the Mrs. and her Gingerbread Men

how beatiful the body of Christ still is:)

2011-07-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

I laughed outloud when I signed on my blog and saw my last blog entry. It was written in march, and it was written from tc thomspon children's hospital about how beautful the body of CHrist was while I had four day hospital stay with my foster son Matthew. Now here I am in July..writing the next blog post...About how beautiful the body of CHrist has been to me while I have spent three days at TC Thomspon with Alex my son:) DIfferent kid, different problem. same hospital. Same body of Christ!THis has been a very very long week. Not much sleep. Watching your kid suffer is very very hard. But besides the grace and strength my Jesus gives. The beautiful body of Christ has made this week blessed!From er visit on Mon on, peop;le have been praying for sweet Alex. We have had many visits. Meals. Treats. OUr friend Casey B. filled our pantry up for when we get home. Equipped with Clorox wipes and everything. People have brought snacks. Jenn and others have stepped in with foster son Alex. my mom has come every day to love on little man. People have prayed for us. Brought coffee and treats. Sent balloons. Kelli B and her sweet boys even made a basket of goodies for Alex. The bubbles were a life saver. ONly the body of Christ can make a three day hospital stay easier. If you don't know Jesus, you are not only missing out on a relationship with the King of Kings, you are also missing the privledge of being involved with HIS church!
ON a funny note. Because our foster son Matt is a frequent hospital visitor. All the ER staff knew us by name:)It is hilarious how many staff at TC Thomspon recognize me. IN fact on July 4 the ER doc said..Do you come in every holiday:) so funny.I love Children's Hospital. ONly here do they bring doggies in to visit Alex:)And let you blow bubbles when you get an iv.
God always had different plans than us. I was supposed to bein Haiti today, serving the people there in JEsus name. INstead, God has me here, serving my Alex in Jesus name. ONe cool God story while I have been here. Last night, the night nurse looked familiar to me. she said same. She later remembered why.When I worked with student venture at her highschool, i took her to taco bell and shared the gospel with her. THis was 7 years ago. She still had the booklet, and said she finally gave it to someone else.She said it has changed her life, and now she was teaching kids sunday school! HOw cool is God. I shared the gospel with her 7 years ago when she was in highschool, and now she is taking care of my son:)God is so faithful

The Body of Christ

2011-03-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

I know..that might bring to mind the old school Christian song. How beautiful the body of Christ. But oh so true. HOw beautiful the body of Christ has been to me, Todd, Alex, and my little Matthew. When we did foster care training, they had us draw a diagram of the people in our life who could be resources for us as foster parents. I had so many to draw on the diagram. Because I am part of the BODY of Christ. And boy this week have I seen in. Having three ER Visits with Matthew, three 911 calls in two days. a trip to the ICU and a going on four day trip to the hospital brings out the needy in you. And boy has the body of Christ responded. Everyone has fallen in love with our new privledge from the Lord Matthew. ANd they have shown him the love of Jesus like you could never imagine. So while these few days have been tough..YOu guys have been the hands and feet of Jesus. YOu guys have prayed for my little guy. Brough food to me in the hospital. Text me to check on us.Sent balloons to our room to keep him happy and occupied. Came to pray with us. Kept my little boy.Wow. I could go on and on. Thrown me a suprise bday party prayed for and annointed me(my thursday night ladies)...ANd my family. Wow. They have watched my little man and made sure they loved on him(Mammy-you are the best)....They have slept in the uncomfortable hospital room with me and done everything matthew want(aunt nenn...not naming any names you are amazing)So body of Christ. So thankful I not only get the benefit of knowing Jesus.but benefit of Knowing Jesus through you! The best thing that ever happened to matthew is being loved on by this amazing body of Christ!

By wisdom....The Lord laid the earth's foundation

2011-03-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

I have been absoltuly obsessed with Provers 3 lately. I read it every day...And am wowed and convicted afresh every day as I study it....We always hear the verse Prov 3:5-6...Lean not on your understanding....Well...That is all fine and good. but whose understanding are we leaning on.....Go on to Prov 3:19-20 and be amazed. we are supposed to lean on the Lord's understanding...which is the same understanding he used to set the heavens in place...Wow..Why do I ever choose to lean on my own understanding instead of the understanding of the one who made the heavens with one word..Glory..ANd God has very much been askinWow. This has been the most intense, most wonderful,'most humbling...most amazing two months of my life...I could never have believed last february during the hardest month of my life what seeemd like the worst thing ever could result in this feb having Matthew..What a blessing! Watching matthew transfrom has been the coolest thing I have EVEr been a part of. When he came to us in dec, he could barely speak 3 words...Now he is speaking in sentences.He learns new words every day...we can go in public without making a scene.He is praying at dinner, lifting his hands to praise the lord, learning his colors, learning to dress himself, learning to run and play like a normal kid...He is going to the zoo for the first time. He is learning to sing Jesus loves me! Wow..God is healing his brain as we speak...IT is amazing to watch. HE can answer questions now. glory glory...IT has been amazing. And Alex is learning too. LEarning to share...Giving his favorite toys to matthew.Praying for matthew.Asking for treats for matthew.Hugging and looving his big bro. Even when matthew is very agressive and picking on alex, alex just keeps right on loving him. THrough matthew, alex is learning to live out the meaning of his name helper of mankind..who is like the Lord! Wow..
But boy have I needed the wisdom and understaning of the Lord in more ways than I could ever imagine! Have I needed to fall flat on my face and say jesus help me more than ever. And His wisdom and understaning even more than ever. Brining a traumatized child into your home is always hard..espically hard if it is a child with disabilites who cannot communicate very well..There have been many struggles.but God has been so faithful. I love how God orchestrated this journey every step. His understanding..His plan for what went on in my life last year was way better than I could imagine!I had no idea when I was leaning on my own understanding, wondering why god wasn't answering my prayers..THat He was waiting on perfect timing to answer..SEnding his perfect child for us to take care of...Matthew is better than I could have asked or imagined! This morning I was reading my bible in my fav pink chair. At 7 matthew slowly came down the stairs. He gave me his huge smile, then ran to my arms, curled up like a little baby...And I rocked my 54 pound little love and prayed for the plans God has for him. Trusting God is hard..But HIS plans are always better!~

Incredible Christmas!

2010-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

Wow. This has been the best Christmas I have ever had...God has loved on me so much. It was just what I needed after a very stressful first few weeks transitioning to having matthew in our home. (I think it is helpful to have all the extra hands around when Im with family)...But Wow. A white Christmas. ANd getting snowed in at my parents house. Unlimited family time....I couldn't ask for more. But I"m telling you the best gift this year...I have seen a little boy who came to us hardly talking, barely able to communicate, fit pictching........Kind of just there little boy..become....A shiny eyed, running around...laughing, making us laugh, talking little boy....Wow. God has already begun to transform our little matthew. Right before our eyes. It is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of...And seeing my family and Todd's family love on Matthew. IT is the most amazing thing I hae ever seen. That little boy has us wrapped around his finger.Most of all..My hero is my little Alex. HE has adapted so quickly to having a brother in the house who requires alot of attention. He has loved on, played with, wrestled with and prayed for(and bit..and hit:) our little matthew.....God is so good. Watching Matthew transform with our love reminds me of how much God/s love transforms me:) Thank God today for loving you!

On life as a foster parent:)

2010-12-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

So the Christmas story is all about interuptions:) Mary and Joseph's lives were totally interupted by God. They weren't planning to have the son of God. But they said Yes. They said I am your servant. I will do as you say....I just taught my kids sunday school class about saying yes to God. Then God asked me...Will you say yes...Will you say yes to a beautiful boy named Matthew. 4 years old with developmental level of one year old. a cute little boy partially paralyzed. ONe who has seizures. Who is so funny. Loves to smile, giggle and clap. Loves to dance..Loves to get into mischeif:)Will you say yes to interuption during the busiest time of the year:) Will you say yes...or be the inn keeper and say there is no room in this inn.Well God alone gave Todd and I the grace to say yes. We got little matthew on tuesday night. Wow! OUr lives have changed over night. But boy do I love this little guy. HE is so precious, snuggly and hilarious. I believe God for big plans for this boy no matter what medical doctors may say...And wow. Alex has said yes too. He has been amazing. HE loves little matthew. HE has been so flexible in getting a little brother overnight:) He treats him like a little brother. Now I have two little guys running around, wrestling, fighting over toys and getting into mischeif:) Wow! Alex was even in the back seat telling matthew about jesus yesterday:) WEll life has changed for me. I don't sit down. No rest.....Chasing two little ones around. Bed times and meal times have been a process. Nap time..non existant:) but through it all God has been so so faithful. I know his grace is the only thing getting me through. THe only thing giving me the strength is Jesus. I know he has called us to this. and I am clinging to the promise. FAithful is He who called you and He will do it. That is somewhere in 1 thess. Wow. Now i am off too more chasing around:)Believing God to pour into this little guy and my little guys. Merry Christmas!

HOPE

2010-12-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Christmas. I love all the cheesiness about it. I love decorating the tree. I love cold weather. I love hot chocolate. I love Christmas music.....espicially the Alabama Christmas cd:) I love christmas lights. christmas cards. christmas gifts..And now I add to that. I love Alex in his footie christmas pajamas. I love watching him look at the tree and lights. I love hearing him see the tree every morning and say Lets celebrate Christmas mommy. But most of all I love teaching him what Christmas is all about....Jesus....I have done a homemade advent calendar with him this year, so todd and I have tried to do fun activities with him every day to teach him the real meaning of Christmas. Yesterday we were really brave. We did an art project..WITH PAINT!It was a blast. we had him paint all over letters that spelled hope. ANd he can already tell us..we have hope at christmas because Jesus sent a savior. Glory Glory...!

I am trying to remember that in the busyness of the season. It is all about the HOPE of Jesus. Saving me from my many sins. A baby..Alex's age when the wisemen came to visit...SAved me from my sin. WOW. This year has been long in many ways. Me wishing and hoping for another baby...But I want to remember my HOPE IS NOT IN ANOTHER BABY but THE BABY.The baby who died on the cross for my sins. Jesus Christ.....He has given me so much hope this year. ANd his HOPE does not dissapoint! Check out Romans 15:13! Have a hope filled Christmas

Like a two year old child.......

2010-11-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

I will start this post with some deep thoughts from my time with Jesus this week. And if you make it through all that finish it with some fun details from my time in Missouri(for those of you who care..which is prob just Jenn, my mom and TJ:)).
I have been reading the Psalms of Ascent and it has been awesome. For the past few days I have mediated on Ps. 131! REad it. It describes my 2010 year to a tee! The first part is david saying...I am not going to get involved in matters too difficult for me....Basicaly he is saying. Hey, I"m not going to try to figure God out and what God is doing. Sometimes He is just too big for me to understand and figure out. The next part says..My soul is quieted like a weaned child with his mother. A toddler. .Which happens to be what I have in my little Alex. A weaned child:) So I can totally relate to this word picture. When Alex is really tired and really grumpy and is refusing to sleep, I will hold him in my arms and rock him until he finally gives in and rests on his mommy. That is the best time. To hold his sleeping, finally calm self in my arms. Well...I do this same with God. I spend time trying to figure out why..And God what are you doing? And can't I do things the way I want to do them.And He lovingly gently holds me as I wrestle in his arms..untill my soul is quieted within me!Glory. What a loving abba daddy we have! The last verse reminds Israel..ANd now us. to Put our HOPE In the Lord. Our hope. ...The Hebrew says our waiting.Our patience. Our expectation in him.
I have spent much of 2010 waiting, losing patience and wrestling with God. But I want to trust him, stop wiggling and let my soul be quieted by him. What about you?Is He calming your soul today? Or are you like me...(and Alex in my arms) doing everything you can to get out of the grasp:)
So now for the not deep stuff. I have had a blast in Missouri. Yesterday todd took me to a bakery for lunch and I had homemade donuts to die for. I have swung outside with Alex for a million hours. Alex and I have had a blast with his playdough and train sets. Last night we had family movie night which makes alex very happy. Todd and I have run together, and played cards together. It is nice to be somewhere for 2 weeks where you don't have a to do list. I am having fun just playing with my fam:)
Love you all!

Blessed are those who mourn

2010-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Not a fun way to start a title huh. but I have been itching to write down and share alittle that has gone on in my heart this year in 2010! And just had a minute to sit down at my computer and write. But don't worry, if you perservere untill the end I am also going to add some fun pics of me and my little fam:)(esp for Nana, since I haven't since June). So this year has been AWESOME and TOUGH. I am not one who mourns very often. I am a Joy filled...Lets be happy and enjoy every bit of life person. So I am not always in touch with all my emotions very well......But this year. God has exposed me to some grief and allowed me to experience it, not just brush it away...And I have found the bible verse..Blessed are those who mourn is Real....Because my brush with grief and emotions of sadness has drawn into a deeper, more meaningful REAL relationship with my wonderful Jesus. You see, in February of this year I had a miscarriage. I lost my little baby Joy as I named her(yes, I am sure she is a gal, even if I dont really know)...I had never understood people with miscarriages. I thought it must not be that big of a deal...You don't even know the baby yet....Boy was I wrong. I loved this little gal...and still love her....And I grieved....Little by little it has come to me. Different times. Random times. Oh I wish I was still pregnant. Oh I would be huge with Little joy now.....Oh....why am I surrounded by so many newborns. But I have also experience God in new ways. God teaching me to give him my hurt and let him heal it. Learning to trust and to question. To cry and to laugh....I am so thankful for this time in my life.As this season has caused me to be blessed. To press into Jesus. to believe him and be honest with him.

What season of life are you in? It has also caused me to be very thankful for the little man I do have.

Long overdue pic post(at request of nana to Alex:)

2010-06-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

Picture of two of my favorite people in the world, my sis and mommy. Not sure when this was taken.
Aunt Nenn made him very happy by buying him this huge sucker. He loved every bit of it. This was at cracker barrel the other day when we went to GA. Love you my extended fam!
This is from a birthday party for TJ at Red Robin. It was so much fun...I think we almost got kicked out of the restarant. I love those hamburgers!
Alex loves TJ...That makes me so happy. And I love you too TJ
I was glad TJs wheelchair wasn't on. It would have sent her flying!
Sorry for the randomness of the photos, but I promised my wondeful mother in law I would put pics on here for her. I have been so bad at posting. It is my new years resolution(in June) to update more often! Life has been so busy but so fun! These pics are random because I only have JEnn's camera here to put pics from. My more recent pics are on my camera which I will post...
I have been busy with youth activites, church..and FUN. I love having Jenn not working right now. We plan fun activities all the time...Going to the mountains ect.
I am working right now on sining my new song to Jesus every day. (Check out Ps. 41) That is my year theme. He put a new song in my mouth a hymn of praise to God. May I sing loud and proud each day a new song of what Jesus is doing in my life.
Big news for those people who read my blog...and aren't my friends and fam(which are none). Todd and I just finished all the classes to be certified as foster parents. Exciting huh. That deserves a whole post, but I will just say I am very passionate to provide a stable Jesus loving home for these kids as long as the Lord blesses me with them. Whether one night. or a year. God wants to use Todd and I too love these kids to Jesus. We still have some details to fall into place. Please pray for us through this process! I love you guys

Jesus brings LIfe when we expect death!

2010-03-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

First of, I start with an apology. It is now March I realize....And I haven't posted since November. Way too long. Not sure if anyone reads this anyway:) But I have some time at the computer while my hubbie studies at child evangelism headquarters and thought I would share something I have been blessed with this Easter.

I listen to a noon radio show called midday connection on Moody radio. I heard a speaker a couple weeks ago talk about Mary and Mary when they came to the tomb in Matthew 28. It has ministered to me greatly. They came expecting death. With questions fresh in their minds. Why did God allow this to happen. What will happen next? Who were we really following....They came with their expectations of death and dissapointment. Then something totally shocking happened. He wasn't there! Jesus wasn't there. Now not only were they afraid of where there life was going now, they were afraid of what happened to Jesus....
However they came expecting death...And Jesus showed up ALIVE....ANd the first thing he told them was DO not be afraid.
That just does something for me. Jesus spoke to their hearts and fears. This EASTER season, I want to bring my fears and questions to Jesus and know that whatever I believe is dead...Or I am struggling with..He brings LIFE too. And the closer we draw to Jesus, the farther away our fears go.
This Easter What do areas of your life do you need Jesus to bring life to? What areas of your life are you thining are just dead, you have just given up on....God will bring life to those! I am pondering that and praying through that and wanted to share!

