Hello everyone!
It's been a while, but we have been having a great time and very busy. Hope you enjoy this extensive montage.. plan for about 5+ minutes.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spring Pictures and Fun
We are overblessed in all that God has given us. We long to praise HIM more for all his abundant blessings. Enjoy some long overdue pictures!
Love to all!
Love to all!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Funny church bulletin bloopers
They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
--------------------------
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have chil dren and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 P M - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.
--------------------------
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have chil dren and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 P M - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
I, Dawn, was putting together this shelf. As I was screwing the screws in, something didn't seem right, but I was sure it was just a defect in the way it was made, because the dimples were facing out ..... as instructed in the manual. I was on my way to having 3 sides attached, when Mac walked over and just started shaking his head. I replied," oh was I suppose to put the bottom ones on first?"
Then, he gave me a second to look again.. and I just fell over laughing... just had to share.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Snow Day!
This post needs to start with a shout out to our good friend, Larry Lyon.... with I told you so!!! hehehe!
We have LOVED the massive amounts of snow we have gotten in the last 12 hours. It is so beautiful. We have not seen this much snow in a while. The kids love it. It's really cold, so we have to take small stretches at a time. Brantley is really not jazzed about this white cold stuff.. but loves to look at it inside in the WARM! Vivian on the other hand can't get enough of it. LOVES it! We have had quite the fun day already. Here are some of our fun pictures. Also a video clip that we took yesterday.. amazing how quickly weather changes. The kids are getting so big! Check Vivian on her bike she got for Christmas!
Love to all!
We have LOVED the massive amounts of snow we have gotten in the last 12 hours. It is so beautiful. We have not seen this much snow in a while. The kids love it. It's really cold, so we have to take small stretches at a time. Brantley is really not jazzed about this white cold stuff.. but loves to look at it inside in the WARM! Vivian on the other hand can't get enough of it. LOVES it! We have had quite the fun day already. Here are some of our fun pictures. Also a video clip that we took yesterday.. amazing how quickly weather changes. The kids are getting so big! Check Vivian on her bike she got for Christmas!
Love to all!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Fall Update
We have had a crazy couple of months! As usual! I am now working at a Preschool Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 - 12:30. I am LOVING preschool! I always said I would most likely NEVER teach preschool.. well here I am loving it. I am just so glad to be back into teaching. The kids are more animated than ever. We hear lots of conversations of Vivian desperately trying to teach Brantley EVERYTHING she knows. Brantley is constantly into things these days.. so there are alot of "Brantley don't touch that". It's kind of nice to have a little alarm around. He is so strong and animated. Lately, his will has been coming through. You would swear that he is screaming words at you. Vivian is singing Spanish songs from preschool and very imaginative. Mac is insanely busy with work and school. Still finding time to be the world's greatest dad and husband.
Enjoy the picture montage.. disclaimer.. I had to use the free music.. but it's interesting and a little funny!
Enjoy the picture montage.. disclaimer.. I had to use the free music.. but it's interesting and a little funny!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Super Mom?
I am reading the devotion the Power of a Positive Mom (along with the many other devotionals I frequent). Today's thought brought together many weeks of lessons and struggles for me, so I wanted to share. The passage referenced was Judges 7:2-4 where the Lord said to Gideon that he had too many warriors to fight the Midianites. That they would not recognize God power in the situation, if he fought with that many. So, he said basically... if you are not up to this.. go on home. And 22,000 of them went home. Then he was left with 10,000 and God said that there were still too many. The story goes on to narrow it down to a rediculously small number and the God gave them the victory, because it was won in HIS strength. The devotion this morning was relating that to super-moms and how this is NOT an image that God created. Rather an image that prideful man has come up with to make ourselves greater. But yet, such an easy trap to get into. The Pastor at my church talked about Spiritual Pride this week. I am coming to realize how many areas Spiritual pride can permeate.. and it is NOT honoring to the Lord to exalt yourself. We are only truly great when the greatness is in the Lord's strength. When we are not seeking him truly to give us the strength to do EVERYTHING in our lives, then we are doing it in our own strength. POWERFUL. You think about stories of David and Goliath, Peter walking on water, Noah, Ester, Paul.. none of these are marked by strength or glory that they were able to produce.. it was all in the strength and the power of our all powerful God, who wants to do immeasurablable more than we can ever imagine. Ephesians 3:14 - 21 We have to WALK by the Spirit of God as it says in Galatians 5: 16 - 26.. anything else leads to envy, conciet and pride. Colosians 3:17 comes to mind of "Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to GOD the Father through Him." To sum up everything we do in life, being a mommy, teacher, employee, student, wife, husband, father, church worker, etc... has to be done in the power of the Lord! Live in that and great victories will be won for Christ!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Important information for Children's Safety
This was sent to us by the Housing Dept. at the Seminary. It's good information for everyone to have in keeping your kids safe!
