How We Do Life

Christmas Cards

2012-01-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

I love receiving Christmas cards. We have begun streaming a ribbon around our large entry way and clipping the cards to the ribbon - we see them at each meal and the children will share stories about their experiences with the other children and adults in the pictures.

One thing a good friend shared with me - as she takes each card down after the season - is the pray for the family before putting the card away. I love that. We did that last year and it connected us with the many families that adorn our dining room. :)

But I must say.

This year, there was one card that I kept pondering all Christmas season long. I could not stop thinking of it. I even cried about it a few times.

It was a beautiful hand painted card. 2 beautiful ornaments. I have no idea how long my friend took to paint these two beautiful water color ornaments. Then she adhered it to this folded card. As the card is opened - a very simple statement reads:

"God and sinners reconciled!"

Merry Christmas!

Still, I am left pondering the magnitude of this promise and truth that I have in Jesus. That babe born 2,000 years ago in a manger. Born to two lowly people. Whom kings sought after for months in order to go and worship Him and bring Him gifts proclaiming His sovereign, ordained God-given roles - to be our King, to be our Priest and to be our Savior.

This babe - this past Christmas -

brought forth a man,

God in flesh,

to reconcile me,

a sinner

to a Holy God.

I can't help but cry.

Fall Festival

2011-10-29T08:51:00.003-04:00

RTS had a fall festival last night! Its first ever Fall Festival!!

My friend, Jenni (a female student along with her husband Andy) pulled the whole event off - she is a natural party planner - she delegated it well into several committees all of whom are friends as well - and they did a fantastic job with RTS's first ever Fall Festival. The young married couples and single folks really served the families in allowing us to fully engage and enjoy our kids with the games and activities.

It was so much fun.

Walker - pilot; Lalla - ballerina; Wyatt - Spider Man

**on a funny note. Recently we were in the car and Walker mentioned super heroes. Wyatt came back with an interesting comment...this is how the conversation went down.

Wyatt: you know, there is one problem with super heroes

Walker: what?

Wyatt: they don't pay attention to their jobs.

Walker: huh?

Wyatt: Peter Parker is supposed to be working for Mr. Jameson and instead he's out goofing off defeating the bad guys.

the night of the Fall Festival, he did not mention anything about missing work, he was all about defeating the bad guys. :)

Staying.

2011-10-17T15:39:00.002-04:00

We found out some wonderful news this past week. With having found out recently that we will be having another baby in the Spring, knowing Wes graduates in May, etc we had begun praying about our future, specifically Wes' job in a church.

Our elders interviewed Wes last Monday night. They interviewed me as well. It was a unique experience in that I've never been included in a job interview for Wes in the past. They asked some really wonderful questions. My favorite was when they asked how I best saw myself supporting Wes in his role. I shared with them that my vision of supporting Wes was largely taking care of our home and our children. I elaborated on this a bit and they loved and affirmed me for this answer - which gave me great hope and assurance in our call to this wonderful church. They asked some other wonderful questions.

So later that night after Wes and I left - our elders voted and unanimously they voted in favor of hiring Wes for the position of Assistant Minister of Youth and Families. Our pastor, Tom and Associate Pastor, Dave came over to our house after the meeting that night (10:45) and excitedly offered Wes the position.

We are delighted to accept this position and consider it a humble privilege to remain with this church body we have grown to love deeply. We are so thankful for the Lord's gracious and gentle timing - that He has brought forth this blessing, early.

His position will begin June 1, 2012.

"He is before all things and in Him all things hold together." Col 1:17

Adding On...

2011-10-16T15:18:00.005-04:00

I just realized how long it has been.

We've been busy and I've not been feeling well.

That is due to the fact that we are going to be adding to our family.

We will have another Andrews baby in our home April 21(stsh)

We are delighted.

Shocked at the Lord's timing.

But thankful for His good and perfect ways.

We will find out the gender in early December.

For those of you who have had babies, you know the survival mode?

That's my way of living.

I am trying to do more than necessary but my energy is low and my tummy is sick.

So I know that there is grace for this season and there is good in the rest and the stillness that comes with abruptly moving at a slower pace.

I don't want to miss out on these gifts. I will miss them when I get my energy back and (hopefully) begin feeling better. I will miss the naps in the afternoon.

I have really experienced the depth of God's grace in tangible ways.

While I've not had much motivation to clean my house or clean up after a meal, I've had motivation to continue kindergarten at our same pace. I am so thankful for this. Wyatt and I are still really enjoying pretty much all things about homeschooling.

Wes is very busy with his midterm studies and papers. We are in the full swing of the Fall. We are so excited about the Tigers. They have been such fun to watch (except the first half last night). Walker really loves his preschool. Lalla is still crawling and sucking her thumb a lot - still not walking... but I'm in no hurry.

Overall we're well.

And tired.

And living by His grace.

And trying to rest.

ps - I know the pic is cheesy.

The Birthday Babies

2011-09-03T20:24:00.006-04:00

Lalla, 3 weeks; T, 1 week

Hard to believe these babies are 1 year old.

T and Lalla

Our mom hosted a family birthday party for these little ones - She was delighted to hold such a special event in her home and she prepared in such tangible and loving ways...

she made Lalla and T their own birthday placemat and

she sewed them each their own bib.

T and Lalla are hilarious together. They touch each other and test each other - taking toys from one another, pulling on one another, all the while staring.

I had the job of making the cakes. Which I was delighted to do.

A blue polka dot one for T-man

and a pink one for Lalla girl

all the grandparents came which I thought was really special.

To have Thomas' parents, my parents and Wes' parents all in the same room together. It was a picture of God's grace to me in many ways. The three couples had no idea when they married many years ago what the Lord would provide and allow...

Mom also made birthday hats for each birthday baby.

All the grandchildren were delighted to celebrate such a wonderful day - it was such a fun day. I loved each minute of it.

Dad and Mom even had special drinks for Kayne and I. She and I both love glass-bottled Mexican coke. And they had tub of ice with many of these chilling in the middle.

Such a special day.

Thank you mom and dad for your love for Kayne and I - you love us so well. Thank you to the grandparents who travelled to be with these children on such a special day.

We love you deeply.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

Homeschooling

2011-09-03T20:01:00.003-04:00

We have 14 successful kindergarten days behind us.

Homeschooling for me has been different that I expected or suspected.

Both in regards to Wyatt and me.

He has responded differently.

And I have too.

All of that to say, I am really enjoying it.

And Wyatt really is, too.

Our first unit was on the sun.

Wyatt (and Walker) painted suns, made sun badges, learned a lot about the letter "S", did a blind-fold experiment from a wonderful curriculum called "My Father's World" - it came highly recommended by my Clemson friends and I am so thankful they shared their love for it with me. I am absolutely loving it. LOVING it!

We made a sun dial...

did you know that the shadow of the stick/pencil matches the time of day it is? (i didn't!)

the boys and I came outside each hour between 10 and 2 and traced the lines of the shadow and saw how it matched the time on the clock. Amazing.

Then. we made raisins!

from grapes. The grapes have been drying for 5 days and are just now beginning to be crinkley and brown. I overheard Wyatt tell a friend today:

"Did you know that just like a caterpillar turns into a butterfly a grape can turn into a raisin?"

So we're doing this fun curriculum - Wyatt and I are in a new place in our relationship - he truly loves learning and enjoys me teaching him. We did not get that much this summer (time for me to stop and give him some time to teach him something) and our relationship was distant. This has been a neat answer to my feeling so distant from him over the summer. He told his daddy that his favorite subject is Math. That was a shocker! I love our Math, too - also highly recommended from my Clemson friends - Math U See Primer. It has blocks that they count with and Walker truly covets the blocks. He can't wait for the day he gets to "play" with them.

Walker will be in preschool 3 days a week beginning next week but I've enjoyed his being a part of "kindergarten". He told someone the other day "I just help out with kindergarten". Wyatt told him one day

"Walker, you are the biggest preschooler I know.

You are doing kindergarten stuff." A few minutes later Walker said.

"Yeah, Wyatt. And did you know that I can kill bears now, too?"

Wyatt concluded the conversation by adding:

"Yeah. And did you know that I can kill a lion with my bare hands?"

I've enjoyed learning new things about Wyatt. Things I never knew about him. Like the way he learns. He is a rule follower. I taught him how to count the blocks on day 1 in Math - and he's not deviated from it since. I've enjoyed seeing Wyatt enjoy learning and being a good student. I've enjoyed Walker's eagerness to be a part of whatever Wyatt is learning/doing. I've loved Lalla being a part, too. Though that is the trickiest - she's been a part of some days. And it's actually gone well.

I know there will be hard days.

But I am so thankful for a very good beginning.

"All things are of Him and through Him and to Him.

To Him be glory forever.

Amen."

Romans 11:36

One Year

2011-08-10T19:09:00.002-04:00

What a difference 1 year can make.

We are thankful (me especially) to be here and not a year behind.

We have our daughter.

We have journeyed through another year of seminary.

I can't believe how much difference a year can make. I am thankful to have a one-year-old Lalla. She is sweet, smart, a good eater, loves her brothers, and they love her. She says "Da da, uh-oh, na na (mama) and duh! She's a wonderful sleeper.

We love our Lalla!

this is an excerpt from my journal (a year and 2 days ago - 8/8/10)

"I honestly thought I'd be in labor by now or even have a baby! Wes and I spent the entire night in the hospital only to be sent home. How disappointed I am. I mean really so. I don't even feel many non-painful contractions at the moment. Mom came all the way here, Mary came over - both of which lost a good bit's sleep. And here I sit - labor - LESS. I am so confused - having had many painful contractions work towards...nothing. Ugh. I feel foolish - unaware of what my body is doing and over anxious. Even more so, as if I've inconvenienced everyone! Lord, I'm asking boldly for You to bring labor - real labor - upon my body today! And that this baby would be delivered today!

The Lord brought Lalla into our lives 2 days later.

On her due date.

8/10/10

Here We Are...

2011-08-09T13:28:00.003-04:00

Life has been so busy. Its been a really fun summer and there have been lots of things for our family to do - which has been such a gift from the Lord. I thank God for that, too. Again and again. He has provided this unique season in the middle of Wes and my life together - for him to be full time seminary student and devote himself to his studies - and yet provides a summer where the demands of his 2 jobs don't hold him down all summer - we got to travel! With both of our families and it was truly a gift.

That being said, Wes is devoted to a 3 week intensive course - Greek 1. He has been doing well - I'm very proud of him for his hard work and devotion, though I miss him. Its given me time to visualize a little more what our homeschooling days will look like. We've done a little learning time and a lot of play time during the day.

I do look forward to the hope of routine once the fall months arrive - and am trying not to waste away this time of flexibility with my children.

The good news, and the best news is that while I've been neglecting things like this blog, and been busy with my family, I've begun really reading my bible (like I did in college). Where I have t.i.m.e. studying the word. And journaling. I had met with my prayer triad and we asked questions about our bible reading - I left convicted and really determined to change my bible intake. Wanting it better, deeper. So I set out to have 2 really good times like this during the week. Where I get about an hour of prayer, reading God's word, taking notes and journalling. I'm thankful for that. He has provided the time. And the benefit of studying His word.

I'm also happy to report that I'm memorized more of Ephesians (with my friend, Lia). We've completely Eph 4, Eph 5, Eph 6 and we've begun Eph 1. So we're up to having memorized 97 verses. This is an absolute huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I could do it - and I'm encouraged that the Lord has provided this old brain the valuable words of His truth. And they are hidden there and in my heart.

So while I've been gone completely from this world - The Lord has enriched me through His word and through His promises (though days are hard and challenges remain).

He is good.

And always will be.

The McInvilles

2011-07-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

We had the treat of spending a weekend with a family we hold dear to our hearts.

We met them (Andy and Rita) a few years ago when Wes began youth ministry work at First Pres in Florence. They have remained faithful friends through the good, the bad and the ugly. They and their daughter, Caroline made the trip up to see us this past weekend!

Rita so lovely documented our time together- that her words for me just say it all.

We love you, McInvilles!

http://hisplanourjourney.blogspot.com/2011/07/hanging-out-with-wes-sage-and-their.htm

The Good and the Bad

2011-07-10T15:01:00.004-04:00

playing in the creek (Wyatt)

pre-crawling (Lalla)

after a "Hungry Caterpillar" party at school (Walker)

I believe it was Job who said to his wife after the Lord sovereignly allowed things to be stripped away from his life, of great value (health, children, possessions) when she questioned her husband's faithfulness to the Lord despite His taking away things - it was Job who responded to her by saying...

"Shall we accept the good from the Lord, and not the bad?" (Job 2:10)

I write about the good. No problem.

I don't write about the bad. All that much.

Well as believers (and any person on earth for that matter) there is the good and there is the bad. As believers, we are being sanctified by the Lord with each and every step, crawl and movement we make towards the cross. And it hurts.

I don't like to write about the bad.

Namely, my own bad.

The truth is, I'd rather stay away, not write anything at all on my blog than to write about my bad. Why would anyone want to say "I didn't like the way I did life today."

