A New Year, An Older Daddy

In our house, we not only get to celebrate the end of another year but the beginning of a new year for Steve. He is one of those people born on the very last day of the year. The kids think this is something very special! Everyone celebrates daddy's birthday! Today is no exception. The kids got up and the first thing they wanted to do is make daddy breakfast. So, thats what we did. I tried very hard to just let them do it. Deep breaths.

We had to remove Micah's shirt after one of the eggs mysteriously exploded. Funny how that happens sometimes. I am not sure if Micah is trying to flex his muscles in this picture or he just truly believes he is that cute!

Happy daddy getting his breakfast in bed! Who wouldn't love that!

When I look back at this year, I can't believe how much we did and how many memories we made. A year seems to go by so fast. I can honestly say this will be one year we won't soon forget! The kids have kept us so busy with all their sports, recitals, birthdays, milestones and day to day humor. We have made memories with friends that will last a lifetime. I have never had more fun in my life! Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remind myself that this is my life. We have also had some hard times but how comforting it is to look back and see Jesus right there with us. I feel this year He has revealed himself in such a new way to me. Or should I say I finally allowed Him to. Most of all, he has shown me that HE is GOD ALONE and HE is in CONTROL of my life. Why would I want it any other way? He brought me to the end of this year when I thought I had it all together and said, here is a gift you weren't expecting. I hope some day I can look back and sit with this little baby about to enter my life and tell him/her how they changed my life. In so many ways. I look aheadto 2008 with so much anticipation, excitement and a little fear. But I am ready to experience all God has prepared for my family. So, I wish you and yours the best 2008 ever! Here we are the last year as a family of five!
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE, WE LOVE YOU!

Christmas Memories 2007

Honestly, I am so ashamed it has been this long since I have posted on my blog. This is really one of my favorite things to do, an outlet of sorts, and the last few months I have just been a slacker! The New Year will prove to be different. Ok, now to all of our Christmas fun!

Our first festivity was one we so eagerly awaited. Dave and Teresa's Annual Peep Christmas Party. They are not your usual parties but a time to anticipate the theme and get to the Goodwill Store and fast! This year was no exception! The theme was 80's. It was so much fun remembering all the things we did and of course the clothes we wore and thought we were cute. In my son's words as I walked out the door to the party "Mommy, you look hideous!" How satisfying was that. We had 80's contests, ate pizza and even slow danced. It was awsome! And here we are . . .

Next up was getting Nana from the airport to spend the holidays with us. Since this year she is alone, we thought it would be a great idea for her to come spend Christmas with us. The kids were really excited.

Christmas Eve is when we celebrated with my family. My sister and her family and my mom came over and we had a huge buffet style dinner and opened gifts. The kids always love being with their cousins and were spoiled rotten as ususal with all their presents. They always get new pajamas on Christmas Eve and here they are revealing this years style!

Christmas morning the tree was filled with presents and Santa had made his mark. Micah was so funny this year. It is always so fun when they finally seem to be getting what is going on. Not only did he love opening his gifts but loved giving gifts to everyone else. He didn't try to open them but just pass them out. One of his favorite gifts was his Radio Flyer Scooter and Lightning McQueen helmet. He got right on this thing and started flying all over the house. It was hilarious. The best part was when he continued to tell us that he was going to Ms. Eesa and Mc Dave's house (translation Ms. Teresa and Mr. Dave's house). Teresa and Dave, I am not responsible if he shows up at your front door on his scooter without me knowing. :) Here is a very proud picture of him with his scooter.

Noah also made out very well. He finally got a big boy bike. He also got a Nintendo Gameboy and was very interested in that all day. He just looks so big now in comparison to Micah. The toys are bigger too!

Selah's list this year was also one to laugh at. Originally it said she wanted a Nintendo DS, Cell phone, Text messaging machine, IPOD etc. Yeah. Someone is in a dream world. She opted just for the DS and that is what she got with the Dogz game. She was very pleased with this. The other big his was her Jonas Brothers shirt. I think she has tried to wear it every day since Christmas.

I can not say we can complain at all at our house about our Christmas outcome. Everyone had smiles on their faces and a day in our pajamas you can never be upset about. I hope everyone else had a wonderful Christmas too!

Some more bragging

Yes, I have to brag some more on my kids! You know, they have been such troopers with me being so sick the last several weeks that I am not feeling too bad about bragging on them! :) Yesterday afternoon, I got a call saying that Noah was going to be receiving an award at school at their assembly. I could not believe it! Remember, Selah got one last month for math. Steve and I made sure to be there in the gym to watch. Noah has been really emotional the last couple of weeks and sometimes I think he gets a little left out. We made sure he knew how proud of him we were. They began to read the names of the kids that had been chosen for awards and when they got to his class, they called his name for "Excellence in Academic Effort"! HOW AWSOME IS THAT!!!!! The best part was he didn't know he was getting it. He had the biggest smile on his face. He has done so well in kindergarten and truly is learning things so fast. These kids just keep making us realize how much they are growing. I would have a picture but still haven't gotten my camera back from mom! THAT WILL BE TONIGHT!

