Decorating

Since we will be driving to Texas for the first time this year, we decided to put up our Christmas decorations a week before Thanksgiving.  Yes, I know some of you are sighing, but hey, we didn't have Thanksgiving at our house anyway!  Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do and my whole family enjoys immensely, especially Karis!  She and Noah remember where everything goes, and if I want to put something in a different spot, they will have none of it!  

Karis and Noah get to decorate their own tree every year that sits in the living room. 

Proud tree decorators!

Noah posing by his favorite Cars ornament!

The kids also like to help with the BIG tree, and thankfully, they do a good job listening to where Mommy wants the ornaments placed.

I love that Karis is making sure Noah doesn't fall. They are both standing on the arm of the couch.

Karis got to put the star on top this year. I love Noah's expression, is that a laugh or what?

Yes, the Little People nativity set still gets played with at our house every Christmas!  

Easter 2012

Easter Sunday is always one of my favorite Sundays. I had the privilege of serving in the nursery on Sunday morning, so I loved hearing the kids tell me what their Daddy preached on. After church, we attempted to take some pictures, but as usual, one of my children didn't want to. I am sure you can guess who!

My handsome husband and my little man.

Thanks to neighbor Rich, we got a family photo.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter, celebrating our Savior's death and resurrection!

"Up from the grave He arose!"

Fall Fun Friday

A few weeks ago, on the first day of fall, the kids had a "fall" themed school day. We did all things fall: counted pumpkins, ate candy corn, painted fall trees, read poetry about leaves, sand silly songs about pumpkins and scarecrows, etc. I always enjoy this day immensely, fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Recently, my family has also embraced all things pumpkin: I made pumpkin butter, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin banana bread. I still have a few more recipes to try, but so far all of them have been a hit!

I catalogued our day with some fun pictures. After doing school, we made fall cutout cookies together, and then the kids decorated some on their own to take to our neighbors (and to eat of course!).

This was not the same day, but I think Karis' expression sums up our "Fall Fun Friday!"

Big Shoes to Fill....

As I grow, I hope I will realize what a treasure I have in my Daddy.
Right now, he is my favorite playmate, disciplinarian, pastor, and best friend.
As the years go by, I will witness his integrity, love, patience, trust, care, discipline, open arms, and most of all his "love for the Savior."



These shoes I wear now are way too big, but my Mom prays that as I am lead by my Daddy, that I will grow into a man who "loves the Savior with all my heart," a man just like YOU!

Happy Early Father's Day Dad!

Thank you for your faithful leadership, love, and for always making me feel important and loved.

Welcome Spring!

The last Saturday in March, we welcomed spring with our annual spring baskets. Thanks to Mamou, the kids had some new interesting, fun eggs to hunt for. The eggs talked until you found them, ("I am hiding, I'm over here," after it was found, you opened it and it said, "You found me!"). Noah wasn't so sure what was going on when he heard the noise, he said, "What's that Mommy?"

Hope you enjoy the pics of the fun day. The kids have enjoyed hiding the eggs for each other the last few weeks.

Fall Is Here!

Our neighbors gave each one of the kids a pumpkin a few weeks ago. It was so nice of them to do that, and thanks to Aunt Courtney, they each had a face to put on the pumpkin. Karis got to make hello kitty, and Noah got to make pooh bear. It has been so funny to hear Noah say "Bye-bye pooh bear," every time we leave to go somewhere for the last two weeks. Thanks to Papa John and Amma, the kids have their cute fall shirts. Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather.

Christmas At Home 2008

We had a wonderful time as a family on Christmas eve and Christmas day, sharing gifts, playing with new toys, and eating some yummy food. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because I enjoy giving gifts. I love to see the expression on the recipients face as they receive the gifts I picked out for them. Mostly, I am thankful that our Savior chose to come down from heaven and be a man in order to "save His people from their sins." What a amazing Christ we serve.
I hope you enjoy these pictures of our precious children celebrating Christmas and Jesus' birthday at home with us.