I didn't like the way I loved my husband. I didn't like the way I parented, or spoke to my children. It's much easier to just not write anything than it is to post about what a terrible person I am. I work hard (and am pretty sure we all do) to uphold an image that is just simply, not true. We are fallen. We are sinful. And we never graduate from grace. (as Rev Dave Kulp put it this morning in his sermon).

We are reliant on God for our salvation.

And we are reliant on God for our sanctification.

Friend, I will tell you. I am sinner being humbled my sin, still. I will never escape that this side of heaven. And my soul longs for that place, heaven, where we will no longer sin, be sick, or sad. I long for the perfection that only being in the very presence of the Father and His Son, Jesus can bring. I strive each and every day for perfection on earth and am disappointed. I cannot be the perfect wife. And I cannot be the perfect mom. I do and will continue to fail. But it is not hopeless for me. Jesus is my hope but He is also my means by whom I humbly rely on.

"All things are of Him, through Him and to Him. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Rom 11:36

I have thought about blogging several times, but when I'm reminded about the kind of morning I had with my children I quickly think to myself "I don't want to listen to me". I'd rather glean from the Word of God where my hope comes from or from others who are humble and striving for the cross each and every day.

This morning in church we sang these words:

"I take, O cross, the shadow for my abiding place

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face

Content to let the world go by to know no gain nor loss

My sinful self my only shame, my glory, all the cross."

Upon finishing these sweet words, Wyatt leaned into to my ear and whispered,

"Mommy, that song makes me cry tears.

Happy tears."

We never graduate from grace.

Lately...

2011-06-21T20:24:00.004-04:00

we've been busy!

My three little monkeys are keeping me very, very, very busy. In a nutshell since summer began (memorial day weekend) we dropped our little ones at my parents house and took off to Black Mountain for our 10th annual Clemson college friends reunion. This year there were 9 couples that came (sans children - which would have been around 37 kids). It was a very fun and encouraging time for Wes and I. We love our college friends so much. They are all believers and they are all funny. Truly, truly great.

We were home 1 day and then took off to the beach with some dear friends from Florence - the Severance family. Our children played very well together and the parents laughed and encouraged one another. It was a lot of work as family vacations are, but very very fun - the dad took the older kids crabbing one morning and they came back with crab and flounder, which of course we cooked and ate. We went on bike rides, played games, and talked, and laughed.

We were home a few days then took off to Florence for a long weekend (sans kids) to love on Melissa and Tyler for their wedding. Wes and I got to stay with the Marchettes our on their farm with our dear friends, the Finleys (long time friends from Clemson). Such a treat to spend time with so many dear people that weekend. We worked our tails off and had a wonderful time! Wes also helped officiate the ceremony and I was very proud of my man. I was so encouraged hearing him share the Word of God.

We drove back late Saturday night and were home one day before VBS at our church began.

I was able to be a really fun role this year. I had a blast teaching songs, movements, bible verses and bible points to the kids. My own 2 boys were so fun learning the moves with me - Wyatt came up one day and helped me with one of the songs. Walker preferred to stay in the pew, which was completely fine. We all had a blast at VBS and were very encouraged, and very tired afterwards.

We were home for 2 days and Wes left us to lead a mission trip (in Charlotte). He and the youth are staying at our church each night and serving in various organizations and ministries each day. They have FULL schedule and my hubs was tired when I spoke with him but he is having a wonderful time serving together alongside of some awesome students and leaders. They began their first night making 800 sandwhiches. I am still wrapping my head around that.

The kids and I are here in Charlotte this week while Wes is "away" and we are leaving to go to Greenville tomorrow to celebrate my mom and her life. She is having a birthday this week and I feel honored to get to be with her on her special day. I love you, mom. Happy early Birthday!

So that is a bit of what has been up with us. It will slow down next week and I look forward to posting some catch up material. :)

Wink. Wink.

Walker's Question

2011-05-22T16:30:00.004-04:00

Today at church, just after we finished our last worship song.

Our worship leader, Jeremy lead us in some responsive reading.

After the congregation responded for the last time, Jeremy began to pray for us...

Just as he was finishing going to the Lord, he said Amen.

In that little silence part before the next part of worship

Walker softly says...

"Mommy, do pirates pray?"

I love my 3 year old named Walker.

Wes' Snake Tale

2011-05-14T13:11:00.006-04:00

Because I think the world of my husband and really only for that reason am I going to share this story.

I am not by any means fond of snakes.

I don't even like to talk about them.

But

I have a very manly, masculine husband

and again, I think the world of him.

I think he is brave and I think he is an excellent decision maker when it comes to pressure and stressful situations.

He also has an adventurous heart, which I love.

That being said, his snake tale begins.

So Wes and a few other men took the Uptown church youth boys on a camping trip.

(For what its worth, I was with the youth girls at a hotel having our overnighter)

The boys were hanging out by the water at night doing boy things.

One guy, Patrick is playing with a frog. He spots a snake swimming closely by.

It is a brown water snake (not poisonous).

Wes, moves everyone back away from the water and (because he is who he is) chunks a large rock at the snake.

The rock hits the snake directly and chunks it under water.

A few seconds later the underside of the snake slowly rises to the water.

Dead.

Again, Wes makes sure all are standing back and (because he is who he is) pulls the dead snake out of the water (with a stick.)

Chops the head off.

Buries it (wasn't sure if it was poisonous at this point - it closely resembles a water moccasin)

And wouldn't you know it.

2 frog legs are sticking out of the throat.

Wes (of course) pulls the legs out.

A frog goes hopping off.

It was alive!

Looking more inside of the snake, another frog (alive) is pulled out and hops off.

This continues until a total of 4 alive frogs go hopping off.

Still. more.

There was a dead frog.

Then another one.

And THIS continues until a total of 5 dead frogs are pulled out.

So this snake had eaten 9 frogs before it swam near my husband and his life, would drastically end.

So what does one do at this point?

Well, if you're Wes Andrews you skin it.

So all of the boys skinned this pour snake.

Then what does one do?

Well they each took a section of its skin.

For their keepsake.

And then what?

Wes coiled it up.

Cooked it over a fire.

And they ate it.

A Caterpillar Tale

2011-05-14T12:48:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, Wyatt caught a caterpillar.

He faithfully fed him fresh leaves each day.

And eventually he named him Walkey.

"Why Walkey?" I asked him one day

He thought it over and gave me a great answer:

"Because he has so many legs."

I thought each day about letting him go. But Wyatt was really treasuring taking care of something he fully had responsibility over. He sought out this creature for his bug kit - and now had the privilege to care for him.

Walkey remained in the bug kit, eating (as the jagged-edged leaves gave away) and seemingly...happy.

One day I asked Wyatt how Walkey was doing

"Oh. He's a cocoon."

Perplexed, I asked more about that when Wyatt brought his bug kit over to me and sure enough, that little creature had buried himself under a leaf and indeed, the beginnings of a cocoon was revealed. Bits of a cotton like substance was on top of the leaf and under it.

Well, we watched and watched. Each day I'd ask Wyatt how our little Walkey was doing.

"He's still a cocoon today."

We placed his little home near our dinner table so that we would not miss his big performance, metamorphosis, transformation!

2 weeks went by. I thought about googling several times to see how much time a cocoon needed.

This morning Wyatt was checking on Walkey and sure enough...

a brown little moth had stepped outside of the "cocooned-leaf".

We all sort of just watched him. He wasn't moving. Almost as if he was catching his breath before his journey continued.

Wes took the top of his container off and said that we should put him outside for when he takes his first flight.

Wyatt grinned and said.

"I'm going to change his name."

"To what?" Wes and I asked

"Flappey. That's his new name."

A few hours later I went outside to check on him.

Flappey was gone.

T and Lalla

2011-05-06T14:12:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago cousins T and Lalla were able to play together. They are sooooooo cute together. I must say.

It's been sweet to get them together at their growing stages. I believe this one so far has been the cutest.

Though I've thought that with each of their meetings :)

They were very curious about each other this time...

Sweet little cousins and friends.

Born 3 weeks apart to the day.

Gentle Friend

2011-04-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

For those of you who are close to me,

you know my relationship with Brighty has been

strained

since Wes and I have had children.

But.

As I have taken moments lately to watch this dog with my children.

I must say, he has been a faithful companion in our family.

When Wes and I have been frustrated with him, he has been patient.

He is gentle, in every way.

He lets our children tug, pull, squeeze and rid him.

He welcomes a petting.

I chuckle as I think back to when I was first pregnant with Wyatt and Wes and I read a book on boxers - and how they respond to their owners' babies...

"Boxers will admiringly look up at their owner with the new baby in arms."

That became a phrase I often remembered with each additional child we brought into our home.

Brighty truly is a guard dog. He acts instinctively to this end. In all circumstances.

With each baby we have brought home to our home.

I recall that his guard instincts "heighten" for a few weeks.

It truly is awesome and precious.

How did this furry animal become a part of the family?

I'm not quite sure. But nonetheless, he has.

As much as I've tried to fight his place here, he truly has been a loyal, faithful, kind companion to our household.

I apologize to all of my animal-loving friends. I mean no harm in any way, I am just not that much of a dog person. But I have come to a new place with Brighty.

And I'm thankful that he has remained a very good dog.

Truly. We could not have ever asked for a better animal.

Brighty was Wes' and I's first Christmas gift to one another.

9 years ago.

Walker's Special Day

2011-04-26T13:43:00.001-04:00

I truly cannot believe that 3 years have gone by since our dear Walker Reeves Andrews was given to us by the Lord! He is a gift to us.

We are thankful that the Lord chose US to raise him.

He desired to dress up like a dragon at his birthday party. And invite his little friends to also dress up - so that's what we did...

we had a little party in the park/playground.

Wyatt, Lalla and the birthday boy

Our big 3 year old, Walker and his dragon cake

I got the recipe/design from this website

our friend Melissa was in town and helped me by loving on Lalla

Later that week, Anna Grace (whose birthday is close to Walker's) and her family as well as my mom and dad came for a special birthday dinner.

my mom gave Walker and Anna Grace birthday hats.

the birthday boy (3) and girl (7)

(funny note: I remember at Anna Grace's 4 year birthday party, I was "on the edge" of going into labor)

Cousins blowing out their candle in their birthday cupcake.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy! And happy birthday, dear Anna Grace. You are each a gift from the Lord. We count you as very special gifts that the Lord has given to us.

We love you!

**and our 2 sweet babies that were included of the birthday celebration.

Cousins T and Lalla

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T09:56:00.002-04:00

HE is Risen! Risen Indeed!

As we walked into the doors of the sanctuary there was a typed note on the doors that read:

Please greet one another this morning with the following:

"He is risen!"

and respond:

"He is risen indeed!"

Praise the Lord for our sakes that He is Risen!

If it were not for Christ's resurrection, you and I would still be in our sins.

But we have been forgiven and redeemed by resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was first put to death on the cross, having taken the full wrath of God - for you and for me.

Happy Easter to you and yours.

May you live your life in light of the resurrection.

There is hope!

Even in death!

Because of the death and resurrection

of Jesus.

By the time we took pictures, Lalla was very sad.

Her brothers were very compassionate.

This is the best we were able to get of the 3 children on Easter.

Baby Pierce

2011-04-21T13:50:00.005-04:00

So. This little guy, a baby born to friends of ours in seminary, came into the world a few weeks early.

Like 16 weeks early.

Lindsay, who is a full time nanny, has been healthy and had a normal pregnancy up until her body went into labor at 24 weeks.

Her husband, Nik is a full time student and began the same year that Wes did.

The picture above is their sweet little baby boy, Pierce next to a ball point pen. He is fighting for his life each and every day. Lindsay and Nik had been lead by the hand of the Almighty through this seven day journey...and continue to see His hand and experience His grace. The little guy has been through so much. Several times Lindsay and Nik have thought they were going to have to say good-bye. But the Lord continues to strengthen Pierce. And sustain him. This is a link to their blog -

http://www.littlebabypierce.blogspot.com/

Some friends through RTS have set up a link on their blog to help support the expenses that they are incurring each and every day. Lindsay has been their financial support as a full time nanny and with the surprising birth of Pierce, they were not prepared for any of this. If you so feel lead, please give in order to help a family in desperate need - of mostly your prayers for their son's survival and also, for their expenses. They, like us, live very modestly with the provider of the home being a full time student.

My heart is burdened for this sweet family, the Franks. Please take a moment to pray for baby Pierce.

We thank you for your love for the saints (whom you've never even met).

Nik, Lindsay and baby Pierce celebrating his seventh day of life!

Sushi!

2011-04-17T19:56:00.002-04:00

We got together with the Vaughn family and made some homemade sushi!

We had a cookbook from way back when and had never ever made any.

So we invite a wonderful family over to make the sushi journey with us.

They brought half of the ingredients and we had the other half.

It was an absolute blast.

Our families about to begin...ingredients ready.

The Vaughns have 4 children, 3 daughters and 1 son. This is their oldest daughter Rachel rolling some sushi with Walker (eager and excited) and Wyatt (not so eager or excited)

Walker enjoyed rolling his own.

We made 3 types:

california rolls (with crabmeat)

salmon rolls

shrimp rolls

Here Rachel is rolling one...

everyone loved the sushi - every one.

