Today's Bliss: Best Birthday Ever

Tomorrow, I turn 30. It is difficult to believe, but I am handling it well. I've had a couple of family celebrations already and when I blew out the candles on my first cake, I realized that I had nothing to wish for, I had such wonderful people in my life and so many blessings that I truly could not think of anything I needed. Granted, when you have multiple cakes for the same birthday, life can't be too bad! I suppose I just looked back at my first 30 years and realized that they were great ones - so the next 60 years are bound to be even better!

The real reason that this is the best birthday ever, of course, is my sweet 7 week old baby. She is such a joyful part of my day to day life, showing me what love looks and feels like. From her snuggly naps in my arms to her alert eyes taking in new things around her, she is a wonderful part of our family!

Our family members and friends have helped make this new baby a spoiled and loved little girl. Thanks for welcoming Lily Grace into the world!

God has given me so many things and I am so young...there must be so much more waiting for me on the road of life! I cannot wait to discover what is ahead. But what is most important are the two people right beside me as I journey forth: Neal and Lily Grace. They are my bliss!

Bring it on 30 and and beyond!

Our first church service as a family!

Today's Bliss: A Family of Three

On August 17th, our dear Lily Grace was born. We have had an eventful first three weeks together, but the long days and nights have been precious ones as N, Lily Grace, and I get to know each other and establish our identity as a new family. The road so far has not been an easy one, but it has been a blessing. Almost every morning, tears of joy fill my eyes as I look at our little miracle: a beautiful, healthy, spunky, funny, sweet, snuggly little girl.

Lily Grace Buchanan 8.17.13

We have had a lot of help so far, all of it very needed and appreciated! Many thanks to all of the friends and family members who have been so kind to us, especially Lily Grace’s grandparents! She is a very blessed little girl already.

I’ve attempted to describe bliss many times on this blog, but today I can truly say that I now really know what it is: holding my baby girl after 9 months waiting to see her face.  I am overwhelmed with love for her, for N, and for our family as we all grow together and look ahead to the full, bright future that lies ahead of us. God is so good and we cannot praise him enough for this one-of-a-kind gift!

Today's Bliss: A New Love

I am only one week away from my sweet baby's due date. A smattering of emotions are running through me: joy, elation, fear, nervousness, excitement, hope...I could go on and on. Being a mother, being a little baby's source of love, life, and, well, everything? That is daunting. I have always dreamed of this moment, of expecting a baby and being ready to welcome him or her into my life. But I am in disbelief that the moment has (almost) arrived. Nine months seems like an eternity, and at times it has felt that way, but honestly, I am shocked that the time has come for me to meet this little baby who I have thought about constantly since December.

I have gotten this far thanks to my family and I know that we'll get through the next steps of this grand adventure thanks to them as well. But the true reason that I have maintained my sanity, kept my cool (mostly), and still feel confident is my husband, Neal. I have seen such deep love in him, patiently helping me through every single step of this journey. If I was in a bad mood, he would just try to bring me out of it with jokes, smiles, and encouragement. If I was exhausted, he'd do what he could to help me out with my to-do list. If I was overwhelmed, he'd offer to take over everything in my hands so that I could breathe and rest. I have known and seen his love for 4 years now, but the demonstration of love over the past nine months has been beyond my comprehension.

Watching his love being displayed through endless actions reminds me that love should always be like that. No matter what is happening in the world, we are called to display love to everyone around us, to demonstrate Christ's care, understanding, and joy. I don't know that I will ever really be able to do this, but as love becomes even deeper in my life, I hope that I can remember to show that to the world, whether it's a smile to the Kroger check out line bagger, a person at church who I just don't quite connect with, a stranger on the corner who needs a few dollars, or people close to me who make just as many mistakes as I do.

As I stand on the precipice of becoming a mother and opening my life and heart in a whole new, foreign way, I pause to give thanks for what I have, for the people around me, and for love, because without it, I would never have bliss.

