Surprise from Texas!!

Tuesday afternoon after Karis' nap, Karis and I were heading to the grocery store. I had already gotten Karis buckled in her car seat when I hear this strange noise that sound very much like a diesel truck. Not many people around here drive diesel trucks like in Texas, so the first thing that came to my mind was my dad because he has a diesel truck. As I looked down the road, I saw my mom and dad driving up to my driveway. I almost lost it, poor Karis, she didn't know what to think when her mom started jumping up and down and crying all at the same time. My mom and I have always been very close, and she really did a number on me surprising me like that to be here for Karis' second birthday.

My dad's truck that surprised me.

My mom and I hugging for probably the fifth time that day.

Papa John and Karis had fun playing golf.

We took Karis to Chick-fil-A for her birthday lunch on Wednesday. She sure enjoyed her chicken nuggets and her Papa John and 'Amma being here.

My parents bought Karis another cake so she could blow out candles on her birthday.

We had a wonderful but short visit. They left this morning after breakfast and it seems like they just got here. Mom and Dad thank you so much for driving all this way to be with us on Karis' birthday. Thank you for being the awesome and loving parents that you are to drive over 1200 miles in two days to be with me and Karis. I love you both so very much and truly am blessed to be your daughter. Karis sure had fun playing puzzels, Dora book, hide and seek, and singing for you guys. I know that she already misses you, she keeps asking where "John" is! Sorry about that dad, we will work on that before April.

God is so good. I was really having a hard time being away from my family and He brought them to me. What a blessing from Him! We can't wait until next time we see you again in April. It won't be long Mom!

Karis' Birthday Party

Saturday we had Karis' 2nd birthday party at our house. It was a very fun day of lots of fellowship and kids playing in our bonus room. Praise God for that bonus room, it really is a great room for kids. Our church family was so generous, and Karis enjoyed seeing all her friends. Jonathan, Lori, and Hannah Brooks moved here on Friday, and they came to Karis' party. Karis really loves playing with Hannah, and we are really glad that God has sent them to Wilson.
All of our family was missed greatly. Thank all of you for the gifts that you sent Karis. She is really enjoying her new toys. We also moved Karis into her big girl, toddler bed, thanks to Carol! She slept in it last night for the first time. I can't believe how BIG she is getting. God has been so good to us. Thank you everyone for caring for Karis and us. We love you all so much.

Karis is opening her new Pooh night light and Hermie movie from her Aunt Courtney.

Isn't it wonderful to have all these kids at Karis' party!

Thanks 'Amma and Papa John for the Little People animal farm. It was a hit at the party!

We are singing "Happy Birthday" to Karis. She isn't real sure about the candles.

After I helped her blow out the candles, Karis couldn't wait to eat her "Boz cake."

BOZ cake

I have been telling Karis for weeks now that for her birthday party I would make her a Boz birthday cake. Every time I ask her about her birthday party she says, "Boz cake." It is so cute. I did my best at decorating her cake today, after four long hours, to look like her favorite character for the first two years of her life. Boz is a preschool show made by MOPS that helps teach kids about how to share, their shapes, nutrition, God, prayer, and many other things. Karis really likes it. Her party is tomorrow so I will put more pictures up later.

The full cake.

Up close and personal with Boz!

I already miss you Mom and Dad and wish you were here. I love you guys! Hope you enjoy seeing Karis' cake before she eats it!

YMCA and books

It has been awhile since I have blogged, forgive me for being somewhat lazy. Actually, I have been busier than usual. My wonderful parents gave me a membership to the YMCA, and Karis and I are enjoying going three times a week. She gets to play with some other kids, and I get to work out. The weather has finally changed to normal North Carolina weather in the winter. Texas has been having some really cold weather too. This is why Karis is wearing her hat to the "Y" as we call it!

Karis is going to play with her friends at the "Y."

Reading a book with daddy!

I think the only thing Karis enjoys more than eating is reading books. I know that some days we read all her books about five times each, of course she has her favorite ones like anyone else. The first thing she wants daddy to do when he gets home is read her a book. She gets this from both of her parents as we really enjoy reading. Thank you Mom and Dad for the "Y" memebership. It is greatly appreciated.