Here Nicole (Vaughn's second oldest daughter) is cutting a salmon roll.

Wyatt, Rachel and Walker...

Walker, Peyton and Wyatt (my boys LOVE Peyton)

Chris with her sushi roll (that she and Jim made together)

Nicole with our rainbow roll (which was absolutely delicious)

the rainbow roll...

I had no idea it would be so much fun, so delicious and so easy to make sushi. I highly recommend it for your next hosted dinner.

Walker's 3!

2011-04-17T19:45:00.002-04:00

almost...and this is his cake!

His little party is tomorrow at the park -

dress up, play and cake.

He is going to be a....dragon!

Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

We love you so much!

This and That

2011-03-24T15:05:00.006-04:00

I feel like life has been really busy lately.

I have enjoyed it (which is a praise to the LORD!) but it's been so busy I've had to be very intentional about certain things, like this.

I feel like I discover over and over again how wonderful babies are.

And girls. I have been given such a gift in this little Lalla.

My heart is so grateful for her.

She continues to grow.

She's eating 2 solids each day.

Her schedule is also very predictable.

And yet, she's pretty go-with-the-flow.

The boys in her life - their lives have been enriched...

and sweetened.

her father, among them all, being the most effected by her sweetness.

Amazing how a tiny little girl can soften a man's man :)

we are sure that her thumb has won the contest over her paci.

We offered her paci to her each and every sleep-time...

and yet, her thumb was just too delicious...

yep. sleeping is a good test of which route they will prefer - paci is clearly right there, and yet she chooses - her thumb.

Wyatt had a friend from school come over recently - Lachlan - who is so much fun.

Precious and sweet.

And Lachlan, really took an interest into Lalla.

And enjoyed making her smile and playing with her.

And Lalla welcomed the attention :)

Walker had a friend over, as well -

Anderson. Who discovered he enjoyed playing the guitar. And Walker, enjoyed singing. They played band most of their time together. :)

We had our Supper Club - Irish theme - and all the guests wore green.

(Tyler, Adam and Wes. not pictured - Jordan)

It was alot of fun. I was pretty gitty -

and so, I therefore, enjoyed saying Irish phrases, as often as I could, in an Irish accent.

(me, Lindsay, Carrie, Evyn)

The boys enjoyed eating green cupcakes on St. Patrick's Day.

And Lalla discovered that she likes to take some rest from jumping in the Johnny Jump-Up.

And lay her head back.

Overall, its been busy.

But really good.

I'm thankful for seasons like this - where they are full - because people are in our lives. We are becoming more and more a part of this Charlotte community. And that feels terrific. We are getting to know wonderful people more and more and our lives are deeply enriched because of them.

I am thankful for the Lord's provision in friendship(s).

He is good.

And He has been so good in our friendships past and present.

He, Himself is also present within them.

I'm thankful for His design in friendship, relationships.

I truly love people.

And I truly love my Lord.

Sitting Up

2011-03-24T14:58:00.002-04:00

her back muscles are becoming stronger each day...

she can sit up for a few seconds at a time...

she's working hard and pleased with her progress...

uh oh. Falling. But she caught herself!

Fast thinking, sweetie pie!

Back to tummy time.

(aka Safety)

Several Things

2011-03-10T23:36:00.002-05:00

I am looking forward to having some time with my man and our daughter for a few days. My parents are going to keep our bigs (Wyatt and and Walker) for the weekend.

Special time is an understatement.

Our boys ADORE their grandparents (both Wes' and my parents)

And they truly enjoy time with them.

I remember my friend Rachel telling me before I had kids that her kids visiting their grandparents was better than the circus.

I think of that often, when I see the light in their face as I announce that they get to see either set of grandparents.

THEY LOVE THEM.

One of the reasons, my parents are keeping them for me is because Wes and I are hosting supper club. We've made the theme - Irish.

I am looking forward to making the meat dish (a fun pork/cranberry recipe that a friend gave me)

Each couple signed up to bring an Irish side

One, a salad

And one, a dessert

I think it will be a lot of fun - complete with a Riverdance jam. (kidding, ofcourse)

Walker has become our resident encourager.

As Wyatt emptied his backpack after school today, he took out some artwork and Walker said to him, "Wyatt, I love your dinosaur!" That's really nice!"

One last thing-

At bedtime as I leaned in to kiss Wyatt tonight, he whispered to me,

"Mommy, I'm glad you will be teaching me kindergarten."

My heart smiled.

And I may have shed a tear.

Or two.

Recently...

2011-03-08T11:52:00.004-05:00

Potty training is going well for Walker.

Working intentionally on #2. In the potty.

Wyatt and Walker are reaching new levels of friendship in their brotherhood.

Which is both tender and fun.

(not to imply that they don't have their fighting moments)

Lalla's cheeks are growing. :)

Walker expresses sadness, when Lalla does...

Lalla is growing in interest towards her brothers.

Olivia holding Lalla (when they visited recently)

A pro baby-holder.

Having lots of practice with her little brothers :)

Walker has declared a new coping mechanism when he has a boo-boo.

To lay his head on a pillow and crawl under a blanket.

It's working very well for all of us.

Lalla is settling into 2 solid naps during the day. :)

And my buffet has become the "weapons post" upon where the boys place them before coming to the table for a meal.

A Sweet Visit...

2011-02-28T13:16:00.006-05:00

The Emert family came to visit our family for a few days.

Our time was so enjoyable.

*Walker, Wes, Wyatt, me, Lalla (reaching for) Olivia, Courtney, Lincoln, Jeremy and Jude

Olivia and Wyatt are 1 month apart

Walker and Jude are 9 months apart

Lincoln and Lalla are 1 day apart

And the funny thing is, we first became friends when we each had 1 child.

Olivia and Wyatt.

We used to meet regularly with this family in Florence - with Tuesday night dinners. They'd bring a few items and so would we. We'd put the kids down and then the adults would talk, for hours.

*Walker, running. With passion.

our time with them was just the same. We put the kids down and talked.

For hours.

On this particular day we went to the park and had a picnic.

*Me kissing Lalla. Lalla making a kissy face

We've been through seasons of joy and seasons of pain together.

They are the kind of friends that you don't have to pick up your house for, because they've seen it dirty and they help clean when they come. We can talk through things, really honestly with.

And its comical, encouraging and just.

Good.

And we miss them.

A lot.

Lalla's Baptism

2011-02-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Lalla was baptized last Sunday in our church. Her big brothers, Wyatt and Walker stood with us as Wes and I formally surrendered her to the Lord, claiming His covenant faithfulness in her life, praying that by His grace she will some day see her need of a Savior and turn to and trust in Jesus for her salvation.

It is tradition in our church's baptisms for the fathers to give a blessing to their child. I held Lalla in my arms and Wyatt stood on one side of me and Walker, on the other while Wes shared his blessing with Lalla.

This is her daddy's sweet blessing:

"Lalla, I have chosen a verse for you this morning that I pray will become central to who you are. It is the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39:

'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

I pray that you will recognize the love your mother and I have for you. That you will learn to appreciate the love Wyatt and Walker have for you. As they protect you through the years.

Lalla, I pray that you will be a person that is selfless. That you will love the people around you by pointing them to Jesus.

My deepest desire is that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.

That you will one day recognize the love that God has for you and the sacrifice that was made on the cross. For it is by this that we know love, that He laid down His life for us."

*Lalla with her daddy and brothers

our family of 5

*While Wes read to her, Lalla repeatedly grabbed Wyatt's hair and made a high-pitched squeal/laugh. Wyatt, grinned at her a few times but mostly tried to pretend as if it wasn't happening. Walker had his eye on the instruments on stage; a tambourine especially.

Reflecting on our Three Gifts...

2011-02-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

Wyatt, 5

He is a big brother in every way. That role continues even at school. He loves to look out for others and very instinctively protects. Its an amazing thing to see your first child literally grow into a role as the oldest sibling. (God's grace is so evident to me through Wyatt's attributes.)

Walker, nearly 3

He is such a funny little guy. He makes us laugh every day. He is naturally funny and witty. When he was 18 months, he somehow knew what was funny...and made all of us laugh. He continues to on a daily basis. He's a big helper, too. Very tenderhearted, yet feisty. My prayer for him is that (by God's grace) his strong-willed heart and tenderness will be nurtured in a way that channels him for right doing and for the good of the kingdom of Christ.

Lalla, 6 months

She is a delight in every way. Easygoing. Good sleeper. Laughs a lot. Really looks up to her big brothers and responds with smiles and laughter to them. She is very fond of her family. I greatly desire and pray often 2 Peter 3:18 for her - "that she grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Just thankful. So very thankful to God for these three children.

Update Potty-Wotty

2011-02-19T13:43:00.001-05:00

Its been 5 days and I think we're in a good place.

This is much different than when my oldest was potty training

Among many mistakes with that, my biggest were:

1. rushing him into it (he. was. not. ready)

2. not expecting accidents/messes/cleanup

3. really impatient

4. didn't pray much

With Walker, its been very different. Among some mistakes, some things that we well this time:

1. waited

2. he was not only interested, talking about it, but was taking initiative on his own and using it on his own.

3. expect(ing) accidents/messes/cleanup

4. (more) patient

5. prayed for him and for us

Great news is that twice this week he initiated going #2 on his own, and went!

And so far today Walker has had no accidents.

He's gone to the potty around 10 times and each time, he actually went! We prayed that the Lord would give Walker the knowledge and understanding to know when he need(s) to go and that is happening. He is learning his little body and responding really well!

So far:

successes: 25

accidents: 8

My Attempts...

2011-02-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

at taking a picture...

of Wyatt, Walker and I...

(my one instruction: "stand cheek to cheek with me."

this is the best I got.

Potty Training.

2011-02-15T14:24:00.003-05:00

We're on day 2 of potty training!

Walker went potty at preschool today!

2 Big Boys!

(long have I waited for this day and if I'm honest wasn't sure that I every fully pictured it!)

Enjoying a reward together!

Walker: for going potty

Wyatt: for encouraging his brother and reading to him while Walker sat on the potty

enjoying a reward.

during pt - Walker's seat is the special seat on the couch (with the towel!)

To date

successes: 9

accidents: 3

Lalla girl.

2011-02-14T14:07:00.006-05:00

I didn't know a baby could be so enjoyable.

My first was good but I didn't know he was good because I was adjusting to so much change as a new mommy.

My second was a crier.

And not a good sleeper.

Lalla has been my dream for a baby.

The words "will you just stay this age forever?" actually came out of my mouth recently!

I had no idea babies could be so much fun.

We all have a nickname for her:

Wes: Beautiful

Mine: Lalla girl

Wyatt: Sweet petunia

Walker: Cookie

We all enjoy snuggling with her.

And kissing those cheeks!!

She is rolling over regularly.

Laughing a lot.

Saying several consonants like "da and ga"

She LOVES her big brothers.

They make her smile a lot.

She enjoys her floor gym, on her belly or back

her excersaucer

her bouncy seat

being held

dancing

techno (just kidding, but she does have rhythm)

she is such a snuggler!

and a happy girl!

She is very alert and loves to look at us in the face.

She is very social.

Love my little girl so much.

So thankful for our little Lalla.

Its Potty Time...

2011-02-14T13:57:00.002-05:00

I knew it was time.

I had been putting it off for so long.

I missed window #1.

Window #2, let it go right on by.

Walker has been initiating potty trips.

(as in going by himself without me in the room, taking his diaper off by himself)

He is less than 2 months away from turning 3.

I was not ready because I know how... he... is...

He can be.

Feisty.

But nonetheless, it is time to get these feet moving towards the potty.

Regularly.

So. Here we are on Valentine's Day.

Sporting some Elmo underpants.

So far:

2 accidents.

4 successes.

And it's only noon.

So far, it's been good and I've been encouraged.

I will keep you posted...

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

This year I woke up on Valentine's Day...late. Not even realizing I had been given the gift of sleeping in until Walker came in to tell me "Happy Birthday!"

I woke up at 8:18am!

Wes quickly pulled Walker out of the room (and I knew my Valentine was up to something).

So I came out of our room and Walker said something along the lines of

"We fixed b'fast for you!"

I walked downstairs and found this lovely table...

tulips are my favorite flower

Wes let the boys try hot tea

He and I had BIG cups of coffee (Larry's St Valentino blend!)

...and this lovely gift card

card excerpt:

"Your husband handpicked this gift card out of all the gift cards in the world specifically for

"da princess of da world."

It represents some time to yourself. Redeemable ASAP! Just say when..."

and for breakfast

belgium waffles - RED

topped with these lovelies...

It was a very sweet Valentine's Day morning for me!
Happy Valentine's to my handsome man!

Love you so!

Happy Weekend...

2011-02-11T21:23:00.002-05:00

...from our house to yours.

*tonight (Friday) we ate some pizza and watched Sword and the Stone for Family Movie Night which turned out to be very enjoyable for all of us.

*tomorrow day Wes has 14 lectures to listen to so he will keep Lalla and I will take the 2 big boys on a special outing - park and the library.

*tomorrow night Wes and I get to have a night out from our kids (in I don't know, weeks) and we'll be Supper Clubbing it. I'm looking forward to it - it's our first time being a part of something like this. The theme is tapas! How fun is that?

