Logan's Sisters

     Logan adopted Grace and Lilly as his "sisters" when he was a very little guy. He adores them and looks up to them. Logan rides to school with them on Tuesdays/Thursdays and I take everyone home on those days. In the car, Logan picks on them and teases them. Today he was pulling Grace's hair and popping her hand. He aggravates them, but he really loves them and would stand up to anybody who messed with his sisters! I took this picture of them after school today. Aren't they cute in their matching uniforms?!

Sunday Rest

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. (Exodus 20:11 NET)

Here are my sweet boys enjoying a Sunday nap in Mommy and Daddy's bed.

Skating Party

     The boys went to their friend Justin's skating party. It was Logan's second time to skate, Lucas' first. Logan did really well. Lucas tired out after 3 or 4 times around the rink, and spent the rest of the time hanging out with Lauren in a booth watching everyone else skate. Logan had so much fun, he's already asking for us to take him skating this summer.

     Yes Lucas insisted on wearing his jack-o-lantern shirt Joshua's parents had bought him last fall. Silly boy! 

My Baby Pictures

     My sister gave me these pictures she found in some things my mom gave her. The picture on the left is my with Granny (Mom's mom). On the right is with my mom and dad.

     When Joshua came home tonight and saw these, he said he sees so much of our boys in these pictures. I've always thought they both look just like him, but maybe they look (or at least looked) a little more like me than I realize. 

                         Logan                                   Lucas

Me

Ankle Update

My ankle is pretty sore tonight. It's been a long week between my injury, two days of STAAR testing, and back to normal school schedule today. It is getting better, but I'm itching to get back training for our run with Logan. Here's a picture from Saturday when I injured it, Tuesday, and tonight.

Lunch Date with Logan

We had early release at school today due to STAAR testing, so Logan and I had a lunch date at Chili's. When we walked in, Logan noticed they were playing the Alabama Spring game. He got very excited. So we sat where we could watch the game. He was a little confused about the Bama vs Bama part at first. We had a nice lunch talking and enjoying the game. We're ready for Crimson Tide football! So thankful for the extra one one time with my lil Lo today!

The Power of Words

    We tend to underestimate the power of words in our culture. We flippantly say things, and then justify it by saying we didn't really mean it. Or it wasn't meant the way it was heard. Or the other person shouldn't have _________ and then I wouldn't have responded like that.

     Our words have the power to crush. I've watched people (children and adults) alike shrivel under the weight of another's harsh words. Sometimes we do not realize the long lasting affect of our words spoken out of anger or frustration have. I know I have said things plenty of times out of anger or frustration that I wished I could take back. The problem is you can never "unspeak" what you've spoken.

     The opposite is also true. Words can bring comfort, healing, and encouragement. I've seen people with low self-esteem blossom when they are continually encouraged and supported. We don't realize what the smallest word of encouragement means to someone else. Something we view as being small or insignificant can mean the WORLD to someone else.

     Here's a few verses I have come across in the last couple of weeks.

"Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing." 

Proverbs 12:18 NET

"Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit."

Proverbs 15:4 NET

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit."

Proverbs 18:21 NET

"The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings forth an angry look."

Proverbs 25:23 NET

     My prayer is that my words are pleasing to God and bring comfort, encouragement, and healing to those who hear them. 

Lunch Date with Lucas

On Friday, Lucas and I went to Red Robin for lunch. Luc wanted to eat where there's a TV in the floor. We had a nice lunch together, and then we went shopping at Hobby Lobby. I love my one on one time with little Luc! I'm so thankful that I'm able to be home more.

Kaydi's Trip to the ER

     Tonight I went running in my neighborhood. I was running a faster pace and felt great! One section of the sidewalk dipped at a steep angle and was cracked and uneven. One second I was running and the next I was on the ground crying in pain. I called Joshua to come get because I was half a mile from home. He got me home and looked at it. He decided to take me to the ER. They did a couple of X-rays, and thankfully nothing was fractured or broken. I'm on crutches for at least the next three days. On Wednesday I can try to put pressure on it and see how it goes. If I'm still in a lot of pain in 5 days, I'll have to go to the doctor for a follow up. Since we got home the boys have been great helpers. They follow me everywhere. Logan walks behind me so he can catch me if I fall with my crutches. I'm thankful for my big helpers and my knight in shining armor!

Family Lunch Date

     Daddy took us on a family lunch date today. It was the boys' turn to choose and they chose Texas Roadhouse. They love Roadhouse! This was the first time we've let the boys sit on the side of the booth without an adult next to them. They did great! I'll admit it was nice to sit next to Joshua and not have a child on top of me while I was trying to eat. I love when we get to have family time just the four of us!

Good Night!

Joshua closed tonight, and Lucas fell asleep first, so I let Logan lay in bed with me. He was out in 10 minutes. How I cherish snuggle time with my boys!