Elementary School Musical

I have to just brag a little! A few weeks ago, Selah came home from school and told me that the 3rd grade at her school was going to be doing a musical/play in January. She said it was all oldies songs. She asked if I heard of Twist and Shout, We Got the Beat, and The Hop. It was so cute seeing her hear these songs for the first time and thinking they were really fun. She said there were going to be parts you could try out for. After that, we didn't talk about it for a couple of weeks.

Last Monday, she came home and from school and was so excited when she got in the car. She proceeded to tell me she tried out for a solo for the musical. She said almost everyone in her class tried out. She had to stand up in front of her whole class during music and sing "Southern Nights". I was so proud of her! She said she didn't know yet if she got the part but she wasn't sure if she would because so many kids tried out.

That brings us to today! She came running to the car after school with a big smile on her face! She said that today, during music, her and 3 other kids had to audition again in front of the class. In the end, she got a solo!!!!!!! Her and one other boy in her class. They are going to be singing "Southern Nights" together! HOW SWEET IS THAT! I am soooooooo proud of her! She did this all on her own. Her first school musical! I am hoping she will be Gabriella and NOT Sharpay! I will make sure of that! Anyway, just wanted to share our proud moment!

A Litte Fun

Before I get started, I found Micah's diaper bag and my camera! YEAH! Mom had it in her car. I feel so much better!

We had a good weekend. We got our tree up and the kids are so happy! It is finally beginning to look alot like Christmas at our house. Now if Santa can get all the shopping done.

Ok, so I am copying Teresa and went and tried this celebrity morphing. Oh my word! It was hilarious! Here is Selah . . .
%1
I have no idea who this celebrity is but I thought it was a good one to stick with.

I tried several pictures of the boys. Obviously my boys look more like girls than I thought. Noah was considered Madonna, Shirley Temple and Keira Knightly! Micah was Madonna and Jennifer Lopez! What is that about? So, I thought I better not post them in case some day they look back at this. I also did Steve and he was Sean Astin. I am so sorry to say, I have no pictures of me. I am so sad. :) Yeah right!

APB for Diaper Bag and Irreplacable Camera

I am trying not to freak out but today I think I am. Wednesday, Steve asked me where the camera was. I proceeded to tell him it was in Micah's diaper bag hanging on the wall where it always is. I had taken it to church Sunday night to take pictures of Selah in the musical. He then told me the diaper bag was not there. Of course I didn't believe him because usually it is right in front of him and he says he doesn't see it. I scolded him (I know horrible) and went to look myself. He was right, it wasn't there. It had to be in the car because lately, if I need to run in the house, alot of stuff stays in the car. Well, it wasn't there either. I started retracking my steps and knew the only place I had taken it was to church on Sunday night. I had not been anywhere else the rest of the week.

I went to church Thursday and looked EVERYWHERE. The janitor helped me and we came up empty handed. Not only did it have Micah's name embroidered on the front, I also had a bag tag attached to it with his name, address and phone number. Surely someone would call if they picked it up. THIS IS CHURCH FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

Today, I am freaking. My camera that I LOVE was in there and I loved the diaper bag too! My friend Ashley lost her camera a few months ago and luckily someone found it for her. I am praying that this will happen for me. If anyone out there is reading this, PLEASE if you have my bag, I NEED IT BACK! It is a precious lime green and blue backpack with a dog on the front and Micah's name on it. PLEASE pray it shows up! THANK YOU!

P.S. Pray I get my tree up tomorrow! My kids are getting very anxious! :)

I PROMISE, this is Steve's BABY!

I woke up this morning, made myself get in the shower, got dressed, I was able to throw up twice and out the door I went, determined to enter a store and try to Christmas shop. I picked up my Christmas cards at Walmart and did a little shopping. I feel so accomplished today!

I then had a doctor's appointment at 11:30 a.m. Needless to say, I was asked again if I was sure this was Steve's baby! They wanted to make sure that the only reason this was a shock was because he had a vasectomy! YES! YES! YES! I am starting to think maybe I need to get a paternity test and just carry it with me for all the sceptics. Seriously, do I look like a cheater? I don't know. Maybe I do! Maybe I am really living in a soap opera and I blacked out for a month and don't remember what I did and started a whole new life somewhere else. People would probably believe that! My goodness!

Anyway, my doctor asked if I would like an ultrasound to make me feel better. He said when I am as sick as I have been, he'll do anything to make me feel better. Of course I didn't turn him down. It was more real today. The baby had arms and legs and was moving around and kicking. I saw the heartbeat and so far, everything looks good! I just wonder if this little one has any concept of how sick I have been? Or does it just sit in there content as can be so clueless to what is going on outside? Who knows.

