Summer is Here!

Karis and I are glad that summer is here. Karis really enjoys playing outside. Last week, I got her pool out, and she had a blast. Justin also came up with a great idea for a sandbox, which she played in while playing the pool.

Karis is getting ready to play in her pool, she had go with Mommy on a walk first.

She decided she wanted to fill up her own pool, all by herself!

I think there are more toys than water in her pool, but she had a blast throwing them out of the pool, getting out of the pool, and then throwing them back in. She must have done that 20 times.

On Saturday, Hannah came over and her and Karis played in the Elmo sprinkler and the pool. They had more fun giving Elmo a drink and bathing him!

Summer is such a fun time to play outside. I am glad that Karis enjoys being outside. I really like it too. God is so good to us to give us beautiful weather and beautiful children. Everything we have is a blessing from Him.

Creative Way to Feed Calvin!

I guess we never realize our creative our children are until they do something really clever or just plain silly. I was making lunch for one afternoon and I watched Karis pick up some of Calvin's food and carry into the other room. She then climbed up on the chair that she had pulled out and threw his food on the ground. He ate every piece, so she did it again.

Karis is standing in the chair getting ready to drop Calvin's food.

She is very satisfied with herself and is wiping off her dirty hands!

Watering the Flowers

One of Karis' favorite things to do in the afternoon is help Daddy water the flowers. I am usually not feeling very well by the time Justin gets home from work, so he takes Karis outside with him while he waters the flower beds. She in turn gets to water my two potted plants, mostly watering the steps, but she has a lot of fun doing it.

Karis is gently watering my daises.

Look at how good her Daddy has taught her to water mom's favorite flowers!

Here is where she is watering more of the steps than the flowers.

What a joy it is to watch Karis grow. Just like flowers need water to live, Karis needs us, as her parents, to nurture her in God's Word. We are to train, discipline, and pour love out to her to teach her God's grace everyday. I cannot imagine life without Karis, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us with the new creation He is growing in me right now. Children really are a blessing from the Lord!

Visit with Pop Pop and Grammie

On Tuesday last week, we had some very special visitors. Justin's parents came to see us, Pop Pop and Grammie as Karis calls them. We had a very short, good, productive visit. Karis really enjoys her grandparents.




The first thing she did was play with the new toys that Pop Pop and Grammie got her. She loves to stick post it notes on everything, thus Pop Pop is covered in K's.

Karis played and played until her little heart was content.

The next morning for breakfast, Grammie and Karis had a leaning tea party. They leaned and ate toast and jam. It was really cute. Karis enjoyed her first taste of jelly!

We spent the rest of the day buying and planting plants in our front yard. Grammie is a great at doing yards, so she helped me with the flower beds, and Pop Pop helped Justin remove the big ugly bridhouse in the front yard and plant a tree there. It looks much better. Thank you guys for all your help. Karis enjoyed playing in the rain and helping us too.


The next morning Pop Pop and Grammie had to leave. Karis got to tell them that she is going to "be a big sister." They were very excited.

We enjoyed our visit with them, and I know that Karis did too. She thanks God for them every night. We love you guys!

Praise the Lord, we are expecting!!

The Lord has been good to us. After 14 months of trying to get pregnant, God has answered our prayers. We are very excited! What a blessing! I am nine weeks as of yesterday. My first doctor's visit went well, and I go back at 12 weeks. I was told again that I will have to have a c-section. There is always that slight chance that maybe this time I won't have to, but God did not make my body able to have children without the help of a c-section. Praise the Lord for c-sections!
Our new bundle of joy will be joining us sometime in early December, around the 11. Karis is not really sure what she thinks yet, she just knows that she can't jump on mommy's belly anymore when we wrestle. She keeps telling me there is a baby in her belly too, like mommy's. It will be interesting and fun to see how she reacts to all this.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. Today my dad turns another year older and wiser. I am so blessed to have my dad. A man that showed me his love daily, a man that taught me about Christ, a man that always hugged me, a man that was always proud of me, a man that pushed me to do my best in all situations, a man whose lap I still sit in, a man who loves his wife, a man who is always there, and a man that continues to show his love with his grandchildren.
I cannot imagine life without this wonderful man in my life. I have always been your little girl and will continue to be no matter how old I am. Thank you for giving me strong beliefs and strong character. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for being the man you are. I love you dad more than I can say. I hope you had a wonderful day playing golf.