Potty Training Advice

Help! I need potty training advice. Anyone have anything that can help me? Karis will be two in a few weeks, and I think I am ready to take on this BIG task. She has already popped in the potty a lot, but she will only do it at home, not anywhere else. Also, I have somehow made potty time fun read time. I started out reading her books while we were waiting for her to go. Any clue as how to change this. I want her to look at books by herself and not think that I have to be reading them to her. I would love to hear from anyone who thinks they can help. Thank you!

Happy New Year!!

Every year Justin and I write a letter to be opened at the end of the year. I am really glad that we started this tradition. Every year I learn something new about how God has shaped us and molded us more into His image. What a joy to be reminded of His everlasting grace and mercy in our lives. This year's letter was the hardest that I have written so far because so many changes happened in our lives.
On Sunday, Justin preached on Psalm 119, (not the whole chapter, just select verses) to give Christ Baptist Church a challenge for 2007 to Treasure His Word.
5 ways to cultivate your treasure of God's Word:
1. Hear God's Word- from expository preaching, listening to the Bible on CD, etc.
2. Read God's Word- a daily time of reading God's Word is necessary
3. Study God's Word- outline a book, find a theme of a book, (have pen in hand)
4. Memorize God's Word- Jesus memorized God's Word, shouldn't we so that we can fight sin, Col. 3:16
5. Obey God's Word- this is probably the hardest of all

This is a challenge for all of us, including myself. As a church this year, we are going to memorize all of Psalm 34 and Romans 8.
This week our verse is Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will continually be in my mouth."

First Christmas Alone

On Christmas Eve, Justin, Karis, and I opened our presents from our family. Karis had a great time opening her new puzzles and dishes. We surprised daddy with a few presents, and he surprised me with some too. We had a great time together just hanging out and spending time together.

Karis is very excited about her new puzzle.

Christmas pajamas, a tradition of ours. "Thanks Papa and Gamma for my pj's."

On Christmas day, I made homemade yeast rolls, a turkey, mashed potatoes, and salad. It was very good. It was much easier to cook a turkey than I thought it would be. Thank goodness my mom is always just a phone call away! I know I called her at least two times, which for me is not very many. We opened our stockings and played most of the day with all of Karis' new toys. She is really enjoying all her toys and learning a little more each day. Today when I put her down for her nap, I heard her trying to sing her ABC's. She is so funny sometimes, especially when she skips letters and numbers when she is reciting them.

I pray all of you had a very merry Christmas. I am overwhelmed at what Mary must have thought as she held her baby for the first time when He was born, knowing she was holding the Son of God! Wow, thank you Jesus for coming to earth as a baby to save us from our sins.

Texas Christmas Part II

Karis is helping Aunt Courtney pass out gifts.

Wow! A pink softball glove. Mommy always wanted one of those. I can't wait to take her out and start throwing a ball. ( I know it is a little too early for that.)

It is always more fun to plan in or on the boxes than with the toys!

Pop Pop and Grammie had some Mardi Gra beads and Karis had a great time putting them on Pop Pop's arm, her neck, and Grammie's foot.

We arrived in Orange on Saturday and spent the afternoon hanging out with Justin's family. His dad, stepmom, and stepsister and family were there. It is always great to spend time with Lisa, his stepsister, and her family. We don't get to see them very much. Sunday, we went to church in Beaumont. It was wonderful to see our friends and visit with them. We had lunch with some friends and then went back to Orange. We did Christmas on Sunday afternoon at Justin's grandparents house. It was a fun time and lots of presents. Karis was the center of attention, and she had a great time opening up her gifts and making sure Pop Pop got to see all her presents first hand. We are so thankful for family.

Monday, I went back to Beaumont to spend lunch and the afternoon with Laura. We had a great visit, and it gets harder every time I have to leave her, especially knowing it will be a long time before I see her again. I also got to spend some time with my favorite college student, Ashley! Tuesday, we got up and packed to head back to my parents house. We got to my parents house just in time to hear the wonderful news about my neice Brooklynn (see below post). Wednesday, my parents drove us back to the airport to fly home. It was harder to leave this time knowing it will be over four months before I see my parents again. I love all of you very much and already miss you.

