Jaden's Preschool Christmas Program 2009

Here is Jaden in his 2009 Preschool Christmas Program. Can you find him? He looks dashing in his Christmas green dress shirt. :0) He is the red-head in the back, near the left. Jaden is a little slow with his motions, but he does a good job. All the kids are so cute!! Hope you enjoy the clip.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Jaden and Ethan!

Here's wishing you many happy joyous moments this holiday season, as we celebrate Jesus' birthday!

The Envelope Please...

We finally had our sonogram for my pregnancy this last Wednesday. It was scheduled for last week, but I was really sick with a cold. Didn't do anything except survive for about 6 days. It was awful...which is why I haven't posted anything in a while.

Anyway, back to the important part...so the sonogram revealed we have a healthy, baby BOY! Yes, we will be raising 3 boys. Most people who have talked to me know that I was hoping for a girl. So am I sad about this? Yes, but I also went into it knowing that our chances for having another little boy were very high. But I still prayed, asking for a girl.

So as I've pondered this and wondered why God said no, my resolve finally came from the following quote...

I want to beg you to be patient toward all the is unsolved in your heart
and to try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written ina very foreign tongue. Do not seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. and the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.

--From Letters to a Young Poet by Raner Maria Rilke

As time goes on, I'm getting more excited about my new little boy. It's a process for me. I know that God's ways are so much higher than my ways. So I must trust him, even when it's not what I had planned. I know when I hold our new baby boy for the first time it won't matter. He will be ours to have and to hold, to love and to disciple, as God's precious gift.

Now we must figure out a name...

So, thank you God for my healthy baby boy. Thank you God for new life!

We pray for a continued healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Being Thankful...

So here is Jaden's current list of the things he is thankful for...at least on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 4 years of age. He is growing up so much and started really grasping the story of Thanksgiving this year. We read some books about the Pilgrims and the Indians and about the first feast at thanksgiving. So he was excited to eat turkey, but enjoyed the ham much more! As did his brother, Ethan. :0)

But I am the proud mom so I had to show off his writing skills. He is improving every day in so many ways, including writing, counting, and reading simple word books.

And the box? Well, he is thankful for that also.

Ethan's Shoe Addiction

Ethan, my little toddler, has a shoe addiction. He really LOVES shoes--anyone's shoes. He likes to pick them up and play with them, much to his mommy's dismay. He thinks they are fun play toys. He even knows where his shoes are kept and will lead me there when he needs to put them on to go outside. Then he will lead me to my shoes and hand them to me to put them on. And he even gets upset when I take his shoes off and put them up. As if I should hand them to him to play with.

Well, one day my little shoe fan got a hold of his Daddy's good dress shoes. Daddy had left them out on in the living room, so of course Ethan is going to play with them. He was playing in the tent rocket that day with his brother. So they got a lot of toys out to put in the rocket for their space "trip." I wasn't paying to close attention, but was just thankful they were happily playing.

The next morning, Erick is looking for his good dress shoes for work and can't find them. We looked all over the house with no luck. I told him Ethan had been playing with them, so we figured he couldn't have gotten to far with them. They are heavy shoes.

Well, finally after 45 minutes of searching, Erick gives up and decides he can use other shoes for that day. Needless to say he is a little mad. We did find the shoes the next day. Ethan had put them in his brother's clothes hamper and then got covered up with other dirty clothes. We laughed about it later. It's always an adventure with our little Ethan!

Halloween Happenings 2009

Happy Halloween from Superman and Little Chef Ethan!

These are pix from the fall festival we attended on Halloween evening. We came home with lots of candy!

Here we have a serious meeting between Superman and the Pirate of the Carribean, at the Mom's Group Halloween Party.

Pumpkin Patch 2009

I love autumn...the orange colors, the cold weather, the changing leaves. Ok, so living in the south we don't get all those things. We are lucky to get a break in the heat and our leaves don't really change colors. So, I truely enjoy immersing ourselves in the orange hues of the pumpkin patch, and getting some fun pix in the process. It's also nice to see the innocense of children as they enjoy the pumpkins, big and small.

Yes, We are Pregnant!

Yes, we are pregnant with our 3rd child. It was a suprise gift from God to be blessed with a new life. We are excited, but it has been an adjustment. Due to arrive in April, 2010, we are exited to add to our happy family.

I haven't posted anything in while because I haven't felt very good. I dealt with the normal morning sickness for the two months. Then, finally the nausea subsided, but my energy has still been very low. Probably because I spend most of my energy taking care of my two sweet boys.

