Isaiah 59:11

The decision has been made...

2011-03-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

I've decided not to run the Dallas RnR half marathon this month. It was a tough decision. I wanted to run, but I have to think about things beyond this one race. I had an injury that cost me lots of miles and endurance. Once better I only had 3 weeks to get race ready. There is just no way I can SAFELY prepare for and run 13.1 miles. I'm sad not to run. I had so much fun last time, but I don't think this would be enjoyable in any way. I don't have to run this race. I've come to terms with it, and I'm not going to feel bad about my decision. So, there.

Seriously? Not this again!

2011-02-19T10:21:00.000-06:00

I just need to take a moment and share some frustration, but first, a little back story...

Once upon a time, less than a year ago, I started running. Then I got inspired to run a half marathon. I completed it, and did it faster than I thought I could! The training was tough, but I made it through and accomplished a huge goal. Also, I fell back in love with running! I love that I call myself a runner. I love to read about running. I love to shop for running gear. Most of all, I love to go running!

My training didn't go smoothly 100% of the time. At around the 4th week (8 weeks until the race) into the training I ended up with an injury. I had bursitis in my right hip. It really slowed me down, and I could only tolerate about a mile of pain with every step before I had to stop. For 3 weeks I only ran a mile a day. By the 4th week of that I went to the doctor and got a cortisone shot in my hip. After 24 hours all was great again! I could run pain free! But, I lost a little of the endurance I'd built up. I had to start slow again. I was able to catch back up on my mileage, though. I think the week before the race I could say that I felt completely healed. I finally could walk without a limp and sleep on that side comfortably again! Amazing, right?

So, that brings me to my frustration today. Over the last couple of weeks Running and I have not had the best relationship. Every step has been painful. Every breath has been tough. I think some of it is mental. There are some things that are causing stress that I just don't have any control over, and we've travels a lot lately. It's been tough to keep up a normal schedule. I have missed a few weekday runs. The biggest problem right now, though, is that I think I have bursitis in my left hip. I'm not happy at all. Now I have to dial down the mileage and see if I can heal. I am supposed to run another race in March, but now I don't see that happening. I'm pretty sad. I could run/walk it, but I would just be disappointed in myself.

I know I need to do some cross training to strengthen other muscles, but I don't have access to a gym membership where I could do that. (I know that's probably not a good enough excuse, but it's what I'm going with.)

So, now I'm just sad. I used to love running and I want to again. Today I am supposed to run 7 miles, but I'm only going to run 2 or 3. So sad.

Wow!

2011-01-25T20:10:00.000-06:00

I just want to say that I love it when something happens, and the only explanation is that that it was an answer to prayer. I also love it when that answer to prayer happens in the same day! Just putting that out there...

I Can't Believe I Just Did That!

2010-11-16T09:33:00.001-06:00

In May when I started running again I never dreamed that in 6 months time I would complete a half marathon! Back then I could barely run a half mile. This weekend I ran 13.1, and had fun doing it! I'm so glad I got talked into signing up for this race. It gave me a goal to train toward.

It has been a long road to get to the point where I could run 13.1 miles, all at once! There were times in my training when I thought it was all over and I wouldn't get to run. My family experienced a lot of ups and downs in the last 6 months. We've moved, experienced loss, had some birthdays, started kindergarten and a new preschool, and most recently experienced some stressors related to our income source. The worst setback for me happened right in the middle of my training. I ended up with bursitis in my hip and almost had to stop training all together. I was devastated! I gave up on the pain and went to the doctor. He gave me a cortisone injection into the site on my hip, and I was able to get back into my training! I'd missed 3 weeks of quality training, but I was able to get right back into it. I had to cut back on my mileage, though. I really was so worried that since I had lost so much training time that it would really effect my ability to finish strong.

This last Sunday was finally Race Day! I can't believe it came so fast! We stayed in downtown San Antonio, close to everything, and had a great time! We arrived on Friday since Collin had his race on Saturday, so we hit the expo as a family. Once we got Collin's race packet we walked around, but the expo was a little overwhelming for the family. After Collin's race on Saturday morning I went back to the expo with Barrett. I think I spent entirely too much time on my feet Friday and Saturday, but the expo was just too much fun.

Sunday morning we (Kelly, Jessica, their friends, and I) made it toward the start line! You know that feeling that you have when you've been in line for a roller coaster and you're moving closer and closer to the ride? That "what have I got myself into" feeling? As we moved closer and closer to the start I felt just like that! The atmosphere was great and really helped ease my fears. We were there to have fun running together, and I didn't need to worry about anything. I'm so glad Jessica was there to help us figure out how to prepare and get us to the start. I would have been totally overwhelmed without her. Once we started running the fun began! I can't believe how fun and comfortable the whole race was. Of course I was running and pushing myself to run a distance I hadn't accomplished before, and I was working hard. I've just never had that much fun running! Before we started I warned our group that I probably wouldn't be talking to anyone, but I talked and laughed throughout most of the race. I stopped once to drink/egel, and once to tie my shoe, but other than that I made it through without even wanting to stop! Around mile 10 I became much less pleasant. I had e-geled and there wasn't water right away and the crowds started to get to me. I was tired of having to go around walkers in the middle of the road, and I was generally tired of so many people being on my running route! I did every single training run alone(expect a 2 miler with Barrett while I was injured), so this was a brutal introduction to group running. It seemed that the closer we got to the end, the more crowded it became. At mile 11 I stopped being nice and just bumped into people. At mile 12 I started running by people and yelling that I was coming up on their side. I'd had enough of this crowd and I was ready to be out of it! At one point between mile 11 & 12 I passed some girl who was cheerily telling a spectator that she hadn't had to stop once. She was too peppy and lucky I didn't punch her in the face! Not really, I just was done with the crowd, and every little thing became super annoying. Especially the ridiculous hill at the end of the course!

After 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 8 seconds I finished! I still can't believe I accomplished that! I'm so excited that I did. I feel like I'm walking a little taller now. I can really call myself a runner now! I'm ready to sign up for the next race. I can't imagine not training for something. I'll have to wait a little while, but my plan is to train like I'm running Dallas in March, so that if I can run it I'll be ready. I'm definitely addicted to running races and doing with people!

I'm planning to do a recovery run today, and I'm so excited to get back out there!