Texas Christmas 08' Part II

Karis, Noah and I arrived in Texas on Wednesday, Dec. 3. We had a nice relaxing afternoon with my parents that night and then a good talk and visit with my brother. Thursday, we went shopping at a new outlet mall by my parents house, it was great, it has every store a girl could want and more!! Thursday night, my mom, my sister-in-law, Tanya, and I went to the Woman's Christmas party at my parent's church. As we were about to pull out of the driveway, my niece Madison comes running out saying that Noah threw up. I was very distraught. Since we had all dealt with the virus the week before, I was praying that we weren't all going to get it again. My wonderful Dad encouraged us to go ahead and go, so we did. Noah was fine the rest of the night, but my mom got sick that night. She spent all of Friday in bed, so my dad and I ran a few errands with the kids and hung out. Friday night, I went to watch Madi play softball after my kids were in bed. My dad got sick that night. The kids and I decided to go shopping on Saturday so my parents could rest.
Sunday, we went and spent a few hours with one of my good friends, Mandy, and her family. We had great time letting the kids play together and catching up. Monday we picked Justin up from the airport and went to Orange. Thursday we headed back to my parents. We did Christmas with my parents and brother's family on Friday night and watched Madi play some more softball on Saturday. Sunday after church I got some more good Mexican food!!
I always enjoy our time in Texas, time just always seems to fly by. Being with my parents is such joy and I am so glad that my children love playing with their cousins!

We pray everyone has a very Merry Christmas celebrating the special and unique birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all find our hope in Him this year!

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Texas Christmas 08' Part I

Christmas in Texas is always a blast, being with our families, but this year, it was even more special. We got to see and play in snow, yes, I said snow in southeast Texas, which literally never happens. Justin said the last time he remembered it snowing was when he was very little.
Karis, Noah, and I left for Texas by ourselves on Wed. Dec. 3. They were both wonderful on the plane. We then spent the next five days with my parents and brother's family. More to come on this in part II.
Monday, Justin flew in. After we picked him up from the airport, we went straight to Orange. We had a wonderful dinner with his Dad, Susan, and Courtney, his sister. Both of Justin's grandparents are in a nursing home right now, but while we were there, his Papou was in the hospital in Beaumont. Our next few days were spent between Beaumont, the nursing home, and Pop Pop and Grammy's. We had a wonderful time of opening gifts for Christmas, eating Mexican food, and having Noah's 1st birthday party, cake thanks to Aunt Courtney. We also let Karis open up some early presents for her birthday next month from Aunt Courtney!
Here are some pictures of our great time together. Spending the holiday with family is always fun, and I am so glad that my children get to have this time with them.




Part II of our Texas trip coming soon!

County Fair 2008

BubbleShare:

Oh the county fair! I don't know why I enjoy the fair so much, but it is one of my favorite once a year traditions. Maybe it's the really greasy, totally bad for you food, which we didn't eat this year, except dessert of course! Really, I think it is the rides. I have always loved to ride rides, especially the ones that go around and around and around, however, this year I realized after riding my one ride by myself that I am really 30! It wasn't so much fun to have my stomach in knots the rest of the evening.

We had a fun time petting the animals, watching our big Karis ride rides by herself, riding rides with Karis, and watching Noah be Noah! Hope you enjoy the picks. I think I will try my luck again next year with a ride, just maybe I will stick with the Ferris wheel and not a ride that twists while going around and around!

Good Friday, Easter and Friends

We had a very fun and friend filled Easter weekend. On Good Friday, our friends, the Cherry's, came over for dinnner. We enjoyed some BBQ chicken, cole slaw, and baked beans, along with some cross cupcakes. We had a great time of fellowship, and the children had fun playing outside and in Karis' room. Saturday we just hung out together as a family. Sunday after church, you can check out Justin's sermon on our church website http://www.christbc.com/ along with me this week since I served in the nursery during church this week. After church, we headed over to the Brook's house for lunch and fellowship.

Family picture in front of the Brook's house.


Karis pointing to the cross cake that I made and decorated for desert. She was reenacting how she licked the icing the day before after I was finished icing the cake!

Full view of the cake, it was almost gone after lunch.

Our Easter was good spent with friends. We also got to spend some time with Lori's sister, her husband and their new baby boy. It was fun to chat and have a leisurely lunch with our friends. It is always good to celebrate the death of our Savior with like minded friends.

