hensley has the best taste and picked out the most beautiful outfit for John Martin and Stephanie has great taste herself and picked out a beautiful {and elegant} gown for me! Yes, I can sleep and nurse {yes, it’s nursing-friendly and BEAUTIFUL!} in comfort & style and I cannot wait. Finally, I have something in my wardrobe that is just as soft as what is in John Martin’s wardrobe… it ought to be that way if he’s going to lay on me, right!?

The picture doesn’t do it justice, but trust me they’re both beautiful. They are made by Pixie Lily and I don’t know what planet I’ve been on, but this is a brand I didn’t know of! Oh my, both are heavenly and I can’t wait to put my baby in his and me in mine!

I went for a 2 week check up yesterday and my doctor asked me if I had any post-partum blues. I told her that I had my “weepy” moments but that my mom had just left, I was recovering from major surgery, and I had 3 very young children at home… I mean who wouldn’t be a little “weepy”, right!? She said all of this is perfectly normal and she thinks I’m doing great! All I could think about was how encouraging all of YOU are to me! From the comments to the emails, you really do my heart good. I feel blessed beyond measure not only from my “blogging friends” but also those in “real life”. My friend Tami not only brought us dinner this week but has had Morgan all day at the pool and came fully equipped this morning with Mylicon {because the fact that I thought John Martin was a good sleeper was short lived}. Another friend, Lindsey, brought us dinner and has offered numerous times to keep the girls at a moments notice. Andi also brought us dinner and has encouraged me so much because she’s “been there and done that” with 3 little ones. One of Justin’s best friend’s mother has been here with blueberries, outfits and called me the morning my mother left and said she would do anything at all I needed… even the laundry! You’ve seen my piles… now that’s a generous offer! Thanks, Janine!

This blog may take time away from “household duties” but I find it a complete blessing and honor to share my life with y’all and to read that most of y’all are going through the same things we are! Thanks for reading about the daily grind, praying for us and for showering us with so many blessings.

I really do think y’all are GREAT!! I know there’s some country song about passing on the kindness that others show you to others {y’all help me here?} and I honestly have been so encouraged to do for others what you all have done for me!

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  • The Birds Nest
    July 18, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    I LOVED this post!!! You have some great friends. It made me want to be one of those friends, even though I’ve never met you in real life. Actually, most of your posts make me want to be your FIRL. I would TOTALLY bring you some food and would LOVE to babysit those precious girls of yours if only I lived closer…Unfortunately I’d have to scrape my change in MY ashtray to buy you anything, though. Ahhh…such is life!!!

  • The Birds Nest
    July 18, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    By the way, Pixie Lily is the best!!! They are here in SC.

  • WallysMama
    July 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm

    Darby,
    You are just the sweetest person and SO uplifting to me! My “babies” are 24 and 27, but you sure bring back sweet memories, as well as frazzled ones, of when they were little! I was a young mother (22 when the 1st was born) and I know for a fact I didn’t have it all together as well as you do! Thanks for not minding us stalkers out here…you really do give us so much by letting us take a peek into your precious family’s life. It’s a privilege to pray for you!
    Lauren
    Starkville, MS

  • Jessica Billings
    July 18, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    I wish I knew you in real life 🙂 I don’t know why I just realized recently that you were in Marilyn’s class – we had pre-marital classes with Comer and Marilyn and are taking a young married’s class with them in September. I love them! I guess I missed meeting you at Wildwood by a couple months. Your kids are just precious though and I’m sure I would have loved meeting you. I hope everything goes well without mom – I can’t imagine not having my mom around and I only have one child! 🙁

  • simply seleta
    July 18, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    I’m working on my package [I’m way way slower than most people] and hope to get it to you before little John is potty trained. But I loved hearing about all of the kindness and cheer sent your way! You deserve it all, Darby!

  • Anonymous
    July 18, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Do you mind emailing me and letting me know where AAA freight salvage house is located? It sounds like a neat place. Thanks,
    Denise

    denisebhankins@hotmail.com

  • andi
    July 18, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    A pedicure!!!!!!! What a treat! Hope you are having a great weekend. 🙂 You are doing such a terrific job. I am in awe of the gifts and talents you have. 🙂 Have you gotten any curtains for J.M.s room? LOVE the sweet outfit.

  • erika
    July 19, 2008 at 6:40 am

    you deserve all these gifts!
    enjoy!
    e

  • Dena
    July 19, 2008 at 6:55 am

    Isn’t pixie lily the BEST! It’s my FAVORITE!!! They are in CHARLESTON and the nicest girl ever! their stuff is oh so soft and gorgeous! FRIENDS ROCK don’t they – God amazes me everyday with all the blessings!

    and you might want to check out the pink croc blog – There are TIGER dresses! TOOOO cute!

  • Shireen
    July 19, 2008 at 8:40 am

    Praise the Lord!! 🙂
    This is awesome and so exciting!! It’s neat to watch HIM love on you guys so specifically.
    Way to praise Him through sharing, Darby!
    Love you!

  • The Allen Clan
    July 19, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    you deserve it d!!! enjoy! shelli

  • becky
    July 20, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    Hi Darby! i read your blog through other friends in Dothan (i also grew up there and graduated from NHS in ’96…sort of knew Justin through other friends.) I just wanted to say that i love to read your blog and see all of your handiwork!! i also have 3 young kids similar in age to yours (i have 2 boys and a girl almost 5, almost 3 and 6 weeks! and i had all 3 by c-section.) it is nice to know others are going through the same thing and helps us stay home mommies get through some hard days.

    anyway, just wanted to come out of “lurking” and say hi and congratulations and that this blogging world sure helps us mamas out!!

  • Lindy Simpson Jones
    July 20, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    Darby,
    I am Lindy Jones and live in Marietta, GA with Shelli. She hooked me up with your blog… I am in awe of you!!!Your renovations, sewing skills, etc. are very impressive!!!I too went to AU, but got married in the middle and moved to Nashville. Anyways, I enjoy reading your posts and can identify with the goodness of God in our friendships, such as Shelli! God bless! ps… I am fired up about the bow tutorial! thanks!

  • Karen Brookshire-Jackson
    July 20, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    I found your blog through Robin’s and didn’t know that we were actually neighbors at one time! (I live across the street from Mr. Mike-the “rose king”)I am sorry that I didn’t meet you and those sweet babies before you moved, but I promise to bring you a “new baby” dinner before the summer’s over.
    P.S. Pixie Lily’s designer and owner is our niece who lives in Charleston. They are beautiful clothes!

  • Lodmell House
    July 21, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    Hi! I am a total “blog stalker” of yours. Please don’t be alarmed by my “stalking” I found you through your sisters blog who I found through Heather Spencer. I LOVE all of your sewing stuff and great tips! I have three little girls of my own and dream of making the things you make for your girls. I just had to throw you a comment today. You are so right that is the only time I comment on husband is when he is being fabulous. But…. this weekend we had the SAME arguement! I just thought I would say hi and you are not alone. He works 10-12 hour days all week and then works on the farm on the weekends. DRIVES me CRAZY, I feel like I am stuck here with all three by myself all the time. LOVE you blog. Good luck with the three kids and I hope you reach a full recovery soon.

  • Bellamia
    July 29, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    Darby- I love Pixie Lily also! I started carrying it 3 years ago and it has been a huge hit in my store since! I love the pieces you got!! How precious it will look on John Martin!!!