December happenings

So, I've been bad about keeping up with the blog lately and I do apologize. Some of you may know that the week of Thanksgiving I spent the week almost entirely in bed. I've never experienced a back injury like this and was so grateful to my fantabulous hubby for keeping the house running, the kids fed, clothed and clean. My fantastic friends brought food, kept my kids so my hubby could actually get some work done and prayed for my healing. I'm always so prompt getting into the Christmas season and this year......well, it just didn't happen. I couldn't pull out the decorations. I didn't get the Christmas card picture taken as early as I wanted and I sure didn't stand in my kitchen making goodies. So, Jim helped with decorating (and we too Janna went very simple this year). I just received the Christmas cards in the mail and have gotten them ready to go out early next week. Megan helped me last night to make simple treats--I still can't stand in the kitchen all day.



This Christmas is meaning more to me this year. As I look at my kids and where God has taken us this year I'm grateful to be together as a family. We have sweet friends who are moving, some about to have a baby anyday, others truly hurting over lost jobs, health issues and family brokenness. It makes you think. What is truly important this season? Our church family has really adopted the Advent Conspiracy this season and is working to support Living Water International. Jim is helping lead a toy drive at the school where we worship. Megan is hearing about these things and truly getting it. Last night she decided her footie pajamas are too hot for her in Florida and then informed me she'd like to give them to a kid that doesn't have any pajamas!



We've really only been doing normal life things. We haven't been able to do many really festive things/programs. We were able to go to light up Winter Garden, have visited Downtown Disney (for 1 of the Christmas card attempts) and driven around to look at lights some. We're trying to plan a trip to Sea World.....Miss Pattycake was in town, but that was the first day I was down with my back, so Meg had to miss that. We're trying not to overdo it this year. You know how sometimes you get so busy and just don't have time to stop and enjoy who Christ is and what God did for us by sending His Son? Maybe my back is God's way of slowing me down, maybe the fact that Jacob still goes to bed at 6:30 is helping us remain calm....whatever it is, we're grateful!



Just wanted to share a funny story with you. Some of you are seeing the depth of Megan's 3 year old dramatic side........a couple of days ago she seemed to be having a pretty bad day and was sent to her room to cool off on several occasions. On I think her final trip Jim and I were in the kitchen and hear her proclaim "I've been in here for years and years!" We both just crack up! Oh that the 2 minute timer would go off faster for her!



We pray that you are able to take time to enjoy this Christmas! We're loving doing small things this season as a family. May God bless you and your family!

Christmas card rejects

We think our kids are cute .... and much more photogenic than we are which is why we choose to make them the object of our Christmas cards each year. When it was just Megan it wasn't so hard, but getting two kids to look at the camera and both have an un-goofy look, dare say a smile, is getting really hard to do. So I had to share a few of the funniest "reject" pictures. Hope you get some laughs.....I know Jim and I did!

Thanks

Thank you Alana, Aunt Janna and Uncle John! We got our package and are having fun with all our goodies. I love making everybody laugh with my funny teeth! See you guys at Christmas!

Halloween pictures...better late than never?

Okay, so I'm so late getting these pictures posted. Here are pictures from our Halloween night out. Megan had so much fun this year! She loved saying "trick or treat" and is still enjoying rations of her candy. Jacob was too funny this year--I guess we need to do a trial run of the costume several times next year. He absolutely hated his costume and screamed until we took it off, so you'll notice him trick or treating as a toddler. I just had to include the one where we tried for the cute Halloween picture.

Santa and 87 degrees

Now I know we're not from way cold country, but as we were waiting for Santa's arrival at the mall last weekend it was SOOOOO hot! We met with friends from our church family, ate dinner and all went outside to dance until Santa arrived on top of the Cheesecake Factory! The mall tree was lit and the fans blowing that fake snow felt so good. Megan seemed a bit overwhelmed by the crowd, but they both truly loved that snow.

After welcoming Santa we then went with friends to watch the nighttime shuttle launch. You might notice the blur of orange in the sky! How cool to watch from Central Florida as the shuttle made it's way into space. This was Megan's first look at a launch--she loved the fire in the sky. Amazing. Jim's decided he's glad he's not on this mission as they test turning urine to drinkable water at the space station!

