Houston Family

Baby dedication, mother's day & 6 months old

2011-08-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

Micah's baby dedication was Mother's day 2011.

Micah Carter Houston, almost 6 months old

Yes, he looks a lot like Logan in this picture but that changes about the next day!

Full view of outfit, Logan also wore this outfit and all 3 boys wore these special shoes that my youth minister gave me when Jacob was born.

Papa & Micah "talk" before the service starts

Aunt Steph

Wonderful day to have baby dedication with great friends!

Kari & her girls, Ed & Frances with Rachel & our crew.

This was taken right before the PK, Logan started acting like he may jump off the platform or perform a quick circus act!

Frances & Rachel.

We have been praying for a baby for Ed & Frances for a long time. The Lord answered the prayers of many & Ed & Frances adopted Rachel in February. Micah loves his little girlfriend.

The whole crew. I wish I had taken more individual pics with everyone holding Micah. The morning was kind of hectic though!

4 generations, My Grandmomma, Mom, Momma to 3 boys (I am looking a little tired!) & Micah

Papa & Mema with Micah

Spring & summer catch up

2011-08-30T18:36:00.001-07:00

When you are months behind blogging do you adjust the dates on your blog or do you just carry on because this is life right now?!

Jacob lost his first tooth!

APRIL 28th! Here we are 4 months later!

Oh it was a "my baby is growing up" moment! I definitely teared up but I stayed brave because he was a little nervous just before it came out. I know I will never forget the look on his face when he realized it was out & Inman's look was just as priceless as he showed it to him. Yes, I may be the nurse but teeth are kind of gross to me when they are wiggling around.

(We are already on tooth #2 but I will save that for another blog as I catch up!)

1st tooth fairy visit

Going to the chapel

2011-07-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

I had to back up & capture Jacob's debut in a wedding. Karen & Anthony are a sweet couple from our church & asked Jacob to help them celebrate their big day!

(pics are backwards, this is what you get when you blog with a bebe in your lap)

Jacob had been talking for days about getting on the dance floor & he did but was pretty shy once he finally got there!

He loved the cake & other desserts!

Jacob & Karen, the beautiful bride

Oh my word, this cake was unbelievable! Can you believe I "behaved" and did not even taste it!?

Back at the church...Daddy & Jacob after the wedding

Jacob during the wedding, he did great! Anyone who knows Jacob knows he took this job very seriously. I knew he would behave and stand still etc. I did get a little nervous right before the wedding, I mean this is someone's wedding! From all of the activities that weekend, I knew Jacob would be tired but he did awesome!

A rare occasion, someone snapped a pic of Momma and Jacob right before the wedding!

Hayden & Jacob

Hayden is our youth minister's oldest daughter. We thought it was so cute they would be in the wedding together. Hayden did not disappoint, she was precious!

Look how handsome, I think the tux made him look about 5 yrs older:)

Congrats Karen & Anthony!

Easter 2011

2011-06-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

Easter morning

We got someone to snap a family picture when we arrived to church

My dad is right....getting a picture of kids is much like photographing wild animals. If you could only see the outtakes of these! I stopped just before we were all in BAD moods on the way to church!

The day before we dyed Easter eggs

This is pretty much Logan's standard pose these days. This is why I had to include the others leading up to this date where he was actually smiling!

April 2011 continues...

2011-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Aunt Steph! Or as Logan affectionately calls her a lot of the time Stephians (like Philippians)

Look at Uncle Troy....he's a natural!

I am not sure what what so funny. Maybe we were talking about the time when Jacob asked Stephanie, "you aren't a grown up, are you?"

Ok, let's be serious here, take 2. Stephanie is 31 & Mom is styling some black leggings!

Yummmm.....

I LOVE my little sis! We are so different but still the bestest of buds. I have always loved having our birthdays close together.

(The light hit Steph's teeth just right & it looks like she is in a toothpaste commercial:)

Spring break part 2

2011-06-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

Spring break fun continues.....

Happy birthday Momma!

Yes, I will tear up on my babies' birthdays, not able to believe they are another year older but I hope to never complain about my own years adding up! I am thankful for another year so..... bring it! This was #35!

Again, Logan is not much for smiling at the camera so I even had to crop this one to catch this sweet smile. On my birthday we went and had lunch at a local airport restaurant so the boys could watch planes. Have I turned into a "boy" mom or what?!

Mom & Dad aka Mema & Papa

Our sweet neighbors Ben & Helon brought us an ice cream pie

The next day we headed to a friend's lake house.

We kept Micah out of the sun and the big boys had a blast!

Logan's first time fishing

Luke & Jacob had so much fun together

Our "staycation" spring break was a great week and even a little strep throat at the end of the week didn't ruin it:)

Spring break part 1

2011-06-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

During spring break we headed to the zoo....with everyone else in Atl!

Mema & Papa joined us and we all decided the annual zoo pass was money well spent.

About to ride the train

Logan is not much for smiling at the camera these days so I had to include this one

Petting zoo

Very appropriate...check out Logan looking much like the monkeys:)

I think Logan would have stayed in front of each animal for hours and he had to climb up on every fence to get a closer look. Jacob was very concerned with following the map during this trip and what was next!

This picture below is out of order but cute nonetheless....we also have this outfit on both of the other boys. It was of my favorites 50%mom, 50% dad

Our little monkey catching a nap while the big boys rode the train

Mema & the 3 monkeys

Spring continues.....

2011-06-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Micah at 4 months in the outfit that was his Daddy's outfit. We also have Jacob in this outfit. We can't remember if we remembered to put Logan in it! Don't tell him that or he may start with the middle child complex!

Inman holds him up in front of the picture where he is wearing this 36 years ago!

Micah has started to really enjoy the johnny jump up

Here is Micah in the bumbo chair that the age limit starts at 4 months & yes, he can already get out of it. I see trouble on the horizon!

Long overdue spring catch up!

2011-06-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Not sure what happened but I looked up and haven't blogged in 3 months! OK, I really do know what happened...these 3 precious boys have kept me busy! I am going to try and recap the last 3 months.

Here is Micah at 4 months getting love from his brothers......

Does he look a little worried?

At least in the process of trying to get a picture of all 3 we had a good time! I love how Logan looks at his brother! So many pictures I take he is looking at his big brother to see what he is doing.

I hope Micah knows how much his brothers already love him!

Happy 6th Birthday Jacob!

2011-03-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my BIG 6 year old Jacob!!!!

His birthday was actually March 1st, here I am updating March 13th but that is OK because that date will always mean something to this Momma, the 13th was his due date!

We started celebrating the night before his birthday. I let the birthday boys always pick their dinner meal and we were going to be at soccer practice the night of his birthday. He picked "breakfast for dinner" which he loves so we had that the night before. Even better, that is a meal that Daddy loves to cook so he did most of the dinner!

Some of his favorites grits, bacon, even pigs in a blanket for this bday boy!

On the morning of his birthday another tradition, breakfast in bed! And that breakfast in bed is SUGAR cereal!

I know Jacob loves this because he asked me about 2 weeks before his birthday if I remembered when I fixed him breakfast in bed when he turned 3, 4 & 5. I told him I did remember that:)

He is our 6 year old acting like a teenager and getting harder and harder to wake up in the morning. Look at those squinting eyes!

He got to open a present before he went to school. A Saints jersey!

Momma and Micah took cupcakes to his class and it just happened to be school picture day so they ate lunch outside which was fun!

Micah in the shade of his stroller. This was before his 1st dermatologist appt, his poor little itchy face!

Playing outside after school

Mema came to play with Jacob for a little while. She is turning into a "boy" Mema and even played basketball with Jacob!

Logan looks on at Jacob's first soccer practice

The next weekend we had some family over for Jacob's birthday. Here are the 3 boys, getting harder and harder to photograph!

Jacob (6) Logan (2 1/2) Micah (3 months)

Opening presents with cousin Nathan

Jacob picked out a football cake

Jacob with his grandparents

Instead of having a "friend" party this year, Jacob and Daddy got to go to a Hawks game! Jacob was so excited!

Jacob, we love you so much! It is hard to believe you are already 6! I know I will be saying that every year:) You have learned so much this year and constantly amaze us with what you are learning and how those little wheels are constantly turning!

You are a great big brother. Logan looks up to you and watches your every move! You guys may fight like cats and dogs sometimes but we know how much you love each other. You are so great with Micah and are very sweet with him. I know he will be following you around too before we know it!

