Here's some pictures from the first day of school:
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Logan Goes to Kindergarten
This school year has been very emotional for me. My baby Logan has started kindergarten. It seems like it was just yesterday that he was born. Logan loves school and his teacher so much! He's so excited to get up every morning and go. On the weekend, he still wants to go to school. He's made such improvement already. Mrs. Loftus says Logan is sweet and kind to everyone in his class. He's a reliable helper. I've prayed so hard for Logan and his kindergarten teacher. So thankful for the faithfulness of Christ to answer my prayers.
Here's a picture from Sneak a Peek night before school started with his teacher Mrs. Loftus:
Here's some pictures from the first day of school:
Here's some pictures from the first day of school:
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Football and Devotion
It is said that football is most important in Texas. Texans live for fall and football season. That's very true of most Texans. I was raised in the tradition of Crimson Tide football, which got me a lot of grief a couple of years ago, when we tamed Texas to win our 13th national championship.
As a true Crimson Tide fan, I watch every game I can even if it's on the internet. I check rankings, subscribe to blogs, and keep up to date even in the off season. On game days, my boys and I wear our Tide shirts and schedule our day around the game. My husband even had our curb address painted with the Alabama A and Roll Tide. Most people who know us, know we are Crimson Tide fans. They can observe it by the clothes we wear and Facebook status updates and tweets. I'm a devoted fan, and it's something I'm passing on to my children, just as my dad passed it to me.
I've been reevaluating life a lot lately. Am I more devoted to Christ than I am to my family, my job, my friends, my football team? Can people sense Christ in me? Am I doing a good job of modeling devotion to Christ for my boys? Am I showing my boys how to know Jesus and have an intimate relationship with Him and not just teaching them about Jesus?
Earlier this week, my mom asked Lucas, "Does God love Lukie?". Lucas said, "Yes." Mom said, "Does Lukie love God?". Lucas said, "no". At first, I was horrified, then I remembered he's 2. But that conversation got me to thinking about how important it is for us to provide them opportunities for their own encounters with Jesus. My devotion to Jesus isn't enough for them. They have to have their own relationship Him and choose to be devoted to Him on their own. Being raised in the "tradition" of Christianity isn't enough.
Truth is I'm a Crimson Tide fan because my Dad is from Alabama and he's a Crimson Tide fan because his family were Crimson Tide fans. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Crimson Tide. I started out as a Tide fan because of my dad, but I stay a Tide fan because I've come to love them on my own.
I don't want my boys to think they are Christians because Mommy and Daddy are, or because we're at church almost every time the door is open, or because they know about all Jesus/God and His Word. I constantly asking God to show us how to help our boys realize they need to know Jesus on their own and have a relationship with Him because they individually love Jesus, not because that's how they were raised or how our family is.
Here's a picture of my little Crimson Tide fans:
As a true Crimson Tide fan, I watch every game I can even if it's on the internet. I check rankings, subscribe to blogs, and keep up to date even in the off season. On game days, my boys and I wear our Tide shirts and schedule our day around the game. My husband even had our curb address painted with the Alabama A and Roll Tide. Most people who know us, know we are Crimson Tide fans. They can observe it by the clothes we wear and Facebook status updates and tweets. I'm a devoted fan, and it's something I'm passing on to my children, just as my dad passed it to me.
I've been reevaluating life a lot lately. Am I more devoted to Christ than I am to my family, my job, my friends, my football team? Can people sense Christ in me? Am I doing a good job of modeling devotion to Christ for my boys? Am I showing my boys how to know Jesus and have an intimate relationship with Him and not just teaching them about Jesus?
Earlier this week, my mom asked Lucas, "Does God love Lukie?". Lucas said, "Yes." Mom said, "Does Lukie love God?". Lucas said, "no". At first, I was horrified, then I remembered he's 2. But that conversation got me to thinking about how important it is for us to provide them opportunities for their own encounters with Jesus. My devotion to Jesus isn't enough for them. They have to have their own relationship Him and choose to be devoted to Him on their own. Being raised in the "tradition" of Christianity isn't enough.
Truth is I'm a Crimson Tide fan because my Dad is from Alabama and he's a Crimson Tide fan because his family were Crimson Tide fans. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Crimson Tide. I started out as a Tide fan because of my dad, but I stay a Tide fan because I've come to love them on my own.
