A Family Serving Him

Another Healthing Please

2011-02-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

I have a family journal that I keep all of the kid's slang words in. A place I can look back and remember all their cute little sayings. Jack has quite a few in there...I can them "Jackanese." He's old enough now that his entries in this journal are not as often and now I'm making lots of entires under Sophie's section of the journal. Today however....I heard him say a sweet little word that I can enter in the journal as perhaps one of his last "little boy" sayings.
As he poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat at the table, he looked up at me and said, "Hey mom, this is my third HEALTHING!" I L-O-V-E-D it!! I actually wanted to jump up and down but couldn't of course in front of him. Secretly, I didn't even want to correct him. I want him to stay my little man forever and say all those cute little words. I just gave him a sweet smile and replied, "your third helping honey...helping."

So, here's to my little man growing up AND to another healthing!!

A New Project

2011-02-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted a birthday banner for our family. Something cute to hang for each special birthday at our house. After much searching, I've found the perfect pattern...let the sewing begin!

He Cracks Me Up

2010-03-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love it when my kiddos come up with a great one right out of the blue and it makes me laugh hard! Here is Jack's latest...

We recently stopped by a friend's house to drop off something. They weren't home, but when we rang the doorbell their dog scared us a little.

Me: Wow! That sounds like a big dog!

Jack: It could just be a BIG cat that speaks bark!

Seriously...where did that come from? My belly hurt from laughing so hard!

Happy Birthday to My Main Squeeze!

2010-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

The table was all set...

Your favorite cake was baked...

And the kids picked out the best gift...

(although you can't see it b/c of the glare - The NEW Super Mario Brothers for the Wii)

Happy birthday to my main squeeze! Hooray for the day God created you...just for me! :) Here's a list of 36 things I love, love, love about Y-O-U!!

1. Your love and thirst for Jesus...

2. How great of a dad you are...

3. Your commitment to your job...

4. You'll put nothing but your God before your family...

5. Your dedication to working out (okay, sometimes it kind of annoys me b/c I can't seem to find that same dedication. But, nonetheless, it's honorable) :)

6. You're a mean chef...

7. That you are a reader which is a great model to our kids...

8. Your close-knit family...

9. The way you take care of me...

10. Two words: Scruffy Face...

11. Your Jedi-knight skills...

12. That you'll watch chick-flicks willingly...(except the Titanic. The boat sinks...duh)

13. You love to entertain...

14. Your favorite vacations are with your family on a hiking trail...

15. You're just like your dad...

16. You HATE laundry pile-up...

17. You're fiscally responsible (another annoying but honorable trait) :)

18. Corduroy Blazer!!

19. You love my family like your own, and overlook our faults...

20. You pray for your family regularly...

21. Your coffee obsession...

22. How you hold my hand firmly...

23. The way you do a DIY project and it never gets just quite finished...

24. That you still own your childhood teddy bear...

25. That your daughter thinks you are the KING...

26. That she will someday love her KING b/c of the love you've shown her...

27. That after 10 years of marriage, you're a lot nicer...

28. That you wake early to pack lunches for our whole brood...

29. That you're willing to do many things you really don't want to do just because you love us...

30. You NEVER complain...

31. Your favorite summer activity is to take a bike ride as a family...

32. Your convictions...

33. That you sing at church when most men don't...

34. That you love orange juice with popcorn and cottage cheese with baked beans...

35. You're not too proud to apologize...

36. You love me just the way I am!

Happy birthday Justin! I love you to pieces!! I hope today was a blessing for you!

Love, Aim

My Snuggle Buggle

2010-02-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, to fit in a laundry basket and curl up with your favorite snuggle animal....don't you miss those days? :)

Mama's Sick....Real Sick!

2010-02-24T13:51:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of the sweet card Jack made for me while I was sick this last week. I think I scared the whole gang a little bit. Friday night I came down with a sore throat and by Saturday morning in the wee hours of the night it was full fledged STREP!! Ugh! I've never had strep before and I don't wish to have it again. My man and our little ones were quite the team though....they pulled through taking care of each other and playing nurse made to me. By Monday though everyone was quite done with the illness! That is when Jack made me this card. He first wrote the cute message...."I wish you were NOT! sik." Then he came back with it and said he drew a picture of how I looked...how nice! :) Today is Wednesday and I'm officially good to go. I'm heading back to school tomorrow. It will be a nice ease back into the routine with a fieldtrip to the Honeywell Center to see Seussical the Musical. No fever, no chills and I no longer feel like I'm swallowing razor blades. Ahhh....life is bliss!

A Wintery Masterpiece

2010-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning I awoke early to take in breakfast with a friend. I got ready and jumped in the car when my friend said to me, "Wait until you see what He did for us this morning!"

Driving down the roads we took in quite possibly the most beautiful sight I have ever seen around me! The trees and bushes were COVERED in a beautiful white dust of snow and ice. Now, I've seen this before. It's not a new concept this white covering on the elements outdoors. But, NEVER have I seen it so thick! The trees all looked like pieces of cauliflower. You could scarcely see any brown on them at all. As the sun was rising and streaming through these wintery covered trees, it was amazing! It looked like a scene from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe right in my own town.

I'm no photography whiz! I love to take pictures but have no technique, so my photo above doesn't even do the experience justice. It. Was. Breathtaking.

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day! I always have.

I know some who think it's a made up holiday by Hallmark just to make an extra buck....who needs one special day to say I love you when you're supposed to say it everyday.

Not me...I'm a sucker for pink heart stickers, especially glittery ones. I love fun dip and pink M&Ms and my most favorite thing about Valentine's is making homemade valentine cards with my kiddos.

This year to celebrate, Justin bought tickets to the WFRN Valentine's Banquet. We went with our neighbors and good buddies, the McCarters. Nana and Pop came and babysat while we enjoyed good friends, a great meal and a concert by Jamie Slocum.

Here are just a few pictures from our Valentine celebrating this year.

My Toothless Man

2010-02-11T17:30:00.001-08:00

This week Jacker discovered he had a loose tooth. Not just any loose tooth but one up top, front and center! He wiggled and jiggled and let me twist and turn. Tonight he yanked that puppy out like a real MAN! We could even "hear" it coming out as he yanked it from the gum. We clapped and cheered for how tough he was a he pulled his tooth free.

Bum deal was as he rinsed his mouth and cleaned the tooth off, he lost it down the drain. We were sure he would be crushed as he had worked so hard to pull that thing. He simply said "Oh Well." Then the conversation took a hilarious turn....

Jack: "Dad, can you give me money since I don't have a tooth to give to the tooth fairy?"

Justin: "Absolutely, I can!"

Jack: "Like $100"

Justin: "Uh...I don't think so."

Jack: "Why not?"