Happy birthday sweet boy! We love you and are so proud of you!

The Pirate Queen

2011-03-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I received an email a few months ago that Waterbrook Multnomah was revamping their blogging for books program. I really enjoy reading and although I can't spend my days sitting and popping bon bons while I read....I do close my day out with at least a few minutes of reading and try to squeeze in a few minutes here and there while cuddling with my little man!

I had read a few "heavier" books lately and even though I appreciated the way the Lord was using those books in my life I needed a good novel. And I am happy to say I found it in Patricia Hickman 's The Pirate Queen.

When I first started reading the book, I wondered how much I would enjoy the book. After all, Saphora is about to act on her long thought out plan of leaving her husband. She has been miserable in her marriage for as long as she can remember. Not only is she going to leave but she is simply going to "slip out." She will retreat to their vacation home without confrontation. What in the world would I have in common with Saphora? Maybe I had picked the wrong novel.

As the first couple of chapters revealed that Saphora's plan would not come to fruition, I also realized I was wrong. Saphora instead would begin a journey with husband she planned to cut ties with. Saphora's husband Bender had received a terminal diagnosis. I would realize that even though I had not walked this particular journey we can all learn about a change of heart. I could still learn about making the best out of past mistakes and do just that, leave them in the past. And Saphora and Bender could teach me about second chances. Who hasn't needed a second chance?

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Christmas in February?

2011-02-28T05:36:00.001-08:00

Finally posting Christmas in January is crazy, posting Christmas is February is really bad but I could not let allow March to arrive tomorrow without finishing the Christmas pictures! For heaven's sake the daffodils are here! Plus, tomorrow we will have a big 6 year old to blog about!

Nana & Dadoh came Christmas morning

Jacob made a precious calendar at school to give us on Christmas morning. He was dying to give his gifts and almost didn't make it, he wanted so bad to go ahead and give it to us!

Santa's big gift this year was a basketball goal and basketballs! It made Christmas morning very easy for this momma with a little bitty one taking up a lot of time this Christmas season!

We went out to see the big surprise & Logan was kind of wondering what we were doing outside in our PJs!

Big brother Jacob shows Micah his stocking

Logan checking out his stocking

More silly bands!

That night the Ellis side of the family came over to our house which was a first for us and we really enjoyed being home all day.

(above) Troy and Aunt Steph or Stephianns as Logan is calling her these days

Grandmomma got Christmas ornaments with every great-grandchilds pictures on it

Grandmomma and Jacob

We really missed our sweet Granddaddy this year but know he had the best Christmas ever at the feet of His Savior. We had a lot to be thankful for.

Jacob gets excited when we he sees that yes, we would have a white Christmas. The 1st in this area for over 100 years!

The boys, aunt Steph and Papa headed outside to see the snow but before they did, one quick cuddle with Micah.

Micah asleep after his 1st Christmas, what a great day!

The next morning the kids went out to check out the snow in the daylight. Just enough snow to cancel church so we were all home together that morning.

The boys spent a lot of time with the Fisher Price nativity with of course, guests appearances by police men, firemen and whoever else drove by!

Logan also wore this stocking cap for about 2 weeks straight!

The Houston side of the family celebrated Christmas new years day when we were all in town.

I was thrilled to get a picture of all 5 of us!

Nana & Dadoh with all of the grandkids, note: Logan still has the cap on!

3 months

2011-02-26T15:19:00.001-08:00

Our sweet little man is 3 months old today! Very hard to believe and yes, I am so behind on blogging about everything he (& the 2 other ones have been up to)

Maybe next week?:)

Christmas recap part 1

2011-01-29T12:32:00.001-08:00

Well, it is only a month after Christmas and I haven't posted Christmas pictures! You would think that after being snowed in for a week I would be all caught up, NOT!

I will post part one of Christmas and just saw that the pics are all backwards but that is OK just follow along our crazy life!

I was so thrilled that on the way out of the door to the Christmas Eve service I caught a picture of the boys!

A couple of days before Christmas we usually get together with my parents (Mema & Papa) and my sister (Aunt Steph) & Troy

Here is Aunt Steph and Troy seeing how much fun it can be with 3 kids!

Mema & Papa and the boys

Micah in his Santa suit

Logan likes to "hold" Micah

Go back a week or two and we did our annual ginger bread house

Just as we got everything out, Micah decided it was feeding time so Daddy got to jump in. He didn't realize how much fun that icing can be and how many times 2 little boys can ask if they can eat the candy yet:)

Getting Christmas presents ready presented to be a bit of a challenge since Micah wanted to be held ALL the time. Jacob stepped in one morning and I actually got 2 presents wrapped!

Even having a newborn during Christmas time couldn't slow life down so Micah found himself like this a lot, On the go!

Meeting Grandmother Bailey

Jacob and his teacher, Mrs Heslep. His kindergarten holiday program was SO cute. He was a present:)

Playing bingo at his class party. Mema kept Micah so I could go do Jacob's holiday party. He was 2 1/2 weeks old, I was probably a zombie!

Once again, go back to the beginning of December and this is the outfit that Micah wore when we went to get our Christmas tree. He was 8 days old! Don't worry, he was outside about 10 seconds and totally covered the whole time!

Jacob and Logan loved helping Daddy pick out the tree. Logan's favorite part was wearing "work gloves."

Both of the little ones are waking up from their naps so I will finish Christmas recap soon and it is hard to believe that Micah is already 2 months old!

We interrupt this Christmas recap for SNOW day

2011-01-11T11:46:00.001-08:00

We are snowed in! I still need to post Christmas but had to post these snow pics.

This is quite a bit of snow for the south!

No garbage pick up anytime soon!

Daddy shows the boys how sledding is done

Logan had a hard time trying to figure out how to walk in the snow at first

We were trying to figure out what kind of critter these paw prints belonged to

About 5 or 6 inches

snowdrift in neighbor's yard

If there was any uncertainty....it is for sure.....3 days in the house has confirmed what we knew....Micah has colic....he has spent a lot of the time doing this........

We are very thankful though, we have power, we are healthy and have had some family time &

we even have deer in the backyard!

And every once and a while he stops crying and smiles!

Christmas Card outtakes

2011-01-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

Getting a picture for our Christmas card was interesting!

Hmmm, not off to a good start. This is literally #1 and Logan is already crossing his arms!

Micah looks concerned!

This is the point Logan started his "straining" face!

2 out if 3 isn't bad....

Jacob got goofy

Finally 2 happy ones and a sleepy one, what more can we ask for?!

2 weeks old

2010-12-14T14:22:00.001-08:00

Micah is already 2 weeks old!

His brothers love him & we are getting into the Christmas spirit around here!

more pics to come......

Welcome Micah Carter Houston!

2010-12-02T08:34:00.001-08:00

We were so sure that the baby would be here the week of Thanksgiving. Because he was thought to be so big, the dr had planned to induce the Saturday following Thanksgiving so he didn't get too big. According to ultrasound, he was following in Logan's footsteps (Logan was 9-9 a week early).

You can take one look at me in the picture below taken a week before his delivery and see he was BIG!

Even though I had become very ready for this baby to get here, that all suddenly came to a halt! Logan came down with not only strep but also the flu the week before Thanksgiving. Thankfully because we caught it early and started tamiflu, antibiotics and the flu shot lessened the severity of the flu because he never got very sick. I just wanted time to lysol everything and make sure no one else got sick. About 3 days later, Jacob got strep. I started feeling bad about that time but tested negative to flu and strep. I only got more and more sick though and the day before thanksgiving had a pretty bad sinus and respiratory infection as well as the flu. I had to hurry and get well fast! We pretty much laid low and threw the last minute "to do" list out the window so I could hopefully get better at least by Saturday (the day of induction) if not sooner!

Friday I woke up and felt a little better flu wise but noticed I was having a few more contractions. Inman kept asking if we needed to call the dr or anything and I would say, "let me just time the contractions the next hour then we will see..." or "I am going to take a shower just in case and then we will see if I am still having contractions, if I am then you need to shower and get ready." I finally got to the point that I told him if he wanted a shower to go ahead and take one. We got the kids settled and headed to the hospital about 2:30. The contractions slowed a little and I was afraid they would send me home! I was 3 cm at this point. The dr decided to keep me though and commented we would probably have a baby by midnight. He broke my water (around 4:30 or 5:00) and said that if my contractions stalled he would start a little pitocin in about an hour.

