Well I am now going to try and keep blogging on my own blog even though I thoroughly enjoy posting pictures and updates about Josiah on his blog. For now I just wanted to recommend a great site for all you other moms shopping for Mommy and Baby products. The site is http://mom4life.com/
It has great products like the Lily Padz nonabsorbent breast pads that I just bought, at the best prices plus they have FREE shipping and amazing customer service. So check out their site and have a great day!

Josiah Blaze Garcia is here!

We have uploaded pictures and video at his brand new birth blog.

This Week's Project

As many of you know, I am patiently awaiting Josiah's birth-day anytime. Meanwhile I have been working on this project for our youth ministry. It is a postcard with a general calender for the year on it. The above is for the Jr. High Ministry and below is the one for Senior High. Brian of course helped me out a bit with them both and we are very pleased to have them completed and sent off to the printer! So even though I can't wait for our little one to make an appearance, I have still been able to be productive in the meantime. Also, we got to see our good friend Derek today for the first time since June when he left for a summer mission trip to Indonesia. He told us all about his trip, and even brought use some fun gifts! We're so glad you are home Derek!

Derek and a huge bat in Indonesia....

A Post to My Mom

This post is dedicated to my lovely mother. The picture above is of her and the love her life (he's a postal worker, can't you tell?) Mike. My mom and I have not always had it easy and sometimes we've wanted to disown one another (and always for good reasons might I add), but my mom has always stuck with me and I am so thankful. Sorry it took so long for things to be smooth between us, but I wouldn't change anything if I had to do it over again because it has made us who we are and given us a bond that will never be broken nor fully understood by anyone else in the world. One thing is for sure, I know more than anything else that my mom loves me and would do absolutely anything for me if she thought it was in best interest. I am so glad that she is happy now with her sweet husband, and I couldn't be happier to have them less then a block away.
I think I really realized recently how attached I am to my mom when Brian applied for a very high paying job in Dallas. Neither one of us want to move away from Ruston but Brian asked me what it would take to convince me to move or what it was that I could absolutely not leave behind, and without even thinking, it was my mom.
So mom, thanks for being under appreciated my whole life. You have been a great mom and a great friend. I love you.

He Will Come When He Is Ready

In case you are wondering, and are one of only a select few of you who haven't called me to ask when I am being induced, I am still pregnant! And to make things absolutely clear, I am having natural birth and do not plan to be induced unless medically necessary; meaning other than being past my due date. And quite frankly, I am really fine with it, I have been enjoying some down time since nothing was scheduled for this week since I was due Tuesday. I believe that when your body and your baby are ready, labor will come and that it when you can expect the best outcomes. Everyone else seems to be way more impatient about the whole process than I am, which is weird but I am beginning to be used to it now. Brian and I are just asking God for a healthy baby, and a smooth delivery and we believe that God will make that happen in his time. Thanks to all of you who have called to check on me, and even those of your who have called the hospital and been confused way I wasn't there. I will be sure to text or call you all when there is any news. As it stands I have had a few minor contractions everyday, I am pretty much fully effaced have done a little dilating as well. Josiah just has not dropped down into my pelvic bone yet and so I am still high. Hopefully my next post will be telling about Josiah and his birth, that came just at the right time.

The Chandlers

Our good friends, Jennifer and Wil Chandler are moving to Dallas and we are sad to loose them! We are however excited that about Wil's new job and the prospect of getting to visit them in Dallas. Yesterday we got together to snap a few pictures and then we headed over to the Kilpatrick's house for Britton's awesome jambalaya!

Friends, Henna, Bellies, Babies, and Pictures......Life is Good!

This past week has been fun and interesting. To start with, I went to Jackson, MS last weekend to spend what will probably be my last "Girls Weekend" away from home for a while. I stayed with my good friend Allyson and she did Henna art on my belly, it was so much fun and Josiah liked it so much he kicked through it all!


Yesterday Allyson came to Ruston and surprised me with an awesome painting to hang in Josiah's room! It is a really cute picture of a rocket ship, she did so great and all in one night!



Also, Jenn came over this week to photograph my decorated belly this are just two of my favorites, Jenn is just amazing.

Photograph By BrennPhotography.com

Photograph By: BrennPhotography.com

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment, only 1 centimeter dilated and I am still having mild contractions at night mostly. This is actually great news because typically people have shorter labors when they have had lots of Braxton Hicks ahead of time to prepare their bodies! After my appointment I went to over to babysit the O'Leary's while John and Ashley caught a movie. I was a little sad that the kids slept pretty much the whole time, but McKenzie did wake up a few minutes before her mom and dad came home so I could snap some pics!





