The best of the worst

Don't try this at home...

What started out as a photo shoot of Mikayla
and Joseph quickly turned into one of just
Mikayla. Has anyone tried to take photos of a
1 and (almost) 3 year old?? with no help? Nearly
impossible. At least it was for me. I was happy to
get some photos of Mikayla though.

He's walking now!

It took almost 14 months, but our
big boy is an official walker. (forgive
the blurriness- it was a chore to
get the picture at all)

Golfing with my dad

Thanks to my ever-so-kind mother, I was able to get out
for a few hours to golf with my dad. I DON'T golf. I tried
it once and I failed miserably. I simply drive the cart and
keep score and chew sunflower seeds and drink cherry coke.
Thanks, Dad and Mom, for a good time!

Cleave unto the Lord

While reading in Acts, I came across this fantastic verse. You know how some verses seem to just pop out at certain times in your life? Well, this one did for me just now.

It speaks of the time right after the Lord had saved many people in Antioch, and the church in Jerusalem had heard of this and sent Barnabas to go there. In Acts 11:23 it reads, Who, (speaking of Barnabas) when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

What does Barnabas exhort these people to do?

With purpose of heart, cleave unto the Lord.

Could there be a better exhortation?? I think not. I want to take this to heart. I want to receive this exhortation and encourage you to do the same.

Thanks for reading, friends.

Run with me?

I just know you're itching to participate in a race, right? Grace? Mom? Anyone? Two years ago, I ran/walked in a 4k race in Dublin, TX. I want to just run in one this year. Wouldn't it be cool if a bunch of us could meet up and run the race together? If you're interested, go here for more details. It's a 2/10/4k run. Pick the one you want. I want to do the 4k, which is approx. 2.4 miles- seems doable, eh? We'll see...

The race is on June 13th, by the way.

more park pictures

Time

I'm very curious about this. There are digital clocks and clocks that have the hour/minute hands. Which do you feel you have "more" time with? For instance, if you need to leave the house in 40 minutes, do you feel like you have "more" time when looking at the digital clock or the other or is it the same? Personally, for some reason, I feel more rushed when I'm looking at a digital clock. What about you?

This makes me happy

We went to the park again this evening and I (again) took lots of pictures. The weather was truly lovely. I really really like this pic of my husband and our son. I was tickled to find that verse to go along with it :) More park pictures later.

Can't resist a Miffy moment

Our Second 2nd Tuesday

We had LOTS of fun!
Bible study- the importance of the Word of God
Lunch- hot dogs and chips and cookies
Activity- a "treasure hunt" so to speak. Jody taught a little land navigation and each child got to take a turn at using a compass.

Join us next time!
:)

Almost 3!

TIME CHANGE

Hey, friends! Just a quick reminder to be sure to set your clocks AHEAD one hour tonight. It seems like this time change came so quickly, doesn't it?? Don't be late for church!

Sometimes it's the third try

Yesterday we arrived back home. It's ALWAYS good to be home, esp. when you come home to what I came home to. What a wonderful husband the Lord has given me! We had such a good trip to McKinney to visit my sister Grace and family; they are always so fun and hospitable. Thanks, Ledbetters!

I'm very thankful

Jody and I had a most lovely date today, and it was loooooong. YAY! We attended the Focus on Marriage seminar from about 8am-4pm. Guess who watched our children... You guessed it. My mother!! I'm terribly thankful for you, Mom!! Thanks for feeding our children, changing diapers and wiping, making our bed!, washing the dishes, and playing with them and loving on them so sweetly. You are a blessing; that's all there is to it. THANK YOU! Looking forward to tomorrow when we can go, Lord willing!, see Grace!!!!!!!! :)

Riverside Park

Jody was OFF today! So, we made our way to the park. It was super sunny- not ideal for picture taking, but that didn't stop me. A good time was had by all, until Mikayla had to go to the restroom and she didn't want to hold my hand.... Anyway, we made it home safely and that's the good news! And she's sleeping now. Ahhh.