I am off to take a quick nap before I have to get the kiddos from school. And let me just say for old times sake . . .

THE BABY IS STEVE"S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas PLEASE SLOW DOWN!

There are several reasons why I am feeling this way this year! I love Christmas time and I always feel like it goes by way too fast but honestly this year I am a little fearful it might blow by me without me even realizing it! I am hoping to at least get a Christmas tree up for the kids and their stockings. This would make them very happy. I figure if Santa at least brings one gift a piece they won't feel like they were forgotten. As far as getting to sit on Santa's lap, that will be a special treat. It is all just sooooo crazy this year!

Last night Selah had her Christmas muscial at church. I have to say it was one of my favorites so far. The music was really fun and the kids did a great job. Selah had solo again this year and because I was too busy crying when she was singing, I forgot to take her picture. My brain can not do two things at once right now and to say I am a little hormonal would be a huge understatement. It really doesn't take much to send me into a sobbing idiot these days. I was happy to even be there seeing her sing in person. She just does such a good job. Each time she has been given a solo, I see more confidence and grace in her. I'll have to purchase the DVD I guess.

So, I promise to try to keep up with all the festivities in the next month and keep you updated on all the transitions in this house. We went and looked at bunk beds for the boys on Saturday and lets just say, they are very excited. I am sure there will not be much sleeping the first week or so with them in the same room!

I am ALIVE and I will SURVIVE!

Hello blogger world! I am not even sure if anyone is still checking my blog since I just realized the last time I posted was on November 1st. Lets just say there has been alot going on. We have been on quite a roller coaster here. First things first. Most of you probably have already heard that we found out a few days before Halloween that we are expecting a fourth child. To say we were in shock is quite an understatement. Steve had surgery to take care of this matter (at least we thought) about a year and a half ago and I guess God has a different plan for us. That has been crazy to accept in itself but yes, the lingering sickness came along with it. This is why I have not been on the computer or really doing anything for the last three weeks. The sickness just got progressively worse and this past Tuesday they admitted me to the hospital with Hyperemisis. It is a condition in pregnancy where you have extreme nausea and vomiting. So, they filled me up with liquids and medicine and I came home on Thanksgiving morning.

As I type this, I feel I could type pages to really explain all that has happened. But what I want to explain is how Thanksgiving for me this year was so much more than turkey and dressing. God has placed friends and family in my life that I never thought I would ever have. You can only imagine how hard it has been to not be able to get off the couch or the bed and have three children to care for. To see your husband not only working all day and having to take care of his responsibilities but having to step up and do all of yours too. It is so humbling. But how people have taken care of us has changed my life. They have fed us, cleaned, picked up our kids to and from school, taken the kids to their homes, let our kids sleep over, helped Steve and just loved on us. I will never have enough words or ways to say thank you. You know who you are and I love you all! And then I have to be thankful for my family. I really have struggled with why God thought this was a good idea. Why He feels we should have another baby. I was very content. I thought I knew exactly what I could handle. I had it all under control. Nothing like having to take a step back and put everything in His hands. I am scared. I am still a little confused. But, how can I not be thankful for what he has blessed us with.

So, truly it has been a whirlwind and we have many more new adventures to look forward to. There is so much I could post but we could be here all day! But, on a lighter note, I have to at least tell you about something exciting and fun Selah got to do on Friday night. As most of you might know, Hannah Montana is just the queen of all pop in this house. Not only to Selah but the boys love her too! On any given day you will hear her music in this house and Micah running around saying "Selah, it Hannah Tana!" Well, long story short, a couple of months ago some friends of mine and I heard she was coming in concert the day after Thanksgiving. HOW FUN! Yeah right! Impossible to get tickets. All the brokers bought them and literally were selling them for hundreds and thousands of dollars. So, forget that idea. Well, I get this frantic call from my friend Teresa on Friday saying she got on Ticketmaster just to check and she got tickets for regular price!!!!! In frantic mode, not really even thinking, I just grabbed my credit card, got online and started praying I could get some too! I tried for about a 1/2 hour and FINALLY they came up! So of course without hesitation, I bought two tickets and they happen to be right behind Teresa and Lydia!!!!!!! I WAS SO EXCITED! Of course, I wasn't going to go because I was still not feeling quite well. Little did I know that I was the only one who could pick up the tickets with my card and ID! So, who knew my first big outing since being in the house for literally two weeks would be to the Hannah Montana Concert! But let me just say, it was worth EVERY SECOND! I will never forget the look on Selah's face. She must have thanked me on her own 5 times for taking her. The concert opened up with the Jonas Brothers who I might add are just cutie patooties! Selah LOVES THEM! My ear is still ringing from her screaming so loud! She danced, sang, screamed! It was so great! So, a memory was made and I think I am on my way to some type of normalcy. I am still nauseaous but I feel like I can function. I get tired easy but that come with the territory. Right now my system is a little wigged out with all the medicine but I am here and I am going to make it through! It is only 9 months right? :)

Here we are when we FINALLY got the tickets in our hands!

