December 2010

Wow...time flies when you're having fun! We have been busy bee's in the W house. December brought about many blessings.


New Church: God has led our family to NMPC and we are thrilled! We began visiting in August, participated in a "new members" class for 6 weeks and then our family, along with many others, joined on Dec. 5th.

Mary & the Angels

LG FPD Solo: We were thrilled to find out that LG had "auditioned" for a solo in the FPD Christmas Program. She didn't tell us she auditioned, so, we were pleasantly surprised when I got a call from her music teacher stating LG had gotten the part! There were two performances and she sang beautifully...we were so proud! For a little girl who didn't want to walk into her pre-K class to being on stage singing in front of hundreds on strangers in a microphone is amazing! LG, you are truly a blessing to us! We love watching you transform.

Happy Birthday, LG: Our first baby celebrated her 7th Birthday! We celebrated by taking 9 of her friends to the play "Annie." The girls had a blast and at intermission we went outside for LG's doughnut cake :). On her "real" birthday, the four of us had a dinner celebration at El Som...yes, they sang to her and presented her with her sombrero and birthday treat! While on a trip to WalMart, I let LG pick out a bday present and she picked out a babydoll...the fact that she still wanted a baby doll melted my heart...she named her "ChooChoo" and yes, ChooChoo came to dinner with us.

15th Anniversary: We've made it for 15 years. I'm thankful and will tell you it is by the grace of God. Marriage is complex and a daily adventure. Some dear friends invited us on an amazing golf trip to Pebble Beach and our guys actually came in 3rd gross and won $6K for their charity!

Jesus' Birthday: We had a wonderful time celebrating Jesus' birthday this year. Santa delivered a trampoline to our house & the girls absolutely love it. Daddy has already done front & back flips & Honey has even jumped with the girls! H, P & UP joined us for lunch and as I went to get the turkey out to fry that morning, it was f.r.o.z.e.n. solid. I had defrosted it for THREE days in the frig, oh, well, maybe next year. Thankfully H & P had bought a honey baked ham, so all was well. The girls then opened Christmas part 2 from H & P! That night we ventured to the W's for some more celebrating & eating! The cousins love getting to see each other.

Baptism: On Dec. 26th, LG & MJ were baptized by our pastor, Hunter Stevenson at NMPC. This was such an amazing day for our family! He came to our house earlier in the week to discuss baptism with our family and explain to the girls what would take place. They both did beautifully. I will never forget MJ walking up to the baptismal and getting on her tip toes to look in and see the water. On the way back to their seats, MJ said, "Honey, I have some water in my shoe!" To have NMPC's members take a vow to assist us as parents in the Christian nurture of our girls is truly a blessing!

Thankful in 2010

We had a fabulous, relaxing Thanksgiving at home this year! Uncle Pi, Doc and Cha-Cha joined us for a wonderful lunch. Unlce Pi and Daddy deep fried the turkey on the front porch...yes, you read that correctly! Daddy had trouble getting the fryer to work & LG could tell that we were getting a little stressed and said, "don't look at me; I'm JUST a kid!" We all laughed. I started calling around hoping to find an already cooked turkey - Fresh Market, S&S, Kroger, Wal-Mart - no answer anywhere! As I hung up the phone I heard Daddy say, "It's ON!" Music to my ears. I really didn't want to serve Kentucky Fried chicken (I was praying they were open) to my in-laws for Thanksgiving, ha! LG drew placemats for everyone along with a note saying that she was thankful for them. The girls also went out and collected leaves, sticks and berries for our centerpiece. They also set the table and helped me cook...such great little helpers!

After lunch, we watched a little football, enjoyed more conversation and then everyone, but me, took off for a walk around the block. It was a beautiful warm day & I enjoyed opening the doors and cleaning up while everyone was gone :).

I am truly thankful for our family, friends and terrific undeserved blessings that the Lord has given us.

MJ Turns 3

On Monday, we woke up and sang Happy Birthday to MJ with a delicious caramel cake that a friend gave us! Nothing like a little FIRE to help celebrate. Thank the LORD MJ was not burned...it could have had such a different ending!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUbvRT6EY8

Tuesday, I went to her 2K class and we celebrated with donut holes, goldfish and juice. Her teachers are so sweet and she has the sweetest little friends in her class!