Just some laughs

I think everyone has figured out by now that our home like everyone else's is full of fun with two little ones running around. Here are some pictures of that literally....I heard Jacob yesterday run into the kitchen and saw something behind him. Oh yes, he's trailing a long string of toilet paper--giggling his little head off. Meg thinks this is great fun and joins in the chase! Pretty soon guests won't only be locked out of our toilets but you'll have to search for toilet paper too--nothing is out of his reach! He keeps us on our toes and in constant laughter for sure.

Crazy candy week

I'm not sure why, but we always end up with more candy than we buy to hand out. Somehow my math is off--I need there to be more gone than in my house. I'm weak and can't walk by and sniff that chocolate without reaching my hand in. Thank goodness for bite size huh?

We took the kids last weekend to my favorite little produce place to pick out the perfect pumpkin. I guess we let it sneak up on us but we just couldn't find time to do the whole pumpkin patch experience. But hey, for $25 we had one big pumpkin, two little ones and three bags of fresh fruits and veggies! Oh how I miss maters and taters! On Sunday we went to trick or treat at Sea World for a bit with some sweet friends who have a little girl close to Jacob's age. We let Jacob have his first lollipop.

On Friday we stayed in the neighborhood, but were only getting exercise and a frustrated preschooler not understanding why no one was home to give her candy when she knocked on the door. She had perfected her "trick or treat" too! Megan was Dora this year and Jacob was a giraffe for about 30 seconds. You'll notice him screaming in the picture--it's the only one we got with his face showing before we quit that fight and let him go dressed as himself! So, we left a full bowl on the porch, loaded up and went to downtown Winter Garden and ran into some friends, walked around a bit and got a little more candy. All in all a great and fun week. Hope yours was fun and full of memories too.

I'll add pictures when Jim gets home with the computer tonight!

I voted-did you?

I hope that you were all able to get out and vote. I opted for the absentee ballot after hearing how long they were expecting the lines to be. I couldn't imagine trying to do that with two kids in tow.....I promise to utilize the next election as a teaching moment : o ) Jim and I both want the kids to understand the process and how important it is to vote! What a sacrifice so many have made to allow us the opportunity to vote our conscience. Now we're just praying that Florida isn't the center of a recount again! I got too anxious waiting to hear who won!

Tag--You're It!

Well, a friend tagged me on her blog with a challenge to share 7 quirky things and to tag 7 friends to respond.....so here comes probably a little more than you ever knew about me!

1. I've never learned to ride a bike.

2. I don't blow my nose in front of just anyone....it goes beyond even close friends too. I just can't blow my nose in front of people.

3. I can't sleep with socks on my feet. My little toes have to breathe.

4. I put sugar on my rice and strawberries.

5. I have a freckle on the bottom of my right foot.

6. I don't/can't dance....I think it's a rhythm thing. Even though I sing and play the piano I can't really keep a beat. Maybe that's why all my teachers harped on me to use my metronome.

7. I can't take a nap or sleep without being covered up. Even if I'm hot, I have to have covers on me!

So there's 7 quirky things about me and now I tag:
Janna M.
Amy P.
Mary G.
Laura C.
Cindy G.
Amber M.
Cristina H.

So even if you don't blog--just respond and we'll be able to see a little more quirky about you too.

Megan's first fish

Saturday was a milepost for our little girl. It was her first fishing experience! And yep--she caught one (with a little help from Daddy). We got to celebrate our sweet friend Max's first birthday and played at the playground and pond. Each of the kids took turns and Meg was most excited to catch this little guy! Her catch wasn't quite as big as Jackson's though--he caught Austin! (luckily just his shirt) Happy Birthday Max!

On the mend

Well, chemo is over for my mom! She had her final treatment last Wednesday and made it through the weekend. Her sickness wasn't as bad as it has been and for that we're grateful. The only side effect that seems to remain is neuropathy (numbness in her hands and feet). She's treating the numbness with medication and has a slew of follow up doctor appointments, but is very grateful to be on this side of treatment! We are all so grateful for the friends, friends of family and family who have prayed, prepared a meal, sent a card, made a call to check on her, kept her company, taken her to an appointment, brought a gift, etc.....God has used you in such a special way during this time and we thank you.

