Remembering Kiley

This post may be too strong for some...but it will be therapy for me to get out some thoughts and a bit of my fractured heart. My sister died last Wednesday. We know without a doubt that she is at her "real" home, the one we as true believers in Christ groan and long for. The one without pain, tears, heartache. The one where there is no curse, night, or anything impure. She was a child of God simply because of her faith in Christ Jesus to be the Way, Truth, and Life. Therefore, she has eternal life in Christ Jesus. Jesus says, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." When Jesus died for our sins, he redeemed us from all of them, not just the ones we remember to confess. She was a sheep and she knew her shepherd's voice and she was so grateful that he laid down his life for her. She had studied the book of Daniel extensively and knew that Christ is the "Son of Man." She recognized him as the ONE who has all authority, glory, sovereign power; and that all would worship him. She knew that HIS kingdom was the only true kingdom, and that it will never pass away.

Kiley had wounds that had allowed Satan a stronghold over. Christ has come to give us abundant life, a life of freedom. The truth sets us free. Take your stand! Don't let anyone (including yourself) put a harness of slavery back on. In life, we tend to call things "reality" based on our experiences, but God defines reality as the TRUTH found in the Word of God. Victory comes when we line ourselves up to the reality of God's life. We must allow no person or experience to shape us...unless they are consistent with the promises of God. As the book, "The Three Battlegrounds" states, "every battle we face in life is over the Word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God." I am learning to believe Him and put my ruthless (without self-pity) trust in Him...He is the only thing worth it because He is the only Truth. I sleep at night lately because I rest in a Sovereign God who has declared himself as Good and Faithful...He alone is reliable and constant. I am also learning that I trust God based on the degree that I know I am loved by Him. God had prepared my heart for this tragedy...I had been boasting of His love for me for a few months now. I do not understand His ways, and yes, He seems Wild--just like Aslan in "The Chronicles of Narnia," but He is safe. In my grief, all I have to cling to are two things: faith in the person of Jesus and hope in his promise. When Jesus says that He is the resurrection, and anyone who believes in Him, even though he or she dies will live, and whoever lives and believes in Him will never die, I cling to that promise with all I have. Deep down, I know that it is going to be alright. Deep down, I know that even though it appears that Satan has the victory, in reality, death has no sting.