The Latest

2010-08-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

I just realized that it has been since May that I've posted anything. I guess I've just been relying on facebook to get out all the updates. So, here's our life since May:

In May I started running again. It's been about 10 years since I've done any regular running, so it's been lots and lots of hard work, but I'm very slowly progressing. I have ups and downs. My father and "coach" was so kind to remind me when I first started out this time that I'm not 15 or 16 anymore and it won't be as easy as it was then. Thanks Dad. It hasn't been easy at all. I've run an average of 4 days/week since May and I'm up to a long run of 4 miles. Now that I've officially started the training program for the half marathon I'll be running in November, I'll be upping my mileage much more rapidly. Every time I have a bad run I remind myself that in May, when I started out, I barely made it a half mile before having to give up and walk. Progress. My goal in November is to finish the half marathon before the course time limit is up. I'd like to say that my goal is 2 hours, 30 minutes, but some days I feel like that's a little ambitious. I'd like to reach the finish line without having to walk. I think my biggest challenge is training alone. I love the alone time, and I love the time to be out in God's creation and marvel at it's beauty. I love pushing myself to do more than I thought I was capable. I'm also coming to terms with being my own runner and not letting myself feel bad because I didn't run 10 miles at an 8:45 min pace (Barrett). For me, running is an individual sport and my biggest competition is myself.

Bailey turned 2 in June, and we had a princess party for her at the church. She kept arguing with us about her age, saying she wasn't 2, she's still one. For a while she finally agreed that she really was 2, but now she insists that she's 4.

At the end of June we moved into our new house. It's such a blessing to be in such a great location and in a neighborhood. We live in the country, just 2 miles north of "town", but it sort of feels like a mini-suburb. Haha! I suburb of Nacogdoches! I crack myself up! Anyway...we are loving Nac! We hope our new home allows for more dinner guests, play groups, and just all around fun for our family. The backyard came equipped with a play set for the kids and plenty of landscaping for me to maintain! I've spent lots of time out in the hot sun pulling weeds and trimming bushes. There's still so much more to do, but I think for now we'll just clear out and plan to redo things a bit in the spring. Our street is great! We are on a cul-de-sac with lots and lots of kids and even our pediatrician. Collin is so excited to have a street that is safe for bike riding. That was his only concern when we started looking for houses. Our garage is still half full of boxes, but slowly we're getting them emptied.

In early July we took a little mini-vacation to Houston and hit the Museum of Natural History and Downtown Aquarium for 2 days. Collin loved the dinosaurs and the butterfly museum. He wasn't too impressed with the aquarium. Bailey liked the butterfly museum most because she could walk around and touch stuff. We enjoyed the family time with just the 4 of us, away from home.

At the end of July Spencer's mom came for an extended visit, and she just left last week. It was nice to have an extra set of hands around the house! She was able to do her sewing, my housework, and get lots of time with the grandkids. It's been a little bit of an adjustment getting used to doing all the house work or running errands with kids!

Spencer is still hanging out at Fredonia Hill ministering to children and families. It's been a busy summer for his kiddos. They've had Girls camp, VBS, Preteen camp, and Boys camp, along with several other activities. I got to go to Preteen camp and had a great time. This summer we planned for the Wednesday night activity to be Wet and Wild Wednesdays (W3) and it got rained out all but 3 times! We didn't realize there was so much rain on Wednesday at 5pm in the summer around here! Our church called a new pastor in July, and we're so excited. God is working in our midst and we feel so honored to be a part of what He is doing in this community!

Collin started Kindergarten last Wednesday, and he loves it! Today on the way home he told me how to spell "red". Before school started he wasn't sure he could handle kindergarten. He was convinced that he needed to go to the 5 year old pre-K class. He does have a late birthday, and school has been debated heavily in our house, but we came to the conclusion that this year he would go to Kindergarten so that he could stay engaged and out of trouble. If he went back to pre-k I'm sure he would have spent lots of time in trouble because he learned his letters, numbers, and colors last year. For the record, he may repeat Kindergarten next year, but that decision won't be made until the time comes. We had his 5th birthday party at our new house with a pirate theme. He had a great time and we were so happy that so much of our family was able to be here, and so many of our new Nac friends! He's already started talking about what he's going to do when he's 6.

Bailey was pretty disappointed that Collin was going to school and she wasn't. When we talked about school with Collin she would tell us she wanted to go to school, too. Then the week before school started one of our friends moved her son out of one preschool into a different one. It just so happened that the school she took him out of was the school I wanted to put Bailey in! When she called to tell them he wasn't returning, she asked them to give Bailey his spot! We're so thankful! So Bailey gets to go to school! She goes Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30 to 1:00. She loves it, and was silent for only one day. When I picked her up the first day they said she didn't talk much, but on the second day they said she talked A LOT! On days she's in school I get to run in the morning, before the temps hit 90 degrees, and I'm free to run errands and get things done outside the home.

I'm afraid we've entered the stage in our life where things just don't slow down! We're looking forward to a busy fall, too!

Adventures in Mommyhood

2010-05-12T13:30:00.001-05:00

Motherhood is an adventure for me, one that on most days brings a range of emotions. There are several times I feel frustrated. Sometimes at my kids and sometimes at myself. Sometimes we're bored. Sometimes we're excited. Lately, though, I just want to laugh! Motherhood brings me so much joy!

I've had a few experiences in the last couple of weeks that just make me laugh. While they were happening, I wasn't laughing, but when I think back, laughing seems like the only appropriate response!