To: All Occupants of Campus Housing
On Wednesday, August 27th, The Town of Wake Forest sent the following e-mail.
From: Crabtree, Bill
Sent: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:59 am
Subject: E-Alert - POLICE INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT AT HOLDING PARK
On Sunday, August 24 Wake Forest police questioned a man at Holding Park, 133 West Owen Avenue, after reports that he had been asking parents at the park if he could push their children on the swings.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the man is a registered sex offender in Tennessee=2 0following a conviction in 1987 for taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Since the man was convicted and served his sentence prior to the creation of the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry in 1996, he is not required by North Carolina law to register as a sex offender in this state, nor is he required to follow the restrictions of a registered sex offender. He remains registered as a sex offender in the State of Tennessee, however, because their laws differ from North Carolina’s laws.
Wake Forest police say Sunday’s incident should serve as a reminder for parents, grandparents, and caregivers that when they’re not around, even for a moment, and a stranger approaches their child, it is important for the child to know what to do.
Experts say parents should approach the subject of safety in a non-threatening way. Children should be taught to be cautious and recognize potentially harmful situations. The key is to help them feel empowered and to encourage them to develop and trust their intuition. Open communication between parents and children is critical. Parents should encourage their children to talk to them when something is bothering them.
According to former FBI agent Clint Van Zandt, who lectures on child and family safety issues, here are 10 safety tips every parent should know:
The key is communication: It is important to talk openly with your children about all safety issues, including what to do in a potential abduction situation.
Knowledge is power: Talk to your children about the rules pertaining to strangers. Let them know a stranger or predator looks just like any other person and will use any number of ways to lure a child. Remember, the vast number of children who are victimized know their assailants.
Know the common predator lures: pretending to look for a lost pet; asking the child for directions; giving or promising candy and/or money if the child will go to their car; and, threatening to hurt family members if the child does not comply. When your child hears this, know that it's time to run!
Never label clothing, backpacks, or other personal items such as jewelry with your child's name. A predator will use this information to try to gain your child's trust. (Place the label inside the object and/or use the child's initials or some design for easy identification.)
Give your children instructions on what to do if they get separated from you in a mall, supermarket or any other public place. Tell them to first find a mother with children or any woman and let them know they are lost. Also they can go to a check-out counter, information desk, or approach a police officer.
Make sure that your child knows his or her full name, address, and phone number and the phone number for the place where you work or how to contact you. They also need to know how to dial 911, make collect calls, and dial the operator on a pay phone.
Know where your children are at all times, and keep a list of their friend's names, addresses and phone numbers and remember to update your children's records including a photo every 6-12 months. Be aware of overnight parties unless you personally know and trust the teens and adults living and having access to that home.
Trust your own instincts— if you don't feel good about a person, keep your child away from that person.
Practice, practice, practice: Going over this information once with your children is not enough! You need to continue to rehearse and “role play” to make the learning permanent so your child can react properly when under pressure.
If your child is missing, try not to panic. First, check everywhere in the house, then check with your neighbors and your child's friends. If you still cannot locate them, call the police immediately. Remember, there is no waiting period required to report a missing child to the police.
Van Zandt also offers the following Safety Tips for Children:
Do not get into any car unless your parents personally tell you to. Also, stay away from anyone who follows you on foot or in a car. You do not need to (and should not) go near a car to talk to the people inside.
Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.
Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).” Remember to “yell, bite, kick, and run.”
You should use the “buddy system” and never go places alone. Always ask your parents' permission to leave the yard/play area or to go over to someone's home and especially always ask permission before you go into someone's home.
Never, never hitchhike! Do not try to get a ride with people unless your parents have told you it's okay to do so. If you are approached at a bus stop by someone who wants to take you away, run instead to a neighbor's house.