My sister loved life and seemed to do everything "big." We called her dramatic, but she just wanted to experience life at its fullest...from buying 10 different kinds of candy from the Dollar Store to sneak into the movies to downloading one trillion songs onto her Ipod. She was one of the prettiest people ever...with sparkling hazel eyes and naturally curly brunette hair. She loved helping others...her latest project was laying down the hardwood floors in my parent's new home. She ate up little kids...even ones who couldn't speak her language. We called each other "whoes" SP?? for the fun of it...not because of the reality...she kept herself pure for her true Prince. She, like me, loved to eat...especially anything Mom made, from Never-Fail Chocolate Cake to big ol' steaks. She loved any and every romantic comedy ever made...including: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Sweet Home Alabama," "The Family Stone," "The Wedding Planner," and those a bit more sad, like "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember." We agreed that a good cry was sometimes just plain therapeutic. She loved to drive fast in her convertible with the top down and her hair blowing in the wind, with the music playing as loudly as possible. She loved the rain and I am sure the perfect proposal for her would be to have her man dance with her in the rain and then get down on one knee in order to win her forever. She loved "Acambaro" Mexican food and any other Mexican place that had kickin' salsa. She had to have her coffee fix every morning, as long as the caffeine was appropriately mixed with Splenda and CoffeeMate. She loved her dog, Bruiser, and he adored her. Kiley was passionate about storing up her treasures in Heaven. We often joked with her, telling her that she spent more on her church and people's needs than on herself. She loved sports, especially going to cheer the Hogs on at Football games. All of the "girls" in my family love the beach and last August we got to go down to Gulf Shores for a week, just the four of us. That week will be one of my most priceless memories ever. She and I ate those "non-beheaded" shrimp like they were going out of style while Mom and Amelia looked on with disgust. We shared a love of key lime pie and the same taste in clothing. Last time I was in her closet, I saw at least two things that I had almost bought (when by myself)---same color and everything. We both hated our thighs and kept those babies brown in the summer to hide the cellulite. Kiley had a love for Beth Moore and all of her Bible studies. I think they opened her eyes to how rich and marvelous God's word is. It almost tore me in two when I saw that Beth Moore's 2nd daughter got married the day I buried my sister. Some things just don't seem fair. Kiley lived in Conway for two years while finishing up school at UCA. I was on a spaghetti and homemade meatball kick and she joyfully would come over to help eat it all up. Those two years were a gift from God. My boys, Cade, Eli, and Sam loved their KiKi (long I's--like pie) and I later adopted that name for myself and started calling her that as well. I loved being her sister: teaching her to show cattle, doing her makeup for proms, hosting her UCA graduation celebration, and on and on. I ache because I longed for the day of being an Aunt to her kids and getting to dress them up and play with them as she had done with mine. I wanted to take road trips with she and her future husband and stay up way too late playing Spades. I wanted to grow spiritually with her and simply grow old together. The aches of what could have been have to be transferred to the hope of what will be in heaven. She is still my sister and she is still alive....in a world that is far more glorious than our present one. Cade seemed to wrap up my thoughts pretty well. I took him to the doctor this morning...he had fever and I was afraid it was the flu...but just a cold. As we were sitting and waiting, Cade got a big smile on his face and burst out with, "I can't wait til Heaven!!!" He then proceeded to tell me that "Jesus will either come back in 5 or 3 years...well, maybe 10...when I am 17." He has the hope of his Redeemer coming back and setting everything right, being the Just and Fair King of Kings. He has the right perspective of hope. Hope that does not disappoint.

How do I end a post on my sister, best friend, and spiritual companion? It feels like I haven't done her justice in the few words that I have written down. If you are reading this, then you have probably been in prayer for our family. I thank you from the depths of my soul. God is grace and He is all we need. We have definitely seen "Him" in all of the food, cards, phone calls, support, and ongoing prayers. May God be glorified in the days to come.

Valentine Brunch

I have been having this burning desire to do something girly...something that no man or boy in my household would be able to partake in...in any shape or form. So, I thought it would be fun to plan a Valentine Brunch for the girls in our community group. I think the red plates I got for Christmas were the inspiration, but it all came together when I found the black and white gingham napkins to go with my new black charger plates...do you get any girlier than that? Deep, down, I just love little girl smocked dresses and big white bows and white lacy socks. But, that story is for another day. So, we girls had the opportunity to "brunch it up" for two and a half hours without the interruption of kids, men, dogs, laundry, work, or bills. And I think it was therapeutic. We talked baby names (no, not for me), recipes, 80's sitcoms, and even ringworms. It was a blast. Thank you to all who shared that time with me.

Old, New, and Things that Never Change

This piano is one of my most treasured possessions. I don't spend much time on it. It has a few notes that won't even play. It really isn't in tune. It could use a new paint job. But, it was my great-grandparent's piano, and therefore, it has a place in my heart. The story goes something like this: my great Grandma Pitts was longing for this piano and my Grandad (her son) sold a cow in order to buy it for her. He also sold a cow in order to pay for the C-Section that allowed my Mom to come into the world, but that is another story. This piano was one of the old fashioned "player" kinds, but someone along the way had that part removed. I kind of wish they hadn't. At the age of 6, I started my dreadful piano lessons on this piano. It wasn't that I didn't want to learn, I just never could get my brain and fingers to work very well together. So, after 5 or 6 years, I hung it up. Thankfully, the lessons taught me to read music and to play out parts when needed.