God Moves Around the World

2009-11-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

What a privledge to be sitting in the Most home in Nicaragua writing a post About God. It is such a blessing to get out of our American Box and see what God is doing around the world. I am so thankful that our wonderful church sent us here to Nicaragua. We have been beyond blessed, and challenged by the work God is doing here. We in the Estados Unidos(US) could learn so much from Karl and kathy and their ministry here. They have been the most gracious hospitable people to Todd and I. We feel sometimes like we are staying at a Bed and Breakfast:) It is weird to not be chasing after little man all day too. We were supposed to come here to be an encouragement to them, but they have encouraged us and challenged us by watching their lives.
Todd and I were privledged early sunday morning(5:30)to travel with Karl and his national partner their monthly training in a city an hou, evr from Managua. What a blessing. Karl's main ministry focus here is to train National nicaraguan youth leaders to reach their country for Christ. It was a blessing to see that in action. We were there all day, listening to this training which teaches the youth leaders to get out of their church box and into affecting the community for Christ. They have the same problem our american churches have. We go to the church all the time and do the church thing but we aren't reaching into the community. it was so neat to watch these Nicaraguan leaders learn new things and participate in group learning about how to impact their community. They were so hospitable to Todd and i, even though we struggled greatly to communicate. They speak much faster than my college spanish teacher:)hehhe. But what I did catch was amazing. Todd and I learned alot. Monday was spent learning aboutt eh Nehemiah center, which Karl works with. It is an amazing mixture of national Nicaraguan leaders and other mission organizations, all different denominations working together with one goal. To traing Nicaraugan Christians to reach their people. What an empowering ministry. It was so cool to see how they all work together. It is a picture of what heaven will be like, I believe.People of every tribe, tounge, and nation. It wont just be white baptists in heaven:) It is so incredible to see the vision of Karl and the Nehemiah center, and how it is actually happening and making a difference. What a mighty God we serve! I was convicted by my lack of impact on the community around me. Karl and his Nicaraguan team are willing to get involved in the messiness of true discipleship. One of those ways is reaching out to street gangs. Todd got to go and meet them and see the difference Christ is making in their lives. Glory. I am just taking it all in. We think God needs us, Americans. We are the ones to change lives. God doesn't need us. He allows us to be a part of what he is doing.
Besides all of this we are learning, we are just plain enjoying ourselves. It is November and I have been swimming every day for exerise. Glory. They gave us a tour of Managua yesterday. Jenn, Todd and I drank some coffee at a coffee place just for you. And it was amazing.We have laughed with karl, kathy, jared and corey,, and enjoyed being a part of their family. Please pray God would show us how we can best be an encouragement and blessing to them! I love seeing God work here, and knowing that our tiny little church in East Branierd has a part in that.

My new love in life Jeremiah!

2009-10-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Well. Did that title get your attention? No..I have not gotten another son, or a new hubbie. But I have found a new love in life. The book of Jeremiah...In the Old Testament. I have just finished studying the second half of it for Precept Minisitries bible study. Wow! It was intense. Very deep bible study. Probably the hardest I have ever had to work at doing a bible study. But it was WORTH it. I took so many deep truths from Jeremiah. And because I am a processes by writing things down, I wanted to share some nuggets.....

Jer. 29:11 Is on of the most quoted verses in the Bible. I still LOVE it. But I see it differently now. Yes, we do know the plans He has for us, plans to prosper and not to harm us, give us a hope and a future. However, it is deeper than that. God was telling his people in that verse....You are going to be taken captive, taken from your land to a foreign land of Babylon....Wow. That doesn't sound too good does it. God was telling them it was HIS plans..And he would give them a hope and future,even if it didn't make sense to them.We haveto remember when his plans don't make sense....They are still for OUR GOOD!

God is serious about our obedience! HE doesn't want us to just hear him, but OBEY!
God can do the impossible. And sometimes when we trust him to do what he tells us it looks crazy to other people(Jer. 32:16-28). God told JEremiah to buy real estate right after he told them they would be taken captive from the land for along time. Jeremiah said, God are you sure, that sounds crazy. God says....Behold! I am the LOrd! The God of all flesh. IS AnYthing too difficult forme? Glory!
God's WORD stands. What he spoke through Jeremiah Happened. It is not just a book in the bible...It is a living history book!
Check out Jer. 45: The Lord cares about his individual servants. And brings protection and rest to his servants when they are burnt out and weary...However..Jer. 45:5 Has been burning in my mind..Are you......(Michelle)seeking great things for yourself. Seek them not!
Wow. How many times do I seek great things for myself!
I serve a STRONG redeemer. Nothing is too hard for him. He pleads my case(Jer. 50:34!)No one summons God into court(50:44).
Jer. 51:14-17 God vs. Idols. Check out who wins!
The Purposes and plans of our STRONG God stand!
O Lord. May I apply all these truths to my life. May I speak them out to others. May I live by Listening and OBEYING you! May I walk as if your WORD truly stands. My I dwell each day in the vine(John 15). Abiding in you, the habitaation of righteousness! May I trust the plans you have for me, even if I don't understand. May I realize NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU! Thank you that Your Word stands no matter what!Help me not seek Great things for myself but for you! I love you my strong redeemer!
Amen
And the final thing...In the end. GOD WINS! We are on the winning team

Picture Post

2009-10-09T12:44:00.003-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I posted pics. This is a picture from Alex's playdate brunch today. I love having Andrea and her two kids, Kelby and Annaleigh over. They loved the toy baskets.As you can see, they dumped everything out, since Alex and AnnaLee are sitting in them.
having so much fun dumping out toys
Is that not adorable. They are too cute!

Alex is surrounded by girls:)
I love this pic of him looking outside.I love the way the trees look today.
HE looks like such a big boy in that pic. I am so amazed at how fast he is growing.
I love fall. And decorating my table makes me come alive. These are some of my fall table decorations for my brunch today.
Our breakfast bunch made these wreaths on Monday. I had a blast making mine. It inspired the rest of my tablescape:) Do I sound like Sandra Lee from semihomemade?
This is a pic from my mom and sis's matching jackets they bought at the Women of FAith conference we went to in Atlanta. We had so much fun. Words cannot say thanks enough to Jenn for that present. I am still thinking about things I learned. The only thing was it was FREEZING in the phillips arena which is why they bought matching jackets.
Notice my mom and sis are wet. That is because we following our fearless leader Jenn walked to the Marta station. And it was monsooning! Somehow we were the only people who got soaking wet at the conference. WE couldn't believe we were on time. In fact, there BEFORE the doors were open!
The view from our awesome room. Jenn is the most amazing generous sis ever!
YEs I did go to the conference too. I had to use the yellow scarf to keep me warm:)
These are pics from another playdate with Annalee and Kelby at Coolidge park in August( I know that was two months ago). Alex loved the fountains!
He was on a mission to get to the fountain. I love this because it shows him the way he always in...In motion!
There he is trying to take off annalee's hat
Alex and grammy splashing
Daddy is multitasking. Feeding and studying Greek!
Alex loved the little fountain the best
Waiting to ride the carosel. Alex is a ladies man!
Well that about catches the past 3 months in pictures;)

Thankful Thursday!

2009-10-01T04:12:00.001-07:00

It's Thankful Thursday again. I am so sorry I have been lax in blog posting lately. And I have taken a ton of pics since alex turned one, but I have not loaded them on my computer yet. So while you wait for me to get my act together, I thought I would post some old pics from May(he hasn't changed too much except now he is walking!
I am so thankful for.....
My hubbie. He is such a pic of God and his unfailing love. He truly amazes me!
God is Jehovah Jireh. I have seen him provide in HUGE ways this week and I am so humbled and thankful! Thank you Jesus!
Fall.....Wahoo. We left the windows open last night. This weather makes me come alive!
Pumpkin spice. Right now I am putting it in everything, cuz it reminds me of fall
Wonderful friends!
Being able to teach Good News Club!
My church!
Family!

Favorite Things Friday!

2009-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things right now:)

Cherry limemade Walmart Drink packet you put in your water. Jenn-It makes me come alive..but I am out now:(
Fall! Rainy fall days. I love them so much.
Watching saved by the bell with Jenn till late night last night:)
My Precept Jeremiah bible study. It is tough..More like doing homework than bible study but I love it.
Anything Karen Kingsbury. I think I have read every book she has written. I love her!
My gel pen that is multicolored:)
When Alex is sleepy and holds tight to his blankie. It is just so cute.
My Old Navy yoga pants(don't worry I don't wear them out of the house, they would scare everyone)
Alex's new toy someone from chuch gave him. It is this big multicolored box that has those thingies like in doctor's offices with the wooden beads you move all up and down the litle columns(minus the pediatricians office germs). He loves it and it keeps him occupied for quite some time.
Whole wheat pasta noodles
What are your favorite things?

Thankful Thursday!

2009-09-10T11:17:00.001-07:00

This is a perfect pic of alex in every day life these days! Always on the move!
This was from Todd's bday party in July. Sorry just now posting it.
That is Alex trying on his Nepali outfit Aunt Jenn gave him!
This is Alex's favorite past time. Taking everything out of the cabinet.
Alex in his nepali outfit! He was not excited but we loved it.

I know my blog reading peeps. This is a long overdue post! I just haven't sat down at the computer long enough to write. Also, my most devoted reader(Jenn) is now with me live and in person, so she doesn't beg for the pics of Alex as much!
I wanted to write a little post on things lately that make me happy. Make me thankful to be alive. To have the gift of life. Little things and big things!

I am thankful that.......
My momma taught alex how to fold his hands together and say Dear God, Thank you....It is so adorable, and I love that he just randomly does it throughout the day. It is really funny when he does it when he is in trouble.That little stinker.

Alex is learning to praise dance. When I put on praise music, he starts bouncing up and down. It is too cute.

Jenn is home!Wahoo. And living with her wonderful sis in law..hehhe or however that works. Alex is so blessed with his aunts!

My parents are such godly examples and blessings to us!

I have the best hubbie in the world. He made me homemade biscuits and gravy on Saturday morning! Wow!

My jogging stroller my wonderful aunts(you guys are the best) gave me. It needs to get going alot more though since I am training for the disney world marathon in JANUARY(please keep me accountable)

I love my church fam. What a blessing they are!

Fall is coming! Wahoo...I love it love it!

First Birthday festivities!

2009-08-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel after all the birthday festivities I have had! I loved turning one, all the attention, family..and cake. but now I am just plain worn out. I decided to nap in the swing grammy and gramps gave me!
I can't tell you how much I love cake! Mommy usually wont let me eat with my hands. i was slow at first, not wanting to get in trouble. but this quite possibly is the happiest day of my life!
I love this stuff! I loved my monkey mommy made(not a bear daddy)
I got to play with my cute cousin Marietta. she is so much fun.
I love Noah's Ark theme. Mommy is so creative:) Aunt Jenn is awesome. She worked so hard!Her and mommy stayed up till two in the morning to make my girafee, lion and monkey:)But they had fun and were excited how it turned out.
Mommy was so excited to have her cousin Jeanan and her daughter anna beth there.
Family pic.
On thursday before my big party I went with mommy and daddy to the free discovery museuam night. I ran into my good friends Jeremiah and his mommy and daddy beth and bob. we were pretending to be dinosaurs.
Daddy and I had so much fun playing at the museum.
I liked the big water the best!
Look there is two of me! This is my birthday trip to the discovery museum thanks to aunt JEnn's wonderful friend sandra rose. I had a blast!
MaybeI'll be a doc when I grow up.
I liked to play music at the museum.
More fun in the water.
Here I am in my birthday outfit. Mommy tried to make me wear this crown. It didn't last long.
I'm ready for a day of fun.
Remember that gingerbread man from when I was one month old. He was way bigger than me. Now I am way bigger than him:)
On my birthday I had pancakes for breakfast with daddy. I love having birthdays!
Well Mommy said she didn't want to overwhelm everyone with pics. she will put more on later. and nana and pop, she said to tell the pics of me with you at the party got on someone else's camera. she will put them on when she goes to grammy's house. i love you guys, and I love the presents you gave me!

One year old!

2009-08-12T08:58:00.001-07:00

My little man is one year old today! I can't believe it. I could never have realized how much I would love that little man when he was growing inside of me. What a year of blessings it has been. i can't even really put it into words. I was reading over my old journal this morning from his first few months of life. God truly taught me so much through that wonderful but exhausting time. Wow! This has been a year of completely relying on the Lord for strength and wisdom. And He has been so faithful to give it to me. I can't believe how much Alex has changed in a year. He went from a tiny little guy whose ears were the biggest part of his body, who wanted to be held all the time and loved to snuggle to a guy who NEVER slows down. He is toddling around everywhere right now. He is so curious and into everything. He is currently taking the books off daddy's book shelf:) He has the best personality. He loves LoVES people, thrives off of people and activities. He is the most flexible baby ever! He loves new adventures. HE loves animals, espically doggies. He talks all the time. (wonder where he got that from). He LOVES music, and I am already teaching him how to praise the Lord. He smiles all the time and his whole face smiles. He has the most beautiful blue eyes ever. I love watching the wonder in his eyes when he discovers new things. I love how mischevious his is, how he looks at me and laughs when he knows he is doing something he is not supposed to. He loves food(a true hand). Any food! Alex, I truly pray you will live out your name- HElper of mankind(Alex) Who is LIke the Lord(Michael). I love you Alex. I love your personality. I love your smile. I love that you talk to your animals in your crib when you don't want to nap. I love how much you love water and swimming. How fearless you are. I pray you use your passion for people and life to one day bring people to Jesus. I pray you are an evangelist like Daddy!
Ok, I have to go wipe my eyes now, then I am heading to the Creative discovery museum for a little fun with my bday boy!

4 Years of Blessing!

2009-08-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

I love this guy so much. I cannot believe it has been FOUR crazy, awesome, God filled adventure filled years. God has done so much in four years. It seems crazy.Great is God's faithfullness! In four years we have experienced great sorrow and great Joy! We have seen God do more than we coiuld ask or imagine. We have seen God provide 2 free honeymoons,lived and served in a boys dorm for two years, spent 6 weeks in Peru, were brought to westview were todd became youth minister, moved to apison, went to Jamaica, saw God lead me to the CAC then to be a stay at home mom, watch God provde for us to have a baby, saw God provide free seminary for you, give you a job at CEF full time, seen people saved, seen God answer prayers. Became parents to the most amazing little boy.! Wow.And this has only been in 4 years. I would not want to share this adventure of a God filled life with anyone else.We cannot wait to see what other Mark 9 things(impossible with man, possible with God) things God has planned for the next 4 years!

Trip to the Aquarium:)

2009-07-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

Alex had so much fun at the Aquarium with Grammy, Aunt laura, Grandaddy, and Josh and Caleb. However, by the second part, he fell asleep. Fast asleep. I think he was worn out from how much fun he had. I don't think he has ever had so much fun in his life.Crazy me. This bubble thing is actually for kids. You have to crawl to get into it. Here I am trying to get in there with Alex on my stomach. It was quite hilairous. I think I drew a crowd.

Group photo. There are fish behind us.

Alex was AMAZED at everything. ANd kept saying fishie, fishie.

He is so much fun!

He thought he could touch the fish.

I love this pic. You can see his reflection in the glass. He looks so serious HE was studying the penguins. They made him giggle.

One of the penguins swimming by him.

Family group pic . Notice Alex is eating the penguins beak.

Alex tried so hard to catch a butterfly in the butterfly garden.

He got close to one!

Checking out the critters.

Notice the huge smile on his face. He got to touch the sting rays and laughed and laughed. Don't worry, I was holding tight onto him.

At the sting ray tank. We had a blast at the aquarium today. Alex loves nature. I cant wait untill he is old enough to realize is is his CREATIVE God who made it all! The heavens declare the glory of God, the earth is full of his Glory!

Blog Deliquient

2009-06-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is Trease and me leg wrestling on Buck Bald. that is my new fav sport. I was laughing so hard.....Trease is such an incredible woman of God. Ihad a blast with her at camp.

This is our whole youth group plus the youth group from Decatur TN on the steps of camp.

This is our youth group up at Buck Bald, the prettiest place ever where God moved in a huge way! It was so hot, but after the sun went down it felt great.

A family shot at Buck Bald. Jenn remember last time you where up there with Todd and I 7 years ago and you knew we would get married. Crazy huh...Now we are with a little man.....God does more than we can ask or imagine!

Alex sleeping on Buck BAld, sharing a blanket with Steven.

Alex and Mamma Smeltzer the best camp cook ever.

Alex is ready to climb the climbling wall!

Me and Alex chilled like this all week. He loved riding on mommy as we walked around to the different activities.

Alex with the ladies.

We had lots of great baby sitters. This is megan a girl who received Christ at Disciple nOw. She is awesome.

Todd and Austin and Lauren jumping off the waterfall.

ME and Alex chilling at the waterfall.

Alex loves his daddy . And the front porch at CLS.