Justin, Karis, and I will have our first Christmas at home by ourselves. I am going to attempt to cook a turkey(only a breast), homemade rolls, and all the fixings. I am excited about starting new traditions with my family, but I know that I will miss my parents not being here.

Texas Christmas Part I

Karis' favorite gift was the first one she opened, the new BOZ!

Gamma is reading Karis Brooklynn's "Hermie" book. Karis didn't quite understand that it was not hers. Hard concept for a 23 month old.

Wow! Thanks for all the presents! Opening presents makes me sleepy!

Our trip to Texas was great! We flew in on Tuesday last week, and my parents picked us up from the airport. They took us to eat Mexican food, done the right way. It was yummy!! Wednesday my dad and Justin played golf, and my mom and I hung out with Karis and Memaw. Thursday, Mom and I went shopping almost all day long. It was fun being able to spend quality time with my mom and eating at the Cheesecake Factory! Friday, Justin and I did some last minute shopping and went to a movie. We came home and celebrated Christmas with my family. We opened presents with my parents, my brother and his family, and my Memaw. All three girls had a lot of fun, and Karis adores her older cousin, Madison. It was neat watching them interact. We receieved great gifts and had a fun time as a family.

Saturday, we left my parents to go to Orange to see Justin's family.

Miracles Still Happen!

Madison, Brooklynn, and Karis are waiting for dinner, thus the not so excited expressions!

On Tuesday, my family received some very exciting news. My niece's, Brooklynn who is now 2 years old, catscan showed that she is cancer free. Brooklynn was diagnosed with a Welms tumor earlier this year. She had to have surgery that removed most of her left kidney and a tumor the size of a softball. After the tumor was removed, she went through 7 months of radiation and chemo. She is doing very good. She is so active and smart that no one would ever know she was ever sick. Her hair is growing back and soon there will be no outside signs of her cancer, except for the scar on her belly.

God has been so good to my brother and his family. It has been a blessing for me to see how God has strenghtened them and grown them. Tanya, my sister-in-law, you have grown so much in your faith this last year, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for you. Thank you for being such a godly example of allowing God to be your all through such a hard time. Shawn, my brother, you have always been special to me. We have always been able to talk to each other about everything. I know this has been the hardest year of your life, but I also know that I have seen so many changes in you. God can change us and it is very evident that He is working on you. I pray that your family continues to seek Christ in all you do. I already miss you guys as we are back home in North Carolina. I love you all and am blessed to have you as family!

Lining things up!

Lately Karis has been lining things up. She will pull out her bowls and plates and line them up on her little table. She also enjoys lining up her Noah's ark animals. The other day I was taking a shower and when I emerged, Karis had lined up all the animals on our bed. They were perfectly straight in a row, each animal with it's matching animal. Children's imaginations are so neat. God is so good to allow us the joy of teaching and learning from our children. Karis is teaching me knew things everyday, especially patience. She is a blessing, and I can't imagine life without her.

Noah's ark lined up on Mommy's night stand.

Noah's ark on Karis' new table, a wonderful gift from a woman in our church. Thanks Sondra!

Karis is very proud of her table and wants Mommy to join in the fun!

Helping with the Christmas Tree

Whoa! Look at all these sparkly ornaments. Karis was a big helper handing Mommy all the ornaments to put on the tree.

Karis helped Daddy put the lights on the tree. Calvin isn't sure what is going on.

The lights were very fascinating to Karis. She wasn't sure how they worked, she kept saying, "light, light."

On Thanksgiving night, Justin and I decided to go ahead and put up the Christmas tree. We hadn't put any of the Christmas decorations in the attic when we moved because we knew Christmas was just a few weeks away. Plus, I love to decorate for Christmas.

It was fun watching Karis get so excited about things we just do, like putting lights on the tree and ornaments. She did break her first ornament which happened to be one that Justin and his mother got at the Baseball hall of fame. I was sad for him, but we both know that with children things are going to be broken.