I don't want my boys to think they are Christians because Mommy and Daddy are, or because we're at church almost every time the door is open, or because they know about all Jesus/God and His Word. I constantly asking God to show us how to help our boys realize they need to know Jesus on their own and have a relationship with Him because they individually love Jesus, not because that's how they were raised or how our family is.
Here's a picture of my little Crimson Tide fans:
Friday, September 16, 2011
Lucas' 2 Year Check Up
Lucas and I went to see Dr. Davidson today...Lucas was so excited to go somewhere with Mommy by himself! Next time, we need to go somewhere where he doesn't get shots. Lucas weighs 26.6 lbs which puts him in the 25th percentile and is 34 1/2 inches tall which puts him in the 50th percentile. His head circumference is 48.7 which also puts him in the 50th percentile. Lucas is right on target with his sleeping habits. He eats better than most 2 year olds and his vocabulary is advanced for his age. His motor skills are on target or advanced for his age. Dr. Davidson said he's perfect, but I already knew that! He got his Hep A and flu shots. He cried for 2 minutes and squeezed out 2 real tears...it was mostly drama. He's the drama king! But he was smiling as soon as he got his stickers and little purple dinosaur. He fell asleep on the way home and then woke up his normal happy self!
Here's a picture of Lucas his Aunt Calli took of him.
Here's a picture of Lucas his Aunt Calli took of him.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Lucas Elisha is 2!!!
I can't believe it's almost been a month since my Lukie turned 2 and I haven't blogged about it!
After several months of trying to get pregnant and trying to avoid an August baby so I wouldn't miss the beginning of the school year, I found out around Christmas that I was pregnant with my little Luke and was due August 19th the Wednesday before the school year started. Disappointment over the timing was soon overwhelmed by the joy that Logan and Justin were going to be big brothers (for Justin again). Logan was so excited about the baby. He was so impatient saying things like "I want my baby now!" (two weeks after we told him), "It's no fair, why do you always get to carry him around!?" (around 6 months).
My biggest fear throughout my pregnancy was a repeat of what happened with Logan at birth. I decided early on I wanted a C-section again, hoping to avoid an emergencies. On August 12, 2009, Logan and I went to see The Prince of Egypt at the Studio Movie Grills' kids summer series with our best friends Krista, Chelsea, and Melody; Rikki, Rachel, and Lauren; and Heather and Josiah. We went home; Logan took a nap and I went for my weekly check up. Nothing had changed and my C-Section was scheduled for the following Monday. On the way home, I started having contractions. By the time I got home, they were 3-5 minutes apart and lasting about 1-5 minutes. When Joshua got home, he wanted to go to the hospital; I wanted to go to church. He finally made me text Joel (our student minister at the time) and tell him I was having contractions and going to the hospital. They called my doctor and she said she would come in and the do C-section. Because I had a cheese stick at 4:00pm, they wouldn't do my C-section until 10:00pm. I was slightly aggravated that I feeling that contractions, the other part of the reason I wanted a C-section. Finally at 10:00pm, my doctor came in and they took me to the OR. Once she had cut me open, I heard her say, "oh...wow.". Lucas' cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times!!!! At 10:26pm, my precious Lucas was born.
I waited for his little cry, while the NICU people were on their way down. Thankfully I heard Lucas' cry and he started breathing on his own. Because of the cord and lack of oxygen at first, he was also admitted to the NICU. Lucas was in the NICU from Wednesday night until Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, we both came home. I was so thankful that we did not have to leave him at the hospital like we did Logan. We were unable to hold him until Saturday morning because they ran his IV through his belly button.
Lucas was such a good baby...he slept 6 hours straight his first night home from the hospital! Our experience with Lucas bonded our family closer together. I remember how disappointed Logan was at the hospital when he couldn't see or hold his brother. They had an immediate bond once Logan was finally able to meet and hold his brother. Logan has always been very protective of his brother and continues to be to this day.
"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." Psalm 139:16
The most important thing that God reinforced to me was that He knew the number of days of Lucas' life (and the rest of my family). He is in control. My trust is in Him because He's the One with all the answers. I know He loves my Lucas more than I can even begin to be capable of and He will always take care of Lucas (and the rest of us).
At a year old, Lucas was a special reminder of the blessings God gives us daily. Lucas and Logan have always had such a special relationship. They truly love each other and love being together. They always have. Their additions to our family and their unconditional love spurs me to remember the Lord's faithfulness in other areas of our lives.
