You Know You're from the Country When...

Laundry hangs out on a clothesline instead of being tossed around the dryer...
Gardens are planted out by the barn...
The greatest smell in the world is dirt...
The hum of tractors is like a lullaby...
Men spend their sabbath afternoon shooting guns...
Women still take pride in being barefoot and pregnant...
Your man's hands are never truly clean...
Your father-in-law walks into church with his Bible in his hand and his gun in his belt...
The way to town is on a gravel road...
Country songs aren't just cliche, they're reality...
Your little girl would rather play with a toy tractor than a doll...
Cowboy boots aren't worn as a fashion statement but for practicality...
The cows getting out is the norm...
Horseback riding is the preferred mode of transportation on a Sunday afternoon...
Your husband is never more handsome than he is in his work clothes...
and...
When the front porch swing is the site of evening romance...

I love my life!

Introducing: Jordyn Elizabeth

As I'm sure most of you know John and I recently found out that we are expecting another little girl. Our Abigail Grace is going to become big sister to little Jordyn Elizabeth. It took awhile to digest the thought of another little lady. To any and all who know my Abigail, you can imagine why. My fiesty daughter has more personality than any baby I have known so it's a tad frightening and overwelming to imagine 2 girls. My saving grace is revealing itself in that Jordyn already seems to be a bit more laid back than her big sister. Abigail never stayed still within my womb, and Jordyn makes quiet slow-paced movements. I'm so anxious to meet my newest little lady, to see how alike and how different she is from Abigail. I can't wait to see how God has taken the same 2 people and knit together a new unique child. As with naming Abigail, it was a laborious process for John and I. We do not agree on girl names...not at all. He comes up with ideas like Margot or Winifred (I apologize to any of you who like these names also) and I like traditional names like Madelyn, Katherine, and Amelia. We went through dozens of names to no avail until John came up with Jordyn. I have to admit that I truly didn't like that name at first, but I took a chance and looked up it's meaning. It means "to flow down, or descend" which at first seems uneventful making name decisions, but Chelsa suggested Elizabeth as a middle name and suddenly I was in love. "Jordyn Elizabeth" means God's promises flow down. Our precious second daughter is the fulfillment of my heart's desire. Scripture says that if we seek the Lord then He will give us the desire of our hearts, so His promises have truly descended upon us in the form of Jordyn. We are so anxious to watch our 2 girls grow up together, to watch them play, to see their friendship form. I can't wait to introduce her to you as well :-)

The Spring Happenings in Davidsonville

With Spring comes lots of fun and hard work in our neck of the woods. Here is an update in pictures of what we've been up too!

Understanding Easter

In as long as I have loved the Lord, I have never truly understood Easter. I could never fully comprehend the monumentous event that provided me life everlasting...I do now. Having Abigail and loving her as I do opened the floodgates of emotion and realization of what both God and Mary endured in the death of Jesus. Tears come to my eyes as I even think of seeing my daughter be beaten and murdered for those completely undeserving. My heart breaks as I realize God saw the big picture and to Him it was worth it. I ask myself if I would do it, allow it to happen...for you, for anyone. I'd like to believe I would be strong enough, but truly in my heart of hearts I don't know. This opening of the eyes of my heart has touched me deeply, given me true passion for my God. I hope that God touches you and yours if He has not already so that we may all truly truly celebrate this most special of holidays... Be blessed...I am...