Cutest kids in the universe!

I have had a lot of time with my kids this week since Jim's been gone and it's been tough at times, but more than that it's been fun. As Megan and I made a treat for Daddy's return tomorrow I couldn't help but think about how much fun I have just hanging out with these two wonderful children God has blessed me with. We've been intentionally busy this week but we've had fun! I'm grateful for focused alone time with my kiddos! I'm also grateful to have Jim home - our family isn't complete without him. We've missed you babe!

These pics are Meg eating all the strawberries out of my fruit, Jacob with a snack and in bunny slippers and Meg all dolled up in her new dance outfit!

Not for the faint of stomach!

So, here's one more that I couldn't resist......if you've been reading this blog for any length of time you know my fear of slithery creatures in my house. I consider myself a pretty neat person--every night all the toys are put away, things in their place, etc.....so imagine my surprise when I'm putting the balls back into the ball pit last night and see this sticking out from under the edge! Oh yeah, it's a petrified frog! I guess it fell from the window? EEEEWWWW!

New pictures......

So, I've had many sleepless nights and yet I haven't gotten pictures uploaded to the blog until now! I was able to upload and order from shutterfly so now I'm ready for a scrapbooking marathon....anyone interested?

Here are a couple of recent pictures from the last few weeks....(Jacob snuggled in, Meg in her sheep ears, making a pizza, chef Jacob and Gran with Jim and the kids)

Catching up

**Update** The kids and I were able to run a little something over to Elini and Diego tonight and my heart is hurting for her. When I asked if they needed anything she only asked for prayer and then teared up as she shared that it hurt so much to leave the hospital without her baby--that's not the way we dream it will be! She is precious in her pictures, barely larger than Elini's palm.....she weighs 2 pounds and 10 ounces. Estella seems to be fighting and doing well.



Well, Jim made it back from his reunion with most of his college roommates and they had a blast! The guys hadn't seen each other all together in 11 years so they had a lot of catching up to do. We've seen many of them over the years with each of their families, but distance and life has prevented such a reunion of everyone all at once. I'm blessed because these men are a part of my husband's life. They have encouraged, grown and laughed together over the years and I'm grateful for what they mean to Jim.

With Jim gone I tried hard to keep the kids busy! We went for walks (Meg walked all the way around to the lake and back), fed the ducks, visited the library, got the car fixed AGAIN and even fit in a trip to Sea World. They've started the trick-or-treating so we checked out the new Count (Sesame Street) show and loaded up on some sugar and mini bananas. Jacob loved those! We were very excited to see Daddy yesterday and had some good time before he left this morning for a conference. We ran errands today and have things planned every day until he comes home!

So much is going on all around us and we're loving being able to love on our friends around us right now. Mama is set for her final chemo treatment tomorrow as long as the doctor gives her the okay in the morning. We are so excited for this graduation! As you are praying we would appreciate prayers for our next door neighbors. They are Christ followers and are from Brazil. Elini was hospitalized two weeks ago and delivered her baby Estella on Saturday at 28 weeks. Mommy was able to come home yesterday and Estella will be in the hospital until her due date in December! Please pray for this sweet family as they are separated and begin this new chapter in their lives.

I pray that you are having a great week! Jim left his computer behind, so I promise on one of my sleepless nights this week to add some new pictures of the kids : )

Going home today

Well, my mom just met with her oncologist and they are ordering the pic line and she should be able to go home from the hospital this afternoon. We are super excited that she'll be able to continue the antibiotics at home and is on schedule to have her final chemo treatment next Wednesday. Thank you all so much for praying for my mom through this. We are grateful that everything that has come up has been addressed quickly to allow her treatment to continue. We are hopeful for the day when chemo is done and the healing can begin. God is good -- God is enough. I'm so grateful He loves us especially in the small things!!

Fun little facts.....

