A few pictures

WOW! It's been a long time!

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted anything.Well, actually I can to be totally honest. it's hard to find time during the day to sit for 10 minutes and I'm usually exhausted, sitting on the couch after the girls go to bed. It's hard to get your creative juices flowing after you've been running around with to little people all day.

Anyway, Katelyn is doing great. She is a little ball of energy! I really wish she would give me just a little bit of it. I would be able to get so much done! We've been (slowly) working on her nummbers and alphabet. She can pretty much count to 20 and recognize 1-5. She can say her alphabet and can recognize a,b,c,o, and sometimes d. I'm not super structured with it since I figure she'll be in school for the next 18 years or so so why rush it. I'm enjoying watching her play and use her imagination! Some of the things she comes up with are amazing!

Right now she is into everything princess! She plays in "castle" much of the day and loves to dress up in her Sleeping Beauty dress she wore for Halloween. She loves to be read to. Right now, Berenstein Bears books are her favorite. She does have a couple of Barbie books she likes as well. She enjoys watching Dragon Tales, Caillou, Curious George, and Berenstein Bears (On Demand is our best friend some days).

Caroline is 10 months old!! Can you believe it? Times flies when you're having fun! She just cut two teeth this past wek and is working on another one. When that comes in, she'll have a total of 6 teeth. 4 on top and 2 on bottom. She is all about big people food now. She'll still eat somebaby food, but mainly she wants the real stuff. She loves carrots, peas, turkey, Chik-fil-a chicken, and green beans. She really likes to feed herself too. She does pretty well! A lot gets in her mouth, but some ends up on the floor as well. Oh well! You gotta learn somehow.

She is turning into an independent player. We can go into Katelyn's room to play "castle" and Caroline is just content sitting by herself chewing on Katelyn's dolls or her My Little Ponys. She is fascinated by Katelyn's shoes too. I am constantly taking K's Crocs from her. Dirty shoe + baby's mouth = NASTY!!

Caroline is such a sweet baby. She enjoys being around people and loves to "talk" to you. She smiles all the time and really only cries when she's hurting or hungry. Though I love K to death, it's been much easier this time around. She is crawling all over the place! For a long time she only did the army crawl. It is so adorable! She has only just recently started crawling on her knees, though more often than not she just gives up and goes back to the commando crawl. I don't know if it's easier, faster, both, or whatever. All I know is it makes me smile.

As for Dana and I, things are going well. Dan is trying to finish up this semester in school. He is doing online classes towards his MDiv. This semester he's taking Family Ministry and Ethics. His ethics class has been the basis for some interesting conversations. It's one thing to have opinions on conterversial topics, but it's another to base those opinions on what scripture says. It's changed my thoughts on some topics.

He's also getting things ready for our annual Christmas Ministry Night with the middle schoolers. We take our students all over the city into homeless shelters, crisis centers, and homes of shut-ins to share the love of Christ and throw a Christmas party. It's always such a neat time. Most of the kids talk about it the rest of the year. The middle schoolers are also headed to Miami for their New Years Discipleship trip. They will be helping some neighborhood churches reach out and minister to their communities. I knwo it's going to be an awesome trip!

As for me, last week we wrapped up our fall semester of Mom 2 Mom. I must say I have the best group. We're all very different, but we all mesh really well. We have had some wonderful times of encouragement, shared some laughter and some tears, and just loved on each other. I can't wait until we start meeting again in the spring. I miss my ladies!

I'm also busy co-teaching a 7-8th grade Sunday school class. I have such sweet girls and I'm loving it. We're actually putting on a block party for a lower income apartment complex this weekend. It's been alot of work, but I know God is going to do some awesome things. I'm also gearing up for the holidays. I love Thanksgiving nd Christmas! I love decorating (though I dont do a great job) and cooking and seeing family and friends. I also love buying gifts. There is nothing like seeing the face of someone opening a gift that you really thought about and seeing them smile. I enjoying getting gifts too, but there's nothing like giving a part of yourself away. I can't do as much as I'd like with the economy and all, but I know it's the thought that counts.

Well, I hope that catches you all up on our lives. Hopefully it won't be another 3 months before I post again!

Katelyn is 3!

Katelyn turned 3 a couple of weeks ago. She actually got to have 2 parties this year. He actual birthday was while we were on vacation with Dan's family, so we had a celebration then.

When we got home, we had another party for my family and Katelyn's friends. They had a ball! My parents bought a bouncy house and slide combo and we put up a little kiddie pool and the kids went to town. I must admit that the game Elefun was by far the hit of the party.