The Joys of John

It's been awhile since I have taken the time to properly brag on my wonderful husband. Despite my neglect in writing it down for the blogging world, each and every day I am grateful for him. Last night our little Abigail woke up around 12:30 screaming...painful screams. Initially I assumed that with a little comforting she would settle down, 3 hrs later I knew how wrong I was. John and I tried everything we could think of to take away our poor baby's pain but all to no avail. As many babies do when sick, Abigail only wanted Mommy. Mommy desperately wished she would want Daddy...at least for a little while. 20lbs is no small weight to hold, rock, bounce, and sway with for hours on end. John couldn't have been more supportive. He searched for medicine, filled juice cups, and took care of Abigail as much as she would let him. John was the one who realized that she might be having growing pains, and he showed me how to rub her little legs to ease the pain. Merciful silence came for awhile as John and I rubbed and rubbed and rubbed her legs. He listened to hours of me singing worship songs in an effort to calm both she and I down. John could have shoved his head under the pillow or gone to the couch as many husbands would, but he didn't. He stayed. He comforted both Mommy and Abbi. I was so thankful for John's willingness to just be there even though there was little he could do. As with every day that passes I am so proud to be John's wife, and so grateful to spend my life alongside him.

Adoring Abigail...

My sweet Abigail is not much into posing for pictures, but we managed to get a few good ones!

Dear Boppli,

I will begin my first letter to you by saying that you are every bit as precious and anticipated as your big sister was. Mommy could not be more joyful to know that once again life grows within her. Already you are fearfully and wonderfully made. In your own unique way you will bring new and wonderful joys to our family. God has grand plans for your life little one, and I cannot wait to see them fulfilled. I promise that Daddy and I will do our best to train you in the ways you should go. Know always that everything we do is done with love for our Heavenly Father and with love for you. Daddy and I believe that children are always a gift but you are even more so because of your Grandpa Charlie. Grandpa Charlie passed away right before we found out you were on your way. He would have loved to meet you, but I know that even now he is giving the Lord his 2 cents about what personality traits you should have. We know that God blessed us with you at just the right time. Grow Strong and Healthy my boppli...

Mommy Loves You

Blessed Beyond Measure

On New Year's Day my husband's grandpa passed away. A more godly, integrity filled man I have never known. Charlie Blake was all things good and righteous, and the loss of him left an immense void within his family. As our family mourns his death, we have new reason to rejoice. John and I found out this week that we are expecting our second boppli. I think it is beyond irony and coincidence that our Lord gave life in the same breath as one was taken. I have utter faith that while my hands will be busy with 2 little ones my heart will be filled to overflowing. John and I have decided that if our little one is a boy he will be named Jonah Charles in honor of Grandpa Blake. May you always know that in the midst of hurt there can be joy...

Excerpt from Mommy's Life Journal

Writing Promt:
How did you know that Dad was the one you would spend your life with?

By the time I met your dad (John), I had been through more than my fair share of boyfriends. There was even one guy that I had thought I'd spend my life with. It took quite awhile for me to realize that I needed to stop searching for "the one". The guy that I had given my heart to before your daddy didn't treasure it for the gift that it was, and as a result he broke it. While I was healing from this hurt, God truly made himself known to me and I realized that He was "the one" I was looking for. For the first time I surrendered my desire to be loved, and before I knew it I was drowning in the intimacy of God's grace.

I set in my heart and mind a list of standards that I believed God wanted me have for the man I would give my newly healed heart to. Here were some of the things that I had to see in a young man.
1. Love God first and foremost
2. His life must show the fruit of this love
3. Family must be a priority.
4. A hard worker
5. Intellectual
6. Character above reproach
7. Must endure to preserve romance
The list goes on but to put it simply I was going to be picky.

I met your dad not long after this took place in my heart. Our first date resembled a trial more than a romantic experience. I was delighted to know that John had endured a similar experience and had settled his heart on the same matters. Your dad and I questioned each other back and forth to determine if we each met each others standards. He did and I did, and by the time that date was over a deep peace settled over my heart. Over the next weeks God revealed in countless ways that John Davidson was my prince.

I'll share one sweet specific example. Before I even knew your dad, I had prayed that God would help me know His choice on mate. I asked him to have the young man surprise me by dancing with me under the stars. Your dad and I had not been seeing each other long when one evening on the way home he pulled over in a parking lot. (Yes readers,I was a bit leery too). He told me to climb in the back on his truck and close my eyes. (Yep, creepy). Skeptically I did as told. Suddenly I heard music and then opened my eyes to see John holding out his arms. He asked if I would like to dance and I said yes. As I laid in bed that night, praying and asking God for guidance, my previous request came to mind. Not once had I mentioned this to anyone. I'm not saying that God fulfills our petty needs for signs, but this moment truly seemed to be appointed by my Father.