The best announcement concerning this child is how God has prepared our hearts for this child. Prior to conception when people asked Erick if we were going to have more children, his answer was always that we were done--no more kids. I was always the one that was unsure. Well, then, sure enough I discovered I was pregnant, but waited to tell Erick until I was absolutely certain. I wasn't sure how he would react. So when I did tell him, it was amazing what he said. He told me that God had been preparing his heart for a 3rd child, but he didn't know how to tell me. He was so excited that he was ready to tell people right away!

Then, I was the one who was unsure. As the pregnant one, I had to deal with nausea, tiredness, and crazy emotions. So I questioned who I am, and why it happened, and how I would deal with it, while taking care of my two little boys. But, God has been faithful, and continues to reassure me that He will take me through it.

So, this has been our journey up to now. We praise God for His provision for our family, and that He is in control. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with new life!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues
through all generations.

Psalm 100

Erick's 35th Birthday

For Erick's 35th Birthday, we celebrated in 3 ways. The boys and I got together in the morning and colored a fun sign to suprise Daddy for his birthday.

Then we went over to Erick's mom's house, also know as "Granny's house." She fixed a wonderful meal for us. Then we had birthday cake with the birthday boy.

Then we celebrated with Erick's college students at a swim party. They even got him some over the hill gifts! And the big present was a scrapbook of letters all the students had submitted to encourage Erick, with funny stories and say thanks for all he does. It was a fun birthday celebration with our great students!

God Speaks--in the Gentle Whisper?

Tonight I had a very sweet encounter with God. In the Bible passage 1 Kings 19, it talks about how Elijah is running from an evil king who is out to get him. Elijah feels alone and is ready to die. First God gives Elijah something to eat to sustain him. Then after his long journey, God comes to Elijah in a cave. The massive wind comes, then an earthquake, then a fire, but the Lord was not in any of these big thunderous events. Then came the gentle whisper. And Elijah knew God was there, speaking to him.



Isn't it amazing how God chose to speak in the gentle whisper? He provided for Elijah's needs, and then spoke to him in the kind, gentle, compassionate manner. How can I doubt God's love for me when He continues to display His love in such graceful ways, such as in the small, gentle whisper. How can I doubt that God will provide for me, when I read about time after time when God provided for his people?



Elijah felt so alone, that everyone had left him to serve the other Gods. Yet God goes on to say that he has chosen 7000 other people to help him fight this king, so have not bowed down to another God. How amazing the God provided for Elijah's needs in so many ways.



As I read all of this, I figured out that God will provide for my needs. He loves me so much! I am so thankful that we have the opportunity to serve such a loving, caring God.

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence
of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind
tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD
was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was
not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not
in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it,
he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the
cave. 1 Kings 19:11-13

Ethan's Walking!

Well our little boy finally started walking, about 3 weeks ago, around the age of 15 months. But it's taken us this long to get it on film. We've tried, but Ethan only does most things whenever he wants to. Anyway, hope you enjoy the video. :0)

(And yes, he's drooling like a mad man from teething!)

The Good Part of a Really Hard Day

Today was one of those really hard mommy days. Ethan is getting over a cold, AND teething. It's not a fun combo for a 15 month old, or for anyone else in the house. He was fussy all day, and would not take a nap. He cried a lot and was very clingy. And Jaden is dealing with a cold as well, but not as bad. So, of course we were stuck in the house all day. I was about to go insane by the middle of the afternoon.

So then the husband comes home from work. But then he leaves again after dinner for his softball game. So no relief there, either. AAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!

Where is the good part in this day? Yesterday, I began teaching Jaden a memory verse in addition to reading the Bible story during our "Circle Time." With the beginning of the new school year, I began a new study at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis, with the creation story. Tonight I again asked Jaden to say his memory verse. He said it, really well, I might add! I was so excited!! Even in the midst of my no good, horrible, very long day, God provided a really bright burst of joy as my 4 year remembered God's word! How sweet is that.

"Then God saw everything He made, and it was very good."
Genesis 1:31

Staycation 2009 - Day at the Beach

For Friday of our Staycation, we split up. I took Jaden to the beach in Galveston and Ethan stayed with Daddy at home. Daddy is not a big beach person, so this worked out good for everyone. Maybe one day I can change his way of thinking??? Anyway, it turned out to be one of the BEST days of my summer--definitely one I will remember for a long time, as it was just such a great day!

So that morning, Jaden and I packed the car and headed out. It was great having only one child, and to only have to pack for a 4 year old, and myself. I was a little worried about a few gray clouds in the sky, but it turned out to be a GREAT day to be at the beach - sunny and beautiful!