"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it well." Psalm 139:14
As Lucas reaches this mile stone of 2, he is really coming into his own. His little personality is developing. He has very strong opinions of what he does and does not like. It's amazing how very different he and Logan are. He also a reminder of the uniqueness of each of us.
I cannot imagine our lives with our precious Lucas Elisha! I'm so thankful for every second God has given us with Him! Mommy and Daddy love you Lukie!
After several months of trying to get pregnant and trying to avoid an August baby so I wouldn't miss the beginning of the school year, I found out around Christmas that I was pregnant with my little Luke and was due August 19th the Wednesday before the school year started. Disappointment over the timing was soon overwhelmed by the joy that Logan and Justin were going to be big brothers (for Justin again). Logan was so excited about the baby. He was so impatient saying things like "I want my baby now!" (two weeks after we told him), "It's no fair, why do you always get to carry him around!?" (around 6 months).
My biggest fear throughout my pregnancy was a repeat of what happened with Logan at birth. I decided early on I wanted a C-section again, hoping to avoid an emergencies. On August 12, 2009, Logan and I went to see The Prince of Egypt at the Studio Movie Grills' kids summer series with our best friends Krista, Chelsea, and Melody; Rikki, Rachel, and Lauren; and Heather and Josiah. We went home; Logan took a nap and I went for my weekly check up. Nothing had changed and my C-Section was scheduled for the following Monday. On the way home, I started having contractions. By the time I got home, they were 3-5 minutes apart and lasting about 1-5 minutes. When Joshua got home, he wanted to go to the hospital; I wanted to go to church. He finally made me text Joel (our student minister at the time) and tell him I was having contractions and going to the hospital. They called my doctor and she said she would come in and the do C-section. Because I had a cheese stick at 4:00pm, they wouldn't do my C-section until 10:00pm. I was slightly aggravated that I feeling that contractions, the other part of the reason I wanted a C-section. Finally at 10:00pm, my doctor came in and they took me to the OR. Once she had cut me open, I heard her say, "oh...wow.". Lucas' cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times!!!! At 10:26pm, my precious Lucas was born.
I waited for his little cry, while the NICU people were on their way down. Thankfully I heard Lucas' cry and he started breathing on his own. Because of the cord and lack of oxygen at first, he was also admitted to the NICU. Lucas was in the NICU from Wednesday night until Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, we both came home. I was so thankful that we did not have to leave him at the hospital like we did Logan. We were unable to hold him until Saturday morning because they ran his IV through his belly button.
Lucas was such a good baby...he slept 6 hours straight his first night home from the hospital! Our experience with Lucas bonded our family closer together. I remember how disappointed Logan was at the hospital when he couldn't see or hold his brother. They had an immediate bond once Logan was finally able to meet and hold his brother. Logan has always been very protective of his brother and continues to be to this day.
"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." Psalm 139:16
The most important thing that God reinforced to me was that He knew the number of days of Lucas' life (and the rest of my family). He is in control. My trust is in Him because He's the One with all the answers. I know He loves my Lucas more than I can even begin to be capable of and He will always take care of Lucas (and the rest of us).
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or turning." James 1:17
"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it well." Psalm 139:14
As Lucas reaches this mile stone of 2, he is really coming into his own. His little personality is developing. He has very strong opinions of what he does and does not like. It's amazing how very different he and Logan are. He also a reminder of the uniqueness of each of us.
I cannot imagine our lives with our precious Lucas Elisha! I'm so thankful for every second God has given us with Him! Mommy and Daddy love you Lukie!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Logan Elijah is 5!!!!
Logan Elijah's entrance into the world was traumatic for everyone to say the least. My water broke about 4:45pm on Monday, July 31st. This was after I spent a morning climbing on chairs and stapling things around my classroom. Joshua says this is reason #1 I went into labor. Reason #2 was carrying 2 gallons of milk around Walmart while trying to corral Justin who was almost 5 at the time. I say those things had nothing to do with it but I digress. We get to the hospital and get all checked in and hooked up to everything and things were okay. Slowly Logan heart rates goes up and continues to stay up. So finally around midnight I hear the nurse yelling at the doctor that he better take that baby or she will call a doctor who will. Shortly after, they come in and tell me they're doing a Csection. You know in birthing class when they tell you, 1 in 4 people will have a Csection, yeah I didn't think it would happen to me either. Logan Elijah entered the world at 1:11am. He was purple and not breathing. They never could get him to breathe on his own. He was rushed to the NICU as I tried to sit up and look at him as they rolled him by. I was so thankful for my pastor at the time and sweet friends Heather and Joel who came to the hospital in the middle of the night to pray with us. Neither one of us had seen the baby since the OR and we had not been given any updates yet.