Justin: "Because you lost a tooth, not a kidney!"

Jack simply shrugged and walked away as if to say, "It was worth a try!" :) Gotta love it!

Dress Up

2010-02-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

I can remember playing with my brother when I was little. I remember since it was just the two of us, that our worlds would sometimes cross over. He'd humor me while playing with cabbage patch dolls and care bears and I could wrestle WWF style with the best of them.

Tonight I watched as my two little kiddos did the same. Jacker was happy to play dress up with his little sister. He danced around in a little dress that he would be humiliated to be seen in around his friends. She donned a Jedi hat and played Star Wars fighting droids with her galactic powers. I love how much my little ones love each other and I love how much watching them play together takes me back to my childhood....playing with the best friend you'll ever have.....your sibling!

Roller-Skating Girl

2010-02-06T12:55:00.001-08:00

Sophie went to her first roller-skating party last night. While Jacker sat on the sidelines refusing to skate, Sophie skated round and round and didn't want me to even hold on to her! She is definitely our brave child. I was happy to put on roller skates and be Sophie's sidekick but let's just say that I wasn't quite as smooth on wheels as I once was as a child. :) I think we'll have to plan a roller skating evening for a family fun night so Sophie can practice staying on her feet, Jacker can gain some confidence and I can practice my balance while in motion!

Infomercial Junkie

2010-02-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

My Jack-man is the KING of infomercials! He is always bringing me a slip of paper with some 800 number on it so I can call and order the latest craft item, organizer purse or cleaning supply. One day when an infomercial came on he said, "Listen to this. They will say you can only call if you are 18. That is so not fair. You always have to be 18!"

I love this little facination he has right now with these as-seen-on TV ads. One day he'll get a kick out of knowing that he was ALL about shopping this way.

His latest item of choice is the amazing brownie pan. You know, the one that bakes your brownies like there are 20 mini-brownies all in one pan....perfectly baked edges in every bite! Well...he recently noticed that the BOOKS ARE FUN salesman at school had one for sale. We had to buy one and try it out.

We give The Amazing Brownie Pan....two thumbs up!

Sophanese

2010-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about the stage that Sophie is in right now is her speech. I wish that I could bottle up her little toddler talk to play back for myself when she is a teenager. Sometimes the most normal phrase can make me simply crack up because of her lingo right now. Here are some that I want to always remember...

Pupu Blankee....................................Purple Blankee

Titty Tat..................................Kitty Cat

Surwee Teml......................................Shirley Temple
(She is WAY into Shriley Temple movies right now)

Bubby......................................Brother

Wip Loss....................................Lip Gloss

Juicee............................................Apple Juice

Oda......................................Yoda
(Jacker is so into Star Wars and Yoda is Sophie's Fave)

Bassetball......................................Basketball

One of my favorite Sophanese phrases is when I tell Sophie that I love her and she replies back, "I love my mommy, I love my daddy, I love my Jacker."

I don't ever want to forget this language and how the simplest little lines melt my mama heart.

I Have A Dream

2010-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

We've been talking a lot about Haiti at our house. My brother and sister-in-law traveled there last year on a mission trip and fell in love with the people. God instantly gave them a passion for this land and a desire to serve there regularly if not in a full time missionary status. Given that connection, when the tragedy of the earthquake came -Jack had a lot of questions about this event. We've spent time praying for the children there, looked at pictures that are appropriate for him to see on blogs that we follow from church and discussed ways that we can help in the releif efforts as a family and an AWANA club.
Recently, in Jacks's class, Mrs. Terrone had the students do an assignment linked to the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday. Jack's version of "I have a dream" hangs in the hallway expressing his heart for the healing of a land that is hurt.
" I have a dream that the people in Haiti are okay.
Because they had a earthquake."
It makes my heart smile that my son has a heart for helping God's people and a burden for when mankind is suffering.

The Big 3-3!

2010-01-17T13:38:00.001-08:00

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!! People say that when you reach a certain age, they aren't such a big deal anymore. Honestly, I can't really imagine. I love the anticipation of them, I love the well-wishes and birthday cards that come in the mail- especially from someone you're not expecting to hear from. I love the cake and singing and that my mom STILL makes my favorite meal for me after all these years. The presents are always fun too, but the real fun for me is just celebrating who I am, who I've become and all that God has blessed me with.

This year the highlights included Jack's present to me, he told everyone that he was taking me to his basketball game for my birthday. Wasn't that sweet of him? :) I slept in until 8:45!! Justin kept the room all dark and the kids nice and quiet...he knows how much I love some extra Zzz's. Mom fixed ham loaf, cheesy potatoes, asparagus and rolls for dinner...many of my mama fave's. She also made this AMAZING german chocolate cake from scratch. YUM, YUM! It was especially fun this year to get so many well wishes from facebook buddies that I don't get to see in person. Another birthday....lots of blessings! Praise God for another happy, healthy year!

*Oh yeah, the patent leather zebra stripe Dansko's were a big hit too!! :)

Sophie and Ella

2010-01-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Sophie loves her buddy Ella! When she pretends, Ella is always a part of it. They travel to Wal-mart, the pool, school, all over town in her imagination. When she gets something new, she can't wait to show Ella or she'll mention that she wants to let Ella play with her new item. Seems so sweet!

Funny part to the story is that Ella and Sophie are not only friends, they are personaility clones! Their temperments are EXACTLY the same. Often when we're together if we hear a shrill scream, we're not sure which of the girls it actually is. While they love to play together, they also love to make sure the other knows who is in charge. It is so funny to listen to them setting the other straight in their little toddler talk.

My prayer is that they will forever cherish their friendship and that through the years and maturity, they lose the temperment. :) But for now, it makes for some pretty tummy tickling entertainment!

The Basketball Boy

2010-01-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Jack started up a new season of basketball this weekend. I LOVE watching him play. He takes it so seriously! The Pregame Huddle

His favorite thing right now is the "fake out." He'll try out his moves on us here at home and he loves to explain the technique to anyone who will listen. He actually got to put it into action today. Way to go, buddy! Your fake out's are awesome!

Jack's also a big one on dribbling...not so much on shooting. He does like to pass. Only problem there is, he only likes to pass to Grant. :) He did have one pretty mean assist into the Grant-man today. It was just like watching the big boys play!

Good news is, we've got plenty of skills to work on this season. Bad news, I kind of like his little basketball quirks. :)

Ringing In The New Year

2010-01-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2009: The loss of sweet Aunt Dianne, Sophie ditches diapers, Jackson takes off as a reader, Matt and Ginger graduate and get jobs...Hooray!, We decide to remodel the kitchen-then decide not to-then decide, sure-let's do it- and finally decide no, not yet, Mom and Dad make it through a rough spell, Sophie gets a big-girl bed, I decide to teach Jack's Sunday School, Awana goes for another year, Changes at the church, Tuesday nights with the Spencers, Justin learns not to work so much in the summer, Trip to Atlanta, Girls vacation in Florida, We ponder baby #3....