My son, Sam, seems to have the most musical ability out of our 3 boys. It is hard to tell at his age, but he enjoys singing and banging around on the piano. For awhile, everything he sang was to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." I captured his precious hands on my "antique" one day and it really got me thinking about hertitage and how God allows things to be passed on. My great grandparents were musical and loved to sing good ol' gospel songs to our Savior. They even sang together at their 75th wedding anniversary. 75 years! That is, again, another story. I don't know if my kiddos will have a natural gifting towards music or not, but I already know that the heritage of singing praise to the Father has been passed down to them. They all three "sing it up" in the car. We have various CD's that are scriptures set to music. It is a fun way to sneak in the Word of God! (Kind of of like sneaking spinach into brownies...but I just can't try that...what kind of Mother do you think I am? Maybe into lasagna, but brownies??) Back to the point, I am thankful for my Godly heritage. I am also grateful that some things never change. Jesus, true Love that comes from him, the Word that is truth...those are a few things that will always remain constant. As I get older and our world gets odder, this reality becomes more and more comforting to me.
On a side note, I am taking a photography class at UCA. Just in case you wanted to know, the second picture displays the "rules" of leading lines and the rule of thirds (to the best of my amateur ability!) I am hoping that I can at least define aperture and get off of my "auto" mode when it is all said and done! :)

Soaring Wings Ranch

Eric and I have some hilarious friends named Donny and Becky Lockett. We met them at church, where Becky and I sing on the praise team together. They have a daughter named Lauren. A few weeks ago, Becky came to me and asked us to start praying about a possible life transition. I was almost in tears, because I didn't want one of my singing buddies to be moving away. She said it was nothing like that...but that they were considering the role of "house parents" at the girls' house at a place called Soaring Wings Ranch. I had never even heard of this ministry, so I ran home to my internet to check it out. What an amazing vision and ministry! They take up to 8 girls (and I guess 8 boys for the boy's home) and treat them like family. The vision is to build more and more houses on the 200 acres the ranch owns out-right. These kiddos range from being abused, neglected, to being in need of a strong family support structure. Donny and Becky promptly quit there jobs and headed to the big ol' town of Holland to start their new phase of life. Eric, the boys, and I headed out there last weekend to check the place out. All I have to say is WOW! This ministry thought of everything when it came to building this home. There are 2 dishwashers, 2 ovens, 2 washers and dryers, 6 humongous bedrooms that sleep about 2 each, personal bathrooms, and even a study room with desks for everyone and windows into the room so the "parents" can keep on eye on things. I think if I were a kid that came from a shaky background, I would about wet my pants the first time I stepped into the house. "You mean this is for me? I get the opportunity to live here and be loved and treated with dignity? What did I ever do to deserve such a thing?" (I think my response will be like this when I get to heaven!)
This ministry is not government funded in any way; they "survive" based on giving from normal people like you and me. God has blessed the upstart of this place of hope and I imagine he will continue to do more and more that seems impossible to human eyes. I don't know why God has softened my heart towards this ministry so much, but I find myself praying for these children that live there...that God would redeem, heal, and comfort these kids. If you want more info. on this, then visit soaringwingsranch.com

Things I Didn't and Did Want to Know

This is a random post, but I have in the past few months come across some facts that freaked me out...you know, the kind of things you really wished you had never learned. I thought I would share these, but I decided to balance them out with facts that are kind of fun knowing! Enjoy!

Things I didn't want to know:
1. You should avoid the salad bar at restaurants because of all the dead skin that floats around in the air.
2. Dentists recommend that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 ft. away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.
3. The oreo cookie is one of the worst things you can eat...the state of California is trying to ban them because of the high level of trans fats. (This is very depressing for me!)
4. To burn off one plain M&M candy, you need to walk the full length of a football field. (And why is it that I don't weigh in at 395 pounds??)
5. Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. (This is scary for our kiddos--big ears from Martens and big noses from Stuarts!)
6. In the US--for every dollar you spend on gasoline--27 cents of it is in taxes. (Ugh!)

OK---some fun things to know!
1. The average housewife walks 10 miles a day around the house doing her chores!!!
2. Women have a slightly higher average IQ than men. (This one may be a no-brainer!)
3. Only 1% of Bacteria causes disease. (This is comforting as you haul your kids to school.)
4. Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. (Random, but good info. when your husband flies all the time.)
5. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television. (I knew I liked sleep for some reason!)