Okay, so several of my buddies have done this on their blogs so I thought I'd join in the fun....feel free to copy and change the answers on your own blog......


1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? not sure--never tried--afraid the dairy might get me!
2. Do you own a gun? not now, we have in the past although I never shot them
3. What's a favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee house? caramel macchiato (made with soy milk--again with the dairy)
4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning ? orange/strawberry/banana juice
5. Do you do push-ups? girls can do those too?
6. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? engagement ring and my mother's bracelet
7. Favorite hobby? scrapbooking and I'm just starting to make cards
8. Do you have A.D.D.? only when trying to major multi-task
9. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? speak before I think
10. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I hope my mom goes home from the hospital tomorrow, I'm hot (Ali flash), and I gotta pee.
11. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink. coke, sweet iced tea, Mt. Dew and OJ
12. Current worry right now? my mom in the hospital
13. Current hate right now? that Jim is about to be gone for a week and a half!
14. Favorite place to be? in the pool or at the beach (on the sand, not in the water)
15. Do you like to travel? I like the destination and the actual travel is better now that the kids are a little older
16. What color shirt are you wearing? green
17. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? sounds hot
18. Can you whistle? nope although not for not trying!
19. Favorite color? green
20. If you could would you be a pirate? no
21. What song do you sing in the shower? usually what we sang last Sunday or what Megan got stuck in my head : )
22. Favorite girl's name? Megan/Lauren
23. Favorite boy's name? Jacob/can't think of others right now
24. What's in your pocket right now? lint
25. Favorite bedsheets as a child? had a white comforter with red roses (still have it) and a silky purple pillowcase my great-grandmother made me
26. Worst injury? 2 c-sections or split chin when I passed out in 7th grade
27. Do you love where you live? love the city/area-not so much the house
28. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
29. Who is your loudest friend? Janna--my sis-in-law (love ya : ))
30. How many pets do you have? only the stray lizards
31. Does someone have a crush on you? none that I know of
32. What is your Favorite Book? light fiction----get lost in a story
33. What's your favorite candy? Runts and anything chocolate
34. Favorite Sports Team? Steelers and Gators (honestly don't personally care, but these are our family teams-yes I root along to get to live here)
35. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? This is way to early to be up!

A busy few days

Well, the past few days have been busy and I've been a little too preoccupied to post, so here's a snapshot to catch you up on what we're up to.

I was able to drop the kids at MDO last Thursday and had nothing planned so I went grocery shopping to stock up for a visit from Jim's Gran who came for a few days. Then I got almost all of my house cleaned--all at the same time! Then the kids got up from their naps and it was time to start over, but I'm really getting better at the kid clutter--trying to remember that I'll only have ball poppers and Polly Pockets in my house for a season!

Jim's Gran arrived late Saturday night and joined us for all of our Sunday festivities--worship gathering, family lunch, small group, etc. Monday was Meg's dance class and a couple of errands. Since we don't have a guest room we let Gran have Meg's room and moved Meg onto a mattress in Jacob's room. He's already asleep and she can just slip in right? Well, no! Every time he rolled over Meg thought he was awake and would pop up to entertain him. I would hear voices on the monitor and then laughter......Needless to say sleep has been a bit interrupted the past couple of days and a TOTAL meltdown occurred in Target. Not only is my kid beyond reason in front of Gran, but a good friend is there too, and oh yeah, plus the whole store full of shoppers and employees. Anyway a good nap was in store for all and calm was restored.

Monday night I was able to go out to eat to celebrate with my sweet friend who is awaiting the arrival of baby #3. 9 of us gals gathered around the table to celebrate Kari, her family and this sweet little one only weeks from entering our lives. What a precious time.

In the meantime, my mom has been battling an infection and upon her visit to the doctor on Monday was admitted to the hospital for some heavy duty IV antibiotics. They had to drain infection from her surgery site which was evidently very unpleasant, but after 2 pounds was drained she felt near immediate relief. She's still in the hospital and my brother and friends are watching her closely! (meaning that right now plans for me and the kids to head up to TN are pending the outcome of her hospital stay) This does postpone her final chemo until next week which also means that her "graduation party" was rescheduled. (Her coworkers planned a party and all of them are wearing hats!) How fun is that? Can't wait to see those pictures. Mama just called as I was typing and says that she'll be in the hospital a bit longer. The infection is building back up and they may have to drain it again or possibly insert a drain. Please be in prayer with us for this infection to clear, chemo to be completed and healing to begin in her body.

