The Lloyds

"Projecs!"

2012-01-25T15:25:00.004-06:00

I thought I would do a quick little blog entry on one of Bella's favorite parts of her day...."Projecs!"

(And here's a little preview of one of her Valentine outfits I made her as she is enjoying a book while biting her little lip)...love her!

I mentioned back in a December blog about how we have started having a little more structured learning time each day. I knew Bella loved books and and her "cards" so I thought she would enjoy doing a little "school" each day. ("Cards" are her little flash cards where she likes to name all the objects...)

So anyways, I figured she would enjoy a little more structured learning...And YES! She absolutely loves it! It may just be the "1st grade teacher" inside me or the "I'm going to be a stay-at-home mom....so I'm going to use our time wisely!" Or it may just be a combination of both...but we have really enjoyed doing "school" together! It usually works best with our schedule to do our school time right after lunch. I use www.abcjesuslovesme.com and I supplement the lessons also. I've really liked what it has to offer for the 2 year old curriculum. The best part about it is...it's FREE! I typically just print off the lessons each week, download the activities we want to do and print them off. It has a monthly theme and Bible verse and incorporates letters, numbers, shapes, songs, books and Bible stories into each theme. It's great!

So this month our theme has been "Jesus is my Shepherd." We have been talking about and doing projects to help us understand what that really means. =) I thought I would just post a few of the little activities we have enjoyed doing together. If any of you have loved using a specific curriculum or website with your toddler...leave a comment and share! We love finding new ideas and creative ways to learn! I think in the next few months, we are going to send Daddy up to our attic to pull down some of Mommy's teaching games/activities! =)

We learned how to "pat"...(dot of glue - not a lot & pat the cotton ball on)

Learning the shapes - star & rectangle and the colors yellow, orange and green! Made for fun finger-painting. =)

Our little shepherd & his lamb...

Our "lady" as Bella calls it...learning the colors red & black...

Fun handprint project as well as learning to "pat"...dot of glue not a lot! =)

Our little sheep puppet...(once again learning - dot of glue - not a lot and "pat")

I wasn't sure how this one would go over...but she loved it! We punched holes and then learned how to lace! She did great lacing the pipe cleaner through each hole. =)

And Bella's faovrite...her "black book" - she loves it!

Her favorite page..."twuck"...

Growing up way too fast!

2012-01-17T15:59:00.004-06:00

I had to take just a few seconds out of my day to post this little picture...

Last night, Jeremy returned from his long weekend of skiing with our high school students. Bella could not have been more ecstatic to see her daddy...........and his iphone. =) After giving daddy lots of kisses, she was ready to play her Elmo games! This little squirty knows how to turn on his phone...unlock it...scroll to her favorite apps and play-play-play! =) Jeremy snapped this quick pic and brought it to me saying, "she sure grew up fast while I was gone!" There's just something about the pose/angle of this picture that makes her look too grown up! I'm so glad she's still bald and has chubby toddler feet and hands. She sure is growing fast...

I so wanted to grab the camera and capture a moment earlier today - but the camera was right near her and I knew it would end the sweet moment. Before her morning nap, I enjoyed listening around the corner as she sat her two favorite stuffed animals (with swimmy diapers on) right next to her in her rocking chair and read them her Elmo Book..."Ready for a Big Bed." So, so sweet...."ok.....babies...night...night....bed.......(as she turned the pages). Ahh...I just love her!

21 months!

2012-01-10T20:52:00.004-06:00

It seems like these months just keep going by fast and faster! Our little Bella is quickly approaching her second birthday...and with that comes mixed emotions. I have to admit I get sad as more and more of her little "baby" characteristics quickly fade...but then it seems like we have more and more fun together each day as her little personality continues to show itself! She definitely looks a lot like her daddy especially in her eyes. =) But, she seems to have picked up quite a lot of my personality...such a perfect combination at this point!

She continues to be quite a talker...seems like everywhere we go people comment on how much she talks! Yesterday we were standing in line at Wal-mart and she starts talking to the lady behind us...just pointing and naming every object she could around us. The lady was so sweet to carry on with Bella...so engaged! She did say at one point, "Well, you seem to be quite an advanced little talker...but you're still working on that hair aren't ya!?" Yep! We are still working on growing hair...good thing the headbands and bows still fit around that growing head! Bella won't leave the house without patting her head and saying, "bow!...bow?" I guess if you're gonna be bald...you might as well embrace it and do the best with what ya got! =)

One of her cute little phrases that I love...

If I ask her to do something, she usually responds..."okay...okay...alright" in a sweet little voice.

She is in LOVE with babies...anything that has to do with babies. If she sees an ultrasound picture...or a little baby...or a doll or a picture of a baby...she says, "awww.....awww" - with her little face wrinkled up. And she loves to talk to her babies. I will hear her say, "okay baby"..."come on baby"..."it's ok baby"...SO precious - it just melts my heart. Her favorite store these days is "Target!" She loves the big red balls out front!....and the stickers she gets when we check out!

She loves, loves, LOVES her daddy. =) She races to the door when she hears the door knob start to turn as he comes home from work. She just loves sitting in his lap...cuddling...reading books...going for walks...anything to be with her daddy........

As you can see she continues to love "sgetti"...it's a favorite meal around here!

Thankfully, due to mommy's "all-day-long lasting morning sickness"...Bella still takes 2 (2 hour) naps! Even if she doesn't sleep for the full 2 hours, she will play a few minutes before dozing off...and then when she wakes up, she is perfectly content playing with her babies! She had a little cold last week, so we used her boppy pillow to prop her head up (makes breathing through the nose much eaiser)! She insists on having all her babies close to her and of course her "bobby"...can't ever go without "bobby"!

She is my precious little angel..and I love her so, so much! Life is just going to be more and more exciting when we add a baby "brother" to the mix! =)

Her schedule (not much has changed):

7ish Wake/Breakfast

9ish Nap

12 Lunch

2 Nap

6 Dinner

8 Bath/Bed

Her stats...according to mommy's measurements =)

Height 33.5 inches 75%

Weight 28.5 lbs. 85%

Head 19.5 inches 95%

Christmas...

2012-01-02T07:50:00.012-06:00

We enjoyed a nice, long Christmas vacation in the beautiful, rolling hills of Tennessee! Isabella and Sadie just loved all of the quality time they were able to spend together! (Bella loves playing "mamma" to Sadie and Sadie loves all the extra attention for sure!)

One morning, we ventured out to Mimi's park...the girls absolutely loved the swings!

Sadie was busy watching Bella...

And Bella was FULL of giggles!

On the few days that Aunt Brit had to work, she came home to eat lunch with us...Bella was giving her a good-by kiss before Auntie headed back to work!

Cousins loving on each other...

We dressed the girls up and took some pictures before our big adventure to see Santa!

These girls l-o-v-e their Mimi!

My little Sadie-bug...

Plenty of kisses to share with everyone!

All ready to see Santa!

I love this precious girl...

Mimi with her little Bella...

Auntie Brit =)

Well, we were sure glad we snapped some pictures before heading off to see Santa. While, waiting patiently for 1.5 hours........Bella was so, so excited! She would point to Santa, "Santa!...Santa!...ho-ho-ho!" Then the long awaited moment came! Linz and I plopped the girls in big ole Santa's lap and this is how the girls reacted...

Loud cries...or should I say wales!!! They were not so excited to see Santa when they realized their mommies were going to drop them in his lap and walk away! So, memories were captured...we love these sweet angels!

On Christmas Eve, we all bundled up and enjoyed attending my parents Christmas Eve service...babies and all sat through the service! =)

We had the bright idea of attempting to get a picture before the service...but Bella would have nothing to do with smiling for a picture! Oh well...(we are quickly approaching "toddlerhood" I suppose!)

Now after the service, we were full of smiles!

I sewed these little matching outfits for the girls...it was a bit challenging sizing for Sadie since she doesn't live in town, but my estimates seemed to be just perfect! I got many adult requests for minky dot ruffle pants! Haha! =)

Here's our entire family...we have so much to be thankful for this Christmas season! It's always such a special Christmas when we are all together. =)

Bella helped her Pappa say his final good-nights to all the church members...she sure loves being his little helper!

The first gift of Christmas!...A special gift from Aunt Brit and Uncle Matt...

Matching Christmas pj's for Bella and Sadie!

Like I said, Bella just absolutely loves being the "big cousin"...

Hugs and Kisses before bedtime...

And a quick photo attempt before bed with Uncle Matt and Aunt Brit...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! The girls were much happier and ready for a picture on Christmas morning! =)

We put on our Christmas finest and enjoyed attending Pappa's Christmas service...

After a delicious Christmas lunch, the girls went down for their naps. They were eager and ready to open their gifts Christmas afternoon! =)

Bella is trying out her new little kitchen from the Gorins!

Bella got a little vacuum cleaner from Mimi and Pappa...too bad it doesn't really work cause I could sure use an extra hand with the chores!

We gave Bella her first baby stroller...and she LOVED it! =)

The grocery cart was also a big hit this Christmas! She likes to pretend she's shopping at "target."

Bath times are quite a fun experience with the girls! Bella particularly enjoys washing Sadie and pouring water on her head...thankfully, Sadie goes along with it for now!

Oh SO fun!!!

After spending several days in Nashville, we drove a few hours west to stay in a house on the Tennessee River with Jeremy's mom, his brother Jordan, Ellen and little Maddy!

We had our 2nd Christmas...

She-She gave Bella a special little doll..."Lucy"

Bella loved opening all of baby brother's gifts...yay! his first Nike running outfit! =)

We bundled the girls up and enjoyed the cool weather! Bella had a blast on her first 4-wheeling ride!

Enjoying our last morning together by the river...

We were blessed to have such a wonderful, memorable Christmas with our families! This year has definitely had it challenges as well as its joys. We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in 2012!

Christmas Play-date...

2011-12-14T13:54:00.007-06:00

One reason that Christmas is so much fun is that it gives us a wonderful opportunity to plan little parties and spend time with our friends! I htought since I've been actually able to function some what normal again (being that I'm now 18 weeks preggo) that it would be fun to have a Christmas play-date with Bella's friends! So we invited everyone over to spend the morning with us!

I made a few simple "toddler" snacks...fruit, reindeer peanut butter sandwiches and cheese cut into Christmas shapes.

We enjoyed reading about baby Jesus, coloring a picture of the nativity and creating glitter angel ornaments!

The nativity sets were definitely a play-date favorite!

Veggie Tales...

Willow Tree...

It's quite challenging to get a decent posed picture of 9 babies all under the age of 3...but I did manage to capture a few action shots. (although the best shot only captured 7 babies!)

We are very thankful for our friends...celebrating baby Jesus' birthday is so much fun! =)

And now it's nap time for this sleepy girl!

Christmas 2012!

2011-12-10T15:19:00.003-06:00

During this Christmas season, we have so enjoyed teaching Isabella all about baby Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas! We have little nativity sets, Christmas books and have loved doing various activities together. I've also become really excited about Christmas in the future as she gets a little older and she is able to really understand more and more! I came across my friend from college, Erica Foken's, blog last night and am totally in love with this Advent idea! So, Pensacola friends.......we are TOTALLY doing this together next year and I can't wait! Pretty much we will gather 24 families who want to participate, order our devotional books/kit! Then plan a night where we all come together and have an "ornament swap." Each family is responsible for creating 24 of one type of ornament - thus we leave with 24 different ornaments which correspond to the daily devotionals! We can save the devotionals and ornaments to use every year!

Here is the blog of the family who we can order from...

http://thepoefam.blogspot.com

Here are some pictures I copied from my friend Erica's blog...how cute is this! Something meaningful for our family and fun to do with a group of friends! I love the idea of us all "helping" each other create such memorable December days with our families! =)

20 months!

2011-12-09T18:56:00.003-06:00

Only 4 more months til we have a 2 year old! I feel like a 2 year old means "I'm officially a toddler." And, honestly...that makes this mamma a little teary! I wish I could just keep her this age forever - it's just soo soo much fun! Until we have our next little one in May...little Miss Bella will be my baby! I think the Lord allowed her to be bald an extra few months so I could savor every little bit of her "baby" that she has left! =)

But, no matter how hard I try to deny it....she is becoming quite the sweet - tender hearted little toddler more and more every day! I joke with Jeremy that from the moment she wakes up until she dozes off to sleep.....she talks non-stop! I think she feels her job is to tell us every single word she knows each day and I love it! She has started putting 2 and 3 words together. For example, "clean-up"..."all done"..."i yuv you"..."night - night"..."hey dadda"..."oh boy"..."ready - set - go!" and so on! She is so good at her abc's too! She pretty much says them with us and most of the time says the letter that follows. For example if we say, "A"...she'll say, "B" and so on!

I've begun using an online resource I found for curriculum...(www.abcjesuslovesme.com). It's my favorite that I've come across so far! It integrates a theme each week, scripture, Bible story, and academics (colors, shapes, numbers, motor skills etc.). For now, I just print off each weeks plans and the resources I want to use.