People should not ask you to keep a special secret. If they do, tell your parents or teacher. Also, tell anyone who wants to take your picture, “No,” and quickly tell your parents or teacher.
No one should touch you on the parts of the body covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private.
You can be assertive and you have the right to say “No” to someone, including adults and even relatives or friends who try to take you somewhere against your will, touch you, or who makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.
Many parents use a special code word that only the child knows to convey a message should someone other than a parent ask a child to accompany them anywhere. If the special code word is ever compromised, simply agree to a new word with your child.
Have a special yell. It is low, loud and long. It tells the person trying to hurt the child, “I know what to do! I'm not an easy victim!” It tells everyone within the sound of the child's voice, “I need help!” It gets the child going, it breaks the “spell.” A child should not panic and freeze, thereby becoming immobile in an emergency. When you yell, you take a deep breath, getting oxygen and energy to your brain and muscles. One's own yell can give a person courage— and can get20feet moving when someone need to run away!
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16659486/
These and other personal, family and child safety information as well as free access to all known state and local sexual predator data lists can be found at www.livesecure.org.
To: All Occupants of Campus Housing
On Wednesday, August 27th, The Town of Wake Forest sent the following e-mail.
From: Crabtree, Bill
Sent: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:59 am
Subject: E-Alert - POLICE INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT AT HOLDING PARK
On Sunday, August 24 Wake Forest police questioned a man at Holding Park, 133 West Owen Avenue, after reports that he had been asking parents at the park if he could push their children on the swings.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the man is a registered sex offender in Tennessee=2 0following a conviction in 1987 for taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Since the man was convicted and served his sentence prior to the creation of the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry in 1996, he is not required by North Carolina law to register as a sex offender in this state, nor is he required to follow the restrictions of a registered sex offender. He remains registered as a sex offender in the State of Tennessee, however, because their laws differ from North Carolina’s laws.
Wake Forest police say Sunday’s incident should serve as a reminder for parents, grandparents, and caregivers that when they’re not around, even for a moment, and a stranger approaches their child, it is important for the child to know what to do.
Experts say parents should approach the subject of safety in a non-threatening way. Children should be taught to be cautious and recognize potentially harmful situations. The key is to help them feel empowered and to encourage them to develop and trust their intuition. Open communication between parents and children is critical. Parents should encourage their children to talk to them when something is bothering them.
According to former FBI agent Clint Van Zandt, who lectures on child and family safety issues, here are 10 safety tips every parent should know:
The key is communication: It is important to talk openly with your children about all safety issues, including what to do in a potential abduction situation.
Knowledge is power: Talk to your children about the rules pertaining to strangers. Let them know a stranger or predator looks just like any other person and will use any number of ways to lure a child. Remember, the vast number of children who are victimized know their assailants.
Know the common predator lures: pretending to look for a lost pet; asking the child for directions; giving or promising candy and/or money if the child will go to their car; and, threatening to hurt family members if the child does not comply. When your child hears this, know that it's time to run!
Never label clothing, backpacks, or other personal items such as jewelry with your child's name. A predator will use this information to try to gain your child's trust. (Place the label inside the object and/or use the child's initials or some design for easy identification.)
Give your children instructions on what to do if they get separated from you in a mall, supermarket or any other public place. Tell them to first find a mother with children or any woman and let them know they are lost. Also they can go to a check-out counter, information desk, or approach a police officer.
Make sure that your child knows his or her full name, address, and phone number and the phone number for the place where you work or how to contact you. They also need to know how to dial 911, make collect calls, and dial the operator on a pay phone.
Know where your children are at all times, and keep a list of their friend's names, addresses and phone numbers and remember to update your children's records including a photo every 6-12 months. Be aware of overnight parties unless you personally know and trust the teens and adults living and having access to that home.
Trust your own instincts— if you don't feel good about a person, keep your child away from that person.
Practice, practice, practice: Going over this information once with your children is not enough! You need to continue to rehearse and “role play” to make the learning permanent so your child can react properly when under pressure.
If your child is missing, try not to panic. First, check everywhere in the house, then check with your neighbors and your child's friends. If you still cannot locate them, call the police immediately. Remember, there is no waiting period required to report a missing child to the police.
Van Zandt also offers the following Safety Tips for Children:
Do not get into any car unless your parents personally tell you to. Also, stay away from anyone who follows you on foot or in a car. You do not need to (and should not) go near a car to talk to the people inside.
Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.
Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).” Remember to “yell, bite, kick, and run.”
You should use the “buddy system” and never go places alone. Always ask your parents' permission to leave the yard/play area or to go over to someone's home and especially always ask permission before you go into someone's home.
Never, never hitchhike! Do not try to get a ride with people unless your parents have told you it's okay to do so. If you are approached at a bus stop by someone who wants to take you away, run instead to a neighbor's house.
People should not ask you to keep a special secret. If they do, tell your parents or teacher. Also, tell anyone who wants to take your picture, “No,” and quickly tell your parents or teacher.
No one should touch you on the parts of the body covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private.
You can be assertive and you have the right to say “No” to someone, including adults and even relatives or friends who try to take you somewhere against your will, touch you, or who makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.
Many parents use a special code word that only the child knows to convey a message should someone other than a parent ask a child to accompany them anywhere. If the special code word is ever compromised, simply agree to a new word with your child.
Have a special yell. It is low, loud and long. It tells the person trying to hurt the child, “I know what to do! I'm not an easy victim!” It tells everyone within the sound of the child's voice, “I need help!” It gets the child going, it breaks the “spell.” A child should not panic and freeze, thereby becoming immobile in an emergency. When you yell, you take a deep breath, getting oxygen and energy to your brain and muscles. One's own yell can give a person courage— and can get20feet moving when someone need to run away!
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16659486/
These and other personal, family and child safety information as well as free access to all known state and local sexual predator data lists can be found at www.livesecure.org.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
So many good memories
Wow! It took me way too long to get this done, as there are still pictures from May on this show. We have had a great couple of months. The Lord has continued to bless us beyond measure. Mac has started back to NRCA and Seminary. So, life has gotten in the "NUTS" catagory again. Vivian is all of 3. She is declaring her independence in so many ways, but she is learning to temper things with the way that God sees things. She is so imaginative and fun! We laugh constantly. Brantley is growing like crazy. Already in 18 months clothes! Yes, he hasn't even turned 8 months yet. He is cruizing around in his own crawling way. LOVES to laugh and snuggle. We have such a great time. Dawn is starting tomorrow on her journey back into teaching. She has accepted a 3 year old position at Vivian's new preschool. It will be a big transition for all, so please pray. This is a lengthy slide show of the last few months. We will post more of Vivian's birthday and such soon. Love to all!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Fun You Tube Video
Ok.. this was way too funny not to share. I guess I know the time is coming soon we will be seeing scenes like this.. minus the accent. So worth the watch. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM
SO funny!Just copy and paste.. I can't figure out how to make it show up on the blog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM
SO funny!Just copy and paste.. I can't figure out how to make it show up on the blog.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Locks of Love
Today is a GREAT day! I went today and had my hair CHOPPED off .. but for a GREAT cause. I completed the process of donating to Locks of Love. It's an organization that makes head pieces for children who suffer from long term or permanent hair loss. I am thrilled to think that I will be able to help a child who has suffered so much. Here are the before.. extreme frizz alert.. no hair products are allowed the day you donate. ... and after pictures in a montage. I just have to say thank you Lord for bringing me to my stylist, Tammy at the Hair Cuttery (now called Famous Hair) in the Lowes Food Shopping Center. She comes HIGHLY recommended. They are VERY affordable.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Another long overdue update!