It wasn't long after that night that your dad told me he wanted to marry me, and I was able to assure him with all of my heart that I wanted the same...

Politically Correct Christmas

Regardless of who you are...

Regardless of what you believe...

Regardless of what generation you hale from...

Regardless of where you're from...

Regardless of your political leanings...

Christmas is about Jesus!

To any and all who say otherwise, I hope that truth seeps into your soul with every gift you open this Christmas.

Just had to get that off my chest!

Excerpt from Mommy's Life Journal

I thought that occasionally I might let some of you in on a few of my secrets that I'm sharing in Abigail's journal. So sit back and enjoy a foray into the mind of Brianne!

Writing Prompt:
What was the worst date you've ever been on?

The summer before I met your dad (John), was the first single time I had experienced in over 4 years. I had several dating experiences, but one sticks out as the worst. A good friend of mine (who shall remain nameless for his sake) and I had been hanging out frequently and were really enjoying one another's company. At Jessie and Dusty Davis' cookout he finally asked me if I would like to go on a date. I agreed thinking that although we were total opposites that it might be just what I was looking for. The night of our date things started off well until I opened the door when he picked me up to find him standing there dressed in turn of the century golfing attire. We went to Bobe's ( a local pizza place) and had dinner. Our prearranged plans included getting together with other friends to play music and hang out, but when this feel through my date's mood went sour. Needless to say this made things awkward. By the end of dinner I feared that he was nearing the point of being mildly depressed. I asked what he'd like to do next and he replied that he was taking me home. I was dropped off on my doorstep with the sun still up on a Friday night. Obviously I was a little bummed that things turned out so poorly and to compound this I didn't hear from the guy until a month later. He told me he'd had a great time and would like to go out again, but he was too late. By this time I'd met your dad and lost my heart to him.

Time...

If I could ask Santa for just one thing this Christmas it would be something that we all take for granted...Time.

Time to spend with girl friends...

Time to woo my husband backinto the romance we used to have...

Time to think adult thoughts...

Time to have a deep conversation with my husband...

Time to do something that I want to do not have to do...

Time to laugh and tease with my husband...

Time to read something other than children's books...

Time without my husband or my daughter, time just for me...

Time to blog...

Time to stop and catch my breath...

I want time, time to appreciate all that I have right here and right now...

See how much can be done with just a little time?!
When you're a mommy time is a hot commodity!

Mommy's Life

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I have journaled and written letters to my precious boppli. Now my sweet daughter is here, and I have embarked upon a deeper version of this special time of sharing my heart with Abigail. I recently bought a journal that's titled "Mommy's Story." It's a prompted journal that will take me the course of her life to complete. It has topics like "What is the worst date you've ever been on?", "What is your favorite childhood memory?", What's the worst thing you've ever done/the best thing?" On Abigail's Sweet 16 Birthday I will give her this journal, filled with my thoughts, memories, experiences, and the inner parts of my heart. I hope that it will be a guide that might help her understand her Mommy a little more, that she might seek the advice within it's pages. For each child that makes it's way into the Davidson family just such a gift will be a labor of love from either Mommy or Daddy...From time to time I may share a couple of my replies to these questions with you :-)

Abigail Grace's Fall Pictures

Stephanie Willis took these gorgeous pictures of Abigail just a week or so ago. This is my priceless gift at 4 1/2 months! Thank you for the wonderful memories, Steph!

A Sneak Peek!

Here's a sneak peek of Abigail's fall pictures! Mrs. Stephanie Willis took them and did a fantastic job as usual! If you have a little one and need some pictures done, she's the lady to talk to!