This week we talked about Christmas....baby Jesus and the nativity! One of the academic objectives was counting 1-5. Here is Isabella practicing! =)

I look forward to being able to do more and more with her! The teacher in me just goes crazy at the thought of really teaching her letters, numbers, colors and all as we integrate them into various themes for various seasons and months! We are even planning a little Christmas play-date next week with some of our friends to read some books together and do a little Christmas activity! I will definitely try and post some pics!

Here's her typical schedule these days...

7 Wake (she will even play for a while if mamma is moving slow and having a rough morning)

9:30 Nap (transitioning to just a rest-time most days)

11 Wake/Lunch/playdate/errands/"school"

2 Nap

6 Dinner

8 Bath/Bed

Her stats:

Head 19.5 inches 95%

Weight 28.5 lbs. 85%

Height 33 inches 70%

'Tis the Season...

2011-12-09T18:16:00.007-06:00

Last weekend, we transformed our house from "Turkey" decorations to "Christmas" decorations! I just love, love, love this time of year......cooler weather, twinkling lights, spending time with family.......

We decided to get a head start while Isabella was down for her morning nap...and when she woke up...she was beyond excited! She carefully tip-toed around the corner...

And the expression on her face says it all! (The tree wasn't even decorated yet....just a bare tree!)

Then, we showed her the nativity scene and of course, she went straight to baby Jesus and gave him a kiss. =)

Isabella had the privilege of helping dadda put the star on the tree!

On Sunday we wore our first "Christmas" outfit....loving every minute of it! We did a quick little photo shoot in front of the tree before heading out the door! (And might I mention that we made it to Sunday School, Worship and lunch with friends! The best Sunday I've had in a long while...Merry Christmas to me...I think my morning sickness aka "all day sickness" is slowly...slowly fading away!)

We snapped a quick picture of Isabella and her friend Charleigh in their Christmas attire....they were full of giggles and smiles until all eyes were on them with a camera! =)

This week we've ventured out to see Christmas lights two nights! Isabella LOVES the "lights".....she constantly is saying..."wow!...oh boy!...lights!...more!" And when there are...should I say "unfestive houses"...she begins to cry and call for "lights"!

We are enjoying sharing the true meaning of Christmas with Isabella this year.....it's so fun because she recognizes and can name all the characters of our nativity sets! We have been doing fun little activities together as we learn all about baby Jesus! The highlight of her week was getting to hold the baby Jesus doll from the manger in the big nativity scene at church! I wish I had my camera with me to capture that sweet moment.......total awe on her little face! =)

Through all the christmas card writing, baking, parties, concerts, lights, decorations, traveling and Christmas outfits......I pray that as a family we can continue to put Christ first and not allow ourselves to get so busy that we forget to make time to reflect on the true reason for the season.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T15:50:00.006-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving week in Panama City with Jeremy's family. It was such a sweet time together as we made many memories! The week was full of many emotions which I believe is only to be expected. There were past memories shared as we laughed and cried......and there were new memories made! Isabella and Maddy bring us all so much joy and they definitely help in making new memories together as a family. =)

Early Thanksgiving morning, about 3am.......Jer, Bella and I all found ourselves huddled in the bathroom together! Bella and I must have caught a little bug or eaten something bad because we both woke up sick to our stomachs! It lasted for about 3 hours and then was gone! Answer to our prayers.....we were all able to enjoy Thanksgiving! =)

For lunch, we went to Mamma Lloyd's sister's house, Aunt Kathy's, and spent the afternoon with lots of cousins! We had a blast enjoying all the delicious food and good company! After, we finished eating all of us ventured outside to enjoy the beautiful day.

Isabella enjoyed showing all of us her "running" moves that Pappa had shown her recently. Ready...Set...GO!

She also loved being the "big cousin" and pushing Maddy around on the little bike.

They tried riding together...but that didn't last too long...

After enjoying the pretty day, we all headed back inside for our "Thanksgiving" craft! We made turkeys together...(with just a little help from dadda).

After a wonderful afternoon, we headed over to spend the evening with the Lloyd family. Sweet cousin, Hannah, had organized a basket full of toys for Maddy and Isabella!

Isabella loves her "Pappa Lloyd."

It was such a sweet day just being together as a family.

Here are a few other photos from the week....

Eating out together (not sure if this pictures was taken before or after Maddy barked at the lady sitting near us and kept saying, "no....no" as if she was a dog OR maybe after Bella kept saying, "hi....hi...HI!" to the water near us until he finally said hi back).....=)

Trying on She-She's glasses...

Now, I'm one of those that LOVES Christmas.....but I don't want to start listening to Christmas music and decorating until I've fully enjoyed Thanksgiving! =) So, now that Thanksgiving has passed......we will pull out our Christmas decorations and begin celebrating Christmas! I am somewhat pleased because all of our Christmas shopping is officially complete!!! Due to my preggo self, I did all my shopping online this year......and I feel that it was very successful and I got tons of great deals and free shipping! =) My goal is to have presents wrapped, cards sent, Christmas outfits sewn 2 weeks before Christmas so that we can fully absorb the true joy of Christmas! It's always great to have goals....right!? =) We are planning to spend Christmas with my family up in Tennessee as well as spend some time with Mamma Lloyd, Jordan, Ellen and Maddy too! Hopefully, I'll have some "Christmasy" updates soon!

19 months...

2011-11-13T14:17:00.006-06:00

Well 11 days late is better than no post at all....right!?? =) Isabella is such a delight these days. I keep saying every month she grows older is my absolute favorite, but this stage has got to be the best!!! She's so entertaining, independent, fun-loving, loves learning new things.....she is like a little sponge! Every day it seems like she surprises us with something new she's learned! The other day she was walking around the house talking....as she does most of the day.....and I caught her saying "one.....two....fwee....four!" We hadn't even been practicing numbers or counting! Sometimes, I will hear her in her crib while humming herself to sleep and she's trying to say her abc's....I'm not even kidding. She has the tune but just mixes up whatever letters come to mind! =) She loves playing outside....running (which usually involves falling)....and especially loves when we get to go for a "wok" (walk). I was telling a friend today how I couldn't even imagine going through my first trimester and all that entails for me.....if I didn't have such a little angel. Even though she is only 19 months, she is such a little helper! I'm so thankful she enjoys playing independently and doesn't mind if mommy lays on the couch and we play puzzles and read books for hours! She is such a good sleeper too! She'll usually lay and hum/play for 15 minutes until she dozes off! And she's still a very good eater.........we found out last night how much she loves corn on the cob! =)

She loves people and seems to bring a smile to just about anyone's face. =) As we were walking into church this morning, I felt as though I had a little "show dog" with me. She just waved and smiled and said, "hi!" to every person we passed....and I mean every person we passed! I can't help but to chuckle as we walk.......it's just so funny! Come to think of it, she may just be so excited to see people and get out of the house since the first trimester has kept us staying close to home!

Here are her stats (just my measurements so may not be 100% accurate).....

Head 19.5 inches 100% (hehe off the charts!)

Height 33 inches 75%

Weight 28 lbs. 85%

Schedule....

7 Wake/Breakfast

9:30 Nap (some days this is just rest time other days she'll sleep 2 hours!)

12 Lunch

2 Nap

6 Dinner

8 Bath/Bed

Iron"pappa"...

2011-11-08T16:20:00.006-06:00

This past weekend, we stayed with my parents in Panama City Beach where my dad competed in Ironman Florida. We had such precious time with him as we relaxed together before and after the race.

Here's my dad giving Isabella a ride on his bike! Go Bella Go!

And then teaching her how to run......proper form is always important for a future triathlete! =)

Now all we have to work on is swimming!

Early Saturday morning, we bundled up for the start of the race.......2.4 mile swim in the Gulf.

We always get excited when he comes out of the water! Isabella is anxiously awaiting his arrival......

Off the bike and now for the marathon! Run Pappa Run! (She wasn't quite sure why he kept running past her......she wanted him to stop and play!)

Cheering for all the finishers as they passed us.......especially for Pappa!!!

Great finish....we are so proud of him! Isabella had the honors of wearing the medal!

Fall Festivities...

2011-11-08T15:44:00.006-06:00

I have to be honest, as I sit down to finally update the blog......it's very difficult for me. The past few weeks have just been a whirlwind of emotions. As we've walked through the passing of Pappa Chip......it just really makes all the "pumpkin patches" and "costumes" seem so trivial and unimportant. It's just hard to get really excited about all of the "holiday" stuff when our hearts are still so very sad and broken. But, I know that Pappa Chip would want little Isabella to be enjoying all the fall activities and we know that He is in heaven with our Jesus with no more pain or suffering. It doesn't make us miss him any less but somehow the Lord has continued to give us a peace that surpasses all our understanding to move through each day without him here with us on earth. There are tears that come and go and emotions that rise and fall......but with the strength of the Lord and the love of our family and friends we will be able to move forward.

So.....here are some pictures of the fall activities that we have experienced the past few weeks.....

We went to a fall park with some friends....enjoyed the hay maze, hay ride and running around with friends! (I did manage to sew a little pumpkin dress for Isabella.......even while being so nauseated & on the couch most days! Let's just say it was a huge accomplishment for this preggo mother of a toddler!)

Quite challenging to get a decent pic of babies & toddlers!

As I mentioned above, I'm still experiencing lots of nausea, fatigue and migraines.....so I really am not able to venture out too far from the house. But, we did enjoy taking Isabella to a little pumpkin patch! She loved browsing through all the pumpkins and choosing her favorite! =)

The perfect "punkin" =)...

Here's our classic pumpkin patch family pic...

We also enjoyed the Fall Festival that our church puts on each year. Isabella wore her little "scarecrow" outfit and loved every minute of exploring the festival! Thank goodness for such a sweet and patient daddy who walked her around while mamma sat in the shade (after sitting for a few minutes and eating my snack - I realized I was in the "medical tent"...ha! classic)

We spent that evening with a group of friends celebrating the "Reformation"....I didn't manage to take any pictures but Isabella enjoyed all the fun activities there as well! She also somehow talked daddy into giving her a cupcake for dinner!!! Oh well.....one night of sugar won't hurt anyone! =)

Monday, Oct. 31st, we actually decided last minute to drive over to Panama City and surprise She-She! We dressed Isabella up in her little scarecrow outfit and showed up at their church's fall festival.

Isabella loved running across the parking lot to surprise her She-She!

Nothing sweeter than Bella sugar to brighten up your day! =)

She loved everything......especially the "big kid" music (or "mica" as Bella calls it).

We are all thankful for this little bundle of joy....always full of smiles!

We spent the week with She-She and enjoyed loving on her and spending time with her each day. =)

Special Memories of Bella and her Gaga.......

2011-10-24T10:13:00.005-05:00

I wanted to post some of the very special memories that Isabella shared with her Gaga and I know she will grow to cherish them as she grows older. She sure loved her Gaga so, so much......as we were at the Lloyd's house this past week, she walked around the house asking for her Gaga. We continued to tell her that he is with Jesus but it's just too much for her to wrap her little 18 month old mind around. I know as she grows older, she will grow to understand how much her Gaga loved Jesus and how we have peace and hope to see him again because we know that He is in heaven.

This was the first time Pappa Chip held Isabella...

Sweet moments during Isabella's first few days...

We went and spent the week with the Lloyds last summer while Jeremy led a mission trip to Nicaragua with our high school students. Isabella loved being outside with her Gaga and watching him do yard work.

We all headed up to Mississippi to welcome cousin Madelyn into the world...

Isabella's dedication...

Story time with Gaga...

Just a few months ago, we all met up in Mississippi to celebrate Madelyn's first birthday! The girls loved rocking with their Gaga...

Just 2 weeks ago, Isabella and I spent the weekend with the Lloyds. Pappa Chip dressed Bella in her gardening gear. She was all set to help in the yard.....

Workin' hard with her Gaga...

I will always treasure this picture. Pappa Chip snapped these photos with my cheap little camera......but they all look so beautiful! He sure had a special gift of capturing sweet memories. This was the very last picture that he took of Isabella. Such a very special memory.

The following day was Sunday and She-She and Gaga took Isabella to church with them. Due to my morning sickness, I stayed home and rested. When they returned from church they shared a special moment...

When She-She picked up Bella from the nursery, they walked down the hall together toward Pappa Chip. As soon as Isabella saw her Gaga, she took off running calling....."Gaga.....Gaga!" She ran right into his arms and he swept her up and they had the sweetest embrace. She-She shared with me that Pappa Chip had tears rolling down his cheeks. He sure loved his grandchildren.......Isabella was blessed beyond words to have known him and be loved by him for 18 1/2 months.

(I can't help but to think as I type that little memory that it must have been similar to Pappa Chip's embrace to Jesus as he entered heaven last Friday. I know Jesus just swept him up in his arms and said, "Well done my good and faithful servant.")