Update: We had a wonderful Visit to Charlotte with family. They gave me the Royal treatment and Vivian had a blast with her cousin Missy! She even discovered a new love of the bouncy blow up things. I really have to figure out the official name of those. My friends threw me a very special luncheon (Thanks girls.. you ROCK!) and then my wonderful hubby took me to my favorite, The Melting Pot. It was an amazing birthday. My friend from high school, Robin, and her son, Camden came for a wonderful visit. Pictures below of our trip to Pullen Park. The kids had a BLAST! We had a wonderful time together.. priceless friend. You will also see a few pictures of Brantley's first time rolling over. Also, we had a very special visit with my Aunt Winnie and Uncle Terry. They treated Vivian to her first icecream man icecream. She at the WHOLE thing. YIKES! They showered us with love! Thanks Aunt Winnie and Uncle Terry! There is a quick shot of the Women's retreat I went to. We were having dinner at a wonderful place in Blowing Rock with some dear friends. We also did the Walk For Life for the Pregnancy Support Services. They raised $41, 778. We have to just say how wonderful it is to serve a God who cares about every little detail of our lives. About 2 weeks ago, I was researching a place to have Vivian's 3rd birthday party. I wanted to try to have her party at one of those bouncy blowup places nearby and then go back to mom and dad's house for cake and pizza. Well, it was pretty pricey.. especially looking at the fact that we struggle every month just to meet our bills. After a little research, the thought was quickly dismissed for financial reasons, after alot of discussion trying to figure it out. At the walk, they were drawing names for people who had raised over $200. They called our name and Mac went up there and came back with a BIG thing of bubbles. I thought.. how neat. That should last Vivian a while. FUN! Then we noticed an envelope on it that just said, "Jump it up". We both got big eyed as we opened the envelope and it was a gift certificate for up to 10 kids to play for a scheduled session between now and the end of the year. I got teary! Thank you LORD! Can you tell we have had a busy month? It's been so good. We are so blessed with wonderful friends and amazing provisions from the Lord. VERY precious memories. Enjoy!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Catching up on the last 2 months!
Hello Everyone!
Wow! It's been a crazy couple of months. I just spent over an hour working on organizing photos that I had randomly placed in my computer just to get them off the card.. not as safe to store there. The Lord has been working in miraculous ways in our lives. There is so much I want to share, but really doubt I have that much more nap time, but I wanted to get some pictures on for your viewing pleasure. I wanted to thank you for your prayers during these first few months with Brantley. They have been such a blessed and wonderful time. I find myself having to be more organized and yet more flexible. Which is really a strange combination. The biggest thing to mention is the move on our hearts lately in regards to ministry. When people asked, "what are you going to seminary for?". We would say, "missions". Well, we both feel the Lord is going to lay out more of His plan for us in the next year. We have already begun to see some defintion on things. We are starting to consider things that Mac and I have PASSIONATELY said, "NO WAY!" to. I should have known not to be so passionately against anything. Because our most recent conversations have been geared toward thinking, praying and gathering LOTS of information about such things. I apologize for the vagueness, but I do ask that you would pray for us as we continue to define these things in our lives. We are under some time restraints and feel the Lord will really reveal some stuff in the next few weeks. PLEASE pray hard for us during this time that we will make all the decisions that GOD wants us to make on FAITH.. not on what we know or can see.
Vivian update: She is entering a whole new era of her life. She is SO imaginative. The stories she tells and the imaginative play.. ROCKS!!! It is so incredibly cute. She is more enthralled that ever with books. Her favorite story is from the Bible and she asks to read it EVERY day.. it is the story of the Fall of man in Genesis.. in the Beginner's Bible it is called the Sneaky Snake. It has been a very timely interest as we continue to see more of her sinful nature come out in what most would call the "terrible two's". I am hesitant to call it that in that it truly is balanced with so much good and cuteness. She is developing more of her personality and learning so much every day! She is quite the talker and loves to have very grown-up conversations. We are learning that it is our journey and walk with the Lord that is the best teacher for her. Talking to her about our weakness and confessing sin in prayer with her has been such a wonderful time that God truly takes something bad and turns it into something wonderful. She is getting extremely good at going to the potty. As Elmo says, "listen to your body, otherwise you might have an accident". We say that alot these days.
Brantley update: He is cooing and smiling.. it will steal any heart that is close by. He is still very laid back, but developing his own personality in what he likes and doesn't like. He hold very cute conversation with us in his own precious language. He is starting to reach for things and LOVES to look and listen to his sister.. as she loves to be with him!
Mac update: Still plugging away at Seminary and Work and Family. We are both working on getting back into shape with regular exercise and diet. He is off for Spring Break, so we are LOVING the time together.
Dawn update: Learning so much. LOVING being a mommy more and more everyday! I am starting to put flyers up to try to start tutoring. I am exercising and dieting... lifestyle changing as Weight Watchers would say. We are truly doing that. The Lord is getting my attention in so many areas. I find myself busier than I have ever been. One child always seems to need my attention and many times both at the same time, but we are all learning a little patience.
So, all that to say.. God has been so faithful and we praise Him for all the blessings He has given us in so many ways. Now for some pictures.