A group photo of the amazing youth God has entrusted us with at Westview. What a privlege. It was great to see God move!

So sorry guys. It has been far too long since I posted. It seems like I have been very busy keeping up with a very active 10 month old, doing VBS at church, taking my mom to physical therapy, and most recently spending a week at the greatest place ever..Camp Livingstones. I am so sorry. And Jenn......You will get to see the real thing LIVE AND IN PERSON IN THREE WEEKS. Can I get a glory hallelujah!

God is so good!

2009-05-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

My fingers are nearly bursting to type out some praise to our Great God. This morning I just finished my third time of doing Believing God bible study by Beth Moore. This time I actually was the "leader" of it for a group of women from my church. I have loved the study every time I have done it, and I highly recommend it if you haven't done it. I am so sad to have finished it, and by the way, I have LOVEd the women God has allowed me to do it with this last time. What a blessing.
Well anyways. even though I have done it three times, this is the first time I have actually completed one of the assignments of making a timeline of your life by diving your life in fifths and putting it on a timeline. I am absolutely FLOORED by the faithfulness of God as I look at all HE has accomplished and done these 27 years of my life. I just want to fall on my face and worship.I thought I would share a little bit of it with you. Hopefully you won't be bored but energized on I what God can do. First of all, I am totally blessed with the most amazing fam ever. Not everyone can say that. The first five years of my life were completely happy and blessed. HOnestly i could not remember one bad thing about that time. How faithful isGod to give me such incredible parents who truly showed me so much love, and God's love. They were also faithful to take me to church where I fell head over heels in love with JEsus. From 5 to 10, I also had a great childhood. That is when my hunger for God really began. I was saved at 7 baptized at 8. NO one can challenge that. I knew exactally what I was doing. I also remember during that time my dad left a high paying job to spend more time with fam. That is just the kindof daddy I have .What a pic of the love of Jesus. God also moved our fam to OBC, where God did huge works in me over the next few years. 10 to 15 years old were not the best years at school. People can be cruel, and it is there I developed many insecurities that the Lord continues to speak truth over. However, it was also during that time I developed a love for the adventure of serving the Lord through mission trips, SFC, Centrifuge My parents were so wise to invest money in those mission trips/camps because it continues to change my life today. I am beyond amazed when I look at what God did in my life from 15 to 20! HE has taken me, a imperfect vessell, and allowed me see him do Impossible amazing things. More than I can ask or imagine. When I look back on that time in life I am astounded to see all the fruit God produced in my life. Impossible fruit. Things I can take no credit for. Looking now, my eyes are enlightened at the surpassing power of HIS greatness even when I didn't believe. HE has done exceeding abundantly more than I can ask or think. ANd finallky the last fifth of my life. Only when I graduated college, got married, served the Lord with SV, went to Peru, ,got a real non ministry job, lived in a boys dorm, moved churches, became a youth pastor's wife, became a mom and a stay at home mom. Nothing much huh. Experencied the death of several close to me. Saw God provde a free honeymoon. Wow. Not much has happened huh?:). One word I could use to describe this time in my life is faithful. God has shown himself faithful to provide over and over again. When it seemed completley impossilbe. He has directed me in ways I could not even imagine! He has proved the verse commit your way to the Lord trust in him,and HE WILL Do it.
Thank you Jesus. You are faithful! I belive, help my unbelief!

Pics of Alex

2009-05-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

Alex loves to crawl with things in his mouth! He is always all over the place.

He also loves to eat. ! Big people food as well. You wouldn't know it for a little guy.

Aunt Brenda sent my mommy the prettiest fruit boquet.(thanks aunt brenda my momma shared some of the yummy fruit). Alex was amazed!

Alex and his very handsome daddy.

Alex wanted Grammy's waffle!

Alex eating Cheerious with Grammy.

Alex and Gramps

Is that not the cutest pic ever? He was eating a strawberry muffin(don't tell his doctor tommorow)

HE looks like he is up to something!

This looks like Alex is trying to fix the car. Just like his Uncle Tim and Daddy fixed our car this weekend. Thanks tim! I have never seen such greasey people in my life. But I think they had a good time.

It has been a busy two weeks. busy but good. I have been spending my days at my momma's house helping her recover. She is doing amazing. She is a star! Working so hard. She has had the best attitude too. I am so proud of her. Alex has been loving spending time with his grammy.

I hate it so bad that I have forgotten my camera the past two weekends. I've had such a blast spending time with my wonderful in loves! I love the Humberts/Sluders. We have such a good time together. I went to tim's graduation last weekend and kellie's this weekend. I am proud of both of them. We had a very quick trip to Mobile last weekend. but fun. Then a good time with the fam this weekend. The TWC graduation cracked me up Jenn. Still more talk about other people than the people graduating!

Also, I celebrated my first mother's day. Although I don't remember much about it, because I had rode through the night from Mobile, and didn't get to bed untill 5:30 and had to be at church at 8:30! Not much sleep. I am so blessed to be a mom though. I can't tell you how thankful I am that God has blessed me with that privledge. I also want to give a shout out to my momma. She is the best momma ever. I was so blessed to grow up with her as a mom! She has blessed me/ taught me/ served me and brought so much joy to my life. God has also beyond blessed me with a wonderful mom in law. She did an incredible job raising Todd! And she is the best mom in law. I am so glad to have her in my life.

Well that abot catches me up for the past few days! Love you my faithful readers.

Happy 9 months!

2009-05-12T04:55:00.001-07:00

9 months ago. My little little man.

Alex,

You have been the biggest joy I could imagined these nine months. I honestly cannot imagine what life was like without you. I wake up every day with such joy, knowing that the Lord has given me one more day to pour into your life. I pray that you will live out the power in your name Defender of mankind who is like the Lord. I believe you are going to be a fireball for the Lord, and your daddy and I will do everything we can to pray and lift you up to Jesus every day, and to live out Jesus to the best of our ability in front of you!

I loved you so much 9 months ago when they put you on my lap. I was so sad and cried and cried when they took you away to the special care nursery. I thought you were the most beautiful baby in the world!You were so tiny. So small. Our little man.

What an adventure we had those first few months. Mommy had NO clue what she was doing, and just relied on the Lord's strength every day. Espcially those first few months when she only got a total of about 3 hours of sleep a night! God is so gracious. But I loved every minute of it! You were such a sweet little man, always stronger than you looked like you would be being so little.Well. 9 months later. I am loving watching you develop. My little man now weighs about 15ish pounds. You just graduatated to size three diapers(and mommy thinks they looks so big). You are so much fun! Mischevious as anything. I can give you a whole box of toys, and you go for the one thing you are not supposed to in the room, and laugh at mommy!You are one bundle of energy. You NEVEr stop moving untill you crash. Mommy can't contain you. You are the fastest crawler arokund, and are already walking pushing stuff around. You jabber constantly. Your favorite words are mama, dada, babab, and the ga sound. You talk to everything, from people to the stuffed animals you are currently talking too.

What a wonderful, flexible baby y ou have been. Such a great youth ministers son/being drug around from place to place all the time. You LOVE to be the center of attention and the happiest when you are around a BIG bunch of people. You never meet a stranger, and everyone says you are the happiest baby they have ever met. You love to make people smile. Youalso have a compassionate heart already, as I could see when You saw Grammy in the hospital.You love to eat of course, and have liked anything we give you. espcially lemons! Oatmeal cookies. You always think when mommy is eating she should be sharing with you. I Love it when I get to rock you to sleep for your naps(the only time you are still)I love the way you don't want to sleep at night so you bury your head up in the side of the crib. I love when you reach for e, or look up and say mamam. I love the way you adore your daddy and want to be where he is at.

You are a joy and a blessing from the Lord.

Love

Mommy

1/2 Marathon pics and more!

2009-04-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

I think this pic speaks for itself! Glory Glory!

Kellie and Todd, my fans at Toots, which was a fun restaraunt we went too. Jenn, we were goign to continue to Corky's tradition, however, Corky's is now closed:(

Todd is the best hubbie ever. He made this shirt!

My Littlest fan!

I was ready to chow down on some ribs. I wanted to wear my medal to the restaraunt, but I felt the Bible might call that pride!

At this point, I was trying very hard to not throw up!

Me feeding little guy, while he was playing with my medal.

whoops, you already saw that one.

Hehhe. This is my a mazing running partner Kathy. She is 53! Wow. And she kicked my tail at the end. I have had a blast running with her, although you cant tell in this pic. I was really not feeling good, like I was going to throw up not good, so it wasn't the best pic. It was also 90 degrees outside!

Mile 10 I Was still happy. It went downhill after that:)

I had just finished. The dazed look on my face. Exactally how I felt;)

Mile 11! Having to dig deep inside to keep going! I was singing Hail Jesus your my king in my head to try to inspire me to keep going. I really wanted to jump in Alex's stroller!

Also mile 11. Notice my running partner Kathy in front of me. I couldn't make myslef keep up with her at that point.

My brightest fan!

Mile 10 water stop. I was still having fun.Alex didn't understand why mommy was running by and not feeding him

Mile 10 water stop.

That was at mile 2 when I first saw my fans;). I was still having a blast. It took me 45 min to get to the start because we were in the back wave. I was so excited to see Todd, Kellie and Alex. It was so fun in the beginning with all the bands and people. In fact, my coach ran up to Kathy and I and told us we were running TOO FAST. Crazy huh. I should have saved more of that energy for the end.
Thanks everyone for praying and encouraging me! What a blessing the whole experience was.

Alex loved meeting Shawna at Starbucks the other day.

Fam pic after church 2 weeks ago. I love my "in loves"

Another fam pic.

My bestest friend TJ who celebrates her bday tommorow. I love her so sos much.

Alex loves her too. He giggles everytime he sees her.

Alex and his fav buddy. Happy Bday TJ I love you.

I Did It!

2009-04-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! I get teary eyed just thinking about it. I had a huge milestone in my physical/spiritual life today. I ran a 1/2 marathon. that would be 13.1 miles!!!18 months after having a baby. Without my running buddy Jenn. All the while raising 1400 dollars for a WONDERFUL organization Team in Training. There are really not words to describe how I feel today! (well besides the fact that right now everything hurts, and I can barely walk without looking like an old woman)....I can't believe that I just ran my second half marathon in my life! 8 MONTHS AFTER HAVING A BABY!Glory Glory. ANd might I say, besides my handsome hubbie Todd, Alex was the cutest cheerleader ever! I promsie I will post pics, and lots of details(mainly for you Jenn) but for now, I am fixing to amble my way upstairs for a much needed foot massage from my hubbie!
by the way, in case you are wondering. I finished the race in about 3 hours! Whaoo. 30 minutes off my goal time, but I defionatly hit a wall at mile 11! Mainly because my stomach was hurting from all the Cytomax, the energy drink they gave us. I drank alot because it was 90 DEGREES OUTSIDE! Yes. In April! I promise, I have never sweated more in my life. But I finished. glory glory glory!
Can't wait to post pics. Thanks for all your support! I love my "fans"
Glory to God. Not to me, but to his name be the glory.! He helped me do everybit of this. I can take no credit.

Holy Week pics

2009-04-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Little Man loving on Gramps on Easter Sunday. He did have pants on, but he is so little we have a hard time keeping pants on him. Little man snuggling with gramps.

Posing for an Easter family meal.

Jenn, I took this pic just for you.

todd and I had nusery this morning. Look how cute. Alex is listening to the story along with the girls in the pretty dresses.

Doesn't Grammy look pretty in her easter shirt!E

Katie June put her hat on Alex. He thought he should wear the easter bonnet.

This is at the Passover Seder. Alex loves his girlfriend Anna Lee, and I love spending time with Andrea.

Andy reading part of the passover. IT was such an incredible worship experience.

Elijah's plate in Passover

The table set for passover

Alex, Nana, and Daddy

Alex playing with Nana.

Alex and Aunt Kellie

Alex "hunting for eggs". Actually he was not amused, and wanted to come inside. But I tried.

I really did feel like I had a Holy week this week. I celebrated Passover Seder at our friends Andy and Andrea Nichols Friday night. What a blessing!Then we went to the Passion walkthrough play at Southern University with our neighbors Saturday. It was Incredible! Very interactive! Alex got up close and personal with some Roman soldiers. Not sure how he felt about it.WE also go to go visit Nana and Pop and aunt kellie on Thursday. Then Sat. night we were blessed to have dinner with some good friends Daniel and mary Voght. Alex loves his buddy Titus, who is 3 weeks older than him and 25 pounds! And then today, Alex spent Easter at church, with mommy and daddy in the nursery with him, then we had the best meal ever at Grammy and Gramps!

Jesus! My Passover Lamb

2009-04-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am overwhelmed with just wanting to worship the Lord! Jesus took our place on the cross. I mean, you hear it all your life when you grow up in church. And sometimes it can become common place. But I don't want it to ever become common to me. I want it to transform me dailiy that Jesus made peace for me on the cross so I don't have to die and be seperated from God forever!
God is so provident. I am leading a beth moore study at our church. I was so upset Monday because the library gave Todd the wrong cd and it was too late to get the right one before bible study. so instead of doing week 3 of believing God, we did week 5. I figured the Lord must have a plan in there somewhere. Well Today I did day 3 of week 5 homework. it was all about Moses, and how "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel."...The lesson went on to talk about Jesus being our Passover lamb(1 Cor. 5:7). Glory. And how in Col. 1:18-20 Christ is the firstborn from the dead. The Firsborn lamb made pead on the Passover by saving them from death. The firstborn from the dead, Christ made peace from his death on the cross for us!
Glory Glory. What perfect timing to read those scriptures during Holy Week leading up to Easter. Even better that tommorow night todd and I are having a passover seder meal at Andy and Andrea's house. I can't wait. I am so thankful for the death and RESUREction of Jesus. What hope we have!

playing at home with Mommy

2009-03-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Alex andI have had a fun day playing together. I love being a stay at home mom. I can't believe the Lord allowed me the privledge of staying at home and getting to enjoy days like these with my little man! He is so curious now, and loves to play.
He loves his little pet doggie.
I can't believe he is already standing up. I turn my head for a second and he has pulled up on something, standing all the way up. And he smiles so big, he is so proud of himself.
he was being a little camera shy.
Thought I would leave you with this last pic taken at the White stone inn. He enjoyed his breakfast too. hehhe. He is defionatly a member of the Hand family, liking his food.

Well, i just thought I would post with some pics of the day in a life of a stay at home mom. I am overwhelmed with God's goodness right now.
Also please pray for our Disciple nOw this weekend. Pray God moves in a MIGHTY way.
God has been teaching me alot lately, and I will post more about that later.

Our Week of Spring vacation-Ending at the wonderful Whitestone Inn!

2009-03-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hang on to your seats for lots of pics! Todd has been on "spring break this week" and we have enjoyed having him home so much. This is a picture of Todd and I at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We went on a Date to the english rose, which you will see next, and then went to the choo choo to take pics. we had so much fun!

Todd had a gift card for the English Rose he got for Christmas(because he loves hot tea). I Loved this place. I felt so girlie and special. This may have been one of the favorite dates I have ever been on!

Here we are after "afternoon tea" at the tea room. Don't we look fancy!

Do I pull off sophistication? I had so much fun drinking the tea and eating the sandwiches.

Todd looks handsome pouring tea!

We went to different parks quite a bit because the weather was nice. This was on Wed. night, we went to Coolige Park and ran (I made Todd run 5 miles:)), then played. We were going to grill hotdogs, but then the grill wouldn't work so Todd ran to Subway and got us a footlong:)I was changing Alex's diaper here, and he didn't want to get dressed.

Here Alex is at Coolige Park. He loved palying in the grass!we were waiting on daddy to get back with the sandwiches.

HEre we are on Tuesday afternoon after running in Collegedale, and this is at IMagination Station. My new running shirt is from my wonderful mom-in law :)

We are having fun chilling at the park.

Check out my NEW RUNNING SHOES! I love love love them. T hanks to the best hubbie in the world!

And now..The best way to end the vacation! Jenn is the best sis in the whole world, and sent us to Whitestone Inn together. WE had a BLAST. WE tried to act refined:).....This is the fam walking to breakfast this morning.

Here are the men in the beautiful sparrow suite we stayed in. It was amazing.

Here is me, in my robe, with coffee and the Bible this morning. Jenn, you know that made me happy!

Dinner that night. We had a blast. and so did Alex!

Coffee that night. It was yummy coffee. I even got a too go cup of it this morning!

Aunt Jenn-Alex wore this shirt to the Whitestone to show you how much he loves you and how excited he was about his stay there!

Todd and I went on a walk and took this pic on the swing.

Todd and I chilling on the hammock at the White stone.

we were fancy smancy....A name card and everything!