Pondering the Cross

I have been reading all the gospel accounts of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ the last two days. I was again awed and reminded of my own sin, that I too would have been one of the ones mocking our Lord along with the crowd. Christ still died for those who mocked and reviled Him. Hallelujah, what a Savior! As I was trying to think of what to say about the cross, one song came to mind. Here are the words of a song that clearly, powerfully, and wonderfully explain the cross.

The Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn

Of the darkest day:

Christ on the road to Calvary.

Tried by sinful men,

Torn and beaten, then

Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:

This, the pow'r of the cross:

Christ became sin for us;

Took the blame, bore the wrath-

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh to see the pain

Written on Your face,

Bearing the awesome weight of sin.

Ev'ry bitter thought,

Ev'ry evil deed

Crowing Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;

Now the ground beneath

Quakes as its Maker bows His head.

Curtain torn in two,

Dead are raised to life;

"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name

Written in the wounds,

For through Your suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death;

Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:

This, the pow'r of the cross:

Son of God-slain for us.

What a love! What a cost!

We stand forgiven at the cross.

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Spring Baskets and Egg Hunt

On Saturday, we had our spring baskets and egg hunt day. Justin made waffles for breakfast and we celebrated the beginning of spring by getting a basket full of fun stuff and having an egg hunt. I got this idea from Carolyn Mahaney (she and her daughters have the girltalkblog and I have read all her books). We wanted our children to still be able to have an egg hunt and get a fun basket every year, but we didn't want it to interfere or be at all connected with our Savior's death and glorious resurrection. For us, Easter is about Christ and Him alone, and we didn't want anything to distract us or our children from that. So, the spring basket and egg hunt seemed like such a great idea. Here are a few pictures of our fun time!

Karis is looking at her new stickers. By her basket was a book, Go Dog Go, for Noah. Karis really enjoyed reading it to him once I read it to her a few times. (There are only a few words on each page.)

Karis also got a BOZ puzzle. She is really into puzzles these days!

Noah was very excited about his new book, especially when Karis read it to him!

Karis is hunting her eggs in the front yard.

"Where are the rest of the eggs?"

We had a very fun day, Karis and I did her new puzzle about 5 times. I love spring time, I can't wait to see all the flowers blooming. It reminds me of how God's grace that continues to give to His children despite our sinfulness. After a cold winter (which has not really been the case this year), God reminds us that all things become new again like when we trust in Christ. We pray you have a wonderful Christ filled Easter!

Valentine's Day Outfits

Karis and Noah received some special Valentine outfits from Aunt Courtney. She really does a great job being creative with her gifts! We had a nice dinner at home and then took Karis to get ice cream (yes, Noah went to, but he is a little small for ice cream). I am starting to feel like a bad mom sometimes because I always say, "Karis and I are going here or there," meaning that Noah is going too, I just forget to say his name. Old habits die hard I guess.
Justin bought me some very pretty pearl earrings from James Avery for Valentines day, and he got some very romantic glasses!! I love you Justin.

Noah smiling in his new outfit from Aunt Courtney!

Karis didn't want to take a picture, as you can tell by her expression. She is into the no picture faze right now, I don't know what I am going to do in a few weeks when I get her three year picture taken and a picture of both of them.

Here are both my sweet babies in their new outfits. Thanks Aunt Courtney, you did a great job. We love you!

Karis' 3rd Birthday!

This was the first year that Karis was really excited about her birthday. We made a big deal about it, and she loved every minute of it. Birthdays in my family were always very special, and I desire that for my children. In Justin's family, they had what is called a "you are special" plate that they ate off of on their birthday or any other special day. We have made that a tradition in our family and this was the first year Karis was old enough to eat on the very old, breakable plate.

Justin got up and made pancakes and bacon, Karis' request. She ate off the "special plate." We then opened her gifts from Justin's family and played with new things until lunch time. At lunch, we took Karis to Pizza Inn, she likes to eat there because they have a train that runs along a track there while you eat. We had no objections because we can always eat pizza, plus Karis eats for free! After lunch she got to watch a movie in her room on the portable DVD player. That was a very special treat. We were going to take her and her friend Hannah to see "The Pirates who don't do anything" a veggie tale movie, but it wasn't playing at our theater anymore. So the next day, Hannah came over and the girls watched "Lady and the Tramp." Karis picked out the movie at the movie store. They ate popcorn and gummy bears and drank lemonade in big girl cups with silly straws! It was a lot of fun. We had a small get together with a few of our friends on Saturday. I made her a McDuff, or Calvin cake. Calvin is our dog.