At that point he said I was 5-6 cm. He didn't mention my epidural but I figured they would offer it before starting the pit. I was having pretty hard contractions but they weren't as often, maybe 5-8 minutes apart. What I didn't know at the time was my day shift nurse got side tracked with the patient next door who was about to deliver. I found out afterwards that her plan was to head to my room and get me ready for my epidural if I wanted (and yes, the answer would have been yes! With Logan I had waited until about 5 cm and it never kicked in because I went from 5-10 cm in 40 minutes)

About 7:00 an angel appeared! My friend Aja from church and the nurse who was there for Logan's delivery had just arrived for nightshift. I was so glad to see her and felt better immediately! Well, in between contractions that is:) She asked me if I wanted my epidural especially if I was going to be getting pit. I wholeheartedly agreed! I knew it would be a few minutes to get everything ready and the dr there. At that point the contractions were getting closer but I thought I can do anything for a few minutes if it means relief is right around the corner!

The contractions only got more intense. Even over the next few minutes, I was getting no break between contractions and got so nervous that I was not going to be able to sit still for the epidural placement. Inman did a great job encouraging me but later told me that he saw how much pain I was in and was beginning to worry himself! The dr got there and quickly put in the epidural but the rest of us in the room realized the truth. You only have to say, "I feel pressure" once to make everyone know showtime is here! Sure enough, my OB came in and announced what we all knew. I was complete and it was time to have a baby! I almost started crying. The epidural would never work and I was projected to have an almost 10 pound baby!

Once again, Inman was great and so encouraging. I am sure me coming a tad unglued was unnerving. I was so thankful Aja was my nurse. I knew she would help me thru it and it is always good to have a church member in the room, I had my wits enough to know I didn't want to say anything that I would regret!

My dr was also very encouraging. I realized at this time that the epidural for Logan had at least taken the edge off because this time around there was no "edge off." I felt everything and I will stop there without going into further detail! Thankfully I did not have to push long, maybe 6 times or so. It all happened very fast, so fast there was no camera ready, no video camera (at least pointing to the ground like it was for Logan where we could go back and listen to his first cries and what we were saying:)

The birth time was long before midnight, 8:26 pm

This is the first picture of our little man

He was "smaller" than we all thought. 9 pounds 3 oz sounds small when all ultrasounds had pointed to a LARGE baby. I was followed by a perinatologist and was having weekly ultrasounds, the last one had him > 90% which would have meant almost 10 lbs at birth!

Because he came so fast, his face was very bruised

Aunt Steph

Mema

Papa

We had such a hard time picking a name for this little guy. We had considered Micah at the beginning and then gone towards a couple of other names. The latest we had considered was Seth. We had decided just that morning that we had waited that long we would just wait and see what he looked like. When Inman called the boys to tell them that the baby was born, I looked over and Inman's eyes were filled with tears. Jacob had asked him if we could name the baby Micah and sounded so excited! There was no turning back at that point. This big brother was absolutely in love with a baby he had not even seen yet! We did not announce the name until Jacob got to the hospital a few minutes later and we let him do it. He also helped pick the middle name. Carter (http://www.caringbridge.org/ga/cartermartin/)

is one of our heroes and his family means a lot to both of us. The Martins tried to set Inman and I up before we ended up meeting on our own! We feel so honored that our son will carry the middle name of such a special little boy.

Micah's first bath

Sleeping hopefully not phased by his "war wounds"

His bruises looked even better the next day

Big brothers and Micah

Jacob has loved holding his brother

Logan has too, just a little unsure of what to think!

Nana Jean and Dadoh

Trying to get our first picture as a family of 5

Jacob reading a letter he wrote to Micah. He promised to "teach him everything, even the ABCs."

Getting ready to head home

I guess a blog entry one week later is better than nothing. We are cherishing these early days, even sleep deprived. I want to soak in every minute of my three sons.

Thanking God for these incredible gifts!

Fall Catch Up before baby boy #3 gets here!

2010-11-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

Warning! Picture overload! I am trying to catch up on fall pics before the baby arrives. I never really felt like I captured summer '10 on the blog so I didn't want fall to pass by as well.

First of all, I am not sure where this big boy came from! I think he looks like he about 9 in this picture!

Jacob is loving kindergarten and we can't get over everything he is learning every day. His teacher has said over and over than kindergarten is what 1st and 2nd grade used to be and that is so true! He is very excited about baby boy #3 even though he started out wanting a girl:)

Pumpkin carving time

To my surprise both boys have loved roasted pumpkin seeds this year!

Waiting on our next little pumpkin

Getting ready to hit the new neighborhood. We have really enjoyed getting to meet some of our new neighbors and everyone has been so friendly!

Jacob and Logan got a kick out of ringing our doorbell and Daddy answering

We also had a great time the weekend before at our church's fall festival. Once again a very cute Bob the Builder and scary Incredible Hulk

Logan gives one of the games a try with the help of one of his special friends Ms Teri

The weather was so great (& warm) that Jacob's costume did not last long because he was hot!

Logan wanted to make sure he was able to hang with the big boys!

Jacob's class took a fun field trip to a farm nearby. We all had a great time (even the adults!)

Kindergarten class 2010

Mrs Heslep & Mrs Garrieau

Milking a goat

Feeding a donkey

Hayride

Grooming a horse, Jacob did such a great job the horse fell asleep!

A fun afternoon playing with the Platt boys at the park while they were in town

Joshua, Logan, Caleb & Jacob

Soccer 2010

End of year party, Jacob showing off his trophy

No, although it looks like Jacob is kicking the little girl on the ground, he is not!

Getting a little advice during half time from Coach (Daddy)

We have had a fun filled fall. These boys are growing like weeds and keeping us busy!

They are both at very fun ages (active!)

We are very excited about the arrival of baby boy #3 who does not have a name yet! Ok, so there are a FEW things we still have to do:)

We are thankful that so far this baby looks very healthy and should make his grand entrance anytime in the next 2 weeks. Can you imagine how long it will take me to post Christmas pictures this year!?!

What Momma thought this was a good idea?

2010-10-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

What you get when you let the kids have chocolate covered Halloween cinnamon twists for breakfast! At least there is a cute smile and pretty blue eyes under all that chocolate!

Why I haven't blogged........

2010-09-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

No blogging because we have been having picnics on bare dining room floors!

This was our first official meal in our new house!

And although it hasn't all been a "picnic" we are moving this week.

When we moved 2 1/2 years ago the plan was to sell our New Orleans home and rent our house here for a short time. Well, that was right about when the market fell and long story short we still own our little vacation home in NOLA. But God has been good and we have had a great rental situation here and now have a good renter in our NOLA home. We knew we needed to make roots here and decide where Jacob would start school. We have been looking for a while and finally closed on our house a few weeks ago. We will finally move this week (and maybe we will all live to tell about it!)

More pics to come and maybe a summer catch up finally!

Logan's 1st day of preschool

2010-08-23T06:07:00.001-07:00

Last week it was Logan's turn for his first day of school. He started preschool at our church Lawrenceville First Baptist. We have loved the program there and Jacob had such a great experience.

He really didn't understand what was happening but was excited about his backpack and lunchbox!

He refused any help putting his backpack in the car.

Logan and Ms Corrine

Not the best picture but had to document Logan and Momma on the his first day

Logan had a great day but was excited to see Momma and Daddy at pick up time

1st day of kindergarten

2010-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe but Jacob started kindergarten on Monday. Last week we went to open house. We were excited when we saw his room and how welcoming his teacher seemed. Everyone we talk to has gushed over how much they love Mrs Heslep. She seems to love working with kindergarten children.

Afterwards we went and picked out his new shoes, got smoothies & he loved sporting his new Craig Colt spirit gear.

On Monday morning Jacob seemed very nervous and you can see the pretty strained smile in some of the pictures.

Who do you think is going to miss his big brother?

His teacher did a great job of welcoming each child at the door and putting them right to work.

He is still a little bundle of nerves but seems to enjoy his day. Looking forward to a great year!

Logan's b-day recap

2010-07-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

I am finally posting Logan's 2nd birthday!

I always do something for the "real" birthday if we aren't having a party that day so we had cupcakes. We were so thankful he was feeling better. He had a fever and had to miss the last couple of days of VBS so we were so glad he woke up June 11th fever free & the little busy body that he is:)

Some may look at the picture below and think Logan has a mad face at his brother blowing out his candle. No, he is studying Jacob. He couldn't quite get it blown out so he is watching Jacob's every move. He wants to do everything he does!