Alex loved drinking water out of the fancy cup. HE tried all kinds of new things.I forgot his cereal and applesauce so we had to improvise....He ate smushed up grapes for the first time. Then we were really advenerous. We feed him the "palette cleanser" which was like lemon sorbet. He LOVED IT! Then this morning he ate a biscuit for the first time. He couldn't get enough of it. Jenn. WE had so much at the Whitestone! Thank you Jenn. It was a relaxing refreshing wonderful time with family! Jenn, check out more pics that mommy is going to put on her blog. I taught her how to pics on too.

What a wonderful week. God is so faithful!

Spring time fun

2009-03-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

I need your help:)

2009-03-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hey to my faithful blog readersI NEED YOUR HELP! I have been laboring at training for a 1/2 marathon in April with TEam In Training for months now. Every Saturday morning I have woke up at 5:3o in the morning to get ready to run with my team, of which I am the team captain. I have logged tons of miles with my jogging stroller during the week. All of this for one reason. i want to help bring a cure to blood cancers, and all cancers. The Leukemia Lymphoma Society is defionalty a cause I believe in. I have seen too many people suffer from cancer. IN fact, one of my team mates from two years ago recently died from leukemia. Please help me! I recommited to the team today, which means I have to raise my minimum by the beginning of April, or Todd and I will be responsible for the rest. Please help me. You can click on the LLS icon on the right of the page, and it goes right to my fundraising page where you can donate securely online!
THanks for your help. Please spread the word to everyone you know. Everyone needs to join in the battle against cancer!.
I want to praise the Lord for how faithful he is. I was so blessed on my birthday yesterday as I spent some time reflecting on the faithfulness of God in my 27 years of life. HE has been so faithful to me! Glory Glory. Jenn, I taught your bible study number 5 yesterday to the girls. It was such a blessing. They loved it. It really stuck out to me how faithful God is and even through all the changes we go through in life, God does not change!(malachi 3:6). I had a great birthday! I had a great time worshipping at church then had the privledge of going to Cherelle and Jim's wedding at Camp Lookout. It was like a reunion and was so much fun. I knew Cherelle from college, and Jim from being a camp counselor with him 9 years ago, so there were old college friends and old camp friends there. I kidded Todd and said they were there to celebrate my birthday. Then I went to Provino's and enjoyed my free birthday meal of SIN in a plate. That would be Cannoloni Bianco, which has no redeeming nutritional value. It is just cheese, cheese and more cheese. Yum. Ihad a blast with my parents and todd, then we went to my parents house and played WI together. What a great day. my momma even made me a yummy cookie cake! Thanks Mommy! I have the best fam in the world. ANd the best inlaws ever too! I got to see them on Friday and have a yummy dinner with them. They blessed me with wonderful new summer running clothes and a new shirt.
Speaking of presents. Todd got me the best present ever, but I will do another blog about that with a picture later.

Love you all!

Happy Birthday to my sis

2009-03-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Jenn. This is a blog post just for you. You are the most amazing gift of God ever. I can't believe the Lord loved me enough to give me a twin sis to grow up with. You are my best friend, my big sis by one minute and one Nepali day:). I know you used to make me say you were my hero when you were little...But now I really mean it! You truly are my hero in the faith. You are such an amazing woman of God. I have so much fun when I am around you. I love you you love you love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday!
You are the best my lion/seal I personality sis!
Love you girlie. And Alex loves his AUnt Jenn more than you know!
Happy Birthday!

Thankful Thursday

2009-03-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm having a blah day, where I just don't have much energy and feel kindof blah. Probably because my allergies are really acting up and I can't breath. It could also be a benadryl hangover from taking some last night..Hehhe. Not a good idea to take benadryl at night when your son decides to wake up often and not sleep. It doesn't make for a good combination:) So I thought what better day than to have a Thankful thursday.
I am thankful for......
My little man! He is 7 months old today. I can't believe it. Wow! It is crazy exciting to see how fast he grows. He just pulled up by himself for the first time for this weekend. He can stand up on his own. Crazy. Now he is crawling/scooting like crazy. He is a SPEED DEMON! And already wants to go right to where he is not supposed to. It still weirds me out to see him crawl over to his toy box and pull up and LOOK IN IT! Wow. I already have to say no to him lots of times a day. hehhe. butIt makes me laugh because he looks up at me and smiles;)hehhe.
My sis in Nepal. God is using you so much! Jenn, I am so proud of you I can't even express it. You are my spiritual hero!
The Believing God bible study God is going to allow me to lead starting next week.
A great weekend with my extended fam and my wonderful momma who happens to be one of my best friends.
My grandad's cereal every morning for three days(Jenn only you would understand that)
Getting to hold my new cousin AnnaBeth who is a doll!
I dont' want to waver in unbelief, but grow in faith giving glory to God that he is able to do what he promises, and I am believing him to make me into a Prov. 31 woman!(Rom 4:20).

In other EXCITING BIG NEWS. I reached a bananna breakthrough. I am doing the Love Dare and yesterday I was supposed to show agape.Love.so I made Todd a homemade bannana pudding. big deal!but that is the only one he can ever expect

Long overdue posts. So much has gone on! i will try to catch everyone up in pics

2009-03-03T14:11:00.001-08:00

Heheh. Alex loves it when I do laundry. He likes to ride in the clothes basket:)

Alex had his first play date. With Annalee from our church who is 3 months younger than him. He loved her, and at one point I caught him trying to hold her hand.

They all had fun at their playdate.

Alex loved having family for the dedication. See Aunt Laura and Aunt Brenda I am going to put pics of you on too.

Alex loves Granddaddy.

Me and wonderful Aunt Brenda. I am not sure why I was making that face.

Grandaddy taught us to make a pie. We had a blast, and he even let me put flour on his face.

Notice the flour on us. We had so much fun.

Whit got in on the pie making class.

Gramps and Grammy gave him this for the baby dedication. He loved this little lamb, and so do I . it sings Jesus Loves Me.

The two babes read for their baby dedication. They were fasting and praying, getting all spiritual.

Alex was a wiggle worm during the prayer. He was jumping up and down.

Our cute little fam pic. What a wonderful fun time I have had lately. I have led two retreats, one for the TWC BSU(BCM) last weekend, and then this weekend Believing God retreat for the women at our church. God has taught me so much through preparing me for them. And I believe he moved through them. So I have been too busy to post pics. But I love you all, my faithful readers!

6 montths old!

2009-02-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

Daddy took these pics while Mommy was in the shower. I can't leave the two of them alone for a second. Even Alex looks mischevious. I have already talked to him and told him he can't have bannanas.
He is just too cute, even with the fake bananna in his hand
My two Valentine's. I'll talk more about that after you get to see the pics.
Nana and Pop and Alex at his 6 month bday party
Heheh. Little man stuck his hand in the cake.He thought it was hilarious.
HE wanted to eat his birthday cake so bad. We did let him take a little lick of the icing.
Playing with grammy at his party. He was in rare form.
Silly little man.
HE loves that ball. And the pink chair.
WEll. I can't believe Alex is 6 months old. God and I had a big ole fashion praise party that morning as I just remembered in the last six months how very faithful my wonderful God had been. How he had given me wisdom, strength and Joy as I love on this cutest blessing ever. OF course, I praised the Lord that I got to have my sis and best friend home with me when Alex was born. I love you Jenn.
I had a great Valentine's day. I am so blessed with the best hubbie ever. I can't believe God gave me such an incredible man. Handsome and a man of God! i love you Todd. He wrote me a sweet love letter and a poem on the stove so I would see it first thing in the morning. WE had a fun dinner at home. I cooked a "fancy meal" . We finallyl used our chocolate fondue pot for the first time with strawberries. it was amazing.
Well I have to go change Little Man's diaper. B ut I love you. Oh, I can't forget, i also got a sweet card from my daddy. He is the best valentine as well. I am one blessed gal!

Gotta have girlfriends

2009-02-10T08:27:00.001-08:00

Is that not the cutest pic you have ever seen? Yesterday was beautiful 70 degrees so I went to the park with one of my longest standing friends, since kindergarten, Whitney.WE had such a great time together. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. And Alex has lots of "girlfriends".
Alex loves to read the Bible with DAddy in the mornings.
I was so excited to get with another one of my great friends. Espcially since I did not leave the house last week:)...I met up with Shawna at Starbucks. Look Jenn, Alex is already loving his starbucks.
Shawna and Alex bonding at Starbucks. He totally flirted with her and giggled at her for a long time.
He actually spilled the rest of the cup onhim. He wanted the coffee.....A caramel macchiato to be exact.
Who could resist that?
Whit and I had so much fun with alex at the imagination station. Check out Whit's pants. i love them!
Alex driving the train.
He liked the tires.
I think he was winking for aunt Jenn.
Taking a ride with Whit.
He was flirting again.

Jenn doesnt that bible cover bring back memories. I am so blessed by wonderful girlfriends. And Jenn I can't wait till you get to take Alex to the park. And TEej, Alex also loves you so much.......Sorry I didn't have a camera with me when we saw you the other day. I love you

pics of my sick little man hanging at the house

2009-02-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

Even when he is sick, my little man loves to smile. He is still always on the move, although he has snuggled a bit more since he has been sick.
He will get to that glowworm:)
Don't you just want to eat that up:)
Slowly but surely he is getting bigger. He just tried oat cereal for the first time yesterday. He likes that too. It seems like he is not going to be a picky eater.
He loves that chair.
Hehhe. Aunt JEnn, Alex told me to send these pictures just for you. He can't wait for you to come home and play with him and Furby
Alex thinks Furby is hilarious!
Aunt Jenn. Alex loves you!
He loves to play with stuffed animals.
This is the way I have looked all week. No shower, in workout clothes. I basically haven't left the house this week except yesterday when Grammy came to watch Alex so I could go run. Alex has been coughing and has lots of congestion so we have chilled out at home, espicially since it is 30 degrees outside.
Alex loves his dadda so much. He calls for him all the time, and when Todd calls me on the phone Alex smiles huge.
He watches Todd everywhere he goes.
Nana came to visit Sunday. Alex loves his Nana.
Like my outfit? I changed into my pjs right after church.
Whit came over sat night and spent the night. we had a blast.So there you go, just some pics from the week. pray little man gets better soon. by the way check out the post before this too. i wrote some of the things the Lord is showing me. let me know what you think.

Ps. 124:7-8 glory!

2009-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry if this post is a bit preachy. But Jenn and I are memorizing Ps. 124:7-8 together, and I have been studying it this afternoon, and God just amazed me with the power of this verse and i had to share. The quotes and poem are about the verses that I found in Charles Spurgeons commentaries. What power in these verses. Do you ever feel like Satan has the power to overcome you? Or your own flesh and temptations overcome you. Or you just can't seem to stop doing something you know is sin? Well, these verses are so victorious. Jenn is memorizing the Message version, but I like the NASB better. Here it is..."Ps. 124:7-8 Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper, The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord who has made heaven and earth!

Had not the Lord, my soul may cry,
Had not the Lord been on my bide;
Had he not brought deliverance nigh,
Then must my helpless soul have died.
Had not the Lord been on my side,
My soul had been by Satan slain;
And Tophet, opening large and wide,
Would not have gaped for me in vain.

Lo, floods of wrath, and floods of hell,
In fierce impetuous torrents roll;
Had not the Lord defended well,
The waters had o'erwhelm'd my soul.

As when the fowler's snare is broke,
The bird escapes on cheerful wings;
My soul, set free from Satan's yoke,
With joy bursts forth, and mounts, and sings.
Charles Spurgeoun

Verse 8. -- The Romans in a great distress were put so hard to it, that they were fain to take the weapons out of the temples of their gods to fight with them; and so they overcame. And this ought to be the course of every good Christian, in times of public distress, to fly to the weapons of the church, prayers and tears. The Spartans' walls were their spears, the Christian's walls are his prayers. His help standeth in the name of the Lord who hath made both heaven and earth. --Edmund Calamy.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, etc. These are the words of a triumphing and victorious faith, "Our help standeth in the name of the Lord, which made heaven and earth": as if he said, the Maker of heaven and earth is my God, and my helper. We see whither he flieth in his great distress. He despairs not, but cries unto the Lord, as one yet hoping assuredly to find relief and comfort. Rest thou also in this hope, and do as he did. David was not tempted to the end he Should despair; think not thou, therefore, that thy temptations are sent unto thee that thou shouldest be swallowed up with sorrow and desperation: if thou be brought down to the very gates of hell, believe that the Lord will surely raise thee up again. If so thou be bruised and broken, know it is the Lord that will help thee again. If thy heart be full of sorrow and heaviness, look for comfort from him, who said, that a troubled spirit is a sacrifice unto him: ( Psalms 51:17 ) Thus he setteth the eternal God, the Maker of heaven and earth, against all troubles and dangers, against the floods and overflowings of all temptations, and swalloweth up, as it were with one breath all the raging furies of the whole world, and of hell itself, even as a little drop of water is swallowed up by a mighty flaming fire: and what is the world with all its force and power, in respect of him that made heaven and earth! --Thomas Stint.

The nose sucker of death

2009-02-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, did that title catch your attention. My poor little man is sick for the very first time:( Don't worry, he is not too sick to need medicine, he just has a cold(thanks to Daddy). He is really stuffy and coughing alot. I know he doesn't feel good when all he wants to do is snuggle all day, because normally he is on the move. I can't say that I mind the snuggling;). So I have been hanging out at the house the past two days, and I have missed out on church revival with Mr. UP from the Grave he arose:)(If you don't go to my church, just get my dad to do the impression. however, as funny as that is, God is truly moving through him and people are getting saved glory).
Poor little Alex. He screams as soon as I get the blue nose sucker out. But it helps him breath better, so even if it hurts, I know it helps in the long run. It makes me think about how much I squirm sometimes when God brings struggles into my life that seem painful but teach me lessons that are helpful for my spiritual health and growth. I am so thankful that the Lord promises to all of us. I that began a good work in you will carry it on to the day of completion! Glory.
The Lord gave me one of those squirmy lessons from his word this morning. I am studying Mark with the youth at our church. Mark 6 kicked my tail!vs. 51. "for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves(feeding of the five thousand) but their heart was hardened." How often have I seen God work, do a mighty impossible work, provide in ways I can't imagine, and then I question him again. Or lose faith again. Ouch. O Lord, i want faith that can move mountains!

Alex's favorite things

2009-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

This is a post of all of my(Alex's favorite things).This was inspired by Aunt Jenn, and I was sure she would want to know what all of my favorite things are. This Go vols sweatshirt is one of my favorite things to wear to keep me warm when me and mommy go jogging together.
The car seat is not one of my favorite things. However, I love the cool toy Aunt Laura gave me to go on it. And I love the "coat" that goes over it that Grammy and Gramps gave me. It keeps me warm espicially these days when it is so cold outside!
I love those plastic rings Aunt Becky and Uncle Tim gave me. I play with them all the time. And this doggie Aunt Brenda and Uncle Larry gave me sings, and it makes me smile even when I am crying.
I love my yummy rice cereal mixed with applesauce. Although my favorite food is pears. I gobble them up.
Look at me trying to crawl. I don't know if you can see, but my johnson's body wash is my favorite. I even try to eat it when mommy and daddy are giving me a bath.
I"m not a huge fan of taking a bath, but my favorite thing is mommy and daddy singing splish splash I'm taking a bath at the top of their lungs. I also like the duck I chew on.
My favorite toy in the world is that girafee. IT goes everywhere with me. The glowworm lights up and helps me fall asleep at night.
My hand is defionatly a favorite. It tastes good, and I put it in mymouth all the time!
I love this little girafee so much!Thanks Grammy and Gramps
I love to kick this ball. It is practice for soccer one day
Mommy and Daddy have this blankie in the floor at all times now. Because I love to roll around and try to eat the shag carpet. It is not good to swallow carpet fuzz. I love playing on this blankie in the living room.
My favorite thing to do is listen to Aunt Jenn talk to me from this talking box. I love her so much already.She's so pretty, like my mommy:)
I love my bouncer from aunt jenn. i have even figured out how to pull on the one that makes music.
Kay and Sterling gave this to me. IT lights up and sings and I love that!
Finally,, I just love all of you. All my wonderful fans. ! I'm the most blessed babe int he whole world!

Random pics and Big News!

2009-01-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Alex loves loves to eat. This was one of his first attempts. He loves pears the best. He is so funny. IF we don't feed fast enough he sticks his neck out as far as he can and gets impatient. HE also wants to try to help with is hand.

Is that not one of the sweetest pics ever. JEnn, I am going to do a favorite things list, but this simple green swaddle blanket he is in tops the list as one of my favorite things, but it helps him sleep through the night....Also, the pacifer tops my list too. I"m not going to lie, I am a pacifer momma.