An odd moment

My friend Christy was trying to take a picture of Joseph when Mikayla felt like she wanted to be in the picture. So, she flew in beside him and this was the outcome:

Stumped

I know my life is good. I have been blessed more than I could ever express, esp. in this little post. But there is something in my life that is lacking and I'm feeling it- very much. I really miss exercising. When I just had one child, I could take her and walk with her whenever I wanted. Now I have two children (!), and it's quite challenging for me to get any exercise. I've even made up my own "tile dance." While the kids are sitting at the table I put on some music and start "dancing" using the tile on our kitchen floor as a guide where to put my feet next- ha ha ha! It's kinda like a chess board... You should see the way they look at me; it's quite amusing for them. :)


That being said, I'm on the lookout for a double jogging stroller so that I can walk/jog with my children. I'm even contemplating getting a gym membership for 2 months to get me jump started. So, do you know of anyone wanting to sale a double jogging stroller? If so, let me know, ok?


I struggle with these feelings of restlessness. Am I not being content where I'm at? I know the Lord wants me to take care of my body. I am bought with a price! 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. I don't want exercise to be a god/idol in my life. I just want to have a good balance and feel good physically.

_________________________________________________________

Thanks for the comments on my recent collage. I have fun doing them. I use Picasa. A terrific photo program. Just go to picasa.com , and download for FREE picasa 3, and then the fun begins! If it works with my super slow dial up internet, I'm sure it will work for anyone:)

Better than ever!

A break from blogging

My blog has definitely been rather dull lately. As a result of that and the fact that I'm caring for my babies and that I'm behind on my memorizing says it's time for a break. I'll be back soon; hopefully with some renewed energy behind this blog.

Tomorrow my favorite Ian nephew turns 7 and Jody and I will be married for 9 years. It amazes me how much I love that man. He's absolutely wonderful.

So, next time you see me, America, I'll be SO improved you won't be able to put your mouse down- ha!!

Until next time...

It made me laugh

After our Joseph had a pretty rough puking session, I put him in the bath tub to get him all cleaned up. Mikayla and I were watching him play around in there. He spotted the duckies at the other end of the tub and started crawling toward them. Mikayla softly exclaimed, "Oh, he can swim!"

I know it's really not THAT funny, but I loved it. :)

Happy Monday!

A new song

The children and I had to miss church today because of sickness. This happens very rarely and I'm very thankful for that. We spent some time in Mikayla's room singing scripture songs, and we came across this one:

Psalms 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

I thought about people claiming that they don't like "contemporary Christian music." I think we need to be careful. Contemporary simply means of the same time period or new. Just because a song is contemporary doesn't make it bad. The Lord is still saving and some of these saved ones write music/songs. We do need to practice discernment concerning the music we listen to. I think the #1 question to ask is, does this glorify God?


John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.


I know there's a lot of controversy about this. And of course there is personal preference. If it's questionable, ask the Lord for wisdom. He will lead and guide you.

Just think. Amazing Grace and Be still, my soul were at one time considered "contemporary music."

ps. These posts never turn out like I have it in my mind, but I guess you get the idea that I'm trying to show. At least it's something to think about

Here's the recipe, Jamie:)

I'm not sure where I got this recipe from but we'll call it...

Sarah's Sausage Surprise

In about 2 teaspoons of olive oil, saute 1/2 onion, 1/2 bell pepper, 2 medium zucchini, 1/2 lg. link of sausage (all finely chopped) till semi-soft. Then add 1 can of corn or 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn, a small can of tomato sauce and some Italian seasoning. Cook over medium heat until all heated through. Serve with a smile and with some good corn bread and... Enjoy! Both my children like this, and one of them is a very picky eater. If anyone tries this, let me know how it turns out, ok? :)

Parenting is NOT for the faint of heart

Today has been quite a day. Both children had some major episodes with puking and the other bad thing. Don't want to type it out - too ugly. THANKFULLY, Jody was off work today and was a huge help. I don't know how single parents do it! I've done tons of laundry today. Things have quieted down and hopefully both children will sleep well tonight, which means we would too!


I really love being a parent. There's nothing I'd rather be doing.


Today is my brother Mike's birthday!! Happy Birthday, Bro! It also marks the 2 year anniversary of having my D&C after miscarrying. We named the baby Jada, which means God knows. Perfect. I feel the Lord has healed our hearts so beautifully. He's so good!

Hope you have a great weekend. Lord willing, our children will be feeling better soon. Now wouldn't that be nice? :)

Fun with pictures

We had our friend over today and took pictures; what cuties those kids are:) The picture of me and Mikayla and Joseph is the one I'm planning to frame for my husband for our 9th anniversary ; I think he'll like it. Hope you have a wonderful day. I can't stop posting pictures! Help me!!

Our first 2nd Tuesday- join us next time!

Finally!

This is our 1 yr old Joseph's room. We finally got things put up on the walls. Unreal how long that took... I'm so excited!! :)

Dinner tonight

New dolls for Mikayla

Mikayla has a very sweet friend, Hannah, who passed along her dolls to Mikayla. She LOVES them! They came with little outfits and tights and shoes and jackets and hats. She's having a blast playing with them. They're so cute and the clothes for them are even modest! Yay:)

$6.49!!

Have YOU ever paid $6.49 for a gallon of milk???? Well, I hadn't- until today. I had estimated our total at Kroger to be around $22 or so. So, when the cashier told me my total was over $25 I was kinda surprised and on our way out was checking my receipt. I thought I bought the milk that was 2/$6. Not even. I bought the Gandy's milk. I'm half expecting to choke on diamonds as we drink it. I mean, some of these frugal blogs I read spend that much to feed their families for a week! Unbelievable. I was not feeling good enough to turn around and make it all right. oh well.

Ever seen Homeland Security? My husband is watching it right now. We taped it from last night. Anyway, I love how new shows will say ALL NEW!... Of course it's all new. It's only the second show!

Anyway. My mom bought me a new sd card. Isn't that so special?! I love that lady.

Good night. Careful which milk you choose. It could end up costing you- big!

The first day of the rest of my blog life

I have my first follower!! I was wondering if I would ever have a "following." ha! And to top it off, she's a super sweet gal. Thanks:) Grace, wanna join?? Mom??

Tonight we had our 3rd Dave Ramsey course; it was on building a budget. He's got some good things to say. My friend Christy is so kind to watch our kiddos for us. It's so much fun riding in the car with my husband and it being JUST THE TWO OF US. Of course we love our kiddos, but it's SO nice getting quiet time. sigh.

Has anyone out there taken this Dave Ramsey course? I would definitely recommend it.

Have a good one!

A birthday party like no other

I love this picture. Joseph's Uncle Jerry was very entertaining

and super sweet to the birthday boy.

Fun Times!

My Miggy

A Blessed Sunday

Misty is my hero

Can you believe this???!! I took Misty's suggestion of trying to get the pics on my computer and.... IT WORKED!!!! Thank you, Lord, for caring for me even in small things. Thank you, Misty, for your wonderful suggestion. Thank you, Mom, for all your help and the rest of you for your sweet comments. wow. I'm humbled and very thankful. Here's the birthday boy staring at his cupcake. He's had a very limited amount of sugar in his first year of life, thanks to his daddy, so maybe that's why he didn't quite know what to do.

In the scheme of things...

Do you ever just want to quietly pull out all your hair or something crazy like that? Yeah, me neither. As you know, today my sweet boy turned 1. For his birthday, I documented the WHOLE day in pictures. I was planning on putting a book together for him tomorrow for his birthday present. I probably took about 200 or so and narrowed it down to about 70 or so. From his first few moments as a 1 year old, to his fruit salad for breakfast, him playing with his sister, him spending time with Daddy once he got home, a family pic taken with the timer, then it's BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION time with cupcakes, candle and gifts, his birthday haircut this evening, and finally him lying in Kaba's bed drinking his last bottle of the day. How fun to capture it all on memory card. right? sure.

After putting Joseph to bed, I came across an old camera. (There IS a point to this story, and it's about to get really ugly) While sitting in Mikayla's room with her, I played with it a little and tried my good batteries in it. It worked! So, I tried my memory card in it. It didn't work. Oh well. No biggie there. Then I put my GOOD memory card BACK in my camera and alas, all the pics on it were gone. Did you hear that right? GONE. And, the memory card is no good any more.


This makes me pretty sad. I know it's really NOT a big deal. I really know that. I kinda wish it didn't happen. I'm sure you know what I mean.


What makes me happy though is all the wonderful birthday wishes for our little guy. If he could read, he would've LOVED it! Y'all are super sweet gals. :)

In the whole scheme of things I realize this whole fiasco is very minor. I mean, how often does your son turn one?

ps. There was the CUTEST picture of Joseph getting really close to his cupcake and just staring at it. You'll just have to take my word for it...

Happy Birthday, Son!

Today our son Joseph turned O-N-E! Exactly one year ago today I was just SO relieved that labor was over and that I held a precious healthy baby boy in my hands. I'm so blessed it's unbelievable.

Thank you, Aunt Grace, for the super sweet birthday card. He (I) loved it! Yes, we opened it early. sorry. Not sure yet how he's going to spend his first bit of birthday money...