Trip to DC with Papa John & 'Amma

While my parents were here, we made a quick trip to DC. It is only four hours away, and my mom and I have never been. We knew that taking Karis would not allow us to see everything, but we were excited to go anyway. Our trip was wonderful, and we had a great time together. I will let the pictures tell about our trip.

When arrived in DC about 2:30 on Tuesday afternoon. We put Karis in the stroller and started on our way. My mom and I took into the building that contains all the important United States documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, etc.), but it was not very stroller friendly so we decided it would be something to see at a better time, when Karis is older. We then went to the Art Park, which is where my parents and Karis are in this picture. Karis got to throw pennies in the water.

We then made the long trek past the Washington monument to the WWII monument, which is fairly new. Karis and I are standing in front of the water. It was hard explaining to a two year old that you couldn't throw money into this water. The monument was beautiful and very much depicted the what WWII was about.

Next, we went to the Vietnam Wall Memorial. My dad served in Vietnam, so it was very special to take a picture of him standing by the wall. Because the time was running out on our meter, we had to rush back to our car, which was clear on the other side of the "mall."

On our way back, Karis must have been really tuckered out, she fell asleep in her stroller. She has never done that. It was probably about a two mile walk back, so she got a little nap before we headed to our hotel.

The next morning we parked, and went back by the Washington Monument to head back to the Lincoln Memorial. We didn't have time yesterday to see it. Karis is walking on the stone wall that goes all the way around the Monument. It was really cute seeing her dance to the music being played by an orchestra especially since she was almost as tall as me.

My mom, Karis, and I walked up the stairs to the Lincoln Memorial. She was okay with it until I took her a little closer to take her picture. She said "Lincoln too big." She then preceded to tell my dad that she "took picture with Lincoln." Here my parents are sitting with her outside the Lincoln Memorial.

It was a special trip, and we had lots of fun. Karis learned that George W. Bush lives in the White House. My parents visit with us was wonderful. I love having them around because they love playing with Karis. I love being able to just hang out with them. Thank you for coming. I know it is a hard trip. We love and miss you very much.

"Fall down riser"

Last Sunday, when my parents were here, we had a very exciting time after the service taking Karis to the immediate care because she "fall down riser." At the school, we always have to move the risers for the service. The children love to play on them after we move them back while we are picking up other things. It hasn't worried us very much because they are usually very careful. Karis must have missed a step because all I remember is Jonathan picking her up off the floor and bringing her to me. She started crying and when I looked at her chin, I new why. She had a pretty deep cut and it was bleeding. Needless to say, we took her to the immediate care to make sure she didn't need stitches. I tried to reassure her while we were waiting that the doctor would fix it, and she was okay until we actually saw the doctor. My parents were wonderful through it all.

Karis showing off her band aide.

I bought butterfly band aides to help it heal better, and Karis kept saying "no touch."

Family Reunion in Texas

On Tuesday, April 10, Karis and I flew to Texas. Justin's dad and step mom, Pop Pop and Grammie, picked us up at the airport. We visited with them, his sister, and his grandparents until Thursday.

Karis got a really fun filled Easter basket from her Aunt Courtney. She really enjoyed playing with the bunny ears. She had a lot of fun playing with Pop Pop and Grammie. She also enjoyed her time at Papou and Mamou's house.

My parents picked us up in Beaumont on Thursday. I did get to see Laura for a few minutes. It was a short visit, but at least I did get to give her a hug.


Madison, Brooklynn, and Karis enjoyed playing with one another at Papa John and 'Amma's house on Thursday afternoon. We got all packed and we ready for our trip to McKinney for the Rehms' family reunion, this is my mom's two sisters and all their children and grandchildren. It was a lot of fun to see everyone, but Karis had a hard time being around all those new people. Mama, as I am now called, had to be very close at hand for the entire trip.

Karis and Brooklynn decided the bookshelves were great places to play. They really got to enjoy each other's company by the time we left.

We stayed at my parents house Monday and Tuesday. Monday night I got to go eat dinner with five of my college friends. It was wonderful to see them all and to share what God has been doing in all our lives.

Wednesday we left really early to head back to North Carolina. It was a very hard two day trip. Karis was wonderful and didn't have any accidents. Thank goodness for DVD players! My parents just left this morning after staying a week with us. More to come on that.

Still Here

I wanted to let all of you guys know that I am still here. Karis and I made a trip to Texas, and we just got back late Thursday. We had a wonderful time with our family and I will post pictures and more later.
God has been so good to us, and I am so glad to be home. Being away from Justin for 10 days was too long!