He hates getting in his car seat. that stinker. He has figured out how to bow his body so it is hard to get him in.

My fam was complaining of no pics of them. see there you are guys. They are the best aunts. We have so much fun together. this was at thanksgiving. we were laughing, and it was like 1 in the morning.

Another cute car seat pic.

well I'm sure you are dying to know the big news...Alex is so smart. He said his firstword yesterday.....And of course it was MAMA! It just warms my heart to think about it. Jenn you would be excited to know it also involved coffee. I was holding him and pourijng my morning cup of coffee and he said plain as day...mamma! Wahoo.ANd later on the morning he said dada. so todd was not left out. Heis so vocal and his personality is so much fun!
So my favorite things post....I will postthat soon.rightnow little man is crying for someattention!

random pics of cuteness..Who happens to be 5 months old!

2009-01-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Little man after his bath! Isn't he adorable!

Him getting a bath in Grammy and Gramps sink. You should see me and Daddy when we give him a bath. WE sing this crazy version of SPlish splash I'm taking a bath that I made up. Mommy printed off the real thing for us, so now we sing a mixture of my version and the real deal. He probably thinks we are crazy!

I know this is a Christmas pic, but I thought it was too cute. Alex and the nativity scene! They are as tall as him.

Marietta and Alex at the family Christmas. She loved him untill he drooled on her.

Check out Alex and Gramps sleeping together. Cute huh?

He loves Mommy's bear. It makes him laugh every time.

Look at my three favorite men. I am the most blessed gal in teh WHOLE world!

He is into this new thing. he eats his toes for hours on end. Isnt that hilarious!

I can't believe it has been five months today. This time five months ago he was being taken care of in the special care nursery and I was freaking out because I was worried about him, and I was really tired.....It is amazing what a blessing these five months have been. I could never have imagined how much joy a litle one could bring me, and how much love I would have for this precious gift from the Lord. I am so blessed!

My romantic daddy

2009-01-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

My daddy is such a romantic. He bought this for my mom for her knee surgery tommorow. I thought it was adorable. And Alex loves it! So I just had to put some pics of him enjoying mommy's toy. I love that my parents have been married 29 years, and my dad still brings suprises home for my mom. He is such a good example and that is how I found me such an incredible romantic hubbie! I love my daddy, and my hubbie....And isn't Alex the cutest!

Check out my $7. jeans Jenn. glory to God!

Christmas with the Humberts, and our Perfect Day!

2009-01-02T13:30:00.001-08:00

The other day, we had the perfect day. It was 65 degrees outside, and Todd was on vacation, so we took a family day. God totally blessed us. we went hiking to G Creek to the bluffs....This pic is on the way back. As you can see, Alex was totally worn out:)

closer view of the sleeping hiker. Daddy did all the work, while Alex enjoyed the ride.

I love this pic on the bluffs. Alex is not a fan of his hat:)

Who knew 4 months ago that I could nurse Alex while on a mountain bluff:)He is under there snacking away.

Isn't God's creation gorgeous.

Alex loved the waterfalls.

That is defionatly a strenous hike but well worth it.

Alex and his litle hiking buddy.We had so much fun. WE hiked, had a picnic of pb a j and peanut mand ms. yum yum.we got to read psalms and sing praise songs to Jesus. After that we drove to Etowah, and went to the sundry store and scored on $1 New England coffee. Wahoo.....Then we decided to drive to CLS. WE got to visit mamma and Pappa Smeltzer. They just got a WI so we played WI with them.Then they blessed us and took us out to dinner. What a wonderful, blessed Day. Todd and I talked about 2009 and what we wanted to see God do. We didn't make it rhyme though Jenn.

This is Todd and I at the Humbert/Sluder family Christmas. WE had a great time together.

Me and my fab sis in law Kellie. I love her so much .

Uncle Tim loved playing with Alex.

Casey came to visit, and we got to go out and hang out as girls while Grammy babysat. I had so much fun with her. She blessed me so much. And I found $7 jeans with her. Glory be to tHe Lord on high. I have been so blessed and spoiled by the Lord lately. I love New Year. IT always reminds me his mercies are new every morning. New each year. I can't wait to see what he has in store for me this year. I am focusing on Choosing THIS day whom I will serve. i want to choose the Lord! Happy New Year!

Merry Merry Christmas-

2008-12-25T16:45:00.001-08:00

Mommy and I making our traditional monkey bread Christmas morning. Yum Yum.! it was great Jenn, but we didn't make our biscuits by hand like you probably did,.

We did the coolest thing. My momma read a devotion about Jesus being the best gift for Christmas. My mom put the baby Jesus iin a cool gift box and we opened him and put him in the manger. However, Alex was super spiritual and put Jesus in his mouth.

There Jesus is in Alex's mouth. Where everything went this Christmas.

Alex was totally worn out by Christmas fun. He must have been too excited the night before. He would not go to sleep and wokeup every hour. he must have been waiting for santa..

Playing with Gramps. They have so much fun together.

Alex was super excited about his car seat buddies.

This is Alex's fav toy ever from Grammy and Gramps. HE LoVEd it! Of course, it also went in his mouth.

Jenn---Does this scene look familiar to you...Our crazy fam has so much fun together.

Alex and Grammy enjoying festivities.

see Jenn, we didn't forget you.....

This is my fav part of Christmas. After the Christmas Eve service at church Karen and Bill(Todd's fam) and Kellie, and my parents came to our house to eat. WE had a blast, and Daddy entertained us. That is him doing Elvis Blue Christmas.

Our Christmas Eve dinner.

See the pretty table Jenn....

Jenn, Alex is a true coffee lover. That is what I got from Todd for Christmas(Wahoo)..And Alex put it right back in his mouth...

I had the best Christmas ever. God taught me so much about it not being about gifts, but about Jesus..God becoming man. NOt just man, but a baby like Alex....Glory. Wow. It is just to great to fathom. And I can live each day in the light of his redeeming love. The best part of Christmas was talking to Jenn on the computer with our whole fam singing...And Alex smiling for her. The Christmas eve service, where our whole fam sang. And Glory Praise Jesus, our neighbors, who we invited to church, showed up. That was such a huge blessing. And then to have todd and I's fam together at my house Christmas Eve. WE are turning the Humberts into a cheesy fam too, cuz we sang Christmas songs together. It was a blast. I am so blessed. And of course having Alex makes Christmas a blast. He just ate everything though.

Well, I love all my faithful readers so much. Merry Christmas. Jenn- i can't say thanks enough for the Christmas presnet. I can't wait for us all to go to the Whitestone inn. IT will be a blast. And I will get many date nights out of my gift card!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas gettogether with Daddy's fam pics

2008-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Blessings!

2008-12-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed. I wanted to update with pictures. This is little man's big day...He had rice cereal for the first time last night........The doctor said to give it to him because he is not eating well right now because of teething. Please pray for him..He was not sure what he thought of the cereal.

This is what Alex did while mommy and daddy decorated for christmas. He liked the lights..Check out the shoes. Tey have reigndeer on them.

Our naked Christmas tree. IT is pretty ghetto, but looks pretty decorated.

Jeanan at Thanksgiving. She is due in January. Alex was playing with her little girl Marietta.

Cousin Jason and Alex bonding at Thanksgiving. We had a great time with the fam at Aunt Brenda's.

Alex pulling up while on his tummy. cute face huh.

Alex and his mommy were playing. Is he not adorable!

Todd and Alex out on Aunt Brenda's farm.

He wasn't too happy, but we were.

AT my Aunt Brenda's catfish pond.

Joey, Alex's cousin, loved playing with Alex.

Alex drove the mule. Remember the mule rides Casey?

Alex fell asleep with Grandaddy.

I am so blessed with family and friends. I LOVE this time of year. And Jenn, we are decorating mommy and daddy's for christmas tonight. We will miss you, and take pics.

Remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thanksgiving Prayer

2008-11-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

O God. My cup overflows. I have so much to give thanks for. Thanks is not enough. You, my faithful God have always taken care of me. You have always been true to never leave me or forsake me. You have given me an incredible godly husband who loves you and leads me. O God, that is more than I could ask or imagine. If you have asked me in highschool if I would be blessed to be married to such an incredible man, I would have said no way. God you have blessed me with a son. You have allowed me to stay home with him. You have given me opportunity to pour into him. You have blessed us with an incredible church family which we prayed for. You allow Todd to do ministry for a living. You have given me health. I have an amazing mom and dad. My mom is one of my best friends. You give me a dad who continually and always has modeled you, God my Father. You loved me enough to give me a twin sis, an instant and forever friend. a sis in law who loves you, and I love. A mother in law I love to death. O God my cup overflows.God you are faithful to meet with me every morning. You have blessed me with a mentor. You have put people in my life to help me grow up in faith. You have shown me incredible mercy. You have been my faithful friend, my refiners fire. My strength. My wisdom. You are soverign. Most of all, Jesus you are firstborn from the dead. Because of this you should have firstplace in everything. i love you!

wedding fun...and not so fun

2008-11-16T13:16:00.003-08:00

The cutest couple ever leaving for their honeymoon.
Cheese and I at the reception
Our little fam. Notice he is in a different outfit at the reception, cuz he pooped everywhere...hehhe.
Me and the glowing bride.
I had a blast at Shawna and Harrison's wedding.. They are the cutest couple ever. The wedding was so much fun...The day before the wedding not so fun....I had a very bad virus, with a fever of 102....I missed out on all the pre wedding fun...bummer. but I am excitedthe Lord allowed me to go to the wedding. This pic is hilarious. Shawna had a Virginia TEch garter which Harrison loved.
Cheese caught the bouquet.....I think it was planned. But there was some fighting over it:) Watch out girls..
I was so glad to be escorted by Chris. I knew I could count on him to keep me from falling on my humoungous heels:)
Beth and Jeremiah were making little man smile after the ceremony. Doesn't he look so cute in his grown up outfit:) Except he pooped all over it in the reception.
Me and my handsome hubbie. So you notice the new haircut, i"m sure. I love it love. Great Clips did not do me wrong this time.

Alex was so good, held by Grammy at the ceremony.
Me and the cutest little man ever.
Jenn, I hope these pics made you feel like you were there. I love you!

Three months!

2008-11-12T05:08:00.000-08:00

O God. Praise the Lord. 3 months of refining, learning, being challenged, experiencing a joy I have never known. Loving someone so much it almost hurts. Thats how I feel about my little man. Praise the Lord. You God have helped me through times of sheer exhaustion. Times I had no clue what to do. You have strengthened me thourgh hours of hours of no sleep, painful nursing. God the gift of Alex is unexplainable. I can't explain how much I love being a mommy. Taking care of Alex, singing to him, loving on him, worshipping You with him, these are some of the best things sI have ever done. Watching him smile at me when I read a Bible story to him. when his little hand grasps mine. Watching his eyes get heavy right before he falls asleep. Watching him play with his hands. what a fun age this is. God you have been my rock. My dwelling place. Your word has een my food. I have loved every part of this journey of being a mom. I feel so blessed and so undeserving. getting ready to be in Shawna's wedding brings it all full circle. WE both struggled with trusting God with our deepest desires, and here I am with 3 month Alex in my arms, and her wedding on Sat. Of course It wasn't in our timing. God thank you that your timing is so much better than ours!Not only that but I am in my promised land. I trusted you to stay at home with Alex. That is beyond my wildest dream. Thanks isnot enough. I have so much to be thankful for. O God my cup overflows!

Lots of fall fun to catch up on!

2008-11-09T13:42:00.001-08:00

this is a picure of the wonderful breakfast my hubbie had waiting for me one morning in my quiet time chair. He is the most incredible Christ modeling hubbie. I am so blessed by him.
Aunt JEnn...He loves his bouncer, and is just now starting to kick at the toys and play with them.
This is at our church's fall festival. I am a baker,which you will see why later. I just thought these little guys were hilarious!They are also a part of my mom and I's good news club which is a blast and growing like crazy. We had 55 kids two weeks ago. Glory..staying afterschool to hear a story of the bible.
Me and my gingerbread baby boy Todd and I baked!
The baking family:)
Poor Alex. His mommy is slightly obsessed with gingerbread:) Is he not the cutest thing ever?

Alex loves Aunt Jenn!
Can you believe how much he is growing from the last time I posed him the gingerbread man
And look. The very essential part of his being. His little pacie. He loves that thing:) However, he does notlove the hat:) and cried when I made him wear it.
These are just a few pics of adventures lately. I love the fall weather. Today was Alex's first Thanksgiving dinner at church....He looks so cute in the turkey outfit aunt laura gave him.
We had the missions conference this weekend at church and it was great. The speakers, Grover and Dr. Cuellar where great. Grover shared exciting news about teh Nepali fellowship which is still going on after we left.
I am so blessed! There is so much to be thankful for during this season...And BIG NEWS........I am so thankful that......ALEX SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT LAST NIGHT!That's right..The whole night, from 9:30 to 6:00 am! Praise the Lord. I am so blessed by how the Lord ahs substained me in these three months. His strength is perfect when our strenght is not.
I amgoing to add more pics on facebook also.
I am thankful for each of you.

We are like grass

2008-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Intriguing title huh? I just had to write some things God has been burning in my heart, and totally threw at me this morning. Wow. God is so faithful to convict and teach.
I have been praying alot lately that God would help me live each day with purpose. Eternal purpose. As Todd would say, cuz he loves to use this word, to impregnate each day(is that even a real word todd?) with purpose and mission. What does that look like?
Well a guest pastor preached on Sunday on exactally that. Living with mission means living each day taking up your cross daily and following after him. When Jesus said that in Luke, he was speaking to PEter. He was telling Peter, this is not going down like you want it too, like you expect it too, the way you are comfortable. I have a bigger mission than you see, I don't just want to be conquering king of the Jews, taking over the Roman oppression. i am going to SAVE THE WHOLE WORLD FROM THEIR SIN! Wow. Talk about a better, bigger plan than Peter had. But in order for that to happen it would take sacrifice. Pain...Hurt even Jesus wanted God to have another way.
In light of that, sometimes being on mission for God means sacrificing my own want and desires for his. Sacrificing my own comforts, my own fears to share the gospel and live missionaly. The pastor asked on Sunday morning, our best life is not now, it is to come. Are you living in light of that now? Living on mission, waiting for Jesus to come back.
This morning God led me to Ps. 90 in my quiet time. Awesome passage. REad the whole thing. it reminds us that we are like grass, here today and gone tommorow. Sobering huh? In vs 9 and 10 it says, a healthy life lives 80 years. For"soon it is gone and then we fly away"....I love vs 12 Teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom" Oh how I want to live numbering my days like today could be my last. This is my prayer I am not praying for Todd, alex and I, and I challenge you to pray it too. I am going to pray it every day, and see how the Lord begins to change my perspectives in life.
"Let thy work appear to Thy servants, and Thy majesty to their children, and let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and do confirm(make permanent,establish) for us the works of our hands, yes confirm the work of our hands). I want the work God calls me to each day to be a permanent, eternal work,where I am impacting people for eternity!

technologically challenged

2008-10-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

well forgive me for my last post. For some reason the captions for the pics appeared way below all the pics. So it doesn't really make sense. So I guess make it into a game, trying to figure out which picture goes with which caption:)sorry.

More pics/life lately

2008-10-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

.
alex in church nursery. He loves the attention he gets there. The whole church spoils him. What a blessing to be in the body of Christ at Westview.

pitiful face huh.

This was taken at a cabin in Pigeon Forge. little man got to go on a road trip, and eavesdrop at the elder's retreat for our church. Todd and the "elders"planned the calendar for 2009 while us wives played in pigeon forge. Alex loved the attention, but did not want to sleep, because he was just having too much fun. Jenn, not tomake you jealous, but we ate at the apple barn and had some good southern cooking!

What a fun sunday afternoon I had. Kellie, my wonderful sis in law came over to visit. I love hanging out with her.

Daddy loves being a daddy. Check out the paw print on Alex's butt. I always hate teenage girl pants that have words on them because they draw attention to the wrong places, but who can resist alex's cute butt:)hehhe.

Daddy and Alex playing together.

Todd and I decided to stop at Fazoli's in Cleveland on the way to pigeon forge. Who just happened to be there, but Kellie? Crazy huh. So we had dinner with her and Khlaid.

So life is going well. I am loving watching alex grow. He made a girlfriend today. There was a couple at church today who had a baby born one day after Alex. they were fast friends, drooling and cooing at eachother.

Remember today. God has transfered you from the kingdom of darkness to light. Glory hallelujah! So let's be live in the light of his redeeming love today!