Hello 2010: It's hard to say what God has in store but here are some things I'm looking forward to and anxious to look back on at the end of the year to see how they come to pass- Sophie starting preschool, What will we do with the kitchen, Kline/Brown wedding, Jackson transitioning to his last grade at Columbia, Masters Degree?, Third baby?....

This year I'm hoping to blog more. My goal is to post each week whether it be thoughts, happenings or actual pictures of events in our lives. I want to then print our year 2010 off into a book for us to look through, read and remember as we relive the joys, trials and triumphs of a year in the life of this family seeking to serve Him!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Kicking off the season with pictures...

Fun, Fun, Fun from my friend in tiny town (Who by the way, I've NEVER actually met!)

2009-10-12T10:51:00.001-07:00

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

Way. Too. Much.

2. What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

Hmmm...I'm real good at thinking up creative projects and picturing them perfectly completed in my mind. Not so good at actually seeing them through. My latest, valances for my bedroom that match the quilt my mother-in-law made for us last Christmas. Took me the better part of one afternoon.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

Just perfectly right! I used to really struggle with incontentment. God has really done a work in me in this area. I'm so thankful for our home, its character and the space we have. I love, love, love to entertain in it! It may be far from perfect to others but it is PERFECT to us! :)

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

Working in my flower beds OR raking leaves with the kids.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

No way! Can't stand the smell of it....gives me a headache in minutes!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Um, ride. Everyone else would rather I ride also!

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

Money

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

Does falling asleep count as giving up on it? If so, minutes!

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Michael Jackson. Actually, I'm not embarassed by it - but I am made fun of constantly because of it.

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

Hmmm...I think a six.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

If ever I was, motherhood stripped that away. I now chomp ABC gum, drink any beverage with floaties and have grown to love any brand of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life? (I hear people gulping and see them sweating in anticipation of how to answer this one.)

I'm pretty sure I'm trying to control way too much in my life. I could start to list, but it would take a long, long time. God's working on me here too!

In Search of the Next Family Member

2009-09-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

We've been having this discussion for awhile. When I say awhile, I mean YEARS. We decided that when we were officially done potty training children -then we could get a dog. The kids are ecstatic. We've tossed around all sorts of breeds as we've been in search for the perfect fit for our family.

We've finally made a decision. Now, we just need to find the dog. Hooray for our cute little GOLDEN DOODLE...wherever he is. We can't wait until he's officially ours!

A Two-Wheel Man

2009-07-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Recently Jack decided he was done with training wheels. He and his pop loaded up the bike and went to the high school parking lot. Jack found a yellow line to ride on and presto-chango, he is now a two-wheel man. It was so fun to hear the excitement in his voice when he finally "got it." He was just gitty. Now we can't get him off of his bike. He rides it everywhere. Just one more example of my little man growing up.

Responsibility 101

2009-04-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our little man has always been a big help around the house. He helps Justin on trash day collect the trash from around the house. He is the main recycling man in our home and he is good about helping set the table, help with dinner or clear the table when asked.

Lately he has had his eye on a Star Wars Lego kit. Justin and I decided it was time to implement the "chore chart" and give our little man a lesson in delayed gratification. We worked up a little chart that he fills out each week. Each chore in the grid has a money value. We added items like make your bed, bring up your dirty laundry, pick up toys to the tasks he already does around the house. At the bottom we made a place for him to earn an extra quarter each day for laying out his clothes for the next day and having a "NO WHINING" day.

I'm pretty proud of Jacker. He's all about his little chart. He's eager to help out each night and checks off his sheet with us each evening. He has his bank out on his night stand to house the money that he earns.

We are also including some money managing skills along with this little chore chart. If you haven't checked out doorposts.com, you should give it a gander. It has some great resources for teaching your child about saving, tithing and spending. It's hard to believe that my little guy is old enough to learn the ins and outs of responsibility. I love watching him be a little helper and take part in a little delayed gratification....a good lesson for all of us!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T05:38:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...Easter Morning! I love it! The heart and soul of our salvation and heritage in Christ.

Luke 24:6 "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

Hooray for our risen Savior! Hooray for today and the opportunity to celebrate with our family the blessing of our eternal salvation. May you enjoy all of your egg hunts, Easter baskets, yummy Easter foods and the fellowship of your families and may we all take the time to not only remember but to boldly discuss the death, burial and resurrection of our blessed Jesus Christ! Happy Easter my friends!

Facebook

2009-04-09T19:11:00.001-07:00

Can I just tell you that I feel like a slow learner in the facebook realm? I started an account last night at the request of some friends. I logged on tonight to check things out and I was WAY confused. Is it just like an ongoing little chat room? Some people that I'm now "friends" with have these cute little pages with all sorts of extras. I think I'm going to need some tutoring before I become a facebook junkie! :)

Sophie's Basket

2009-03-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was doing some spring cleaning today and purging some of our stash. (My how embarassing it is to clean and realize just how much "stuff" we accumulate!) I emptied out a large basket that I keep in the living room. It had housed toys but I decided to move them downstairs where the kid's play area is. As I went to collect my basket and find a new use for it, this is what I found...

Doesn't she just have "rotten" written on her forehead? She was having so much fun that I decided my repurposing of the basket could wait a while!

A Visit To Great Wolf Lodge

2009-03-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kiddies on a little spring break get away to Mason, Ohio. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge so the kids could swim to their little hearts desire. We played in the arcade, visited the cub club, and spent one afternoon seeing a few sites around the area. ( A twirl around Jungle Jim's Grocery and of course a trip to IKEA) We had a great time getting away from the homestead and just spending some great quality time together as a family. Sophie was hilarious in the waterpark! NO. FEAR. I pray for that to be channeled in the right direction as she gets older. :) Jack spent most of his time on the slides. He's a little more reserved than his sister. If you're ever looking for a quick getaway...check out the lodge! :)

Pictures Above: Sophie at her favorite slide, Our posing duo, Jack in his crazy scuba gear and a quick family photo op!

Happy Birthday To Jack!

2009-03-15T15:47:00.001-07:00

My little man is not-so-little anymore. He turned the big S.I.X. this weekend. Birthdays have always been a big celebration for my family. Growing up I can still remember having the whole family over. They stayed all day. We had lunch, cake and ice cream, opened presents and played with whatever new toys or games I got for my birthday. I LOVED my special day! I also love giving that same celebration to my kids. I love taking the time to just celebrate them. Our festivities started Friday as Jackson took his favorite birthday treat- pink squirrels, to his classroom. Saturday we celebrated with my side of the family and today he had his first friend birthday party at the Wellness Center pool. Some say it's a little much - we say it's a great way to celebrate the day God created YOU! Happy Birthday to my Jacker! On your happy number six, here are six things I adore about you...