Wow! It's been a crazy couple of months. I just spent over an hour working on organizing photos that I had randomly placed in my computer just to get them off the card.. not as safe to store there. The Lord has been working in miraculous ways in our lives. There is so much I want to share, but really doubt I have that much more nap time, but I wanted to get some pictures on for your viewing pleasure. I wanted to thank you for your prayers during these first few months with Brantley. They have been such a blessed and wonderful time. I find myself having to be more organized and yet more flexible. Which is really a strange combination. The biggest thing to mention is the move on our hearts lately in regards to ministry. When people asked, "what are you going to seminary for?". We would say, "missions". Well, we both feel the Lord is going to lay out more of His plan for us in the next year. We have already begun to see some defintion on things. We are starting to consider things that Mac and I have PASSIONATELY said, "NO WAY!" to. I should have known not to be so passionately against anything. Because our most recent conversations have been geared toward thinking, praying and gathering LOTS of information about such things. I apologize for the vagueness, but I do ask that you would pray for us as we continue to define these things in our lives. We are under some time restraints and feel the Lord will really reveal some stuff in the next few weeks. PLEASE pray hard for us during this time that we will make all the decisions that GOD wants us to make on FAITH.. not on what we know or can see.
Vivian update: She is entering a whole new era of her life. She is SO imaginative. The stories she tells and the imaginative play.. ROCKS!!! It is so incredibly cute. She is more enthralled that ever with books. Her favorite story is from the Bible and she asks to read it EVERY day.. it is the story of the Fall of man in Genesis.. in the Beginner's Bible it is called the Sneaky Snake. It has been a very timely interest as we continue to see more of her sinful nature come out in what most would call the "terrible two's". I am hesitant to call it that in that it truly is balanced with so much good and cuteness. She is developing more of her personality and learning so much every day! She is quite the talker and loves to have very grown-up conversations. We are learning that it is our journey and walk with the Lord that is the best teacher for her. Talking to her about our weakness and confessing sin in prayer with her has been such a wonderful time that God truly takes something bad and turns it into something wonderful. She is getting extremely good at going to the potty. As Elmo says, "listen to your body, otherwise you might have an accident". We say that alot these days.
Brantley update: He is cooing and smiling.. it will steal any heart that is close by. He is still very laid back, but developing his own personality in what he likes and doesn't like. He hold very cute conversation with us in his own precious language. He is starting to reach for things and LOVES to look and listen to his sister.. as she loves to be with him!
Mac update: Still plugging away at Seminary and Work and Family. We are both working on getting back into shape with regular exercise and diet. He is off for Spring Break, so we are LOVING the time together.
Dawn update: Learning so much. LOVING being a mommy more and more everyday! I am starting to put flyers up to try to start tutoring. I am exercising and dieting... lifestyle changing as Weight Watchers would say. We are truly doing that. The Lord is getting my attention in so many areas. I find myself busier than I have ever been. One child always seems to need my attention and many times both at the same time, but we are all learning a little patience.
So, all that to say.. God has been so faithful and we praise Him for all the blessings He has given us in so many ways. Now for some pictures.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
A month of fun and excitement!
This last month has been a journey. Vivian has been learning what it means to be a big sister. I think she likes and has adjusted to the idea.. in most ways. She had the most trouble with the idea of Brantley sleeping in our room, but she is at peace with that. For a while, she was getting up more than Brantley, every night. Mac and I are learning teamwork on a whole new level. Going to the store is a true planned event. We go through a checklist of items.. and yet we still forget things. It's truly amazing the brainpower parents have to use having 2 kids. I can't even imagine how 3+ kids would look like. We are loving every minute of it!