Tuesday was a shopping day for me, Jacob and Gran while Meg enjoyed a playdate with her little friend. We enjoyed dinner out last night (thanks for dinner Gran) and Megan got all dolled up by the clown at family night! Jim then had a meeting, but it was early to bed since he took Gran to the airport at 4:30 am!

Gran is off to NC this morning and we're settling in for a restful morning to get back into some semblance of a routine. Jim is heading out this weekend to TN for a fun-filled reunion with his college roommates! We tried to arrange for all of the spouses and kids to come, but with newborns and school it was too large a task for this trip. We girls are glad to settle for some snuggle time at home with sweet smelling babies!!!

I'll try to post pictures tonight from Jim's computer from Gran's visit and other recent doings.....

Preserving contentment

You know that feeling when God is trying to get something through your head? He has been working in my heart for a long time, but a lot lately on being content. I don't know why I'm so selfish--always looking forward to bigger and better. (buying a house here, a car that isn't in the shop all the time, new clothes.....) How do I so easily forget His provision when stepping out in faith? How do I forget a healthy family? How do I forget His love when walking through a storm? He has been SO FAITHFUL to me.

Our pastor a few weeks ago really touched a nerve in me when he challenged us with this very thing--that Christ in our lives is enough. Our ladies Bible study is currently going through a study entitled "Resting in Him"--the thought to be content and rest in who Christ is and where we are in each season of life. I love when He overlaps in our lives to really teach us what we need to learn.

Recently several of my friends have been through so much and yet their attitudes are such an encouragement to me. I've not just learned I've miscarried, I'm not going through chemo, my second story isn't about to be ripped off my house while I'm 6 months pregnant, my kitchen isn't covered in a garbage bag while mold is removed and I'm 8 months pregnant, I'm not out of state caring for a parent after major surgery, I'm not in the hospital at 26 weeks waiting until my baby comes, I'm not dealing with chronic pain........and yet why at times am I so discontent? God has truly brought this to my attention. I am facing each day ever knowing that Christ in my life is sufficient! So, if you catch me in an overwhelmed moment please know that I'm working on it...I give you permission to speak into my life and remind me that He is sufficient!

My prayer is that I become so content in Who He is that everything else just melts away. I have seasons and yet I pray that this is a constant in my heart......So I'm grateful for a car that can be fixed and a quiet morning at home to play with my kids and love listening to their laughs and raspberries! I'm thrilled to hear Megan singing praise songs as she runs around playing. Lord keep my focus shifted to YOU! I'm off to play with my two little blessings.

Lizards are falling on my head!

You read right--lizards (not raindrops) are falling on my head! It's about to rain and I was trying to cover our new grill back up since the grill cover was askew from our latest winds. I opened the door after checking the screen and the track for those pesky little things. Wouldn't you know a lizard fell from above hit my arm and scurried outside--at least he had that sense about him. I don't know how to contain my screams--I sure hope my children aren't scarred by my total fear of these harmless creatures!

I recently watched a friend's two youngest boys and a lizard got in while their parents were dropping them off. Poor dad had to catch that little guy to get him out before leaving for his meeting. I tell ya, if they don't get out on their own or with someone else helping them I grab for the fly swatter--gotta use it for something here right?

Dueling raspberries!

My husband came up with that title.....isn't he smart? Wonder what it means?

Today after taking the car back to the shop for the 3rd time Jim dropped us off and had lunch before going back to work. After we got the kids settled and food in front of them he looked at me and asked "hear that?" Silence hung in the air for a few moments while their initial bites took the edge off their hunger. Not a minute later we hear one raspberry then the other one raspberries back. "Now that's more like what I'm used to hearing." So we enjoyed our lunch over a raspberry duel! Bon apetite!