I look forward to sharing these memories and so many others again and again with Isabella as she grows up. She loved her Gaga so much!

Pappa Chip....Gaga

2011-10-24T10:04:00.002-05:00

Last Friday, October 14th at 11:30, we received a phone call from Jeremy's Aunt Kathy who shared with us that our beloved Pappa Chip had unexpectedly gone to be with Jesus. He was working at his photography studio and had a massive heart attack. I've been hesitant to even begin to blog about the past week because words can not even begin to express how much we loved him and how much we all miss him every day. It's all still so unbelievable and the past week seems like such a blur for us all. The Lord is faithful and has carried us through each moment of every day.......

Alan Permenter, Jeremy's youth pastor from when he was in high school, shared at the service. His words were so perfect in every way so I thought I would share on my blog. I know Isabella will cherish these special words about her Gaga as she grows to understand more and more.

Words from Alan.........

Jesus was angry as he came closer to the reality of Lazarus’ death. (John 11:33-37.) He saw Mary’s tears, and he was deeply troubled. He cried, and as he got to the tomb he was still angry. He had so many emotions going on inside of him. Crowds of people were looking to him for answers and for strength. He needed to be strong, but He needed to be real. He did the only thing He knew to do. He called on His Father to reveal His glory. He asked for the God of Creation to somehow be glorified in the middle of the tragedy. In the midst of unexpected loss, our Savior called out to His Daddy and said, “Lord show yourself to us. We need to see you.” In the middle of unexpected loss, today, our high priest is pleading with the Father on our behalf, “Lord, show yourself to them. They need to see you.” The tomb was opened, and at the sound of Jesus’ voice Lazarus came out of the grave. Jesus told the people to unbind him and set him free. On Friday night Chip was set free. The scene in heaven can only be imagined, but perhaps Jesus called the angels together for what would be something that would change the world - at least our world. As Chip sat at his computer, enjoying his cup of coffee, corresponding with friends and family, there came a point where the Lord called for the time. Chip set his glasses down, closed his eyes, and the One who holds all power in His hand said, “Chip, come home.” In that moment Chip was set free from the bonds of a physical body, and we let him go. The demonstration of power at the tomb of Lazarus was not to give a brother, a friend, maybe even a father back to his family, but this demonstration of power was to remind you and to remind me that in the middle of our grief, God is unchanged. In the middle of our grief, He still calms the storm. In the middle of our tears He still is the one who is the lifter of our heads. Jesus had all of the emotions in that day that we are having. As followers of Christ we know that the emotion of the other dimension that Jesus was feeling was the anger over what sin had done to the world. You see death was never meant to be a part of our existence. Only life. So when a believer dies, and we as believers grieve, we grieve emotionally, we grieve physically, we grieve intellectually, and we grieve spiritually because on all levels of our existence as believers we know from the most conscious thought to the deepest spiritual place that death is not God’s plan. He did not intend it to be that way, and our spirits grieve and long for a restoration of God’s plan in our lives. Friday night Chip experienced a restoration of God’s plan for life. He no longer sees in part, but now he sees in full. He understands clearly that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. His faith has become sight. For us it was too soon, too quick. too surreal. For the Lord, though, it was right on time. His timing is never off. He never sleeps nor does He slumber. It would be natural to wonder where God was on Friday night somewhere between 8:30 and 11:30 pm. Did somehow He turn away from a small white studio in the back of a frame shop? Did God somehow let His attention be caught by something or someone else? We know that He did not, because His word tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Like Mary and Martha we know that God could have intervened, but for some reason that we will never know Chip’s time on earth was complete. We weren’t ready. We would have said more, done more, laughed more, called more, bought more pictures, taken more pictures. One more family photo. If only we had scheduled that bridal portrait earlier. If only’s could go on forever, but Chip didn’t live like that, and he wouldn’t want us to live like that either.

How do you remember in such a small amount of time a man like Chip Lloyd? How can we bring glory our God while at the same time honor His child and our Chip? I think it would be best to talk about the things that our Chip and our Jesus have in common.

I have heard every person who knew Chip say at some point, “Chip was a man of few words.” Chip didn’t say much, but he spoke volumes. You’ve heard it said that a picture paints a thousand words. If that saying has any truth to it at all then you know that Chip spoke more than any of us. In his pictures he captured what no one else could capture. He saw life, and He brought it to the world’s attention. He could take any subject and make him or her beautiful. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it helps to have Chip Lloyd on the other side of the camera. Chip could make us see beauty that no one else could see. A smile. A dimple. A freckle. A look from deep within the soul of a child. How in the world could he bring that out through a photograph? He could do it because he was Chip Lloyd. Not just Chip Lloyd, Photographer, but Chip Lloyd the man who cared deeply about people and who could look into your being and without ever saying a word bring calm and bring peace. Just like Jesus. John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.

I remember so vividly the pictures he took of my family, and especially my children. We would all be in the room, and then he would look over and say, “Hey, Alan and Karen, why don’t y’all go downstairs and just let us spend some time together.” The results of those photo shoots were the most amazing. He caught Daniel’s mischievous side, and Caroline’s free spirit, and David’s playful heart. I remember one time after one of those “it’s time for parents to leave” moments when Sherri came up to me after the shoot and said with a smile, “Alan, you’d better start paying attention. Caroline is going to be a model.” Apparently while Chip was capturing life in Daniel, Caroline was going through the wardrobe room. The story has it that she came out all dressed up and said, “Uncle Chip, can I just model for you while you take pictures?” Those portraits are breathtaking, even though I know I’m a little biased. In March Chip and Sherri came to Wauchula to visit briefly, and of course we asked Chip to bring his camera. We went to an orange grove, and God did amazing things through the giftedness of Chip Lloyd. You see, one of the ways Chip is like Jesus is that he can take what the world might think is ordinary and make it extraordinary. He brings things to life what others might see as normal, unusable, and plain. I remember sitting with Chip in the studio looking at pictures. He would go through after any shoot and eliminate the photos that he thought were bad for some reason. He would spend hours going through the shots so that only what he wanted people to see would be seen. Our God is like that. He doesn’t expose all of our sin for the world to see. He goes through, and He weeds out all that shouldn’t be there so that we can be the very best picture we could possibly be. Chip took so many pictures so he could get the best shot. In the same way, God gives us chance after chance so we can have the best shot at experiencing all He has for us to experience. (Psalm 139).

Chip was a Master Photographer, and while I don’t know all that being a Master Photographer means I do know that it means he spent a lot of time immersed in the ways of photography. He also spent a lot of time helping others with photography. People talk about the times he and Sherri helped photographers who would come in and want to learn about the business. He didn’t mind taking his time, showing them around, and letting them experience what he had experienced when he was first starting out. People helping people bring out and use their gift. Our Jesus is like that. He is the Master Teacher, and while He was on earth He immersed Himself in His Heavenly Father so that he could train others to be the glory of God. He left us a Counselor who would show us the way to go. Chip Lloyd and Jesus had that in common, and I can imagine that they might even be laughing together now about how difficult it is to teach some people the very things that come so naturally to the two of them. (John 15:5).

Much of Chip’s work was done at weddings. If you had Chip Lloyd photograph your wedding you were blessed. He captured the moment like none other. We learned a lot from Chip by seeing him shoot weddings. He had philosophies that would come out from time to time. When should the pictures be taken? How should the pictures be taken? Who needs to be separated and how do I make those parents look happy? Why are some receptions so long? Someone should write a book on the Musings of Chip Lloyd. Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding. (John 2:2). God’s word tells us that one day there will be a wedding feast in heaven. The wedding feast of the Lamb when the bride of Christ is united with Christ once and for all. (Revelation 19:7). As we live closer to the last days than we were yesterday I can imagine the Wedding Announcement: Save the Date - Wedding Feast of the Lamb - Photography by Chip Lloyd.

Chip was gentle and kind, just as Jesus was gentle and kind. Galatians 5:22-23. He was a man of integrity and carried a lot of wisdom. Chip was a fisherman, a musician, a free spirit. I can still see him riding in his JEEP with the wind blowing all around. Chip loved life. He was a friend. In fact, Chip Lloyd was everybody’s best friend. I believe that came from his compassionate heart. He would listen to you for hours. Anytime we had the chance to be with the Lloyds and were leaving to go somewhere there was no question who the kids wanted to ride with. They wanted to ride with Uncle Chip. Uncle Chip was fun, adventurous, and with Uncle Chip you always got to ride in the front seat. The listening side of Chip has meant so much to so many people. When Karen and I were considering entering full time ministry again we prayed and sought the Lord, but decided that we wouldn’t share it with anyone because we wanted to see what God had in store. I did reach out to two people - one for prayer and one for wisdom. Chip Lloyd was one of those people. I called Chip and asked for his insight on ministry as a vocation and ministry as a tentmaker. We talked - actually I talked and Chip listened. As the conversation drew to a close Chip shared some very personal words that I will keep personal. Then he simply said, “Alan all of us are called to something. I’m called to take pictures, and you are called to preach. You’ve got to be true to your calling.” What a wise man he was. Wisdom comes in large part from listening, and Chip was a pro at listening - just like Jesus listens to the ramblings of His children. You may have called Chip your best friend. If so, that’s because Chip Lloyd was the best friend a man could have. Proverbs 17:17.

Jordan mentioned to me that his dad always had high expectations of himself. If you’ve ever had a portrait made by Chip you know that his expectations were high, and the quality of what he produced was high. He had high expectations in many areas of life, though, not just in photography. If Chip said it, it was true. He said what he meant, and he meant what he said. He would never hurt anyone, and often allowed himself to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. He was willing to sacrifice so we could be better. People talk about what they have learned from Chip over the years. What makes that so special is that those closest to him say Chip never saw himself as a role model and never thought too highly of himself. Just like Jesus. Philippians 2:5-11.

Jeremy said there was something special about Chip’s hands. Even when covered in a costume you knew the picture was of Chip if you just looked at his hands. Do you remember the story of Thomas wondering how he would know if Jesus really was alive? The disciples had all seen Jesus, but Thomas had not had the experience yet. He said, “I won’t believe he’s alive until I see him for myself.” Jesus appeared to Thomas and said, “Put you finger here, and look at my hands.” There was something special about Chip’s hands. Just like Jesus. John 20:24-29.

Others have said that Chip could sometimes be a cynic about things. Not too much, but just enough to get a laugh, a grin, or a good late night conversation going. Of course, halfway through Chip would be asleep on the couch, the chair, the floor - wherever he was sitting. He looked at his relationship with Christ with discerning eyes. He wanted to know that what he was doing was real. Something mattered. I remember conversations with him about serving the Lord and what that really meant. What did the Lord require? He didn’t like the pretense of religion, but he didn’t let that stop him from loving the Lord and loving His church in a Chip Lloyd kind of way. Just like Jesus. Micah 6:8.

We’ve heard a lot about Chip, and I could talk for hours about him. Chip would be bored with all of this about halfway through though so I’d like to turn my attention to his family. Chip loved his family. He had great respect for his parents and was so gracious when Ms. Carolyn joined the family. He wanted the best for his brothers and sisters in all areas of life. He wanted them to know the joy of the Lord, and he was always so quick to speak about whatever good was happening in their lives.

We all thought we were his best friend. Sherri truly was his best friend. The two of them were inseparable, the real deal when it came to being one mind and one heart - one flesh. That’s not to say they always agreed or that they never had an argument, but they never stayed at odds long. They loved each other too much for that. Coffee on the porch and early morning conversations became commonplace. Road trips, Hangman, Words with Friends, - even Solitaire. They shared life together, and they shared their gift together. Chip took the pictures while Sherri distracted the kids. Chip took the photos, and Sherri completed them with touch up or whatever flair she had to add. Chip and Sherri completed one another. You really can’t say Chip without saying Sherri. It just rolls right out. Chip and Sherri. Ephesians 5:31-33.

Chip was a great dad. I know personally, not because he was my dad, of course, but because I have had the privilege of having an up close and personal spot on the journey of the Lloyd family. Watching Jeremy and Jordan grow and develop confirms what we all know to be true. Chip was all that we think he was and more. You don’t grow two Godly men by accident. You can tell a lot about a man by the children he grows. God entrusted Jeremy and Jordan to Chip and Sherri with intentionality, much as he placed Jesus into the home of Joseph and Mary with intentionality. When God has big plans for His children He puts them right where he wants them, and no other dad was suitable for these two men. It had to be Chip. Matthew 1:18-25.