Everyday Blessings

Do you ever just sit back and think about all God has blessed you with? In Middle School this past week our Sunday school lesson was on Job. I thought a lot about the blessings in his life, yet how they weren't the basis of his worship of the Lord. So often we (or I should say I) let the little trials (and sometimes big ones too) get in the way of my worship. It's so easy to take the focus off the Father and put it on the problem. That's so not where it needs to be. When I do that, I become selfish and self-centered and I can't truly worship when I'm focused on myself (well I do worship, but I worship myself instead of God).

God is so good to me and my family. Is life easy? In one word, NO. But that doesn't change the face that God is so gracious. It might not be materially, but we have a healthy family, we live near our extended family (which many in ministry cannot say), we have wonderful friends and co-workers. It is more than we could ever ask for or deserve. One of the things I shared with the girls this morning was how God doesn't bring the trials in our lives, but He does allow them. They might be horrible, but God is using those horrible things to make something good. he promised in Rom. 8:28, and He CANNOT lie. That's a huge comfort and peace to me.

I say all of that to make the point that God has shown me that there are blessings even the middle of a trial. It can be easy to look over if you're not paying attention. inners with friends, evenings in the park with your kids, time spent with parents/grandparents, witnessing 41 decisions in a church service on a holiday weekend, and that's just today! Hearing your daughter tell you she loves for you to read to her at night, listening to her pray for her "best friend who was wearing a red shirt," even her complaining she wants to wear a different outfit to dinner (at least she has more than one option).

I challenge you to take a few minutes and think about those little blessing in life. I'd love to hear (well, read) some of the things you're thankful for.

Cookies

Okay, so I'm a bad mom. Today was the first time I have ever made home-made chocolate chip cookies (or any kind of home-made cookie) with my daughter, who is turning 3 next week. I know! Yyou don't have to tell me. I stink at being a stay at hom mom. I should have had her in the kitchen as soona s she could walk! But, at least I did it before her third birthday. If I were to wait any longer I would REALLY be a bad mom (no offense to anyone out here who has not made cookies with their child by the age of three, though I know that is no one).

We documented our progress. I must be honest though. She got kinda bored about half way through so I had to make her come back and stir in the chips and look in oven, etc. But, at least she did it! I must brag on us. They were some of the best cookies I have had in long time!

Story Time

Katelyn was looking for princess Ariel book the other night and couldn't find it anywhere. She finally asked her Daddy for help, who then crawled under the bed and found it in far recesses of the abyss. She was so excited! Dan started to read the book to her and was promptly stopped.



"Daddy, don't read the story, just read the pictures!"



Too funny!

Pictures and the Bum Drum

These pictures are from our latest outing to Portrait Innovations. As you can tell, Katelyn wasn't too pleased to be there as first. we did get some great shots I just thought I'd share these because they are Katelyn to a T.

Another cute story for the day: So Katelyn and I were playing on the floor tonight and she laid down on my stomach. I began to use her bottom as my bongo drums and yell, "I'm playing the bum drum, I'm playing the bum drum!" Katelyn then informs me, "Mom, my booty's not a drum, it's booty!" Gotta love it!

Quick Story

We were at my brother's house this past weekend and Katelyn came running into the room wearing only one of her shoes.

Me: "Katelyn, what happened to your other shoe?"

Katelyn: "Mmmmmoooommm, I'm Cinderella!"

Duh! I guess I should have known!

Surrounded

It seems like I am surrounded by death. Not even thinking about the celebrities who have passed away in the last week or so, it just seems to be everywhere. One of my good friends from high school, Lindsay Murphy lost her little girl yesterday just 1 hour after birth from complications. She never breathed on her own. (You can read her story on forsydney.net)

Then today a sweet girl, just 18 years old, drowned with her 18 month old daughter in a neighborhood pool. Tiffany Sykes Cecconi and her daughter Laylani were such sweet girls. Tiffany grew up at our church and was in the Middle School youth group during Dan's first year as youth pastor. She accepted Christ at her 8th grade camp and grew a lot in that year. She fell in with the wrong friends and fell away from the Lord in high school. She ended up 16 and pregnant. She kept her little girl, though others tried to talk her into putting her up for adoption. Tiffany was a GREAT mother. She took care of that little girl and loved that little girl like no one else. In the last year or so she was starting to turn hr life around. She was coming back to church and repairing broken relationships with her family.

I know God has a plan and a purpose with everything, but sometimes you can't help but wonder, "Why!" I know Tiffany (at least as much as another person can know) and those 2 little girls are with Jesus. If these 2 families pass through your thoughts, please say a prayer for them Dan will be doing part of the service for Tiffany and Kaylani so keep him in your prayers as well.

Hold those little ones a little tighter tonight and tell the people closest to you how you feel. You never know if it will be the last time you have the opportunity.