Have a great day!!!

Thoughts from a stay-at-home theologian

I love the beach. I love the sound of waves and the glory of God that is displayed in the powerful ocean. I love the sunsets, the feeling of sand between my toes, and the heat beating down on me. I love to watch the little kids build sand castles. I love to read good books while undisturbed. I love to pray while in some of the most beautiful of God's settings. Something God showed me last year at the beach was that His grace is all sufficient. Maybe I should just believe it instead of asking for more of it. Since then, He has started to show me that when He declares Himself as Jehovah Rapha, He is not saying He can heal as much as saying that He IS healing. When he says he is Jehovah Jireh, he isn't saying he provides as much as saying that He IS provision. He is all we need. We should seek Him when we want wisdom, for He IS wisdom. He is GRACE, HOLINESS, LIGHT, the WORD, TRUTH. He is all we need. I think this is hard for me and possibly other Americans to really believe. We are bombarded with so many ads for so many "things" that we are told we need. We are comfortable, not wanting for food, shelter, or clothing. And yet, in reality, He is all we need. I have been on a little search for the real Jesus. I feel like he is presented in different ways by various preachers...does he want me to suffer like he did; does he want to bless my socks off financially; does he even care? I finally threw my hands up one day and shouted, "Would the REAL Jesus, just please stand up!?" I have come to the conclusion of one thing: Jesus loves me, this I know. And I think that when we come to the point that we really BELIEVE that God and Jesus love us, then we can rest in His presence and have confidence that He really does have GOOD things in store for us. I did a little project today. I decided to go through the book of John...just the first three chapters and read who the real Jesus is. Here is what is listed about him, just in the first 3 chapters:

the Word (with God and WAS God)
Creator (through him all things were made)
LIFE
LIGHT
Redeemer (gives right to become children of God)
GRACE
TRUTH
ONE and ONLY
Worthy
LAMB of GOD
SON of GOD
Rabbi
Teacher
MESSIAH
Christ
King of Israel
SON of MAN (This is how Jesus refers to Himself)
THE temple
Bridegroom

My favorite new way to think of Christ is the SON of MAN. I never understood this title til last fall. In Daniel 7:13-14, we see "one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Since the Jewish people knew these scriptures, He knew they would know just WHO he was declaring himself to be when he called himself the Son of Man. I just love this!

Well, so much for deep thoughts by Becke'! Hope I didn't freak anyone out!

Here, our brilliant 2 year old is perusing the phone book. You see, Sam is not a discriminatory person when it comes to book selection. He usually picks out one book, carries it with him throughout the day...also into the car, and calls it his "Bible". One day he was hooked on "My Utmost for His Highest" and wouldn't let it out of his sight. Why on earth does this make me a proud Mama?? I think I have issues. :)

Sleep Stories Part II

This is Eli, asleep on two kitchen chairs that have been pushed together. We had some friends over for dinner and games one night and Cade and Eli were enjoying playing with an "older" girl...a whoppin' 9 year old, mind you! Well, around 8:30, Eli started running fever and so we drugged him and told him to go lay down. He would have nothing of the sort, scared to death he might miss out on some of fun. They were playing "The Land Before Time" dinosaur board game that HE got for his birthday, and I am sure that he wanted to monitor everything. Well, I really think he just didn't want to miss out on any fun!! So, around 9, I peeked at them and Eli is sprawled across two kitchen chairs, asleep as can be as the other two were playing. I love how his booty is sticking straight up...this is his normal sleep position. (Sorry the pic is sideways!)