1. Your sensitivity

2. The way you love the outdoors

3. That you are now an official READING MACHINE

4. The way you protect your little sister

5. That you cheerfully help with chores and responsibilities (Most of the time)

6. That you totally dig Jesus

Here are a few pics from our birthday boy's big weekend. I'm curious though, how do you make birthdays special at your house? Leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Pictures Above: Jack enjoying pink squirrels with his class, Opening the loot from the family, Swimming away with his buddies and blowing out the candles on his Mario Bros. cake.

I Heart Spring!

2009-03-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Spring! I know we're still a few weeks away from its official arrival but each day that the sun shines and the snow is gone, I have visions of Easter and tulips and taking a walk with my kiddos OUTSIDE!!
One of the things I love about Indiana is the fact that the seasons come and go and the weather changes so we get to experience it all. However, with that said... I. Am. Done. With. Winter! Join me for a few seconds as I bask in the anticipation of the next glorious season...
1. A new Easter dress
2. Daffodils, Tulips and all the other springy flowers.
3. Bunnies and Chicks
4. A cute spring jacket
5. The smell of the ground thawing
6. Going for a walk outside
7. Flying Kites
8. Mud puddles from the spring rain
9. One season closer to the city pool being open
10. SPRING BREAK!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T13:55:00.001-08:00

Justin and I enjoyed an outstanding Valentine's Day evening last night with our dear friends, the Spencers. Many of you know Reed and his amazing musical talents. We traveled to Taylor University to listen to Reed and his choral group perform. We enjoyed a great dinner and were entertained by the group along with a grad student from Jordan who sang in his native language. ( I don't know what that is) It was so neat to see how the Worship of Christ crosses over language and culture barriers. As this young man sang I certainly could not understand each word he spoke but I sure sang along with the familiar chorus in my own language, "Many things about tommorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds the future, and I know he holds my hand!"
I'm always thankful for the time that we get to spend with Mark and Jan and their whole family - which have become an extention of our own family. Our conversation and laughter are refreshing and such a blessing. If you get a chance, check out Taylor's website for information about the up and coming trip that the choral group, "Sounds of Taylor", will be taking to Jordan and Egypt next month.

Pictures: *Reed (middle) singing with the men's choir of the choral group.
*My dear friend, mentor and second mama...Jan.

Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

AWANA Cares for Mikayla

2009-02-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE AWANA? This week's theme was AWANA cares for Mikayla. We collected items to give to a family in our community who has a daughter recently diagnosed with Leukemia. These items will come in handy as the family travels back and forth to Indy for treatments. Granola bars, fruit snacks, little Debbie snacks, juice boxes, coloring books, reading books, crayons...I loved seeing the kids come with smiles on their faces to load up the boxes with items. Many of them told a story of their friend and how much they missed her at school. While it makes my heart happy to see them give, it makes me happier to know they are learning what it means to love with the love of Christ. Many of them will be praying for their friend each day lifting up specific needs that she has. I can't think of much that makes me happier than to see my own kids and kids of our community learn to love Jesus, hide His word in their hearts AND extend His love to those around. God bless Mikayla and her family as they fight this battle. AWANA cares for you, loves you and is praying for Mikayla's healing!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2009-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

This is a classic picture of my two little tykes right now. Sophie has become quite the little sister that looks up to her big bro. It seems like she is always imitating what he does. It is so cute. (At least we think so...Jack, not so much) Here she is acting just like the Jack man once again. He was sitting on the chair watching cartoons and she climbed up right beside him and put her hands up just like him. I love it!!

Droid Fighting Pizza Makers

2009-02-07T12:54:00.001-08:00

Jackson had his buddy Max over last night. They played all evening fighting droids with their power helmets, building all sorts of things and making pizzas for dinner. I love watching my little man use his imagination. Max has quite the imagination too. I could have sat back all night and just watched them play. I hope these two never lose their creativity! When we were on our way back from taking Max home Jack says to me out of the blue, "Mom, Max is very kind." My heart smiled! I think that is five-year-old lingo for, "I found myself a good friend!"

Prayer Day

2009-01-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

I'm up and at it early this morning because it's our Church's quarterly Prayer Day. (No, we don't pray once a quarter and wait until next quarter to converse with God) Today is the day we go into the church - the lights are low, the candles are lit, soft worship music is playing and the Holy Spirit is thick! I LOVE meeting God on these mornings. We sign up for half and hour time slots and I often think, "I just want to stay here all day!"
There are no children tugging at your sleeve, no phones ringing, no one knocking at your door. It's just you and God. We spend this time in prayer over many things. This morning I'll be praising my Savior for who He is, what he does and the promises I have in Him. I'll be lifting up those around me that are sick with cancer, ALS, depression. I'll be praying for the children in my classroom and their families, children in our community that need someone to intercede for them or that need Christ in their life. I'll be lifting up President Obama and his cabinet members, Pastor Mark, Pastor Joe and Children's Ministry Leader, Rhonda and the responsibility they have to teach US to minister to this community and world. I'll be praying for my fellow teachers, Mrs. Bohr - our principal, Dr. Howe - our superintendent and those teaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at our church. I will then spend time on my knees for my own family. I'll pray over my husband and children in depth and for my extended family as well as needs I have personally.

When I leave these mornings I always re-evaluate my personal prayer life. Am I spending quality time with God or sending up only little arrow prayers? (By the way, I am a huge fan of arrow prayers and I know God answers those) Does He know my heart because He's God or because I spend enough time with Him that I lay my heart at His feet?
Oh, my life is busy as is all of ours. I don't ever want it to be so busy though that God gets squeezed in instead of focused on.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

Today may you find time to praise God from whom all blessings flow. Let him hear your petitions and thanksgiving that your heart and spirit might be drawn even closer to Him.

Toothless

2009-01-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas break, Jack realized he had a loose tooth. While for most youngsters this is a right of passage and they are thrilled, my Jacker was terrified! He was convinced it was going to hurt and he would allow NO ONE to touch it. He even was scared as he went to school and heard that Mrs. Huppert was the infamous tooth puller. He made me assure him that she would not touch his mouth! :) This was quite the ordeal in our home for a couple of weeks. Here you'll see the funny and painful process that he went through to lose that tooth. It's funny to me looking back on it at how fun it was to go through that process. Every little stage and issue brings new joy. I love my toothless little man!

Pictures Above: (Sorry they're backwards...I was having difficulty!) Jackson calling his Nana and Papaw to tell them he lost his first tooth. A picture of the "hanging" tooth.

I'm BACK!