I signed up to bring dessert which is this cheesecake.

Sunday neither Wes nor I have any teaching responsibilities so it will be nice to have both worship and sunday school together. And hopefully a very long, restful sabbath afterwards...

Have a wonderful weekend - enjoy your people.

My Masculine Boys

2011-02-07T19:08:00.005-05:00

Today they were Pirate Boys.

They are:

loud. aggressive. masculine. conquering. superheroes. protective.

manly. sword-fighting. tough. eager to-defeat-the-bad-guy...

BOYS.

Having grown-up with a sister, I had a lot to learn as a mama of 2 boys.

They have taught me much.

I LOVE how masculine they are.

I LOVE how they desire adventure.

I LOVE their thirst for conquering, defeating, protecting.

Oh how I looooooooove them.

(i gave them no direction in these pictures. the faces and stances are all on their own...

I didn't even count to 3 or let them know I was ready)

Valentine's Cards

2011-02-03T12:31:00.005-05:00

both of the boys' preschool classes are having valentine's parties next week.

So this weekend we are going to make these...

butterflies for girls

aliens for boys

rather than smarties, I'm using a lollypop for the center part of the butterfly.

(only because i purchased the lollypops before finding this internet inspiration)

Total Cost:

Bag of Lollypops (20) - $1.10

(Already had the construction paper, pipe cleaner, glue and markers)

Two Doozies in One Minute

2011-02-02T19:55:00.007-05:00

One day Wes was in our living room listening to Romans on cd.

(He is taking a class in which its required to read it several times.

He often reads it and listens to it on cd at the same time.)

The narrator read the passage in Romans 9 where it says:

"The older will serve the younger.

Just as it is written:

'For Jacob I loved and Esau I hated.'"

Wyatt, (who is nearby playing with play dough) stops suddenly and says:

"Did you hear that?

He said 'for Jacob I loved and Esau I hated?

Did God really say that?

Did he... hate Esau?"

I am changing Lalla's diaper at this moment and am about to begin this journey with him but then look at Wes and say,

"Wyatt, that's a great question for Daddy."

Wes, had already stopped the cd.

He was gathering his thoughts and just beginning to answer

when

Wyatt (noticing me changing Lalla's diaper) says:

"Daddy, when is Lalla going to get her p*nis?"

I look up at Wes.

He says to me, "which would you prefer me answer right now?"

I say, the second perhaps?

So Wes tells Wyatt to wait on the couch.

(while he's waiting on Wes I say to Wyatt,

"Daddy is going to cover your bible time and learning time right now")

He went upstairs to where a certain book has been waiting on top of our armoire for this specific moment.

The book is called "The Story of Me"

Its the first book in a series of 4.

The first book is recommended for ages 3-5.

I purchased it about a year and a half ago but Wyatt's questions for this particular subject just haven't warranted a real need for this type of explanation until today.

They had a very sweet time of questions and answers - and Wyatt had many questions - it took him a while to get there but by the time they finished he had a full understanding afterwards that his little sister would never in fact have a male part, and that is God's design.

Now we just need to answer his other question...

Andrews Academy...

2011-02-02T19:15:00.003-05:00

We've made our decision for schooling next year.

We've decided to homeschool Wyatt next year - kindergarten.

It took me a good nine months of praying, thinking it through, talking to friends who do public, private and homeschool to come to this decision.

Wes had hoped this would be my decision all along - his desire has been for a while that I would homeschool our children for some part of their life.

It took me a while to catch up to his desires.

But I have made the decision and am very excited about next year.

It's one year and we'll evaluate each year for what the following year will look like.

There are many reasons why we've made this decision.

My biggest is that I will be able to teach Wyatt everything with a biblical worldview.

There are many others, but when pressed with the question

"what is the most important thing you desire for Wyatt's education?"

my answer was that he would have a biblical worldview.

So from there, it was easy to work backwards towards my other important things - among the biggest being that he is social.

We are working on a plan to meet some of his social needs.

That being said, I feel it is equally important to address the following -

these are NOT reasons why I'm homeschooling:

to shelter our children

I hate public school (I really like a lot about public school and our kids will probably be in public school one day)

I feel very excited and at the same time humbled. I'm sure we will have very good days and really yucky days where I don't want to teach and Wyatt doesn't want to learn. But even despite the bad, I am pressing on towards what is ahead in great anticipation of what the Lord will accomplish despite both of our inadequacies.

So here's to walking by faith, and not by sight...yet again.

"However, as it is written: ' What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

I Met My Goals!

2011-01-31T16:35:00.003-05:00

On my last post with my 3 main goals for today,

I've met all of them!

1) Do 3 loads of laundry (I did 4!)

2) Take my kids to the playground

3) Have a family movie night (I chose Land Before Time on Netflix 'play instantly' feature)

In between these 3 main goals, we:

ate breakfast,

had our family devotion afterwards,

prayed for our designated people on Monday,

cleaned up the kitchen,

talked to my mom

fed Lalla

fed the dog,

cleaned the playroom

put Lalla to bed

laundry

made the boys' beds (requires my management)

got the boys' dressed (requires my management)

brushed teeth (requires my management)

fed Lalla

helped a neighbor who was moving (very little)

playground

ate lunch

laundry

put Lalla to bed

put Walker to bed

read my bible

bible time with Wyatt

learning time with Wyatt

checked my email

made this blog post

laundry

gave the boys a bath

fed Lalla

ate dinner

put Lalla down

family movie night

put the boys to bed

After I put my boys to bed, I watched a movie for myself. It's an old favorite -

It's called "Only You".

Wes will return tomorrow afternoon.

Both boys will have preschool in the a.m.

So I've made some goals for myself during their preschool time:

1) get my boys to preschool, fed, accompanied with some sort of lunch

2) Target to purchase my 3 things

3) spend time reading my bible

Again, realistic.

I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow.

New Look!

2011-01-30T23:26:00.003-05:00

Welcome to our new design!

It's not as colorful as I would prefer - but its simple and legible.

Wes is away again at a staff retreat with our church.

Again, we are going to take it easy.

But I do have 3 main goals for tomorrow:

1) Do 3 loads of laundry

2) Take my kids to the playground

3) Have a family movie night with my kids

They are doable.

They are realistic.

They are fun (minus the laundry one).

"Don't promise more than you can deliver.

Instead deliver more than you promise."

"Your Word is a Lamp for my Feet...

2011-01-26T14:06:00.003-05:00

...and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

For a long time, I have loved the Word of God.

Even before my heart belonged to Jesus, I was intrigued by His Word.

It drew me in.

"How sweet are Your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103

I loved hearing His Word.

I heard it quoted many times from my father.

He would speak the perfect words in very appropriate situations -

perfect words being from the bible.

And I just. loved. that.

Perfect words.

They often times left me speechless.

"I have more insight than all my teachers. For I meditate on Your statutes." Psalm 119:99

I would see my dad rise early in the morning to read God's word.

Every. single. morning.

That daily discipline for nearly 30 years has produced a man who has read the bible 20+ times.

Cover to cover.

I've asked my dad what is the single most important thing

he's gathered from reading the Word of God so many times and his reply:

"that I long to know more about the Lord."

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law." Psalm 119:18

God's Word keeps me longing for more.

The more I memorize in my heart.

The more I long to know.

"How I long for your precepts! In Your righteousness preserve my life." Psalm 119:40

When my circumstances are hectic.

(which they are)

God's Word is my foundation.

When my faith is shaky

(which it is)

God's Word is my cornerstone.

When my heart leads me astray.

(which it does)

God's Word guides me.

"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

Since Lalla was born my life has felt out of control in many ways.

A child always needing me.

Not having enough hands to meet the needs of my young children.

Not having enough time in the day to manage my household the way that it needs.

Not having enough love on my own to give my children.

"For I delight in Your commands because I love them." Psalm 119:47

I will always fall short of the perfect wife and the perfect mom.

Which drives me to God's Word.

Where I find hope.

Where I find answers.

Where I find insight.

Where I find truth.

Where I find Jesus.

"I remember Lord your ancient law and I find comfort in them." Psalm 119:52

God's Word points me to Jesus.

My Savior.

My substitute.

My sin-bearer

My Forgiver

My Lord.

My King.

My Righteousness.

"My comfort in my suffering is this. Your promise preserves my life." Psalm 119:50

A friend approached me a few months ago about memorizing some scripture together.

I had memorized a verse here or there in order to have on hand.

But I had never taken on what she was proposing.

To memorize chapters!

"My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in Your word." Psalm 119:81

We began with Ephesians 4.

We started out gentle - memorizing a few each week.

The task was bigger than she or I could achieve.

But we aspired to do it.

And we often felt encouraged at our progress.

As we'd see direct application in our lives from the words we were planting in our hearts.

We spoke on the phone Thursdays to hear each other recite what we had learned.

After a few weeks, we'd memorized all 32 verses of Ephesians 4.

"Your laws endure to this day for all things serve you." Psalm 119:91

Now we've begun Ephesians 5.

We have memorized the first 10 verses.

And memorizing has become easier.

When I'm trying to go to sleep.

When I awake in the middle of the night.

When I'm in the shower.

When I'm nursing.

When I'm cleaning.

I. think. about. these verses.

"In the night Lord I remember Your name that I may keep your law." Psalm 119:55

When I'm angry.

When I'm being difficult.

When I'm impatient.

I'm reminded. of. these. verses.

"I gain understanding from your precepts. Therefore I hate every wrong path." Psalm 119:104

We have plans for many more chapters.

We'll see where this takes us.

But hopefully, most importantly,

how we glorify the Lord with His Word written in our hearts.

"My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end." Psalm 119:112

Videos

2011-01-22T20:36:00.004-05:00

So I've been going through some videos.

In doing so, I've found some really funny and cute ones.

As I watch them, the boys are always very interested.

Well they were watching this one the other day. The video is the first time Walker ever saw a video (or could "comprehend" it).

And every time the little puppet popped up, Walker would reach out for it, like he could grab it.

So Wyatt and Walker watched the above video several times and one of the times I was able to capture their response to it:

REpost

2011-01-22T20:17:00.003-05:00

In an earlier post I included a video of Lalla and her saying "da da da da". I mentioned that the day before she was a sweet little baby that sat in the corner and smiled.

I found a video of how she was before she started "talking" -

This is her before:

And this is her after:

Pocket Full of Posies

2011-01-22T20:00:00.002-05:00

I have a wonderful friend named Sam. She is truly gifted at hospitality. She has an ability to make you feel like you are the most important person in the world. I've gotten to know her through church, our boys (Walker and Anderson) being the same age and she is in my prayer triad (a group of 3 women that get together regularly to pray).

She, after many of her friends and family have encouraged her for years, has begun a business out of her home called Pocket Full of Posies.

If you have some time, look at this post - this was her son's 2nd birthday party.

It might just be the cutest little boy party I've ever been to.

I love all her little details.

So fun.

Happy Weekend

2011-01-21T18:32:00.002-05:00

from our house to yours.

(Wes is away this weekend on a youth winter retreat so it's just me and my 3. This is the first time its just been me alone with all 3 for an entire weekend. We'll take it easy)

Siblings

2011-01-19T22:17:00.004-05:00

What a rich and full life our little Lalla has.

Much of which can be attributed to that of her siblings, her 2 big brothers.

For their love for her is friendly...

it is sweet...

it is up close...

it is tender...

it is funny...

it is strong...

and very much a mutual affection...

There is something really special in experiencing Lalla's milestones (first roll over, first thumb sucking, first smile, first laugh, first hiccups) alongside of:

her father

her big brother

and her biggest brother

all equally excited.

praising her.

and so. very. proud of her.

Their responses (which are echoes of my own joy for her) truly fill my heart with such gratitude to the Lord. What a gift the Lord provides in a sibling. As I type this, I am compelled to reflect on my own sister and impact that she has on my life. So much of me is influenced and encouraged and spurred on by her very life.

And my past is filled with her.

There is hardly a memory I have without her.

From the hours we'd spend in our playhouse, to our tree, to our hours of Barbie playing...even to the times when she saved my life (3 to be exact).

She is among the greatest gifts in my life.

And the richness and fullness I have felt in my own life because of her, now my children will experience. They will not know life with out each other. They will grow up with this as their norm. They will experience life with the gift of siblings.

Thanks be to God for the indescribable gift He provides in a sibling.

Lalla

2011-01-19T22:09:00.003-05:00

she began saying "da da da da" today.

Which might not sound like a huge deal.

But she literally changed from sweet, quiet, smiling baby in the corner to

this sweet baby...overnight...

Snow

2011-01-11T13:45:00.002-05:00

a little late, but worth posting some snow pics...

Walker, Wes and Wyatt before going sledding

in front of our home

Walker

Wyatt

Off on an adventure walk

The things my boys love about the snow:

snow balls

hot chocolate

sledding

snow cream

Things I liked about the snow this year:

time INside with my baby

my sweet and loving hubby who took our boys out every time

Kingdom

2011-01-09T21:30:00.006-05:00

Wyatt and Walker have been playing kingdom around our house for the past few days.