This Christmas we are so thankful for Christ and His cross. I am reminded of His willingness to come to earth and die on the cross for our sins and to appease God's wrath. What a joy to celebrate His birth! I pray this season you would bask in His love.

Sunday Sermon Notes: Ephesians 2:11-22

A picture of Karis making her favorite face when she is very determined. This picture represents how determined we should be to remember our sin and thank God that He has saved us from it through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.

Justin's sermon yesterday was very challenging and convicting. Here are my notes, Ashley, I know I promised to start posting them so here they are.

"Brought Near By His Blood"
Ephesians 2:11-22

I. Remeber your alienation-v. 11-12
5 disavantages the Gentiles had:
1. separated from Christ
2. alienated from blessings of Israel
3. strangers to the covenants of promise
4. NO HOPE
5. WITHOUT GOD
- all of these describe us, as we are Gentiles, we must understand the depth of the pit from which we have been rescued.

II. Rejoice in your reconciliation-v. 13-18
- The greatest of gospel blessings is that Christ has brought us to God!
-Christ is our peace, our peace is in a person, not in something.
-Christ secures our peace and reconciliation with each other and God

III. Realize your place in God's church
1. We are citizens of His kingdom
2. We are part of His family
3. We are a stone in God's temple
-we must be a church built on the apostles and the prophets, solid doctrine and theology
-we are being built together, presently, He isn't finished with us yet, PRAISE GOD!
-the church is God's dwelling place here on earth; assembly of God's people is His residence

Application:
1. Are you reconciled to God through Jesus?
2. Are there remaining hostilities between you and other Christians?
3. What difference should this passage make for us to be a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church?

I am so blessed to be a part of a church where God is working and His word is being preached. I am even more blessed that I am married to the man that God is leading to preach His Word so faithfully here in Wilson.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know this picture doesn't have anything to do with Thanksgiving, but I had to let you know why one day Karis is going to be a genius!! While Justin and I were unpacking boxes, Karis was watching Jeopardy! She is already learning so much, one day she will be able to answer the questions.

Thanksgiving was a very relaxing and fun day, especially after I finished baking the apple and cherry pies and the maccaroni and cheese. We went the the Dale's house. It was fun to be with them, and Karis got to play with Josie, Carol and Tim's granddaughter. It is so gracious of God to put other people in our lives when our immediate family is so far away. Even though my parents and brother cannot be replaced, it is nice to have people that you love to spend the holidays with. I would have really been lonely if God had not given us the Dale family. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. All in all, our first Thanksgiving away was a good day. I did however really miss my family and can't wait to see them in two weeks!! I can't believe Christmas is almost here.

I will put up some more pictures of the house soon. I am little under the weather today.

Happy Birthday Laura!!

I know this isn't the best picture of us, but it is the only one I could find. I have heard that if when you die you can count on one hand the number of true friends you had in life that you were blessed. I know for sure that I can say that Laura Warford is one of those friends. In life, God is so gracious to allow us people who truly understand us. Laura is that person for me. Even though I am her elder, one year and a few months older to be exact, I have learned more from Laura I could have imagined. She has taught me(and continues to teach me) how to be a godly mom. I can't imagine what life would have been like when Karis was born without being able to call Laura at any time of the day, sometimes four or five times a day with any random question! She is always so cheery even with no sleep.
When Justin and I moved to Beaumont, God put Laura and I together and from the first day, I knew our friendship would last. She is a kindred spirit, one who shared my love for Christ, one who desires to know God more deeply, one who strives to be a godly wife, one who loves her children and stays home with them, and one who knows how to minster to her friends and love them daily.
Laura, I miss you more than words can say. At times it really feels like I have left a part of me in Beaumont. I thank the Lord that He has given us this friendship that no matter the distance between us, our love for each other will still grow and be solid. Thank you for teaching me so much and for just listening. I love you girl and wish the happiest birthday ever. I am with you in your heart, even though I am not there in person.
I went for a walk this morning, praying for you and thinking how wonderful it would be to show up at your door and surprise you. It used to be such a daily thing I never thought how great it was until I couldn't do it anymore. I will be there soon for Christmas. I love ya!