If that is not a face of excitement I don't know what is!

It was hard to get good pictures but here are the Jonas Brothers and Hannah running around!

Happy Halloween - Most Wanted

There has been an APB sent out! These are the suspects. Be sure if you see them to run! They will steal your candy at any cost!

First up is the very mod looking Disco Dancer. Dont let that sweet smile fool you. She can run pretty fast!

Next up, the flying Buzz Lightyear. He will be sure to get your candy and disappear "to infinity and beyond".

And last, he is hard to see. In the dark he can sneak up on your without you even knowing it. It is the Black Spiderman. (yes, we have now been Superman, Red Spiderman, Batman and now this. We are hoping for something other than a super hero next year)

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween. I guess it is time to start Christmas shopping! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

A Picture of Perserverence

For all my blogging buddies, you might think you have already read this post on Ashley's blog! :) We both seem to have a child that made us proud at school this week. Many of you have heard me for a long time talking about how much Selah struggles at times in school. Math has always been something she has had to work very hard at. She gets frustrated, hard on herself and discouraged very easily. The first couple of weeks of this school year, I was scared to death. Her grades she was bringing home were so bad. Since this is the first year she has gotten letter grades, you can imagine seeing all D's and F's was heartbreaking. But Selah stood strong and started working that much harder. If it took her 2 hours to finish her math homework with Steve, she did it. She did not complain. She did not wine. She just worked very hard. To say we were pleased when she brought he report card home last Friday and she had 3 A's and 3 B's, is an understatement! She brought her math grade up from a D to a B in just a few weeks!

Then she came home today with even more good news. They had an assembly today and I guess they were honoring different children on their achievements this past 9 weeks. She told me she got an award. Of course I was so excited for her! I was not expecting it to say for MATH! How awsome is that! Not only did she bring her grade up in the subject she most struggles with, but then they honored her with an award for her perserverence! What a boost in her confidence and self esteem!

I am so proud that she got the award but most of all I am proud that her hard work paid off and she learned a lesson in not quitting and giving it all you got. Here she is with that big smile and her award! CONGRATS SELAH!

"Mommy, I cold!"

Raised to walk in a Brand NEW LIFE

This is one of those days that you can truly say, "I will NEVER forget it." A day that you anticipate for your child and pray that they will make the decision to stand in front of family and friends and proclaim, " Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." And that is just what Selah and Noah did today!

They both woke up very excited this morning. They kept talking about what they wanted to say and who was going to be there. But I think one of the most memorable moments was when Selah told Steve and I that she felt different. That she has felt a change in herself since she prayed to receive Christ. Honestly, I have seen a very big difference in her. But the fact that she feels it is just GOD! My heart just filled with joy. Noah has a confidence in Christ that I pray will never leave him. He has no doubts. I am sure there will be trials in his life that will try to sway him. I can only pray he will not waver.

This is them after they got their robes on to get ready to go out. I am really not sure if I have ever seen them smile so big! They were so happy!

Selah was the first to get baptized. Pastor Reagan, our children's pastor, baptized them both. She looked so beautiful and just radiated with her big "toothless" smile! :) All I could do was cry and thank God the whole time.


Next up was sweet Noah. He could not wait to get up there. He stood in there facing the congregation without a fear. I will never forget the smile on his face after he came up out of the water.


It was so great to have my mom and my sister and her family there with us. But there was a part of us that was sad too since Grandpa Jerry and Nana were going to be here this weekend with us. We know Grandpa Jerry was watching with love and happiness giving them a big clap. How comforting that is.

Tonight, I find myself pondering this day. Thinking of this morning and not ever wanting to lose the feeling I had watching my children get baptized. I think of all the people who have had a part in teaching them about Jesus and how much he loves them. How do I ever say thank you? I also suddenly feel such a responsibility to be an example for them of what it truly means to "live a life for Jesus". I am not sure right now I am showing them everything that can mean. But then again, I see them so much further along in their walks than I was at their ages. Tonight Selah was given the words to her solo that she is going to be singing in the Christmas musical at church. After a couple of times singing in through when she got home, she looked at me and said, "Mommy, I hope people hear me singing but I hope most of all they listen to what the words of the song mean." I can't even type it right now without crying! YES, YES, YES!!!!!! She gets it! She is so right. She understands that God is using her to share who He is. PRAISE GOD!

Thank you to every person who has invested in Selah and Noah. Thank you for teaching and loving on them. And like we told them this morning, this is just the beginning . . .

A Scarecrow Kind of Day

This week has been filled with many adventures, one being that Steve was in Phoenix all week at a training for his new job at Chase. So, it was just me and the kiddos until about 2:00 a.m. this morning. We kept busy and made it through. Everyone was very pleased to run into our room this morning and see their daddy laying in the bed. No one more than our Noah though. He just adores his daddy. He literally cried himself to sleep most of the week because he missed him so much. It just broke my heart. But it also made me realize how blessed my children are.