2009-01-28T07:05:00.001-08:00

Man...that was a long leave I took! Our computer took a crash and it took a while to get it fixed. I've missed my little blogging outlet and catching up on all of you. I'll be posting pics soon and updating you on where life is in the Lunsford home. Ahhh...this feels good!

SLIMED

2008-12-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

These are actually old pictures from about a month ago, but they are way too good to not post. Our school held a fundraiser last month to raise money for smartboards in all the classrooms. Jack was the top seller in kindergarten. At a celebration assembly he got to slime a kindergarten teacher and the beloved janitor, Mr. Heishman. He had a ball doing this and the adults were such great sports. Kudos to our principal Mrs. Bohr. She makes school so much fun. This is just one example of the excitement she brings to our building. Check out these slime balls!

Rub A Dub Dub - Is That Santa In The Tub?

2008-12-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

What Kind of Gift Are Your Words?

2008-12-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

This evening I spent some time preparing a talk that I will give to a crowd of 70+ women next Monday night at our church's Christmas Tea. I had a lot of fun preparing it. I love it when God totally lays His word and His spirit in your lap! The talk is on Ephesians 4:29 and the power of our tongue. I was thinking of how powerful the thought really was and how it is such an important focus during Christmas season and ALWAYS. So...I've decided to share...

- Ever spend a lot of time wrapping your presents just right? (Truth be told, I'm a little OCD about this. I match my paper and only use two kinds...one for my family's side presents and one for Justin's family's side) Jack and Sophie each get a specific print of paper and I go to great lengths to match the ribbons and bows on top. I should take a picture sometime of the tree with all the presents so neatly matched underneath. It's actually a little embarassing to admit just how much time I put into the whole wrapping thing. I mean really, it's just going to be TORN off!
Anyway, I recently read a book that got me to thinking...I spend all this time making sure my packages are beautiful before I give them away but what kind of present are my words?
Ugh! In the hustle and bustle of the season and the schedule of school, church, and outings, I have been known to spit out my fair share of ugliness. Oh- I'm not a cursing gal and I don't talk vulgar but my tone alone speaks volumes somedays. I also find myself in the midst of conversations that are less than wholesome or uplifting and yet, do I remove myself or speak up on behalf of the one being spoken of? Not always.

Ephesians 4:29 is a good reminder to us all. I would write it out here. But instead, I encourage you to get out your bible, read it aloud to yourself and say a little prayer that this season your words would be as beautiful as the packages you put under your tree!

I'm Dreaming of a PINK Christmas

2008-12-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

We have four Christmas trees at our house. One upstairs, one downstairs and one in each of the kid's bedrooms. Recently when I went shopping with some girlfriends, I found a PINK tree for Sophie's room. I wish you could have seen her face when we put it up. She loves it!!

The Polar Express

2008-12-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

We set off this morning with our good friends the McCarters to enjoy a family day at the Indiana Transportation Museum taking the kids on a Polar Express Train ride. We were to arrive at 1:30 pm and have a read aloud of the famous book, The Polar Express. The kids received a bell souvenir and we were to load the train for cookies, juice and a train ride with Santa, Mrs. Claus and some cute little elves. Well...........mix that plan with crazy holiday traffic and some not so great weather and you've got one not-so-fun day. We arrived late and the kids missed the story. They did get their bells and we did load the train but it was one hectic event trying to get there. Who knew that a little coating of snow would make our trek such an ordeal. Despite the kink in our plans, we had a good time with our neighbors and buddies the McCarter family and the kids did enjoy a quick train ride. (Although I don't think we'll make the trip to do this ride again next year!) Here are some pictures from our eventful day.

(Pictures Below: Jack and Grant showing their tickets, Sophie and Ella enjoying the ride, Santa poses for a picture, The Polar Express is waiting for us to load)

Holiday Traditions

2008-11-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Holiday Traditions I love...
1. Sharing around the table at Thanksgiving a blessing from the year.
2. Breaking the wishbone from the turkey.
3. My annual shopping trip to Chicago with my mom and friends.
4. Trimming the Tree.
5. Sleeping in the light of the tree.
6. Sending and receiving Christmas Cards.
It's that time of year when we start drawing names for Christmas, start planning the menus for our family get-togethers and discussing just what we're going to do to celebrate our gratitude during this Thanksgiving season and how we'll bring joy to others at Christmas. It seems that since we've been married the only real tradition is that each year the tradition changes. But, such is life...the real blessing is that we have family to celebrate with regardless of the changing traditions. Recently, due to the economy and the fact that we are Americans and live in a land of "have it all," we decided to ponder some alternatives to our family Christmas exchange. Here were the ideas we tossed around.
1. Trade names by family and create a basket gift for the family you draw.
2. Trade individual names and lower the price limit using a theme. (ex; movie theme where everyone buys their person a movie, book theme, food theme...)
3. Purchase tickets to It's a Wonderful Life at the round barn theater along with dinner at their restaurant and that would BE our Christmas. We'd attend with one another and enjoy the evening.
4. Get the name of a needy family and have our regular family dinner and then end the night shopping for the needy family and wrapping their gifts up to deliver together.
We all voted on our favorite. The needy family ...Choice #4 was the winner. So...the money we would use to buy gifts for one another we will put towards a family that would otherwise have no Christmas. We'll still get together for our big family dinner but instead of sitting in the living room opening our own gifts afterwards, we will hit the town shopping for a less fortunate family. We'll take the presents home, wrap them up as a family and then take them to their destination in time to bless a family on Christmas Day. I'm so excited! I'm not only excited about the opportunity to do something for someone else but I'm also excited for the lesson that this will be for my kids. Oh, I suppose Sophie is too young to understand it but Jack will and I can't wait for the conversation that will surround his shopping and the blessing that this "tradition" will be for him. I'm wondering...any fun holiday traditions that you care to pass along? Leave me a comment and share! Happy Holidays to all my blogging buddies...the season is upon us!

Trick or Treat...Smell My Feet

2008-11-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time trick-or-treating this week. Our town holds a Boo-Fest each year where kids can trick-or-treat downtown at the area merchants. That is a tradition for us and then we always have some friends over for dinner following the festivities. Friday night we went trick-or-treating as a family. Yes...we actually got Justin to dress up as a pirate so we could go as a pirate family. We had so much fun. Sophie wasn't thrilled with Boo-Fest but by Friday night she was all about being a pirate. We don't go too many places. A few friends in town and to family. Every year we seem to have the discussion as to whether trick-or-treating can possibly glorify God. I grew up with it being such a fun family memory. My hope is that our kids will remember it with the same fondness and be firm in their understanding that we are a light in the midst of darkness. Here are a few shots of my 'D-ARRR-LING" pirates!
Pictures Above: Our own Jack Sparrow, Mommy and her little pirates, Daddy escorting his matey's trick-or-treating with our friend Lynn, One tuckered out Captain Jack

Ahhh...I Found It!