Last week I had an experience at Kroger that some of you may have already heard about, but I'm going to share it again (now that I'm far removed from the situation). Collin and Bailey were sharing the "car" cart, as they must do when I shop with both of them. Sometimes they have a great time in there together, but this was not one of those days. I get through my shopping as quickly as I could, and had even bribed Collin with lunchables in turn for good behavior, including not being too loud (don't act like you don't bribe your children, I know you do). This is a very small store and Collin's voice carries! Eventually we got to the check out line (with our lunchables) and Bailey decided she'd had enough closeness with her brother. She started biting and hitting him. (side note: Collin abuses Bailey as much as he can, and she can take it pretty well, but only for so long, and eventually all of her pent up anger comes out in the form of biting, hitting, scratching, poking, or some other form of physical retaliation. When the time comes, she's pretty good at defending herself.) Anyway...we started checking out and the sweet lady scanning my groceries had to take care of a price discrepancy. Sometimes I don't care about the price difference, but lately my family of four with a single income (that wants to buy a house) causes me to care. Once everything was taken care of and I started to pay, the checker one row over decided she needed to intervene. She started loudly participating in Collin & Bailey's little spat. I had already been on the ground and talked to them about their behavior (reminding Bailey that we love Brother and treat him with kindness, and reminding Collin that yelling is not the appropriate response when Sister is treating him like that). This lady proceeded to shout "uh uh, she's hitting him, she's poking him, he's yelling" as if I was completely unaware of their behavior! She stopped doing her job and her line was getting longer. I'm not sure who was louder, she or Collin! I whisked my horrible, misbehaving children out of the store and got them separated and into their own car seats as quickly as I could manage. Collin noticed I was a little flustered and frustrated and didn't understand why that lady was yelling about him and his sister, so after explaining it to him, he said "No mom, she doesn't tell you how to take care of your kids, God does that!" As we drove out of the parking lot several thoughts passed through my mind. First I realized just how wise Collin is and how fast he seems to be growing up these days. Then it occurred to me that he really does hear the things I say! Wow! I'm really not talking to a brick wall!

Today I had another experience that wasn't quite as dramatic, but still made me laugh! Bailey and I took a grocery shopping trip to Wal-Mart (since I need some time away from Kroger after that last incident). I've started this new thing where I don't bring a diaper bag if I'm going somewhere that I know I'm not going to change a diaper. If she poops while we're grocery shopping, I'd rather not risk picking up some nasty GI virus from the changing station in the wal-mart bathroom. I'll just finish my shopping as quickly as possible, as far as possible from other people. I just had my purse, because I don't like to carry stuff I don't need. Bailey is a great shopping buddy. She likes to talk about things we see and we have great learning opportunities while we're shopping. Today she saw me crossing off items on my list with my pen, so she decided she needed to draw, too. I found another pen in my purse (because I don't have anymore crayons-we've used them all) and a business card (because I needed my list and that was the next largest piece of paper I had in my purse). Now, let me back up...Bailey loves wearing her boots and skirts, but she decided when she was in the cart that she didn't want to deal with her boots falling off, so she just took them and her socks off. Ok, back to where we were...Bailey was having fun crossing things off her list, but she ran out of list items (I guess) while I had my back turned to pick out some shaving cream or something like that. When I turned back around she had moved on to her feet. She was drawing on her feet with a pen. Both of them. I quickly took the pen and told her we don't write on our bodies (so she looked in her shirt for her "bodies"). I just couldn't get upset. All I could do was laugh!

There are times I get stares from well-meaning (I hope) strangers, but I just can't let it get to me. Kids act like kids and we shouldn't be surprised when that happens! My kids are awesome! I love them both so much. There are times when I feel like I'm failing my kids by not spending enough focused time with them or by not teaching them enough or by not keeping their environment perfectly clean and safe. But they're still alive and still without major injuries or illnesses and they are learning at an appropriate pace. They are such unique individuals that bring me so much joy! I love being a mom!

It's official...

2010-05-11T15:46:00.000-05:00

I'm running again! It's only been about 10 years since I ran on a regular basis. It's time to lose weight. I tried P90X, and it was great. The only problem is that our current house has a pier and beam foundation, so it's super loud when I jump, jog, etc. Plus, the guy that does the DVDs is pretty annoying after a few times. Maybe one day I'll do it again, but for now, it's not for me.

So, now I go running in the morning while Collin's at school, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays Bailey is at mother's day out. I have to push the jogging stroller 3 days/week, but I just look at that as more exercise for me. That's good right?

I've only been running a few days, so I'm not sure I really should be telling people that I'm running again. I guess if I put it out there in blog land, then I'll have to keep it up. I really do love running. For a long time I've wanted to get back into it, but there have been so many reasons not to. Before Bailey came along I actually had planned to do a race. I've got a looooooooonnngg way to go before I can make a race a goal, but I do have a goal. I am going to run consistently. Yep, that's a pretty weak goal, but I'm in pretty bad shape! Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

I've been inspired by my cousins Jessica and Kelly (and if I could figure out how to insert a link to their blogs, I would, but I can't and I'm just getting frustrated trying to do that)! Thanks you guys for helping kick me into gear!

I'm not doing anything fancy. I'm just running. No Nike+ this time. No fancy clothes. No fancy shoes. Just me and my ipod shuffle.

We'll see how it goes! Wish me luck!

Neglected

2010-01-20T14:01:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know, I've been neglecting my blog. It's been a long time since I've written anything meaningful. I know. It's intentional.
I'd love to write again, but there are a few things I've promised myself I'd write about, and I haven't done those yet. I feel like it would be cheating on myself to overlook those things and continue on with the new stuff. The last year has been eventful, to say the least, and I need to do some therapeutic blogging. If I don't write about the things I promised myself I'd write about, it might be like I'm pretending they never happened. I can't do that.
So, until I'm ready to complete my self prescribed therapy, there won't be much here.
I'm working on it. Really. Just very slowly.

Collin's pre-K performance

2009-12-17T21:01:00.003-06:00

Collin's school had their Christmas program tonight, and to my surprise, he actually participated in the performance! All the kids were so cute! Here's a snip-it of Collin's part. Spencer videod the whole song with the video camera and might upload the rest to our .mac site later.

Guitar

2009-11-18T10:32:00.005-06:00

This week Collin finally earned his guitar! He's been working towards it for a very long time, and it's finally happened. Out of respect for Collin, I'm going to leave the requirements privite. Just know he worked hard!

He couldn't decide if he wanted to play left handed or right, so he went back and forth. Maybe if he gets some lessons I'll re-string the guitar so he can play left handed, but I didn't want to do that last night. (Every time I re-string a guitar, I end up breaking strings.)

Just a warning, the guitar is not tuned. We couldn't wait for that before playing, so it sounds pretty bad!

Try This

2009-11-07T09:37:00.000-06:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117022&id=677653110&l=7434b4043c

50's Day

2009-11-04T12:45:00.002-06:00

Today was the 50th day of the school year, so Collin's school celebrated by dressing up 50's style! He loved it. His outfit was complete with the comb in his pocket and the candy sticks in his sleeve.

September 2009

2009-11-02T10:30:00.000-06:00

Facebook Your Photos - September 2009: "http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117028&id=677653110&l=f8c4634418"

Trick or treat!