Brantley has started to develop his personality. He is still incredibly laid back... as he proved again today as his sister piled blankets and clothes on top of him in the swing and he just sat there and didn't make a peep. Mac is a WONDERFUL father. I love watching him be this amazing man, who loves his kids with truly an awesome love that can only come from the Lord. He is such a willing servant to myself and the kids. Can you tell I am proud to have him as my husband? It's really amazing when you go through times like this you realize just how much the Lord has prepared your path for the journey you are on. We had an incident last weekend. The faucet mounted water filter started spraying water after we went to bed and flooded most rooms in our house. Praise the Lord Brantley woke us up at 2. We didn't have damage to our furniture, but the flooring was toast. Housing sent in a crew on Monday morning to rip up all the carpet in the apartment.. which you guessed it.. everything had to be moved. We threw stuff in crates and in 2 days redid all the flooring in our apartment. We are still going through stuff, but it has been another grand opportunity to purge. We LOVE our new floors. We have laminate flooring in most of the living areas and halls and the bedrooms have a great burbur carpet. It is truly a blessing in disguise. I could tell you so many things that as we were doing this crazy event how the Lord had prepared us for it. Small things that you take for granted, but were so crucial. For example, the fact that we had purged TONS of stuff this summer in prep. for the baby and had tons of containers.. that were very handy for getting our stuff in moveable form. Also, Mac had borrowed a carpet cleaner to do our floors and we were able to get excess water up to prevent damaging furniture. It is just awesome how the Lord has given strength beyong comprehension and peace in chaos. Normally, this kind of event would have sent Vivian into what I affectionately call "chaos mode". But she handled it beautifully. In fact, she continued to come back to normal during this time. It really has made us all closer. If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that ripping out all the carpets in the house would be a blessing, I would have laughed. Now I rejoice at what a powerful wonderful God we serve. Brantley has also handled it well. I will post pictures of our new floors after we finish unpacking, but I did want to get some pictures of the last month up for you to see.
Brantley has started to develop his personality. He is still incredibly laid back... as he proved again today as his sister piled blankets and clothes on top of him in the swing and he just sat there and didn't make a peep. Mac is a WONDERFUL father. I love watching him be this amazing man, who loves his kids with truly an awesome love that can only come from the Lord. He is such a willing servant to myself and the kids. Can you tell I am proud to have him as my husband? It's really amazing when you go through times like this you realize just how much the Lord has prepared your path for the journey you are on. We had an incident last weekend. The faucet mounted water filter started spraying water after we went to bed and flooded most rooms in our house. Praise the Lord Brantley woke us up at 2. We didn't have damage to our furniture, but the flooring was toast. Housing sent in a crew on Monday morning to rip up all the carpet in the apartment.. which you guessed it.. everything had to be moved. We threw stuff in crates and in 2 days redid all the flooring in our apartment. We are still going through stuff, but it has been another grand opportunity to purge. We LOVE our new floors. We have laminate flooring in most of the living areas and halls and the bedrooms have a great burbur carpet. It is truly a blessing in disguise. I could tell you so many things that as we were doing this crazy event how the Lord had prepared us for it. Small things that you take for granted, but were so crucial. For example, the fact that we had purged TONS of stuff this summer in prep. for the baby and had tons of containers.. that were very handy for getting our stuff in moveable form. Also, Mac had borrowed a carpet cleaner to do our floors and we were able to get excess water up to prevent damaging furniture. It is just awesome how the Lord has given strength beyong comprehension and peace in chaos. Normally, this kind of event would have sent Vivian into what I affectionately call "chaos mode". But she handled it beautifully. In fact, she continued to come back to normal during this time. It really has made us all closer. If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that ripping out all the carpets in the house would be a blessing, I would have laughed. Now I rejoice at what a powerful wonderful God we serve. Brantley has also handled it well. I will post pictures of our new floors after we finish unpacking, but I did want to get some pictures of the last month up for you to see.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year
We are having fun adjusting to Brantley moving in. Today, I, Dawn, had the chance to experience what so many people have warned me about in having a boy. I was changing his diaper and all of a sudden the poop was coming out everywhere, so I started troubleshooting to minimize the mess and all of a sudden out of no where pee was flying EVERYWHERE. I do mean flying. It was nuts! I just had to laugh it was crazy! He is definately fun to have around. I just can't seem to kiss him enough. He is such a cutie! Vivian is adjusting well. We have had lots of opportunities to talk to her about when she was born. She is testing many waters, but generally she is just taking it all in and really loving her baby brother. She likes to hold him and is very into her babies and mimicing mommy in everyway. She has been making us laugh as much as she always does. She is quite the character. I am putting a montage of more pictures taken the last few days. We feel so blessed and overwhelmed by the miracle of life. The Lord is so good! Mac and I have had many laughs also just enjoying all parts of life. It's been a fun journey! Happy New Year!
Friday, December 28, 2007
BRANTLEY IS HERE!!!
Hey Everyone!