2008-11-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, with the help of my bloggy friend Jami, I have found my new look! Now that I actually like looking at my blog again, I'll be posting what I've been up to for the last week and a half. So...pay no attention the fact that there will be several postings on the same day. I do have a life, I just have a lot of blogging "catch up" to do! :)

Searching For a New Look

2008-10-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm searching for a new look for my blog. It's kind of like rearranging the furniture in my house. I get bored with it and need a new look every so often...okay, a lot! Anyway, sometimes I change the furniture two or three times before I finally figure out which way I want it. So...hang in there my readers! I'm doing some blogspot rearranging. I'll probably need to change it around a few times before it looks just right. :) Really, what did we do before computers?

I Spy

2008-10-23T15:03:00.001-07:00

I spy some leaves, the grass and a tree.

I spy a little face looking at me.

Jack's Fall Party

2008-10-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Jack had his fall party today complete with six kindergarten buddies. We made the cute shirts from Family Fun...tye dyed with pumpkin faces. We also made some cute bats out of little Jack pumpkins AND another mom stayed and helped me do carmel apples as favors for the boys to take home. By the time we got to apples we figured the boys were crafted out and needed some crazy play time outside instead. Anyway, I thought you would enjoy these cute pictures from our fun day. Justin was super-dad and helped me out with leading the boys through the bat craft while I worked through the tye-dying process. (Thanks, Honey!) We love the fall!

Pictures above: The crew takes a break outside for apple cider and fall cookies. Justin helps lead the pumpkin bat craft. Mmm...carmel apples. The final pose complete with T-shirts and bats!

What a fun day!

Two Thumbs Up!

2008-10-19T12:57:00.001-07:00

Monday night my husband and I took off for a late night date. We went to see the movie Fireproof. What a great watch! It's so good to watch a good movie with a great message not to mention how awesome it is to hear the characters talk about the salvation of Jesus Christ on the big screen. We snuggled up with our coke and buttery popcorn for a great time. I recommend it for anyone needing a night out with their man. I also recommend it for anyone who is needing to rekindle their marriage the way only Jesus can. I give Kirk Cameron and his firefighting sidekicks, two big thumbs up!

Tagged!

2008-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

My good friend and blogging buddy, Jami tagged me for some quirky info about myself.
Here it goes...

4 things I wish for...
1. Salvation for my friends and family who don't know Jesus
2. Healing for my aunt Dianne's cancer
3. Snow for Christmas
4. A new pair of J.Crew jeans. :)

4 things I'm looking forward to...
1. Seeing Wicked next Saturday with my good friend and mama
2. Trick-or-Treating with my kiddos
3. Thanksgiving - I'm hosting this year. Hip, Hip, Hooray!!
4. My annual Christmas shopping trip to Schaumburg with my mom and some friends.

4 things I watch on TV...
1. The Today Show
2. Divine Design
3. Boy Meets Grill
4. Jon & Kate + Eight

4 places I like to eat...
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Jarrety's (Our local Central Perk)
4. Outback

4 things that happened yesterday...
1. I enjoyed a nice fall walk with myself and my ipod
2. I painted the set for our character ed program at school
3. I attended a fish fry at the church I grew up in
4. I had my favorite cold day lunch - Tomato soup and grilled cheese

4 people I tag...
1. Michelle
2. Melissa
3. My new found blogging friend, Sarah
4. Ummm...Joe. Yes, Joe. I know you read my blog. You can't deny it!

Pajama Day

2008-10-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

This post is primarily for Nana and Papaw. Although I've become hooked on this blogging thing, I actually started it for them in an attempt to give them a glimpse of the kids' day to day events since they don't get to see their munchkins as much as they'd like.

Jack's class ended the week before fall break with a pajama day...in honor of the letter "P."
He was so pumped about getting to wear his "Jim-Jams" as we call them at home to school.

I must confess this little celebration sent us out Wal-marting at the last minute as I realized that Jack had no real pajamas that fit him. :)

Anyway, here's a picture of Jack and his great buddy Ellie before school in their comfy attire and Jackson's whole class partying it up in their PJ's!

Family Time

2008-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

We're on fall break and since our school is on a balanced calendar, we get to spend two whole weeks on vacation!! To kick off our week of relaxation, we took the kids to a small park near our house. Not your typical swings and slides park...we took a picnic lunch and hiked the trails and enjoyed skipping rocks on the pond. The views were beautiful with all the changing colors around. Here's a peek at some of the fun we had as a family just walking and talking and enjoying each other's company! Ahhh...family and fall...it doesn't get much better than that!

Jack and Sophie take a closer look at the water with their dad.

Jack and Sophie hiking hand in hand and taking a break in the gazebo.

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

- John Bowring

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Fall

2008-09-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Living in Indiana, one can't get too comfortable with any one season. I think in all actuality that is what I really love - the change of the seasons - but if I had to name one, my favorite is the Fall! There are so many things that I love about the fall. Here are just a few...
1. Soup season - chili, santa fe stew, potato soup, vegetable soup
2. The smell of burning leaves ( I LOVE this scent!)
3. The pumpkin patch
4. The apple orchard
5. Jack-o-lanterns
6. Trick-or-treating
7. Thanksgiving
8. FOOTBALL - especially Purdue...GO BOILERS!
9. Sweatshirts
10. The colors all around
One of the things I've been doing with Jackson in the past year or so is hosting his own holiday party. Our last one was at Easter. He invited a few boys over and we colored eggs, had an easter egg hunt, made bunny cupcakes and heard the Easter story. (At our house Easter is bigger than Christmas...as a Christian it is the best reason to celebrate)
So...in celebration of mama's favorite season, we are working on the details for his next shindig. He's hosting a fall party over break for some kindergarten friends of his. We're planning on making the cute T-shirts on the cover of this month's Family Fun magazine, making carmel apples and who knows what else.
Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Fall?

Protecting His Little Sis

2008-09-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Jackson is getting Sopie "suited" up

A few evenings ago, Justin had an evening meeting so I got to take his place in a round of frisbee outside with Jack. Normally frisbee is a man's sport at our house but I was an okay second fiddle since dad was gone. Anyway, Jack was concerned about Sophie joining us because he was just sure she would fall down a lot chasing a frisbee. Suddenly I heard, "I have an idea!" Off he went to the garage only to storm through the door sporting - you guessed it - knee pads! I laughed so hard. He was quite determined to get these on Sophie so she could play frisbee with us and not hurt her knees. ( I should mention that she roughed up her knees pretty good at a tennis match last weekend. Thus the reason for Jack's concern.) These knee pads cracked me up. It was almost like you could see the pride in his eyes for putting them on and taking such good care of her. As for Sophie, she loves her big brother and she sported them for the evening. Well, most of the evening. :)

Sophie --"Hey, these really help!"