2009-11-02T10:29:00.000-06:00

Facebook Your Photos - Trick or treat!: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120803&id=677653110&l=278157b11c

Enjoy the Halloween week pictures!

Got my craft on!

2009-11-02T10:28:00.000-06:00

Facebook Your Photos - Got my craft on!: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120369&id=677653110&l=05a9244e86

We lived in Austin for 2 years, and did not see the amount of rain we've seen in Nac over the last 2 months! It rains a lot here aparently! I need some rain boots! One rainy day I got bored with house work, so I didn't do any, and made this instead!

October 2009 Pictures

2009-11-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

Facebook Your Photos - October 2009: "http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117022&id=677653110&l=7434b4043c"

Really? 2 Months?

2009-11-02T09:53:00.004-06:00

I just noticed that my last post was August 8! Wow! I'm WAYYYY behind! We've done a lot since then. We've moved from Austin to Nacogdoches, Spencer started at a new church, Collin started pre-K, I've been staying at home with the kiddos, and Bailey is 3 months older!
We are loving our new life here in Nacogdoches! It's a little different for us, though. It's been over 10 years since I've lived in a small town, and it's a first for Spencer. It's a nice change of pace and we really like how long we can go between filling up our cars with gas. We love our new church, Fredonia Hill Baptist Church (check out their website). There are so many wonderful people we're meeting and we love making new friends.
Since our move was a little chaotic, I haven't been working. We still haven't sold our Austin house, but we're trusting God that sale will happen on His timing. (His timing is always better than ours.) For the first month Spencer was here in Nac, staying in a church member's home, while the kids and I stayed in Sugar Land with my parents (who were in the middle of a move, also). It was tough to be apart, but we're so thankful to be surrounded by people who are willing to help us out whenever we need it. Finally, we found a rent house that works for us and the dogs, so in the middle of September we moved in. It's a fun house to live in short term, but we're praying out Austin house sells and we can get a more permanent home.
Collin started preschool once we got moved in. He was a little nervous to start something new, but after one day, he loved it! I'm so thankful for that! Collin really thrives in structured environments, and our home hadn't been too structured since May. He goes to school 5 days a week from 8-11:45. He loves learning new things (from someone else). I'm especially thankful for that since he told me one time that he didn't need to learn anything new.
Bailey is almost 17 months! She is growing so fast, and changing on a daily basis. Her hair is getting so long, but she won't keep a bow in for very long, so it's almost always in her eyes. I'm trying to be patient until her bangs grow a little longer and they'll sweep to the side much easier and stay out of her face. Her view of the world is going to be entirely new when that happens! She's saying more words all the time. She still would rather scream at us then say something, but she's trying to talk. She's even using her sign language more. She's starting to realize that when she can communicate with us she gets what she wants much faster. Hopefully. Her personality is really starting to come out these days. One new thing I've discovered about her is that she really is an animal lover! Collin likes dogs and other animals, but Bailey LOVES them! She is always hugging and kissing our dogs and even her animal toys. She also loves her babies. She walks up to babies in strollers and tries to pick them up (even if they're bigger than her).
I've been staying at home with the kids for the last couple of months, and it has been an adjustment. I love being able to focus all my energy on my family and home. I have to say, that having experienced both sides of the stay at home mom debate, I can't say one wins out over the other. It's just as exhausting staying home as it is working. It's just different. Currently I'm looking for a job here. We'll see how that goes! It's such a different health care environment. It's not any worse or better than being in the big city, it's just different. There isn't a pediatric hospital, so I won't be doing that, which doesn't make me the least bit sad! I'm a little tired of 12 hour shifts and working in a place where weekend and holidays don't exist!
We've had a busy October, too! I can't believe it's already November and the holiday season is officially upon us!
I'm trying to post some links of pictures from the last 2 months! Hopefully it will work since there are just too many to download into this post!

Pigtails & Pirates

2009-08-08T17:22:00.003-05:00

These are Bailey's first pigtails! Isn't she just adorable?

Collin got A LOT of Legos for his birthday, and this is his first project.

4 years old!

2009-08-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

Collin had a great 4th birthday today! I was so determined to make this day fun for him since he's had to endure a lot of stuff lately that was not fun for an almost 4 year old. He's been super throughout church visits, long car rides, hotels, and many nights out of his own bed (the kid loves to sleep in his own bed), and meeting tons of new people. He's been so anxious about moving that I wanted to make sure today was really special.

We started our day with a breakfast celebration with one gift-a Darth Vader t-shirt from Uncle Stu.

Then, after someone came to take pictures of our house, we went to Dave & Buster's for lunch & games.

He also got to open one more present, a special one from Mom & Dad. (A few months ago Collin decided he needed a watch "with letters"-meaning numbers & hands instead of digital, so we got him a Lightning McQueen watch with his name on it. I'm not sure why he decided he was ready for that, since he can't even read a digital watch, but maybe he can learn from his new one.)

After the games we turned in our tickets & redeemed them for lots of cool prizes.

We we got home Uncle B & Grandad were waiting for us. So we played with them while we waited on Grammie to arrive. Then we had more presents, pizza, & birthday cake.

I think Collin had a great day (at least he said he did)!

Here's a link for some pictures from the day:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=99009&id=677653110&l=5743b29e7c

Good Behavior

2009-07-18T19:40:00.007-05:00

I'll admit, most of my parenting techniques are not from a book. Most of the time, I just try something and if it doesn't work, or stops working after a while, I move on to something else. The priorities in our house, when it comes to discipline, are to disciple out of love, not anger, and to teach Collin to grow up to be an awesome man of God.

Collin has always been a bit of a challenge to discipline. He never fits into any of the discipline molds that all those books out there suggest. Even advice other, more experienced, mothers give me seems laughable to Collin! I like the ideas presented in most of the books, but I just can't seem to make them work! (Maybe Bailey will be easier. I can't hope, can't I?) One day in March I noticed that all I was doing was focusing on Collin's negative behavior, instead of aknowledging the good behavior. We talk a lot about making choices in our house, but I thought "how can Collin ever learn to make good choices if I don't ever let him know when he's making one?" So, the Good Behavior Jar was born. The jar I bought was a little large, so when Collin decorated it, I put a line for him to reach so that he didn't have to fill it all the way up! I didn't want him to forget what we were trying to accomplish. Collin decorated the jar himself and he and I agreed on behaviors that would get him an M&M in the jar. Then we agreed on a prize to look forward to after filling the jar. Collin wanted a real bicycle with 2 wheels (he hasn't noticed that there are really 4 wheels on his bike). He finally filled his jar (which took a little longer than planned because we couldn't fill it when we were out of town). Collin is so proud of himself every time he gets to put an M&M in his jar, he's spending less time in time-out, and he is able to identify poor choices and good choices. Spencer and I are so proud of him. It's so hard to believe how fast he's growing up.