Thank you for your prayers! Brantley finally arrived. After being admitted due to blood pressure and other factors, they decided to induce. We were so glad to have our suitcase in the car. We were admitted at 12 noon and had Brantley in our arms at 8:39 PM. He is 8 pounds 10.5 oz, 21 inches long and VERY healthy. He has brownish, blondish, redish hair. So, the jury is still out on what that will end up. He has blue eyes. We pushed for 30 minutes and had very little tearing. We feel so blessed. He is eating like a champ and is so laid back. Vivian is very proud of her baby brother. Enjoy the slideshow of the journey on 12/27/2007.... Brantley's birthday. Thank you for all your prayers.
Thank you for your prayers! Brantley finally arrived. After being admitted due to blood pressure and other factors, they decided to induce. We were so glad to have our suitcase in the car. We were admitted at 12 noon and had Brantley in our arms at 8:39 PM. He is 8 pounds 10.5 oz, 21 inches long and VERY healthy. He has brownish, blondish, redish hair. So, the jury is still out on what that will end up. He has blue eyes. We pushed for 30 minutes and had very little tearing. We feel so blessed. He is eating like a champ and is so laid back. Vivian is very proud of her baby brother. Enjoy the slideshow of the journey on 12/27/2007.... Brantley's birthday. Thank you for all your prayers.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Christmas Fun
We have had a busy fun Christmas! We are excited about the arrival of our son that should be here any day now. We will keep you posted. Enjoy some pictures and videos of our girl. Merry Christmas! Make sure your sound is turned up.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Things are Buzzing
We have been in HIGH get ready for baby mode. This week has been dedicated to rearranging and getting ready. Fun, but lots to do. We saw the doctor today and everything is progressing nicely. We also took the birth center tour, which made it even more real. If you are looking at the time stamp, you are realizing.. I am not sleeping so good. Tonight, I just gave up and decided to come and get some things done. Can you say NESTING! I am sure tomorrow/today I will be feeling it. The pain seems to come and go. I am very thankful for the break. This is really a neat part of the pregnancy. You know it won't be long until you hold this precious gift in your hands and praise God for the incredible miracle of life. With another child in the picture, it adds so much to this time. The other night, Vivian was laying on my tummy. It was just such a sweet time of her loving on me and her brother at the same time. I feel she will do great with the adjustment. Mac and I feel so blessed to have both of our children and just feel God is completeing something very beautiful in our lives by giving us these kids. It certainly keeps us on our toes.
This past month has been a fun one. We started out the month with a nice visit with my brother and his girlfriend, Anita. It was so cool to watch the bonding happen between them and Vivian. She talks about them pretty much everyday. We have explained that he and Anita are in Germany. So, now when she sees a plane she likes to talk about either Uncle Mike or Nana. It's cool how even with the distance, he can still be a very real part of her life. Then we moved through a couple weeks of illness. A cold was passed to all 3 of us. I am pretty much the only one left fighting.. only because mine turned into a sinus infection. Vivian is still loving preschool. Her teachers are amazing and incredible. Think about it.. a room of 2 year old children.. yikes! They are so creative and do such a great job with helping her grow and learn. Tomorrow is our first class party. As a person with experience (on the teacher's side) of class parties. I am very much looking forward to being the parent volunteer that shows up. I plan to post pictures of a catch up of the last few weeks soon. Please start praying for a smooth, easy delivery. Also, pray for the adjustment that lies ahead. Thanks!
This past month has been a fun one. We started out the month with a nice visit with my brother and his girlfriend, Anita. It was so cool to watch the bonding happen between them and Vivian. She talks about them pretty much everyday. We have explained that he and Anita are in Germany. So, now when she sees a plane she likes to talk about either Uncle Mike or Nana. It's cool how even with the distance, he can still be a very real part of her life. Then we moved through a couple weeks of illness. A cold was passed to all 3 of us. I am pretty much the only one left fighting.. only because mine turned into a sinus infection. Vivian is still loving preschool. Her teachers are amazing and incredible. Think about it.. a room of 2 year old children.. yikes! They are so creative and do such a great job with helping her grow and learn. Tomorrow is our first class party. As a person with experience (on the teacher's side) of class parties. I am very much looking forward to being the parent volunteer that shows up. I plan to post pictures of a catch up of the last few weeks soon. Please start praying for a smooth, easy delivery. Also, pray for the adjustment that lies ahead. Thanks!
Monday, October 29, 2007
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