They've declared:

themselves as royal guards,

Brighty as the royal dog,

Lalla as the princess,

yours truly as the Queen

and their father as the King.

So, imagination has become quite enjoyable for the entire family. In the past their little imaginations have declared us many things including animal parents, pirate parents, Sound of Music parents, big brother and big sister, various super heroes, zoo keepers, pet owners, monsters, bad guys, Narnia characters, biblical characters, police officers, trashmen, school teachers, students, their children, their pets, etc.

But I must say, it is nice to be referred to as the Queen.

And for a few days.

I am not in any way ready to retire this game.

The other day when their father was making pancakes I overheard the 2 year old guard asked the 5 year old guard, "what is our king doing?"

the older guard without looking into the kitchen said, "he's making our royal pancakes"

hmmmmmm.

While I do love to listen in on their imaginary play, and sometimes participate (even if I have said that I can't because I'm cooking dinner and my child says, 'you can just be the dogs' mom who is cooking dinner'), it is fun to be included and witness their minds fabricating made up worlds and made up characters with made up scenarios.

But something really gets me excited about playing kingdom. It is the very fact that I belong to a kingdom. Where my father is the King of all Kings. And where He sits on His throne as ruler and Maker, as the Most High. I am a part of His kingdom because of the payment He made for me with His blood. By which He not only pardoned all of my sin, but also declared me righteous as a child of His. His daughter, a princess.

Walker, in all this kingdom play sometimes comes to me with his sweet voice and says,

"Mommy, you be the princess of the whole world."

While it melts my heart to hear those sweet words come out of his mouth with that sweet face of his and those sweet eyes, it is not true that I am princess of the whole world.

But I surely belong to the King of the whole world.

Who not only rules it. But also made it.

I am His and He is mine.

And I belong to His kingdom.

Before I Came...

2011-01-09T21:12:00.003-05:00

The other day Wyatt and I were having lunch. He was looking at the Christmas cards and asked me about a friend's family. He's had the opportunity to meet and play with her kids and really enjoys them. But he was asking specifically about how I know their mom.

"How do you know Mrs. Dorsey?", he asked.

I explained to him that when I went to Clemson, I actually lived there and that she was my roommate. He was amazed. He had no idea about this roommate concept. He then asked about his daddy and when I met him at Clemson followed by his next question...

"Well, how did you and Daddy get to Florence?"

I explained to him that his daddy was working in Florence for a church and after we were married I moved there and we began our life together...

He then thought about when he was born and asked questions.

Wyatt: "When was I born?"

Me: 3 years later.

Wyatt: Well...when exactly was I born? November 20th?

Me: Yes. You were born November 20th.

Wyatt: When did the doctors say I was supposed to be born? November 20th?

Me: They predicted you would be born on November 18th. But God decided you would be born on November 20th.

Wyatt: So the doctors were wrong, weren't they?

Me: They were close, but yes, they did not know when the Lord would bring you into the world.

Wyatt: Doctors don't know all things, do they.

Me: No.

Wyatt: Only God knows all things.

"He is before all things. And in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

Schooling: Public or Home?

2011-01-06T19:23:00.003-05:00

Wow.

Just typing the title for this blog entry brings a heaviness with it. I remember when a very good friend was in the exact place I am, praying, talking to her hubby lots, researching and talking to people. Wondering - what is the best option for our child.

So I remember telling her then (when my child was much younger) not to worry about it so much. Even feeling that public school was/is a perfectly wonderful option. The lightness I felt about it then, I crave to have now.

We are in the middle of deciding what we will do next year when Wyatt begins kindergarten. We've toured our public school, a private school and have been looking into homeschooling for quite some time. The private school we looked into is not a financial option for us at this point and so our options are public or homeschooling.

I will keep you posted as we make our decision. I have been 50/50 for a while seeing wonderful things in both and scary things in both. I desire more than anything to glorify the Lord in this. If you think of us, would you pray for us?

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever."

Romans 11:36

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T13:18:00.003-05:00

my friend Rita caught this sweet conversation between Wyatt and his friend, Abby.

We've just returned from time in Florence and at the beach. We enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birthday with both of our families and then New Years with friends and their precious children.

If you have some time, hop on over to my friend Rita's blog and check out some of her sweet pics of our friends trip to the beach. These are couples from our small group in Florence. Such a sweet group. It is truly a gift and treasure to walk alongside of these people.

Looking forward to posting again...but I need to get unpacked and settled. Laundry is waiting for me as we speak...

Giving

2010-12-16T10:48:00.006-05:00

This morning I was awakened by Wyatt holding three flowers up to my cheek.

He did not know that I had overheard, just seconds earlier, him saying to Walker in a whisper "let's go surprise mommy!"

So when the flowers were literally in my face this morning, he said

"Mommy, we have something special for you!"

I was delighted. I gave the two proud, smiling, red-cheeked boys a big kiss and thanked them over and over again for their gift to me.

(My thoughts meanwhile were pondering where these sweet flowers had come from. the cold? (surely not! and surely they would not go outside disobediently)

- No. that wasn't it.

and then I realized...

where they had come from.

After Katey's wedding (pictures to come) Wes' mom gave us two of the bouquets to adorn our home with - sitting proudly in 2 little vases in our living room.

A sweet five year old "picked" them freshly just for me, his mommy.

Which explained why he said the following after he presented his gift...

"Mommy, I am giving you all that I CAN give you."

Now doesn't the heart behind the gift make every bit of difference?

Reminds me of the widow mentioned in Mark 12:41-44, who gave her "2 pennies" - all that she had- and how she was an example our Savior gave in how we should give -

she stood out far above the wealthiest givers.

Because while they gave from their excess - she gave from her heart.

"For they all contributed out of their abundance,

but she out of her poverty

has put in everything she had."

- Mark 12:44

**what a timely and tangible example the Lord woke me up to this day - in the season of "giving" - how I needed reminding of the heart in which I am to give (and receive) this Christmas.

Head of the House

2010-12-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

This morning, I had breakfast ready and went up to get the boys (this never happens in this order by the way). They were both dressed in pirate costumes and deep in a pirate storyline. I informed them that breakfast was ready and Wyatt's reply, "pirates don't eat breakfast" was returned with a similar comment back from me. Upon realizing that they did not mean what they said, Wyatt asked if I would be their mommy pirate. I ofcourse replied, "yes".

So at the breakfast table Wyatt prays the following:

"Dear Lord, thank you for Christmas. Thank you for my pirate mommy and my pirate brother and my pirate sister. And thank you for my pirate daddy, who is the captain. Amen."

After praying he said to me,

"Mommy, Daddy is our captain."

I said, "that's right, Wyatt he is."

And he said, "yep, he is captain of our home."

I said, "that's right Wyatt. He sure is."

Can God Do All Things?

2010-12-06T12:10:00.002-05:00

Q. Can God do all things?

A. Yes. God can do all His holy will.

This is one of several questions/answers Wyatt had to memorize for his sunday school class. We've been going over these after our family devotion time and I must say, it is sweet to hear his little voice answer these questions with confidence and truth.

Soooo...this particular truth came into play in a conversation he and I had today.

I had prayed for our lunch and added on at the end,

"Lord would you please help Brighty (our old dog) obey me by not coming onto the carpet."

(we are really trying hard to keep the carpet in a reasonable condition)

A good hour later, Wyatt and I are talking and Brighty walks right past me onto the carpet.

Me: Brighty! Off the carpet!

Wyatt: Well, I guess God didn't answer your prayer...

Me: oh, when I asked God to help Brighty obey? And not come on the carpet?

Wyatt: yes

Me: Well...what do you think that says about God?

Wyatt: (thinking) It must not be good for you.

I then had the opportunity to talk with my son about how good God is, even if what I ask, He doesn't give to me. He still has a good purpose in His answer.

(So even though my dog is a way that the Lord is sanctifying me, I will gladly endure in order for my child to grasp a correct view of our Sovereign Lord and not an incorrect one.)

Jesse Tree - Day 7

2010-12-04T10:11:00.006-05:00

Joseph's brothers and father, Jacob, upon finding out that God had protected and blessed Joseph's life greatly in Egypt as prime minister, second only to Pharaoh .

Day 7 - Joseph in Egypt - Genesis 37:3-5, 8a, 18-19, 23, 28

1. Who did Israel (Jacob) love more than his other sons?

2. What did he made his beloved son?

3. How did the brothers respond? Is favoritism good?

4. In verse 8, what made Joseph's brothers hate him more?

5. In verses 18-19, what did the brothers decide to do?

6. In verse 23, what did the brothers do?

7. In verse 28, what else did the brothers do to Joseph?

I placed the Joseph ornament (coat of colors) on the tree...

Our Jesse Tree: camel, earth, rainbow, coat of colors, Mary, apple and sheep

After the ornament was placed on the tree, we sang O Holy Night

specifically because of the second verse which says the following, which reminded me of Joseph's time spent as a slave in Egypt...

Truly He taught us
to love one another,
His law is love
and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break,
for the slave is our brother.
And in his name
all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy
in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts
we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord!
Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory
ever more proclaim!
His power and glory
ever more proclaim!

Jesse Tree - Day 6

2010-12-03T10:34:00.002-05:00

Abraham laying Isaac on the alter, as God has commanded

Day 6 - Sacrifice of the Son - Genesis 22:1-14

1. How did God test Abraham?

2. What did Isaac ask his father?

3. How did Abraham answer his son?

4. Who stopped Abraham from hurting Isaac?

5. What was in the thicket/bushes?

6. Did Abraham pass the test God created for him?

Walker then placed the ornament of a ram on the Jesse Tree and we sang

"The First Noel"

The First Noel,
the Angels did say
Was to certain
poor shepherds
in fields as they lay
In fields where they
lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
that was so deep.
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel
Born is the King
of Israel!

Jesse Tree - Day 5

2010-12-03T10:22:00.002-05:00

Abraham looking toward heaven at the countless number of stars...

Day 5 - Blessing to Abraham - Genesis 12:1-3; 17:5

1. Who did God tell to leave his country and go to a foreign land?

2. What did God tell him He would do?

3. Did God change His name? What is his old name/new name?

4. Read Hebrews 11:8, 12

5. How did Abraham obey God?

6. Did he have many children (descendants)? How many did he have?

The ornament for Abraham is a camel - representing Abraham's faithfulness to obey the Lord in following the Lord.

We then sang "O Come All Ye Faithful"

O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye
to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Jesse Tree - Day 4

2010-11-30T14:18:00.001-05:00

The animals heading towards the arc, two by two

Day 4 - Noah and the Ark - Genesis 6:5-8; 7:15-18

1. How does God feel about the human race?

2. Did God wipe out humans and animals?

3. Who found favor in God's eyes?

4. From Genesis 7:15, how did the animals get to Noah and the ark?

5. How many days did the flood come on the Earth? Was Noah safe?

6. Read Genesis 9:8, 15-16

7. What is the sign God put in the sky for the covenant?

8. What did this sign mean?

Our Jesse Tree

Earth. Apple. Mary and Rainbow.

After Wes placed the rainbow ornament on the tree, we sang "Joy to the World."

Joy to the World ,
the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart
prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven,
and nature sing.

20 Minutes in a Mom's Life

2010-11-30T13:25:00.000-05:00

I sat down to nurse my daughter and in twenty minutes time...

I had to stop nursing my infant in order to discipline my demanding 2 year old

all the while washing a car seat cover that was tee-tee'd on on the way home

while there were shrimp that needed to be peeled now in order to serve dinner in a timely manner that were waiting for a free moment from me (when will that be? after the nursing...)

while I'm realizing that my infant daughter needed a diaper change, (as said diaper contents are spilling onto me) so therefore she also needed an outfit change... and consequently I did...as...well...

seeing the dog had chewed up one of the children's trios (again)

burped my daughter, who then graciously spat up on me...all down my shirt...

and my two year old required discipline again (which means, stop nursing in order to take care of it and endure a hungry Lalla cry)

still the shrimp sat and waited for me to peel them, (the clock is ticking)...

and my four year old needed something that has been placed on a shelf too high

Doing each and every one of these tasks is by no means unimportant. There are legitimate needs every day that need to be met. This mommyhood stuff is dying to self in the most realistic and tangible way I've ever experienced. (Thankfully, and consequently, to work of sanctification enables a believer to die to sin more and more).

The gospel is music to my needy, worn-out mommy's ears. It is the medicine for my soul. It is THE reason I am in these trenches I jump into each day. Not the kind with weapons and uniforms but the kind with spit up stains and messy floors.

It is my duty and it is my privilege and my humble responsibility to love my kids, take care of them, clean up their vomit and train them how to obey. It is my calling and it is my pleasure to instruct them in obedience and to train them how to use the potty. All while humbly relying on the Lord through His spirit to supply. They see my weaknesses. They hear my asking them for forgiveness (when I'm humble enough to ask for it). They are my little treasure-hunters in which I get to share the greatest Jewel with.

Because I know that Jewel.

And that Jewel is fulfilling, forgiving and foreseeing.

They are my little beggars in which I (also a beggar)

endure the calling of showing them

where to find the Bread.