Collin in March, after he decorated his jar.

Last week, after he filled his jarCollin & Daddy putting together his new bike

Going for his first ride

Look at him go!

Collin is doing really well on his bike. He just forgets to look where he's going! I really never worried about him making it to the age of 5 until now! On the plus side, I have one more activity to help burn all that energy!

She's WALKING!!!

2009-07-18T19:37:00.003-05:00

Bailey's been walking for a few weeks, and she's getting better every day. It's been almost impossible to get a good video of it. Until now! I think she looks like such a big girl in her night gown & now walking!

Pictures

2009-06-26T10:36:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we went to a wedding in the Austin area. Bailey got car-sick on the way and I didn't have another dress, so I had to borrow one from a cousin. It actually worked out well, since Collin was already in white!

The Festival of Ladybugs!

2009-06-17T20:48:00.006-05:00

Collin has been referring to Bailey's first birthday party as the festival of ladybugs! I think he's probably accurately named it!

Here's a link to the pictures from the party:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=87948&id=677653110&l=0142a37869

I can't believe Bailey is 1 year old already! Time has flown by!

She's got so much personality now, and it's so different from her brother! Here's some interesting things about Bailey for you to know...

She is a "Mommy's girl" (which is an adjustment for me-Collin was not!)

She LOVES to eat, so beware if you're eating near her-you'll have to share!

She likes to push around Collin's cars

but now she has a purse, so she loves to empty it and fill it up, with anything she can find, and carry it around on her arm

She's been very good at walking behind a walker, but has refused to take even one step without assistance (and why should she? she's a speed crawler)

but...yesterday she took her first unassisted step!

She loves to climb, and she's pretty good at it. She's very careful. She usually can even get herself down from whatever she's climbed on!

She makes lots of sounds, has said "mama" whenever she wants something, but no official first word yet

Most of her sounds are LOUD! I'm thinking cheerleader....

She likes to "sing"

Her favorite game is peek-a-boo! If there is a sheet, blanket, or anything she can hide her face behind or under, she loves to play!

We've tried the sign language thing, but she's not into it (Collin loved using sign language), but she's so loud that we respond pretty quickly, and we usually get right what she wants! She definitely has her own way of communicating what she needs.

I'm sure she's reached all the appropriate developmental milestones, but she's the second child & I just don't have time to keep up with them all! I know she's passing things from one hand to another, picking up small things, doing well with shape sorting blocks, & imitates what we do with various items. (I think that's all the important ones)

She's so cute & has so much hair, but it's so fine that bows won't stay in (very disappointing).

We finally finished unpacking!

2009-05-28T20:57:00.003-05:00

We've been in Austin since the end of August, 2007, and we finally put away the last box yesterday! Thanks to the Memorial Day sale at Ikea, we got some new furniture for the gameroom and started a major reorganization project. We're having a garage sale in June now that we've reorganized and have some things we don't need anymore (or have a place to put).

Finally!

Who wouldn't want to play in that room!

Some pictures & a video

2009-05-28T20:45:00.005-05:00

Bailey loves to look outside. This day it was raining and she wanted to climb on the ledge to watch the rain, so her big brother stood behind her to make sure she didn't fall.

Collin liked his dinner...

and so did Bailey!

This is why the table stays outside!

Yeah Summer!

Bailey still won't let go & walk, but she is really fast when she's behind her walker!

Not much else going on here except what you see! We have a really good time! Sometimes I wish I had more to say, but the pictures do a pretty good job of letting you know what's going on with us. Plus, by the time I get these two off to bed, I'm really too tired to say too much.

The Dress

2009-05-15T11:37:00.003-05:00

I've had my Grandmother's sewing machine for a while, but haven't used it yet. Yesterday I finally got started on my first project. I made a dress for Bailey. It's my first thing to ever sew by my self. I have made a few things in the past, with my Grandmother's help. I'm quite proud of myself this time! Now, I just hope it fits!

Here it is:

11 Months

2009-05-12T16:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Bailey turned 11 months old! I can't believe how fast she's growing. I should be able to, since her brother will be 4 this summer (yikes!), but I feel like 11 months just came too fast!

Here's a picture of my almost one year old...

Where have all the babies gone?

2009-04-13T23:20:00.004-05:00

I know I'm being totally ridiculous, but I'm a mom. I can't help myself! This last weekend was a little difficult for me. I love my children. They will always be my babies. They just seem to be getting further and further away from actually being babies.

Saturday was a day for growth in my house.

Bailey turned 10 months old. I know, she's not even 1 year old yet. (Like I said, I'm being totally ridiculous.) It just reminded me she's getting closer to that 1st birthday mark. I remember the day she was born, her first day home, her first bottle, her first tooth, her first bath, her first cereal, her first smile, her first laugh, her first attempt at crawling, and so many more firsts! Now she's got 7 or 8 teeth (depending on the amount of swelling in her gums). She's pulling up and cruising around. She can climb the stairs, surprisingly fast for a 10 month old. She says "ma ma" and is using some of the sign language I'm teaching her. She lets go of what she's holding on to and stands alone for a few seconds (before she realizes what she just did). She is not shy about letting us know things she likes or doesn't like. She fits into size 12-18 month clothes. No more newborn sized clothes! She has such a playful personality, but she's so different from her brother. She's amazing! I'm so in love!