Sleep Stories

Once kiddos are sleeping through the night, one of my favorite things about them is the funny things they do while they are sleeping. The other morning around 6 am, Eli crawled into bed with me. This is the most non-conventional sleeper ever when it comes to his position and sometimes even location. One time we were terrified when we couldn't find him in his bed or anywhere else in the house. Finally, we looked under our bed, and he lay there conked out. When he crawls into our bed early in the morning, he usually likes to lay perpendicular to us---with his feet kicking into my full bladder. Well, on this certain morning, I needed to get up, so as I snuck out of bed (he is also a light sleeper), I heard him say as loudly as possible, "Save the Fish!!!!!" Eli loves animals and I am sure he was on some sort of rescue mission in lala land.
Last night, for a special treat, we let Cade and Eli go to sleep in our bed. We then switch them into their beds when we are ready to go to bed. During this process, Cade did something so funny that it might just be retold at his wedding rehearsal dinner. He walked from our bed to his bed and started up the ladder of his bunk beds. And then, he started to go back down the ladder and headed to his bathroom. I just assumed that he needed to go potty, but Eric had a hunch that this was going to be a momentous event, so he followed him in there. With the light off, Cade was scrambling onto the stool and trying to swing his legs onto the bathroom counter. When I walked in there, he was sitting on the counter with his legs in the sink. He looked so sweet in his batman jammies cuddled up with his blue blanket. We kept trying to ask him what he was doing, but I am telling you, that kid was as asleep as asleep gets...even though his eyes were open. We took him back to bed and then laughed our heads off for the next 30 minutes. When we asked him about his sleep adventures this morning, he looked at us like we were crazy! He totally denied it, probably thinking we just enjoy telling false stories. Oh, kids, what blessings of laughter they bring!
Ok, I guess I need to include Sam in this post. Sam is such a great and heavy sleeper. We are trying to transition him into his little toddler bed. I tried it the other night and he started crying and pointing to his crib, saying, "bed!" I think he is like his Momma...I love my bed and there is just no reason to get rid of a good thing!

Cherishing Family

Things I cherish about each of the members of my family:

Eric
1. I love the fact that Eric receives joy on Saturday mornings by letting me sleep in a bit. I wake up to the smell of bacon and coffee and stumble into the kitchen as he serves me and the boys breakfast. This is really wonderful.

2. I love the fact that Eric is such a go-getter. He does it in a way as to not let his job become more important than family. No idea is too outlandish for him and he is courageous enough to tackle anything in the business world. I cherish the fact that he provides for us but also recognizes Jesus as the true Provider.

3. I cherish Eric as Father to Cade, Eli, and Sam. He truly is a good Daddy. Things just are not the same when he travels. He loves to play sports with them, read to them, wrestle with them, and keep them in line!

Cade
1. I cherish the fact that Cade has become quite a little helper! One morning after breakfast, he took it upon himself to go out into the garage and pick things up. This was all his idea. He loves to have things in order and to please his parents.

2. I think it is wonderful how Cade is so good to his brothers. He is never one to instigate fights, but always strives for peace and harmony. He loves playing with Eli and keeping Sam out of trouble.

3. I love that Cade is so well-rounded. He loves to learn and go to school, is addicted to sports, and yet still cherishes the Word of God. It is fun to watch him grow in many areas of his life.

Eli
1. It gives me great delight that Eli is such a friend to all. He makes everyone feel like they are the most special person in the world. He is not afraid to be courageously kind to all he comes in contact with.

2. I cherish the fact that Eli loves to help me cook. Since I have no girls, this is quite a treat when he drags over his chair, dons his "robot" apron and begs to help.

3. It is fun to have someone in our family who absolutely loves life. The rest of us can be kind of serious, so he is a definite blessing to have around. He even laughs at 2 am when I put Vicks on the bottom of his feet. (This mysteriously helps with coughs.)

Sam
1. Sam has the ability to make people feel comfortable. I cherish the fact that he (even as a 2 year old) just seems to let people be people. I think he will be an empathetic person.

2. I love the fact that God created Sam with such a courageous spirit. He is not afraid of anything and likes for people to know that. He wants to do anything that Cade and Eli try.

3. I cherish it when Sam says "HUGS!" and curls up in my arms to give me some loving!

Well, after this post, I feel like the most blessed person in the world! I love how God creates humans so differently--each complementing one another so we can live in unity under his mighty hand of grace.

I tag Anna and Kelli to cherish their families thru the gift of the written word!

Go Salameeez!!!