We had a farm animal theme with animal cupcakes and a farm cake the next day.

Logan loved the attention but played a little shy.

He gets another try at getting these candles blown out.

Brother loved the cupcakes too!

Logan was not that into opening presents but this was the one time he sat down. He got a new chair similar to his big brother's. He is constantly trying to sit in his brother's chair!

And he loved getting his own umbrella, yes....like his brother's.

We are thankful for this guy & a great 2 years!

Not goodbye but see you soon......

2010-06-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

This time last year we were starting a party that would last over a week. Family had arrived from all over the country to celebrate a very special man. Some called him Kenneth, some called him Granddaddy, some called him Daddy but whatever term of endearment we chose, it was in love. We gathered to celebrate a man of integrity, one that had taught us what would make a marriage last for 60 + years, one who exhibited his faith in Christ in all he did, one who was loyal to family & friends.

Yesterday we gathered to soak in every last minute of that very special life. What a privilege to be there as he slipped from the hands of his devoted wife & loving family right into the arms of Jesus Christ his Savior.

Granddaddy suffered a massive stroke yesterday morning. We spent the day surrounding his bed, sure with a lot of tears but also with many sweet memories & even a little laughter as we recalled a life well lived. 5 1/2 years ago we surrounded his bed as doctors told us he would not live from several cardiac problems & many complications. When he lived longer than they expected, they warned that we would not take home the same man. God used Granddaddy to teach us all about prayer, healing & never giving up on the mighty God we serve. Not only did he go home, he truly lived the next 5 1/2 years. He did all the things he loved to do. He spent his days with my grandmomma, he gardened, he remained involved in his church, he played with great grandchildren...all the things that he loved.

Even in our sadness, we have so much to be thankful for. We will miss this wonderful man so much. Most of all, I am thankful for his faith in Christ & the assurance that we will see him again!

pictures from last year's party:

Happy 2nd Birthday Logan and baby news!

2010-06-11T04:03:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that Logan is 2!

I am hoping that when we wakes up in a few minutes he will be fever free. Yesterday he was fighting a little something so we hope today he is feeling better.

We have been asking him "who is about to turn two?" And he says, "ME!"

He even practices blowing out candles with his wooden Melissa & Doug cake puzzle.

These pictures capture his personality. He is a busy boy and loves to explore.

He is very curious and has to watched every minute because he can find trouble in a heartbeat!

He is talking more and more all the time but will hardly talk around others when away from home.

He wants to run wherever he goes rather than walk.

He is getting to be a pickier eater every day but definitely has a few favorites.

He loves his brother and wants to do whatever Jacob is doing. (see pic above, he is wearing a football helmet to be like brother:)

He loves his crocs and wants to put them on right when he wakes up, even with his PJs!

We love our sweet little man!

As far as baby news, if you are reading this and missed our announcement.....we are expecting baby #3. Yesterday I heard that sweet little heart beat. We will be able to find out in about 3 weeks if we will add to our boys or have a little girl. We are excited and thankful for this little surprise:)

Now, I have some celebrating to do with a 2 year old but will do a spring catch up soon!

And the RADICAL winner is........

2010-05-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

And the winner of RADICAL is.....

HeLeN GaRnEr

YEA! I can't wait for Helen to read this book. Now the rest of you need to run and get your own copy, your life will be changed!

RADICAL & a give away

2010-05-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

It’s easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily…

But who do you know who lives like that? Do you?

When I got the request to participate in the Blogging for Books for David Platt's new book Radical, I was thrilled! Not just because I have his wife's number on speed dial but because I knew David was being obedient in writing this book and sharing the vision that God had given him in order to challenge the reader to believe & obey what the Word tells us.

Every time I write a Blogging for Books review, I get a little intimated because it is obvious after reading one of my sentences that I am no writer! I love to read & I love to share with others about a good book but definitely am not a writer myself. I don't have those feelings this time because I really just want to convey that by reading this book, your life will be changed if you allow the Lord to speak to you.

When I sat down to start reading this book, I didn't have my highlighter handy so I started folding down pages to remind me of places where I would want to use quotes from the book. Let's just say there are more pages folded down than not at my completion of the book!

Chapter one wastes no time getting into challenging thoughts that will only multiply as you get further into the book.

"This is where we come face to face with a dangerous reality. We do have to love him in a way that makes our closet relationship in this world look like hate. And it is possible that he will tell us to sell everything we have and give it to the poor. But we don't want to believe it. We are afraid of what it might mean for our lives. So we rationalize these passages away......And this is where we need to pause. Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with."

Someone who knew I was reading Radical

asked me what I thought about the book. My answer to her was not only was I more challenged by this book more than any other book by a Christian author ever but something resonated throughout the entire book & stuck with me. I have read so many books by Christian authors that have scripture sprinkled here and there. David has taken current questions, challenges we all face every day (and many we need to face!) and answered these dilemmas with scripture after scripture. He devotes the better part of a chapter to the age old question we have all asked "what about the poor person in the jungle who has never heard about Christ?" Scriptures I have read over & over were paired with David's insight & I walked away feeling more confident in this answer than ever before in my life. The difference is that David has pointed the reader to scripture & challenged us to really examine what the Word tells us, no watering down, no personal opinions, just the truth. This sounds so simple but Radical leaves no room for such watered down theology. My biggest praise of this book is that David directs the reader towards the Word, Truth & the true Author of life rather than himself & his personal philosophy.

The challenges issued in this book were one after another but truly challenges that we chose to ignore on a daily basis.

"God blesses his people with extravagant grace so they might extend his extravagant glory to all peoples on the earth. This basic, fundamental truth permeates Scripture from beginning to end. Yet I wonder if we unknowingly ignore the great why of God.

We live in a church culture that has a dangerous tendency to disconnect the grace of God from the glory of God. Our hearts resonate with the idea of enjoying God's grace. We bask in sermons, conferences, and books that exalt a grace centering on us. And while the wonder of grace is worthy of our attention, if that grace is disconnected from its purpose, the sad result is a self-centered Christianity that bypasses the heart of God."

This is my longest blogging for books review yet but I can't close without saying how much I got out of the book from the examples of people that David has encountered in his own faith family & ministry that have been radically changed from obeying the Word, who have abandoned everything they knew, everything that was comfortable in their own lives to take up their cross & follow.

In closing, David urges his reader to join in the Radical Experiment which is a "one year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring." Let me just say, I can't wait to see how the Lord will use this challenge!

I can't do this book justice, you need to read it yourself!

Now comes the fun part! I get to give away a copy of David Platt's Radical.

For one entry, leave your name/email in the comment section.

To have 2 entries, blog or facebook status this giveaway & leave a 2nd comment letting me know.

Another AWESOME thing is that you can get a free copy of the Radical companion guide, The Radical Question.

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/RadicalQuestion/

Go to this link & "request a free copy of the Radical Question"

By doing this & leaving a comment, you will qualify for 3 entries!

While you are browsing the above link, learn more about David, read a sample of chapter one, watch a video clip, & go ahead & buy your copy. (When you win a copy here, you can give one away:)

So register now, the drawing will take place Monday May 10th after 9pm!

*this book was provided for review by http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

Easter catch up

2010-04-22T18:36:00.001-07:00

We had a great Easter season.

Jacob's class had an Easter egg hunt at his friend's Ella's house. Most of this class has been together for at least 2 years, some since the beginning of preschool so for 3 years. We had the egg hunt at this wonderful family's home last year too.

Even though it was for Jacob's class, Logan had a great time & was quite the character.

He had a blast playing with the big kids!

This is Logan checking out one of Jacob's best friend's hair. He realizes it may be a little different than his & just can't help himself:)

Peeking at a couple of the dads hide the eggs

(great yard!)

Craft Time

Let's go!!!!

Jacob in a borrowed shirt after an incident...little boys, accumulated rain water, need I say more?

Jacob's class

Now onto dying the eggs at home. Jacob loves this!

Inman tolerates it because I tell him that the kids will look back on this as a great memory.

Logan cried most of the time.

One of the few brief minutes that Logan wasn't crying

Off to the next egg hunt.....

Our church Lawrenceville FBC sponsored the egg hunt and it was held in downtown Lawrenceville on the square. It was a lot of fun with a great turn out!