Many people would see Chip with Jeremy and Jordan on the beach taking photographs of church youth groups. As you might expect Chip took them along for help and companionship, and some might suppose that he was training them in hopes that they would follow in his footsteps as a photographer. He was training them, but for something much different than the naked eye could see. In classic Chip fashion he was capturing the moment for much more than a 5x7 serious or funny pose. He used those moments to teach his sons about life and about ministry. Chip saw a lot of youth ministers come and go. Any pastor would have been wise when searching for a youth pastor to give Chip a call for a reference. Not all youth pastors are cut from the same cloth. Chip knew the difference, and he would take great care to talk to his sons about what made a minister a minister. As a matter of fact much of what Jeremy and Jordan learned about ministry they learned from Chip. Be firm yet loving. Use your gifts and don’t let anyone conform you to their mold. Do your best. Expect much from yourself, but give others a break. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Speak little, but be heard often. Respect others. Reflect Jesus. There is no greater asset to a youth ministry than great parents - unless it is that the youth minister himself has been raised by great parents. Ephesians 6:4.

Some have expressed, and rightly so, that Chip’s grandchildren are the apple of his eye. Proverbs 17:6. He had such a way with them, and it might could even be said that they had him wrapped around their pretty little fingers. Bella and Maddie and others to come will miss the hugs, the laughs, the cookies that GaGa provided. But they won’t miss knowing Chip. If they ever want to know what Chip was like they can simply crawl into their daddys’ laps and look into their eyes. Deep within they will find that Chip is still with us in the heritage of his children.

We all knew and loved Chip Lloyd. So many people have written words about him on Facebook. People have called and stopped by. We will remember him forever. Every time we look at a portrait he took hanging on our walls, every time we sit at the table in the restaurant where we met him for a quick lunch, every time the church orchestra plays, every time we pass a youth group on the beach, every time you have coffee on the porch, every time you hear yourself say something to your children that makes you stop and say, “that’s sounds like something dad would have said” - we will all remember Chip Lloyd. He is unforgettable. If memories begin to fade, however, and you ever ponder what Chip was like, could I encourage you to pick up The Book and read about my Jesus. If you spend time reading about my Jesus you will know a lot more about my friend. Chip was a lot like Jesus.

Weekend away...

2011-10-13T11:37:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, Jeremy led all our high school students on our annual fall retreat. Due to the rapidly growing baby inside my body........and my body that is trying to hard to adapt to all these new raging hormones.....I have been very sick! So, we went over to stay with the Lloyds for the weekend. My sister, John and baby Sadie actually came down also for Sadie's 6 month photo shoot and to spend the weekend at the beach!

It was such a relaxing weekend and I was so thankful for the extra help with Isabella while Jeremy was away! Here are a few pictures from the weekend......

She-She made us her famous delicious sgetti!.......

Isabella enjoyed a relaxing fall ride with her cousins....

Isabella also ventured out to help Ga-Ga do some fall gardening.......

We were so thankful for the extra help through out the weekend! I was able to rest and Isabella had way more fun at Ga-Ga and She-She's house than she would have had with preggo, sick mamma all weekend....and that's for sure!!! =)

My little precious is 18 months!

2011-10-06T11:16:00.005-05:00

It's challenging capturing a picture of Isabella being still......so I thought I'd just post some "real-life" pictures of her at this stage! She is moving all around and exploring......and loving every minute of it! =) 99.9% of the time, is she is quiet in her room.....we will find her in front of her bookshelf looking at books OR......

flipping through one of her picture books (this one happens to be one my mom gave her of baby pics of me when I was her age).

She loves to take care of her "babies"....loves to sit and rock them in her chair....or let them rock on their own sometimes too!

We just returned from Isabella's 18 month appointment so I thought I'd give an update! Of all the different things a pediatrician could comment on, he just kept complimenting her sweet, tender, friendly disposition. It always makes a mamma feel good when others appreciate her friendly, well-mannered child. =)

She is growing up way, way too fast! I remember when I thought she would never ever reach 10lbs....took us almost 3 months! And now she is well over 50% in weight and height......and almost off the charts in her head! Ha! (Gotta have room for all those brains!) She truly is such a tender, loving, friendly, confident child. I say confident because I guess that's the best way to describe it........she says hello to everyone and is not one bit afraid to explore a new surrounding on her own! She has become more and more independent and self-entertaining. I've always felt pretty strongly about little (if any) TV and movies.....and I'm so glad we've stuck to it! I know that's what helped her become so good at creative and independent play! She loves puzzles, books, games, playing with her babies, coloring, side-walk chalk, blowing bubbles, going for walks, singing, eating (as you can see from her stats!) and the list goes on! She is talking up a storm.....we laugh because we wonder where she learned all these words! She surprises us with new words every day! One of the fun new things she is doing is little tasks on her own....for example, we will ask her to go get something out of her room - and she'll come back with exactly what we asked for! Or, I will tell her to go put her "bobby" (bunny) and "babbi" (paci) in her crib....and she will go and do it! It's so fun!

Here is her schedule....2 naps still...yay!

7 Wake/Breakfast

9:30 - 11 Nap

12 Lunch

2:30 - 4:30 Nap

6 Dinner

8 Bath/Bed

Her Stats....

Weight - 26lb. 7oz. 75%

Height - 32.25 inches 75%

Head - 100% (not sure of exact measurements!)

.MOM

2011-10-01T16:12:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, a friend and I headed up to Birmingham to meet up with my mom and sister for the .MOM conference. We really didn't know much about it - other than that it was the first .MOM conference Lifeway had ever put on and that there were going to be some very dynamic speakers! Well, needless to say - I was so blessed during those 24 hours of worship, teaching, testimony and practical "mom tips!" I thought I would share briefly what I took away from each of the sessions.....now please keep in ind there were over 30 break-out sessions offered and each mom could only choose their favorite 4 to attend! There were so, so many wonderful teachers and sessions, but I was very pleased with the four I chose to attend. =)

We started off with worship led by former Avalon singer, Melissa Greene. She sang at Olive a couple years ago and we all thoroughly enjoyed her heart for the Lord and her passion for engaging others into worship. She was awesome!

Angela Thomas was our first Main Session sepaker and she spoke on "Being a Light" as a mom. She emphasized the importance that Jesus is the only one who gives us light and therefore He is the only one who can truly offer light to our children. Mt. 5:16 - Let you light shine before men....(children) so they can see Jesus daily! We must be a reflection of Jesus to our children. We must also remember as Acts 1:8 states that we are called to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth spreading Jesus' light. But, let me emphasize here the importance of FIRST starting in Jerusalem (our home). Our husbands and children is where we must begin and make top priority! We must fan the flame to others and keep the darkness out of our home. We must care about God's approval more than our children's/friends or others approval. Such an awesome reminder how how important my precious time with Isabella is each and every day..........I pray the Lord will use me to light the fire in her tiny little baby heart!

The first break-out session I attended was a panel with Priscilla Shrirer, Amanda Jones (Beth Moore's daughter) and Angela Cottrell (Travis' wife). It consisted of various women of young children asking various questions on parenting, family time, potty training, meal times, friendships etc. The main theme I took from this session was just to pray through every decision and make the best decision for my children as the Lord leads me! It's so important not to compare with other moms/parents in their choices for their children. Every child is different and the Lord has gifted every mother different and the most important thing is that we are parenting the way the Lord calls us to specifically for our individual children. (Always cool to hear such dynamic women who love the Lord speak this truth to confirm it in my heart.)

Then, we went to a session led by Angela Cottrell, "Teaching Biblical Truths to Your Children & Grand-children." She was so down to earth......shared her weaknesses, challenges and ideas with us! She started off with Deut. 6:7 - we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, min and soul and we must teaching these truths to our children every day - all day! As busy mothers, we must seek out time with the Lord - time to meditate, learn, reflect and memorize. When we are filled with truth, then we must speak these truths to our children. For example.....her family turns off the TV M-Fri in order to prioritize time for each other and the Lord.....and time to be kids & be creative! I LOVED this. =) We must constantly be sharing God stories with our children....what He is doing in our lives! We must remember that our family/lives day to day are going to look different than those around us...and that's OK! She gave tons of practical ideas for teaching the Bible to our Children....I will bullet these for my sake in the future!

-Hook them in the morning

-scripture cards (read one over b'fast)

-Pray in the car and be silent

-Create prayer placemats

-Creat prayer picture albums (kids pray for family/friends by name & picture)

-Free Ideas

-Bible coloring/activity pages online

-Creat puzzles on paper from scripture

-Music - "Seeds of Faith"

-Blue Letter Bible

-Children can play and act out stories

-Prayer book - children color pictures to interpret scripture & prayers

-Inexpensive

-Rose Publishing

-Jewish Storybooks (lots of cool details)

-The DK Storybook Bible

-One Year Devotional (for older children)

More Pricey

-Nest Entertainment - Animated Stories from Bible Series

**She also suggested reading a Proverb over your children every night.

Our next large group session was with Angie Smith. She shared her testimony....for those of you who haven't heard her powerful testimony - I will share with you briefly. She had 2 children and then got pregnant with her 3rd. They found out that this baby had severe problems and would not live outside the womb. She shared her struggles......and challenges through this journey. She shared holding her baby for just a few hours after birth and then giving that baby back to Jesus. As you can imagine, there was not a dry eye in the room. Powerful testimony of the Lord's faithfulness through dark times......and reminder that He walks beside us every step of the way.

Saturday morning, we started our day with a session with Vicki Courtney. She talked about the story of Jesus' visit with Mary & Martha. She emphasized the importance of recognizing when we tend to become a "Martha." Three qualities that Mary had and we should also: 1. Make time to sit and listen (block out "white noise" of this world - facebook, twitter, busyness) 2. Aim for enough in life rather than too much (service, ministry, extra-curricular activities) 3. We must make Jesus our primary, essential affection (what is your primary affection?) She shared with us some of her deepest challenges through raising young children. Sometimes, it takes pulling your Bible out and sitting right next to the baby in the swing (just so the baby can see you).....whatever it takes - make time to be with Jesus.

My third break-out session was with Esther Burroughs, "Moms...creating legacies, traditions and fun for children and grandchildren. She suggested the book "Jesus Storybook Bible" & the songs from "Teeny Tikes." She was a wise lady in her 70's who just shared her heart with us young moms! She reminded us that God created the family unit first THEN the church and we must keep that always in mind. She reinforced the importance of having family worship - praying over each child. She reminded us not to get so overwhelmed with parenting books....but that the Bible is all we really every need. She challenged us to pray for a Godly mentor....not a program...but a relationship). She told us that the one lie of this culture is busyness....and we must NOT believe it! She shared with us one idea that her daughters implement and that is one night a weekend "No one goes out...no one comes in." (family night)

Our third break out session was led by a counseling group from Nasvhille and the session was titled, "Modern Parents with Vintage Values." This was targeted toward older children dealing with techonology etc, but I'm glad we went so we can be proactive with our younger children! Pretty much, parents much do their homework on technology and set boundaries. They also suggested having a community of other parents who you trust their boundaries also. They deiscusses the issue of children feeling entitled to things. We must raise our children to know the difference between a need and a want - giving our children opportunities to raise money to buy things. We must model gratitude. Then, they spent time discussing the following character qualities that are so important to instill in our children.....Respect, Forgiveness, Confidence and Responsibility.

Our last big session was with Priscilla Shrirer and she focused on Luke 5. She talked about how we as mothers need time for margins and time to be "lazy" - time not doing something! We must have friends who can help us "wash our nets"......helps us with challenging times etc. She reminded us that we all have strengths and weaknesses and that Jesus sees our weaknesses and allows the to be used for His glory. She also reminded us that the major character building and refinement may be during THIS season of our lives! We need to use our experiences - even struggles to help encourage others. He wants us to cast our nets (have faith) and say "Yes, Lord!" (willing to use us)

Ok....so that was our weekend! And...I'm glad I took the time to blog this - that way I can always refer back to it on down the road! =)

Blessings...

2011-09-13T16:47:00.004-05:00

As I've walked through the past few days grieving the loss of a dear friend who battled cancer, the Lord used this song, "Blessings" once again to minister to me. Jeremy and a friend sang this song today during her service. I will post a link to the previous blog when I referred to it a few months ago. The past week has been an emotional roller coster for me and several of my dear friends. One week ago today, I had the privaledge to pray over my sweet friend Karen who was struggling with cancer. We prayed for healing, peace and comfort....we prayed that our desire for healing would be the Lord's plan but we prayed for peace to trust His plan. The Lord chose to take sweet Karen home to be with Him last Friday. I had the privaledge of teaching alongside Karen at my former school for 4 years as well as serving alongside her at our church. She was a strong woman of faith, courage and love. She had a servant's heart and was always looking for opportunities to encourage others. She was a Godly mentor to me as a young teacher, wife and mother. I will always remember the wisdom she shared with me through out the 6 years I knew her. I will never forget the image of me opening my eyes last week while praying for her and seeing her raising her hand to toward heaven. She loved Jesus with all her heart and that was evident to all around her. Her Pea Ridge Elementary family loved her dearly........what a blessing it was for me to teach with those sweet ladies. I pray that we will never forget the lasting impression she made on each one of our lives and be inspired to live our lives to bring glory to Jesus just like Mrs. Karen did.