First Members of Christ Baptist Church

The first 16 members of Christ Baptist Church Wilson, NC. Obviously, Karis is not a member yet, but she really wanted to be in the picture!

Today, we had our first members join Christ Baptist Church. Sixteen people joined our church. It was a reverent and eventful service. Justin was at the end of his sermon, the last application question, when the fire alarm went off. Because of the noise, we had to go outside. We really learned that God is soverign even over weather and fire alarms. It was a cool day and outside of the school there are about 15 benches. We went outside to do the Lord's supper and read our covenant as a group to show our committement as members of CBC. Sometimes I really belive that God has a sense of humor. Justin and I are so blessed to be a part of what God is doing in Wilson and with His bride, the church. One of the main points of Justin's sermon is so lacking Christians' lives, "If we love Christ, we must also love His church." Ponder that statement for awhile.

New Home Part I

The dreaded moving day is over and our home is starting to finally resemble a home. God is so good to give Justin, Karis, and I a place to call our own. Living with Tim and Carol was a very good experience, but nothing feels like being in your own home. I don't think I would have appreciated it as much if we hadn't had the wonderful opportunity to stay with the stay with such a godly family. I really learned a lot about being a godly wife and mom from Carol. I think Justin might of actually learned a little two about how to help out around the house!!
Most of the boxes are unpacked and most of the furniture is in place, but until we get things hung up, it just doesn't feel like home.
The pictures from our kitchen make over are here. I hope you like what you see. It really was a make over!

The before pictures are first. Notice the black and white theme going on here! The floor might be cool, if it wasn't also in the den!

Please excuse all the trash. Notice the cabinets, black and white. Also, the backsplash, black and white tile!

This picture shows the extreme of the black and white fan to match the theme. You can also see the walls are white and the trim is black. You can't see the door that leads to the bonus room, but it is also black.

Ahh, much better. The island was moved back in because it does look pretty good with the backsplash. The chili pepper red cabinets do make the kitchen look some what like a diner.

You can't really see the floor, but it is a khaki vinyl. It makes the den look much better.(pictures of the before and after den are on the way). Justin put up a cool silver light to replace the fan. He is becoming quite the handyman around here!

I hope you enjoyed our make over. Let me know what you think. It is okay if you don't like it. It is a little drastic, but what do you do with a small budget and a black and white tile backsplash? Any other suggestions? More make over pictures of the den and bonus room are on the way!

Moving

Hey all, just wanted to let all of you know that we are moving into our house this weekend. Yesterday, Justin and I painted our room and the den/kitchen. It was a long day, but we are so glad we got it all done in one day. Today, the new floor is being put into the kitchen/den and bonus room. Tomorrow, the kitchen cabinets, trim and bonus room will be painted so we will be able to move in on Sat. Praise the Lord for our new house and the means to fix it up some. I will have before and after photos some time next week.

First Pumpkin Carving

The pumpkin was a little heavier than Karis thought.

Karis wanted to help but holding the spoon was much more fun than actually using it.

After daddy cut the pumpkin open, Karis was very interested to see what was inside.

Mommy got the honors of drawing and cutting the face on the pumpkin. Karis was very excited about holding the pieces mommy cut of the pumpkin.

After so much work, Karis decided to take rest, holding the pumpkin eye.

This face explains itself, I don't know what Karis was thinking.

The finished pumpkin. Karis had more fun putting the top back on and off than actually admiring the pumpkin face!

Our Frog the GIRL!

When I was in Texas, my mom and I picked out this costume for Karis. It was a 2T so we knew it would be a little big, hopefully she will be able to wear it next year. However, I did not expect all the people at the festival that we went to to keep telling us what a cute little boy we had. It was pretty funny! Justin and I took Karis to one of the church carnivals in town.

Karis and Mommy after a hard fight to get on our costume. You can still she the red face from all the crying!

Picking up ducks out of the water was really the only game Karis could play.

She picked up at least five of six ducks. It was great!

Our little frog the GIRL!

Next year I am going to get a big pink bow and put it on her head so she won't be mistaken for a boy. We had a good time but realized that Karis was still a little bit too small for the festival. She did enjoy watching the other people.