Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Let's Get Busy
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:9-15
Friday, September 28, 2012
Grocery Budget
Okay, so I've had a lot of people asking me recently how we actually do this whole budget thing and how we were able to turn our financial situation around so fast.
I know some might be seriously? she's talking about her finances on here?? and if that's crazy weird and crossing a line for you, no problem (and you may be right). :)
But for those that have asked and might find some useful tips, this one's for you.
And my HUGE disclaimer: I constantly revamp the way we do this stuff and seem to continue finding ways to cut corners and save. We have never been taught a method, just apply common sense as best we know it. SO - please share the things that work for you, as well, and maybe we can pool all our ideas and walk away with better plans for everyone involved! I LOVE input in this area of how I can make it work even better, so please share!
That's a huge reason for writing this post, because I know there are others like me who eat this stuff up. :)
We are on a budget. No doubt. It recycles every 2 weeks (coinciding with paychecks). Of all the budgeted areas, the grocery part is the absolute hardest one for me to contain. I bust it almost every month. When I realized this, I finally upped it $100, but guess what? I now surpass that (which is currently, now a whopping $700/mo).
Epic fail.
But last month, after my first Aldi's trip and some tips I ran across, I started scheming and had the idea that I could REDUCE it by about $250-$300 dollars. WHAT?! 6 months ago I was needing to "up" it...and now I think I can reduce it. Yes, I got motivated.
BTW, saving money is the only area in my life I am competitive. True story.
And our "grocery" budget is everything...anything you buy at Walmart/Target/Sam's is included in this. Which for me, also includes diapers, formula, dog food, cleaning/laundry stuff.
Here's another true story - I think I am actually going to be able to do it this month. Here's some tips of how this is working for me:
1. I take out $200 in cash on the 1st and the 15th.
2. I meal plan for 2 weeks straight and buy everything at once for the 2 weeks. I usually have to go back for more milk and some produce that is only good for a week at a time. And we eat leftovers. :)
3. I make a massive list before I go, getting all ingredients from recipes and such that I will need.
4. I go to Aldi's first. I am able to get about 90% of what I need from there.
****A little about Aldis (and I'm a newbie, so tips here are more than welcomed):
- EVERYTHING is cheaper than GV. (I've tested it all with calculator and receipts)
*The only exception for me has been honey. Walmart has one that is cheaper.
- Even diapers and wipes are a better deal (though pkg is smaller)
- Frozen chicken is cheaper and just as good
- Just bought 3lb frozen hamburger meat for first time. I will tell you if it's good
- Produce is bad, but CHEAP. Take pics of prices, and walmart will pricematch.
- Bread is like cardboard. Buy that one elsewhere. :)
5. Next, I hit up Walmart for the remainder of things Aldi's didn't have:
- Dogfood, formula, roast (for this week), produce, shampoo
6. We run our pantry DRY. Literally. We only buy what we need and eat it gone before the next grocery run.
NOW, I did my 2 week run yesterday (I did it early this time), and here's the totals:
*It used to cost me a little over $300 for 2 weeks when I was just shopping at Walmart.
But yesterday,
Aldi's bill: $110 (that included diapers for next 2 weeks)
Walmart: $60 (that included formula for 1.5 weeks...which is $20 a pop)
I will still need to buy one more can of formula before the end, and some milk/produce that we will run out of next week. But all meals (including dogs' meals) are accounted for until we re-start the cycle.
So what's on the menu??? (I also have all of these recipes typed up if anyone wants them):
Weekend: Tacos (I make this Saturday and then we eat on them for Sunday, too).
M/T: Bacony Chicken & Rice/Salad
W/T: Beef Enchiladas/Chips &Salsa
F: Grilled Chicken/Baked Potatoes/Veg
S/S: Poppyseed Chicken/Green Beans/Rolls
M/T: Roast/Potatoes/Carrots/Mac & Cheese
W/R: Chicken Spaghetti/Veg
F/Sun: Hamburgers
(We will have dinner with Jason's family Sat).
Something else new I am trying this week, is I bought a huge frozen pkg. of ground beef that was a lot cheaper, and am about to cook it up how I need it in the recipes for the week, and then freeze the portions to pull out on that particular day. We will see how that goes.
So there you have it. I would LOVE to hear additional tips from you guys!!!
And also, just a side note - when it comes to finances, my absolute biggest tip I tell everyone is NEVER NEGLECT TO TITHE.