So...here's the link to the blog. Since this post - there have been friends conceiving left and right....Praise Jesus for those precious little baby lives! He hears our prayers and answers them in His perfect timing! =)

http://jeremyandwhitney.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html

Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-09T11:53:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, we headed up to Nashville to spend time with the "Boyd" clan! It was such a nice, relaxing football weekend! The guys had at least 2 TV's playing games....the girls enjoyed cooking and playing with the babies! It's always a fun time when we're together! =)

Go Vols! and War Eagle!

Do you know how challenging it is to get a pic of a 17 month toddler and a 4 month baby???

Isabella was overflowing with sugar for Sadie! It was so cute to watch Isabella's "mothering" instinct come out......

She was ready to put that pacifier back in the moment Sadie lost it! =)

Cousin bath time is oh so fun! Yay for the invention of the Bumbo which helped Sadie enjoy bath time with her toddler cousin!

And let's face it....Uncle "Ma" and Aunt "Bubba" are the cool, hip uncle and aunt! =)

Auntie Linz was sooo fun....she carried Boo around in her kangaroo pouch!

My dad dedicated Sadie on Sunday morning.....it was so special that we were all able to share in this memorable day!

Pappa sure loves his sweet baby girls....

and I love my sisters....

A holiday weekend wouldn't be complete without an early morning race! Dad and I ran in a Labor Day 5k.....it was raining so the family stayed home.....so we didn't get any pics...but it was fun for us to do together. (Or should I clarify - not actually "together" - my dad is still WAY faster than me!!!)

The Greatness of our God

2011-09-08T11:43:00.004-05:00

This song has meant so much to me in the past few weeks and I just wanted to share it with those of you who read our blog.

As I post these lyrics and video, I'm filled with a combination of mixed emotions. I have a heart of joy for all the many blessings the Lord has lavished upon me and my sweet family.....his goodness, his faithfulness and his unconditional love.

But, I also have a very heavy heart as Jer and I are walking beside and praying earnestly for two close friends battling cancer. One friend has been a mentor to me while teaching school and I've looked up to her in so many ways as I've seen her love others and the Lord with all her heart. I went to visit her and pray over her on Tuesday with some ladies.......we are praying for a miracle to heal her and save her! We know it's a selfish prayer to want to keep her here on Earth with us....but we are praying and believing that God's will is best and hoping his will aligns with ours. She needs prayer just to make it through each moment of the day at this point. Another friend is a young mom a little older than me who just found out she has breast cancer. I just can't even imagine being in her shoes...but I know our God will be faithful and love her through this journey ahead.

So, with all this on my heart - this song has been such an encouragement to me. I pray that it will also encourage you and remind you of how great and perfect our Father's love is no matter what you may be facing today. He is greatly to be praised even when we can't find the words to express. Even when life seems unbearable.....and seems impossible to praise Him...HE is great and good and worthy to be praised.

The one line that really seems to express my heart today is....

"I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all You are, the greatness of our God."

Just click the link below....

http://youtu.be/3dzK0dr7B5s

Verse 1:
Give me eyes to see
More of who You are
May what I behold,
still my anxious heart.
Take what I have known
And break it all apart
For You my God, are greater still.

CHORUS
No sky contains,
No doubt restrains,
All You are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know,
And I'm far from close
To all You are,
The greatness of our God.

Verse 2:
Give me grace to see
Beyond this moment here.
To believe that there
Is nothing left to fear.

That You alone are high above it all.
For You my God, are greater still.

CHORUS 2x
No sky contains,
No doubt restrains,
All You are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know,
And I'm far from close
To all You are,
The greatness of our God.

Bridge: 2x
And there is nothing
That can ever separate us.
There is nothing that can ever
separate us from Your love.
No life, no death, of this I am convinced.
You my God, are greater still.

2x:
And no words can say, or song convey,
all You are the greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know,
And I'm far from close
to all You are,
the greatness of our God.

17 months!

2011-09-07T15:42:00.004-05:00

Sweet Isabella is 17 months...and she just gets more and more personality every day! We are having a blast together! She loves painting, doing puzzles, coloring with crayons, reading books, playing outside, going on walks (she walks not rides!), loves swinging at the park, actually has FUN in the nursery now (praise Jesus!), savors every bite she eats (I'm pretty sure she would eat the entire day if I let her), loves waving to people...even strangers (we are working on that), and I think her very favorite thing to do these days is to walk around pointing to objects, family members etc. and naming them (for animals she says the sound too)......soo cute!

She continues to love people...meeting new people, hugging friends and kissing friends (we try to aim for the cheek.....not lips!) We spent the weekend with my family up in Tennessee and all of a sudden Isabella's little "mothering" instinct has surfaced. She was loving on my little 4 month niece Sadie....kissing her...hugging and putting her pacifier in every time it fell out. It was the most precious thing to watch! I think she was exceptionally very gentle for a 17 month old! But, that just seems to be her personality at this point. She seems to be very sensitive and tender. But, she also is very independent and likes to do things "her" way! For example, we could all be hanging out talking and look over and Isabella has taken a toy and pretended to "vacuum" the entire house. She has no fear of being alone or walking around exploring! My prayer is that this trait will develop her into a strong leader one day! We all know that she has a tender side....but she sure has a strong will too! She usually visits "time-out" once a week and thus far it has been very successful! She doesn't like to disappoint mamma or dadda....so sitting in her crib alone and away from us really hits home for her. As much as it breaks our hearts to discipline her, we know this is the best thing for sweet Isabella! =) It's so much fun running errands with her and just spending the day with my sweet girl. As her little personality continues to unfold and she becomes more independent, she is quite a fun little helper and she continues to bring us so much joy each day!

Here are the words she is saying....this may be the last month I attempt to list her words because she pretty much repeats anything we say! She is a smart whipper snapper!

cat, meow, dog, ruff-ruff, bird, tukey (turkey), cheez (cheese), beys (strawberries), bed (bread), cheeos (cheerios), ater (water), ink (drink), mo (more), peez (please), ball, bubbles, book, Bible, door, hi, bye-bye, shoez (shoes), bow, eyes, Ga-Ga, She-She, ordo (Jordan), Eya (Ellen), Mammie (Maddy), Pappa, Mimi, Linny (Lindsey), Bubba, yan (John), Ma (Matt), Baby, Babi (Abby)......she recognizes all her family in pictures, can identify eyes (blinks), nose, mouth, ears, bow, hair, feet, belly button. I'm sure there are other words she knows and says consistently...but it's just hard to remember them all.

She can also repeat the alphabet...let me clarify - if we say "a"..she'll say "a"...and she'll go through all 26 letters. "W" is our favorite - it comes out different every time "wallulyou."

After saying all her letters....her favorite part is when we cheer for her! I mean who doesn't like a little positive reinforcement! =)

Here are her stats.....just done at home so probably not perfectly accurate....

Weight - 24.5 lbs 55%

Head - 19 inches 90%

Height - 31 inches 45%

Her schedule remains the same also (although I think the morning nap is getting shorter and shorter....but she still plays in her crib when she wakes)! I will be sad when that nap is gone......but I suppose that just means more fun times together!

7 Wake/Eat

9 Read/Nap (1-2 hrs.)

12 Lunch

2 Read/Nap (2-3 hrs.)

6 Dinner

8 Bath/Prayers/Bedtime

Sometimes you just gotta stop and dance! =)

2011-08-31T13:34:00.003-05:00

We just finished lunch and decided it was a perfect time to crank the music and practice our dance moves! =) Bella enjoyed lunch in her pj's, tu-tu and ballet slippers......so please excuse the cheese still on her face!

Our tender-hearted little missionary =)

2011-08-28T16:43:00.002-05:00

After returning from my morning run yesterday Jer shared this picture with me.....

Isabella saw this commercial come on TV about poor, hungry orphans.....and she immediately went over and started feeding them her cheerios while saying, "baby...baby!...baby?....baby."

Just a cute little picture to share with ya'll......though I was convicted when I saw it. How often do we offer the most precious possession that we so love and treasure to give to those in need? Let me tell you, cheerios are Bella's prized possession at this stage in her life. Her sweet, tender heart wanted more than anything to help feed that little sick baby. Just another sweet mommy moment that the Lord used to teach ME! =)

Photo Shoot with Ga-Ga and She-She!

2011-08-25T21:26:00.006-05:00

Earlier this summer, Isabella had the privilege of spending the weekend with Jeremy's parents (ga-ga & she-she). We are very blessed to have a grandaddy who is so talented and a she-she who keeps us smiling! Just thought I'd share some of our favorites....... =)

7 Prayers a day....

2011-08-24T13:45:00.004-05:00

One of my friends from college read my post from yesterday and shared with me this awesome idea she got from a Bible study a few years ago.....so I thought I would copy and paste that on my blog too! I don't know about you and your family, but we need all the prayer we can get! Satan is ready and trying to attack.....so we better have our armor on and actively combatting him and his evil schemes! I've found in my life that praying scripture and dwelling on God's Word is the #1 way to live in the Spirit!

For these prayers, we can insert our child/children's names in the blank, cut them into strips and post them around the house. =)

1. When she wakes up: "Let the morning bring ____ word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show ___ the way she should go for to you she lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 43:8)

2. When she is getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Lord help her bear with others and forgive whatever grievances she has against others. Help her forgive as the Lord forgave her. And over all these virtues, help her put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While she is eating: "Teach ____ the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach her that she can do everything through him who gives her strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When she goes out of the house: "_______, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While she is taking a bath: "Lord give _______ clean hands and a pure heart, and let her not lift her soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let her receive blessings from the Lord and vindication from God her Savior. Let her be a part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God." (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When she is going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Adapted from Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While she is sleeping: "I pray that ______ will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that she may become blameless and pure, a child of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which she shines like a star in the universe as she holds out the word of life-in Christ that she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Praying for Isabella....

2011-08-23T10:28:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been desiring to have a more structured prayer plan as I pray for Isabella each day. You know....we pray before meals and bedtime and I pray for her during my quiet times, but I've just been brainstorming ideas that would be practical yet effective for a busy mom! So, I came across this website: http://pastoralcareinc.com/Articles/31childrenprayer.php

I'm always inspired and learning creative "mom tips" by reading my friend's blogs so I thought I would share this practical tool I came up with the other night! =)

I pretty much copied and pasted this 31 days of prayer on the website to Word, but then I went back and changed the general "child" or "children" to "Isabella." I changed the font to make it pretty and printed it out on nice linen paper. I'm going to hang it on her door with ribbon......and now every time I lay her down to sleep or late at night when I tip-toe in to see her sweetly sleeping, I now have a specific prayers with scripture that I can pray over her! Each number corresponds with the day of the month. I figure I can do this for a while - then I can change up the prayers/scripture. So anyways, the Lord helped me create this tool as guidance to pray more specifically for my sweet baby girl and I just thought I would pass it along! =)

"The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective!" James 5:15b

Happy Birthday Maddy!

2011-08-22T10:43:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, we traveled up to Columbus, Mississippi to celebrate little Maddy's first birthday. (Maddy is Jeremy's brother's little girl.) We stayed in a cabin on a lake which was just about 1 mile from their house. It worked out just perfectly and we loved the beautiful lake and park!

"Grandaddy" aka "Ga-Ga" enjoyed having his two baby girls together.......

Jer and I had a nice 5 mile trail run together early Friday morning around the lake. While breakfast was cooking, the guys decided to try and catch a fish........

Bella wanted to help...

Maddy and Bella had so much fun playing together!

Maddy got a new baby grand for her birthday.......

The girls played a nice duet and then Bella played us a special song. =)

They splashed in the tub together.....

and then danced to the music (please excuse the baby booty....Bella enjoys being "free").

The party was a blast! Lots of fun new toys to try out.....

Cotton candy made by "Uncle Jer".......

Cupcakes too!

The cousins had so much fun together......

We look forward to the next time we are all together!

Cornstarch.....the new "air conditioned sandbox!"

2011-08-22T10:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, after we all finished lunch, Jer and I were relaxing on the couch for a few minutes before nap time. Bella was quietly playing in her room.......or so we thought! Then, all of a sudden we heard a little noise in the kitchen......and this is what we found.......

Someone opened up the baking drawer and found the cornstarch! But, surely it couldn't be this little innocent face!??? We got a nice laugh.......took some pictures to capture the moment.....then cleaned up the mess! =) (notice my cell phone under the chair and yes, it still works just fine!)

Beach Worship

2011-08-22T10:33:00.004-05:00

We ended our summer with a worship service on the beach with our students! It was such a neat time together as we worshiped our Savior and watched the sun set in the distance. (Of course Bella always seems to have a little friend to entertain her.....) We are excited for what the Lord has in store this fall! Our new connection groups started yesterday morning, Wed. worship services kick-off this week and our fall discipleship groups will begin next week! We pray that students will encounter Christ in a new way this year as they are discipled and grow in their faith while reaching and connecting with lost friends along the way!

Funnies....