Noah has had quite a week though. Thursday at school was "Scarecrow Day". Thats right. These are those fun days where we as the parents have to try to be creative. I don't always succeed very well at this task. But we try. Everyone was supposed to dress up as a scarecrow. Please try to contain yourself when you see what we came up with. . .

Trisha, you can deny me when people ask if you are my friend. I know it is pitiful! :) Noah was a very good sport though and did not complain once. He proudly walked into school with a smile on his face. If only he could be so proud of me forever!

He then got to go on his first official field trip to the pumpkin patch. He got to ride on a school bus for the first time. That is really what he was most excited about. Who wouldn't be? That is what going to school is all about! Of course my camera went dead and I did not get one picture. But if you see my previous post from our family trip to the pumpkin patch, it pretty much went the same way. I was glad I was able to go with him and his class and experience it with him.

I am also very excited that I have a new cell phone. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal but to me it is! I have a red little trendy phone with a CAMERA! That is right my peeps! I feel so in now. Our contract was up on our other phones and we were not happy at all with our service, so we switched. We are paying the same amount, got more minutes and two new phones. We have been sitting here playing with our phones like two teenagers. Be listening for my ringtone Teresa :)

Draw String Dilemma

Ok, this post's sole purpose is for me to vent! Today I took all three kids shopping for some new clothes. That was probably my first mistake. It seems they have all decided to have a growth spurt at the exact same time. Especially in the pant department. So off we went at 8:00 a.m. to the infamous Target. Where else would one go? I am kind of in a strange spot right now with Micah because he is not in a diaper but all the pants his size are made for kids wearing diapers! So of course, everything is falling off. But here is the big question of all, WHY IN THE WORLD DO THEY PUT A DRAW STRING ON THE PANTS IF IT REALLY IS NOT A DRAW STRING??????????? Is it to just fake me out? Is it to frustrate me to all get out? I would have to say YES! Do you know how many pants I could have bought for the boys if the draw string was really a DRAW STRING? It would be so easy to just tighten it slightly and have a perfectly good pair of pants. Am I sounding a little crazy? I feel like I am! So, if anyone finds pants that actually have a draw string and not a 3 inch piece of string just dangling in the front, let me know! THANKS!

Pumpkins and Corn Mazes

The fall is one of my absolute favorite seasons here in Tennessee! It is so beautiful and makes you get in the mood for the cold weather. We haven't had "cold" weather yet but a little taste of the cooler temps. Last night we had a great time at this farm with our Sunday School class. The kids got to pick out pumpkins and even go through a corn maze! They thought that was pretty cool! We also took a hay ride to this bonfire site where we roasted hot dogs and made lots of yummy smores! :) To be honest, as it got dark, I was feeling a little scared with all the corn fields and trees. It was bringing back bad memories of high school and scary movies! But I made it through. Here are some fun pictures of the kids. Selah is not in the pictures because she went to see a ballet last night.

Here are the boys picking out pumpkins!


Smack dab in the middle of the corn maze!

The corn maze was made for little boys and RUNNING!!!!!!

And of course, Micah's night would not be complete without a picture with Lydia!

An Untimely Good By

Sometimes life comes at you in a way that seems to make you ask "Why?" This past Thursday morning is exactly the question that our family was asking. Steve received a phone call from his sister on Thursday morning letting him know that their sweet step-father had just had a massive stroke and the doctor's said he was not going to make it. We later found out that it was so bad that there was nothing that anyone could have done. We immediately packed up the van, picked the kids from school and headed for Tampa. At around 5:00 p.m., we got the call that they had taken Jerry off of the machines and that he had gone home to be with Jesus. That is the only comfort that the family is resting in right now. Jerry was only 62 years old. He had been married to Steve's mom for 25 years. Jerry became Steve's second father when he was only 8 years old. He was there to coach his teams, take him where he needed to go, and be a dad. The thing we all miss most about Jerry is his crazy sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh! He loved very deeply and had many sweet ways of showing it.

On Monday morning, we had the funeral for him. It was so awsome to see so many people show up from Jerry's workplace. These men were literally brought to tears talking about Jerry and how much they loved him and working with him. It was so great for Steve's mom to hear all these amazing things. As much as everyone is hurting, especially Steve's mom, we know he knew Jesus and is with Him right now! PRAISE GOD!

The fact that we hated being in Florida for the reason we were there, we had a wonderful visit. We have not been back for about 6 years and seeing family and old friends was really special. We got to go by our old house and thank God for where we are today! We also got to go back to the church where we met and were married and see so many people! I also got to spend some time with my family. We had a great visit with my grandfather and were so grateful to be able to stay at my dad's for a few nights. Here is a picture of me and the kids with my dad and grandfather.


Jerry's mom and sister also came to say good by from California. The kids and I had never met them before. They are two of the sweetest people I have ever met. They loved on us and kids the whole time.