I never tithed one time until my second year of marriage when we got serious about this stuff. We prayed on an amount that was sacrificial for us, and have it withdrawn first thing every month. When we changed churches, we didn't tithe all summer and yall our budget when nutso-crazy. No joke. And it didn't make sense because we should have had EXTRA money and for the first time in 2 years we were seeing RED. It was the weirdest thing. But we realized we had stopped tithing, repented (Seriously, on our bed...together) and haven't made that mistake again. The first step in getting finances right is recognizing who is Lord over your money and demonstrating obedience in this area. As a former none-thither, I am now a FIRM FIRM believer in this. God will not bestow blessings on your finances if you do not surrender them to Him. I am a witness. :)
I could share tons on this subject alone that we have learned, but I'll stop there for now.
Blessings!!!! :)
I know some might be seriously? she's talking about her finances on here?? and if that's crazy weird and crossing a line for you, no problem (and you may be right). :)
But for those that have asked and might find some useful tips, this one's for you.
And my HUGE disclaimer: I constantly revamp the way we do this stuff and seem to continue finding ways to cut corners and save. We have never been taught a method, just apply common sense as best we know it. SO - please share the things that work for you, as well, and maybe we can pool all our ideas and walk away with better plans for everyone involved! I LOVE input in this area of how I can make it work even better, so please share!
That's a huge reason for writing this post, because I know there are others like me who eat this stuff up. :)
We are on a budget. No doubt. It recycles every 2 weeks (coinciding with paychecks). Of all the budgeted areas, the grocery part is the absolute hardest one for me to contain. I bust it almost every month. When I realized this, I finally upped it $100, but guess what? I now surpass that (which is currently, now a whopping $700/mo).
Epic fail.
But last month, after my first Aldi's trip and some tips I ran across, I started scheming and had the idea that I could REDUCE it by about $250-$300 dollars. WHAT?! 6 months ago I was needing to "up" it...and now I think I can reduce it. Yes, I got motivated.
BTW, saving money is the only area in my life I am competitive. True story.
And our "grocery" budget is everything...anything you buy at Walmart/Target/Sam's is included in this. Which for me, also includes diapers, formula, dog food, cleaning/laundry stuff.
Here's another true story - I think I am actually going to be able to do it this month. Here's some tips of how this is working for me:
1. I take out $200 in cash on the 1st and the 15th.
2. I meal plan for 2 weeks straight and buy everything at once for the 2 weeks. I usually have to go back for more milk and some produce that is only good for a week at a time. And we eat leftovers. :)
3. I make a massive list before I go, getting all ingredients from recipes and such that I will need.
4. I go to Aldi's first. I am able to get about 90% of what I need from there.
****A little about Aldis (and I'm a newbie, so tips here are more than welcomed):
- EVERYTHING is cheaper than GV. (I've tested it all with calculator and receipts)
*The only exception for me has been honey. Walmart has one that is cheaper.
- Even diapers and wipes are a better deal (though pkg is smaller)
- Frozen chicken is cheaper and just as good
- Just bought 3lb frozen hamburger meat for first time. I will tell you if it's good
- Produce is bad, but CHEAP. Take pics of prices, and walmart will pricematch.
- Bread is like cardboard. Buy that one elsewhere. :)
5. Next, I hit up Walmart for the remainder of things Aldi's didn't have:
- Dogfood, formula, roast (for this week), produce, shampoo
6. We run our pantry DRY. Literally. We only buy what we need and eat it gone before the next grocery run.
NOW, I did my 2 week run yesterday (I did it early this time), and here's the totals:
*It used to cost me a little over $300 for 2 weeks when I was just shopping at Walmart.
But yesterday,
Aldi's bill: $110 (that included diapers for next 2 weeks)
Walmart: $60 (that included formula for 1.5 weeks...which is $20 a pop)
I will still need to buy one more can of formula before the end, and some milk/produce that we will run out of next week. But all meals (including dogs' meals) are accounted for until we re-start the cycle.
So what's on the menu??? (I also have all of these recipes typed up if anyone wants them):
Weekend: Tacos (I make this Saturday and then we eat on them for Sunday, too).
