She is a hilarious stinker who moves at full speed with her unique 1/2 crawl (she drags one leg behind her and has even rubbed a blister - poor thing). But this girl can move. I left her in the living room the other day with the boys while I was getting ready, and in no time, she crawled through the house to find me - she even knew her way!
She is not pulling up yet and really shows no interest (which is fine by me). I still predict she is a late walker.
She finally has her first tooth in about 1/2 way. The boys both used to wake up with full teeth that seemingly grew overnight, but hers seem to take their ever loving time. And while the boys used to sleep more when they teethed, she cries more.
When it comes to her schedule these days, she feels more like a toddler since they all three do the same thing (or maybe the boys are more like babies?).
She goes to bed earlier than the boys (around 8:00pm), and the past few weeks will wake up about 6:30am - by which I don't consider morning - so I throw her a bottle in her bed and we don't hear from her until about 8:30-9:00am.
She would totally take a morning nap, but we are literally rarely here and she is too entertained to sleep much on the go anymore (though she will sometimes), so she really crashes with the boys from 1:30ish - 4:30ish.
She also added a whole lot more solids this month and has mastered picking things up with her thumb/forefinger. She likes bananas, strawberries, carrots, and mix veggies (most of the time) and still has a special little passion for cheerios. I will still feed her the mushy stuff too, but not as often.
Since she is eating more, she only gets 4 oz. milk every 4 hours or so.
Some fun developments have been her communication skills! She now says "mama" all the time, and just recently started saying "bubba" to Lincoln (sorry, dada).
She can also sign "more", and will start clapping when you say the word "clap" or if she sees someone else clapping. She clapped through the whole B'ville starting line up at the game last night. She still "sings" with me when I sing to her which might be my favorite thing ever.
Her and Lincoln have had a special relationship for a long time, but this month, her and Noah have started connecting! He seeks her out and will play with her. They did a crawling race the other day and when Lincoln asked Noah to come play with him, he told him, "No, I'm playing with Adelynn right now."
Her and Noah both have well checks next week. I bet they weigh the same. Ha. No I know she is in the 70%ish for weight because they weighed her for her ear infection last week. (By which she has already gotten 2 - no tubes please!!!!!).
So anyway, that's my sweet *almost* 9mo. old. And so begins the last stretch to her 1st birthday. Crazy.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
THREE!
Noah turns 3 today!!!! I made a little college of when he was born, and all his birthdays up to this point.
Can I say this boy has brought so much joy, laughter, and amazement into our lives. The fast pace at which his language has developed over the past year makes us laugh immensely since he has been saying "big" things for almost a year now, yet it all comes from this tiny little person. He really has brought tons of comic relief to our lives in the midst of some rough waters and I am so thankful for the little man God is molding him into.
He has so many crazy little quirks that makes him our incredibly unique, quirky, peculiar middle child. He is super laid back, takes his time doing everything, loves his sleep, and LOVES his toys. He has finally started being more of a social guy and has some little buddies now that he actually verbalizes wanting to go spend time with (this is a big deal - ha).
Obviously, we are all one-of-a-kind, but this little guy is seriously one of a kind.
In the past few months, he has really gotten into memorizing Scripture, with his latest verse being John 3:16. It's funny, because he can memorize them when put to motions, and Lincoln memorizes them when put to song. Already have their learning preferences!
Noah, we names you this after Noah from the Bible and have prayed from day 1 that you would be stubborn for the Lord and go against the grain, for the sake of your Savior.
You definitely are stubborn, and you go against the grain. (And you have a special charm over all animals - ha). I pray God continues to guide you in His ways of using your personality to honor Him!
Can I say this boy has brought so much joy, laughter, and amazement into our lives. The fast pace at which his language has developed over the past year makes us laugh immensely since he has been saying "big" things for almost a year now, yet it all comes from this tiny little person. He really has brought tons of comic relief to our lives in the midst of some rough waters and I am so thankful for the little man God is molding him into.
He has so many crazy little quirks that makes him our incredibly unique, quirky, peculiar middle child. He is super laid back, takes his time doing everything, loves his sleep, and LOVES his toys. He has finally started being more of a social guy and has some little buddies now that he actually verbalizes wanting to go spend time with (this is a big deal - ha).
Obviously, we are all one-of-a-kind, but this little guy is seriously one of a kind.
In the past few months, he has really gotten into memorizing Scripture, with his latest verse being John 3:16. It's funny, because he can memorize them when put to motions, and Lincoln memorizes them when put to song. Already have their learning preferences!
Noah, we names you this after Noah from the Bible and have prayed from day 1 that you would be stubborn for the Lord and go against the grain, for the sake of your Savior.
You definitely are stubborn, and you go against the grain. (And you have a special charm over all animals - ha). I pray God continues to guide you in His ways of using your personality to honor Him!
1st Birthday:
2nd Birthday:
3rd Birthday:
Friday, February 1, 2013
Cookies!!!!