Easter morning

Hopes of a precious picture were quickly dashed, Logan wasn't feeling it!

One quick pose

Jacob sang with the children's choir in church. Look at that face! Not sure if he gets nervous but he keeps the most serious face!

We had a wonderful season and had a lot of fun but hope to keep the focus on how thankful we are that we serve a RISEN Savior!

Spring

2010-04-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

I am due for a springtime/Easter update but these are from this morning. The azaleas have peaked in the yard & I had to take a couple of pics before church this morning.

Final installment of Jacob's b-day 2010

2010-03-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

As the celebration of Jacob's b-day continues..... (yes, Momma is behind blogging once again!)

Jacob got to celebrate with his preschool class & cupcakes!

The birthday boy gets to be "top dog" all week. While I was there for lunch & cupcakes, I had a chance to see Jacob lead his friends in the pledge, weather, calendar & circle time. It was precious!

We also had our family come over to celebrate Jacob's b-day. It was just going to be too crowded & chaotic with all of his little friends!

We took this picture since we had done the exact same shot a couple of years ago (didn't find the picture to have as a comparison but Logan wasn't on the scene yet)

All of the cousins are growing too fast!

Jacob & his grandparents

Jacob & 3 of his great grandparents

Isn't that the cutest cake?!

Our little batman loved it too!

Jacob, you are growing up too fast! We love watching you grow & learn new things every day. We love your sensitive heart & the way you are already a very compassionate person. You have quite the imagination & are dreaming up new things all the time. God is molding you into a very special young man. As I tell you everyday, God has a special plan for your life! We can't wait to see all that He has in store for you. We are thankful to be your Momma & Daddy!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

2010-03-15T18:43:00.001-07:00

Jacob turned 5 on March 1st! It seems impossible that he should be 5 already! In many ways, it seems like we were just walking down St Anthony in the early phases of labor. In many other ways, it seems like so much has happened in 5 years.

We celebrated with both a friend party & family party. Between his preschool and church friends, there were a lot of kids so we went with Jacob's request & had a party in the church gym. It was a pretty day (a little cool with the wind, March 1st will always be a wild card weather wise!) & we got to play on the new church playground.

Ryan, Jacob & Hunter (the 3 amigos in Jacob's class @ school)

The kids enjoyed decorating their own cupcakes

Lots of fun characters & super heroes

Logan loved playing with the big kids. He took a plunge off the playground equipment but thankfully Daddy caught him by his cape:)

Next I will update with the rest of the birthday festivities. Inman teases that our family motto includes celebrating birthdays for at least a week!

20 things about our 20 month old

2010-02-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Logan is now 20 months old! I thought I would do a post just about him since the attention is about to switch to our almost 5 year old!

Here are 20 things about Logan at this age in no particular order:

1) Logan is a busy boy!

2) He hits the ground running in the morning. Only very rarely do we get that early morning cuddle. He gets out of his bed & is already to go!

3) Logan loves to play outside!

4) He loves his big brother who he calls "Bro Bro." He cries when we drop him off at preschool & asks for him off & on all day.

5) He cut 4 teeth just this week!

6) Logan's favorite breakfast foods are oatmeal, pancakes or french toast (& his brother just introduced him to syrup), cheese toast, fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs & a poptart when Momma lets those slip into the buggy.

7) Logan's favorite toys are balls, cars, his little grill & food, his buggy & fridge magnets.

8) Logan just discovered crayons & has to be watched very carefully!

9) Logan wants to do whatever his big brother is doing.

10) Logan presently has a black eye (his first) after falling while climbing onto a kitchen chair.

11) Speaking of, Logan has turned into quite the climber. He has learned how to get on the sofa, into the rocker in his room & will move an object over to climb onto whatever he wants to tackle.

12) Logan likes the veggies: broccoli, sweet potatoes, collard greens, mashed potatoes, corn, cooked carrots and I am sure there are a few others. He does not like green peas, lima beans, or okra.

13) His favorite fruits are bananas, apples sliced very thin or cooked, grapes, pears, cantaloupe and loved watermelon last summer. He does not like mandarin oranges, & is picky about peaches.

14) The words he is saying: bye bye, night night, bro bro, momma, daddy, on, off, up, cup, water (wa wa), uh oh, ball, bible, hat, outside. Many words we can understand but others wouldn't be able to: bird, spoon, wipe, light, door, milk, sock....He is starting to mimic more words we say every day.

15) When we go outside he asks for his hood to be pulled up & says "hat."

16) He takes his right shoe off any chance he gets. Many days he is walking around with only his left shoe on.

17) He loves getting Jacob's lunch box or a book bag & pretends like he is leaving to go to school. He waves bye bye & wants to give out kisses.

18) Logan loves to brush his teeth.

19) He does not mind blowing his nose & will often ask for a tissue. When he will no longer blow his nose that means he has an ear infection (that was true this past week as well as the last 3 or 4 ear infections)

20) This boy is into everything but a true JOY! He is quite the character & adds so much to our lives!

Love & War

2010-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

I was really excited about the opportunity to post a blog book review for Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge. Inman and I are a part of a group that the men recently read Wild at Heart & the women read Captivating. I jumped at the chance to read their follow up.

One of the things that I recently appreciate about John & Stasi Eldredge is the fact that they really open up about their pasts, their own marriage & experiences. Beth Moore reviewed their book and said it best, "...they're willing to put themselves out there for somebody else's sake."

They were both very vulnerable opening the doors of their own home & sharing what they have learned during their 25 years together. They describe their own start as "a disaster waiting to happen." Their candid account of the way God has worked through their own marriage will be an encouragement to anyone who reads this book.

With a title like Love & War, one may shy away. "Why would I want to read a book about the war of marriage?" That is the key. Right from the beginning they acknowledge to some what has become an astounding truth, marriage is hard! My encouragement is to keep reading! I feel so encouraged after reading this book. God has written quite a love story & we have a front row seat. He is using our marriages to tell a story far greater than anything we could ever ask for or even imagine.

It would not be too late to let Valentine's extend into next week & pick up this read for you & your spouse! Hey, we had a snow day here in GA & really threw off a lot of people's last minute shopping!

Follow the link below to see where you can find your copy:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

Happy Valentine's Day!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah

GEAUX SAINTS!

2010-02-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

We had a great time celebrating our Saints in the super bowl!

Logan loved the non stop buffet & the fact that the rules were out the window for the night & he got to walk around with food!

A taste of NOLA, we had jambalaya, king cake & lots of other super bowl party food!

Jacob shouting WHO DAT

The boys even got to wear Saints gear to church yesterday! Would have loved to be in NOLA this past weekend. I could go on & on about this city & what winning the Super Bowl means to our home away from home but for now.......GEAUX SAINTS! WHO DAT!

Christmas 2009 in pictures

2010-02-06T11:46:00.003-08:00

I am so behind posting pictures that I almost didn't post Christmas. BUT, my plan is to bind the blog for a journal through one of the companies that makes your blog into a book. If I didn't post Christmas '09, we would be missing that in our book! So better late than never & this post will be mostly pics & a lot less captions than if I was doing it on time!

The boys' matching shirts, a favorite this season!

Troy & Steph show up in their "tacky sweaters" & I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle! This is not what they would normally wear at all!

Papa & Logan

Mema & Logan

A lot of my Christmas season was trying to get pictures of the boys!

Logan is wearing the outfit that was Jacob's at this age. He was more interested in putting his hand in Jacob's pocket, & the tongue out of the mouth was his favorite pose this Christmas season!

Christmas Baking

Once again, trying for a good pic

Making a gingerbread train with Grandma Lois

Christmas Eve night, lots of energy following a great Christmas Eve service & waffle house with friends & family

Christmas morning & looking at what Santa brought

Christmas Day with the Houstons

Granddaddy & Grandmomma

Christmas day night @ Becky & Marshall's

Audrey & Brandon (got engaged about 48 hours after this picture!)

We were so excited Gordon, Chisa & Koyo were in Atlanta for Koyo's first Christmas. Grandmomma & Granddaddy had 3 of their great-grandchildren with them in Christmas.

Trying out the new bike

Christmas '09 was a great one even if I am late posting! The boys are at very fun (BUSY!) ages & seeing Christmas through their eyes is always so much fun! We are thankful for all of the memories we have celebrating our Savior's birth!

Hurricane Whodat!

2010-02-04T17:42:00.001-08:00

Hurricane Whodat

An accurate weather forecast for Miami.