Big Girl - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Silly Faces

On Saturday, we enjoyed a great morning at the FPD Playground for MJ's birthday! Her sweet little friends came even though it was f.r.e.e.z.i.n.g! We had Krispy Kreme donuts instead of cake :). We brought balloons with candy tied to the bottom for party favors and she was NOT happy that her friends were taking them home. I tried to explain that they gave her a present, so, she could give them a balloon...yeh, didn't go over very well. Of course, my dear friend Payton captured the moment. Can't have a party without atleast one meltdown, right?


Ready for Party - - - - - - - - - Time to celebrate

MJ & H - - - - - - - - - - - - - Meltdown Time

Party O.V.E.R...

We love you MJ and are proud of the little girl that you are becoming. You constantly make us laugh and keep us on our toes! We are thankful and blessed that the Lord has given you to us!

Homecoming

Having pic made in studio for program - LG & Luke


LG was asked to be the 1st grade representative on the Homecoming Court this year...this is a huge honor as only 1 elementary girl and boy are asked to participate! She loved getting dressed up and carrying the flowers for the homecoming queen. The dress she wore was actually one of mine from when I was her age. I love when God shows himself in the small details - didn't even have to purchase a dress for the occasion. :) LG & Luke did amazingly well walking out on the field in front of ALL those people & standing there while the "court" was presented. Honey, Papa, ChaCha, Daddy, MJ & I all were able to go on the field so we could watch up close and personal. My dear friend Payton joined us and took some amazing pictures - thank you!

Homecoming Night

MJ watching Big Sis. . .Sweet Angel

LG & Homecoming Queen. . . Proud Daddy

All came out to support LG - please note MJ's expression :)

WalMart BooBoo

I must admit I have been dealing with stress/anxiety, hormones, etc. and my face has proven it...major acne! I have been working with my dermatologist to get it "under control", but, it has really affected me. I have been staying close to home because of the way my face looks and I have been amazed at how I have allowed "it" to affect me.

MJ came into our room this morning and crawled into bed with us as she usually does. She was looking at my face, talking to me and said, "Mama, you have booboos? (As she touches my acne).
I answered, "yeh, mama, has some booboos." She then said, "Did you buy your booboos at WalMart?" I literally laughed out loud and she asked me what was so funny! I love how the Lord brings me back to reality with humor. :)

Girls Teaching Mama

Thanks to some great friends and another golf tournament "opportunity", Chris and I were able to spend a long weekend in the mountains together. Great food, shopping. golf, time with friends, napping...it was wonderful! The time away for us as a couple was so needed. I feel like we are constantly busy with "everyday life" that we don't make/take the time to "breathe."

Before leaving town, I dropped LG off at school Thursday morning. I pulled up where there are older elemenatry students that help with the carpool line, opening doors, etc. I looked back at LG (as I always do) and said, "hug and kiss. I won't see you until Sunday!" For the first time, I saw her hesitate and look out the car window to see if anyone was looking & then look back at me slightly conflicted as she quickly gave me a half hug. I smiled as though nothing had "changed", told her I loved her & to have a great day - inside...I...was...crushed.

An hour later when I dropped MJ off at school, I explained to her that I wouldn't see her for a few days and asked for a hug and kiss. Her answer, "mhmmm, mhmmm." So when the teacher opened the door to get her out, she happily hopped out and gave me n.o.t.h.i.n.g. Again, (yes, MJ's 2, almost 3, so this behavior is expected, ha!, but) I...was...crushed.

From that moment on, all I can think about is how Christ must feel when I don't choose to spend time with Him, or when I'm "embarrased" of Him or don't stand up for Him. My thought as a mom went a little like this... "ALL I DO is take care of these precious girls, and they're embarrassed and/or don't want to hug/kiss me, now?" And THEN the thought came to me that from Our Heavenly Father's perspective, ALL He did was send His Only Son to DIE on the cross for US (take care of us) so that anyone who believes in, repents, and accepts Christ as their Savior will spend eternity with Him. Well, that thought is still putting me in my place and reminding me what life is all about, and it's not ME!

I love you, LG & MJ and I'm so thankful that the Lord uses you to teach me. I know there will be many more "crushing" times as you both continue to mature and become more and more independent (I just need to remind myself that this is normal! And, yes, I will be sure and get my hugs and kisses BEFORE we leave the house!). My prayer for you both is that you will always be Dependent on Him.