So I've talked about my absolute best chocolate chip recipe ever on here a lot, but I discovered something new yesterday!
I've been seeing on pinterest a lot about using cornstarch in the batter, and I thought I would test it out.
You see I, too frequently, will want to make CCcookies but forget (or don't have) vanilla pudding. And yesterday was one of those days, so I decided to see what cornstarch would do. I used the same recipe but instead of the pudding (since I didn't have it), I put in 2 tsp of cornstarch.
And it worked! Jason said he still liked the vanilla pudding slightly better, but I would say if the pudding ones were at a 100%, these were at a 95%.
So there you have it. If you forgot to get the pudding, throw in some cornstarch.
I've been seeing on pinterest a lot about using cornstarch in the batter, and I thought I would test it out.
You see I, too frequently, will want to make CCcookies but forget (or don't have) vanilla pudding. And yesterday was one of those days, so I decided to see what cornstarch would do. I used the same recipe but instead of the pudding (since I didn't have it), I put in 2 tsp of cornstarch.
And it worked! Jason said he still liked the vanilla pudding slightly better, but I would say if the pudding ones were at a 100%, these were at a 95%.
So there you have it. If you forgot to get the pudding, throw in some cornstarch.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
More On Money
Sorry. Jesus has literally knocked our family upside down in regards to this topic and through it flows a new fervor and energy in knowing more of Him than I did previously.
I know a lot of you roll your eyes or wince at the fact that I continue to talk about money on this blog (because we've been told it's suppose to be a private matter I guess), but I also know the many numerous emails/messages/conversations these posts have ignited in the past, with many of you sharing your stories and such.
So here goes another one.
I seriously have just been so rocked by this matter as I delve more in Scripture and realize I have had it totally wrong. Jason and I have been in the process of realizing this over the past 4 years, but here recently again, we were taken to an even deeper level.
We have now encountered 4 different pastoral teachings (over the past 4 years) on this subject matter (all many part series), and after much prayer, practice, and pouring over Scripture, I just can't deny the absolute radical state of what Jesus desires from our finances while here on earth. And believe me - I've tried to deny it; I've tried to say "we live in different times though", I've tried to pass over such teachings in a defensive mode of not wanting to feel guilty, but yall - Jesus' teachings on this matter are just simply black and white! And it's one of the things He actually directly talks about over and over.
I'm not going to get into everything in detail on here - it will mean much more for you to seek it on your own, but some awesome points drawn form things I've learned lately were as such:
***Comparatively speaking, in America, we are blessed with money...everyone of us. And the purpose of Jesus blessing us with money is so that we can take what we need and give the rest away. The Kingdom can't advance unless we use the resources we are given to do so. One pastor I listened to in a sermon posed this question that pierced me:
***"When did we ever get off thinking that just because we make a 70K/year salary, that we must live a 70K/year salary???"
***What if we decided what we needed, lived on that, and gave the rest away...no matter how our salaries increased over time?
***God demands that if we give, we give JOYFULLY. This is he area where I personally have literally been transformed.
***MAKE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE so that it can be sued to further the Kingdom of God. My pastor in California used to tell us to be shrewd about making money - to try and make tons of it, but only live on a very small portion of it.
Francis Chan, in a video I saw the other day, paints a similar analogy using a rope as an illustration. This video rocked my world in light of the other things God's been teaching/convicting me of. Watch it if you have a few minutes:
So here's little ole me the other day, totally inspired/convicted, and I came home and just started getting rid of everything I could through our house that I thought others could benefit from that were excess for me. I had 4 trashbags full by the time it was over, and loaded them in my car.
********DISCLAIMER: not a story to brag, but the complete opposite, to show your how I have a long ways to go!******************
Anyway, I seriously felt like I cleaned out so much stuff in my kitchen, my closets, the kids closets, countertops, garage, etc.
But then, after it was all loaded, I was chatting with my friend Bethany about all these things we've had our eyes opened to, and I realized my house didn't look any different than it did before I went through it.
Then it hit me - I got rid of things I don't want or use anymore. I wasn't, in the truest sense that I set out to, letting go of my treasures that are only fleeting - I was doing spring cleaning two months early.
Yes, I know there is benefit in what I did, but I still don't know what it feels like to completely live by what I need. I don't think I've figured out what that boundary is (though it's become a new family prayer).
But yall, here's encouragement. 4 years ago we had debt up to our ears. We overspent, had stupid budgets and were INSANELY convicted over it before we moved from Siloam. And today, I got out our old budget sheets from 4 years ago and compared to the ones we have today, and after INSANE downsizing efforts over the course of those years, changed hearts, and this newfound fervor to make more to give more, we're a living testimony that IT CAN BE DONE through the grace and power of God, and spurn sheer JOY.
When comparing the way we lived our lives 4 years ago to today, we are making around $30,00 MORE/month, but spending $1200ish LESS/month. And we are in the process of trying to figure out how to increase that deficit even more.