Then last night Brian and I went to a Crazies meeting, which are always so much fun. All the photographers shot each other since many times when you are always taking pictures you are never IN them. It was hot outside but I had a ton of fun. I actually didn't shoot too much, I really enjoyed watching and learning from everyone there though.




Well, thats all for today. Come back soon!

Little Brian

Today I ran across this picture when I was shopping for baby clothes online. This is exactly what I picture Josiah looking like, and exactly what I hope to dress him in! I just had to share this with you all.

CC Learning Center Cooking School

Today was the final day of the three day 2007 Learning Center Cooking. I was so glad to be a part of this event that Mrs. Gwen planned and put on. The school featured three different classes on nutrition and cooking, a daily lesson on manners and a daily lesson on fitness. Since I have been completing my summer Practica hours with Mrs. Gwen for school credit, she let me help in the production of this fun three day session. There were over 50 children enrolled in the school ranging from going into the first grade to going into the sixth grade. Here are some pictures from the school and thanks again to all my youth volunteers that helped out, y'all are awesome!

Jr. High Pool Party

This past Saturday Skylar's family had the junior high kids over for a pool party in their backyard. As you can see, we have a very acrobtic bunch of middle schoolers.

My Sunday Afternoon

I don't have much to write about so I think I will just report about my Sunday. Brian and I had a fabulous lunch at the O'Leary's house with some of our friends in our small group. We all had a great time watching Maddox and McKenzie eating chicken nuggets and playing together ( or rather, side by side). After lunch I met Allyson McAbee and he mom at the Binns house for swimming and lounging in the pool. This was followed by us all eating Fried Green Tomatoes and other yummies, complements of our favorite, Grammy. By this time our very own Zach Binns joined us and then Al, Zach and I headed out for TCBY and to my house to meet up with Brian and make Allyson join this century and get a Facebook. Fun times were had by all and we eventually end up back at Grammy's house to watch several episodes of our favorite show, The Office and freshly baked smore's cookies. After way more laughter than what I am typically used to Brian and I headed home at 3:15 AM. Now I am attempting to stay away during my eight o'clock class just 5 hours later........ Oh the excitement of my life! Thanks for a fun night guys, food, fun and friends, a great combination!

Hanging Out with Maddox

Today was Brian Voletine's birthday and to celebrate, he and Jamie went to go see the new Harry Potter movie, so Jamie asked if I could stay with Maddox while they went out. Maddox is such a fun kid, we read lots of books together and even the Wilton Cake Decorating Catalog! Here are some picture from of the cute little guy from our fun day.

Well that's all for today I am about to make a Wal Mart run!

Just an Update on Today

Today I had a prenatal appointment and exam and I am effaced already! No dilating yet but the doctor said it looked like it was just about to start. only 3 and a half weeks to go and I cannot wait! After my appointment I enjoyed a nice lunch with my mom and two brothers. The older one, Joshua, needed a head shot for a church bulletin board that will highlight his upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. Please pray for him, as he is leaving Monday and this will be his first trip out of the country, at only 13 years old. Well, that's it for today!

Happy Two Year Anniversary Tony & Jade!

Tonight our small group hosted a luau-style shower for Tony and Jade Heggins. This very special couple got married 2 years ago just before Tony was sent to Iraq for 18 months. They never got to experience all the pre-wedding goodies such as wedding showers so tonight their family and freinds gathered to give them that belated experience and fun was has by all!

Jamie made this AWESOME cake! Isn't it so cute!

The "Tiki Bar"
(The Lite-up sign looks like its on fire, but I assure you that it is not.)

Congratulations!

Today at 10:34 AM Taylor and Leigh Ann welcomed Alayna Claire into the world! She weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 19in long. Brian and I got to see her this afternoon and she is BEAUTIFUL, just like her big sister! I enjoyed getting to visit with Leigh Ann but forgot to get pictures because I got so wrapped up in hold Lainey and talking. Maybe there will be pictures tomorrow....for now here is one that Jamie took while she was there, hopefully she won't mind me borrowing it!

To My Husband

This post is dedicated to my sweet husband. Brian, you are my best friend, my greatest encourager, my biggest challenge, and I love and appreciate you so much. This is for all that you do for me and everything you mean to me. You are so talented, thoughtful, and loving, and I could not be any prouder to be your wife. I am so excited to start this next phase of our lives together.

Love,

Crystal

The amount of O'Leary posts lately has become a little extreme, but here are some pictures to prove that Jeremiah was a happy little boy after his nap on Thursday. These kids are so fun!

Oh if this is not the child of JohnO.....

Joy had by all during Raffi's "Brush Your Teeth" Song

Jeremiah plots his next move...