I Ran For Jan

2008-09-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend our family (minus a sick Sophie) ran in a fundraiser for our dear friend Jan Spencer. It was a fun run - 2.7 miles - to raise money for Jan's trip to Mexco next month where she will undergo Stem Cell Therapy to hopefully reverse her ALS symptoms. It was a lot of fun. We all sported our blue T-shirts and got to visit with Jan and run or walk in the rain. (Running or walking in the rain is always fun)
But there was something a little more fun for me on this Saturday morning.

Jackson was determined to go along with us despite the weather Saturday morning. You see, he knew exactly why we were running. Jan has been a pretty special lady to Jack ever since the day he was born when she came to the hospital in anxious anticipation of his birth sporting two different colored shoes as she dressed in such a hurry! :) Jack and I have had several conversations usually at bedtime when we are doing nightly prayers about Jan and her disease and how it effects her. He is genuinely concerned about his friend and how she feels.

So on Saturday morning Jackson was determined to be a part of this special event. We started off running the 2.7 mile course. Now Jack is a runner as any five-year-old is. You know he runs all over the place but he has never set out on a "run." So this was quite different for him. He ran the first mile without stopping with his dad and I by his side cheering him on. I should mention that we were quite soaked too. Not because of the rainfall but because Jack ran right through the middle of every puddle on the course. At the end of mile one, he decided he needed to walk so Justin walked with him and I continued on.

We all ended up finishing the race and loving on Jan afterwards in our sweaty attire. Jack loved how there were snacks and water for you when you finished the race. I certainly loved seeing all the people come out to rally around Jan and her mission to find a breakthrough in the fight against ALS. However, what I loved the most was seeing my son recognize that he was a part of something big - with a purpose. He was determined to finish that race because he knew he was running for Jan. Running for her because right now, she cannot. Running for her so she can experience a turn around in her symptoms. Running for his friend.

Tennis Anyone?

2008-09-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

Mark and Jack playing tennis in the yard.

This picture just doesn't do this memory justice. I was able to snap this shot Tuesday night at our house after dinner when our good friend, Mark Spencer, was playing tennis with Jack out front in the yard. Mark is so good with Jack. He plays with Jack far longer than most adults would ever care to entertain a five year old. He plays virtually any game that Jack wants and he teaches Jack how to do things when he's just learning. While no one will ever take the place of the playmates that Jack has with his daddy, Mark just might come in a close second. I love how he takes the time to play with our little man and how he makes him feel so special. I know that Jack will have fond memories of all the fun stuff he's done with Mark through the years...riding the scooter, playing koosh ball, hunting caterpillars and playing hide and seek. I pray over Jack and the friends that he has and will have in the future. I know God will bless him with friendships of great value but there's just something to be said about an adult who mentors a child and becomes his friend!

What is a friend? I will tell you it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself. -Frank Crane

Interesting Facts...or Not So Interesting

2008-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite blogging buddies recently sent around an interesting facts game of "tag." I decided to play along. So...for you faithful readers, here are a few interesting (or not so interesting) facts about me. Enjoy. Hopefully they'll bring about a good chuckle or at least bring a smile to your face.

1. Stinky Feet - I have a secret obsession with my children's stinky feet. Feet are so cute when they are little (and when they belong to your own kids) and I love to sniff up their stinkiness!

2. Piles - Piles are my filing system of choice. While I long to be a tidy file folder junkie, truth be told I do much better with piles. I can tell you exactly which pile things are in and how far down in that pile! :)
*I've always heard that geniuses are messy...that's what I'm going with anyway!

3. Word Games - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to play word games. I play them a lot with Jack right now because he thinks they are cool, but I love to play them with anyone. We play "I like it when.." or the alphabet game. Sometimes we do word association games. I know it's corny, but I think it's fun!

4. Proverbs - I can't get enough of Proverbs! I read something from Proverbs nearly everyday. Sometimes multiple times a day. I love the small sections of truth that are so easy for me to recite and chew on all day long. My most recent verse to chew on: Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

5. Olympic Swimmer - My secret dream has always been to be an Olympic swimmer. I can remember watching swimmers in the Olympics for years. I've always loved the camera shots from under water where you can watch their strokes in detail.

6. Ears and Nails - I can't stand dirty ears or dirty finger nails...UGH! I'm pretty OCD about it.

7. Spiritual Head - Many people know my husband as a sarcastic jokester...which of course he is. :) However, what some people do not know is that he is an amazing spiritual head of our home. He is a prayer warrior, praying over me and our children fervently. He devours the scriptures like candy and seeks to apply them to our family life. He works just as hard (or harder) around the house as I do and I couldn't have been blessed with a more Christian man.

8. Hot Air Balloons - I've always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. Whenever I see one in the air I get lost in watching it. It's almost like I'm a kid again taking in the circus or some amazing sight.

9. J. Crew Jeans - While I've become quite the thrifty shopper since I've become a mom, I still can't part with my favorite brand of blue jeans...J.Crew. I love the way they fit and they way they look. My all time faves are the ones that are completely broken it and just on the cusp of ripping. Ahhh...comfort!

10. Drum roll please - Reoccurring Nightmare - My reoccurring nightmare is that all my teeth fall out. I'm sure there is some deep seeded psychological issue that causes this. My thought is that I am paranoid of the dentist. I haven't had a cavity in my entire life and when I finally get one I think they will have to sedate me. Who knows. I did hear once that Kelly Rippa has this same nightmare. :)

That's it. I'm sure if I sat and thought long enough I could come up with plenty more crazy facts about myself that would bring about a chuckle or two. For now you'll have to settle with these less than exciting tidbits. If you're reading and you blog too..."TAG" you're it!

Lessons in Obedience

2008-08-25T18:35:00.001-07:00

Tonight we were eating dinner with a reluctant five year old. He did the classic five year old plea.

Jack: Mommy I don't like noodles. I like them like hotdogs. (He hates hotdogs)
Me: Jack, you have to eat five bites.
Jack: How about four.
Me: How about six.
Jack: Five is good.

Time went on and Jack proceeded to whine. I told him all bargains were off and he needed to get up and get in the shower. Then he was headed to bed. Oh how the tears flowed. Isn't it funny how those tears hurt mamas worse than they ever hurt the kids? Once Jack got to bed we got out his Bible heros book and read about Isaac. The verse with that story tonight was all about obedience. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Our discussion then went something like this:
Me: Who does obedience please?
Jack: Jesus
Me: Who else?
Jack: You and daddy.
Me: And when you please Jesus and mommy and daddy, who else is pleased?
Jack: Me. Because then I get to do fun things instead of go to bed!
Ahh, he's getting it. If only we could teach these lessons once. :)
Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love - Aristotle

Nana is the Coolest

2008-08-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Watch out bad guys!