I remember reading an article where Angelia Jolie said waiting to hear your child take their first breath and cry is the longest seconds of your life. Those "seconds" didn't end for me until 14 hours later when my sister brought a video of Logan crying in the NICU. I had an infection and was running a fever. Logan was three days old before I got to see him in person or hold him. The LONGEST three days of my life! The worst separation I faced was being discharged from the hospital 4 days later with my little Logan still in the NICU. I was home 3 days before they called me to let me know Logan was well enough to move to the pediatric wing for the rest of his stay while he finished his antibiotics if I could come stay with him. So I returned to the hospital and we finally came home as a family August 10th. The day our little friend Chelsea Joy was born! I got to meet Chelsea in the hospital before taking my Logan home.
They told that even though it did not look like Logan would have any long term problems from the lack of oxygen to his brain, we were told brain damage or learning disabilities could present themselves later on. God has answered our prayers. Logan has had no major health issues or showed any signs of developmental delays. He has always been at or above where he should be developmentally.
I've learned a lot about trusting God through our life with Logan. Some verses He has given me over the years:
"He who dwells in the shelter of the most high Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"". Psalm 91:1-2 The few months of Logan's life were all about learning to trust God in ways I had never even considered before. It's amazing how becoming a parent changes your perspective on life. I still have to hand him over to God daily trusting He loves Logan more than I can fathom and desires and sees the best for him.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31 That first year God also taught me a lot about how He views me as His child. Many times, He would whisper to my heart while snuggling Logan "That's the way I feel about you and Logan and so much more than you can even begin to imagine."
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor. 13:4-7 The terrible twos have taught me a lot about the hard and ugly side of love. Let's be honest love is beautiful and ugly at the same time. Jesus on the cross beautiful and horrific at the same time. Although I would much rather learn the hard lessons of love with toddlers/preschoolers rather than the teenage years.
"As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man." Proverbs 27:19. 12 days after Logan turned 3, Lucas was born. Throughout our pregnancy we prayed they would be close and love each other. We continue to pray that more than blood would bond them together, but friendship and love as well. Logan's heart was and continues to be full of love, joy, and protectiveness for his brother. Logan has never been vicious or mean to Lucas. He almost always responds in kindness and love, even now that Luc is older and hits him. Logan has never laid a hand on his brother. Many times Logan as said Lucas is my best friend. I need to show him how to be a good brother.
"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgression." Psalm 51:1 God has taught me a lot about compassion through Logan. He was in a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week this past year. I would ask him at night how school was. Most times, he was excited. Sometimes he was sad and say terrible. When I asked him why, everytime he would say because my friend got in trouble today. It makes me sad for him. I wish he would do what Miss Mary K says so he can have fun with us too. Logan is always the first to offer a hug or encourage someone who's have a hard time. He was given the "Mr. Sweetness" award at Preschool Graduation. His compassionate heart is part of what makes him sweet.
I remember reading an article where Angelia Jolie said waiting to hear your child take their first breath and cry is the longest seconds of your life. Those "seconds" didn't end for me until 14 hours later when my sister brought a video of Logan crying in the NICU. I had an infection and was running a fever. Logan was three days old before I got to see him in person or hold him. The LONGEST three days of my life! The worst separation I faced was being discharged from the hospital 4 days later with my little Logan still in the NICU. I was home 3 days before they called me to let me know Logan was well enough to move to the pediatric wing for the rest of his stay while he finished his antibiotics if I could come stay with him. So I returned to the hospital and we finally came home as a family August 10th. The day our little friend Chelsea Joy was born! I got to meet Chelsea in the hospital before taking my Logan home.
They told that even though it did not look like Logan would have any long term problems from the lack of oxygen to his brain, we were told brain damage or learning disabilities could present themselves later on. God has answered our prayers. Logan has had no major health issues or showed any signs of developmental delays. He has always been at or above where he should be developmentally.