M/T: Bacony Chicken & Rice/Salad
W/T: Beef Enchiladas/Chips &Salsa
F: Grilled Chicken/Baked Potatoes/Veg
S/S: Poppyseed Chicken/Green Beans/Rolls
M/T: Roast/Potatoes/Carrots/Mac & Cheese
W/R: Chicken Spaghetti/Veg
F/Sun: Hamburgers
(We will have dinner with Jason's family Sat).
Something else new I am trying this week, is I bought a huge frozen pkg. of ground beef that was a lot cheaper, and am about to cook it up how I need it in the recipes for the week, and then freeze the portions to pull out on that particular day. We will see how that goes.
So there you have it. I would LOVE to hear additional tips from you guys!!!
And also, just a side note - when it comes to finances, my absolute biggest tip I tell everyone is NEVER NEGLECT TO TITHE.
I never tithed one time until my second year of marriage when we got serious about this stuff. We prayed on an amount that was sacrificial for us, and have it withdrawn first thing every month. When we changed churches, we didn't tithe all summer and yall our budget when nutso-crazy. No joke. And it didn't make sense because we should have had EXTRA money and for the first time in 2 years we were seeing RED. It was the weirdest thing. But we realized we had stopped tithing, repented (Seriously, on our bed...together) and haven't made that mistake again. The first step in getting finances right is recognizing who is Lord over your money and demonstrating obedience in this area. As a former none-thither, I am now a FIRM FIRM believer in this. God will not bestow blessings on your finances if you do not surrender them to Him. I am a witness. :)
I could share tons on this subject alone that we have learned, but I'll stop there for now.
Blessings!!!! :)
Sunday, September 23, 2012
It's For the Kids
This past weekend we got the privilege of getting all fancied up with some of our good friends and going out. My friend Meredith and her husband participate in this same charity event every year and invite us all to tag along and fill up the table. Honestly, I'm not even entirely sure about what the event was we attended (I know golf was involved at some point, along with an auction, and something about kids in crisis), but what I do know is:
1. babysitter for all kids
2. great great friends
3. free delicious food & drinks
4. fancy dresses dug up from the bottom of the closet (my choice, of course, had mysterious stains that thankfully came out)
5. makeup and no ponytail
6. PHOTOBOOTH. need I say more...
It was a blast.
It was great to make numerous references to the show "Friends" throughout the night and everyone actually get it. ***Yes - I now live in a circle (i.e.working with youth/college) where I've made such references and get blank stares*** But then they make Twilight ones and I *blank stare* them back. Anyway, so in light of the auction, there were many "Joey" remarks of "I WON!!!" and "Phoebe" remarks of "I'm doing it for the kids!" Yea of 30-something know what I'm talking about.
And here's some proof us busy mommies wear makeup and clothes beyond sweatpants/work-out gear. :)
1. babysitter for all kids
2. great great friends
3. free delicious food & drinks
4. fancy dresses dug up from the bottom of the closet (my choice, of course, had mysterious stains that thankfully came out)
5. makeup and no ponytail
6. PHOTOBOOTH. need I say more...
It was a blast.
It was great to make numerous references to the show "Friends" throughout the night and everyone actually get it. ***Yes - I now live in a circle (i.e.working with youth/college) where I've made such references and get blank stares*** But then they make Twilight ones and I *blank stare* them back. Anyway, so in light of the auction, there were many "Joey" remarks of "I WON!!!" and "Phoebe" remarks of "I'm doing it for the kids!" Yea of 30-something know what I'm talking about.
And here's some proof us busy mommies wear makeup and clothes beyond sweatpants/work-out gear. :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Ukrainian Orphans
So this is not some arbitrary mission.
It is dear to my heart and I've been able to see first hand these precious children and the lives that await for them once they're out of the orphanage and on their own. It's terrifying.
Her organization is launching a campaign to grow on social media so that more can be aware of the need, how God is already working, and how you too can also get involved! If you like their facebook page, you'll be aware of many different events that take place throughout the year...even opportunities for you to go be involved in their summer camps at the Pravda orphanage - which is life-changing people. :)
So click on this link and like their page today!!! You'll be blessed to see God at work in this part of the world!
I'll leave you with a picture of the little Ukrainian orphan that stole my heart on my very first trip on 2004.
Monday, September 17, 2012
4 Months
I'm 4 months!!!!!!
My stats:
Height - 50%
Weight - 75%
Head - 90+%....I'm my brothers' sister for sure.
How am I sleeping???