Gingerbread boy:)

2008-10-18T17:11:00.001-07:00

Alex loves his wonderful daddy!
He is not sure about being kissed right then.
Look hkow long he has gotten Jenn. Maybe he is going to be tall.
this are these funky hanging chairs my dad bought for his media room. they hang from the ceiling. Cool huh?
The funky chair:)

I hate halloween, but I loved the trunk or treat my church did last year. This year, the cutest gingerbread boy in the world will be the best dressed out there:) my wonderful momma made his cutie pie gingerbread outfit!
Doesn't he just steal your heart?
He is smiling for Aunt Jenn.
He looks up to something

Yes, I occassionaly do get dressed. but defionatly not as often now that I am a new momma. Not the best pic of me, but Jenn, I thought you might want to see me.

End of Roman Road

2008-10-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Wasn't that an exciting title post...hehhe. did it get your interest? Heheh. My pastor has been preaching through romans for 2 years. And he just finished on Sunday. I spent some time this morning reviewing all the Lord has taught me through that time, and what I had actually applied, and what I still needed to apply. It was powerful! I won't boer you with all the details, but I will say through it all God has truly kicked my tail in a couple of areas. One, that I don't need to be wise in my own eyes. I have no room for pride. Even though i was saved at 7, before I messed up a whole bunch, I need ot remember that there is no one righteous, no not one. All have sinned...even me.hehhe. of course me. It just reminds me afresh of the POWER of salvation. the next thing is not being ashamed of the gospel. laboring in prayer for people who don't know the gospel. Telling people who have never heard. I have not been very good at applying that, but I took the first step today towards sharing with someone who is not a believer and teh Lord has allowed me to have a relationship with. It waws so so super exciting~ Finally there is alot in romans about giving up my own will, being a living sacrifice. fervently serving the Lord. Being diligent to serve the body of Christ, even if it is inconvenient. I think I am doing much better at that since those series of sermons. but I have a long way to go.
I am so blessed at the grace and love of the Lord as I learn these lessons. What has the Lord been teaching you?

I love being a momma

2008-10-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Big Eyes:)
His grammy loves him

Me and Little man. I haven't had a shower, so ignore me. I just got done working out at the Y, the wonderful early Christmas present Jenn gave me.
Aunt Jenn. I know you like to see little man cry. which he actually does much more often these days.
He looks just like my dad in that picture.
He looks like he is about to beat someone up there:)

Can I just say I love being a momma. A stay at home momma at that. I was so praising the Lord last week, because it was six weeks since Little Man had been born. It would have been the week I was going back to work. But Mahima as Jenn would say! God made a way...He is the God of the Impossible, for me to stay at home with little man. That means Glory, I get to be the one to see him roll over for the first time(which he did yesterday, completley from his tummy to his back). I get to see his smiles , and watch him play with his favorite toy, aunt jenn's moose. I get to pray with him in the morning, and praise the Lord with him in the afternoon...PraISE the Lord. I am so blessed beyond measure, and am truly living in my "promised land" as believing God would say.

Of course it isn't always easy. There are defionatly challenges that come with motherhood, just ask kellie who came to see me sunday afternoon when I couldn't stop crying and neither could Alex;)God is continuing to refine me and teach me to be free from selfishness. He is also teaching me so so so much from Colossians aobut what Jesus has really done for me, rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness. Reconciling me to God. Making me complete. Giving me all wisdom and knowledge. It is amazing what blessings we have "In him" ....And then comes the convicting part, chapter 2. Just as you have received Christ Jesus...So also walk in him. In other words let him lead your life. that includes putting on a heart of compassion, gentleness, humility, kindness, patience and forgiveness(col. 3). I have a l ong way to go in walking like Jesus. Praise the Lord for his grace

In other news, I have starting working out at the Y thanks to my very generous sis Jen. I am loving it. I can't wait to get into exercising.

Alex's one month pics:)

2008-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Gramps with Alex at his "One month birtday party"
Alex's first "birthday cake". Let's admit him turning a month old is a great excuse for chocolate. And icecream of course....He loved it:)
Alex's one month fam celebration minus todd because it was the week of revival at our church and he had to be there early.

Alex in the church nursery.

This is when aunt jenn left:(..........He misses his aunt jen so much. He loves his budro.!
In aunt Jen's bouncer, that finally has batteries in it. He loves iT.
Jenn..I knew you would love love this pics. Can you believe how much he has grown?

Suprised by the world:)...

Alex blends in with our comforter. He is starting to really fill out in this pic. but he has added wait since then. This outfit no longer fits him.

I love his face in this pic. He looks confused.
He loves to sleep in the car seat. That is my old baby blanket he is wrapped up in.

His one month pic with the gingerbread man. Isn't that adorable.He is so much bigger than the last time I took that pic when he was two weeks old. check out his little tummy.

Being a mommy to Alex is so much fun. He is such a great boy. Sometimes I still can't believe he is mine. He is so smart too. He held his bottle by himself for the first time the other day. He also can hold his head up for several minutes, when most babies his age cannot. God has blessed us with a wonderful, healthy boy ,and I can't thank him enough.

Nursing is still an adventure. I am attempting right now to get himj on more of a schedule. We will see how that works out. Please pray for wisdom for me.

He misses his aunt jenn most of all. Jenn, your budro misses you and prays for you every day! WE are doing great. Alex went to his first youth camp this weekend. He was so great. Todd spoke to the signal mtn bible church youth about evanglism. Todd was Amazing, and the Spirit truly showed up. God moved in mighty ways. I love watching Todd serve the Lord and serving with him in prayer. I believe Alex is going to be used of God in big ways.....

Love you guys. My faithful readers.

Nursing

2008-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well. who knew nursing was going to teach me so much about God and myself. ...For those of you that need clarification, that would be the feeding baby type of nursing, not nursing like going to nursing school, which hilariously I once thought God was calling me too.k

It has defionatly taught me how selfish I am. Sometimes I just plain don't feel like sitting for 30 to 45 minutes nursing. Espicially in the middle of the night. But my little man needs me, and needs me to feed him. And he doesn't necessarily do it in my convenient schedule:). It has also taught me to learn to be patient and sit still. Sometimes I just want little man to hurry up...But I need to practice being still and patient and feeding my little man.

Now for the spiritual applications. Alex craves my milk every 2 hours on the dot...Hehe. It is like he has an internal clock. Peter says we are to crave the word like Alex craves my milk. Oh that I would be that desperate for the word of God...I need it in me..I need the belt of truth every minutes. I need to be walking in the truth for strength all day long.

In Isisiah, it talks about how a mom would not forget her nursing babe, and God does not forget us. I never ignore Alex's cries when he is hungry. I know he needs me. Think how much more God hears our cries, and gives us exactally what we need when we need it:)

Ok. so even bigger news than the last time I posted

2008-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ok!...So the last post i did was Big news of course. Jenn coming home. But now it is old news. And even old news that the really big big news came. My little man of course. Alex was born almost three weeks ago today. Wow. What a blessing. I cannot tell you how much I love love love being a mommy. Sleep deprivation and all. He is the cutest, most amazing blessing of God I could ever imagine. I could never have imagined what it would feel like to be a momma. Amazing.......! I am so in love. And even more in love with my hubbie than ever, because he is the BEST daddy in the whole world. And the best labor coach too. He was AMAZING during the whole labor process. I thank God every day. My cup overflows! Well, I am having too much fun enjoying all my fam and friends to write a long post. Esp. I am enjoying Jenn. WE are having a Blast together, and I am going to enjoy her for all it is worth! So I will post more later!

Big News!!!!!!!!

2008-08-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Nope..It's not news that Alex is here yet! He will be coming in God's timing. However, in the meantime...God is so so so good. I can't even say...My sis is home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Did you guys hear that........my sis is home..Just for a month. But she is home. And now she will get to meet little Alex when he decides to enter the world. Glory. Glory. Glory. Praise God. i am basically speechless. I cannot believe how much God loves me, that he would allow Jenn to be home during one of the most exciting times of my life. I will write more later, but right now this is all I have the words to say. Just like Mary "pondered all these things in her heart" when Jesus was born, that is what I am doing too.
I will update more later.

Tribute to the best hubbie ever!

2008-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

I thought the title might warn you guys this will be a cheesy post! You see, this very morning...Three years ago..I was waking up in the Majestic Mansion, taking the longest bubble bath ever while all my dedicated bridesmaids still slept. I wanted to savor every minute of that morning and I did......And the day got better and better from there. I had the best breakfast ever at the M.M. with some of my favorite people in the whole world. Then I dolled up and became a princess for the day...What a wonderful day my wedding was! Glory.....All those wonderful memories...It was perfect....But guess what...Today...three years later..I am more in love with my wonderful hubbie than ever. We have had some rough times and some really good times. But I can defionatly say, God has blessed me with the most incredible, selfless, God loving, Jesus following guy I could have ever imagined. He truly embodies the scriptures Paul teaches on being a godly husband. He is so selfless, and always thinking of how to serve me. He truly makes me feel cherished every day. He is very patient with me, esp these last few weeks since I have been a bit emotional, and probably whiny:)..
Todd. I love you so much! Three years ago, I never could have even imagined how incredible of a blessing it would be to be married to you. I pray God continues to bless our marriage in this next big stage...Which, by the way, is happening in 10 days!!!or less(or more but I hope not).
Todd totally romanced me last night for our anniversary. praise the Lord, God provided a gift card to Todd in April, which he saved for our anniversary. We went to Red Lobster, and I had one of the best meals ever.....Yummm! And then we drove to Rembrandts and had iced coffee and dessert and then walked around downtown in the art district. What a romantic, memorable evening. Todd could not have made it more special. I love him so so much!Happy anniversary dear!

you know your pregnant if......

2008-07-30T05:48:00.001-07:00

You know you're ready to pop with a baby if.....
1. it takes you ten minutes to turn from one side to the other at night
2. you have to pea ten times a night
3. if you drop something, you might get down to get it and not be able to get back up
4. sometimes your stomach bounces up and down like someone is playing basketball inside you. it is actually quite amusing to watch.
5. you have a complete emotional breakdown over a pair of glasses....yup...that leads into my story of God's faithfulness....you see, last week, on Tuesday, I was laying down and leaned up to give my cute hubbie a kiss. And my glasses got caught in my hair and snapped in two.....Which led to a complete emotional breakdown on my part, because is was stressing about having to get new glasses.....hehhe. I'm not sure Todd knew what to do with me..Then comes part two of the story...
Part Two...I had one pair of contacts left...And I haven't been to the eye doc in 2 1/2 years...Well Monday.....My contact ripped.....yup....of course. So my eye was killing me, and then I was reall y stressing...And todd was going to have to meet me in cleveland with my taped up ghetto glasses because I couldn't see...This led to A COMPLETE MELTDOWN!Seriously, I could not stop crying..At work of all places. i was trying to hide in the bathroom. My face was seriously as red and splotchy as it gets. ANd I HAD to pull myself together because I had a parenting class to teach in 10 minutes....I escaped to Linz's office to cry....And I think she..and my hubbie probably thougth I was crazy. I cried on an off all day. Hilarious huh...Now it really makes me laugh.
Part Three of my story.....God provides!!!!!!!!!!Call me vain, but I was really struggling with the idea of wearing taped up glasses the rest of my life....So I prayed about it on Tuesday( I was feeling much more sane)...And decided the Lord was leading me to go to a certain store in Chatt town. The purple store to be exact....And Wow. Did God lead me to the right place. I loved the doc, and the best part..it is only 39 dollars for an eye exam..but then..The Lord showed me complete favor. He gave me a Christian man to help me. Who really took care of Todd and I.....I finally(after a gazillion pairs) found the PERFECT pair of glasses for me. Which I love love love. And they were more expensive($199) than the other pair I liked second best($165). So he gave me them for $165. Then he took 20% of that. Then....They did not charge me to put the thin lenses in(becuz my prescription is so strong)...because all the HAPPENED to have was the thin ones. So....I saved $60 from that. Then.....he gave me a free pair of contacts for each eye(even though I didn't even have a contact eye exam)..Can I say...GLoRY!. And the glasses were made in 10 min...Get this.They fit my face EXACTALLY! My face is so small, and hard to fit, that it had to be a God thing. He made those glasses for me! Isn't he faithful.
So I am going to try from now on to limit my emotional breakdowns untill the baby comes. Pics of the new glasses and my last baby shower will be coming soon.

Alex...Coming Soon!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

If you read my blog frequently, you probably notice my LIttle Alex floating around happily in the corner...Did you notice that today it said....22 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I can't tell you how fast that makes my heart beat. In fact, he could very well come sooner than that. I went to my dreaded doctor's visit Tuesday...Dreaded well, because now is the time the "not so fun" stuff starts happening when I go to the doc, they don't just measure my belly:)...Well, it really wasn't that bad...And I must say..I am praising the Lord every day because I love my doctor and his whole staff. Who knew I would ever look forward to going to the doctor. But The doc the Lord allowed me to find is a perfect fit for me, always taking time for Todd and I, and to answer our questions and make us feel comfortable. His whole staff is amazing....
Anyways, I digress...He said baby alex is about 7 pounds now. Wahoo! And he also said..Well Alex could come anytime now. He thinks he will either come early, or right on time. He said he wanted me to wait at least until the beginning of August if at all possible..Do you realize that is....next week:)...Wow! But he made me copies of my records to keep in my car and in my glove compartment to take to the hospital with me....He said I needed to keep those with me at all times.....Hello..Is this starting to freak anyone else out?..Cuz I came home and had a slight emotional breakdown..hehehe. I guess it just drove it home that baby alex is coming any time now...Which is so super super exciting. And scary at the same time. So i am kicking it into high gear to get ready for the baby, and get myself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I can't wait to meet Alex face to face. By the way, I now officially have graduated from the baby care classes. I took Lamaze boot camp and baby health and safety..Monday I took the three and 1/2 hour breast feeding class, which Todd gracioiusly bowed out of going to. It was very informative...OF course, since it lasted from 6:30 to 9:00 at night. Who doesn't want to go to a class that has a stuffed boob the instructor holds Up:)hehhe.

More baby shower pics...From TJ's shower. What a blast we had

2008-07-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

My wonderful mom in law and mamaw, and Elizabeth and Lori Watson,
The amazing hostesses of my shower. I felt like I was at a bed and breakfast. This is Tj's mom, aunt, and cousin.
Me, and the beautiful TJ, and Shawna cheesing. We had a blast.
Me and my wonderful momma.
My cute gingerbread man at my table. How cute is that. They had the best table set up. I felt like I was at a bed and breakfast. I had so much fun at this shower! And thanks Jenn, for your wonderful bath toys. I loved them. I can't wait to , I mean I can't wait to let Alex play with them:)

Shower pics from the church shower and more(for you Jenn)

2008-07-20T09:47:00.001-07:00

This is me and Todd with our favorite present for Alex. From of course....Aunt Jenn....She is so thoughtful and Alex is going to LOVE her. I can't wait to see him play with his little rocker! Of course Jenn. Todd would have to put in a pun right now....Alex..Rocks:):)
This is me and Todd(with me looking very pregnant)with another wonderful gift from Our Incredible Aunts(Laura and Brenda. you know who you are).......We LOVE this jogging stroller, and can't wait to use it! Half marathon here I come!
Not only did our wonderful church family come to the shower, but also our wonderful family too!
Todd and I beside our wonderful cake....There will be a close up in a minute. Lisa Jaycoks has to be one of the most talented people in the world.

Is that not the coolest cake ever. In case you didn'tnotice, we have a gingerbread theme. That is how our nursery will be decorated.

We were so blessed by our church family and real family. They totally went all out and showered us with their love..Alex is going to be one spoiled little boy. But spoiled in Jesus name, so I guess it will be ok.

Blog detention

2008-07-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ok since Jenn put me in blog detention for not writing lately, I will give you guys who hang on my every word an update.....It just seems like so much has been going on lately. And I was hoping to wait to put pics from my church baby shower up Sat for my next post. However, I have to wait untill I can get to my parent's house to do that. So for now, your just stuck reading my profound thoughts...I promise I will get the pics though.
Last weekend and this week have overflowed with blessings!Last Friday, Todd and I got to practice being parents, and babysat the cutest kid in the whole world...Kelby......It was a blast. Todd is going to be the best daddy ever! I made him change Kelby's diaper, because he never has..I was praying it would be a poopy diaper, but it was not:(...Don't worry soon(29 days according to my blog)he will be getting plenty of practice.
Sat. was a great day! The church went all out for my shower...Wow! Thanks so much esp to Andrea, who worked really hard to get it all together. Todd and I felt overwhelmed, loved, and blessed. The pics will tell the story better, I won't give the theme and cake away until you see the pics but it was amazing. Alex got so much stuff. It was such a blessing. Also to have my cousins there meant so much to me. IT was great. And the best part......My bestest friend in the whole world, who I was so excited to talk to on the phone the other day(that would be you Jenn) bought little Alex the coolest bouncer/toddler rocker. He is going to LoVE it!
Sat night Todd and I went to Crystal Shire's wedding. IT was GORGEOUS! and very Christ centered. I'm such a sappy romantic, I love going to weddings.
Monday I celebrated the best gift God has ever given me besides salvation birthday. THat's right. My hubbie turned 25. I am so blessed to have him(but I"ll try to cut out the cheesiness JEnn).WE got to go on a quick date night to provinos(free on your bday), which was great. THen we went to a very informative baby health and safety class. We learned all kinds of cool stuff.
Tuesday we had our fam bday party for him, so he got to celebrate two days in a row...I love when our families get together. WE have a blast.
Well that's the update for now. I promise to post pics. God is so good! Just wanted to remind you of that. He is teaching me so much lately about his forgiveness. We are so blessed to have a forgiving God..And one who gives us the opportunity to walk in victory EVERY day! Glory

Five pounds and growing.....