This is such a special picture we took back at the house after the funeral. We knew Jerry was looking down on us and smiling! This is Steve's sister Kristi and her family, Steve's mom, Sharon and our family.

This is a cute picture of all the cousins! They had a great time together since they don't see each other too often.

And I just had to put this one on here. This is my sweet Micah with his Nana giving her lots of love.

Thank you so much to all of you who prayed for us and Steve's family this past week. We could feel your prayers and love the whole time. It is such another reminder of how precious life is and that we never know the day or time Jesus will call us home. We love you Jerry and we can't wait to see you again!

Confidence in Christ

What a special day Selah had yesterday. Selah was able to attend this wonderful girls conference that our church hosts every year. It is called Confidence in Christ and basically it is this great day filled with sessions on manners, health, prayer, worship and learning how to have confidence in CHRIST! They have a special lunch with guest speakers and the best part, they are presented with their very own tiara because they are none other than, PRINCESSES OF THE ONLY KING! This is a picture of her and her best girlfriend Lydia at the conference. It was so neat to hear all the things she learned and got to do. She came home and was full of advice on how to set the table and thank God, manners at the table. Little did she know, my good friend Ashley led the manners session and I had already put in some heavy requests on what to cover! It seemed to have worked! She did not start eating her dinner last night until we were ALL sitting at the table! WOW! Another neat part was her group prayed over her in a circle about her fears. She came home with several scriptures to pray when she is afraid or lonely. I just thank God that my daughter is learning what it means to pray God's word at 8 years old! This is something that has only recently been part of my life and I love that she is being taught this so young.

I also have some more good news! Our little Noah went forward this morning to get baptized also! He prayed to receive Christ about a year ago and boy he preached it to us. Steve and I kept putting off him getting baptized though wanting to make sure he really understood. Well, when he found out his sister went up last week, that was all he needed to hear. So, we are going with it. He has such a pure sense of who Jesus is and KNOWS what he is supposed to do. They are going to be baptized the same day which is going to be so amazing. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

And of course, just wanting to ask for some more prayers about Steve's job. He starts his new position tomorrow on the prime side of his company. He feels really good about it but of course, a little nervous. We just want this to be it. We want so badly to be in God's will. Thank you for thinking of him this week.

A Week of Praises

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I last posted! This week seems to have flown by and I have so much to update on! First of all, our biggest news, Selah made the decision to accept Jesus as her Savior on Saturday!!!!!! She has been struggling the last few weeks with some pretty heavy questions and finally asked if she could meet with our children's pastor at our church. Last Friday, Pastor Reagan met with Selah for a Frosty at Wendy's and talked with her for 2 hours! She wrote down all her questions and came out of there with the biggest smile! She told me she wanted to pray to receive Christ and that she wanted to get baptized! Of course we were so happy! So, Sunday morning in church, she walked down and told them she wanted to get baptized. It made me realize that no matter how much you tell your child and explain to them about Jesus and what he did for them, it is a PERSONAL decision. Some of her questions almost frightened me. GOD IS SO GOOD!

On a much lighter note, the potty training is going quite well. Much better than I expected. Today he wore underwear all day with no accidents! YEAH! He is so little though! Selah and Noah did not get potty trained until they were 3 so this is all new to me.

Today we had our parent teacher conference with Noah's teacher. She had nothing but great things to say about him and said he is a joy to her! How sweet is that! She said he is kind and helpful to all the children in the class and does exactly what she asks him to do. We are so very proud of him!

Well, that is all for now. I am exhausted! Good night!

The New "Potty" Journey (and some other stuff!)

It has been a few days since I last posted and thought I better share some fun things going on here in our busy household! The kids are doing great in school and keeping up with all their work. Noah has just impressed me in how well he has adjusted to "big" school. This weekend was not any different than any other, jammed packed with activities. But, before we get to all of that, you read the title correctly, I think I am fully in the middle of POTTY TRAINING for the third time in my life. I can honestly say, this is the only area of parenting that I could truly do without. I am not very good at it, my kids hate it and it just adds drama to the day I don't have time for. I know you have to agree with me. But, Micah seems to be wanting to try. The only thing is, he only wants to go when HE wants to go. Why don't they understand that it doesn't always work that way. If you have to go, you have to stop and go. It's just that simple. Thursday at school, his teacher came and got me and when I walked in the bathroom, there he was going potty! So I thought, o.k. he is starting to get interested. Then yesterday at Target, he begged for CARS underwear. Steve encouraged me that I need to stop trying to put this off and see if he will do it. Of course he said that, who is the one home all day with him while he is going all over the floor! MAMA! When we got home, sure enough, he went in the potty and this is what happened next . . .