Recently these words from Ephesians have resonated with me in the mundane, daily tasks of my life:

"I, therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." Ephesians 4:1

I am encouraged and inspired by these words. Yes I will fail, but something really clicks as I glance back over these 20 minutes.

I am doing what I'm called to do.

I desire to grow in this role greatly.

I have much room to become better and to improve.

Or really is to become more weak, messy and ultimately just...less...so that He can become more?

Consistently I land in the place where I am humbly relying on the Lord in order to achieve the tiniest of duties.

But I am here.

In my calling.

And I'm thankful that the Lord has placed me here.

With three souls that scream out for Jesus.

May I walk worthy of my calling.

Jesse Tree - Day 3

2010-11-29T22:29:00.004-05:00

Mary, calling herself a servant of the Lord upon the angel's word.

Day 3 - (Genesis 3:14a, 15, 20)

1. Is the snake punished for what has happened in the garden? What is the snake's punishment?

2. In verse 15, is this talking about Mary and Jesus?

3. Read Luke 1:26-38

4. In Luke, who visited Mary?

5. What did the angel tell Mary?

6. What was Mary's response?

7. Read Revelation 12:1-2, 17a

8. Is the woman in this passage from Revelation Mary?

Today, it was Wyatt's turn to place the "Mary" ornament on the Jesse tree, but he said, "Mommy, I would like for you to put it on the tree" - (I believe he was being shy because our neighbor impromptu-style had breakfast with us and participated in our Jesse Tree devotion) so I put Mary on our Jesse Tree - north of the planet earth ornament. :)

We then sang "What Child is This?"

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Chorus:
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Everyone sang well and loud!

Jesse Tree - Day 2

2010-11-29T22:03:00.006-05:00

Day 2 - The Fall (Genesis 3:3-6, 3:9-11)

1. What did God say about the fruit on the tree?

2. Did Eve eat the fruit?

3. Who told Eve to eat the fruit?

4. Did Adam eat the fruit?

5. What did God say to the man?

6. From the reading from 1 Corinthians, we are sinners as Adam was a sinner.

Who gives us life...makes us alive?

7. Read 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Walker hung the apple ornament after Wes read the scripture and asked questions. Then we sang "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" because the lyrics say:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Jesse Tree - Day 1

2010-11-29T21:48:00.002-05:00

The idea of the Jesse Tree comes from a passage from Isaiah:

"A shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse;

from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."

- Isaiah 11:1

Jesus was a part of Jesse and David's family tree. People waited a long time for the birth of our Savior. The season of Advent is a season of waiting for us, too. We wait for Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

My sister generously gave me a whole set of Jesse Tree ornaments for my family to celebrate Advent. Wes cut down a branch from a tree and hung it on the wall yesterday and we began Day 1 last night.

Day 1 - In the beginning (Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-3)

1. Who created the Earth? Who created Heaven?

2. Who created the birds in the sky?

3. Did God create man and woman in His image?

4. On what day was God finished created the Earth? What did He do?

5. From the reading from John, who was the Word?

6. Read John 1:1-5, 14

After the scripture reading and questions, Wyatt hung the first ornament.

Then we sing a Christmas song after each ornament hanging.

We sang "Joy to the World"

5 Little Monkeys...

2010-11-29T21:38:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, we spent Thanksgiving with the Bigger family. All the cousins loved their time together - 5 is most certainly livelier than 3! We really enjoyed the excitement, the laughter, the noise and even the busyness of 5 children in this family. We are thankful for the Lord's faithfulness in growing our family and providing these sweet opportunities to feed on His faithfulness.

My mom gave all her grandchildren these sweet monkey jimmy-jams!

Here are all the monkeys lined up (from l to r)

Anna Grace, T, Walker, Lalla and Wyatt

It took several pics. Several tears. Several re-positionings. Several arms-in-faces. Several encouraging pep talks. But we got a picture of our 5 monkeys on the bed.

Also, on this trip, my sister surprised me with an entire box of ornaments for a Jesse Tree! She and some friends in Florence got together and did a Jesse Tree ornament swap. Kayne made 2 ornaments so she received 2 complete sets of ornaments and GAVE one complete set to me! I am so excited about this fun new tradition. Last year we began the Advent tradition in our home - and this year, what a fun, tangible way to read scripture from the Old Testament and New Testament while placing this cute little hand made ornament on our Jesse Tree.

Advent begins on November 28 (Sunday). I plan to post some on this soon...

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-23T13:42:00.001-05:00

Love,

"Little wolf" and "Deer"

A Sweet Moment...

2010-11-22T22:12:00.002-05:00

with my little girl...

I've been jotting down thoughts over the last week for a post on mommyhood. I was struck the other day by the intensity of a twenty minute period where the needs of the persons in my home outweighed the brainpower, arms and legs that could meet those needs. Put much more simpler, my kids needed me in more ways than I could fulfill. And I was overwhelmed by 2 things - the needs that couldn't be met and my need for Jesus. I am unreliable without Him. He supplies all that I need and all that my children need.

But this was a sweet moment captured in the midst of a busy season.

(thank you Tyler LaCross for capturing this so well)

Scissors

2010-11-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

"Encourage him to use scissors at home." were among the final words that Wyatt's teacher shared with me before our phone call ended. She had called for a routine progress report on how he's doing in school. I decided to encourage him more in this area as he prefers me to cut things out because he values neatness.

Soooo I've been encouraging him to cut things out instead, daily. He is improving every day at cutting edges straighter, etc.

Also, I (rather impulsively) decided to trim both of the boys' hair last week. Wyatt was very interested in how I did it, how I cut it, and watched when it was Walker's time. Very. Observantly.

All of this came to mind the other day.

When.

The two of them were playing and it became silent. I was actually just coming home from running an errand. Wes was holding Lalla and greeting me at the door as well as a neighbor who stopped by to see if Wyatt could play. All of this was happening at the same time when Wyatt and Walker come out of the playroom and there are blunt snips of hair...just...gone. One right in front, one right at the crown of his head.

We had a conversation about the proper use of scissor and clarified that brother's hair is NOT included in those uses.

And ofcourse, Wes shaved it.

And he was (once again) a trooper.

3 "haircuts" in 1 week

finished product (in the bath)

finished product, dry.

GRRRR

5 Years!

2010-11-15T21:17:00.003-05:00

I can't help but get teary as I think over the past 5 years. I have known this little guy for 5 years. He made me a mommy! He was my guinea pig. We figured it out together. And I am so thankful for the Lord's grace in parenting and in specifically, mothering my Wyatt. He has blessed me immeasurably with this gift. I love him with all my heart.

This year we celebrated Wyatt's 5th birthday a week early. We did a small pirate party with all boys. It was very simple and yet, a lot of fun for the boys. I am thankful for how it all came together. Wes was a champ with his impromptu pirate games and leading the boys on a treasure hunt with a finale of bonking a good ole pinata :)

The pirate cake - which came from this great website my friend Brandy shared on her blog

goody bags

(brown lunch bags, pattern-scissors, stickers and some ribbon)

the pinata - i could not believe how well those boys followed instructions! they were awesome!!

ARRRRGH!

(Wes put Walker on his shoulders and was chasing them onto this boat as the 'two headed sea monster')

I am so thankful for our Wyatt.

I love you, birthday boy :)

Little This and a Little That

2010-11-12T21:33:00.001-05:00

The boys are continuing to love on Lalla, sweetly and gently. I am amazed as I've seen answered prayers to this end. I am just waiting for a little bit of aggression...so far they have been soft and tender towards her.

a Walker and Lalla moment

Also, Walker has been sick 5 times in 9 weeks. 4 times he's had colds that have quickly progressed to restricting his airway and one time, the stomach bug :( He has been a trooper (mostly) through his many breathing treatments. He is being treated a little differently through the winter and spring as though his has asthma to hopefully prevent this from happening as severely as it has been in the past.

Walker (and his breathing treatment pipe) and Wyatt helping to entertain him as he sits...again...and breathes.

This year for Halloween we tried something new. Wes had a great idea for our family after a "scary" one last year for the boys to dress up, put in a movie, make some pumpkin icing cookies and give out candy to our neighbors. We tried it and the boys had a blast. They loved the candy and visiting with friends at the door. It was really a lot of fun and they got to "serve" a little. :)

even Lalla dressed up as Raggedy-Ann

We have a chest full of costumes that my boys wear often. Dress up is a very normal for them. Walker was spider man, compliments of the dress-up chest and Wyatt chose to create a character - "Bat Dog". He created his own costume as well - an orange shirt he asks to wear every day, batman shorts, a bandana around his neck and mask that he asked me to paint on him. ?

This year Wyatt requested a special design for our pumpkin...

and his Daddy more than delivered. :)

the cookies we decorated on Halloween night in between trick-or-treaters

Our Bat Dog

...and Lalla started sleeping through the night :)

(and rubbing her head while she sucks her fingers)

The Difference Between a Male and Female

2010-11-10T13:01:00.004-05:00

I had some time with just Walker yesterday, unplanned while we were waiting for Wyatt to come home. And we decided to play "flashcards". Its where I hold up a flashcard and Walker tells me what the picture is. So this is how it went down:

Me: What is this? (bird)

Walker: a bird!

Me: Good Job! And this one? (bear)

Walker: a bear! I go get one!

Me: Okay, great idea!

And then he went and got a stuffed animal bear and propped it right next to him.

He then asked if he could be mommy and I be Walker.

I said sure. And this is how THAT went down.

Walker: what is this? (bird)

Me: um. a bird!

Walker: good job! And this one? (bear)

Me: um. a bear! (and then I pretend to be afraid of the stuffed bear and let out a big SCREAM!)

"AGHHHHHHH! Help mommy!"

Walker: I go get a gun and shoot it.

He Gently Leads

2010-10-26T12:28:00.002-04:00

I was having a hard time with mothering my little ones and my wise friend, Dottie, shared this passage with me. It was/is exactly what I need during these precious (and difficult) days.

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

Conversations

2010-10-22T19:59:00.003-04:00

Me: Babe, I think when we get out of school you should learn to play the guitar.

Wes: ?

Me: Seriously. I think it would be a good thing to have in your back pocket in ministry. Maybe it could even be included as a budget item (guitar lessons).

Wes: Shaking his head. Smiling.

long pause.

I also think I should learn how to fly a plane so that I can fly youth to remote parts of the Congo.

Happy Fall...

2010-10-15T15:47:00.003-04:00

...from our house to yours.

"The More Deeply...

2010-10-14T15:04:00.002-04:00

...one feels his or her
sin debt,

the more intensely

he or she feels

the wonder of its payment."

-Tim Keller

You'll Never Guess...

2010-10-05T20:48:00.002-04:00

who I got to talk to today!

A friend and I met for coffee at Caribou today after I dropped my boys off at preschool.

I had Lalla with me and my friend, Sam and I were enjoying catching up.

We were just talking away when Angie Harmon walked in the door along with another lady. Sam and I both took a double take (nonchalantly, ofcourse).

And we both kinda said,

"is that?"

and

"yeah, I think so".

So Sam and I continue.

And then one of us says "everyone around here is acting so nonchalant"

and "yeah well no one wants to be that person to rush up and offer your napkin to sign" and we laugh about that and then say "or have her sign your baby!"

and we giggle.

Then a few seconds later while Same and I are talking I notice she (ANGIE!) is looking at my baby and making sweet faces - "aahing and oohing" and saying "She's precious" from across the place.

And I smile.

And from across the place she comes over and says "Ahhh. She is beautiful!"

And Lalla is just chilling out on my legs which are sort of crossed. She is just smiling and looking all around and they are talking to my baby and she is just smiling right back.

It was a little surreal.

I must admit.

Having a (stunningly beautiful famous) woman peak over your shoulder and carry on with your baby.

What does one do?

What is appropriate?

DO you ask her to sign something?

Take a picture with you?

Ask her "are you Angie Harmon?"

Say "I know who you are and I'm a huge fan!"

???

As the conversation progressed I took the

"act normal, genuine as if she were anyone else" route.

Her friend asked how old Lalla is - I said 8 weeks and they were really sweet and affirming about my weight loss since her birth. They asked if Lalla is my first and I said that she is my third and they asked what kind of baby she is and I said that she is my best baby so far and that "she makes me want to have another one" and she said "Don't do it! My third made me want to have another one as well." So I asked her her children's ages and what their genders are and my friend mentioned that she has 2 and has been wondering about a third and she encouraged her to "go for it!". It was just a real sweet conversation. Just like I have with other moms all the time. She apologized for taking up too much of our time.

So she left.

And Sam and I were giddy.

It was really neat.

And she was/is such a sweet and genuine, down to earth and really beautiful person.

And...I really wish I'd gotten a picture.

Oh well.

Next time.

I Really Do Love Having Lalla

2010-09-30T11:11:00.002-04:00

It is hectic and we're all still adjusting.

But I really do love having this sweet little girl in my life.

She is very sweet and easy all things considered (namely 2 big brothers that adore her but are nonetheless loud and boyish).

She started smiling at 4 weeks and cooing at 5 weeks.

We've had some long night stretches at 6 weeks - making 5 and 6 hours.

She is very flexible and has begun smiling when she hears her brothers talk.

Her Daddy began saying "Hey Beautiful" this week when he greeted her.