I just love this phase of life we are entering. It is called the world of sports for little boys. I imagine it will last for the rest of my life...except it will become the world of sports for boys and then bigger boys and then young men. Eli played soccer last fall. With Eric as coach (who knew NOTHING about the sport), it was quite a riot. Now, it is Cade's turn. Cade has many passions in life, but basketball may be the winner. He will go outside and shoot for hours. Our little rule between Mother and Son is that he can go outside without gloves if it is above 38 degrees, otherwise it is gloves all the way. This is difficult for Cade, because, apparently, it messes up his shot. Well, he has joined the Upward Basketball league and loves it. It is so sweet to see a trillion 1st and 2nd graders on a court figuring out the logistics of the game while each trying to be a superstar. Cade had a game last Friday night and it truly was the best entertainment I have had all year. At one point, I wanted to cry because I missed a couple of his baskets while trying to keep my 2 year old from dropping his toys and snacks down onto the court. (We were sitting up high in the walking track part.) But, I am telling you, God is so gracious and did allow me to see his 3 pointer! My sweet baby shot a 16 footer! I knew he could do this...probably countless times in a row. But, something about seeing it in a game made all of my pride come rushing to the surface. I think God probably swells with pride when one of His sons or daughters does something well. After all, he created us and He is the giver of all gifts and talents. So, back to the title of this post. Eli (5) was cheering the team on and I finally figured out what he was saying. "GO SALAMEEEZ!!" You know, like the salami deli meat. Cade's team is called the TSUNAMIS and I must admit, this is quite a difficult word to grasp for a 5 year old. Heck, I don't even know if I spelled it right!

More sports...Herb (father-in-law) got a Wii for his birthday. We finally had some time to go over there and try it out. (Needed something free to do while the roofers pounded away!) I just have to boast a hair and say I beat Eric at not just bowling but GOLF, too! Yes, that is Eric, my husband, the professional golfer, who coached the UCA team at one time. He was quite a sport about it, knowing that in reality, I don't have a lick of athleticism in me! This was a momentous day in the life of Becke' Stuart!

The Provision of a Roof

The Saturday night before Christmas was a wild one in Conway. The wind was howling and the tree limbs were falling. As the rain fell, I lay in bed with the covers up to my chin praying silently. We have known for about 1 1/2 years that our roof needed to be replaced. We found this out when we thought we were moving to a different house in the summer of 2006. The great Lord thwarted that idea again and again and we finally had a peace to stay put. The potential buyers of our home wanted a brand new spankin' roof and who has an extra four grand lying around? So, as I was praying in bed that Saturday night before Christmas, I prayed that He would protect us and keep limbs off of our home. But then I threw in a little extra prayer...you know, the kind you don't tell your spouse unless God decides to answer it! I asked God to consider using this storm to provide us with a brand new roof. Well, low and behold, as I was getting ready for church the next morning, I noticed some water damage that ran from our bathroom ceiling all the way to our master bedroom ceiling. Then, after inspecting the outside, Eric found shingles that had been blown off in a totally different part of the house. Long story short, the claims guy said, "Merry Christmas, you get a new roof!" The roofer is supposed to come out today to let me pick out the new shingle color. This is almost as much fun as picking out a new pair of shoes. Although, I wish I either had my Contractor Dad here or my interior designer friend here to help, I am thinking that I can do this all by myself! I surely can decide if graphite, black, pewter, or dark gray looks the best, right?? Anyway, I just wanted to say that God is even in the roof of our lives, providing beyond our imaginations and hearing our every utterance. Praise be to His name for His indescribable gifts! (If we had not waited on his timing to move, the roof would have come out of our pocket and not his!)

For all of my fashion loving divas out there, this part is for you! If you would like a FREE Spiegel spring catalog, just go to Spiegel.com/request and type in offer code F8814!! I don't usually order from Spiegel, but it is fun to see what the new fashions will be for the next season. (And then I go to Target and do my best to copy them!)

spanglish?