Karis' Calvin cake.

She was very proud of her cake as you can see!

It took her a few tries to blow out her candles. The cake was good. I used a different icing, and it tasted much better.

Karis got a bicycle for her birthday, but she won't ride it right now because she doesn't want to wear her helmet. She picked out a red one, red seems to be her favorite color now!

Christmas 2007

This year, Christmas was very different. We didn't go to Texas to visit our families, but my parents came to visit us. (This probably had something to do with Noah only being 2 weeks old at Christmas!) We had a wonderful time starting our family traditions and being with my family. We opened up all our presents from Justin's family and my family on Christmas Eve so that we could make Christmas day all about Jesus! Here are some pictures of Christmas Eve!

My mom, dad, and Noah.

Karis, Justin, me, and Noah, now a family of four!

Karis had a great time opening all her gifts this year, and she had a lot to open. She got very excited about each one. Here she is opening a coloring book, stickers, and a stamp set from Aunt Courtney! She really likes Curious George!

Karis is opening one of her many presents from Mamou and Papou, Justin's grandparents.

This was probably Karis' favorite present, at least for a few days. She cut and cut the food over and over. Thank you Mamou and Papou!

Noah and Karis in their matching Christmas pajamas! Noah isn't so sure about this!

Justin holding his two children, matching very nicely in his red shirt!!

We were very blessed this year on Christmas. Karis has really enjoyed playing with all her toys, especially cutting the food, playing with her play cell phone from PopPop and Grammie, playing with her scarf, and all her other wonderful presents. Thank you all for your gifts and love. We are sorry that we didn't get to come and see you, but we will see you soon!

Catching Up!

I can't believe that Noah is now 10 days old. It has been a roller coaster for me, trying to nurse and not getting much rest. I am so thankful that my parents are here. I don't know how I would manage without them. My mom and dad have both been wonderful and very supportive of me in my decision to stop nursing and bottle feed. I had issues with Karis at four months and was always wondering if she was getting enough milk. Those issues have not been far from my mind during this attempt at nursing and it was literally consuming my thoughts. After much prayer and other difficulties nursing, I decided that bottle feeding was going to be the best thing for our family. Thank you Justin for being supportive and allowing God to teach me through this. You are such a blessing, and I don't deserve you. Thank you Mom and Dad for always giving me your unconditional love and support and your opinions on things. You are all a treasure to me.
We still have almost five more days with my parents before they leave. It continues to be a wonderful visit and a time of joy with them celebrating the birth of Noah and playing with Karis non-stop, thanks Dad, as Karis always says, "Papa John, come play with me!"

Thanksgivng with the Tombrellas!

Wednesday the Tombrellas arrived at our house. We had the pleasure of having them here for Thanksgiving and Robbie preaching on Sunday at our church. Wednesday through Sunday was filled with many new memories and spent remembering old memories back from our college days. Justin and I are so blessed to still be so close to our college best friends. The kids did a good job playing together and having fun. Thursday, Michelle and I spent most of the day cooking for our Thanksgiving meal. It was all very yummy. Friday both the girls and the boys got to go shopping a little bit. We then took the Tombrellas to lunch at Dick's Hot dogs, our famous place to eat in Wilson. Saturday we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese, and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. After their nap, they helped Michelle and I put up all the Christmas stuff and decorate their own tree. Sunday we were so blessed to have Robbie preach at our church. He did an awesome job!

Joel, Samuel, and Karis sharing a snack after they went to the park.

Karis putting the star on top of the tree she and the boys decorated.

All the ornaments ended up on the same side of the tree and on the same two branches!

Karis is putting on the last ornament.

Joel sat down to rest after all his hard work on the tree. He really seemed to like Calvin, I know Calvin enjoyed having more "little" people to chase around.

Thanksgiving is such a blessing and a time to remember all God has done for us and His many blessings. It is also a time to focus on our Savior. We were so thankful to spend time with the Tombrellas and have Thanksgiving with them.