2011-08-16T20:59:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to mention a few of the "funnies" that Bella has done the past few days......

1. Yesterday we spent the day catching up on all the laundry! We did loads and loads....and she is such a good little helper. She'll stand beside me in the laundry room and help me put clothes in the dryer...one by one. Then, she'll stand by the basket full of clean clothes and hand me an item...one by one to fold. Then, we proceed to go to the closet to hang up the clean clothes and she hands them to me....one by one. =) Well, as she was handing me the clean clothes - there was a slight delay in the process. I looked to see what the hold up was and found little Bella standing in the bathroom next to the toilet with the lid down, three polos hanging out from under the lid and she was proudly patting the top of the toilet lid! (She had found the "washing machine" her size and was proudly "loading" them for washing!) HAHA! Such a funny moment....we enjoyed laughing together.....and breaking the news to dadda that we washed 3 shirts in the toilet! Ooops!

2. Today, Jer and I were chatting on the couch together and out came Bella from her bedroom with a wash cloth. She came right over to me.....lifted up my shirt and started "scrubbing" my belly button. Then, she did my legs and arms! It took me a minute to figure out what she was doing.....but I realized she was giving me a little bath! She then proceeded to do the same to dadda! =)

3. Since it has been a bit cooler, (88 degrees rather than 100) we have enjoyed going for an after dinner walk together as a family! Well, the past two nights Bella starts out in the stroller waving to neighbors, kicking her feet and so on. Then, after much persuasion from Bella, we let her get out of her stroller and walk holding our hands while dadda carries the stroller. The walk ends with Bella pushing her empty stroller down the street home. =)

Celebrations!

2011-08-16T20:37:00.005-05:00

This weekend we had lots of fun celebrating with........

Our friends the Tyners who are expecting baby Braden in just a few weeks!

Susie, Amber and I threw a "boy" shower for Christi! We all had fun decorating with blue for a boy.......and showering her with lots of little boy goodies! =)

We also celebrated with our dear friends the Dubuois as their duaghter Haley got married!

It was so special being able to share in the evening with them. =)

Haley's dad serves on staff at Olive with Jeremy and they have become such special friends to us. Haley was a sophomore when we first started at Olive and now she is 22 and married! We actually were at camp with our students the summer that she and Josh met while they served together on staff at Student Life Camp. Summer Love! Sounds all too familiar to me! =)

Isabella LOVED all the music and dancing at the reception.....and the candy sticks! (This was a special, special treat because we really don't eat any sugar at home.)

When the music started.......she began clapping and squealing.....

Then she helped herself to the dance floor and danced the night away with the bridesmaids! =)

Such a fun weekend of celebrating with friends!

August Sunshine!

2011-08-09T11:28:00.008-05:00

We've been doing our best to enjoy the last bit of summer! We have to choose our time carefully outside because it has been getting terribly H-O-T down here in the Sunshine State! =) Most of our time is spent with lots of sunscreen and in nice cool water!

Isabella has discovered a new favorite.....finger painting! Last week we were missing "dadda" one afternoon so we decided to paint him a pretty picture! Isabella loved it...and so did dadda.

Artist at work....

Pausing to blow a kiss to mamma...

Making final touches...

All done.....ready for a bath!

We also enjoyed a fun water play date with friends too! It's so much fun splashing in the water with friends and running through the sprinkler.........

Jeremy's parents (ga-ga & she-she) came over to visit for the weekend. She-She took us to lunch and shopping on Saturday while Jeremy and his dad enjoyed a day of fishing in the Gulf! We had a delicious grilled fish dinner Saturday night......there's just nothing better than fresh fish from the Gulf! =) Isabella loved showing off all her favorite toys and books........and especially had fun with all the extra attention.

It's been so nice getting back into our little routine now that our summer with the high school students is slowly wrapping up. Isabella and I enjoyed relaxing in our baby pool yesterday and playing at the water table.

We love playing with the water hose.......spraying it on each other.....and drinking from it!

The water table is oh so much fun too!

And we have the privaledge of watching military helicopters fly over us........they always seem to amaze little Bella!

We are definitely looking forward to some nice, cool, crip fall weather - but for now we are savoring every last bit of the summer months!

16 months & growing up way too fast!

2011-08-02T14:51:00.007-05:00

Time is flying bye way, way too fast! Isabella is now officially a toddler......no more crawling or scooting - she is walking and starting to try and run! But, you know - as sad as it is when I miss her being my little baby - we have more and more fun together every day! We actually tried something new today.....finger painting! She absolutely loved it! It really turned into more "body painting".....but her little picture turned out so pretty for her "dadda." =)

She continues to have such a sweet and sensitive side to her but she has also learned the word, "no." Uh-oh! It's ok for her to respond to "no" from an adult....but it's not ok for her to say "no" back! So, we are working on that part. We've had to start implementing time-out for 1 minute in her crib for things such as repeatedly playing with plugs or being whiney at the dinner table. As much as it breaks my heart to have to put her in her crib for 1 minute and listen to her call for us, it actually works! So, hopefully this shall continue! Church nursery is getting much easier for her! Praise Jesus! =) She is now officially the "class talker." When we picked her up this past Sunday, her teacher said that she was sharing all her vocabulary with the class.......even "Bible" & "Jesus." She really is a talker.....it's hard to list all her words because honestly, she will repeat anything we tell her to "say." Now, xylophone may come out as, "i-o-neu" with a big nod.....but she tries! Her new favorite toy is her big, purple, "ball." Every time we would pass them in Wal-mart or Target she would point and say, "ball." So, I succumb and payed all of $2.50 for a big ball! She loves to try and carry it, roll on top of it and play games with us (rolling back and forth).

She also loves to sing, "The B-i-b-l-e!." She will clap while we sing it and then at the very end she raises her hands and says, "Bible!" She's also become quite the littler prayer warrior! We pray together and she holds her hands together......her favorite part is saying, "Memen!" (amen) at the end! We are just having so much fun as she loves exploring and discovering new things!

Her Stats:

Height: 30.5 inches 48%

Weight: 23 lbs. 48%

Head: 18.5 inches 75%

These are just with my measurements at home...so they may not be perfectly exact. =)

I just looked back at 15 months and she was supposedly 31.5 inches...well, either the doctor measured wrong or she has shrunk cause I'm pretty confident she is 30.5 today! =)

Schedule:

7 Wake/Breakfast

9 Nap

11:30 Wake/Lunch

2 Nap

4:30 Wake/Snack

6 Dinner

7:30 Bath

8 Prayers & Bed

(As you can see her naps are getting longer! I've debated whether or not to cut the morning nap and make her afternoon longer.....but she's sleepy in the morning and I like having a little break twice during the day!) =)

Summer Excursions!

2011-08-02T11:13:00.008-05:00

Excursions....adventures.....we've been on the go the past few weeks!

We headed to Covenant College on top of Lookout Mountain for Student Life camp with all the high school and middle school students! It's definitely a new adventure taking a toddler to camp but we had a blast! Isabella was the princess of the week as all the students (especially the middle school students) spoiled her rotten!

Strolling around camp...

We were able to see my Grandma one day too! My mom drove over from Nashville, picked up Bella and me and took us down the mountain to spend a few hours with Grandma. My Grandma lives in a retirement home and they take such good care of her! =) She has been struggling with Alzheimer's for several years and that is always a little sad to see but really she is very healthy and seems to be happy for an 86 year old! We are always so thankful when we get to spend time with her just loving on her and visiting with her. She absolutely loved seeing Isabella. Isabella is named after her....Isabella Corrinne - my grandma is Corrinne.

We love our Grandma/Great-Grandma...

Grandma loved showing Isabella around her home.

She played "little piggy" with Isabella's toes.....

All four generations....

Bella enjoyed showing Mimi around camp when we returned.....we said our good-byes and back to camp life we went!

On Friday after we returned home from camp, we had the privalege of meeting our dear friends Brett & Tiffany's newly adopted son Phoenix! Brett served alongside Jeremy as the Middle School Minister a few years ago before being called to Pastor a church in Arkansas. We enjoyed pizza at the Tuscan Oven and loved hanging out with each other catching up on life! Phoenix had fun helping feed Isabella her food. It made for such a nice evening together!

Brett, Tiffani (next to me), Phoenix w/Bella & Joel and Tamara (Jeremy's previous assistant)

After returning from dinner, Jordan (Jer's brother), Ellen and Madelyn came to visit and spend the night! It was such a fun surprise to get to spend an evening/morning with them! They live in Mississippi so we don't get to see them very often.......but when we do get together it's always such a special time! As you can see, Isabella and Madelyn have a blast together....they are just 4 months apart. We are super excited about celebrating Madelyn's first birthday in a few weeks!

Maddy helping Bella wake up...

Kisses.....

Cousin Secrets...

Driving the car together...

We had a couple days to rest up and then we had our annual Water Ski day on Saturday! Once again Isabella enjoyed every minute! She loved splashing in the water, eating snacks on the shore and driving the boat! =)

Driving the boat with Mrs. Jaime...

Love my sweet girl...

Driving...

Splashing in the water with Mrs. Krista....

We've also been excited to see several new tomatoes and red peppers.......we are just trying out this whole gardening thing this year! We'll see how it goes and maybe add new veggies next year!

Yum...yum!

After a summer full of family visits, youth trips and fun adventures.......it's always nice to be home and get back into our little routine! =) We are settling back in and enjoying time together as a little family of three!

Blessings

2011-07-18T10:32:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share this song that has become special to me for various reasons this summer. I'm sure many of you are familiar with this song by Laura Story...."Blessings."

When I first heard the song a few months back, my eyes filled up with tears as it brought memories back from my previous miscarriages. It seemed as though the lyrics of the song expressed many of the emotions I had experienced. But, not only did it express many of the emotions I experienced during the difficult times.......it also expresses emotions that I feel in my heart today. It seems that over the past year or so, I've come to experience the realization that "this" (earth) is not our home! It seems that the struggle through conceiving a healthy baby as well as challenges with my body continued to reveal to me the thirst for something that this world can not satisfy! It's been my prayer that I will live each day keeping my eyes on my "home"....my eternal home. And it seems when my eyes our kept on what's eternal that the struggles and things of this world seems to fade in the distance because there is a hope of something greater than this world offers. So, this song holds a special place in my heart for these reasons but.....

I've also had the privilege of praying for a few dear friends of mine as they have struggled to conceive. When I hear this song it is a reminder not only to pray for my sweet friends but of the faithfulness of God to give us hope, faith and peace as we are persevering through trials. I know my friends are continuing to walk patiently as they hope for a healthy baby in their future......and I'm faithfully committed to praying for them. =)

Yesterday morning, I woke up to check my email and found an email from my college roommate with the background of Laura Story.....songwriter of "Blessings." It truly touched me.....I encourage you to read this link. (Her husband battled with a brain tumor shortly after they were married in 2006. The Lord has not chosen to completely heal her husband, but they are a living testimony of God's peace, love and hope that he offers here on this earth. Here's a link to her blog......

http://www.laurastorymusic.com/bio

It's so neat how the Lord's timing is so very perfect. This song and testimony went along just perfectly with my Sunday school lesson yesterday on the Great Commission and how we are commanded to use our life as a witness to bring others to know Jesus. We always think of "Go" into the all the world as we are to "go" and "do" something.....which in a way, yes, we are to do that. But, in my studies this week on the word "go".....Jesus clearly meant "as you go"...meaning as we walk through life day to day we are to use our lives as a testimony to the Lord. Laura and her husband are truly being blessed as they use their life as a testimony of God's love and faithfulness.

I pray this song ministers to you just as it did me. We are not promised that life here on earth will be easy and always full of happiness.....but Jesus does promise that He will never leave us - that He will always walk with us offering us peace and that we have hope for our "home" to come!

15 months!

2011-07-13T12:10:00.005-05:00

She loves walking outside!

Our baby girl is quickly turning into a little toddler! Every month I think...."ok, this is the most fun and the best stage of development"....and then the next month comes and I say it again!

Seems like life just gets more and more exciting for little Isabella each day and therefore more entertaining for Jeremy and I as we watch her explore the world around her! =)

She continues to be such a good little sleeper....sleeping about 11 hours every night! She loves, loves, loves to eat! We haven't found a food that she dislikes yet! Of course she has her favorites......"anana" (bananas), "cheez" (cheese), "be" (bread), "be-ey" (strawberries), grapes, raisins and sweet potatoes! She has definitely fully adjusted to drinking whole-milk and loves it also! Some of her very favorite things to do are.........

-This girl loves music and definitely has some dance moves too! She recognizes even the softest of music and starts nodding her head or wiggling her body. One of her favorite things to do is dance with mamma and daddy.....as you can tell from the pics below......

-She will sit in front of her bookshelf and pull all her books down one by one - flip through them and look at the pictures. (sometimes they're upside down) =)

-Loves to do flashcards with mamma......we love learning new words and looking at animals too!