Sam, our two year old is learning to count. The problem is that he mixes up English numbers with Spanish ones. So, it is not uncommon to hear him say: "Four, five, six, siete, ocho, diez!" He never starts with number one, unfortunately!

5 Weird things about myself

Anna tagged me to post 5 weird things about myself. This is quite difficult for me, because I don't see myself as all that strange, really. So, these are the best that I could come up with.

1. I secretly have the desire to have twins. In my sane thinking, I realize this is insane, but being named after Rebekah in the Bible, I just figure it is my lot in life!

2. I get a kick out of nutritional products---you know, like swallowing pills like probiotics (dirt), green grass, and synergistic green tea. It just feels good to know I am doing one thing good for my body. (And I think it cancels out the chocolate chip cookies.)

3. I miss the days of showing cows in fairs. It is just plain therapeutic to go outside and give your heifer a good bath. (Bathing Savannah, our golden retriever, just doesn't cut it!) It was also fun for the competitive side of me to win at the state fair!

4. I absolutely love the Jewish people. I want them to know Jesus as their Messiah so badly that I about cry every time I think about it. Praise God that He will reveal Himself in His timing!

5. I am a soup addict. I could eat it twice a day every day of the year. Ham and Bean, Mexican Chicken, Smoky Sweet Potato, Chicken Noodle...the flavor does not matter, just bring me a ladle!

Christmas story

Eric wanted to read the Christmas story to the boys before we opened presents on Christmas day. As you can tell on Eli's face, this was a mighty act of selfless love in order to focus on Christ for a bit.

Siblings

These are some of my brothers and sisters...I know what you are thinking, "There are more?" Yep, I have another brother not in the picture. The ones in the pic are Kirby, Kiley, Amelia and myself. I just love being part of a big family. The older I get, the more precious it becomes to me. I am in this "mental" phase where I think I don't ever want to stop having kids. (don't gasp, Mom!) Just here me out; kids have such unique God given personalities and it is so fun to see how everyone meshes together! I imagine we will settle on one more child, but deep down, I really love to see big families--you know--really big families. I am so thankful all of my brothers and sisters know and love Jesus. It brings me incredible joy!

Eli's 5th Birthday!

Here is Eli at his Playworld birthday party. He had a blast in the maze with all of his friends.



Here is Eli's reaction to Sparky the dog at Playworld. He did not run under the table and hide, but simply said, "Go Home." I realized then he was terrified of the big thing and I wanted to kick myself for ever thinking that my animal loving son would just adore the 6 foot beast towering over him. Eli is the most sweet, kind-hearted thing, so I knew it was not out of rudeness, but sheer terror that asked Sparky to kindly leave the building. Never again, Beck, never again!




I can't believe my sweet baby boy is 5! Eric informed me that he was halfway to 10 and I told him to just shut his mouth! No need for rushing these things. The only thing Eli wanted to eat for his family bday meal was mac n cheese. So, being the new "experimental" cook that I am, I searched Food Network high and low for the perfect homemade mac n cheese recipe. After finding a recipe with 5 stars across the board, I gave one a whirl. Well, my sweet child could not even eat it, it was so awful. If you enjoy the taste of curdled sharp cheddar, then this recipe is for you! Not only did I terrify my son with the beast, but I couldn't even get the mac n cheese to be edible! Well, I did one thing right, and that was giving birth to a 10 pound 5 oz. baby 5 years ago without killing myself in the process. Eli, thanks for being such a good sport and being a joy and delight to us! We praise God for entrusting you into our care.

Moop and Saba??

OK, I know what you are thinking! What in the world are moop and saba? Well, in our family, moop is milk and saba is excuse me. I love how toddlers create their own little words for things! And, by golly, some of their words are way more fun than that ol' English language! So, I am sure that your family has adopted some words from your toddlers and over the years, you adults just refuse to let them go. I guess initiating the words into your vocabulary somehow psychologically makes your little ones stay little just for a bit longer. I would love to hear about your "new" words!
Well, this is my first post on my new blog. I just couldn't let everyone else be having all of the fun! I love being able to see other people's pics and read hilarious stories, so here goes!