***With that said--my car is now in pieces/broken/at the garage until tomorrow. They really think they have it this time--it's the electrical fan motor, shroud and relay. I'm hopeful they know what all that is because I haven't a clue! Sounds reasonable that a broken fan would cause the AC to blow hot air and cause the car to overheat making all the pretty lights come on. Right?***

because I know you're wondering.....

Driving around doing errands today we decided to meet Jim for lunch. As I pulled into his parking lot the car starts blowing hot air in my face. Now maybe fall is starting to cool things off for some people, but here it's still like 95 degrees and HUMID!!! Then that dreaded red light came on and the temp. gauge went all the way up. My wonderful hubby ran to get us lunch and meet us at the car place. Can't you see us eating our Chick-fil-A in the waiting room? I called the mechanic on our way and they had a spot ready for us! Needless to say, by the end of the afternoon we had a new thermostat--my brother guessed right--too bad he wasn't close to fix it : ) Apparently when you put it in hot water it's supposed to open and mine didn't so they hope that's got her fixed. Guess we'll find out when I drive the kids all gussied up tomorrow to go have pictures taken huh?

Dance class take 2

Well, after a week off for labor day it was time to go back to dance class on Monday. Jim and I both gave her the you're a big girl...don't you want to dance with your friends...you know the talk speech. We got there and I had told her I'd be at the window watching and if she got sad she could give me a kiss and go right back to dancing. She did just that and flitted around like a princess. She was most impressed with the princess sparkles she got as a reward for participating in class. (glitter sprinkled on her arm) Here's hoping to many more exciting classes!

Of course it runs like a dream....

Ever have one of those cars? You know what I'm talking about. You drive it, lights come on, it shakes, the ac blows hot in your face, sometimes it doesn't start......You take it in to the garage and they tell you that it drives like a dream. There are no codes showing up. The air was so cold he had to turn it off. What? Are you sure you drove my car? Well, no lights are on although the air still gets hot....what do you do? I plan to drive until more lights come on or I have to call the tow truck.

My best car not fixed story is my Oldsmobile Cutlass that wouldn't let me put gas in! Yep, you heard right. I'd put that nozzle in and gas would spew out all over the ground (and my legs and feet) Try explaining that one. The guy had the nerve to ask if I was putting the nozzle in right. My sarcastic side was working overtime, but I restrained myself from responding that after 15 years of filling up my own car I had magically forgotten how to put gas in a car...... After being stranded at the dealership in the fun-filled city of Chattanooga just short of our bed and breakfast destination we got to the root of that issue.

As a side note my hand me down phone is one of those fancy monsters with the keyboard--the y doesn't work unless you mash hard! I received a hand me down computer after mine bit the dust and wouldn't you know, not the y but the n is the sticker button here! How funny......

Anybody have a great crazy car story? I know my brother could share several--talk about crazy cars.........

Wednesday--chemo #3

***UPDATE***Mama just called and is still getting the last of her saline. They actually decided to change the chemo drug today since she's had such reactions the first two times. It comes from the same tree, just a different part. There's not much research to show how effective or dangerous it is to change mid-treatment, but she even commented that hopefully it will help someone else who might be having trouble with the other type! I'm amazed at people who are willing to take those risks. She and her friend Sheila were already planning a stop for dinner on the way home (since she usually has a couple of days before she feels really bad). ***

As you can see from the title today is chemo #3 for my mom. I know she would appreciate your prayers through the next several days. Her friend Sheila is going with her to keep her company today : ) I'm so grateful God gives us the "family" we need around us to support and love us through our journey.

Going into this treatment mama is feeling stronger. Her blood cells were low and so they gave her a shot to boost her through. The goal is to keep her strong enough to complete treatment without having to delay her chemo. She also has new nausea medicine that she can take twice a day regardless if she's sick or not that has really helped! (rather than the kind you take when you need it....well after you need it)

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing. Thank you to all of you for loving me while I'm away from my mom during this time and thank you especially to her friends who are with her every step of the way. She's blessed to have you all in her life!