-She loves to go into the bathroom at bath time and take all her bath toys out from under the sink and put them in the bath tub to prepare for her fun bath time!

-It's a special treat when mamma opens up the kitchen cabinets and Bella can pull out all the tupperware and pots and pans!

-Of course swinging is still her very favorite most exhilarating thing to do by far!!!

-She loves opening drawers and pulling everything out one by one....then putting it all back in one by one!

-Swimming in her baby pool is definitely a favorite too!

-She loves playing outside...sidewalk chalk, her red car, pushing her "friendly dino", picking up "ro" (rocks) and giving them to dadda and mamma....and she even likes helping daddy pull weeds (except sometimes she pulls grass too!)

-Playdates are super fun too......and story time at the library!

-She loves working on her wooden puzzles......and she especially loves when she puts the correct shape in place and mamma cheers really loud for her! =)

-She loves babies...espeically sweet cousin Sadie.

Her personality seems to develop more and more each day! She definitely has a very tender, sweet side to her......but she also has a funny, comical side to her too! Her sensitive side comes out when she "loves" her baby dolls - she will put them up on her chest and tilt her head to the side while patting their backs. Her funny side comes out when she sits on the floor and sniffs her feet and says "pee-u" while shaking her head! (Thank you Auntie Linz for that trick! hehe)

The nursery is getting easier and easier for her! While we were in Tennessee, she actually went to their nursery a few times and did great! She still cries a few minutes when we leave her....but dries the tears up pretty fast. Sometimes towards the end of nursery time, she will cry just because she's ready to be with mamma and daddy again. =)

Her communication and speech is getting better and better too....which is a lot of fun! She continues to do well with her sign language. But she is now beginning to understand short commands that we ask of her. For example, "Put the toys away." "Go get your ball." "Put your bath toys in the tub." "Go to the kitchen for lunch."....and so on.

She will pretty much try to imitate any word we ask her to say but here are the words that she has mastered and repeats on her own.

dadda, mamma, cat, kitty-kitty, do (dog), baby, pappa, mimi, ga-ga, she-she, inzey, shon (jon), bubba, ma, dordo (jordo), enya (ellen), mad (madelyn), bir (bird), bye, hi, that, cheez, anana, be (bread), be-ey (strawberry), shu (shoe), bo (bow)

We are just having so much fun together this summer! She's had two weekend slumber parties with her Grandaddy and She-She. We enjoyed VBS together. She had lots of fun visiting her family up in Tennessee and we are looking forward to going to Student Life Camp in 2 weeks with all the high schoolers! =)

Her stats:

Height 31.5 inches 55%

Weight 23 lb. 5 oz 55%

Head 48 cm 90%

She definitely hit a growth spurt the past few weeks! Grow-Bella-Grow! =)

Here's a quick update on her routine....not much has changed:

7 Wake/Breakfast (cereal, fruit, milk)

9 Storytime/Nap

11 Wake/Play

12 Lunch (variety each day Ex: turkey, cheese, yogurt, fruit, veggies, milk)

2 Storytime/Nap

4 Wake/Play/Snack

6 Dinner (usually east what we're eating for dinner - meat, veggies, fruit, milk)

7 Bath

8 Prayers and Bedtime

Summer Family Vacation!

2011-07-12T15:06:00.014-05:00

Each summer, my family tries to plan a summer vacation together. It's becoming a little more challenging as all the husbands have jobs as well as Brit.....and there are two babies in the picture now! So, we decided this year that it would be most fun for everyone to have a "stay-vacation" in Nashville! We had a blast! Honestly, we all just treasure time together so it really doesn't matter what we're doing or where we are as long as w're together!

Jeremy led a mission trip with our high school students to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to help with the disaster relief/clean-up from the terrible storms. So it ended up working out perfectly for my mom met up with us in Birmingham and we rode to Huntsville to stay with Linz for a night. We loved playing with baby Sadie......she's grown so much in just 2 months since we'd seen her last. We woke up Tuesday, loaded up the car......1 Mimi, 2 mammas, 2 babies and TONS of baby stuff and ventured on up to Nashville! It's amazing just how much babies change in 2 months! They hadn't seen Bella in 2 months and wow has she changed! She is walking.....climbing....everywhere and into everything! =)

Wednesday, we enjoyed Mimi's baby pool! Isabella loves the water - especially when mamma puts warm water from the sink in the pool. =)

Thursday, we had a girls lunch date out in Nashville.... (do you know how incredibly challenging it is to take a picture of a 15 month old and a 2 month old!???)

....and then we headed over to visit "Aunt Bubba" at her office. She works for Dave Ramsey in the real estate department. When we walked in the building, Dave was actually doing his radio show so we enjoyed watching him for a few minutes. Then he came out and we got to meet him! (For those of you who may not know - he is an awesome Christian financial planner!) Anyways, Isabella was carrying on as always and he shook my hand then he looked at her and said, "WASSUP!" It was really funny...and cute. =) We loved meeting all of Brit's friends....super fun place to work! When we got home, Bella decided she should help feed baby Sadie.....well, actually I think she just wanted some of the delicious milk!

Then, Auntie decided that Isabella needed to learn a new trick...so she taught her how to sniff her feet and say, "Pee-u!"......

I love this precious little Sadie...."Buggy" =)

Aunties are so much fun!!!

Friday, my mom took us girls out to lunch in downtown Brentwood at Merre Bulles.

It was delicious! Of course, babies dominated our conversation but it sure was enjoyable to be be able to eat and not have to cut up food the entire lunch! =).....those of you who have a one year old understand what I'm talking about all too well I'm sure!

Pappa enjoyed taking Isabella on a nice long stroll.....it ended up being a 45 min. walk and Pappa says that Isabella enjoyed every minute of it. He says when she got bored he would just hand her another stick or leaf otherwise known as a "treasure." =)

Friday night my parents took us to a park near their house.......as soon as Isabella saw the swings she started squealing with excitement! I can't really explain her emotions when she sees a swing other than that she starts giggling, pointing and laughing! And as soon as she gets in the swing........the laughing and giggling gets even louder! It's just so precious! We enjoyed playing on the playground.....Aunt "Bubba" helped Isabella explore the big playground! =)

We woke up Saturday morning and filled the baby pool with water for the girls! They enjoyed "water day" for about 15 minutes! That's about the attention span of a 15 month old......although I think Sadie enjoyed her 30 seconds of dipping her feet in the pool too! Smokey hopped in the pool to play with Isabella.....=)

Saturday night, we went over to Matt and Brit's house for dinner! After dinner, we took a walk to their neighborhood playground......and Isabella got to swing and play on a playground AGAIN! She loved, loved, loved it!

Sunday morning we all enjoyed my dad's church service. It's always such a special treat when we get to hear him preach. Isabella actually enjoyed playing with new friends in the nursery. =)

It was another pretty day......and the girls loved being outside!

As always in the "Boyd" household, we all woke up at the crack of dawn on July 4th to run in the Firecracker 5k! No better way to start a holiday than to wake up early and run a race! =)

My dad, Jer, John and I ran this year. It was actually my first race in 2 years....post-pregnancy/baby. I still have plenty of work to do on my speed but I was less than 30 seconds off my last 5k time which was 2 weeks before conceiving Isabella! =) My dad got 2nd in his age group........and Jer won his age group and did a PR! 17 something....way faster than me! Races are always "healthy" both mentally and physically. I enjoy setting goals and working hard to attain them......which running gives me the opportunity to do that. In the meantime while training, you're keeping your body physically fit and strong! Running has always been my outlet for relieving stress, meditating, praying and just enjoying God's creation! During pregnancy and the newborn months you have to mix things up a bit......but I always enjoy and am so thankful for the days when I can run hard and enjoy feeling good!

Here's little Isabella cheering us on!

We ended our 4th of July with fireworks in Brentwood. Crockett Park has a wonderful fireworks show with live music....very family oriented! We planted our family of 12 up on a hill under a tree and enjoyed the music! I'm pretty sure Isabella enjoyed the music more than anyone else in the family! She wanted to be front and center on the dance floor.....even if she was 4 feet shorter than everyone else! =)

Tuesday morning, we said our good-byes to Sadie bug and the Gorins as they had to get back home.....Isabella was full of good-bye kisses.

We enjoyed relaxing on Tuesday.....Jer and I ventured out to shop around a bit. Can I tell you one of my favorite places to shop in Nashville is the Brentwood TJMax! I would definitely consider myself a "thrifty" shopper....and let me tell you that is the place to go! They have such fun and different clothing since it's in Nashville and of course at the TJMax price! =)

Wednesday morning, I enjoyed going with my mom to her Women's Bible study at church. I've grown close to a few of the women in her church through visiting and spending time with them on various occasions. It was so neat to be a part of their study for a morning.....I was definitely encouraged and inspired! Isabella loved the nursery.....she even colored Mimi and Pappa a special Bible story picture. =)

On Wednesday night, Britney invited Jer and I to go with her and Matt to a previewing of a new movie that will be coming out September 30. Dave Ramsey rented out a theater for all his employees. They had a few extra seats so we were able to attend also! We actually sat in front of Dave and joked with him a bit before.....he's for sure a cool guy.....who has a lot of good stuff to say about money! I need to do a whole blog entry just on the movie, "Courageous" so for now let me just say that everyone needs to go see it....especially Dads!

We woke up Thursday and headed to the Nashville Zoo! It was so fun! We weren't quite sure if Isabella was to the age where she would really enjoy seeing all the animals......boy were we wrong! She loved them....she was totally fascinated and intrigued!

Sea animals...

Snakes...and reptiles

Exploring with Mimi...

Giraffes...

Goats...

More goats...

Leopards...

After about 2 1/2 hours of exploring the zoo together, we looked down to find this......a sleepy baby =)

I made a special dinner for Jer to celebrate his birthday! And Brit baked a cookie cake....

We spent our last day on Friday at Brentwood Country Club pool! My mom, Isabella and I loved swimming together, playing on the play gound, in the baby pool and eating poolside lunch!

Jer enjoyed his last round of golf with my dad. It was a relaxing day as we ended our vacation!

Isabella ended her day by brushing her teeth on Mimi and Pappa's bed......we were letting her go diaper-less due to her terrible diaper rash.....and she chose to leave Pappa a special wet surprise on his sheets! Ooops!!!

I'm so thankful for my parents, sisters, brother-in-law and niece! We had so much fun living life with each other for a week! We all look forward to the next time we will be together.........

Heaven is for Real!

2011-06-25T10:01:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share a book with you all that I highly recommend! Now, you know how busy we are and the thought of actually sitting down to read a book...in the summer.... is sometimes a far off expectation. But, my mom read this book recently and shared with me bits and pieces that just made me want to experience the book also! Jeremy and I have been reading a few chapters each night together for the past couple of weeks. And....wow! It has been worth every minute of the time we carved out to experience it together! I don't want to spoil it for you so I'll just share a few little snip-its from the book. It's pretty much about a little 3 year old boy who goes through a terrible illness and has the privilege of experiencing "3-minutes" of heaven. Now, I've been a Christian since I was 5 years old and I've learned a lot about heaven, but the descriptions that this precious little boy shares over the course of a few years with his family brought tears to my eyes! Tears of joy, tears of peace, tears of anticipation! The father of the little boy also shares the trials that they have experienced together as a family........truly sharing his heart of wanting to give up and turn His back on God. But, instead of giving in to those fleshly desires he continued to diligently persevere.

I'll tell you that after reading this book I am so excited to meet my Jesus one day face to face! Oh, it will be such a glorious day! I am also looking forward to the precious day that I will be able to hold my two babies that I lost in my miscarriages nearly two years ago. I am confident that those sweet and beautiful little babies are with my Jesus! Such a wonderful peace knowing that 2 of my 3 babies are already experiencing the everlasting joy of heaven and that I will see them again! =)

So, all this to say.....go ahead and pick up this book on your next trip to Wal-mart....pour a glass of cold lemonade and read this wonderful book this summer! I promise you will be blessed!

VBS!

2011-06-25T09:57:00.003-05:00

This week we had Vacation Bible School at our church. Our theme was "The Big Apple Adventure." I taught crafts to 3 fourth grade classes and we had a blast! It was such a fun change from babies and toddlers! =) We had several of our 4th graders who became Christians and were baptized Friday morning!

Isabella enjoyed a week's worth of morning naps in "dadda's" office! It worked out just perfectly......we laid her down around 9:30 and she slept until the Worship Celebration at 11:15.....sometimes even later!

It was a busy week and exhausting.....but worth every minute of it! It was hard saying good-bye to some of my 4th graders....I just wanted to take them home with me!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-21T16:56:00.006-05:00

Isabella has only just begun to realize how blessed she is to have Jer for her "dadda." Yes, Jer loves her so so so much and would do anything for his little princess and yes, I know he loves me a lot too......but the special part about Jer is that he loves his Jesus more than me or his little Isabella and that's what makes him the Godly man that he is and what makes him so unique in this crazy world. There are so many men who fall in love with their jobs, their hobbies, their friends.....wordly treasures and their families just fall in the shadows. I am blessed beyond words to have been blessed with a husband who puts the Lord first in all He does. He loves us with a love that only comes through the Lord. As cute as little Isabella is, she is far from perfect and Lord knows I don't even come close to having it "all together." It takes lots of patience, gentleness and tender love to care for Bella and me. =) I am so blessed that Jeremy makes family time a priority.......we have already made so many wonderful memories together as a family of three! I pray that Isabella will grow to understand the love of her Heavenly Father as she experiences the love of her earthly father.

Not only am I thankful for Jeremy on this Father's Day and for the love he shows to our little Bella, But, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my daddy. =) The love and sacrifice He has shown me over the years has truly been a love that I know is only made perfect through the Lord. Through His dedication to the Lord and his commitment to my mom and our family, he has always given me a Godly standard of a husband and father. I know not everyone has been blessed with a father with whom they have upmost respect for and some of my friends have already seen their father's taken home to be with Jesus. So, on this Father's Day I count it one treasured blessing to have my father as such an influential figure in my life and my little Isabella's life.

Here's a pic that was taken around 1989........(roughly ages 8, 7, 3)

Father's Day has always been a special day for my sisters and I....we were all baptized by my daddy on Father's days.....not all together but on various years. =) Notice the little Bible that Brit is holding....I just love it!

I'm also so thankful for Bella's "grandaddy" also known as Jer's dad.....Pappa Chip! I'm thankful for the role-model he has been and continues to be of a wonderful husband and father. He has helped instill into Jer the model of a healthy home and family and for that I am truly blessed. I am so excited that Isabella has the privilege to be loved on by such wonderful grandparents. I pray she will continue to grow to love and admire them all her days! =)

Summer Days!

2011-06-18T14:05:00.004-05:00

Well, the first official day of summer is June 21....but since we've had temperatures well over 100 degrees the past few weeks we feel like it is summer time already! This past week was one week full of summer time fun activities. Here's our week in a nutshell....

Monday.....Isabella enjoyed celebrating her friend, June's, third birthday at a fun little park - "Cowboy Park." It started to rain half-way through the festivities, but that didn't slow us down. We finished our partying underneath the pavillon!

Tuesday.....We enjoyed a nice grilled family dinner together. Bella and I enjoyed some fish and Jer enjoyed a big ole steak! After the sun went down, we ended our evening with a nice "short" walk around the neighborhood. "Short" due to the fact that little Bella would rather hold our hands and walk than ride in her stroller so we had to shorten our walk. One year olds take itty bitty steps and walking 1/8th of a mile is definitely long enough! =)

Wednesday.....We threw a Luau for our high school students! Tiki torches, leis, delicious fruit, fun games and good fellowship made for a very memorable night with everyone!

Here are a few of the 9th grade girls that I've enjoyed getting to know better this year while teaching Sunday school......

Thursday......Jeremy runs with a group of guys on Friday mornings followed by a Bible study. So, we gathered with all the families and had a grill out/pool party!

Isabella is getting more and more confident walking alone!!! Yay....go Bella-boo go!

Friday......Two of our graduating seniors came over and baked cupcakes for us! They insisted on baking in our kitchen so that the house would be filled with the delicious aroma of fresh baked cupcakes!

Saturday.......We are heading over to some friend's house for dinner! They brought us a delicious pasta dinner a few weeks ago when Bella was sick. I have been begging for the recipe because it was....oh my goodness.....soooo amazing! So, we are heading over for a "cooking lesson" and dinner together. She is going to show me how to make the pasta dish and then we will all enjoy it together! With the help of Isabella, I made a Lemon Meringue Pie this afternoon that we will enjoy tonight! I can't think of a more perfect way to end a hot summer week!

Senior Trip...

2011-06-13T11:24:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we took a group of our seniors to Greyton Beach! It's always a bit of a challenge to pull the seniors away from all their business.....but we got a majority of them this year and had such a fun time together! We stayed in an awesome house near the beach.

Our annual senior trip is always such a relaxing and fun trip for us all.....no babysitting involved....cause we've usually trained them right and they are young adults by the time they graduate! =)

We grilled out Friday and enjoyed a delicious dinner together. Saturday, we spent the day out at the beach......kayaking, swimming, laying out! We all ventured out for dinner and then the girls squeezed in a couple hours of shopping at the Outlets while the guys planned their "shark attack." They were determined to catch a shark....needless to say they did not. My daring husband (being the experienced fisherman that he is) bravely fought the crashing waves at 10:00 PM to drop the Shark bait out past the sand bar!!! I'm so glad that I was not on the beach to see this take place because from what the students said they were all getting nervous since he was not in sight....dark sky and big waves! Well, anyways - he made it safely to shore and they were unable to catch their shark they had hoped for.

Everyone headed home Sunday afternoon.......so the seniors were back to the real world - looking for summer jobs and preparing for college!

These seniors will always hold a special place in our hearts. They were in 7th grade when we first started at Olive. I remember these little girlies when they were scrawny little middle schoolers in my Sunday school class......and now they've grown into beautiful young ladies! =)

Feeding herself!

2011-06-10T11:49:00.002-05:00

Such a big girl! When I was away last weekend, I guess Jer taught Bella how to feed herself! I just happened to stumble upon this video and thought you would enjoy! =)

Girls Weekend!

2011-06-06T11:30:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, my three best girlfriends from college and I met up in Gulf Shores! Each year we plan a weekend get away.......girls only! Nursing babies are of course are allowed to join us too! =)

Here's little Helen....Margaret's little girl who is 2 months old =)

Courtney and I enjoying a delicious dinner in Orange Beach!

Julie and Margart...and baby Helen...

I am blessed beyond words to have been blessed with such Godly friends. We have had the privilege of sharing in the exciting and adventurous college years, the early adult years of working our first jobs while balancing married life and now we are each immersed in the years of young motherhood life! These friendships are like rare jewels in my life...so unique and so precious. We laughed about how we should write a book including our conversations from year to year......we really think that somehow it could be appreciated by some young girl out there in the world! =) Over the years our conversations have gone from sorority date parties, planning study groups, planning spring break trips, engagement surprises, wedding plans, stepping into the "working world", pregnancy, caring for an infant, baby schedules, nursing patterns, housekeeping, exercise plans, ideas for meal times.........and the list goes on!

As I shared with my mom this morning about our weekend, I told her, "Mamma, being with these friends is like having a taste of heaven......they truly edify me and they are the purest form of real friendship." I'm so thankful the Lord blessed me with these friends nearly 9 years ago. I know that we will continue to remain friends for life as our friendship and love for each other is rooted in Christ. I pray that my sweet Isabella will also be blessed with girlfriends with whom she can laugh and dance with in parking lots late at night..........cry on their shoulder when a life's challenges come along and share in joy the celebration of God's faithfulness as His plans are unwrapped for her life. I am thankful for such sweet blessings in my life.

14 months!

2011-06-01T14:18:00.007-05:00

Little Isabella is 14 months old today! Wow! =) She is turning into such a little toddler and it's so much fun! I miss holding her when she was a tiny infant, but these days are so exciting as we watch her totally enthralled by the world around her! It seems like she is learning something new every day and it is fascinating to watch how quickly she is changing.

Stats:

Weight: 21 lb. 5 oz. 30%

Height: 30 inches 55%

Head: 18.5 inches 90%

Her daily routine continues to be mostly the same, but she is so much more adventurous and she is totally into exploring her world! She will rarely cry when she wakes in the morning, but rather she will play with her animals, aquarium or her mobile! She continues to love, love, love eating! We still haven't found a food that she doesn't like.....and if it's on mommy and daddy's plate then it's even better! =) She continues to enjoy being outside. She loves to ride in the jogging stroller and she especially likes when we pass a dog...otherwise known as "ruf-ruf". We enjoy getting together with friends during the day for story times, park dates, play dates, pool dates, lunch dates and so on. Bella has shown SO much improvement in the church nursery this month! She may cry just for a second, but then she dries up her tears and begins playing with the fun toys and her friends. Yay!!! Our prayers have been answered! I've even dropped her off twice when she didn't even shed one tear! =)

Here are some of the fun new things she is doing.....

-blowing kisses all the time

-standing up from sitting position all by herself unsupported...

-sign language: "more" & "all done"

-whistling.....so precious!

-crawling super, super fast

-walking about 10-12 steps alone

-words: "mama", "dadda", "pappa", "bubba" (aunt brit), "ki-ki" (kitty-kitty), "cheez" (cheese), "anana" (banana), "bye", "hi", "tha" (that)

-when we ask her where kitty kitty is......she starts looking for her!

-loves to flip through books on her own (sometimes upside down) =)

-enjoys sorting (pulls objects out, then puts everything back in)

-turns the tv on and off

-holds the cell phone and says "hi!"

-likes picking bark off the trees

-totally fascinated by picking up little rocks and giving them to us outside

-coloring (scribbling)....she colored her first picture in Sunday school for us!

-waves bye-bye

-gives kisses on the mouth.......my favorite!

-unrolls the toilet paper

-takes all her bath toys out from under the cabinet and puts them one by one in the tub!

-loves to crawl behind the shower curtain when mommy or daddy is taking a shower to play peek-a-boo =)

-pointing to our belly button.....and hers! =)

-chasing "ki-ki"...

Here's a sample schedule.......nothing much has changed for several months:

7:00 Wake/Breakfast (fruit, cereal, milk)

9:00 Story time/Nap

11:00 Wake/Snack

12:00 Lunch (fruit, veggies, meat, yogurt, cheese, milk etc)

2:00 Story time/Nap

4:00 Wake/Snack

6:00 Family Dinner (veggies, meat, cheese, milk etc)

7:30 Bath

8:00 Prayers & Bed

We did begin a little morning "school" routine this past month which she's enjoyed. We have a little chalkboard in our kitchen and I write a new letter on the board each week along with a corresponding Bible verse that goes with the letter. I also add a number/color each week. We mainly just talk about them during our mealtimes. She doesn't quite "get" them yet.....but enjoys looking at them and talking about them! =) I also put up 2 families to pray for each week. (We choose two Christmas cards/pics each week.) I thought this would eventually help her recognize her family/friends. Also, during her first story time of the day, we read one story out of her Baby Bible. Perfect way to start our day! :)

She is our little bundle of joy and we fall more and more in love with her every day! We are looking forward to a fun summer with family and friends as we make lots and lots of memories! We will do our best to update the blog throughout the summer.......so stay posted! =)

Memorial Day...

2011-06-01T13:52:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed a relaxing day at home together on Memorial Day! We started our day with a jog and then spent the day being lazy together as a family! Later in the afternoon, we went over to our friends house, the Sherouse's for dinner. They have a little girl, Abigail, who is three months younger than Isabella. The girls always have a great time entertaining each other! =)

Mr. Wes sprayed the water on the back door and the girls thought it was the greatest thing in the whole world!

Wauchula.....

2011-05-29T08:47:00.004-05:00

This sweet picture pretty much sums up our week!.....Relaxing with dear friends as we served the Lord alongside each other!

We headed down to Wauchula, Florida where Jer led worship for a Spring Renewal at First Baptist Church Wauchula. His former youth minister from when he was in high school currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the church. It was such a special week as we were able to introduce the Permenter family to our little Isabella! They have three precious children: Daniel (13), Caroline (8) and David (3). Daniel was actually the ring bearer in our wedding! He is also named after Jeremy......who's middle name is "Daniel." This sweet family has always held a special place in Jer's heart......and as soon as I met them 8 years ago, I immediately fell in love with them too!

As you can see, Isabella was the "princess" of the week! She always had someone who was holding her, rocking her, playing with her, feeding her, pushing her in the swing, pulling her in a wagon, reading to her........

She enjoyed feeding David her cheerios.....=)

It was a week full of quality time together!

Bella loved snuggling up and watching "Miss Patty Cake."

Bella and Caroline with their matching headbands........I love how my child always seems to have cheerios in her mouth! =)

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Bella enjoyed playing in the little courtyard out back with Caroline and David!

We were blessed beyond words as we spent the week with this amazing family! These 3 children are truly the most well-mannered, fun-loving, spiritual children I know!....and I know a lot of children! =) I love watching Alan and Karen gracefully parent there children. They are raising such wonderful children who truly have a love for the Lord. I enjoyed asking Karen all about homeschooling (she is a former teacher and now home schools her children.) Jeremy had fun leading worship and serving alongside Alan and the guest speaker, Dr. Bryson. We will all look forward to the next time we are able to hang out!

I'm so thankful for how the Lord places special people in our lives who remain life-long friends! It's so neat how Jeremy was under Alan's leadership as a teenager and is now having the opportunity to serve alongside him. What a special blessing to have such unique friendships who challenge, encourage and bless you. We know these friendships are a gift from the Lord!