He decided that he is going to be an underwear model. The rest of the day, he didn't care if his new underwear got wet. He was done with the potty. Once was enough. Yeah, that is what I thought might happen. So what now, do I push it or just stop all together? There is no right answer! When I picked him up at church today, he met me at the door yelling that he went on the potty. Not only did he go but his teachers informed me that he TOLD THEM he needed to go! Who do you think is getting played in this relationship? Don't say it, I already know. So my journey has begun. I guess it is a little bitter sweet. Yes, no more changing dirty diapers, saving money and not having to run to the store at 10:00 p.m. because you forgot you were out. But then again, no more baby.

O.k., enough "bathroom" talk. Noah is playing soccer again this fall. He is once again all over the field and playing hard. He made 2 goals in the game last week and 1 goal this week. This year he is playing with older kids and really is having no problem keeping up with them. He is really enjoying himself.

This weekend we had our first "fall" weather. It was so beautiful! The kids played outside most of the weekend and it was such a great break from the 100 degree weather. Today the kids practiced playing softball/baseball with daddy. Selah is playing softball this fall. This is the first time she has played in the fall and spring. She really loves it! She is now in the age division where the girls are fast pitching to them. No more coach pitch! It is so scary! These girls are zinging those balls across the plate. Selah has not backed down at all! I have been so bad and forgot the camera the last too games. She plays on Tuesday nights and I promise to bring the camera this week!.

I know I have rambled on tonight! SORRY! :)

A glimpse at Deeper Still

Today I found this video of the Deeper Still event I went to this past weekend. This is just a little look at GOD WORKING!!!!!! ENJOY!!!!!!

Striving to go Deeper Still

I am beginning to feel a little bit spoiled. Thankfully my sweet husband graciously lets me go on so many adventures! This past Friday and Saturday I was blessed enough to be able to attend the Deeper Still Women's Conference here in Nashville with several of my friends from church. Of course when we here Beth Moore is speaking anywhere within two to three hours of here, WE ARE GOING! This time she was in Nashville and I got to go. The neat thing about the Deeper Still event is that it is her, Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur. Let me just say, it was AWSOME! Friday night Priscilla Shirer taught and if you have not heard her you need to. She is the daughter of Dr. Tony Evans. That girl can preach it! Then Saturday Beth taught and it finished with a 2 hour session with Kay Aruthur, who is the founder of Precept Bible Studies. And of course, Travis was there with the praise team, which most of them go to my church. Is that crazy or what! They had a big suprise for us though, MANDISA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, she was back singing "Shackles" like nobody's business.! It was great! As I left there, all I could think and feel is that I want Jesus like they have Jesus. To hear their stories of tragedies and failures in their lives and then see how in love with Jesus they are, you just want it. The theme of the weekend was on David and they each took different areas of David's life and applied them. The three main things I would say that hit me were:
1. Live out your annointing that Jesus gave you through the Holy Spirit every day in every situation. Even when I am doing the dishes.
2. Do not live in your devastation.
3. We are continually at a crossroads in our lives and we need to take the right path.
Needless to say this does not even come close to explaining all that they said but I can say without a doubt, I left there feeling full of hope. My prayer is that I can apply the things I learned to change my thinking and the way I lead my life. That I will hear God speak by getting in His word. That just seems to be a notion that continues to pop up in my life. How can I hear HIm if I am not communicating with Him?
With that I'll close in saying, if there is a Deeper Still or Living Proof Live conference coming anywhere near you, STOP AND GET TICKETS ASAP! You will not regret it. If you go to http://www.lifeway.com/, you can get info on both conferences. Have a blessed day!

Micah's First Day of School

Yesterday was my first day back to work and Micah's first day back at preschool. He was very excited! He kept wondering when he was going to be able to use his new Buzz Lightyear lunchbox and backpack. Especially since Selah and Noah have been in school for a couple of weeks. He grabbed his stuff and said "Mommy, I do it." So off we went.

This is Micah and his teacher Ms. Carrie. She is so sweet and a good friend of mine so that makes it even better. We were told he was quite the helper yesterday and made sure everyone knew where everything was. We have our hands full!

Labor Day Weekend

I have to say we did not do too much "laboring" this Labor Day weekend! If anything, we were the complete opposite! It was really nice! The funny thing is, I can't even remember if we did anything productive. Steve did though. He worked very hard on our mole infested lawn and scrubbed the play set down prepping it for a new coat of stain. Then we had a really fun afternoon today. We had our friends Dave, Teresa and Lydia come over for dinner and the kids got to run and play outside. At one point, it began to rain and the kids loved that. I know some of you are going to be shocked, but I actually let the kids run around with no shoes on and have a grand ole time in the rain. I know, I was shocked too! And as you can see, my little Micah felt he didn't need clothes on either for this adventure. Yes, my child was running all over the street, in the rain, in his diaper and I let it happen! :) They had a blast! We then broke out the snow cone machine and ended the summer with a bang! Everyone is now tucked tightly into bed and getting ready for a very busy week.