We got there and were both so excited to be there, that we went swimming first. I taught Jaden how to jump the waves and enjoy the ocean! Then, after we had our fill of swimming, I let Jaden play in the sand, and I ate a snack. He was too excited about sand castles to eat. Then I joined him and we made our awesome sand castle town (see pix below). Then I convinced Jaden we must eat lunch. We sat in our beach chairs, eating our sandwiches, looking at the ocean spread out before us. Jaden made the comment, "Mommy, this is God's Beach." I said, "Yes, Jaden, it sure is." The boy never ceases to amaze me. " :0)

Then we went swimming again, jumping more waves, having a blast and enjoying the feel of the ocean. We really could've swam all day, but I could feel the hot sun getting hotter, and thought maybe we should head back soon. So I forced myself to get us out of the water, and load up to go home.

What an awesome day it was at the Beach!! Yea Beach!

Staycation 2009 - Family Day at Herman Park

So Wednesday of our summer staycation took our family to Hermann Park. Yes, it was August and it was hot! But it was still fun. We rode the train and stopped and had a picnic lunch at the park. We even got to see some homeless people. Then we got back on the train and headed back.

Then, after the train ride, we fed the ducks with some bread and chips left over from lunch. Jaden was afraid of them, but after I let the ducks eat out of my hand and he saw that I didn't lose any fingers, he gradually warmed up to them.

It was a wonderful family day of being together! Then we all went home and took naps! Beautiful! :0)

Staycation for Summer 2009 - Tues and Thurs - Painting!

This summer really didn't allow for us to go away for a vacation for a number of reasons, the biggest being that we really didn't want to travel with our 1 year old son. So we opted to enjoy the time at home while Erick was off for a whole week!! I have to admit I was bummed that we didn't go anywhere, but then as we were in the midst of it, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. No packing! (I really despise packing.) And I got to enjoy being with each person in my family! And did I mention I didn't have to pack anything for anyone! :0)

So the first couple of days we took it easy and let Erick get into "vacation mode." His life is jammed packed with busyness, so we just enjoyed being at home, catching up on stuff and resting.

Then on Tuesday and Thursday, when our boys were away at "summer school," Erick and I painted some of the walls of our house. This might not sound like fun, but it really was. I had been wanting to paint some of our house for a long time, and this was a good time to do it. A wall in our bedroom got painted a deep red color, and the walls in our entry way got sponge painted a faded green with white sponging. I'm so excited with the change! And it was fun to paint with my husband, minus children. Now I'm on this decorating bug, looking for ideas on how to change more decor in my house. Yea for HGTV!

Yes, as you can see from the pix below, I still need to hang pictures and curtains. But it's still a work in progress. For now, I'm enjoying the new colors.

Daddy's Softball Game

Erick has been playing on our church softball team for two seasons now. He plays pitcher, and outfield as well. Here are some pix of the boys watching Daddy play ball!

Dinosaurs Alive!

During one of our family days this summer, we went to an amazing exhibit at Moody Gardens, called Dinosaurs Alive. It was such a fun time! Jaden especially had a blast, seeing the dinosaurs move and roar. His favorite is the T Rex. We have been studying them at home with dinosaur books and dinosaur toys, so it was great to see life-like versions of them. Jaden, as well as the rest of us, looked up at the creatures and felt a touch of the fear and amazement at these massive, powerful animals.

Big Days for Both Boys!

We had some major milestones for both boys this week. So if you will, please allow me some time to boast for a little bit...

Ethan, who is 15 months, took two steps all on his own on Tuesday. He was holding onto the toy shopping cart and then stood unaided, which he has done off an on for a while now. He then decided he wanted to move to the coffee table (probably to get a different toy) and so he took two steps over there, all on his own. I was so excited, so I went and got him, hoping to get him to walk some more (and a video clip). But not with Ethan, not that day. He is very content to crawl most of the time. He is an extremely fast crawler, and is very efficient at getting where he wants to go. So I'm sure he will be in no hurry to master walking. That is fine by me. I know my job will get harder when he starts walking. But for now we will enjoy his cruising on furniture and fast crawling.

Then, Jaden read the word "CAT" on Wednesday. I've been working with him on the sounds of the alphabet, which he has down pretty well. So I thought I would try out some simple words with some flash cards that we have. After teaching him how to sound out the words, we managed to get through "CAT", "BAT", and "HAT". Needless to say, I was very proud of my 4 year old, as he is grasping these concepts. We are also working on some simple addition and counting to 20 with some fun little car toys that we have. Jaden really loves learning, and I'm excited to take advantage of it.