Ponder the CROSS

Today is such an amazing and agonizing day in the life of every person who knows Christ as Savior. I am humbled by God's love for man to put His only Son up as a sacrifice for our sins. I am also relieved that God's wrath has been averted from me to Christ by God placing Jesus as our sacrificial Lamb. We do not deserve the cross, but God in His mercy and love used the cross to appease His wrath for sin and to grant us forgiveness through Christ.
I pray that as you go about the day that you will ponder the cross. Ponder Christ's pain, obedience, humbleness, submissiveness, and love. Ponder our God who proved Himself righteous to all by not overlooking sins anymore. Ponder what a great gospel we should incorporate in every aspect of our lives. Ponder the cross today!

Stickers are so fun!

Who knew stickers could be so much fun? I bought Karis some stickers at Wal-Mart the other day, and she spent the afternoon sticking them to the paper and then her leg. She thought it was very funny!

The mind of a child really is a precious thing. Karis continues to amaze me. God continues to teach me patience for Karis with potty training, for some children it really is an on-going process. For two months now we haven't had any accidents, and just in the last few days, we have had three big ones. I can at least be thankful that she only has accidents at home and not out in public! I need to remind myself that she is only two, two and two months. No matter what she is a blessing, and I love every moment I get to spend with her.

My little helper

Last Saturday, Justin and cleaned up the yard. We had not mowed the yard since we moved in, but it was pass due. It was a wonderful day, the sun was shining bright, but it wasn't too hot. I got Karis all dressed in her play clothes and pigtails so she could help mommy. We picked up pine cones, raked the "gumballs" in the front yard, swept the walkway and driveway, and just had a wonderful time. She got to watch mommy mow the yard, while she sat in the rocking chair. She was a big help. Watching BOZ has helped Karis see that she can be a Big helper no matter how small she is.

Children's Programs

We, at Christ Baptist Church, are about to start some type of children's program on Sunday nights. We are going to start meeting at the school for Sunday nights in a few weeks. I am very excited about this, but I am still trying to figure out what curriculum we are going to use with the children. Does anyone have any suggestions? Since I am the children's director, in theory, I need to figure out along with the help of some of our other members what would be the most beneficial as far as the children learning God's Word. Our children ages range from 2 and up. I really desire for this time to meaningful and fun.
I am open for suggestions. Thanks.

Spring is Here

Spring is here and out com the shorts and capri pants. I was very excited to pull out Karis' spring and summer clothes except to realize that the hand me downs are no more. I had to buy her some clothes, but God is good, and He always provides. Karis is continuing to grow and put more words together. Her sentences are getting longer, and she is always repeating everything I say. I am again a single mom this week, but I am looking forward to spending girl time with her.
How many toothbrushes can Karis put in her mouth?

Three! I am not sure why she has so many, I do know that I only bought her one.

Karis playing with her toys in her spring capris after BSF.

Reading Books

We all know how much Karis enjoys reading books. She has recently been reading books to me. This is how the book goes.

Noah's Ark

"Karis said, Noah, boat."

"Karis said, Noah ark, animals"

"Karis said, laughed, rain."

"Karis said, animals came."

"Karis said, animals."

"Karis said, animals in ark, God door."

"Karis said, plop, crash, boom, not afraid."

"Karis said, ark float, rained forty days."

"Karis said, Noah prayed."

"Karis said, rainbow."

"Karis said, I luv you."

This is Karis' version of Noah's Ark. It is so funny to listen to her mumble the words. She learned this from her friend Hannah. I enjoy this time with her very much.

Karis also really enjoys BSF. She came home last week singing, "Open them, shock them, open them, shock them, lap- Open them, shock them, open them, shock them, lap."

In translation means, "Open them, shut them, open them, shut them, give a little clap, Open them, shut them, open them, shut them, put them in your lap." This is talking about her hands.

Idols in our lives

Carol, Lisa, and I attended the Women's conference at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary last Friday and Saturday. One of the break out sessions that I went to was
What's Pouring Water on the Fire? Detecting and Destroying Idols of the Heart.
This session was lead by Dana Cordell. She is the wife of one of the pastors of another church plant of Open Door Baptist Church. It was a very convicting session and also a very hopeful one. Here is just a taste of what she said.

I. Definition of an Idol
An idol is something, other than God, that masters or motivates us. Idols are false or functional gods. - Ken Sande

John Calvin said that we are experts at inventing idols. He also said that our desire typically does not lie in what we want but that we want it too much.