Her Heart Belongs to Daddy...

Her Heart Belongs to Daddy...

It's an amazing thing to witness the formation of the bond between father and daughter. I still stand in awe of my daddy, and my heart tugs a bit every time I leave him to come back home. I have been watching Abigail develop the same feelings for John and in makes my heart do flip flops to see them together. It was love at first sight for sure, but now so much more ties them together. John and I have a habit of dancing together at random moments, and he has carried that over to also dance with Abigail. Every time I see them together tears come to my eyes. (Listen to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella" and you'll cry too!)

Abigail has even become a Colts fan, just like Daddy! She screams in delight whenever football comes on. I hope that she and John will always remain close, and that he will forever be her hero just like my daddy is to me!

Abigail, Abbi, or Gail

When John and I chose the name "Abigail" for our daughter, we figured that at some point she would become Abbi for short. As I have gotten to know my little girl I have realized that she is Abigail. I love the meaning of her name, I love the way the entire name sounds, I love that while there are many Abby's there are very few "Abigail's". Many people have asked us how to refer to her, and my answer is you may call her Abbi if you want, but to me she is Abigail. Oddly enough if I happen to shorten her name here lately it has come out "Gail." I guess the reason that this matters to me is that I have one of "those" names. Most of my life I have been Bri rather than Brianne, and now there are people who don't even realize that Bri is a nickname. I'm named after my daddy (Brian) and am proud to be his namesake so sometimes I wish that I was "Brianne" but it seems as though Bri is stuck....to make a long story short this got me to thinking about what Abigail would want to be called one day. I have had some many ask me this question I thought I'd just put up a short post about it :-) I'm going add a picture of my sweetie and you can decide for yourself!

Cows love Jesus too!

Meeting Annabelle for the first time!

In the cows "living room" for church

Every once in a while my little family takes a Sabbath Sunday to have church at home. John works 10 hr days 6 days a week and the result is very little family time. A few Sundays ago was one of our "Special Sundays." We slept in, made pancakes and bacon for breakfast, and took a walk. John packed his Bible in the stroller and off we went! About midway through our walk we realized that Abigail had not yet met the cows and horses so our destination became the pasture! We invited ourselves into our cows "living room" (a hollowed out place in the trees where they lie down at the same time everyday). It was a gorgeous morning with a hint of Fall in the air. John decided that this was as good of spot as any for church that morning because cows love Jesus too you know! John led our little family in a church service of sorts, and I have to say that the cows gave their utmost attention to the "sermon." Every once in awhile John surprises me and reads me Proverbs 31, and that morning was one of those times. We also prayed Psalms 139 over Abigail, just as we have since we first knew that she was growing inside me. It was a special moment that touched my heart deeply. We love introducing our little girl to our life on the farm, and so far she seems to love it as much as we do!

The Men in Her Life...

Abigail has stolen the hearts of many, but there are 2 men in particular who are putty in her hands...

Grandad...

I knew that my daddy would be a terrific Grandad, but I had no idea just how wonderful he would be. Abigail lights up when she sees my dad. They sing ABC's and count to 10. He talks to her and truly she hangs on his every word. It's such a blessing to see how wonderful my dad is with my daughter, and I have an even greater appreciation for the man that he has been in my life.

Daddy...

Of course all daddies melt at the sight of their little girls, but my husband might do so more than most. John is captivated by his daughter, and as a wife it endears him to my heart every time I see the two of them together. The final photo is of Daddy and Abigail "dancing". They tango across the dining room, and they slow dance in the kitchen. Long ago John began a habit of surprising me with dancing moments, and he has carried on the tradition with Abigail. We so want her to understand that she is worthy and deserving of a good and godly man, and John has set his mind to showing her how a lady deserves to be treated. He is a wonderful daddy!

Daddy:

Abigail...At a Glance

3 months old...

A Face Only a Mother Could Love...

Simply Sweet in Her Amish Dress

Sitting in the Bumbo...