As of the past week...pretty darn good. It has rocked my world - in a good way. :)
You doze off in the morning a couple of times for a light little rest. This is in the car seat, in your chair, on the floor...wherever. Then after lunch, I swaddle you up and you sleep for 3 hours (in your crib) between your noon and 3:00 meals. I love this schedule and that you adhere to it.
The last time we feed you is usually 10:00pm, then we swaddle you up, toss you in the crib with a kiss and a pacy. This past week, you have woken up around 5:00am, but I go in there and just put your pacy back in your mouth, and you have mostly slept all the way until 9:00am. It's fantastic and I'm blessed by your love of sleep. :)
You eat 5 bottles of 6oz./day and are still spitting up, though not as much since we started adding a little rice to your bottles.
You are one happy baby. Daddy and I were talking about how you are much sweeter and happier than either of the boys were at this age. You're just super easy going and don't really ever cause much of a fuss unless you are hungry or sleepy. And even then, you're easily soothed.
You are a cuddler!!! My first cuddle baby ever!!! Your favorite position is just curled into my chest while I hold you. You love it, I love it...it's hard to put you down!
Your main nickname is "little sister". I call you that probably 70% of the time.
You love the trampoline. Well, you love sitting in my lap on it, and watching your brothers go crazy. It's the first time we heard you belly chuckle from the gut over and over. So now we make it a nightly family routine (when it's nice outside) since you love it so much. Noah loves jumping high and making you laugh on the trampoline. He thinks it's hilarious.
Noah is starting to pay more attention to you these days but oh my goodness, your brother Lincoln absolutely adores you. He always has, but these past few weeks, you have started to show admiration and preference for him which is SPECIAL. He made up his own little games with you to get you to laugh at him. Neither daddy nor I can do this in the manner he does. It's you and your brother's secret, special game and it is precious. He often, out of the blue, just tells us how much he loves you and how pretty you are. I think you and Lincoln are going to have one special relationship little sister.
Overall, we just can't get enough of you. And that's not the cliche thing to say either...I just don't know how else to put the honest truth! You're such a JOY. I love dressing you, holding you, playing with bows, singing to you, and can't wait for all the girlie things we're going to do together. I'm so thankful God blessed us with you sweet little sister.
My stats:
Height - 50%
Weight - 75%
Head - 90+%....I'm my brothers' sister for sure.
How am I sleeping???
As of the past week...pretty darn good. It has rocked my world - in a good way. :)
You doze off in the morning a couple of times for a light little rest. This is in the car seat, in your chair, on the floor...wherever. Then after lunch, I swaddle you up and you sleep for 3 hours (in your crib) between your noon and 3:00 meals. I love this schedule and that you adhere to it.
The last time we feed you is usually 10:00pm, then we swaddle you up, toss you in the crib with a kiss and a pacy. This past week, you have woken up around 5:00am, but I go in there and just put your pacy back in your mouth, and you have mostly slept all the way until 9:00am. It's fantastic and I'm blessed by your love of sleep. :)
You eat 5 bottles of 6oz./day and are still spitting up, though not as much since we started adding a little rice to your bottles.
You are one happy baby. Daddy and I were talking about how you are much sweeter and happier than either of the boys were at this age. You're just super easy going and don't really ever cause much of a fuss unless you are hungry or sleepy. And even then, you're easily soothed.
You are a cuddler!!! My first cuddle baby ever!!! Your favorite position is just curled into my chest while I hold you. You love it, I love it...it's hard to put you down!
Your main nickname is "little sister". I call you that probably 70% of the time.
You love the trampoline. Well, you love sitting in my lap on it, and watching your brothers go crazy. It's the first time we heard you belly chuckle from the gut over and over. So now we make it a nightly family routine (when it's nice outside) since you love it so much. Noah loves jumping high and making you laugh on the trampoline. He thinks it's hilarious.
Noah is starting to pay more attention to you these days but oh my goodness, your brother Lincoln absolutely adores you. He always has, but these past few weeks, you have started to show admiration and preference for him which is SPECIAL. He made up his own little games with you to get you to laugh at him. Neither daddy nor I can do this in the manner he does. It's you and your brother's secret, special game and it is precious. He often, out of the blue, just tells us how much he loves you and how pretty you are. I think you and Lincoln are going to have one special relationship little sister.