2008-07-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Wahooo...My little Alex is growing. I don't know why that makes me such a proud momma, but it does. Every time we had an ultrasound, they always talked about how small he was. So I have to admit, I was a tad bit worried about my little Alex. In fact, they didn't think he would even be over six pounds when he was born....But...When I went to the doctor yesterday, and he was feeling around my stomach, he estimated that Alex is already five or six pounds! Wahoo!!!!!!It was just reassuring to me that he is still growing in my tummy(which you can defionatly see on the outside, since I am expanding every day)....I go again in two weeks, then I start going every week...Did you notice on the blog it says I have 38 days to go..Wow!
Well anyways. In other news. i had the best weekend!Thursday night I had a spontaneuous get together at my messy house. Todd's mom and Bill and Kellie, and my mom and dad came over and had hotdogs and other random stuff I could pull together to eat. Then we went and watched the Collegedale fireworks, sponsored by the makers of Little Debbie. It was a great show, but the most fun part was being together with both of my wonderful families. We laughed alot, and had a blast.
Fourth of July was a VERY productive day. .I was cracking the whip with my poor hubbie. I guess I am nesting..We finally got Alex's room cleaned out..Wahoo! We even got the crib set up.Not only was it a productive day, but a fun one. Who knew cleaning out could be so much fun. Todd and I laughed and cut up together all day. IT is so great to have a best friend for a hubbie:)
Sat we babysat for three kids all day so their parents could have some time together(she is about to pop with her fourth babe on the way). We had a blast practicing being parents. Then Sunday I went to eat with my sunday school girls....
I'm sorry this post is so long. I will end it for now, and will tell you about the GREAT CAKE DISASTER later. It was the only black spot to my great weekend, and it may still be too painful to talk about:)hehhe.I'll share after I go to therapy about it.

At the banks of the Jordan River

2008-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, didn't that sound like a good gospel song:).....I just have to say I feel like yesterday I stuck my toe in the "jordan river" on the way to the Promised Land God has for me in this next phase of my life....Ok....sorry for the OT analogies, but I must say, God allowed me to take a HUGE leap of faith yesterday. I told my job I would be leaving after I had baby alex! Which makes me officially on my way to becoming.....a stay at home mom. It has been a lonnnng process in me really listening to the Lord and being willing to obey him and step out in faith even if I don't see how everything is going to work out. But I want to raise my "ebenezer stone"today from the banks of my "jordan river" and say thus far the Lord has helped me! God is so good and patient and loving as He has carried me to this point. ....I BElieve God, but I am praying each day for God to help my unbelief.I don't want to get sucked into the grasshopper mentality, which is so easy for me to do when I look at all the "giant obstacles" looming in front of Todd and I . I want to be like Caleb and Joshua who spied out the land and said...What giants?...OUr God is bigger. God is bigger than my financial worries.....Will I be a good stay at home momma? a good mom in general. I need to trust in him!
What is keeping you from your promised land? Believe God and stick your toe into that River. God will be faithful to part it!

Baby on the blog

2008-06-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that my baby countdown on the blog is counting days now......not weeks....Just thought I would let you know.....remember when he looked like a little peanut. Now he is a very active, growing baby!
....days...wow...50 something days untill Alex comes to visit us. Wow!

Pics from work baby shower for Alex and I:)

2008-06-25T05:21:00.001-07:00

This was my wonderful cake for me and baby Alex. It tasted wonderful! Linz did a good job picking it out. I defionatly had 2 slices, one for me and one for Alex. And the cutest thing is you get the keep the booties and write his birthdate and booties...By the way, I'm starting a contest to guess the actual due date. LEt me know your thoughts. Whoever wins will get.....the prize of knowing you guessed right:)
Here is me and my big pregnant self, next to all the yummy food. They really looked out for me with the big bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips, which I can defionatly eat my weight in!Also, you cant see it, but JEnn, Vicki spoiled me with her yummy fruit tea. The best stuff ever!
Me and the beautiful Shawna cheesing for photo.
I just had to take a pic of Shawna's bling for you Jenn. Isn't it beautiful.
Me, making a cheesy face to cut the cake. I wore my missionary pearls in honor of you Jenn.
Sorry I didn't get more pics of my wonderful, amazing coworkers, however, as amazing and wonderful as Teresa is, the rest of the pics did not turn out, they were too dark. She admited herself she was not a photographer. So anyways. I just thought I would share Alex's first party pics with you guys!

Lovelady's Lake House and peach cobbler

2008-06-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

I just thought that sounded like a fun title. I had the MOST incredible weekend in good ole Tuscaloosa Alabama with one of my fav people in the world, Casey Gann. What a wonderful girls weekend I had!(Although don't worry Todd, I missed you more than you know the whole time you were in New York and I am so glad you are back!). I drove down Thursday night after work, and arrived to a homecooked dinner from Casey waiting on me. I was totally impressed. She made amazing parmesan chicken, not to be confused with chicken parmesan. We headed out to the Lovelady's lakehouse for a wonderful weekend. Wow! It was gorgeous. So many windows, with views of the lake everywhere.
Friday was the Perfect day! I mean.....when else can you sleep in, spend 2 hours uninteruppted with Jesus, lay around in your pajamas, go floating in the lake, put your pjs back on and watch a movie(a girlie movie of course), make soup and homemade peach cobblerish stuff(yum yum ask casey for the recipe), then watch another girlie movie. I can't tell you the last time I have had a day where I did not have a schedule. It was amazing, and the weather was perfect!By the way, are you impressed that this big, and getting much bigger every day 7 month pregnant momma could successfully get on a float in the lake!...well mind you they were really good floats, not a flimsy plastic one, but still I was impressed with myself:)
Sat. was much the same, with more lounging and laying on the lake. I am still waiting on my tan to appear. Then we went shopping, cuz my wonderful friend Casey took me shopping...she is just too good. Then we went to her church's supper club..where guess what. WE had more peach cobbler. Apparently that is the fav dessert in Alabama.
Sunday was great, with a very convicting sermon at church.....Actually, as relaxing as this whole weekend was, God defionatly used it to convict me of alot of things. I have become a little complacent and lazy in my walk with God....I want to actively seek to grow in him every day and not be content to stay the same. Even if that requires work!
But of course this morning I hit the snooze button too many times to hear from the Lord. So I guess I will have to put into practice all I learned tommorow instead
Casey...Thanks for an amazing weekend. you totally spoiled me,and I had a BLAST! That is one trip I will remember for a long time. I love you!

Casey's survey(I don't want to let you down..I'll try to be as cheesy as possible;)

2008-06-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

. What was I doing 10 years ago? Wow. I was a sophmore in college, still in the akward phase where I wasn't the coolest cat around(like I am now). I was probably going to some church camp or mission trip, because that is what I spent my whole summer doing when I was in highschool. Which means I was probably staying up to late, putting gummy bears on the toilet(yes I did that) and making lists with all my friends of the cutest guys in our youth group, and who we were going to marry and why...hehhe
2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
Clean my horrible kitchen. It looks like a natural disaster area. Is it bad to still have dishes on the counter from Thursday?
Finish washing clothes, cuz Todd is leaving for new york tommorow:(
Buy some decongestant/allergy medicine,as soon as I can find the list from my doc telling e what I can take
Be productive at work
Pick up my cute hubbie from the bus stop, since we are still currently sharing one car. ON the plus side, just think of how enviornmentally savy that makes us.
3. Snacks I enjoy:
Icecream is top on my list! Anytime...And since I've been pregnant, randomly..vinegar.yup....so that makes salt and vinegar potato chips a high priority!
4. Places I’ve lived:
Harrison, TN, Athens, TN, a freshman boys dorm, and Apision TN
5. Things I’d do if I were a billionaire:Give money to every person who wrote me a missionary support letter, go visit Jenn in Nepal,go on a really cool trip to the mountains somewhere with my hubbie, buy a car........this could get a bit overwhelming.
6. People I want to know more about:
Jesus. Amy Carmicheal. Ruth Bell Graham. Beth Moore
7. Name two things you have in common with Oprah:
hmm......our beautiful dark skin:)hehhe....I'm just not really sure
8. You can tell a lot about a person by…
how much they laugh and smile, how they treat their parents and family.
9. Are you a yeller when you get angry?
only to jenn back in the day when we fought over who got to wear what outfit;)....I may have at one point yelled at Todd, but I'm not really sure
10. Have you ever danced in public?
Yes. I am not at all a good dancer, but I love to dance with Todd(who has the rythym of a black person)
11. What did you do to deserve your first detention?
I was tardy I think?
12. What did you do to deserve your first paddling?
I never had a paddling at school. Only getting spanked by the fly swatter by my parents
13. Name three things you like about the town you live in.
It is close to lots of things.
It only has one stopsign.
It is so tiny we can say we are going to town:)
14. Name four things that you love to do.
Snuggle!
Jog(that was before I was pregnant, now I am doing good to walk up stairs)
Go on dates with my hubbie
Feel Alex kicking inside of me
15. Name something unusual you carry with you wherever you go.
Hehe...when I was doing classes in the schools, my crate of puppets rode with me in the car wherever I go...does that make me weird?!
16. What’s your favorite website?www.reachsouthasia.blogspot.com...can I say I am a bit obsessive to check it.
I wouldn’t even know where to begin!
17. Where and when was your first kiss?
At my wedding...Glory. To the most handsome guy in the whole world. However, lets just say the first kiss wasn't the best. It just gave us more chances to practice our technique later.18. What would an enemy have to say about you?
I don't know if I have any enemies currently?
19. Favorite childhood memory. Going on Hand family camping trips, which generally turned out to be disasters in really fun, memory making ways! I loved our trip to Canada where Jenn and I rode in the back seat the whole way in Suburu brat seats.
20. Any regrets?
of course..

Jesus Paid it All!

2008-06-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

I was worshipping this morning during my quiet time, listening to the Passion C.D. I unearthed from JEnn's old trunk(along with moldy dishes and plenty of used coffee cups..ect. ect:)).....The song Jesus Paid It all had me on my face. I just forget the awesome sacrifice Jesus paid for me. I hear the verses in Romans about the gospel, and it almost becomes routine for me. But this morning I was reminded anew that Jesus sacrificed for my sins.........Simple truth but life changing, you know. Or it should be life changing. I should be living out every day of my life in response to that gift, and knowing that because of him I have everything I need for life and godliness!
Enough preaching. Just had to share that with you. I have a doctor's appointment today, and I get to see Alex again. Wahoo. I can't wait. He is a mover and shaker. I can't believe how much he moves inside me. I could be having the worst day, and I will feel him moving around and it just makes me smile. If he has as much energy outside the womb, he is going to have some very tired parents:)
Please pray for T.J. and her fam right now......Her mom needs complete and total physical healing from the Lord, and they all need supernatural peace from the Lord right now. If you think about it, go to her blog and leave her a comment. I don't have the address memorized, but if you look in one of my comments you will see her name angelonwheels!

Grandaddy's cereal and more

2008-06-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well. I just got back from spending three days with my extended fam in Georgia. I had a wonderful time.....But the highlight of the trip for me and Alex...Getting to eat cereal and oranges with my wonderful grandad. He has been eating the same cereal for as long as I have known him. And only he can make the combination just right. Total flakes, fiber one cereal, and wheat germ, all combined in the perfect combination. I know..it may not make since to some of you all, but it is just the perfect combination. My grandad also let me beat him in one game of backgammon. That is a big deal too:)
I had a great time with my fam. I got to see both of my fun and incredible aunts...my grandad...my cousins....I was espically excited to spend time with my cousin Jeanan, who I don't get to spend time with very often. I think all we did was eat...and eat some more..........But don't ask my Aunt Brenda about her experience at Logan's...She might turn red with anger again...hehhe that was an interesting dining experience.
If you think about it, please pray for Todd and I as we continue to prepare for this baby. We are needing much wisdom from the Lord on many things. Pray God shows us step by step what we are supposed to do and that we can trust him for big things during this transition time.

Family fishing contest winnner~

2008-05-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Notice that my fish is much bigger than my hubbies fish:) I caught a keeper that time. He did not:)
Another shot of my fish which is bigger than his:) Doesn't my dad loook like a serious fisherman in his hat.
Aren't we cute in our bright lifejackets:)
We had so much fun going out on the boat with the fam.

My mom's fish is bigger than my dads. Notice a pattern? I was so thankful to my parents for letting Todd and I share the boat on Sat for a nice relaxing day on the lake. We got to fish, eat hamburgers on the boat, and Todd and I even went for a very cold swim...Alex enjoyed his first swim.

And I won the family fishing contest. LEt's just say...I've got skills!

Preggie pics for Jenn

2008-05-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Todd, Alex and Me
This is me and Alex
This is our gingerbread fam that will be going in Alex's nursery that his grandparents so generously bought for him.
This is me and Todd and our gingerbread fam!

This is me and my cute hubbie and Alex after putting on the Ritz

my preacher man hubs and more

2008-05-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

First, in this blog ,i wanted to give a shout out to my wonderful handsome preacher man. I've never seen a more handsome man preach as I did on Sunday morning...hehhe. Sorry Sterling, but I am a bit biased. I was so proud to hear Todd on sunday morning. God truly spoke to him. Nothing makes him more alive than him sharing the gospel, and he did it in such a clear wonderful way. As I was driving toward Knoxville for bridesmaids dress shopping, I just couldn't help but thank God He had given me such a wonderful man of God as a hubbie. I know he is going to be the best daddy to alex.
Bridesmaids shopping with Shawna was fun. I kindof had to make a shot in the dark to decide what size I will be seven weeks after little alex comes into the world...HOpefully I made the right decision. I loved the dress! Latte brown with a clover green sash, and peek a boo slip. It is a very flattering dress, and hopefully will look good on me even post baby:)Shawna was the most gorgeous thing though. The dress she bought was beautiful. I love how faitful God is to bring her and Harrison together. Isn't God just so faithful!
With all the drama Todd and I have had with our cars lately, I have defionatly been learning how much unbelief in God I still have. He is so big if we can just see that we can trust him it makes life alot easier. And he has defionatly come through in our car situation. THe red car is finally driving legally, after we got it out of the shop and passed our emissions test! The green car...however....is going bye bye......But the insurance company is giving us above and beyond for it! Praise God. Pray for us as we look for another car!
God does more than we can ask or imagine!

Betty Crocker I am not.....

2008-05-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

WEll.....I feel very inferior compared to my wonderful betty crocker sis Jenn, who apparently knows how to make yummy homemade bagels.......hmmmm...I just go to the store and buy them. Because well, to make my espcially special and wonderful mom feel special and wonderful for mother's day, I attempted making her homemade cinnamon rolls for her mother's day brunch....let me just tell you. They defionatly did not turn out yummy, espically for the crazy amount of work that went into making them. Even drowning them in icing did not make them taste better. I must say from now on...I will proudly and gladly buy the Pillsbury dough boy version, which takes 10 minutes to make as opposed to two days:) But I hope my mommy felt very special and loved anyway..Because I defionatly am so blessed to have the most wonderful, loving, fun, and wise mom in the world....who listens to me whenever I want to talk and has always been there for me. By golly, she deserved some good cinnamon rolls. but that did not happen. Hopefully the homemade quiche made up for it, however, and the homemade pancakes.....I pray she felt as special and wonderful as she is...
by the way, several times I have attemped cinnamon rolls, and several times they have not worked out....they have almost been the death of our marriage..when Todd sees me frustrated and throwing the dough around the kitchen( I kid you not). He has decided it would be best for me, and our marriage if I don't attempt them anymore:)hehhe. HE is the best most patient and loving hubbie around!

