Ties That Bind

There's nothing stronger than family in my book. But sometimes there's that special family member that you just connect with. That one person that even though many miles or years may separate you, you just "click" and have a closeness that no one can explain.

For me, that person is my Grandma Lil.

I had the priveledge of "surprising" her last month for her 90th birthday. Doesn't she look amazing for 90??

The thing I love about her is that even though I'm in Texas now and she's in California, it never has mattered. We talk every Monday on the phone. In high school, I'd go over every week to her house and she'd listen to me practice my French, and my grandpa would help me with my Calculus homework.

And she reads my blogs.....everyone.... (thanks grandpa, for printing them out for her!)

As I was driving home last night from my dad's house, I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving for her and the legacy she has given our family. She's definately taught me so much - TRUE lovingkindness, self sacrifuce, gentleness, and above all, she embraces anyone that walks through her door.

I just wanted to say "Thank you, Grandma" - for always being that special person in my life. I love you so much more than I could ever say.

16 Weeks - Update

The last three weeks, I've felt great! Aside from my recent dental procedure, which gave me "dry socket", I really have nothing to complain about because I don't have to deal with morning sickness anymore!

I am currently 16 weeks along, which means that at our next appt. in August we will find out the gender of baby #5 (at 20 weeks - which is also the half-way point). Baby is doing great and I've recently felt it doing somersaults inside at night, which as annoying as it can be at times, is a blessing because I know that the little bean is healthy and active.

Here's a side-profile view of the growing little one - I tend to not "pop" until 18 weeks or later, so sometimes I still forget I am pg!

One of the amazing things with this pregnancy is the fact that we have to step into such a blind, God-trusting faith for our needs. It's funny to me to see the reactions of people around me when I tell them that we are having our 5th baby and we have no baby stuff or a car for transport when the baby is born. I get reactions from excitement to see what God's going to do to ones of sadness and regret for us.

I'm sorry, but God says that EVERY CHILD is a blessing (and an inheretance) from the Lord. And the neat thing is that with every child, He has stretched our income, grown our hearts, and grown our faith in Him.

In church yesterday, I heard a qute that really stuck with me from our pastor's brother. He commented on how in America God has really become more of a "convienece" to us and not a need as in other countries.... There's a ton of truth in that. I felt so convicted in my own heart because it is so easy to think "I've got this, God." Then He reminded me of the promises He spoke to me concerning this baby and how I may trust Him right now, but did I actually believe He could provide those things for us???

Well, yes! I had to reassure my heart, and sometimes I have to do it often.... But God is always faithful. It may not be in our timing, but it is in His.

So, as I sat in service yesterday, Jason and I locked eyes and we knew that God was reminding us that "He's got this".... and He sure does....

Because this is what was waiting in the parking lot for us after second service:

Yes, that's a 2003 Dodge Caravan that seats...SEVEN..... One of my many "concerns" when I talked with God many months ago in trying to convince him that we "couldn't" have 5 kids....

Someone wanted to blesss us with this van - at no cost to us other than the insurance! And how we still doubt what God can do for us!!!!

What are some things you need to remind yourself that God will do in HIS timing?? He hasn't forgotten, and He won't.... don't abandon your dreams that God has for you.

Merry CHRIST*mas

"Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord"
~Luke 2:11

Josh trying to peek in the presents Christmas morning...he got caught

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas or not is irrelevant. It's so hard in today's world to bring the focus back to the reason why we even celebrate this day. All around us there's Santa, presents, and commercials telling us to "buy more; spend more; gotta have it all right now"... It's hard to SLOW down and take some time out to spend with your family when your kids are constantly asking you for the "latest and greatest" toy.

That's why when Jason and I got married, we discussed Chistmas and what we would do when we had kids. And I am glad we did. Here's some key things we decided:

• Christmas day is spent with just us. No going anywhere, or getting dressed. Just a time to focus on being thankful for our family that God has blessed us with and reconnecting with our kids without TV, media, or internet bombarding our bonding.
• We tell the kids the story of Santa. He was a real person who helped a lot of children. but he's not alive anymore. Yes, that's right - my kids don't believe in Santa. And I like it that way. The reason for Christmas isn't about smoe guy in a red suit with flying reindeer that you believe in from 2 - 8 and then discover he's not real?! In fact a lady at Starbucks asked Josh what Santa was bringing him for Christmas. His reply: "Santa's not alive anymore, but Jesus is!"
• We read the meaning of Christmas from the Bible and discuss what it means and why
  we even celebrate Christmas in the first place...BEFORE presents and breakfast.