Overall, we just can't get enough of you. And that's not the cliche thing to say either...I just don't know how else to put the honest truth! You're such a JOY. I love dressing you, holding you, playing with bows, singing to you, and can't wait for all the girlie things we're going to do together. I'm so thankful God blessed us with you sweet little sister.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Oh the Debt Talk
CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!
As of today, we have noooooo car payments/house payments/credit card payments...I paid of the last little bit of the last car standing this morning!
This is huge for us because we never would have been on this journey if it wasn't for our convictions in the Biblical areas of "owe nothing to anyone" (Romans 13:8), and then for God giving us the drive and determination to get ourselves to a life of living debt-free. We made the commitment 3 years ago, changed our lifestyle drastically, crushed the idea of striving toward the "American Dream", and had people hold us accountable along the way.
We've said all along it's been a heart change for us both. The things we once desired have just been plain unappealing. I will admit, when we moved to Bentonville, there were a few times at the beginning where I felt myself being swayed back toward the "come on, you deserve it" or "stop paying extra toward that loan for just this month and buy this awesomeness over here" or "wow - we could totally afford that house" but I am so thankful for God's patience with us in this journey and how He has ultimately provided.
Probably the biggest help He sent were dear friends who are on the exact same journey with the exact same convictions. Praise the Lord.
When we initially set on this journey, we knew once we got to the end, we have a considerable extra amount of money after everything was paid off, but we made the commitment to still budget and not change our lifestyle. No excessive cars/housing/furniture/whatever...we were going to call it Kingdom Money. Not sure what that means but we are confident God has a purpose for us and how to use it when we get there. I'm excited to see.
Now we still aren't 100% done, but we are about 80% of the way there.
My purpose in sharing all of this is mainly in part to praise God, hands down, for embarking us on this journey because it has been incredible the amount of blessing (not money blessing) that has flowed from it. I started an entire separate blog on this journey because some of things He did were just so incredible once we committed to this. This is by no means us. Nope. We are incredibly sinful/selfish/envious/ and greedy in our own nature to be honest. We have horrendous track records both individually, before we married, and our first year of marriage in regards to money. We had some CRAZY debt people. Praise the Lord for swooping us up and changing our hearts.
We said it from the beginning and we're still saying it - we want to be free of all ties so that we can go where He wants us without hesitation.
Oh - and a disclaimer: people have asked us a lot, but no - we have never taken a D.Ramsey class. We just made our own plan based on logic, committed it to the Lord, and followed it (making changes accordingly along the way). Simple, really. I've since looked at some Ramsey stuff to see if what we do is similar, and some things are, but there are some big things that we disagree on.
As of today, we have noooooo car payments/house payments/credit card payments...I paid of the last little bit of the last car standing this morning!
This is huge for us because we never would have been on this journey if it wasn't for our convictions in the Biblical areas of "owe nothing to anyone" (Romans 13:8), and then for God giving us the drive and determination to get ourselves to a life of living debt-free. We made the commitment 3 years ago, changed our lifestyle drastically, crushed the idea of striving toward the "American Dream", and had people hold us accountable along the way.
We've said all along it's been a heart change for us both. The things we once desired have just been plain unappealing. I will admit, when we moved to Bentonville, there were a few times at the beginning where I felt myself being swayed back toward the "come on, you deserve it" or "stop paying extra toward that loan for just this month and buy this awesomeness over here" or "wow - we could totally afford that house" but I am so thankful for God's patience with us in this journey and how He has ultimately provided.
Probably the biggest help He sent were dear friends who are on the exact same journey with the exact same convictions. Praise the Lord.
When we initially set on this journey, we knew once we got to the end, we have a considerable extra amount of money after everything was paid off, but we made the commitment to still budget and not change our lifestyle. No excessive cars/housing/furniture/whatever...we were going to call it Kingdom Money. Not sure what that means but we are confident God has a purpose for us and how to use it when we get there. I'm excited to see.
Now we still aren't 100% done, but we are about 80% of the way there.
My purpose in sharing all of this is mainly in part to praise God, hands down, for embarking us on this journey because it has been incredible the amount of blessing (not money blessing) that has flowed from it. I started an entire separate blog on this journey because some of things He did were just so incredible once we committed to this. This is by no means us. Nope. We are incredibly sinful/selfish/envious/ and greedy in our own nature to be honest. We have horrendous track records both individually, before we married, and our first year of marriage in regards to money. We had some CRAZY debt people. Praise the Lord for swooping us up and changing our hearts.