Yea for the fun times of two growing boys!

Dear Joshua David

Dear Joshua David,

We didn't get to meet you, or hear your little cry.

We didn't get to play with you, or see your sleepy sigh.

I would've loved to hold you, and kiss your little head.

I wonder what you looked like, or what you would've said.

You were here such a short time, living in your mommy's womb.

But now you are in heaven--did you have to leave so soon?

You must've known your mommy loved you; she misses you so.

She's not sure how to deal with the sadness, or how to let you go.

You precious little one, now we certainly need to know

That Jesus is holding you, helping you smile and grow.

So we daily trust in God, whose comfort overflows.

My Little Nephew - Joshua David

Last week, my family found out some devastating news. My sister's unborn baby had died. Jana and her husband went in for her sonogram at 18 1/2 weeks. They didn't hear a heart beat. They didn't see the baby move. Instead, they found out their precious little one had died around 15 weeks in the womb.

So my sister, being the compassionate mother that she is, could not bear to have anything happen to her baby other than to deliver and then bury her baby. So that is what she did. It was a little boy, Joshua David.

Over these last few days, as I've prayed over these circumstances, I've asked God to please show us how He can be glorified in this. And as I've talked with my sister, I know she is turning to God, asking the same thing, even in the midst of her grief. I'm so thankful for this. I have no idea how I would respond in this situation. But I respect my sister immensely for how she is turning to God. I pray God will honor that, and continue to heal the hurt and the brokeness that comes with this loss of life, especially in these circumstances. I pray God will shower her and her husband with his overflowing love and compassion, and heal their broken hearts. But I also pray that God will show my sister, and myself, and the rest of our family, how we can use this to serve Him.

LIFE -- it is so precious. Right now, I am in a season where many that I know are having babies, raising children. Now even moreso, I am so much more aware of how beautiful, how amazing, how wonderful, yet how fragile life can be. I realize I've taken life and breath for granted. God the author of life, who gives us each breath, has numbered each of our days. I pray I will remember this as I love on my children, and other children as well.

"Comfort us Lord, as we run to You, in the darkest hours, as well as in the joyest times, for You are our Creator, and Redeemer, so only You can heal us and fulfill us."

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Just Stuff...

Today I attended the funeral for my husband's grandma, Lillian. She was a dear, sweet lady--married to "Pop" for 65 years! How amazing is that! And Erick did a fantastic job preaching at the funeral. I was so proud of him, as I know it was hard to pull it together and lead the service like that, while grieving for his grandmother that he'd known all his life. I was very proud to be his wife today.

But as he talked, God laid on my heart a new perspective that I've known before but tend to forget...After I'm gone, and others are left behind, it won't matter what kind of stuff I have. They won't talk about the house I have, or the car I drove, or how much money I have. They will talk about what kind of person I was, what my character was like, and how I helped other people. They will talk about the impact I had on others, my family and my friends.

There are so many times when I wish we had a new house, or I drove a new car, or had a new this or that. I love new stuff, just like the next gal. But I have to remember it's not the most important thing. What is important, what will last, is how I lived my life for Jesus Christ. And how I impacted others for Jesus as well. Man, it's hard to keep this type of focus in this material world. Thank you Lord for reminding me of this.

"The question for each man to settle is not what he would do for the Lord if he had more money, time or education, but what he will do with the things he has. It's not who you are or what you have that matters--but whether Christ controls you." Author Unknown

Cousins at Play!

Here we have Jaden and Hunter, cousins and friends. They were playing at Aunt Stephanie's wedding reheasal dinner a few weekends ago. It was so much fun to get to see them laugh and play, along with Hunter's sister Kaydee.

Stephanie had a beautiful wedding! We were so thankful that we could help with the preparation and attend the wonderful ceremony. We pray for Stephanie and Cody, that as they join together they would continue to follow God in their new adventure of marriage.

Playtime with Ethan!

During one of the fun days of summer, I got some individual play time with my little Ethan. He was so cute that I had to pull out my camera. He is so different than Jaden. Ethan will play on his own for about 15-20 minutes, if he has enough toys around him to keep him occupied, as noted by the last pic. He is also very intense about what he is doing, usually with some kind of goal in mind.

By contrast, Jaden usually needed Mommy beside him to be happy playing with toys for any length of time. I don't know if it's the first child syndrome, or if their personalities are just so different. Jaden was very laid back, and very dependent on Mommy, while Ethan is the independent, curious investigator. Either way, we are enjoying the differences which make them so unique and beautiful. So hope you enjoy the pix of my cute 14 month old baby having fun play time at home!