About one week to go! :-)

Today's Bliss: Final Countdown

Our sweet little girl is due in 6 1/2 weeks. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown by! The past seven months have been quite an adventure, but Lily Grace is growing, healthy, and getting set for her debut in August. I am deeply thankful for the experience that I have already had with this little girl, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us.

Spending so much time focusing on family has reminded me that I am blessed to have an extensive, caring support system around me. No matter the circumstance, I know that there are so many people willing, able, and wanting to be a part of our lives. N and I are very, very grateful for everyone who helps us feel loved.

Feeling close to people, knowing that they are in your corner and by your side? That is bliss.

Lily Grace's first party: our baby shower!

Today's Bliss: Baby Buchanan!

All of my life, I dreamed of being a mom "someday." As it turns out, N has always dreamed of being a dad. So, after 2 1/2 years of marriage, our dreams are coming true...we are having a Baby Buchanan! We are excited, nervous, overwhelmed, elated, scared, happy, and a lot of other emotions all rolled together, but mostly, we are blissful and blessed. Our lives will be forever, wonderfully changed this August and we are very much looking forward to this new experience.

We're going to be parents!

All of you parents out there, we request that you stay close to your phone, Facebook, and email accounts this year because we'll probably have some questions and need your advice! Please keep us in your prayers as we ready our home, lives, and hearts for our new, blissful addition.

Today's Bliss: A New Year

The last few days of 2012 are quickly coming and going and I realized today that I am glad. I know that I should never wish for time to pass, that I should be grateful for and savor every moment of the days that I am given, but 2012 has just been a little rough, and I am glad to turn to a new year ahead. December has specifically been a roller coaster ride, and as much as I love theme park thrill rides, I am very ready to get off of this one. There have been some highlights (see below), however, and I will work to focus on these during the last hours of the year.

Deep down, I am constantly reminding myself that my life is blissful even when I face some challenges and unexpected hurdles. I am very blessed, even with challenges, because every single thing that happens is in God's hands, even though I rarely understand the "why" of it. It's just hard to lift your head out of the murky waters when you feel immersed by them. I hope that in 2013 I am better able to breathe in more light and life and exhale negativity and fear. And I hope the same for you, too.

So, to tie up 2012 on a good note rather than dull one, here are a few blissful things that I will hold on to from this year:

• Just being married to sweet, caring, funny N and enjoying his company every day.
• Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time and realizing how vast God is.
• Having cuddle time with my spoiled dog Scooter every day (as much of a mess as he is).
• Spending time at a lovely lake house thanks to N's Grandmother.
• Supporting friends when they have needed me to lend a helping hand and listening ear.
• Having healthy, happy family members.
• Seeing my one-and-only Neice graduate from high school and begin her fun college adventure.
• Standing by while a good friend said "I do."
• Worshiped and fellowshiped with supportive, caring friends at church.

My true loves

All the best bliss to you as you tie up 2012 and plunge headlong into 2013 in a few days!

Today's Bliss: Advent

I love the holidays. It is a time for rest, reflection, family, and celebration. I especially enjoy the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we are preparing for a festive, joyous time ahead. I like to buy people gifts and wrap them up, decorate our home, bake some yummy cookies, and feel warm and cozy readying my Christmas card list.

The most important thing during this time of the year is advent. The word "advent" brings to mind more spiritual preparation, a deeper time to celebrate Jesus, God's perfect gift to us. Where would we be without God? Where would we be without the sacrifice He made? Jesus is our only hope in this very crazy world we are living in.

Many people hustle and bustle rather than stop and pray during this season. Many people don't like this season at all, seeing it as sad rather than joyous. Many people equate Christmas with stress. And I have been guilty of all of this myself, of course, but I am trying harder and harder every year to keep my mind on the manger, my eyes on the cross, and my heart centered on Christ at Christmas. Feeling His presence every day is what keeps me going throughout the year, but especially now when we are getting set to remember His birth.

So, look around you, enjoy the bright lights, festive decor, and fun that the season brings. The fact that you can partake of this season and enjoy the blessings of Christ is pure bliss.

Christmas 2011 - Gaylord Opryland Hotel