Collin also hit a milestone Saturday. His is of a little bit more personal nature. I will say that involved a certain article of clothing that replaces diapers! I'm so proud of him. He overcame some major anxieties to let go of the pull-ups. Collin is now 3 and a half. He lets us know frequently that he is not 3 anymore, but 3 and a half. I can remember all of Collin's firsts as vividly as I remember Bailey's! He's such a big boy now. He's a great helper, and loves to do it, as long as it doesn't interrupt his playing. He can help me cook and bake. He helps take care of his sister. He even tells people it's his job to protect her. He loves any sport that involves a ball. He's pretty good a hitting a baseball, and he can throw pretty well, too. He is always on the go! Seriously. He doesn't stop unless he's sleeping. Seriously. He doesn't need much help entertaining himself. He's super creative. He can write his name. He is learning to recognize letters and numbers (something I thought he'd forget since he left preschool when Bailey was born). He's learning Bible verses and learning about the amazing Gift of Jesus. He trusts God to protect him and help ease his fears. He asks thanks God every night before dinner for helping him to obey. At Easter lunch he prayed "Dear God, thank you for the food, oh, and my tummy hurts, and thank you for helping us, and for being in my heart, and for Jesus to die on the cross." (More later on what I'm learning about my relationship with God from my 3 year old) He is doing so many things for himself now that we used to have to do for him. He is so sweet and amazing! I'm so in love!

I have to be honest, though. Most of the time I'm grateful when he hits these milestones and becomes more independent. It does give me more freedom to take care of more things around the house. I am frequently praying for my kiddos to grow into healthy, happy, well-adjusted people who love the Lord. And, this most recent milestone came after lots and lots and lots of prayer. Who knew that when he finally reached it, I would react this way?

My children are wonderful, beautiful gifts from God, and I have enjoyed watching them grow so much in the short time since their births. I am so thankful for each day I have with them. I can't even remember what my life was like before they came along! I have loved every stage my kids have been in. I think every time they enter a new stage I say, "I just love this stage he's/she's in"! And I really have!

Even with all the reminiscing I'm doing, I would not go back, though. As much as I've loved each stage, I love even more moving on to the next one. Every time Collin and Bailey do something new, it's so exciting! I can't wait to see what they do next!

Lately...

2009-03-25T16:34:00.012-05:00

SO, here's some of the recent pictures and videos from the last month (in reverse order):

My Baylor Bears, celebrating the basketball wins (with a football)!

This is Collin's Good Behavior Jar. He helped decorate it. Every time he shows he can make a good choice (good manners, sharing, etc.) he gets an M&M. When he fills it to the line, he'll get to pick a treat. I think he's most excited about eating the M&M's, though. So far, great incentive for good behavior!

Cooking together.

Bailey's pretty dress from Grammie, right before we took it off because we decided she was too sick to go to church.

Collin in the park in Sugar Land, playing baseball with uncle B

Bailey's first swing experience. I think she liked it!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Bailey has started doing this to let everyone know she's super cute!

This was taken during Bailey's first zoo trip. She was not impressed, so she just took off her shoe and tried to put it back on again.

My boys at the Baylor Bear Pit

Bailey at the Bear Pit

Getting ready for bed

My girlie girl, pushing her stroller, wearing a tutu!

Seriously, this girl loves bath time!

Bailey loves to give kisses, but here she'll only give one, but you can hear her say "ma ma"!

The Wave

2009-02-19T20:20:00.003-06:00

Here's Bailey's latest trick!

Collin's 25 Things

2009-02-02T11:19:00.006-06:00

In the spirit of the "25 Things" craze, I thougt I'd come up with my own special version. This is also a great exercise when I need to be reminded just what a wonderful gift my kids are (not that I really ever forget, I just need to change my focus sometimes)!

Here's 25 things I love about Collin:

He loves to dance & sing

When he thinks no one's paying attention, he sings his favorite songs

He's an excellent helper

He says his job is to protect his sister

He loves to cook. He's really good at cracking eggs and stirring, and he makes excellent messes in the kitchen!

He is full of life. Not much slows him down (except a broken poptart).

He's so eager to learn anything that he can.

He is such a loving big brother.

He can play a mean air guitar!

He uses the words certainly, surely, and of course a lot

He's smiling most of the time

He has favorite sports teams

He considers everyone his friend

He likes learning Bible verses

He loves learning about Jesus

He will laugh at anything, and he's got a sweet laugh!

When there's a camera in sight, he smiles so big his eyes are closed!

He doesn't need a lot of toys to have a good time

He knows that the delay of game penalty is "for the quarterback"

He calls his hardhat his "instruction hat"

He thinks every football team is the Cowboys and every baseball team is the Astros

Every time he sees a star he thinks it's for the Cowboys or the Astros

He likes to be a part of the conversation and wants his story to be heard

He gets excited about almost anything

He is a great encourager!

Of course there are many more than 25, but I had to put a limit on it!

It's time to move the crib matress down!

2009-01-21T20:59:00.002-06:00

This was in the middle of naptime and she only slept 45 minutes, and she's pretty grumpy. I think she pulled up like this and didn't know what to do next so she got upset.

Bailey's Newest Tricks

2009-01-20T20:48:00.003-06:00

Bailey is now 7 months and she can sit & stand supported, pull up to standing, and as shown in the video, she is crawling, and pushing up to sitting! My baby girl is growing up so fast! In 5 more months, she'll be ONE!

Isn't there anything else going on in my life?