I've learned a lot about trusting God through our life with Logan. Some verses He has given me over the years:
"He who dwells in the shelter of the most high Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"". Psalm 91:1-2 The few months of Logan's life were all about learning to trust God in ways I had never even considered before. It's amazing how becoming a parent changes your perspective on life. I still have to hand him over to God daily trusting He loves Logan more than I can fathom and desires and sees the best for him.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31 That first year God also taught me a lot about how He views me as His child. Many times, He would whisper to my heart while snuggling Logan "That's the way I feel about you and Logan and so much more than you can even begin to imagine."
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor. 13:4-7 The terrible twos have taught me a lot about the hard and ugly side of love. Let's be honest love is beautiful and ugly at the same time. Jesus on the cross beautiful and horrific at the same time. Although I would much rather learn the hard lessons of love with toddlers/preschoolers rather than the teenage years.
"As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man." Proverbs 27:19. 12 days after Logan turned 3, Lucas was born. Throughout our pregnancy we prayed they would be close and love each other. We continue to pray that more than blood would bond them together, but friendship and love as well. Logan's heart was and continues to be full of love, joy, and protectiveness for his brother. Logan has never been vicious or mean to Lucas. He almost always responds in kindness and love, even now that Luc is older and hits him. Logan has never laid a hand on his brother. Many times Logan as said Lucas is my best friend. I need to show him how to be a good brother.
"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgression." Psalm 51:1 God has taught me a lot about compassion through Logan. He was in a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week this past year. I would ask him at night how school was. Most times, he was excited. Sometimes he was sad and say terrible. When I asked him why, everytime he would say because my friend got in trouble today. It makes me sad for him. I wish he would do what Miss Mary K says so he can have fun with us too. Logan is always the first to offer a hug or encourage someone who's have a hard time. He was given the "Mr. Sweetness" award at Preschool Graduation. His compassionate heart is part of what makes him sweet.
Joshua and I are so thankful for every second of the last 5 years of life with Logan. I can't wait to see what lessons God uses Logan to teach us this year. I can't believe my baby is starting kindergarten.
Happy 5th Birthday, Logan Elijah!!!! Daddy and I love you soooo much!!!!
Lucas at 18 Months
Lucas turned 18 months old on February 12th. He has been sick off and on for forever it seems. I have scheduled and rescheduled his 18 month appointment 4 times! Finally today he was well enough to go for his well check and shots. Lucas weighs 24.8 lbs which is the 30th percentile for weight. He is 32 1/2 inches long which is the 40th percentile for height. He continues to be an awesome eater. He eats almost anything. He'll eat his food and finish off his brother's too! Developmentally Lucas is at or ahead of where he should be. He says lots of words now: Momma, Dada, bubba, Logan, Luc, baby, puppy, ball, milk, eat, diaper, backpack, Grammie, Pepaw, Pawpaw, please, book and many more. His favorite words to say to Logan are stop, no, hush, and bad bubba. He thinks he's as big as Logan and Justin and does his best to keep up with them. Lucas got one shot today and did not even cry. He did lay there and looked in shock after it was over. He fell asleep in the car and slept til we got home. Lucas loves to help and will do most anything you ask him to help with. He loves to help unload the dishwasher and pick up toys as long as Logan helps pick up toys too. Lucas loves books and crawls up in our laps to be read to all the time. Lucas' favorite toys to play with are cars and trains. I love how he makes the vroooooom noises when playing. Lucas and Logan love to wrestle and Lucas is getting to where he takes his brother down. Lucas had his first weekend at Grandma and Pawpaw's the first weekend in March and spent the night with Aunt Calli and Uncle Robert this past weekend. He thinks he's so big now that gets to go away too.
Easter Celebration
We had a fun filled Easter weekend. On Saturday we went to our church and hunted Easter eggs. It was both boys first time at a "real" Easter egg hunt. Then we listened to Bro. Steve use silly bands to tell about our need for Christ and his sacrifice for us. Logan is my really picky eater. He hardly eats anything so most of the time, he hardly eats! He ate a whole bag of popcorn, a whole hotdog with ketchup, some chips and a third of a cookie after the egg hunt. It was sad, Joshua had to work, so he missed their first real egg hunt.
Saturday night before bed, we dyed Easter eggs.
The Easter bunny came!
We have really done a good job of downplaying the Easter bunny because when I told Logan the first time to be good Saturday or the Easter Bunny wouldn't come. He said I thought Easter was about Jesus living again! It encouraged me that he knew the focus is Jesus and to be even more deliberate at Christmas and Easter to keep the focus on Jesus!
Our family before church! Justin was with his mom. :(
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)