Mommy and Micah

Today is our second full day of just mommy and Micah at home together without sissy and brother. We had our pre-school open house today and Micah got to go meet his new teacher for this year and I got to meet all my new students in my class. We are off to a good start! But, I will say, the blog has been all about the adventures of big brother and sister lately and so I felt the need to just brag on the little man today. He is for sure missing everyone being at school but continues to keep me on my toes and is quite the little helper when it comes to laundry. He has got it down pat! :) We are thinking about, or should I say mommy is thinking about potty training, but Micah just says, "NO". I might just have to take that as the answer and try again in a month or so. He is talking like crazy and "nanny, nanny, boo, boo" has become a regular part of his vocabulary when talking to his siblings. But, all and all, he is just a typical 2 year old little boy and loves life to the fullest! Just wanted to share this cute picture of him!

Call me "KINDERGARTNER"

Yesterday was the big first day of kindergarten for Noah! It was a 1/2 day but just as important. He starts full time on Monday. He woke up with a great attitude and ready to go! With Transformers backpack and lunch box ready to go, we loaded everyone in the van and off we went!

He was so excited all morning and he and Selah kept talking about how they were going to see each other in the lunch room and in the halls. Selah of course had alot of advice on what it means to be a kindergartner. You know, she has been through it. :) As we walked in the building, Noah looked up at me and said "Mommy, is it o.k. if I am a little nervous?" HOW SWEET IS THAT! I think this picture captures that little statement perfectly!

He then go to go into his classroom, find his seat and his own cubbie! That was a really big deal! He then got to meet his teacher. She is so sweet! She has taught for 3 years in Florida and moved here this summer by herself to work in Williamson County. She is really bubbly and seems to love what she is doing.

Needless to say, we are so excited for him and he said he had a great day! As Steve and I walked out watching Selah walk up the stairs by herself to her class, we just could not believe that they have grown this fast. I know I don't have to keep saying it but WOW, I want it to slow down!

Noah's Birthday Party

Yes, today was the big pool party! It was more like a birthday weekend around here. Noah has been celebrating since Friday night. And that was ok with us! It was pretty hot but not too bad! The kids swam the whole time! As you can see our birthday boy sporting his swim goggles.

After much swimming, it was time to cut the cake! The party theme was none other than Transformers. They have become quite a popular item in Noah's life. So we had all the stuff. Plates, napkins, cake and lots of presents!

Noah's friends all joined him in the celebration. We called everyone out of the pool to cut the cake and look at how they sat at the table. We were laughing. All the boys sat on one side and all the girls on the other. :)

Noah got some awsome gifts! He is now the proud owner of several different Transformers. From cars, trucks, planes, animals and men that all transform into some form of robot. This is all new to mommy. Daddy and Micah seem to be enjoying themselves with them too! He got a scooter from none other than Uncle Reese and Aunt Noel. Now we are sporting two at our house thanks to them! We had a great time! Now it is off to kindergarten this week!

Oh and just a side note, WE LOVED HSM2!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Birthday Musical

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY NOAH!!!!!!!! Today is our sweet little boy's 6th birthday. He woke up with a big smile on his face. Don't you remember when your birthday was the best day of the year? I love seeing it in their eyes now. Noah, Micah and I went shopping yesterday and today and got all his stuff for his party on Sunday. He is going to have a pool party in this 102 degree weather. He also got to spend some of his money from his grandparents! He was so excited! You know they are getting older when they ask for a portable CD player with headphones, a Jonas Brothers CD and a CD case to hold the CD's. Thats what he wanted! He also got a cool Power Ranger to add to his collection (not pictured).

Not only is this Noah's birthday that we are celebrating in this house but THE PREMIER OF HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! We hit the grocery store and Noah picked his favorite ice cream and brownies and we are going to celebrate his birthday watching it together. We all pretty much have the soundtrack memorized and are quickly working on all the dance moves. I am not sure if I am more excited than the kids. I considered buying myself a HSM2 t-shirt today. I had to back away! :) So here is a picture of the group ready for tonight. Selah is sporting her TROY shirt and Noah is holding a poster of all the cast. We are so excited!

Ok, I know you are all wanting an update on our cricket. I am pleased and sorry to announce, "Calie, Jiminie or Melissa" loudly entered the pearly gates this morning at 6:00 a.m. central time. Thank you for all your support and clearly I might have had a nervous break down if he had lived with us for a year! Just FYI, we had sprayed bug spray in the hole Wednesday night. He chirped the entire day yesterday. Last night, Steve sprayed this foam stuff in the hole to cover it, hoping to take the air out. Well, at 2:00 a.m., he was still strong as ever. At 6:00 a.m., Noah came running into my room yelling, " DADDY GOT HIM MOMMY!" Of course I ran out and sure enough he got him! Steve said he went to move the oven and heard him scrambling (he was quite large) and waited a second and he came out! Normally, Steve would have been very humane and carried him outside. Not this time. We had just had to make sure he was gone for good! Sorry! Ok, I need to go. Micah is screaming "More cheese"! HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!