2009-01-17T00:28:00.003-06:00

One night, while I was "working" (I use that term loosely, since I'm "working" right now), a friend looked over my shoulder as I was catching up on my blog reading. She watched as I browsed several blogs of friends and family and noticed that almost every blog I read was about Mommies and Babies. She said, "Don't these people have anything else going on in their lives?" Now, I know every one of the bloggers whose blogs I read is a well rounded, interesting individual, but it did appear that each of these people's life was consumed by his or her children. This was before I started blogging, and, now that I am blogging, every time I make a post, I think about this girl's comment and I try to find something interesting to blog about that is not related to my children. But, let's face it, my kids are what's going on in my life! Everything I do, every decision I make, is based on my family. I spend Sunday afternoon through Friday morning as the primary caregiver for Collin & Bailey. (I work Friday & Saturday nights & sleep during the day) I love watching them grow up. They bring me so much joy! They are such a wonderful gift. I really do have other things going on in my life, but none as important or as exciting (to me) as Collin and Bailey.
Right now Bailey is so much fun. She's "crawling" around the house, which is more a combination of movements to get her from one place to another. She starts on her hands and knees, then does a little army crawl, the does a little roll. She looks like a little spy if you watch the whole process! She's also trying to pull up on her toys, but mostly they end up falling on top of her!
Collin is a bit more of a challenge for me, these days. He talks about being potty trained, but he's not. He'll watch Elmo's potty "DB" (his name for dvd's, he calls most movies "DVos") over and over and over, but will not use the potty. He's all BOY! He's constantly moving, mostly jumping or running. He loves any type of attention he can get, so he makes choices based on the amount of attention they will bring him, instead of deciding whether it is a good or bad choice. He loves playing with cars, trucks, and dinosaurs, and pretending to be one. My favorite thing to do with Collin is cook. He's my little chef! Every time I start to cook he pulls a chair over to help. I think his favorite part is cracking eggs, and he's pretty good at it.
I think my biggest challenge right now, as their mom, is finding activities that a 3 year old and a 7 month old can do together, or at least, safely at the same time!
Other than my kiddos, I really do have other things going on in my life. They just take a back seat to the stuff mentioned above! I am a nurse (not an adult, according to Collin), actually, a Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse. I even have letters behind my name (Christin Morell, RN, BSN, CPON). I love what I do, but I don't love going to work. (I'd rather be with my family.) It is such a challenging profession. I enjoy dealing with the complex issues kids have with cancer and/or blood disorders. I love learning new things. I love that I work in this super specialized area that is "my thing". Really, my favorite, even more specialized, area to work in is stem cell transplant, but in Austin I don't have those patients, and I really miss it. When it comes to hematology/oncology patients, this is pretty much the most complex they can get. So, if you ever as me a health related question, and I don't know the answer, it's probably because it's not related to pediatrics or cancer/blood disorders. When we moved to Austin, I had to learn about diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders because the oncology population here is not as large as it is in Dallas, and I have to be able to care for the overflow patients we get.
Also, I like to scrapbook. I don't get much time to do this anymore, though. It's hard to pull out all my supplies to work on a project while Collin is around, and since he doesn't nap anymore, I don't have a time to do it. A third thing going on in my life that is not children related is choir. I sing in our choir at church, but since I have to work weekend nights, I don't get to sing on Sunday mornings, so mostly I do the special programs that we have. I really enjoyed our "Christmas Night of Praise". I think it's just fun to be a part of the programs. I also love being a part of such a wonderful group of people. Really, I just love anything related to music. Third, While Spencer is looking for a ministry position, I'm learning what it means to be a "minister's wife". We are so blessed to be at Hyde Park where I have such wonderful examples to learn from! I'm looking forward to Spencer being on staff somewhere where we can minister together. In the mean time, we're looking for opportunities to minister where we are right now. Something else I love to do is spend time in the kitchen. I love to cook and bake. I love trying new recipes. Spencer doesn't like many foods, but I'm working on getting him used to trying new things. I'm even making Bailey's baby food myself, so that she'll be used to my cooking and the flavors our family eats (or should eat). So, other than a mom, I'm a minister's wife, music lover, food lover, scrapbooker, and a nurse. If I could add anything else to the list, it would be runner, but I've got a long way to go, before I get there! (I used to be a runner, but now that I'm a mom, I've got to get my body back into shape for that!) I also love to shop, watch TV & movies, spend time outdoors, and read. But, as much as I love all those other things, being a mom is my first priority, so no, I really don't have much else going on in my life!

Things I've Learned this Christmas from a 3 year old

2008-12-21T01:44:00.004-06:00

Collin has taught me so much about Christmas this year! I'm not sure where he comes up with this stuff, but it sure makes me smile!

1. The Sherbets came to see Baby Jesus. (He didn't specify orange or rainbow, but my guess is orange!)

2. Jesus' mother's name is Mary Jesus. (He couldn't give me a scripture reference for that one, but he's very confident about it.)

3. The angel told Mary not to be scared because she has a baby. (That one is pretty accurate, but I think it's out of order. When he plays with his Little People manger, he always tells Mary not to be scared after all the sherbets and wise men have come to see Baby Jesus.)

4. We can pray for anything at any time! He's right about this one. Collin is pretty spiritual, Spencer discovered recently. Today, while watching an early Bowl game, Collin told Spencer "we need to pray." Here's his prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the goldfish and for everyone gathered together. Protect us from the "bominable" snowman that he will get scared and run away and to behind the tree. Amen. That's the story of prayer. (He was eating goldfish at the time, and I think we've watched "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" many times!)

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-19T21:11:00.005-06:00

This year I decided that we would start a new tradition (or at least I hope it turns into one). Since Collin loves to help out in the kitchen so much, I thought we could bake & decorate Christmas cookies. Since cutting out the cookies involved using loose flour, this year I did that part without any help. Collin has helped with cookie cutters before, but couldn't keep his hands out of the flour, so this time he watched a Christmas show while Mommy cut out and baked cookies.

So, tonight, after the boys went Christmas shopping Bailey and I (mostly I) made frosting. It took two tries! I tried to half the recipe the first time, but forgot the half the water, so I ended up with sugar soup! Oops! Once I got the frosting right, we all sat at the table and decorated cookies. Even Spencer, who is not Mr. Christmas, got in on the action! We had lots of fun!

Collin really just wanted to eat the cookies, frosting, and sprinkles-but before we decorated. He didn't want to wait until we were finished. Bailey sat and watched, and Collin did include her. He was very thoughtful and gave her some sprinkles to eat. Thank goodness she couldn't pick them up!

Here's some pictures of the festivities!

Collin just dumped the whole bottle of sprinkles on this one cookie (it was only half full)

Here's the result:Don't they look yummy!

Collin stuffing his cookie in his face!

Snow in Austin

2008-12-10T02:25:00.003-06:00

Yep. It really happened. At about 11:00 tonight it started snowing in Austin, Texas. I didn't believe it when one of my collegues came over to let me know. Jokingly I asked her if it was all glittery and plastic, like the decorations, but it was really snowing outside! I'm a little dissappointed that it was in the middle of the night when my kiddos were already asleep. Collin would have loved it! I'm pretty sure Bailey wouldn't have cared too much. I tried to get Spencer to take pictures of it (he was at home & I was at work), but it was too hard to see. I guess it wasn't as heavy at my house as it was here at the hospital. So, there you have it...it really snowed in Austin tonight!
I have really missed the winters we had in Dallas, (sans the driving) so I am pretty excited that there's at least potential for some winter!

Here's a picture to prove there was really winter weather in Austin...I took it when I got home this morning!

I know, I know...