Selah

Selah...meaning think about it...praise the Lord!

"The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time and pray.They have not time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important, very important and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer."

S.D. Gordon

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Last Saturday, July 11, Jaden and Daddy had a fun guys night out at the ballpark as they went to see the Astros take on the Washington Nationals. Afterward, Jaden told me, "The Astros like to play baseball. I didn't get to play, but the Astros play baseball all the time because the Astros like to play baseball."

Jaden also enjoyed the yummy hot dog supper and walking around the ballpark. And Daddy got to add to his Astros cup collection. It was an exciting night for father and son!

Celebrate Freedom!

So for this 2009 Independence Day we went out to see the Friendswood 4th of July Parade. It was fun to be there as noone in our family had ever seen it before. I enjoyed viewing the bands, and all the red, white and blue floats, and the kids on their decorated bikes. But as it wore on, it got hot, and my boys got tired and cranky. Yea for the Houston heat of summer.But it was great to be outside, celebrating with the others in our community, givng thanks for the wonderful freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Yes, I, along with everyone else, take them for granted. But I am thankful for the many who faught in the past, and the ones still fighting overseas as I write this, for our freedom of religion, of democracy, and the many other rights I enjoy every day.

"Thank you Lord for the big things and the small things we enjoy as Americans every day."

Big Church Words

Today in the college sunday school class, led by a really smart collge minister who happens to be my husband, we talked about the big church words...justification, sanctification, and glorification. I want to process this and I hope you will come along for the ride with me. I've been following Jesus for a while now, but really enjoyed the reminder about all this stuff. So if it's new to you or maybe a refresher course, it's really good to know.

Justification happens first. It is the process by which we accept God's gift of grace, when Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins. When we accept this gift, and acknowledge that only through Jesus' death and resurrection, only then can we enter into a relationship with our creator God. As it says in the Bible in Romans 3:23, we all are sinners, we all make mistakes. However, God is perfect in every way. So in order to be in a relationship with Him, we have to be made perfect and clean and right...or "justified" through faith. This is when our salvation begins, and at this point the Holy Spirit enters into our life.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Romans 5:8-9

Now on to santification. This word means that we are continually being made holy by God, or set apart, as we seek to follow Jesus Christ. It's an on-going process that never ends. We always have more room to grow in our relationship with God. It happens by praying, reading God's word, living in community with others who are following God, sharing our faith, and serving those in need around us.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:23

And then that takes us to glorification. When all these things occur, it glorifies God. It brings glory to God, pointing to Him as our strength in times of trials, our provider when we are taken care of, our healer, our comforter. The list goes on and on. God does all this in our lives and when it shows to others, it bring glory to God, giving him the credit. It takes the spotlight off of us, and turns it to God, displaying His greatness.

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving! Psalm 69:30

What an amazing plan from an awesome God! "Thank you God for allowing us to follow you! I pray more will come to know your amazing peace and satisfying love."

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Ethan's Baby Dedication

On Sunday, May 24, we had the priviledge of dedicating Ethan during the church service. It was mainly about a parent dedication. It was a reminder to us, as Ethan's parents, that we are to dedicate our lives to helping him grow spiritually, as well as physically and emotionally. I don't take this responsibility lightly. I strive to teach both my boys what it means to follow God. I pray that each one will one day make the decision to consiously follow God with all their heart, body, mind and soul and accept God's gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. And it's a priviledge to partner with our church as they teach my children about the Bible and how we can have a relationship with God. I pray that, even in the midst of all our flaws and mistakes, that Jaden and Ethan will see in us what it means to follow after Jesus.

So on this special day when we celebrated Ethan's life, I thank God for reminding me of the priviledge and the honor bestowed upon us, as Ethan's parents, to teach him and encourage him in the way he should go.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronmy 6:4-8

Ethan's First Swim Time!

Ethan is such a happy baby. He is also very passionate and persuasive about what he wants. Here are some pictures of his first time to go swimming with the family. I was so excited to take him swimming, because he's always loved bath time. So I had been waiting for summer to be able to take him. When we decided to go, he was teething that day. So he really didn't enjoy it. He clung to mommy most of the time we were there.

But then, the second time we went swimming, he felt much better. He tried to literally attack the water, by sticking his face in it and almost jumping out of the baby float. It was so funny to watch. Ethan makes us laugh all the time. We sure do enjoy his funny antics!