We said it from the beginning and we're still saying it - we want to be free of all ties so that we can go where He wants us without hesitation.
Oh - and a disclaimer: people have asked us a lot, but no - we have never taken a D.Ramsey class. We just made our own plan based on logic, committed it to the Lord, and followed it (making changes accordingly along the way). Simple, really. I've since looked at some Ramsey stuff to see if what we do is similar, and some things are, but there are some big things that we disagree on.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Big, Tough Tucker
I think I have blogged about this before, but Lincoln cognitively gets way more than I give him credit some times. People have often asked me what he thinks about Tucker not being here anymore and the kid gets it - in its most simplest form - but he gets it. He understands how exciting it is that Tucker gets to live in the arms of Jesus in Heaven, but also how sad we all are to miss him being here right now...he understands that one day we'll get to see him again when Jesus comes back to get us and this is usually followed by: "Amy and Na-Na are going to be SOOO excited when Jesus comes back!!"
Won't we all. :)
He has these moments some times that trigger his memory of Tucker and he'll just start talking about him. These conversations usually consist of Tucker, Jesus, and Heaven.
Right after Tucker died, Jason and I were nervous at first that the kids might say something "wrong" around Amy and Nate or the other family, and we began praying for God to use their words in whatever way He desired to bring about healing and comfort.
I feel these moments and conversations that are randomly stirred in Lincoln is a direct answer to that prayer. I also think his deep understanding of the mix between sorrow and rejoicing is an answer to that prayer.
The other day we randomly saw Nate's cousin Cassie, and Lincoln told her "Did you know my aunt Amy is going to have TWO babies??!! I have a lot of cousins...a bunch of cousins...and I have one cousin that's in heaven!!!" He said the last part so proudly that Tucker got to be with Jesus in Heaven.
This morning was one of those moments, and it lasted the entire morning.
It started with him singing "He's got the whole world in His hands". We like to fill in different things for the verses together. The other day, I had sang: "He's got little baby Tucker, in His hands..." and Lincoln stopped me and goes:
"Mom - I don't think Tucker is a little baby anymore."
I laughed and we changed it: "He's got big tough Tucker in His hands!"
So this morning I overheard him singing this line to Adelynn while she watched and smiled at him. He then asked me how long it had been since Tucker went to Heaven and if Jesus came and got him. He told me - as he always does - that when he gets to Heaven, he is going to give Jesus a BIIG hug and a BIIG kiss! He proceeded to talk throughout the morning about his idea of Heaven, Amy and Nate, and some other related things. Then on the way to the gym, he was just staring out the window and goes "Mommy, I really miss Tucker."
Thank you Jesus for these moments.
Won't we all. :)
He has these moments some times that trigger his memory of Tucker and he'll just start talking about him. These conversations usually consist of Tucker, Jesus, and Heaven.
Right after Tucker died, Jason and I were nervous at first that the kids might say something "wrong" around Amy and Nate or the other family, and we began praying for God to use their words in whatever way He desired to bring about healing and comfort.
I feel these moments and conversations that are randomly stirred in Lincoln is a direct answer to that prayer. I also think his deep understanding of the mix between sorrow and rejoicing is an answer to that prayer.
The other day we randomly saw Nate's cousin Cassie, and Lincoln told her "Did you know my aunt Amy is going to have TWO babies??!! I have a lot of cousins...a bunch of cousins...and I have one cousin that's in heaven!!!" He said the last part so proudly that Tucker got to be with Jesus in Heaven.
This morning was one of those moments, and it lasted the entire morning.
It started with him singing "He's got the whole world in His hands". We like to fill in different things for the verses together. The other day, I had sang: "He's got little baby Tucker, in His hands..." and Lincoln stopped me and goes:
"Mom - I don't think Tucker is a little baby anymore."
I laughed and we changed it: "He's got big tough Tucker in His hands!"
So this morning I overheard him singing this line to Adelynn while she watched and smiled at him. He then asked me how long it had been since Tucker went to Heaven and if Jesus came and got him. He told me - as he always does - that when he gets to Heaven, he is going to give Jesus a BIIG hug and a BIIG kiss! He proceeded to talk throughout the morning about his idea of Heaven, Amy and Nate, and some other related things. Then on the way to the gym, he was just staring out the window and goes "Mommy, I really miss Tucker."
Thank you Jesus for these moments.
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