Brighty makes her jump and scares her when he barks.

She started to catch on to the pacifier this week. She spits it out some, but is taking it better.

She took her second bottle this week (1st one, not such a fan, second one - drank is down quick).

Her big brother got sick for the 2nd time since her life began 7 weeks ago. We're trying hard to keep his snot and hands away from her! It's a real challenge! But so far, we've managed to keep them pretty separated.

I smashed my finger in the cardoor yesterday and have been managing to pick her up without the use of it (my right hand index finger). She's been fine with her care minus that finger. :)

Its been lively around here. I've been relying on the strength of my Heavenly Father. My mother came up and lived a very chaotic day with me and at the end of the day called me to say "I'm proud of you. You are doing such a good job. You are a great mother."

I really liked (and needed) hearing those words :)

Kinda Rainy

2010-09-30T11:09:00.003-04:00

'Round Here.

But that means puddles.

So Wyatt and Walker aren't too sad.

Feelin' Crafty

2010-09-25T21:05:00.004-04:00

the boys have this toy chest in their room (see above). My mom painted ivy on it a long time ago. Its been in many rooms throughout our marriage and in the last year ended up in the boys room. I've been saying for some time now that "I'm going to paint it to match their room someday." Well I was inspired this weekend to take on the project.

Not sure if it is so much time at home

or just my (extreme) need to feel productive

but I achieved the goal of painting it!

this is the boys' bedding and my hope was to paint the chest to match these colors and design. But it was going to be tricky for me to achieve it with the locations of the ivy design (two big ones on top!)

so this is how it turned out!

front view

top view

ivy covered up - check!

(designs random in times, - hence the strange plaid angles

but nonetheless it matches)

My favorite part is that the total cost was under $6!

(for 5 bottles of craft paint from Michaels)

Camping Trip

2010-09-20T09:54:00.002-04:00

Wes took the boys on a (Walker's first) camping trip.

They went over to a friend's house and camped out in their backyard.

The boys loved it.

This was Wyatt's third time on a real outdoors camping trip and he enjoyed the time he got to spend on the hike and roasting marshmellows.

Walker, when asked what his favorite part was said

"sleepin' in da tent with daddy"

They had a great time.

My friend Evyn and her daughter Eleanor and Lalla and I all enjoyed a fun dinner at Dean and Deluca.

Everyone enjoyed their evening.

Big Boy Fun

2010-09-14T11:53:00.005-04:00

When Lalla came into our life, so did mysterious amounts of energy come into our boys.

We've all been cooped up in our house.

Wes decided it was time for a fun project/adventure.

He took the boys to to buy some wood.

2 blocks (2x4's?)

They cut down and sanded the wood.

(Walker - as long as his interest held)

They nailed the wood together making little boats.

Then painted them.

They found long sticks and carved them, then tied some string from the sticks to the boats.

Then we all went out to a creek and let the boys float their boats.

They enjoyed it!

This is afterwards - on our way back home.

Sans shirts.

And (some) energy.

ps Lalla slept the whole time in her stroller.

Around the house...

2010-09-07T13:57:00.004-04:00

I love how peaceful a baby looks when she/he is sleeping :)

I love it when one of her brothers wants to hold her. Wyatt is so sweet and gentle with her. Very relaxed and kind.

First pic of our 3 children :)

can you see which brother is most proud?

the boys began (pre)school today.

Wyatt - 4K and 4 days a week

Walker - 2k and 2 days a week

they were really looking forward to it

outside our new home!

Its been pretty calm and relaxing around here. We're all getting lots of sleep and everyone is getting along beautifully. Not really. But it is nice to write that. One day, those words will be true. Right now, we are doing well - taking each day as it comes. Mostly we're enjoying it - and enduring through the challenges. :) Once Wes and I get more sleep, the challenges will be even more bearable.

I am so thankful for the Lord's grace.

And I am so thankful for my family.

Amen.

Indescribeable

2010-09-05T11:20:00.007-04:00

this is the moment I've been waiting for. To watch my sister gaze upon her baby. :) What a sweet and indescribeable moment this was for me. The work that the Lord accomplished in my sister's life is indescribeable. I have had a close up view of her struggle and pain which later became hope and joy. And now, this sweet blessing wrapped up in a blue blanket adorned with blonde hair. Now she holds him in her arms. :)

"Thanks be to God for this indescribeable gift."2 Corinthians 9:15

This was the meeting I've been waiting for.To hold my newborn alongside of my sister holding her newborn. Both, wearing clothes that have been worn by each others' older ones. The joy in my heart is truly impossible to articulate. This moment captured the glory for the Lord for me. His work. His plan. His goodness. I can't describe justly how in awe I was and am that the Lord gave Kayne and I the gift of motherhood at the same time.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things." Romans 11:36

This is the gift we've been waiting for. Sweet little, soft skinned, rosey cheeked, teeny-tiny, blonde-haired "T". What a gift he is. His cry is precious. I mimicked it the entire time I was there. I love everything about this little guy. His size, his little spit ups, the way he holds his mouth when he cries. He is my first nephew!! And I love him so much!

"He is before all things. And in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

He looks so much like his big sister, Anna Grace and their daddy, Thomas.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think or even imagine." Ephesians 3:20

(Thomas, my brother in law was about to go to the lake in this pic and will probably not be happy I posted it - but sweet T's face is so clear in this pic.)

This was the uniting that we've been waiting for. 2 little cousins, born 3 weeks apart.

And this pic was hilarious - trying to get them both to stay positioned upward and not slump over - or cry. Their faces were priceless.

not too comfy. :(

Anna Grace holding her baby brother. She became a big sister on the day he was born but he is becoming her little brother more and more in her heart each day. :)

(Lalla) There were a lot of these looks during my time there...

(I am obsessed with this bonnet.)

(T) and these looks...

(Lalla) some rare-eye-opening moments...

My sweet mom loved loving on her grandbaby (T)

sand her other grandbaby (Lalla)

Lalla loved T's soft infant seat.

And we did lots and lots of this. So fun to hold, kiss and love on some babies this past weekend with my sister. My sweet husband cared for our big boys so that I could take off with Lalla down to Florence and ponder all of this in my heart. Thank you sweetie for giving me that!

I will never forget this sweet time. I am so thankful for the path that the Lord has brought us on in order to experience these days - the richness and fullness of His goodness.

"And we know that in all things He works for the good to those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Favorite Moments from the Hospital...

2010-08-25T20:21:00.000-04:00

20 minutes after I got my epidural

(40 minutes before she was born)

when Lalla was born :)

my boys meeting their sister...

both grandmas holding her, doting over her and bringing our boys to the hospital to meet her

the patio in our room!!!

our first family of 5 pic...

taking our new baby girl home with us!

right after we arrived home from the hospital

(well if I'm really honest, I was pretty overwhelmed at this moment, but I was thankful for what this picture represented. Our changed and growing family...

Pics From the Week...

2010-08-20T20:02:00.004-04:00

First Bath...

that sweet tongue pokes out a lot...

Wyatt and Walker had Harrison over...

Tiger ride with Harrison...

Lalla sleeping in her bed...

wish I could read both of their minds...

"I'm so curious about you..."

love the sleeping arms of a newborn...

sweet eyes (reminds me alot of Wyatt when they're open)

boys are enjoying the pool in our new place :)

Much to be thankful.

Much to pray for.

"Be joyful always. Pray continually. In all things give thanks. For this is the will of the Father."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lalla

2010-08-18T14:37:00.002-04:00

She arrived on her due date.

8/10/10

9:03 pm

7 lb 3 oz

18.5 in

She has 2 very proud and attentive big brothers.

2 proud and loving grandmothers

and 2 humbled and excited (and tired) parents

I went to the doctor the morning of her arrival for my appointment. I was convinced at this point that Lalla was never going to make it out of my body (:)) So silly now to even admit. But I was beginning to believe (after 2 false alarms and trips to the hospital) that I had forgotten what labor feels like.

I had my first real contraction leaving my doctor's office. They continued on the ride home but I wasn't convinced it was really time. Wes went to work and I came home. Three hours later my mom (who rushed up from one of the earlier false alarms) asked me if I wanted her to time them because they seemed to be closer together and more intense in pain. At one of our false alarm trips, Wes mentioned to me that he remembered my face changing with each contraction. That I wasn't able to just breathe through them, but that clearly I was in pain. I called him 20 minutes after mom started timing the contractions and asked him if he would come home. He came home and said "That's the face I remember!" I did what any girl in labor would do - I cried. The contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and INTENSE!

Wes and I quickly got into the car (clearly our bag had been packed). We arrived at 4:30 - they checked me at 5pm and I was dilated 5cm.

I labored without ANYTHING until 8pm when I received my epidural.

At that point I was 8cm.

40 minutes later I was fully dilated and ready to push

20 minutes later she had arrived

at 9:03 pm.

She is a doll. She reminds me a lot of my other babies (when they were babies). She looks like Walker when her eyes are closed and Wyatt when they are open. She has dark hair (slightly shorter on top than in the back).

She is doing pretty well with sleeping - at first during the packing/move, she was waking every hour and that was just difficult. But she's progressed to eating every 3 hours.

We are settled into our new place. A loving body of believers coordinated the move for us - and about 25 selfless pairs of hands and feet moved us in. Put our beds together, hung shelves, unpacked our kitchen, made our beds, etc. We were showered with love and service upon Lalla's arrival and our move. And while it is hectic, we are thankful and humbled to be in this place. Right now.

"For all things are of Him, through Him and to Him. To Him be glory forever."

Romans 11:36

Walker's Wheels

2010-08-04T19:00:00.003-04:00

So Walker expressed interest in riding a bike before Wyatt.

He has helped himself onto several bikes including a ten-speed and Wes' mountain bike.

We knew that it would be very difficult for him when his older brother got a bike and he had nothing remotely similar. We entertained the idea of them sharing?!? And then quickly realized that was absurd. With both boys about to endure a big change in their life, we thought it would be fitting to give them both a toy that occupies time both in learning and enjoying.

Here are the details on Wyatt receiving his bike.

Well we inherited this trike from Wes' sister, Stacey. It has been at Wes' parents for a while and we thought with the addition of Wyatt's bike it was time to also bring the trike to our house.

So both boys received these gifts on the same day.

Both chose their own helmets.

And it is hilarious to watch Walker ride his trike,

in our apartment,

on the carpet,

with his helmet on,

declaring "my bi-kickle"

I must say.

The trike has a trailer in the back and Walker usually has one thing in it.

I've observed a truck, a toy snake, a tape measure, a ball, etc.

But more often than not, its his blah-blah that he's toting around.

39 weeks today!

2010-08-03T20:37:00.003-04:00

I am as tired as I look in these pictures. :)

I am sooooo ready to have this baby girl.

Been having contractions every day, some even painful.

Unlike labor with my #1 and #2.

I feel like previous "experience" is seriously working against me.

Haven't made a false alarm trip to the hospital...yet.

But oh have I've been tempted to.

Have had a great week with my boys.

Would be such a great week to welcome our little girl :)

Changes Ahead...

2010-08-02T19:13:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe how big our boys have gotten.

It seems like we've just been through a year of changes.

Moving to cozier space

brothers sharing a room

new church

new school for Wes

new job for Wes

new pre school

new parks

new friends

new words (Walker)

new neighbors

new potty "experiences" (Wyatt)

new insights (Wes and I)

new distance from our families

new bed for Walker

And now we are awaiting a new birth.

Of a little girl named Lalla.

I have such little idea of what that will look like or mean for our family. :)

But somehow I can picture glimpses of both the sweetness and reality.

I have been folding so much pink.

And it just makes my heart glad.

I wonder what Wes will be like a girl daddy

What I will be like as a girl mommy

What our little girl will bring with her

How the Lord has uniquely shaped her with likes and dislikes already

That we have NO clue about

It is a fascinating process

I am also trying to be intentional about treasuring my time with my boys

The sweet parts of their personalities have been really obvious to me this week

And I'm thankful for that

They have each picked out a small toy to give Lalla in the hospital

And they are looking forward to bringing those to her

I have a little something for them, too from their sister.

I'm looking forward to our next season...

"And at this appointed season He brought His word to light..."

Titus 1:3

Wyatt's Wheels

2010-08-01T15:15:00.003-04:00

Wyatt, beaming about his new bike!

(Walker, falling down in the background)

Wes and I decided that we were going to get a bike for Wyatt.

He had never had one before.

When the time came, we knew we would get one from our friend's shop back in Florence. However, because they are excellent quality bikes we knew we'd have to budget in order to make it work. They also have a great philosophy on their products where when your child outgrows his/her bike from their shop you can trade it in and it go towards the cost of the bigger one.

We went into Bicycle World the last time we were in Florence and found the one for Wyatt. We had conversations with Wyatt about this bike. Prior to this, he had not expressed interest in learning how to ride a bike. We told him we felt it was time for him to have a bike. Wes gave him a vision for using his money that he has been saving towards this bike. He got really excited about that and began to do extra chores in order to earn the extra money he needed.