2008-11-15T22:37:00.002-06:00

I know, I said I started this blog since Spencer never updates his, and here I am, not updating mine! I must apologize! It's pretty terrible, I know...
There have been some days when I've wanted to blog, but just couldn't figure out what I should blog about. I thought about politics, but I was just glad when the election was over. I didn't want to get too involved in that mess. I voted. I did my part. Then, I thought about posting some stuff about Bailey & Collin, but haven't got any pictures uploaded. We went to Longview for Halloween and Barrett's last soccer game. When I get pictures uploaded, I'll have to post about that weekend! Collin was Mister Personality for the weekend! Lately we've been passing around a stomach bug. So, this weekend I had to leave my house, where I was taking care of my own sick family, to take care of someone else's sick children. What a bummer!
Spencer was ordained October 29 in a very nice service at the church he grew up in, in Sugar Land. He also had about 3 weeks "off" from work, but was asked to come back and is pretty grateful to be back. I'm just working 2 nights each week (mostly weekends) and think it's really a good schedule for us. I do not like that I never have weekend time with my family, but I am very grateful that I don't have to put the kiddos in daycare, and that I get to spend the week with Collin & Bailey at home. We have a great time!
So, tonight I'm at work (obviously, not working) updating my blog about how I haven't updated my blog. Hope that's enough for you until I can get more pictures posted.

The Many Faces of Bailey

2008-10-01T11:38:00.006-05:00

I wonder what she's thinking!

The Real Baseball Game

2008-09-30T15:25:00.007-05:00

Last weekend we took Collin (and Bailey) to a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. Collin was so excited (or cited, as he says) about it, that he talked non-stop the entire way to the game, through Houston traffic, through all 9 innings of the game, and all the way back to my parents house in Sugar Land! It was so funny! He had such a great time cheering for the Astros and for Lance Berkman (Big Puma) and Hunter Pence. Collin is used to watching baseball on TV at home, but he's only been to a few games at the ballpark. This is probably the first time he's actually paid any attention to the game. A few minutes into the game he turned to us and said "This is the REAL baseball game!"

This was Bailey's first baseball game, too. I think she is older than Collin was when he went to his first baseball game. She did very well, too.

Now that the Astros season is over, we're focusing on Cowboys football! As Collin says: "Go Tony Rony! Go Cowboys!"

Here's some pictures from the game:

Chess and Baseball

2008-09-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

Q: What's the difference between chess and baseball?
A: In chess, the pieces move!

My dad told me that joke.
I used to be terribly bored with baseball, until I met my husband. Now I'm a pretty big baseball fan. Well, a pretty big Astros baseball fan. We watch the Astros games on TV just about every night of the week. Only off days and Sundays (since the games are shown in our area) do we get to catch up on all the other TV shows we've recorded during the week. The only time we really run into a problem is when the Cowboys play a Monday night football game!
Even though we love to watch baseball on TV, nothing compares to going to Minute Maid Park to see the Astros play live. (On a side note, I just heard someone call Minute Maid "the Juice Box" and I like it!) I always enjoy going to the ballpark, but there is one thing that disappoints me: people doing "the wave" at a baseball game. SO, for my first blogging rant, I will discuss my feelings on the horrible phenomenon known as the wave being done at a baseball game.
First, and foremost, it's just annoying! I'm trying to watch a baseball game and people are standing up, screaming, and blocking my view of the game! Second, it communicates to the team that their hard work is boring you. When you're doing the wave, you have to concentrate on watching it go around the stadium so that you'll be ready for your turn, instead of focusing on the game. Common wave etiquette dictates that it is supposed to be done when "your" team or the home team is on offense, but I've never been to a baseball game where this is the case. If you can't do it right, don't do it at all! Third, baseball stadium seats are not in a contiguous. There's a big gaping hole in the middle of your wave. It just looks dumb! The wave is meant for, and works much better in a football stadium that has seating all the way around the field. It's much more impressive looking in that situation. SO, feel free to "wave" all you want at a football game, but don't do it at a baseball game!

Pot Pie Chicken

2008-09-24T22:54:00.003-05:00

The other night as I was gathering items to cook dinner, all of the sudden there was a chair pushed up to the counter and Collin was telling me he wanted to help me cook. (Collin loves to cook and even has his own apron and spatula.) Usually if I have something to stir I'll let him use his spatula and help, but this night I was making a chicken pot pie and was limited on safe tasks he could do. So, he just stood in his chair and pretended he was cooking the entire meal. When Spencer walked in the door from work Collin proudly announced "We're making pot pie chicken!"

Spencer said, "Wow, you're making chicken pot pie?" but Collin insisted, "No, we're making pot pie chicken!"

When I make chicken pot pie, I cheat and use a rotisserie chicken (thanks for the tip Erin). Here's some pictures of Collin "helping" by eating the chicken. I think this was is favorite part of helping cook dinner!

Isaiah 59:11

2008-09-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and start my own blog! We've had several requests to update our family website since Bailey's arrival, but it has yet to be done. It's not that we don't want to, it's just that Spencer is the only one who can do it. He's offered to show me how, but it has to be done on his computer (a mac), and his computer is with him most of the time, so I figured "what's the point?" I'll just start my own blog that I can update when ever and where ever I want. SO, here we are...

Now, on to the title. For those of you who actually check those scripture references people post, you're probably thinking "what is that about?!" (for those of you who don't check, don't worry about it!) It's actually a funny story.
One night Spencer was trying to encourge me, since I've been a little discouraged about our current situation (having to return to work soon, and Spencer being out of work again). He just told me "you just need to remember and think about that verse, you know, Isaiah 59:11. The one that says 'I know the plans I have for you'." Spencer is admittedly not good at remembering "addresses" for scripture, and I know Isaiah 59:11 doesn't ring any bells, but I do know that Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future an a hope." (I also like verses 12 & 13-look it up) So, we looked up Isaiah 59:11 and discovered it says "We all grow like bears"! We had a good laugh and I felt better, which was Spencer's goal when we started our conversation, anyway! The entire verse is actually pretty depressing, but we've sort of adopted Isaiah 59:11a (the first line) as our verse, and Spencer has a greater understanding of the importance of knowing accurate scripture references. Hopefully when he has the opportunity to minister to someone he'll be able to use the right references to encourage people instead of depress them!

I'm pretty excited about blogging. I've never been really thrilled about having people read what I write, but maybe I'll get over that. My goal is to use the kids' naptime as blogtime, but since Collin says big boys don't need naps, I might not have not have as much time to blog as I think. Hope you enjoy!