We were looking at old pictures and I found this one. I just thought it was so cute! Definitely a Katelyn picture.

Hamburgular

We recently bought a new desk from IKEA and Katelyn was excited to help Dan put it together. It is now complete and she is proud of the fact that she was daddy's helper. Today we had a conversation that went like this:

K: "This is the desk I helped Daddy with."

Me: "That's wonderful baby girl!"

K: "Daddy used a screwdriver and I used a screwdriver."

M: "I am so proud of you! You did a great job."

K: "Daddy used a hammer and I used a HAMBURGULAR too!"

Brought back memories of the masked man who tried to steal Ronald McDonald's hamburgers. Oh the joys of learning to talk! :)

The Joys of Raising a Daddy's Girl

After dinner this evening I was playing with Katelyn in her room. She has these foam tile with letters on them that connect together. She wanted to spell her name so I helped her put the tiles in order and she connected them all. We were sitting there going over the letter names when Daddy walked in and sat on her bed. She then proceeds to look at me and say, "Excuse me, Mommy. Daddy is sitting there," as she points to where I am currently sitting. Daddy wasn't the one playing with her or laughing with her or helping her learn. No...he just walks in and Mommy turns to chopped liver. If Dan wasn't such a great Daddy I'd be really ticked off. :)


I am actually very thankful Katelyn is such a Daddy's girl. He is such a wonderful example to her. I couldn't ask for any better, nor could I find it if I was looking (and I'm not). Thanks Dan for being the best daddy in the world!

Memorial Day

What a great day! Dan had the day off so we decided to have a family fun day. After Dan got home from taking Dr. Reid to the airport, we headed to our favorite breakfast spot, University Diner. Very yummy! From there we went and picked up Theresa and headed to Hanna Park. It definitely wasn't as crowded as last Memorial Day but there were a good amount of people. We had so much fun playing in the water park (though they took the submarine with the slide out). From there we headed down to the beach.

We picked the perfect spot. The tide was going out so it created this big pool that was about 18 inches deep so Katelyn loved playing in there without worrying about the waves. She had a blast carrying water back and forth and splashing around with her daddy in the water. Caroline took a little nap in her car seat while all the fun was taking place. After the beach we headed to Sonic for happy hour slushes and tea.

After naps we met up with my parents for dinner at PF Changs, one of my favorite restaurants. We decided to walk around for a little bit then ended the evening at Kilwins for ice cream. It was such a great day.

I don't want anyone to think I forgot the significance of the day. I am so thankful to the men and women who serve our country. I am grateful for the sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I sent my brother, who served almost 21 years in the navy a thank you email. I am so proud of him and his service to our country. Love you Jeff!

I'm posting a link to our pictures from today. I can never figure out how to properly add pictures so this is easier. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed taking them!

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=551916803&k=ZWAZQ3W6PX2DUDMCYF35US

Please Pray

I know there are not a ton of people who read my blog, but for those of you who do, will you please pray for my friend Priscilla and her dad? Her father was just diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer that has spread to his stomach, intestines, back and bones, and without treatment, he has only a few months to live. Her family is very precious to me and I covet your prayers. We have been friends since early elementary school and though we don't see each other often anymore, I still love her and her family.

They are now having to make decisions as a family I could never imagine having to make. Please pray for peace and comfort for them. Pray for wisdom for them and the doctors as they make difficult decisions. Most importantly, please pray for the Lord to heal him. We have a God who is "able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine."

I love you "Wild Man" and you're daily in my prayers!

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Mom,


If I could sum everything up in one sentence, it would have to be that next to my husband, you are my best friend. You listen without condemnation. You get excited with me over the little things in life. You are, and always have been, my biggest cheerleader. Over the years we've had our rough spots but I wouldn't trade you for all the money in the world. I never questioned your love for me or had to wonder if you were proud of me. You are free with your praise and affirmation.


Thank you for always being there. You were at every performance, recital, and concert. I never had to wonder if you were coming. You were always there and invited others as well. You have always cheered us on in whatever endeavors we go after. Thank you for supporting me and my decisions even if they weren't what you would have chosen for me.


Thank you for being my sounding board, where I can just vent and not censor myself. Where I don't have to worry if you're going to think less of me. I know you are going to love me and value me no matter what comes out of my mouth.


Thank you for teaching me about the importance of my faith. I will always remember walking into each of your offices over the years and seeing your Bible on your desk. It was a testimony to those who worked with you and for you. I have always admired how people feel so comfortable coming to you. They know that you have wisdom that comes from the Lord. Thank you for taking to me to church every week and expecting me to listen and pay attention. Dad would let me lean on him and sleep but you never would! :)


I love seeing you with my girls. They are just as much yours as they are mine. Thank you for letting us invade your territory multiple times a week so I can have a little break. Thank you for the love and attention you shower on them. Thank you for taking a chance and stepping into uncomfortable waters when we need it. You know I couldn't do half of what I do at church without you and dad. I never take it for granted. Katelyn and Caroline are blessed to have you!


I love you more than words can express. I only pray that in 25 years Katelyn and Caroline can look at me and feel half as blessed as I do. You are precious to me and I treasure every moment I get to spend with you. I love you!

Lisa,

It's only been over the last 5 years or so that I've had the privilege of calling you mom. Over these years, you have become such a valued part of my life. One of the things I admire most about you is your love of family. You love your boys like nobody's business. You have always accepted them and their friends for who they are, no questions asked. You have supported them and brought them up to be the amazing men they are today. Thank you for pouring truth into them. Thank you for teaching Dan how to handle is money and to be a leader. Thank you for teaching him how to treat a woman. Thank you for being the example in front of him of what it means to work hard and help others.

Thank you for being the epitome of generosity. You give your time above and beyond what most people would without complaint. You give your money and resources to further God's kingdom and to bless those who don't have as much. Thank you for being an example of what God can do when someone is willing.

Thank you for opening your arms and accepting me into your family. I'm sure it must be hard to give your first born son over to another woman. You have never made me feel undeserving or not good enough. Thank you for not criticizing me or looking down on me because I'm not the cook or housekeeper you are. Thank you for loving me and accepting me for me, faults and all. Thank you for being someone I can go to for advice and encouragement. Thank you for being willing to drop things in your life to help us when we need it.

Thank you for being such an example of faith to me. Through numerous job losses and transfers, you have remained sure and steady in your faith. Thank you for teaching me by example that it's God who is in control and He has our best interest at heart. I am so thankful for mother-in-love who loves me. I love you, Lisa!

I love you both!

Marianne

More Easter pictures

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter! The girls looked adorable! I loved their dresses. I don't have a great picture of Katelyn because she decided she didn't want to have her picture taken. Gotta love that. :)
We went home for lunch and naps then all met back at my mom's for dinner and egg hunting. The kids had so much fun! Poor Blake though. My dad purposefully left the grass long so it would be better for hunting eggs. He didn't think about the fact that Blake has littler legs than the others. He had a rough time trekking through the grass, but he did get some eggs and it looked like he had a good time.

Dan's birthday to Disney

We have had a great couple of weeks, though very busy! We had the chance to go down to Disney World for Dan's birthday back on April 28th. We had so much fun! We took advantage of the free Disney day for your birthday. For all 3 of us to go(we left Caroline with my mom) it cost us less than $150 for everything (Food, gas, parking, tickets). It was a blessing. We wanted to celebrate Dan, but also give Katelyn some time when it was about her. We hadn't had much time with just her and us since Caroline was born and every kid needs individual attention. She loved it. We got to meet Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora, which I believe was the highlight of the day for her. She was so cute! She got her monorail driving licence when we rode with the driver. It was just a great day!

Being able to leave Caroline was a huge answer to prayer. I had been so nervous leaving her with my mom because she is not a bottle baby. She HATES the bottle. We tried giving her at least one a day for about the week leading up to us being gone hoping she would get used to it. She just seemed to scream and pitch a fit every time the bottle touched her lips. It is so frustrating! I had backup on-call in case she just screamed all day. A person can only take so much of that! Thankfully, Caroline did great! My mom said she ate well, slept good, and really didn't get that upset all day. That was a HUGE relief to me! You always hate it when you leave your child with someone and they scream the whole time.

Family Night at Chick-fil-a

We love Chick-fil-a. I could end this right here and that would say it all. We eat there at least once a week. I've even thought about sending a video of Katelyn to the headquarters to use in a commercial or something (do they even do TV commercials). Everytime we pass one she yells at the top of her lungs, "Chick-a-lay!"

Anyway, every Tuesday night is family night where they have fun activities for the kids and of course free ice dream and toppings. Last week was supposed to be the little petting zoo. So, I packed up the girls andwe headed out. Once we got there, they told us the animal people had cancelled (probably because it was yucky outside). They still had sidewalk chalk and a man who drew caricatures. For some reason, sidewalk chalk has become Katelyn's newest facination. She loves it! So needless to say, she had a great time. Dan met us for dinner and we had a wonderful evening. We LOVE Chick-fil-a!

Checking out the news with a new friend

Katelyn decided she was going to deface someone else's masterpiece.

Mommy's portrait of Katelyn (I probably should have had 2 bows).

"Len-a-made!"