Our friend, Scott called us a few weeks later and shared that a bike (the same size we had been looking at) had been traded in and he was offering it to us as a lower price. Wyatt had been doing chores beyond his normal ones in order to work towards the cost of this bike. He already had most of the money to go towards it.

So upon Wyatt earning enough to equal half of the cost of the bike, Wes phoned Scott to talk about details on how to get the bike from Florence to Charlotte. Wes also asked Scott if he could just pay over the phone for the bike and Scott's answer was shocking.

"No," Scott said. "You can't pay over the phone."

Wes was curious but Scott followed it up with telling Wes that the staff at Bicycle World and Naturally Outdoors had put the bike in a very visible place for the staff and beside it, they placed a jar that read "Wyatt's Wheels".

Over the same weeks that Wyatt had been working to save his money, their kind staff ended up paying for the bike in whole!

What a huge gift!

We loved sharing the story with Wyatt and the example of grace that they have become for us.

An unearned gift.

For no reason at all.

Just grace.

Thank you Bicycle World and Naturally Outdoors for this indescribable gift.

We are extremely thankful.

Wyatt LOVES his new bike and has thoroughly enjoyed learning how to ride it.

(He has picked it up quickly and is doing great!)

"From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another."

John 1:16

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."

2 Corinthians 4:15

Smart?

2010-07-28T14:52:00.004-04:00

On my way home today, I saw one of these driving around:

I was shocked by how tiny it was.

I mean, my car (Honda CRV) could easily squish this thing.

And I was contemplating how unsafe this vehicle is.

It probably measures comparably to an oversized motorcycle.

Soon after, moments later I saw this driving around...

You can't imagine how tiny this car is.

It can't be much bigger than our stroller, honest.

It is tiny.

And driving on a MAJOR road, as a legitimate vehicle.

While I'm sure its fantastic on gas (or perhaps its electric.)

Either way, saving on those things is not worth the outcome of wrecking one time in this car.

Smart is not the word I'd used to describe this.

38 Weeks

2010-07-28T09:26:00.004-04:00

this pic was taken when I was 30 weeks.

The most updated prego pic I have.

This is our friend, Taiter in Florence.

I am now 38 weeks.

A multitude of emotions come to mind when I think of that.

I am in the most unusual circumstances at the moment.

Wes is out of town, on a mission trip.

My mom has both of my boys in Greenville. She always knows what I need.

And I needed rest, greatly!

I have enjoyed a quiet apartment.

Packing, uninterrupted.

Reading.

Nesting.

Preparing for Lalla's "corner" in our room.

Reading.

Have even gotten to listen to several great sermons.

It's been nice to spend some time any way I choose.

But.

I had no idea how my family being away would affect my desires for the timing of Lalla's birth.

Everything in me is saying "Not this week!"

When I have a contraction, I am hopeful it doesn't progress to anything more intense.

Though some have, I am hopeful she doesn't come this week.

I am confident Wes could get here, mom could get here and my children would be cared for during the birth, but it would be nice to not have to factor in those sort of complications.

But we shall see.

The Lord is sovereign.

It is His timing alone.

What can I really do about it?

And I do have comfort in knowing that.

On another note. I have missed

the pitter patter of little feet

little boy laughter at 6:30am (can't believe I'm even saying that!)

Walker, my shadow in the kitchen

Wyatt, my thinker, always sharing his insights with me

Hearing the snap of Trios as they build things together

Their sword fighting

Hearing "Walker, do this!"

Hearing "No, Wyatt!"

Tucking them in.

Kissing their sweet faces.

And I have missed:

My amazing husband

His breakfast meals

His comforting voice and words

His morning devotions at our breakfast table

His wonderful company

His wrestling with our boys.

Our family swims.

His insights throughout the day

Oh I love him so.

So, I am hopeful that the Lord will provide a birth for Lalla next week.

But we shall see.

I know it will be His good and perfect plan, whenever it is.

Mud.

2010-07-26T13:36:00.006-04:00

Does anything say summer fun for a boy more than playing in the mud? It is not often when it happens and I'm not ever in charge when it does. But when these little boys are with their daddy, they are sure to have some sort of boyish adventure.

This was in Florence back in June. We were staying with our friends, the Emerts. And there had just been a big storm that left puddles of curiosity and adventure.

The men were outside. The women were inside. The boys went outside and began their adventure in their nice clothes. My boys' daddy encouraged them to go out and see what they could find.

Jude Emert (17 mo) had never experienced this kind of wet, dirty fun.
He loved it.
My boys shirts came off.

The dogs even participated in the search for critters.
Yep. I said critters.
Critters. Frogs, lizards, any kind of life they could find living in these puddles.

Olivia came out to see.
But really didn't see what the fun was.
Courtney and I completely understood her confusion.
She shared a few courtesy smiles. And laughs.

They found frogs.
Wes found 1 for Wyatt. And 1 for Walker.
Even Jude wanted to hold them.

Olivia did not.
The mommies did not.

But the smiles that this kind of fun produced in my boys was well worth the muddy mess.
I really value my husband's view of experience, adventure and the way he urges them to seek this kind of fun (that somehow clicks and makes sense to them).
I even appreciate that it doesn't make sense to me.
Because that is how the Lord created us differently.
And it's beautiful.

"He created them male and female and He blessed them."
Genesis 5:2

Tired

2010-07-23T15:25:00.005-04:00

We have a lot going on in our household these days. :)

We are very thankful for where the Lord has us and is taking us. It does come with much activity. And that includes, packing! As we are headed out of our current apartment and into a 3 bedroom townhouse, a huge answer to prayer among several from an earlier post. Lalla will have her own room :). The Lord provided the right place in His timing. He also provided Wes with the part time position at church AND the previa issue has been resolved. There is no longer a complication associated with this pregnancy and a C-section is no longer warranted and Lalla is free to come when the Lord instructs.

So in between packing, I've been napping. However, this has become tricky lately. Walker is now in a big boy bed (!) and is doing well (minus a few discipline moments). He's made it 5 nights and 5 naps so far. I've been intentional about him sleeping in his bed for naptime (and not switching him back to the pack-n-play in my room, what he has done since we've moved here) so that he will be well-transitioned to his new bed by the time we are in our next place (Aug. 13). Lalla should be here by then and that is transition enough for all of us. So while Walker is napping in he and Wyatt's room, Wyatt is now spending room time in the living room. Where I used to nap. Each day he's been on his sleeping bag, listened to Narnia cd (and while I have no problem napping) he just hasn't been able to. At first, this was okay but the more my body needed a nap, it did not remain okay.

So today, I declared that he would nap.

And he did.

And Brighty did, too. :)

We're all tired.

Seventh Activity

2010-07-22T18:55:00.000-04:00

Wooly Sheep

A very cute activity.

In the ziplock bag there was/were:

1 toilet paper roll (wasn't hard to find another one around the house for Walker)

2 sets of black eyes (felt circles)

pipe cleaner (for rams)

paper towels (for head)

Q-tips for legs

**only thing is that my boys wanted to make them cannons instead of sheep. The toilet paper tube was much more exciting to them as a cannon. And the cotton balls, the bombs.

Family

2010-07-20T20:07:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since we've had a family pic.

And my camera showed up after being MIA for over 3 months.

This was Easter Sunday.

I remember having our picture taken on Easter 2 years ago when Walker was a big bump in my belly very near to his arrival.

Fun to see that "bump" now a little (big) boy on my hip. :)

(probably our last pic as a family of 4 until our baby Lalla arrives)

Time for a Bed...

2010-07-20T19:58:00.002-04:00

I wasn't prepared for how sad I would be for this.

I wasn't really sad with Wyatt transitioning (and that may have been because I knew the paci transition was going to be much more difficult at that time). But Walker, really, other than his crib (and diapers) doesn't have any other big boy transitions ahead (I say that loosely).

This little guy is just a delight. I really do enjoy him so much. He is so willing and flexible for whatever is next. He requires little "preparation" in order for big things to happen. He just goes with it, usually with a smile and a sweet little face. Ahhh. My baby is growing up.

For his first few nights, (and last nights in our apartment) we decided to put his mattress on the floor in order to prevent as much injury (and transition drama) as possible. This little guy will have several transitions ahead - a new place to live (will update more on that in another post), a baby sister, and one day...potty training.

He's done great.

He's slept in his new bed 2 nights and 2 naps.

We're proud of our Walker.

(wipe tear)

Pilgrim's Progress (for kids)

2010-07-20T12:23:00.002-04:00

This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. We've read through it twice. And Wyatt is fascinated with it. It truly is the gospel for young ears. I had never read the (big) book before. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Wyatt's response to reading it.

**Also, www.answersingenesis.org/kids/videos has the book put to a series of videos (about 15 min each).

Wyatt has seen those as well and really enjoys them.

He has really enjoyed them and is developing more of an understanding of the gospel.

This became more evident to me when we had this conversation earlier today:

Wyatt: (with his head down, walking, sadly) Mommy, look at me, I'm Christian (character's name in the book).

Me: Well, why are you sad?

Wyatt: I have a burden (the character, Christian carries a big burden on his back throughout the beginning of the story).

Me: Who can take that burden away?

Wyatt: The cross.

Me: Wyatt, that is correct.

Wyatt: That's where Christian went. When he went to the cross, his burden was taken away and he didn't carry it anymore.

Amen.

"Praise be to the Lord, God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."

Psalm 68:19

Sixth Activity

2010-07-12T16:27:00.003-04:00

Straw-Blown Paint Creatures

This is my favorite so far! And the boys, too. Actually I saved this one for only Wyatt. My mom has Walker for a few days to provide some special one-on-one with him before baby girl comes - and likewise, Wes and I with Wyatt.

So the three of us actually did this activity together - Wes, Wyatt and I.

We all enjoyed it.

The ziplock bag came with:

instructions

2 plastic containers of paint (blue, red)

a straw (cut in half)

eyes

card stock paper

The instructions mentioned to add water to the paint first. I learned the hard way. The paint is too thick to move by air through a straw unless it has been watered down.

1. Put a few blobs of watered-down paint on the paper

2. Blow air through the straw

3. Add eyes

Wyatt made a fox and a monster.

Wes and I made monsters.

Really, really fun. :)

Fifth Activity

2010-06-30T21:44:00.002-04:00

Buttons on a String

In this ziplock bag, there were three long colorful strings (red, yellow and purple)

There were also a variety of large, colorful multi-shaped buttons. About 20 total.

The instructions read, place all of the buttons in the middle 0f the table. There were several ways that it listed to have the child "group" the buttons.

I had Wyatt pick all the red ones out.

Walker the purple ones.

And so on, until each color had a pile.

Then we put them back and I had Walker place all the triangles in a pile.

Wyatt - the circles.

Walker the squares, and so forth.

Then after we sorted them several times in different ways each child placed the string through the buttons and made a necklace.

It was fun.

And not messy, always a bonus.

And Walker got to practice some fine motor skills (which we never do)

How We Do Life

Christmas Cards

Fall Festival

Staying.

Adding On...

The Birthday Babies

Homeschooling

One Year

Here We Are...

The McInvilles

The Good and the Bad

Lately...

Walker's Question

Wes' Snake Tale

A Caterpillar Tale

T and Lalla

Gentle Friend

Walker's Special Day

Happy Easter!

Baby Pierce

Sushi!

Walker's 3!

This and That

Sitting Up

Several Things

Recently...

A Sweet Visit...

Lalla's Baptism

Reflecting on our Three Gifts...

Update Potty-Wotty

My Attempts...

Potty Training.

Lalla girl.

Its Potty Time...

Valentine's Day

Happy Weekend...

My Masculine Boys

Valentine's Cards

Two Doozies in One Minute

Andrews Academy...

I Met My Goals!

New Look!

"Your Word is a Lamp for my Feet...

Videos

REpost

Pocket Full of Posies

Happy Weekend

Siblings

Lalla

Snow

Kingdom

Before I Came...

Schooling: Public or Home?

Happy New Year!

Giving

Head of the House

Can God Do All Things?

Jesse Tree - Day 7

Jesse Tree - Day 6

The First Noel, the Angels did sayWas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they layIn fields where they lay keeping their sheepOn a cold winter's night that was so deep.Noel, Noel, Noel, NoelBorn is the King of Israel!

Jesse Tree - Day 5

O Come All Ye FaithfulJoyful and triumphant,O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.Come and behold Him,Born the King of Angels;O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,Christ the Lord.

Jesse Tree - Day 4

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

20 Minutes in a Mom's Life

Jesse Tree - Day 3

Jesse Tree - Day 2

God rest ye merry, gentlemenLet nothing you dismayRemember, Christ, our SaviourWas born on Christmas dayTo save us all from Satan's powerWhen we were gone astrayO tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joyO tidings of comfort and joy

Jesse Tree - Day 1

5 Little Monkeys...

Happy Thanksgiving...

A Sweet Moment...

Scissors

5 Years!

Little This and a Little That

The Difference Between a Male and Female

He Gently Leads

Conversations

Happy Fall...

"The More Deeply...

The First Noel,
the Angels did say
Was to certain
poor shepherds
in fields as they lay
In fields where they
lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
that was so deep.
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel
Born is the King
of Israel!

O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye
to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Joy to the World ,
the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart
prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven,
and nature sing.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy