Little Man

Today we took Braylon to Riley, it was a good trip! The Dr does not feel surgery is necessary now and possibly never (Thank you Jesus!). We had a good day to go with the good news. Audrey went to a friend's house for the afternoon so Braylon had his mom and dad to himself. It was nice for Aaron and I to lavish Braylon with attention. He has been changing so much the past week and we got to enjoy him just being him. He is starting to sit up by himself, dance to music and sing (or something with a lot of noise). Children grow up so fast and I just want to cherish all of the moments in my children's lives.

King Size Bed

Once you have something, you always want more, right? I thought once we bought our King size bed, I could never be happier. It was so comfortable and roomy. I could sleep on one side Aaron on the other and when necessary Audrey in the middle, nobody touching. Fast forward one year, Audrey's visits are not occasional they are expected nightly and there is another person who has found his way into our bed. As I lay awake last night (because I awoke to a foot on my chest), I wondered how did this happen? I loved my bed, it was so spacious, now I have Audrey's foot on my chest and Braylon's leg across my stomach and the idea of sleeping in Audrey's toddler bed sounds appealing. I know I know, I should just put them in their beds and make them sleep there, easier said than done. Plus in a few years they will not want to curl up on my lap or give me a hug in public so for now I will take the cuddles at bed time. I still want my space so we will be finding a happy medium and I don't think it involves a bigger bed???

Proud

So some of you might find this a little sappy but I must speak the truth. I am so proud of my husband. Monroe Central will be hosting the boys' basketball sectional this year (that is a BIG deal in the basketball arena). For my husband this means lots of work, lots of details and lots of eyes scrutinizing his every move. He has a done a great job of planning and organizing and I am confident that everything will go off without a hitch. Today is the first part of his planning in action, he has to lead a meeting with all the coaches, principals and ADs of the sectional. I was very impressed when I learned that he had planned the meeting with a catered meal at the cultural center (nice touch!). Another reason to be proud is while he is trying to do the normal duties of his job, plus organize officials, ticket takers, team locker rooms, fan seating, announcers, national anthem performers, score board keepers, security, hospitality room food and programs (this is all I could think of I am sure there is more) for the week of sectional he has still been an attentive husband and father. When he comes home my kids could never tell that he is carrying a large task on his shoulders. He gets down on the floor and plays with them, sings songs to them and helps put them to bed. The best part is with his mind directed to this very important task he still has not taken his eyes off Christ. He has put into practice lessons from the past Sunday's sermon and through that made an impact on parents at the school. If you ask him all this is "just a day's work" but to me this is admirable and impressive. For all these reasons and many more I am proud of my husband!

Why I Love My Church

After a full day of basketball, birthday party and grocery shopping Aaron and I were unsure of how to spend our evening. We decided to head up to the church. We knew that there would be "someone" up there to hang out with and Aaron could give blood. Sure enough there were friends for Audrey to play with, my parents were there, our new friends, and many others that we like to hang around with. Our church has a comfortable feeling that makes a person feel relaxed and welcome. There are such nice people at our church that my daughter asked someone to take her "potty" and the nice woman willingly took her and took care of all the business (if you know what I mean). My church family is really my "family" and I am so grateful to have a place for my family to worship, learn, and fellowship.

Song of my heart!

In the secret in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there
In the secret in the quiet hour
I wait only for You
’Cause I want to know You more

I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more
I want to touch You
I want to see Your face
I want to know You more

I am reaching for the highest goal
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onwards, pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
’Cause I want to know You more

CONFUSED?

Since the start of the year I have read more of my Bible than ever in my life. I am absorbing and understanding passages in different ways than before. The problem is, the more I read the more confused I become. How can a God as GREAT as ours have the amount of mercy he does for us? As I read I realize how much I don't know. I want to learn more and because I know I do not know everything I feel inadequate to share with others. At the same time I want everyone to have my loving Savior. How do I continue to learn, apply what I learn to myself, be a servant to others and worship God? I feel at the peak of my spiritual walk with God but at the same time over whelmed and confused. If this does not make since to anyone else, that is okay, because I am CONFUSED?

Carpe Diem!

Today Pastor Kris encouraged us to take action as if it was our last day on Earth. I know of "big" things God has in store for me and my family in the near future that we are working towards but what do I need to do right now? After some thinking I made a few phone calls, that needed to be made and then I thought of something I have been wanting to do. I have wanted to tell my parents of good memories/ influences they had on me as a child that I still cherish. As a mom I now realize how much you hope you are influencing your child but never really know if they hear you, see you or even care (and they are not even teenagers yet, yikes!). Here is a start and I will finish it over the next few days.

Dad: Thank you for teaching me to change my oil and my tire. Yes, those are good life skills but they gave me an amount of confidence that you will never know. You showed me that even though I was a girl, I was capable of taking care of myself.

Thank you for telling me that you had/have faith in me. When I was/am nervous or overwhelmed, you always tell me that you believed/believe in me.

I love the memories of working in the garage with you, of playing baseball/kickball and fishing (okay not the fishing part but getting to ride on the hood of the car around the pond).

I order Cherry Coke because it makes me smile and I think of you.
Do you remember the time we drove around Greenville for hours looking for a little pizza joint, we never found it but we got to talk alot.

Mom: I loved that you cared enough about us to create fun activities: spider webs, fast food night (Mom would be a short order chef and we would take orders like McDonalds), obstacle courses and candle making. You made sure we were active, spent time as a family and happy.

Thank you for making me talk about my standards and morals. (No, I didn't always stick to them but you made me think and I am stronger today because of the morals that were set in place.)

Thank you for giving us devotionals and making us take time for God each morning. You were a great example for me in faith. You stayed devoted to God, discouraged tv and music that was unhealthy, and was an example of daily prayer and reading. I didn't always appreciate your motives as a teenager but I live my life by your example now.

I cannot wait to take Audrey on bike rides and walks like we used to.

Thank you Mom and Dad for pouring into my life memories that I can hang on to.

Valentine's Day

So it isn't the romantic's idea of valentines day but I am excited. We are off to Applebees (gift card=Bonus!) and then to the girls' basketball sectional. The lady Bears played a great game last night and are now in the finals; scheduled for a 7:30pm start tonight. What could be better Audrey and Braylon get time with Nanna and Poppy and Aaron and I can talk, just the two of us in the car and over dinner!? All are happy! The only thing that could make it better is a BIG WIN! I am hoping for a great game and a great night! Happy Valentines Day!

True Love

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Princess Tea Party

Audrey had some friends over for a Princess Tea Party today. I was not sure how everything would go but everyone had a blast. Shannon and her three children came over as did Michelle and her two daughters. It was nice to watch the girls play so well together. They dressed up, decorated a heart cookie and had tea (water). After some play time they made a valentine. It was nice to have adult company and to get to know Michelle better. I am so thankful for all the wonderful friends God has put in my life and in the lives of my children.

Giving It a try!

I am trying to step foot into blog land. I hope to bring thoughts from my walk with Christ as I grow, learn and evaluate; updates as I run from preschool, the doctor, the high school, and church; and maybe a picture or two of the scenes along the way.