Virus

Yes, it was bound to happen. My computer finally got a virus. Bummer! Who knows when I will get around to having it repaired...Best Buy said it would cost $200 to have it repaired? Does that sound right, or do you know of someone/place that may repair it for less?



The majority of my pictures are downloaded on it and I can't get them, so I have updated the blog with what I have available through my parents computer...

MJ Words & Stuff

Yes = Wes
Yay = Way
Hello Kitty = Wewo Titty
Gum = Mum
Please = Peas
Love you = Wuvu
Mrs. Cynthia = Cincewa (your 2k teacher)
When you wake up you literally scream at the top of your lungs, "M.A.M.A!" Daddy or I will yell back to you, "you can get up!"
You love to say, "I want you, Mama."
When going into the bathroom, you say, "I need privacy", & push me out.
You've started saying "awesome" and "so cool." Cracks me up hearing that come from your 2 year old little mouth.
You want to do everything that LG does.
You LOVE your blankie, love to be wherever I am, love to be "on" me.
You still suck your thumb and pointer finger - interesting combination.

CCS Ridge Run

Sweet Friends - - - - - - - - - -Look at those muscles

Yes, 9 months pregnant!

MJ & Tyler - - - - - - - - - - - - Honey cheering LG on

Covenant Care (www.covenantcareadoptions.com) hosted our first annual 5K/Fun Run on August 21st. It was a HUGE success and we had close to 400 participants! Mom and I registered to run the 5K and the week of the race we realized we hadn't even w.a.l.k.e.d a 5K and decided to just walk the 1 mile "Fun Run!" Atleast we had good intentions, right? Chris pulled his hamstring and had to quit right after the race started. We were happy to be there to support our other friends who came out to support this amazing ministry!

1st Day of 2K

Not really feeling the pre-2K pic

Love the upside-down shades...Successful 1st day

Honey and I took MJ to her first day of 2K today...she has been SO excited about starting 2K. Since LG started school, that's all MJ can talk about. I had to explain to her that she was going to 2K next week (the week after LG started school), so when the day finally came I said, "MJ, you're going to 2K today!" She looked at me and said, "No, Mama, I go 2Tay nes week." If you ask her "are you going to school today?", she'll answer with, "no, I go 2tay."

She carried her busy bee bag in, hung it up and then Mrs. S carried her to the "rug." Honey & I were glued to the 2-way window and loved every minute watching her class!

When I came to pick her up, she was ALL smiles as she hopped in the car, and then, she realized Honey was NOT in the car, that she had to sit in her seat AND put on her seatbelt & it was just TOO much for sweet MJ after a long morning of 2K.......

1st Day of 1st Grade

Meet & Greet

Looking big in that seat

One last photo op........heading to 1st grade

Well the four of us piled in the car this morning to take LG to her first day of 1st grade...how exciting! She jumped out of the car with a huge grin on her face. Yesterday, there was a meet & greet so she could meet her teacher (same teacher Daddy had for 3rd grade at FPD).

I have already been awarded the "coolest" mom award for the school year. Yes, I actually packed a princess sippy cup in LG's lunch bag today!!! I had water bottles in the dishwasher, but, actually thought to myself, as I packed the sippy cup, "well, it IS a princess one...it should be fine!" Um, not so much! LG didn't even take it OUT of her lunch bag, so, needless to say, she had NOTHING to drink ALL day! Poor child. My heart skips a few beats just imagining her peering into her lunch bag all excited to find what I had packed for her 1st lunch and low and behold...drumroll...sippy cup alert! Her heart was probably pounding, too, hoping that NO ONE had a visual on the sippy cup. I have since apologized and moved on to more age-appropriate drinking paraphernalia for my 1st grader...can you say d.e.n.i.a.l?

Lake Oconee Fun

We enjoyed a great weekend at Lake Oconee with friends. Our last hooray before school starts!Tubing. Dinner at Gabby's. Golf. Lunch at the pool. Waterslides. Boat rides. Jet ski. Grilling out.

Switching sisters and having a ball!

All smiles - - - - - - Daddy getting in on the action

Enjoying a boat ride

Cheerleading stunt with Stew

LG & MB catching some air

Look - no hands!