Hi, my name is April. You have probably forgotten me!

2010-02-01T05:19:00.001-08:00

I am definitely not winning any blog awards around here! For all 3 of you who still check up on us, I could list all the reasons I haven't blogged basically since Thanksgiving but I won't bore anyone! I have wanted to catch up but just haven't sat down to do it!

Below is just one of the fun things we did over Christmas! The boys really enjoyed going to the pink pig with Mema this year. I will be back with more pics of Christmas! (about time since it is Feb:)

Christmas catch up coming soon!

2009-12-27T17:59:00.003-08:00

We have had a great Christmas season!

I look forward to journaling & posting lots of pictures very soon!

Jacob (4 1/2) & Logan (18 mo.) in Christmas jammies

Primal & winners from last post

2009-12-22T18:18:00.001-08:00

Let's just say there are others that are out there not checking, updating blogs or entering contests this December besides me! The last give away was a bust but the 2 winners will enjoy their books. (I will send emails)

Now on to Primal by Mark Batterson....

This is an author that I have not read before & besides me temporary insanity to sign up for more than one blog book review during the Christmas season, I was really looking forward to trying out a new author. I will have to go ahead & confess that I have not finished this book but will definitely keep reading. It is one that I want to finish for sure!

Check out this summary:

Be Astonished Again

We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.

Let me challenge you to have this be your first read in 2010. I know I will definitely be finished by then because I am intrigued by the challenge. We always spend the new year refelecting & Batterson gives us a lot to ponder.

Get your copy here:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421319

(This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah)

Blog tour "Grab Bag"

2009-12-13T03:24:00.000-08:00

As a part of the Random House Blogging for books program, I got to be a part of a "grab bag" book tour. I knew I would get one book from the 99 ways collection & one book from the Value Nonfiction line.

When I opened my package I was very excited to see my 99 ways book was 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget. For those that don't know me well, I am a proud coupon clipping, bargain shopping mom. This is a very easy read as each of the 99 ways is only about a page. The author Cheri Gillard does a great job summarizing each suggestion's savings. For example:

after the suggestion of saving by turning off electronics & various ideas, it is listed savings=$10 per month, $120 per year. This helps you to know exactly what kind of savings you are looking at. She gives me practical, very easy to do ideas. This will be a perfect book for a family just starting to examine their home budget & don't know how to get started. In these economic times, who doesn't need a few suggestions?! This would be a great stocking stuffer!

The next book I received out of my "grab bag" was What Women Don't Know (and men don't tell you). I was also excited to get this one & learn a few secrets about my other half! As I started reading I begin to realize this would have been a great book to have when my husband was on staff at our previous church as Minister to Singles as this book refers to dating a lot, finding your mate etc. I would have loved to have read it when we were working closely with singles because the authors Michelle McKinney Hammond & Joel A Brooks Jr do a wonderful job providing a male & female perspective & focus on redefining what we are attracted to, set values in order & determining goals.

Both of these great reads are available at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com

The good news is that you can also win them here! Leave a comment to which book you would like to win. (leave a comment for each book if you would like to be in the drawing for each book). I will select a winner on Friday Dec 18th after 12noon.

Advent Conspiracy

2009-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is something to think about...especially after a day of shopping!

Advent Conspiracy

Thanksgiving catch up

2009-12-07T10:28:00.002-08:00

I am behind blogging! We have been getting excited about the Christmas season & had a few things keeping us busy but did go and pick out our tree. Now if we could just get it decorated!

Going back to thanksgiving.... We had a great one. We did something new this year & went to the Coles lake house and celebrated Thanksgiving a couple of days early. It was nice to get away even for less than 24 hours. We still had plenty of time to come home get food ready for our other dinner, Inman helped with an outreach lunch for the community through our church. We even had time to go to the Children's Healthcare Immediate care & run all over town trying to find a nebulizer:)

Here is the group including Casey, (the Coles dog) trying to get in the picture.

After Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday night, we had a campfire by the lake & Jacob got to do his first "real" smore since it was over a campfire! I know the picture is bad but he was really excited!

Wednesday morning was a nice morning & Jeff cooked his traditional waffle house breakfast. Man, it's nice to have that connection!

Onto the next first, riding in a boat!

And the first time to fish! He has been waiting for this day!

Logan found some other fun things to occupy his time.

The kids are all getting so big! We had a great time!

Thanksgiving (Thursday)

Jacob is trying out the chocolate pecan pie that is almost made himself. If he could have read & melted the butter, he could have done the whole thing!

It was yummy!

Troy, Brandon, Audrey & Steph

We were glad that Grandma Lois was able to come.

Grandmomma Freeman borrows some of the "Martha Stewart" type garnishes that Brandon & Audrey brought for the pies

We have so much to be thankful for!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we went to the apple orchard. We had been rained out once before so we tried again & had a very pretty day. Good thing the weather was good because mapquest & I had a misunderstanding & we drove all over north Georgia!

Logan is much better but had an ear infection over thanksgiving & was wheezing. This was his first experience using a nebulizer. His shirt says it all...he was a good sport!

Book Review & Great Gift Idea

2009-12-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

I am excited to have another opportunity from Random House/Waterbrook to do another blog review. This was a package deal where I was able to review 3 books. Two precious books for children & one "grown up" book.

The first book I read was the book Treasured by Leigh McLeroy. The part that I loved most about this book was looking at places in scripture where an object represents something symbolic. McLeroy helped bring this into a whole new light that I had no considered before. She is quick to refer to scripture directly rather than her personal opinion but this is balanced well with some of her own testimony.

Cigar boxes. Refrigerator doors. Scrapbooks and sock drawers and top shelves. These are the places we store our treasures–the keepsakes that tell the story of whom and what we’ve loved, how we’ve lived, and what matters most to us.
God is a collector, too, whose treasures are tucked securely into the pages of his book: a golden bell here, an olive leaf there, a scarlet thread, a blood-stained cloth, a few grains of barley. Each of these saved artifacts reveals a facet of his heart and tells the story of a Father whose most precious possession is…us.
In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides us in discovering evidence in our own lives of his attentive love.

The next two books were written by Lisa Tawn Bergren. Although we have a bazillon children books, we don't have any by this author. I fell in those with these sweet books. Jot the names down because this is a GREAT Christmas idea for children you will be buying for! The first is God Gave Us Love. This is a great book about loving one another, a good reminder for children & adults! The story is very cute as it follows a little cub & his Grandfather as they go fishing. My 4 year old's attention was immediately held & it gave us an opportunity to talk about how we are supposed to love everyone around us & how God loves each of us.

As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.
In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because…
“Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”
This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.”

The next book came at the perfect timing as we prepare for Christmas, God Gave Us Christmas. It was a great tool to use as we are trying so hard to keep our focus on the real reason for celebrating this season as we develop our own little family traditions. Again, the story was one that both of my boys enjoyed listening to. We were able to talk after we read it about how we will focus on Jesus' birthday this season. This would be a perfect gift for any children in your life even before Christmas to help them remember what the celebration is all about!

As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder… “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that… Jesus is the best present of all.
This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

These books were provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Here's where you can find the books:

ttp://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400071753

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074471

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074815

Happy Reading!

Behind on blogging but very thankful!

2009-11-26T06:25:00.001-08:00

I have been behind on blogging but that is mainly because we have had a lot of fun the last couple of weeks.

I am in between thanksgiving cooking & thought what better day to show pictures of just a few of the things I am thankful for this year!

I am thankful for Jacob & what a great time he had playing soccer this fall. A couple of weeks ago we had his end of year party & he got his first trophy! He was so shy during the presentation that I hardly got his picture but this picture shows how thrilled he was!

I am also thankful for his daddy who was a great asst' coach & loved being with Jacob & the team!

I am thankful for the wonderful place we live & that God has called us to serve here. Look at the view at the park where we had Jacob's soccer party. I felt like we were in a mountain retreat! It was so pretty & just miles from our house!

I am thankful for this little guy. Logan wants so bad to be 4 like his brother! He keeps us on our toes but I am so thankful for our kiddos!

Trying to get a picture of the 2 is getting harder & harder. Not quite sure how in the world we will get a Christmas card picture this year!

I am thankful for my family. My mom's birthday was a couple of weeks ago. I am very thankful to have married, healthy parents.

I am thankful for good friends & 24 hour trips!