Megan's first dance class

Monday was Megan's first dance class! She attended a class one day a few months back with a friend and loved it. We've talked about it and she was so excited to go. Two of her friends are in the class I've signed her up for and yet she spent the whole class sitting in my lap at the back of the room......By the time class was over she didn't want to leave, so I'm hoping that now that she has seen what they do that she will jump in next time and dance in her new clap shoes! (That's what she calls her tap shoes) We've practiced heel drops and toe drops along with plies and first positions. So, here's to hoping that next class is a load of fun!!! I did at least get a picture of the new pink leotard before the meltdown......

Fun at Nana's

First I want to thank all of you who prayed for our trip and specifically for my mom. We planned the trip to stay and see my mom through her second chemo treatment. She made it through but is having a rough time these days following the treatment. She decided once her hair started coming out to go ahead and let it go. Being prepared she has 4 wigs and a variety of hats to don her head. This is where the fun comes in......Megan and my neice Alana decided to have a fashion show with the wigs. Megan decided she looks like grandmother with the short gray wig on. I'll try to add a little video with the girls dancing and singing in the mirror.

Happy 60th Anniversary!

Our trip to Tennessee was ultimately scheduled to celebrate my grandparents' 60th anniversary. All of us were able to gather at a restaurant to celebrate and had a wonderful time. My grandfather is a man of few words, so when I asked how they got engaged his response was "well, we decided to get married so I went to Memphis and bought a ring." I love that they still love each other and honestly still like each other. I pray that God blesses Jim and me with enough years to celebrate our 60th anniversary. Jim has already instructed Megan that she will throw us a huge party when that day comes--hope you'll all plan to be there. So, save the date--June 1st of 2057.....

Tennessee Safari

Didn't think you'd see those two words together did you? We had a great trip to Tennessee with Megan saying "I really, really want to see Mimi, Poppy and Chloe" only about 500 times! It was so funny. The kids really did great for such a long trip. On Monday Mimi (Jim's mom) took us to a drive through safari in West Tennessee. After driving through and seeing all the exotic animals we got to feed a baby giraffe with a scratchy tongue, bottle feed lambs, goats, a camel and a pig! We then got to hand feed some very hungry goats. It really was fun to see all those animals so closely and get to feed them. Here are a couple pics from our fun day! We topped off the day and met our friends for dinner. Avery and Megan have a sweet affection for each other and it was great to catch up with our sweet friends Trevor and Stacey.

sweet friends

Moving is so bittersweet--you move away from family and friends yet you gain new family and friends. We have been enjoying such sweet times with our friends this summer and I wanted to add a couple pictures of the kids. The first two are of Matthew and Adair at our compassKIDS Klub. The next is Megan with Karis. I may have to limit her time with the babies--she informed me two nights ago at bedtime that she wanted another baby! The next is a picture of Megan with James at a storytime. We look forward to more sweet times with friends and are very excited about our visit to Tennessee later this week to spend time with our family and friends there! See you all soon : )

changes a brewin'

I know that I have shared with you guys that Jim has been really busy with our Worship Gathering transformation and wanted to provide a few more details and pictures......

On September 14th we are changing our time, look and renewing our focus. Because many of us run a little late we are moving our start time to 10:00. I've heard jokes among our church family that we run on "westpoint time". So, we are starting at a new time--fresh start ya know? We also have a new look for the cafeteria where we gather. Our plan is to make our presence a little more permanent for a couple of reasons. First it allows us to invest in the school where we meet plus it allows us to have less set up each week and allows for a more intimate feeling. We're painting the cafeteria and turning it into the "Wildcat Cafe" for the students. We are also turning everything around to use the stage area and hard wire some of the sound equipment in. The school will also be able to use all of this for programs that they have in the cafeteria. We are also hoping to add lighting that can be dimmed rather than the current flourescent lighting that all schools use. For a few weeks our pastor is also going to take time to really focus on our purpose and renew our focus as a church family. We are so excited about these changes/improvements and can't wait to see what God is going to do! I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, here is a before and after.....

summer fun and boo boos.....