It's different, I know, but it works for us and it keeps the focus on what we feel it needs to be on. Not some over-commercialized spending spree, but on a tiny baby that changed the history of the world.

We were totally blessed this Christmas season. With Jason being out of work for a month and then getting a crumby job after that, we simply did not have the funds or resources for Christmas presents. We usually get the kids only a few anyways, but a family at our church felt led to bless us and our children with a van full of gifts. It was a true testimony of how giving can make a difference and how to be the "hands and feet of Jesus."

Jayden loves his Lightening ride-on toy

Jenna had a blast with her Weebles car

Josh got a "big boy" bike with removable training wheels. He's already zooming around the neighborhood

Julianna plays "moosik" all the time :)

We try and teach our kids this as well. Every 6 months we go through the playroom and their closets and we donate toys and clothes to other people who need them. It's awesome to see the kids give and be blessed by it. And they do it without any hassle. I have been blessed by their selflessness.

Thank you for your gifts and your testimony of selflessness to our children!

Remember that Christmas isn't about us. It is about recieving the best present ever though - the baby born at night and changed the world.

Christmas Eve 2011

We usually tend to "lay low" on Christmas Eve. Not only are there crazy people out there doing last minute shopping without manners, but Jason usually has to work. This year was quite the exception. He. actually. had. off.....

Let that sink in for a moment.....

So we enjoyed a nice morning together in our jammies, not worrying about having to go anywhere. We enjoyed a nice Saturday together, and it felt like Christmas outside. It was in the low 40's, cloudy and rainy.... I was secretly praying it would drop 10 degrees for snow, but alas, it stayed above freezing.

We also had a lovely candlelight church service that evening with songs, a message about the true meaning of Christmas and reminders to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. The girls got to wear their Christmas dresses one last time and the bows I made for them. We had a lovely time together.

Josh and his friend, Brooklyn (she's a missionary with her parents in England now)

After church we drove around to look at all the lights around the neighborhoods. It was magic - just like when I was a kid :)

When we got home, a new tradition is letting the kids open their stocking stuffers. This year I had to wrap their stocking contents as Jayden kept pulling them down and we didn't want him to get hurt with the stocking holders. :( It's amazing what you can find at the Target $1 section!

Josh liked the activity book

Jenna liked the lip gloss

Julianna liked the stickers (they're everywhere in our house)

and Jayden liked traveling around with the remote

How was your Christmas Eve?

Holiday Photos

I try to take the kids' pictures around this time to start making my Christmas cards. I am thankful for cool things out there that allow me to edit my pictures and create a collage with ALL my kids present. 'Cause getting ALL four kids to sit nice for a picture is near impossible. At least three of the four are able to now, but getting Jayden to sit still for anything is just NOT going to happen. That boy is on the move!

Here are my favorite shots (edited) of each munchkin. I'll be editing these for our anual Christmas card, so look for them soon! :)

Josh

Jenna:

Julianna:

Jayden:

O-N-E

It's amazing to me how fast a year flies by now that I am "older". My sweet Jayden boy is one.

No more babies to cuddle close when their born.

No more milestones to snapshot like discovering little toes

No more learning to "stand up" because I'm going to be running soon!

Happy Birthday, sweet Jayden boy!

I'm so thankful that God chose me as your mom and I pray that you would continue to grow into a special young boy that is blessed beyond measure! Your smile lights up our house, sweet baby boy! :)

Growing Up {Texas Style}

If you're in Texas there's two things you can be sure of.

1. You like meat. BBQ, Brisket, Steak, etc. There's so many steakhouses out here, it's funny!
2. You own a gun and know how to use it.

 

Many people know my husband and his affinity for firearms. We have decided it best to teach our children safety and proper use of these while they are young so that they are not "afraid" of them.

Josh has an airsoft gun that Jason goes outside with every once and a while with to teach him safety and proper handling. It's a little pistol with air propelled plastic bb's. They do not hurt if you are shot with it, but they are hard enough to shoot through a paper target. Josh has a LOT of fun practicing!

For a little guy, he does pretty good at shooting the target. He said he wants to be on "Top Shot" when he grows up. :)

Pumpkins {Photo Blog}

Last Saturday we took the kids to the pumpkin patch and let them each pick out a pumpkin. Here's what we found on our expedition;

Someone thinks she is pretty strong...  :) She could actually pull them!