Our future soccer player

2008-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

I"m sorry for more posts about Alex Michael. I guess he is just one of the biggest things on my mind right now. I just had to share that last night, he was super excited and kicking alot. Todd got to feel him kick for the first time. It was so sso exciting. It is amazing the gift of having a living baby inside your womb. God is so amazing. I think it was the pinto beans and rice I had for dinner that really got Alex kicking!

Camp Livingstones fun

2008-05-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well, what a fun Saturday I had. It was Camp Livingstones 10 year anniversary, which happened to be the place I fell in love with my wonderful hubbie and had my fun wedding reception. It was so so much fun to go back to that great place and celebrate all the wonderful ways God has worked in that place and in my life! It is absolutely amazing to look back on the plans God has for us. I remember many days of pouring my heart to the Lord at camp, never dreaming that God would answer my prayers two years later for the love of my life to decide he wanted to be my hubbie:) I was just almost in tears when Arthur was leading worship, just thinking about how Good God is! I was also surrounded by babies there. There were babies everywhere. It excited me to know that in just a few short months I will have my very own to hold. Glory! i can't wait. My very own boy at that. Have I mentioned how much I love Alex Michael. I also go the wonderful chance to catch up with the wonderful Casey Gann at camp. We got to steal away for awhile and I can't tell you how much of a blessing it was to me! I love that girl!
Todd and I were able to take one of our youth with us and another guy up to camp. We had a blast with them despite the rainy icky weather. Let me just say, me and Alyse kicked some tail in carpet ball, which has to be one of my new fav games. I would challenge anyone to play that with me! We also kicked some tail in the game of password. The boys just couldn't beat us......Alex Michael and I also watched Todd and Alyse go off the new zipline at camp. It looked like a blast, but I didn't think Alex would appreciate the thrill quite so much. i also saw my handsome man climb up to the top of the climbing wall.He was having way too much fun.
Please continue to pray for Todd and I as we are learning step by step to trust God. Also pray for my energy level, as last week I was past the point of exhausted every day. Probably from Emmaus. I also taught 575 kids in four days, which is a bit much for a preggie girl like me.
I am excited to see what God has in store for this week!

Baby Pix #2

2008-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Pix

2008-04-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

our baby's got soul

2008-04-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Even though I still don't know if our baby is a boy or girl, I do know our baby has some gospel soul in it. At Emmaus Saturday night Mark HIckman(a black man) sang three awesome songs. THe baby was kicking IN RYTHYM the whole time. IT obviously loved that type of music and just couldn't help but praise the Lord too. Isn't that amazing. THe baby is kicking and moving alot more now, and it makes me smile so big everytime. I cannot believe I am going to be a momma in four months. It was great at Emmaus to be surrounded by several young moms on the team who spoke into my life and were a great encouragement. Heather read verses about the baby when I was in the prayer chapel and it just made me cry. I am so privledged that the Lord has chosen me to knit this baby in my womb. Glory! God is going to do great things in the life of our future baby!

Cutting a Rug

2008-04-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Whoever said Baptists can't dance was not at Mark and Lisa's wedding on Saturday. What a blast. The wedding reception was help outside at Steve and Valerie's house with a makeshift dance floor. Let me tell you, there are some people in our church who can dance:) Todd and I had a blast dancing with the rest of our crazy, not so Baptist church members. Sterling can do a mean electric slide(who happens to be our preacher)....And daddy...well....he just tried;)..I love the fact that our God loves to watch us have godly fun! I am so glad we do not go to a legalistic church. God does have rules for us for living, but I believe with all my heart He allows us to have good clean fun too.
This weekend was an absolute whirlwind!!!!!!!!Friday night Todd and I got to have a wonderful date night. We haven't had one of those in awhile. We picked up Chinese at the Chinese Express and ate outside conveniently at the tables in front of Marble Slab(you don't think this pregnant girl planned that). WE had a great time together, and also I managed to get some icecream out of the deal:)
Saturday was a funeral and a wedding, and a late night visit to the ER. We went to a funeral/celebration service for a family at our church's dad, then went straight to the wedding. Then Todd and I went to visit his Mom and husband bill in Charleston. Todd is so in tune with the Spirit, he just felt we should go. Well as soon as we got there, bill started having some major health problems, so we accompanied them to the ER. He ended up having surgery last night late on his small intestines. He will be having a little recovery time, but should be up and about soon.
Sunday was also crazy. We went to church, ran to Cleveland to the hospital, ran back to Chatt, visited some families with youth at iour church, then did a servant evangelism project with our youth.Which was a blast. We took them to Bi-Lo, and pushed people's buggies out for them, and unloaded their groceries and invited them to church. It was so much fun. The youth were troopers. Finished church, then ran back to Cleveland to the hospital.
needless to say, the baby and I were tired out from a busy weekend. However, ihave been so blessed lately with some great ministry opportunites. God is so much fun, and following him is a great adventure!So sorry for the long post. Also, please pray for the emmaus walk coming up this weekend. I want God to do HuGE things!

Back from the Dead and Women of JOY!

2008-04-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I am officially back from the dead. I am not trying to be dramatic like Jenn:) but I really did think I wanted to die on Thursday when Todd and I both had the stomach virus. I will spare you the really gross and dramatic details and just say praise the LORD for a virus that only lasts 24 hours. I was so praying God would heal me in time to go to the Woman of Joy conference with some of my favorite people, my momma and my two wonderful aunts. God is so faithful, and healed me quickly, and by Saturday lunch I was chowing down on way too many apple fritters at the apple barn....Yum Yum. I had a BLAST at Women of Joy! First of all, any time you get my mom and I and my aunts together there is going to be lots of laughing...Lots of laughing.....But also, the Lord just blessed my socks off with the speakers. Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur rocked my world. I left totally refreshed. They spoke on what God has already been teaching me, but just reminded me again. He is a BIG God and I can trust him to do BIG ImPOssible things. And I can expect him to show up in my reality, just like he hid the blind begger bartemaus who was physcially, socially, and emotionally needy. Jesus met all those needs. Just like the woman who bled for 12 years. a touch from Jesus healed her. I want to be like Caleb and Joshua who allowed the Spirit to control their minds, and not the grasshopper mentality of the other 12 spies and said God will help us overcome the Land.
I want big faith. I am excited to see where God leads me as he teaches me about Big faith.

Our future soccer player

2008-04-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well...the verdict for boy or girl is.........Still boy or girl. Our little baby did not want to cooperate, with the umbillical cord right between its legs. So we still just don't know boy or girl. However I do believe it will be a future soccer player. It was just a kicking its little feet when the doctor pushed on my stomach. Poor little guy(or girl). I think we traumatized it. I cannot tell you how amazing that moment was though. Watching the baby move around, and getting to see what God has been up too inside me is indescribable. Espically having my family around to see it with me. I loved it when I saw it's little hand. It was waving at all of us. From what I can tell it has perfect little fingers and toes. We could also see a great shot of its face....It has the perfect little nose, rounded like mine...What a joy! God's miracle is amazing. I am so in love with this little miracle inside of me. And I must say I really still like the doc very much. I am so pleased that God led us to the right place. And a big Glory shout out to God. He has so provided for our medical bills in ways we can't even fathom. He truly is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.
Well, the baby's measurements are for a 18 week and 5 day old baby. So either it is a small baby, ...or I am due later than they originally thought. Who knows? Either way..It is healthy and that is all that matters...
My cup overfloweth today. I just want to dance and praise the Lord....Let's just have a dancing, praise Jesus, praise party kindof day!
One more thing...God has put on Todd and I's heart to pray about believing him for something big...which will remain unamed at this point. So if you guys could pray about that too, even if you don't know the specifics, God does.Thanks so much. He can do more than we think ever possible!

Pinwheel time

2008-03-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Jenn. you espcially would appreciate this post. Bring your mind back to this time last year. When you had burns on your fingers from making blue ribbons.....And you got to flirt with a certain photographer while planting 500 pinwheels in the hard ground.
Yup. It is that time again. Preparation time for my busy time at work...Child Abuse Prevention month. I was so sad this year that I didn't have Jenn to help me stick those pinwheels in the ground. 500 of them......However I did have one volunteer come help me. You should have seen me, pregnant me, balancing on that steep hill and trying to stick those pinwheels in a straight line. It was hilarious. the volunteer that helped me had hers all in a row. Mine were defionatly not straight, since I can't even draw a straight line. Please pray that God can use me to get the imporant message of Child abuse prevention out to the community.
I love love Spring. I can smell it in the air, and it makes me so happy(I know Todd you can't smell it, but you can at least pretend). I love the new life that God springs up. I am feeling some new life breathed in me as well. I am learning some of the same things as JEnn(check out her blog) about applying God's truth to my life. It sounds simple...but well really it is the best attack we have against the great deciever who tells us horrible lies all the time.....It is our SWORD. And I am a warrior....A princess warrior of course, when I weild that truth, Satan runs away. So find some bible verses that deal with your struggles, and shout them out to Satan, and watch him run. THen you can be as intimidating as me. hehhe. ARen't I intimidating. Picture me with a big sword!

ParDiem meals and more

2008-03-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Oh the sweet glories of Par diem meal money. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, I have been away since Tuesday morning in Huntsville Alabama for the National Symposium on Child Abuse. The Lord really blessed me, because I got to go with Lindsey, who is just a wonderful great friend. We had a wonderful relaxing time together.(besides the 8 hours a day of sitting in classes hearing awful stories about child abuse).
but anyways, about the money. I love the fact that we get $33 dollars a day to spend on meals, and the only meal we really had to buy was dinner. So Lindz and I got to eat out, and not feel guilty at all. That makes this pregnant girl very happy. We ate Thai food that was AMAZING, and then the next day ate at TJI Friday's. Not to mention the best part. I ate a whole Chili's molten chocolate cake by MYSELF! Well, me and the baby ate it, so that is a good excuse right!
Anyways, enough boring info about food. The conference I went to was really good. ONe class I went to really pricked my heart. It wasn't just about sex abuse, it was about sexual exploitation of kids. Where Children are being sexually abused for money or other "prizes". This includes things like child sex trafficing, WHICH OCCURS IN THE US! The avg age for a prostitute to begin that life in us is 12 years old!!!!!!!!! What!The session just really opened my eyes to this problem, and how unfair it is to the women and children involved.I pray God allows me to do something about it someday...or now...Who knows. But He defionatly stirred my heart. Over 300,000 children were sexually exploited in the US in 1999. The numbers have really expanded since then. Please take time out to pray for these kids.
On a less serious note, I also sat in on a class about temper tantrums taught by a VERY famous pediatrician who writes happy baby and happy toddler books from UCLA. It was quite interesting. i'm sure I agreed with his methods, but it was neat to get to hear someone like that teach.
2 more weeks untill I find out if baby is boy or girl!

PS to last post

2008-03-12T07:22:00.001-07:00

PS. I forgot to mention one huge way God is providing for me. Through my wonderful momma!(and dad too, but she is on the lookout for me stuff)....She has bought me several maternity things she finds, and she also has provided in many other ways. I Love my mom and dad. They are so supportive of me, and it makes me excited how excited they are to have a grandchild. I have the BEST family in the whole world. Except I wish my other half Jenn wasn't on the other side of the world:(. She is the greatest sis ever though. I think she is just as excited as me about the baby.

Hallelujah for Elastic pants!!!!!!!

2008-03-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yes....It is now time. The doctor was not lying about me no longer being able to wear my favorite jeans. I feel like every day I wake up and my tummy is a little bit larger. Last night I was at Andy and Andrea's house. Wearing my fav jeans. I showed up there with them buttoned. The next time I went to the bathroom I could not get them buttoned back up;). They just got more and more uncomfortable as the night wore on. Then Andrea and I started discussing the maternity clothes in her attic. She said she had a pair of jeans that might work for me. Glory!!They are not the kind I am still just not ready to wear yet with the big ugly blue panel on them(although don't worry I know that will be coming). However, they are very stretchy, with room to grow in front, and elastic in back. Glory. I want to give God some praise. I couldn't believe the difference when I put them on. It is only when you are pregnant that you can pull of wearing jeans with elastic in them. And I LOVE them. I may never take them off.
God has been so super faithful to provide me with lots of cute maternity clothes. Andrea gave me a TON last night and those of you that know her know how cute she dressed when she was pregnant. I was also able to buy a ton at the consignment sale on Monday, mostly summer stuff for when I am BIG and pregnant in the summer. I also am recieving clothes from my aunt laura's hair dresser. How cool is that. Aunt Laura always comes through. So I maybe sticking out from her to kingdom come(because baby doesn't how much place to go but out on a girl that is 5 2"), but I will be sporting some cute fashion! I cannot believe how much God has already provided for us. He is so faithful, and even cares about the little things in life, like me feeling cute when I am preggie(as the hip people say)

I'm a ROCK Star! And glory to God

2008-03-10T06:40:00.001-07:00

Yup. YOu read that right. THanks to some really cool middle school and high school girls I got my day in fame this weekend at Disciple Now. I spent the weekend with some of the most fun girls every. Six precious girls from our youth group. And despite being very sleep deprived, we had a BLAST! I defionatly don't have much of a voice today, because I rocked it out with the coolest play station game ever. Sing Star by PlayStation. IT is like glorified karaoke, with the words on the screen, and a music video playing. YOu battle against someone else singing in the microphone. I can't tell you how much fun I had untill 2 in the morning. Those girls think I am crazy. Friday night, Shawna and I battled it out. WE tried alittle ARetha Franklin RESPECT. Let me tell you,we both stunk, but it was a blast. Me and one of the youth also battled it for a fresh Prince rap song. They didn't think I had it in me. THey obviously don't know me very well:)hehheh.
Another fun story, then I will share the God stories. We played the best game on Sat against the boys called Bigger and Better. We had two hours and seven nickels to find the best and biggest thing we could trade for. WE had a BLAST, and defionatly won the contest. We ended up with a sled, an expensive baseball card album,a headboard, and an old tv. But the winner was...An old dryer from Connaly and Vicki's house. Glory! And the best part was the boys had already been there and asked for the drier and he said no. You should have seen those girls loading the dryer onto conally's truck. It was hilarious! The boys did get some cool stuff though, a big light up Christmas decoration, a cd tower, a shelf, a dog feeder and a piggy bank. Because the girls won, the guys had to serve us breakfast sunday morning. It was hilarious!
Well God did Big things in the girls this weekend. I could not believe how much God used TJ Friday night. SHe was AMAZING and spoke exactally what the Spirit had for her to say. SEveral of the girls just completly broke! Glory Glory Glory! The girls could not stop talking about her all weekend and what God had done through her. Thanks so m uch TJ for being a blessing. Shawna was also a huge blesssing, and a perfect follow up to TJ. God used her to show practical tips of how to grow in God. I know the girls walked away learning big things to change their lives! God also did things in the guys lives as well. Josh and Zack did a wonderful job. The boys seemed to have a blast. I just want to give God praise for what he did, because there was ALOT of spiritual warfare leading up to this weekend. ANd praise be to God for giving Todd wisdom to plan all this and put it together. I am so proud of him.
Finally, God is convicting me this week about giving Glory to God! Sterling preached on it on Sunday morning, and on livingproofministires.blogspot.com there is a great blog about it. We should be praising God out loud all the time! Praise you Jesus!

Abiding Love and Infinite Presence

2008-03-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Winding roads, narrow roads, straight roads, broad roads, obstacles, clarity, fogged vision, or whatever life holds, I have a traveling companion. Christ reassures us "and lo (whatever that means), I am with you always even unto the end of the age." After reading parts of the life of Richard Wurmbrant, I felt like I was certainly less of a Christian. Having experience severe persecution and living to tell of it, this man has encouraged me in my walk with Christ. If the grace of God met him in what seemed to be his darkest hours, then I know of this journey called "life" Christ will hold my hand through the trails. Really, the worst is already over: Looking back the scary part was walking alone, but like Paul's travels Christ's glory was unconcealed, revealed and effective in bring me--a soiled sinner--to His most holy side. If the darkness of my sinfulness did not separate God from pursuing me to His death, then the darkness of life's tragedies will never cut off the love of God and His presence from my inmost being. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor any other creature will be able to separate US from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-9) Christian, are you weary? Brother, are you discouraged? Sister, are you exhausted? Friend, are you helpless? Beloved are you persecuted? Then cast your entire self--heart, mind, and soul--on the Savior and watch His unending and infinite love fill you where you need it the most. Praise be to God.

Also, I celebrate that fact that on this road God has called another to walk with me, beside me and hold my hand through the struggles of life. She is the most wonderful woman in all the world and God could not have "hand"-picked a better lady for me. (She got the better end of the deal...Jenn, I'm sorry if this grosses you out!). Michelle, I love you and as we walk together, let's love God with all we have and love each other like there's little time, and compassionately reach the world with the arms of Christ.