II. The source of our idolatry is our heart.

Their heart is false;
now whey must bear their guilt.
The Lord will bread down their altars
and destroy their pillars. (Hosea 10:2)

Your heart becomes like the things you worship.

III. Idolatry's Behavior and Attitudes

James 4:1-4- the war of desires
Galatians 5:17-26
1 John 5:21-"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

"Who or what rules my behavior, the Lord or a substitute?" -David Powlison

Idolatry is an exchange: God + _______ = happiness

IV. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to detect if something is an idol.
1. What do you love? Hate?
2. What do you want, desire, crave, lust, and wish for? Whose desires do you obey?
3. What do you seek, aim for, pursue? What are your goals and expectations?
4. What do you fear? What do you want? What do you worry about?
5. What do you think you need?
6. Where do you find refuge, safety, comfort, escape, pleasure, security?

V. In order to fight these idols, we must:
A. Fight to know God.
B. Utilize the tools He has given you to kill idols:
1. The Word of God and the Spirit of God
2. Prayer
3. The people of God

I know that in my own life I have a lot of idols that I need to slay. Thank goodness that God does not deny us the grace to fight our idols. We serve a jealous and loving God. He desires to be first in our lives, and He will not let another take His glory. When we allow idols to take His place, after repenting, He generously offers His grace to forgive us and lead us back to Him, the only One that can truly satisfy all our desires.

Washing the Car

Yesterday was such a pretty day that I decided to wash the cars. Karis wanted to help, and she did a great job helping me.

First, Karis wants to make sure that it is okay to put her hands in the soap.

Second, she dips the sponge in the soap, while bending down.

Third, Karis pulls the wet sponge out and watches the water drip off the sponge.

Is that all there is to do? I like playing in the water.

Shopping, Bubbles, & Friends

Karis and I have had a wonderful time this week. We have stayed very busy, and she has been a great sport going along with me everywhere I wanted to go. Tuesday we went shopping after we dropped Justin off at the airport. We came home and after her nap, we went to the small mall her in Wilson because I couldn't find her an Easter dress. We found one here and a few other things that she needs for the summer. I dropped her off at the Brooks house and came home to get ready for the Women's Bible Study here.
Wednesday, we got up late, ate free breakfast at Chick-fil-A and then headed over to the Daniels' house for a play date. It was fun and after lunch, we came home for a nap. We went to the YMCA then to church on Wednesday night, which was great. I got to watch all the kiddos!! Thursday, we got up early for Bible Study Fellowship. Karis really loves BSF, and I am so glad that she does. She gets another opportunity to learn about our wonderful Savior. We went to lunch with Carol after we got home, and Sondra came over for dinner on Thursday night.
Friday we got up, went to the YMCA, then came home and got dressed. We headed to the outlet mall to shop some more. I didn't buy anything, but Karis is a trooper. Lori, Hannah, and Madeline came over after we got home and we took the girls to the park. Lisa came over for dinner and we watched Persuasion. I love those old British movies. Today, Karis and I are just hanging our getting things in order to go pick up Justin from the airport.

Karis loves playing with her bubbles outside, in fact she just loves being outside!!

First Women's Bible Study

We had our first Women's Bible Study on Tuesday. We are big enough to have two groups, so Carol Dale lead the morning group and I lead the evening group. We are doing a Bible study over friendships in the Bible. We talked about Ruth and Naomi on Tuesday. It is so refreshing to do a Bible study that the focus is simply the Bible and how to apply it to our lives. We know that the Bible is our guidebook and love letter from Christ, and it is so exciting for me to be teaching a study that simply relies on what God has said to us through His Word.
We discussed the importance of Ruth and Naomi's friendship, how it was rooted in God, how for a time Ruth cared for Naomi, how Naomi cared for Ruth, and how ultimately God was sovereign over all. Naomi and her family, her husband and two sons, went to Moab because of a famine. The sons married Moabite women. After Naomi's husband and sons died, Ruth went back to Bethlehem with Naomi to her people. Ruth was redeemed by Boaz, who was the son of Rahab (a Gentile). Ruth and Boaz were married and she had Jesse, who was the father of King David. God used all these circumstances to bring forth the Christ. He used a Moabite woman who had faith. What a blessing to know that from the very beginning God had plans to save the Gentiles along with the Jews. We serve a great and mighty God, full of mercy and justice.