Andrew Quotes

Here are some of my favorite things this little guy has said recently. 

"Mommy, your the best mommy I've ever had."

"Can you ask Daddy to come cuddle me? Cause he is my best buddy I have ever seen."

"Mommy, can I have a boy tea set? One that is for boys... And no girls allowed?"

(Just walking out of the barber shop)

(A) "Mommy, I look fancy."   

(Me) "Yes you do bubbie! You look so fancy"   

(A) "Thanks.  Thanks for my hair cut mommy."

(Randomly) "I just noticed that I like it when Bampi reads me books."

Happy 5th Birthday Katie!

Happy 5th Birthday to sweet Katie Pops!! We are so in love with this little bundle of spunk. Katie loves life with every ounce of her being. She is all smiles, songs, laughter, fun and creative theatrics. Everyday is a new adventure with Katie. We love her singing and she sings her way through the day making up worship songs and also just any kind of songs. She recently learned the words to All I Have is Christ.  It is her favorite song and she sings it all the time. I love her love for worship and pray it continues to grow!

This has been such a fun school year with Katie. She has learned to read and print. I love teaching her because she is so egar to learn anything and everything. It was qick and easy to teach her to read, and she can sit and concentrate for an abnormally long time. She says she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. I pray whatever she becomes she will shine love from the Lord to all around her. I pray the Lord will use her in mighty ways for increasing His heavenly kingdom and to glorify himself. Katie, we love you more than words can say and we are so amazed by the sweet, compassionate and caring little girl you are!

Thankful!

These two were sick through thanksgiving. We still had a great thanksgiving with G-ma here, with lots of turkey and other wonderful food. Kalena braved through a temperature of 104 last night like a champ. I was so proud of her and they way she handled it.

G-ma, Daddy, Andrew and Katie went to get the Christmas tree today and Kalena and Sara stayed with me. They had never before seen a hideaway bed come out of a couch. I had never before had reason to take the bed out, or thought to even to explain that it was there.  I was setting them up to watch a movie, and decided to pull the hideaway bed out for them to lay on together. Their reaction was priceless. At first they were confused... What was I talking about and why was I taking the couch pillows off.... turning the couch into a bed? It seemed so wierd.  Then when I pulled the bed out and unfolded it to reveal a beautiful full mattress their reaction was so sweet. They just gasped in silence and looked at each other amazed. It was so simple and silly on one hand, but one of those sweet moments I will always remember. I can't put into words how much I love my kids and love watching them learn and explore. I feel so blessed this thanksgiving that God has given me these four wonderful children that are such treasures. I am truly loving and cherishing each moment of their childhood and I wish it would last forever. I am one SEARIOUSLY blessed Mamma!

Womans Retreat

Jen W did an amazing job teaching on Biblical  friendship at our NC Woman's Retreat. Gospel humility in friendships= getting the focus off yourself and always considering others above and before yourself. It was an amazing time with some really amazing women. I fell so increadibly blessed!!

Sammy is One!

Art Wall

Every once in a while the school displayes some art in the office. We are not the most artistically bent family, in terms of printed art. I don't even check the board. But a friend emailed me these photos. We got on the board! Way to go Kalena! 

This makes me think about the searies our pastor is doing right now about spiritual gifts. It has been so eye opening and refreshing to learn so much about the gifts and using them. Some of my favorite things I've been reminded of: If we are not using our gifts, the body of Christ does not function properly. Your gifts are not a gift to you to sit back and admire, but they are accually a gift to the church. We say "my spiritual gifting" but it's not yours at all. It is ment to be for others. 

Spiritual gifts are not your natural talents. Although your talents can be used for the Lord, spiritual gifts are clearly stated in scripture. Music abilities, physical abilities ect are talents from the Lord and can be used in conjunction with your gifts, but are not your gifts. Also, the gifts of toungues, healing and miracles were all mentioned in the first era of the very first church in order for people to know the power behind the gospel, but then Paul does not mention them again as he further instructs churches. If they were to be still practiced, there is no way he would have left them out of his comprhensive teachings on the subject. These miraculous gifts would have been among the ones he listed. I was glad to get complete clarity on that subject. Although I didn't explain it all well just now, Jon did do a fabulous job of explaining it. I am so thankful for Jon and Kent and my amazing husband, who so faithfully study God's Word so people like me can understand it. I thank God for all the resources we have to truly study and understand what God is saying to us. I am also thankful that He gives us what we need to be a part of His church and to thrive in it... And it makes no difference if you are a one gift or a many gifted one. Striving with everything you have to use whatever he has given you for His glory is the goal. 

Kalena, this is beautiful. It is also beautiful to watch how hard you work everyday to do your best with what God has given you. I love you.

Paintings

Katie's art today. A fixer machine, cleaning machine, and a house builder. I love everyday doing preschool with this little one! 

Fall 2014

Fight Anger with Proverbs!

Verses to fight anger:

Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor.

Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18  A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Proverbs 19:11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Proverbs 19:19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.

Proverbs 22:24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man,

Proverbs 29:8 Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger.

Proverbs 30:33 For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife.

Trip to Kaz!

Kalena and Justin got to go to Kazakhstan for 8 days. They were able to connect with the Church there and get a better feel for how our church can help the church there. We love the people there and want to encourage them in any and every way we can! Kalena had a great time and even got to celebrate her 8th birthday there! It was a birthday she will never forget!

Best day of Summer 2014.

This is the last picture of Katie in her purple cast. Katie had her cast removal appointment and then we went strait to the airport to pick up daddy and Kalena who have been in Kazakhstan for a week. It was the "best day ever!" She could not wait to get out of this cast even though it was very beautiful. Praise the Lord for our bones and their ability to heal.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Our sweet little house guest turned two!! We love her sweet smile and her contagious giggles! 

Worship Recital

We love our piano teacher Stacy. We just had our first recital and it was so fun to worship along with the kids as they played for us! I love that it was not about the kids. It was about making music to the Lord. 

Superman Saves the Ballerinas!

Preschool

Katie and I are having so much fun doing preschool! Now that her cast of off and she can use her right arm, we are catching up on all the things we wanted to do for the past two months!

Hiking Eagle Peek