Last week the boys & I hopped in the car & headed to B'ham for the night. We usually try to get to B'ham to see the Platts in the fall. I was dying to see Heather & the boys & to meet Isaac Box, Bart & Leslie's 4th child. When he was born, Inman & I entered the several weeks long flu/swine flu episodes & I had to stay far away from this little man who was born a few weeks early. Between the 3 families, look at these precious children! The 3 couples started in seminary together & we love getting to spend time together & letting our kids play together.

I am thankful for our church Lawrenceville First Baptist & the wonderful weekday preschool we have. Jacob's class has a thanksgiving feast last week. We are thankful for great teachers & a place that he loves going!

I am thankful that my friend Beth remembered that us moms never get to be in any pictures & had me take a picture of her & her daughter & returned the favor!

I am so thankful for these girls! I ended my week spending time with my college friends. If you have read this blog for any time at all, you will know we get together in the summer with kids & around the holidays with only moms with the exception of nursing babies (which we usually have at least of one:)

We had 24 hours & packed it full of fun, food, laughing, crying, shopping, & retelling stories from past get togethers. We love being together & even though it is quite an ordeal to get a date that will work with all nurses, it is well worth it & we come away with our tanks full!

So much to be thankful for! Logan has an ear infection & is wheezing some so we are doing breathing treatments but it is a great reminder that we have 2 healthy kids & can't take a minute for granted. Most of all, I am thankful that God loves each of us, has a special plan for our life & extends His grace to all of us through the gift of His son!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Logan finally gets to cook!

2009-11-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

Logan was so excited the other day that he got to help in the kitchen. I have had Jacob in the kitchen with me for a long time. Since it was just him, he was very easy to have as my little helper. Often times now, we will save that activity for when Logan is asleep or I will hold him or Logan will just play at our feet or who am I kidding? He will cry the whole time I am trying to have that time with Jacob. Jacob loves helping in the kitchen.

The other day when it was time to make homemade muffins, Jacob got on his stool & Logan disappeared for a second. He soon rounded the corner with another stool, parked it at the counter & climbed up. This was his face when he grabbed the measuring spoon & turned to look at me. He was thrilled to be at the counter with brother, ready to help!

Jacob keeping his hands out of the bowl

Jacob was a little unsure about sharing his activity & who wouldn't be concerned about a toddler with his hands in the bowl, we have talked a lot about germs around here after all!?

All in all, Jacob enjoyed cooking with his brother & the muffins turned out pretty good too!

Dear DFACS,

2009-11-08T17:58:00.001-08:00

Dear DFACS,

Please don't take this little man away.

I know that he has a fresh scab & bruise over his right eyelid. That is from his little stumble

down the 2 or 3 garage stairs.

I also know he has a bruise & some slight swelling over his left cheek.

That is from falling flat on his face, don't worry it was on nice soft carpet.

This new road rash on his forehead is from a little spill while we played this afternoon.

He is the least graceful,

clumsiest,

walking too fast,

gets in over his head,

doesn't think before he does anything,

afraid of very little,

curious,

does everything full throttle,

100 % boy,

stubborn,

busiest

little boy

I have

ever

seen

in my

whole life!

Yes, DFACS, we do appreciate your concern. We realize it looks a little suspicious.

But spend 2 hours with him & you will drop your case!

Brothers

2009-11-06T04:13:00.003-08:00

This was in March when I first got these shirts.....

This was the other day (October 2009).....

Jacob is a lot taller & Logan has a lot more hair!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T18:06:00.001-08:00

Friday night we carved our pumpkin. Much different from last year since Logan was in a bouncey seat last year!

The boys digging in

Jacob actually enjoyed getting a little messy this time, last year: not so much!

Since Logan was ALL over the place like usual, he stepped into some pumpkin seeds & was border line hysterical about that!

Saturday we had a full, fun day!

We had our friends over for some soup before trick or treating. Jacob & Noah, I mean superman & the pilot getting ready to hit the streets

The ONLY picture of Jacob & Logan together (below)

Between the two of them, running out before it started raining again, meeting up with neighbors, leaving together but knowing one of us would be home with Logan within a few minutes, I only took 24 pictures. For anyone who has followed this blog for any time knows that 24 pictures of ANY event is NOTHING!

Lucas is the other child of our friends Jon & Carrie

Logan may have not understood the whole thing but he knew something fun was going on!

This is Jacob's face when we totally busted him. He didn't want to let Logan touch his candy but he wanted to empty out Logan's candy & inspect it (yes, it will go to him anyway but it was just the point!)

The babies watching other trick or treaters leave. They couldn't figure out why people kept coming to the door & we gave them something everytime!

A fun time! It is so fun to watch the kids from year to year. This was the first year that Jacob was pretty much the oldest in the crew. It was cute to watch him be the ringleader!

In the pictures where we are carving the pumpkin, that is the same shirt that Jacob wore when he was 19 months old. The fireman costume was the outfit Jacob wore for his 2nd b-day which was a firefighter party. They have both grown so much since last year! It was so special to watch things through their eyes. It certainly didn't hurt that GA Tech ended the night on such a positive note!

Happy fall! Hope everyone got to take advantage of their "extra" hour of sleep, what a great night for that!

Halloween Fun

2009-10-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch. Jacob's class had been rained out once & other days of rain had kept us away. Besides a little leftover mud, it was a beautiful day.

This is Jacob with his buddies from school, L-R: Kerry, Hunter, Jacob & Ryan

Who knew that these goats had been fed already by other classes & fieldtrips, they acted like they were starving!

The kids enjoyed seeing the animals

This was Logan's face pretty much the whole time we were there. He wants to be 4 and run around with his brother. I won't go into the poop disaster on the blog but let's just say we had all kinds of fun!

Ms Lynn passes out food for the goats

Jacob's class

The hayride

Lunchtime

They got to pick out their own pumpkins

Logan wants to once again be a part of the class

Trying to get a picture of the boys together

Trying once again when we got home, thought maybe being allowed to bring the bat into the picture may work

We have had a fun week getting ready for fall & halloween. We had a fun fall festival at church last weekend. There are no pictures because someone forgot the camera, that person will remain nameless but he knows who he is.

Happy Halloween!

BED HEAD!

2009-10-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

BED HEAD!!!

End of season

2009-10-26T05:26:00.001-07:00

The look on Jacob's face sums it up. He loved playing soccer this season! We also got a kick out of watching 4 year olds run around.

He enjoyed playing goalie several times.

He always had a fan club on the side & he loved that too!

Until next season.....

Fall?

2009-10-21T18:56:00.003-07:00

Why haven't we posted pictures of fun fall activities? Pumpkin patches? More soccer games? Jumping in piles of leaves?

Because every time we tried, it did this...RAINED!

All dressed up & no place to go on our last attempt to go to the pumpkin patch. We will try again!

The rest of the weekend

2009-10-16T07:35:00.001-07:00

Better late than never finishing the fun weekend update....

After the aquarium we walked through Centennial park & let the kids play on the playground & run around.

We felt like the Hopkins should be introduced to the Varsity while they were in Atlanta.

It was a hit! From onion rings to the frosted orange, there was something for everybody!

Logan learned a very important life skill while we were there, his first time to dip french fries into ketchup:)

The next morning Inman & I began our day with 4 kids. Robert & Jeanine were off to UGA so we started the day with Jacob's soccer game.

He played goalie for the first time & loved having his buddies there.

It was the most gorgeous fall day so we headed to the park for playing & a picnic.

We didn't know they were having an event for a local group so there were kids everywhere! Keeping up with 4 kids was quite a challenge even with the 2 adults. We played for a while but then had our picnic & Inman played football with the kids so we could keep the kids all in one place!

After some rest time (for all of us:), we played outside some more, had a little dinner then headed to Rita's for Italian ice. Kind of like a snowball to these NOLA kids. Here is the car full singing & making their favorite animal noises very loud!

The next morning we headed to church all together & had pizza afterwards. The Hopkins wore their LSU colors after a great game. They were in the minority at our very heavily UGA populated church but were proud to call themselves LSU tigers. The kids even knew the folks in red were "tiger bait!"

A few more pics before they get the car for a long ride home.

We laughed so hard when Inman was acting like he was the paparazi!

We had such a great time & are so thankful for our friends! Thanks Robert & Jeanine for making the trip!

Fun weekend

2009-10-08T07:25:00.001-07:00

We had a great weekend! Our friends Jeanine, Robert, & the kids come for the LSU/UGA game!