I don't know how I escaped childhood with relatively few injuries. Seriously I only have one scar that has a story (aside from chicken pox). Thus each time one of the kiddos gets hurt it breaks my heart. So far the only scar is from Jacob's surgery (knocking on wood).

Meg was jumping into the pool and caught my friend off guard! Meg landed chin first on top of my friend Kari's head landing both of her eye teeth into her upper lip. She bled, swelled immediately and boy did she cry......She's all recovered from her "fat lip" now, but I just had to share this picture.

I've also included one of Jacob after enjoying a chocolate chip cookie. He truly enjoys the dining experience--my mama never told me a son would be so messy : ) It sure is cute though. I would include a picture of his favorite current mischief however grabbing the camera while he's splashing in the toilet isn't first on my list of priorities.

Life Today

Just an update of life today--Jacob is finally over his fever from this weekend and seems back to his normal self. Megan is doing great! We enjoyed some fun mother/daughter shopping tonight and then she helped me fold laundry : ) I love that she's at an age where we can do things together like this. Jim is busy as ever with the "remodel" of our worship gathering. We've also begun a new small group and are excited to be doing life with these other couples.

We are heading up to Tennessee next week to see family (more on this to come). After the weekend Jim will fly home and I will stay to spend some time with my mom. She had her first chemo treatment last week and is still dealing with some side effects from that. She is remaining positive and just dealing with each symptom as it comes. Her doctors are responding quickly to each side effect. She has gone to work each day this week and seems to make it a little longer each day. Life is such a blessing as is our health--may I be reminded to take advantage of each healthy day God has given me to enjoy and live it to the fullest!

***I promise to post pictures soon. I know it's been a while. We are down to Jim's laptop because my computer died (a day after the vaccum died). We were able to replace the vaccum, but are having to work that computer into the budget.....so I only have limited computer time, please be patient...

Prayers apart

Ever want to be somewhere you're not? If I could choose to be somewhere else I'd be in Nashville today! My sweet mama is on my heart today. She has her first round of chemo at 10:00 CST this morning. It'll last 3 hours and she's off for the rest of the week to recover before going back to work. I'm so grateful that God surrounds us with "family" wherever we are. My brother and his wife are there to look after her as is my mom's "family". Her co-workers and church friends have become such an encouragement and support to her over the years and I promise you if they weren't all as good as gold I'd be there with my mom in a minute. But they are all so wonderful and are being so great to my mom when I can't be there for every appointment and treatment. Thank you all for loving on her and taking care of her for me. We are truly blessed and are grateful that God knows more than we do what we need.

My challenge is this--to love those without family near! Jim and I were loved immeasurably when we suffered our miscarriage 2 years ago by amazing people God placed near us for that time since we were 3 states away from family. Who is around us that needs a hand or shoulder as they walk this journey?

What color wig should I get?

Who ever asks that question? Well, my mom did today. After receiving results back from her lumpectomy she is on the low end (40 on a scale of 1 to 100) of high risk for breast cancer recurrance, so now it is advised that she start chemo. She will go once a month on a Wednesday afternoon and be off from work on Thursday and Friday. We are prayerful that this proactive approach will further diminish the possibility of recurrance.

Just so you know I told her to do something fun with her hair! When else do you get the chance to reinvent yourself and come forth with a totally new look? I guess that would be my lemonade in the situation--I think I'd pick a red wig!

***UPDATE*** Mama went wig shopping today (Thursday) and decided on a strawberry blonde! She tried on everything in the store she said except the one she figured was gonna glow in the dark.....can't wait to see that!

Parent commitment

Today was a special day for us. This morning we stood with other families in our church family to commit to raising Jacob in a home that will show him who God is. We desire nothing more than for our precious kids to know the God who created them and to walk daily in relationship with Him! We covet your prayers as we seek to be parents who are authentic with our kids. We're just entering the stage of loving discipline, praying for patience (that would be me) and truly seeing Megan start to "get it." We've recently gotten her a new Bible that steps up the message of Christ in each Bible story and I'm amazed at her level of comprehension. Our prayer is that our kids will see Christ in us and desire that in their own lives. As they grow and begin to process and think critically may they see and choose Him.