Not Home Yet

Today I woke up and wanted to stay in my bed with my boys all day. I wanted to hold them and love on them. I didn't want them out of my sight. Today was one of those days where I struggled with entrusting my children's care to the Lord. It was hard to say and mean, "Lord I want Your will their life" without adding as long as it matches my will for their lives.

There is so much evil in the world and always is. This week, though I've been overwhelmed by it, it has reminded me I'm not home yet. "But our citizenship is in heaven – and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," (Philippians 3:20 NET). I take comfort in knowing this world and its troubles are temporary.

Tonight in my prayers, I'll thank God that I'm not home yet and ask Him for the courage to leave my children in His protection.

Bluebonnet Flashback

April 2011

April 2012

April 2013

We Are the World

     Last Tuesday was Logan's spring choir concert. Their concert theme was We Are the World. They sang songs from different countries around the world and some in different languages. It was a really neat program. The kids had worked so hard and it was evident. Logan was so excited because Joshua was able to be at this concert. Joshua had to miss the Christmas concert because of work. Lucas loved the concert and got up and danced a few times. I can't believe Logan has almost finished first grade!

 

 

Bluebonnets

The Boys Are Back!

     While I was at Ladies' Retreat, the boys stayed with Grandma and Papaw in Weatherford.

     They had a blast playing outside and riding four-wheelers and motorcycles. They went to the park and McDonald's. They played with Abby and Alli who live across the street. They had a ton of fun.

     Now they are home and this mommy is very, very happy!

Be Influenced, Part 2

     This morning we wrapped up our ladies' retreat. We had more good food, fun, and fellowship today as well. Several ladies brought breakfast treats to share with everyone that were delicious! We Baptists know how to eat!

     During today's teaching session, Shirley taught about the practical steps involved in mentoring. She also talked about the importance of prayer. We read through Jesus' prayer in John 17 and how the focus of His prayer was for protections and sanctification (being set apart). She made the point that we spend a lot of time praying for the sick (and we should!) but we need to be praying for protection and sanctification as well.

     We had game time where we played Minute to Win It games. It was so much fun watching everyone one play. I love those games. I think the next time we have a family game night with extended family, we'll do some of those games.

     At the end of game time, we had a special time of our prayer for our precious Miss Kay and her health. Miss Kay is the example of a godly mentor. She loves and accepts people where they are. People are drawn to Miss Kay and you know how special you are to her. There were a lot of prayers prayed out loud and silently for her and many tears shed. We love our Miss Kay so much!

     We ended with small group discussion time and worship time. JOY did an awesome job today as well. They sang several southern gospel songs that took me back to my childhood. I feel encouraged and refreshed after this weekend. I've already begun praying that God would send me the right person to walk along and encourage them in their spiritual growth.

Be Influenced, Part 1

     Tonight was Session 1 of our Ladies' Retreat. Our theme this year is Be Influenced and is on mentoring or discipleship. We have the sweetest group of ladies from Arkansas leading worship for us this weekend. The music has been amazing. They have shared from their hearts and that is reflected in their worship!

     Our speaker for the retreat is Shirley Moses. She is an awesome and transparent speaker. It was very evident to me that she had spent a great deal of time in prayer and preparation for tonight's session.

     Tonight, Shirley taught on who is a mentor/discipler, motivation for discipling, and character. Some things I took away from Shirley's teaching tonight are: 1) any believer is approved by Christ to mentor/disciple, 2) we are called to walk along side each other, and 3) our goal should not be for them to meet our expectations but to help them grow in the Word and live it out. While love and acceptance (as modeled by Jesus) is key, it does not mean we overlook sin but pray for them and be there for them until God moves in their life. While she was talking about that last point I thought of several people who loved me, prayed for me, and walked through difficult times with me as I faced the consequences of my sin. I'm eagerly anticipating God speaking through Shirley tomorrow morning!

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and 

watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example. 

(Philippians 3:17 NET)

Happy Sibling's Day!!!!

Psalm 5:12

Certainly you reward the godly, Lord. Like a shield you protect them in your good favor. (Psalms 5:12 NET)

A Good Monday

     Today was a good Monday. Joshua took a vacation day so we slept til 8. After we dropped Logan off at school, we ran errands and got our taxes done. Our refund is enough to pay off the bills we have and put a little in savings. I started dinner and while it was in the oven, Logan and I went for our run. Tonight I felt awesome after our run! Thankful for the extra time with my love and a good Monday!

Lunch Date with My Boys

     After church, I took the boys on a lunch date to Chapps for burgers and fries. We sat in the booth by the window so the boys could look outside. Logan told us about what he learned in Sunday school, and then Lucas shared too. It's become a part of our routine so I don't even have to ask them anymore. Best part of the date was when we got home and I got unsolicited kisses and thank yous from both boys! Love their sweet grateful hearts!