I really miss Jeanine! Jeanine & I were pregnant @ the same time with Jacob & Luke. Luke was born the December just before Jacob. We spent a lot of time playing together @ the park & walking thru the NOLA zoo when the boys were little.

We had worked together before Katrina & have a lot in common.

On Friday we took the kids to the Georgia Aquarium while Inman & Robert were working.

(the pictures posted backwards)

Here you see the torture part of the trip.

Why at these places do they always make you walk thru the giftshop before you leave?!

This is why Jeanine & I get along so well....we looked @ each other no words needed, our eyes said it all, "move quickly, no stopping, we have spent enough money!"

Marguerite was not as sure about the large turtle as Logan was!

Our 4 little monkeys

We had to make frequent stops at the handwashing stations particularly since I caught Logan putting his hand in the shrimp water & putting it straight into his mouth! What disease can you catch from shrimp?

Marguerite was not sure about the touch pool

We tried to snap pics of moms with kids since many trips go by & that doesn't happen!

The older kids liked the moving sidewalk in the tunnel

We had so much fun! Next I will post pics from Saturday & Sunday. It was also the best weather weekend I can remember!

Logan works out

2009-10-05T12:49:00.001-07:00

The Real Lovey

2009-10-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Logan like most little ones his age has a "lovey." He sleeps with a blanket & lovey. He doesn't carry then around though. No, what he carries around is a bat. We have even been known to carry them into different places. He definitely carries them around the house & playing outside.

Drinking his milk, still doesn't put it down

Sitting with brother

Even after falling down & needing to be comforted, still has it

Saying hello when Daddy comes home

And even eating!

Although I did catch a quick pic these weren't "staged" he really carries it around a lot!

Maybe we he becomes the next MLB MVP we can sell these photos to ESPN:)

And the winner is......

2009-09-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS..........

Elizabeth Buckner Hill!

YEA!

Once again, a very official drawing was held, I have proof but the pics are uploading slow & I needed to post this while I had a chance!

Have a great weekend!

Blog Review & Give Away: You Were Made For This

2009-09-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about this blogging for books review & GIVE AWAY!

First, let's handle the fun part.....Comment on this post to register to win a copy of Bruce Wilkinson's new book You Were Born For This. Be sure to include your name & email address so I can reach you if you win! Just like the last give away, this will be a very official drawing so make sure to have your name in by Friday (9/18) @ noon. What a fun way to start your weekend, knowing you will be receiving a brand new read!

I really looked forward to starting this new book. I am typically a fast reader but really had to slow down & take all of this in. That is not to say that it is an "over the head" book, I just wanted to make sure I was reading very carefully & digesting every bit. I must admit I went into the book a little skeptical. I tend to avoid books that seem like a sales pitch. In the past I have stayed away from books written by Christian authors that seem to much like an average self help book. I was afraid that this book may fall into that category. Not sure where I came up with that even before I read the book but just keeping it real!

Three questions that Bruce Wilkinson asked in the intro that held my interest & made me want to read further were:

"Why are experiences of the miraculous so rare for most people?"

"What if God wanted you to experience them on a regular basis?"

"And what if ordinary people like you and me are invited to partner with God to deliver them to others?"

I have often asked myself, "Why do we limit God? Why do we believe miracles were only a part of scripture as if the Creator of the universe would only multiply fish & loaves way back when?"

Bruce Wilkinson shares personal stories of miracles he has witnessed. The part of You Were Made For This that I appreciated the most was Wilkinson's suggestions for sensing God's prompting or nudges, when He is calling us to be part of a miracle & how to respond. He also gives several examples of how we can be ready to respond to God's call such as when others are revealing to us that they are going through a difficult time, how we can be used by the Lord to bless them in miraculous ways. Most importantly, Wilkinson is quick to give all credit & glory to the Lord.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. I found it both challenging but also felt more equipped to respond to the Lord's nudges on my own life. I am excited about the ways He is ready to use me & pray I will be obedient to His call.

See the info below about where to find your own copy (that is if you don't win one here!)

www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times#1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards,Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez.He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.

Check out this video link:

http://bit.ly/wGT7l

1st soccer game

2009-09-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Jacob has been looking forward to his first soccer game for WEEKS! He was so excited that this day was finally here. All week people have been asking him how his first week of school has gone & he would say, "fine & I have my first soccer game on Saturday!"

Last minute pointers from Coach including a reminder about which direction to go

A water break & minute with Daddy

We forgot to tell Jacob that they would take "turns" sitting on the bench. He would have played the whole time if they had let him!

All of Jacob's fans

He made the statement a couple of weeks ago, "Mom, I know all the people that love me will be at my first game." We did explain that he had a lot of people that loved him but they might not ALL be there at the first game! He was thrilled with his fan club!

I told Jacob this morning that we will always remember this first game. It is hard to believe that this is just the beginning of MANY games of all kinds!

First Day of School

2009-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today was Jacob's first day of school.

Last year of preschool

Daddy was working hard at the church to help get everything ready for the first day in the middle of our church's construction project. This was our attempt to get Momma & Jacob's picture together while also keeping Logan out of the storm drain.

This was Logan after we dropped off Jacob & left.

This was the way Momma celebrated our son's wonderful educational opportunities, thanks to my pampers points starbucks giftcard arriving just in time!

One skinny vanilla latte coming right up!

Fall is here. We are off to soccer in just in a bit. Jacob had a great day but is much more excited about soccer tonight!

Who knew?

2009-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

This week I took the boys to the Mayfield dairy. I wanted to try and do a couple of fun things the last couple weeks before school started. This will be the last time that we won't start school after labor day since this is Jacob's last year of preschool. I really wanted to enjoy these extra 3 or so weeks. Well, then I spent a week of that pretty sick. (probably the latest flu scare...can anyone say oink, oink!) It always takes a while to get back to 100% after being down that long & our house is still not back to "normal" (whatever that is!) Moms just don't get sick days!

This is Logan wanting seconds!

Luckily I redeemed myself with the ice cream at the end. Who knew there were no cows at the dairy!?

This is the only cow we saw & you can see in the 1st picture, Logan was more interested in the trailer reflector!

You can see how cracked up I am in this picture. These were the hair nets we wore for the tour! Jacob & Logan looked thrilled! As one friend pointed out, at least this wasn't a field trip I had coordinated for his school!

Logan's first haircut

2009-09-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

We took Logan for his first haircut this week. We waited a little longer than we did with Jacob. Looking back, I think Jacob's hair was a little longer earlier. A couple of weeks ago, Logan was in a yellow outfit & was called a girl so we knew we had to do the deed!

As with Jacob, I said "clean it up but save some curls."

He was uncertain about what was going on. And then he quickly realized he did not like it one bit!

He finally stopped long enough to enjoy his first sucker!

One handsome boy!

1st ever soccer practice

2009-08-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

These pictures loaded backwards but these are from Jacob's 1st soccer practice. The kid above is not Jacob but I loved the verse & really like that we are playing for a church league that focuses on using their God given abilities & emphasizes team work.

Logan had a hard time understanding that he had to stay on the sidelines.

I think Inman had as much fun as the kids. He will be the asst' coach this season.

Jacob taking a shot

Pictures before we left the house

He is trying to act so cool but he was SO excited. He told me he had been waiting "his whole life" for his first soccer season!

We had warned Jacob that there would be girls on his team this season. I was a little worried when the first kids to get there just happened to be all girls. I was thinking to myself, "I bet when he has been waiting his whole life, he wasn't imagining a team with all girls!" Thankfully, the next kids to arrive were 3 or 4 more boys!

One more spotlight

2009-08-27T06:31:00.003-07:00

One more spotlight for Logan. The next couple of weeks will most likely include pics of Jacob's first soccer practice this week, first day of school, first soccer game etc so I thought I would include one last spotlight for Logan.

Logan is really confident walking now. He loves that he can follow his brother walking instead of crawling. He loves carrying something in each hand while he toddles around. He is interested in the dishwasher, the cabinets & drawers, the toilet, the fireplace, trying to get out open doors, brother's baseball bats....you know all the things that he shouldn't be in to! He is not afraid to let his brother know how he feels about something & even tackled him the other night in the bathtub. He has started the "my heart is broken, fall on the floor temper tantrums." He is also very sweet & will give us big hugs although he is too busy to be the cuddler that his brother was. The last time we were at the ped, he weighed 25 lbs! So all in all, he is a happy, busy, growing boy!