Jack and Sophie's Nana is "the coolest"...Jack quote. Today they got a package in the mail - which totally excites Jack. In it was the normal Nana stash...fun little presents, snacks and usually something homemade (Nana is quite the seamstress). This time the present included something extra special. One of Jack's favorite movies is Robin Hood. (Not Robin Hood the cartoon or Robin Hood Prince of Thieves...Robin Hood the classic complete with Errol Flynn) He has been asking Nana for a quiver just like Robin Hood for quite some time. That was the homemade goodie in the mail today. I wish you could have seen his face. He was so pumped! He instantly put the quiver on and loaded it with swords and went around the house battling bad guys. Nana...you're the coolest! The rear view!

If the shoes fit...

2008-08-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sophie takes a walk in mama's shoes!

I love it when Sophie puts on my shoes (or anyone else's for that matter) like they belong on her feet! She is such a shoe girl! I still remember when she got her first pair of big girl shoes. She wasn't even one year old. She took those shoes in her hands and started to try to put them on her feet all by herself. She knew just where those things belonged! There's just something about cute little feet in great big shoes!

Check these out...I think they fit!

Jack's First Day

2008-08-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

Jackson and his teacher, Mrs. Wortley

In some ways today I am glad that I am a working mom. You see, when you know that you have to go teach 21 little first graders, it makes it hard to let your blubbering sobs get the best of you. On Jack's first day of kindergarten, I walked him down to his room, helped him put his things away and gave him a kiss goodbye. Although I could feel the dreaded lump in my throat, I didn't let the sobs take over. After all, I had to go teach. Wow! I was so amazed at how grown up Jack was. He knew just what to do. Was a perfect gentleman and didn't even seem to scared that I was leaving him with a room full of strangers. It makes me sad to think of how fast the time has gone and that my baby boy is a kindergartener. However, I am one proud mama at the little boy he has become! I love you Jacker!

Jackson walking like the big man on campus!

Keeping My Head Above Water

2008-08-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. School has begun and I am now juggling the role of working mom. Although I have an amazing husband who MORE than shares the load at home, I never fail to feel the back to school crunch over overwhelmingly learning to "rebalance" my load.
I've not blogged for days. My goal is to do a couple of entries a week. I also have great pictures of Jackson from the first day of school. This is week #2 of school so hopefully as this week progresses, I will find my pace and feel a little more grounded in the this juggling act of school, wife, mom and Awana coordinator. Whew! I love it all but this transition is never easy. Time to check on my tucked in little tyke. I just heard the bellow of "Mommy" from his room. :) Good night!

The School Year Begins

2008-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm alone at home waiting to head to our back to school district meeting. Justin has taken the kids to daycare. (Today is Jack's last day with Linda) As I sit here, I'm pondering this new year. Of course I love the beginning of school so I'm excited for my personal classroom experience. However, that's not what has me thinking this morning.
Tonight I will take my little man to his classroom for the first time. He's one whole hand old and off to kindergarten. Jacker... where has our time gone? I'm excited for his experience. I know he'll do great. He has an awesome teacher that I know will love him to pieces - the good and the bad. :) I'd be lying through my teeth though if I didn't say today brings a tear to my eye. It truly seems like just an instant ago I was learning how to do all those motherly baby things and figuring out Jack's personality, playing pat-a-cake and sword fighting in the living room like a ninja. I have enjoyed every second of these last five years. I'll hold my tears back tonight as I help him unpack his backpack of supplies at open house. But, excuse me while I wipe my tears for now...my baby is a kindergartener!

SURPRISE!

2008-08-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

Leroy Russel: The Big 8-0

I just love surprise birthdays! I love the look on the guest of honor's face when they realize everyone in the room is there for THEM! What a great feeling.

Today we attended a very dear friend's 80th surprise birthday party. This friend is especially dear because he and his wife babysat my brother and I all through childhood. They have become our adopted family. Leroy and Carol Sue are like our own grandparents. They even sat as my grandparents at my wedding. They have mentored me spiritually and supported me all through my life. It was so fun today to see everyone celebrate him. When I think about 80 years of life and how much living that actually is - it is a little overwhelming. What am impact his 80 years have been. Leroy and his wife are Christian pillars that have modeled the faithfulness and steadfast virtues of living a life for Christ daily to so many people. I can't even imagine the long list of lives they have touched and brought to the Lord. My life has been blessed because Leroy is a part of it. Happy Birthday Leroy! I love you bunches!

Carol Sue, Leroy and I...The Birthday Smooch!

The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune - Unknown

Splish Splash

2008-07-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

This summer we have enjoyed a weekly visit to our city pool. We go every Monday and stay for about four hours. Needless to say, the kids are exhausted when we get home! I have LOVED this little summer tradition! We meet our neighbors the McCarters there and Jack plays with Grant. They both had swimming lessons this summer and have become quite the brave little tykes. They go off the diving board, down the slide and use their goggles to manuever all over that pool.
Sophie spends her time mostly in the baby pool with Ella. They splash around, sit in the water and fight over who gets what toy. Currently, they speak the same language which sounds like high pitched screaming to all of us.
There is just something about tan little cheeks, sunscreen and packing snacks for a day at the pool that makes my heart happy. I love spending the day with the kids and watching them enjoy the water. It is a tradition I hope we keep for many summers to come and I certainly hope that the kids look back on these days with fond memories.

Chlorine is my perfume. ~Author Unknown

The Zoo

2008-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sophie and Ella enjoying the zoo

Yesterday we took Jack and Sophie to the Ft. Wayne zoo. They had a ball. It was funny, when we left we laughed because it was one of our most fun visits to the zoo yet we saw very few animals. It must have been the company - our neighbors. There is just something to be said for great fellowship.

The whole family enjoyed a log ride and Jack and his daddy took the sky ride. Which by the way was not the highlight of the day for Justin. (Heights have never really been his thing) We did the mazes in the African Safari and enjoyed a drum duet by Jack and his buddy.

We did take in the sea lion feeding and got a close up of the tiger and orangutans.
The highlight for Justin was getting out of the gift shop for under $6.00. Who invented the gift shop anyway? Why do we always think we need a memento? What ever happened to good ol' memories? We had a great time at the zoo!

Our up close and personal visit with the orangutan

Welcome

2008-07-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here it is! Our first entry on our family blog. Our hope with this site is that it will be a means for our family to keep updated on the happenings in our life and just what the kids are up to. We'll post pictures, Jackanese and Sophiese quotes and blogs about our family events.

May you enjoy reading about us, keeping in touch and may the days of our family life honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!