So anyway, God has exposed some radical truths to our hearts lately, and I feel inadequate to try and share some of them because I still feel it's a constant struggle for me and a totally new road that is definitely counter cultural.
I may have gone too far discussing this in it's personal form - I'm honestly not sure - but it's something that just spills out of me lately and I can't get enough of trying to struggle through this journey. What a privilege us as Americans have to be so good at making money and allowing God to use that through us. What a privilege!
I know a lot of you roll your eyes or wince at the fact that I continue to talk about money on this blog (because we've been told it's suppose to be a private matter I guess), but I also know the many numerous emails/messages/conversations these posts have ignited in the past, with many of you sharing your stories and such.
So here goes another one.
I seriously have just been so rocked by this matter as I delve more in Scripture and realize I have had it totally wrong. Jason and I have been in the process of realizing this over the past 4 years, but here recently again, we were taken to an even deeper level.
We have now encountered 4 different pastoral teachings (over the past 4 years) on this subject matter (all many part series), and after much prayer, practice, and pouring over Scripture, I just can't deny the absolute radical state of what Jesus desires from our finances while here on earth. And believe me - I've tried to deny it; I've tried to say "we live in different times though", I've tried to pass over such teachings in a defensive mode of not wanting to feel guilty, but yall - Jesus' teachings on this matter are just simply black and white! And it's one of the things He actually directly talks about over and over.
I'm not going to get into everything in detail on here - it will mean much more for you to seek it on your own, but some awesome points drawn form things I've learned lately were as such:
***Comparatively speaking, in America, we are blessed with money...everyone of us. And the purpose of Jesus blessing us with money is so that we can take what we need and give the rest away. The Kingdom can't advance unless we use the resources we are given to do so. One pastor I listened to in a sermon posed this question that pierced me:
***"When did we ever get off thinking that just because we make a 70K/year salary, that we must live a 70K/year salary???"
***What if we decided what we needed, lived on that, and gave the rest away...no matter how our salaries increased over time?
***God demands that if we give, we give JOYFULLY. This is he area where I personally have literally been transformed.
***MAKE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE so that it can be sued to further the Kingdom of God. My pastor in California used to tell us to be shrewd about making money - to try and make tons of it, but only live on a very small portion of it.
Francis Chan, in a video I saw the other day, paints a similar analogy using a rope as an illustration. This video rocked my world in light of the other things God's been teaching/convicting me of. Watch it if you have a few minutes:
So here's little ole me the other day, totally inspired/convicted, and I came home and just started getting rid of everything I could through our house that I thought others could benefit from that were excess for me. I had 4 trashbags full by the time it was over, and loaded them in my car.
********DISCLAIMER: not a story to brag, but the complete opposite, to show your how I have a long ways to go!******************
Anyway, I seriously felt like I cleaned out so much stuff in my kitchen, my closets, the kids closets, countertops, garage, etc.
But then, after it was all loaded, I was chatting with my friend Bethany about all these things we've had our eyes opened to, and I realized my house didn't look any different than it did before I went through it.
Then it hit me - I got rid of things I don't want or use anymore. I wasn't, in the truest sense that I set out to, letting go of my treasures that are only fleeting - I was doing spring cleaning two months early.
Yes, I know there is benefit in what I did, but I still don't know what it feels like to completely live by what I need. I don't think I've figured out what that boundary is (though it's become a new family prayer).
But yall, here's encouragement. 4 years ago we had debt up to our ears. We overspent, had stupid budgets and were INSANELY convicted over it before we moved from Siloam. And today, I got out our old budget sheets from 4 years ago and compared to the ones we have today, and after INSANE downsizing efforts over the course of those years, changed hearts, and this newfound fervor to make more to give more, we're a living testimony that IT CAN BE DONE through the grace and power of God, and spurn sheer JOY.
When comparing the way we lived our lives 4 years ago to today, we are making around $30,00 MORE/month, but spending $1200ish LESS/month. And we are in the process of trying to figure out how to increase that deficit even more.
So anyway, God has exposed some radical truths to our hearts lately, and I feel inadequate to try and share some of them because I still feel it's a constant struggle for me and a totally new road that is definitely counter cultural.
I may have gone too far discussing this in it's personal form - I'm honestly not sure - but it's something that just spills out of me lately and I can't get enough of trying to struggle through this journey. What a privilege us as Americans have to be so good at making money and allowing God to use that through us. What a privilege!
Monday, January 28, 2013
It's Time
Sunday morning, to all of our surprise, Amy & Nate became parents to precious twin boys: Max & Gideon.
It was a whirlwind of a weekend - not on any of our radars since she was 31 weeks pregnant - but good gracious, the Lord said it's time. Ever since Tucker died and they found out they were pregnant (then later, with twins), we've all been waiting in anticipation of what the Lord is going to do next, and ready to watch His timing made perfect.
So who knows why they came so early, but His timing is indeed perfect! I got this mental picture the other night of how the doctors were feverishly trying to stop the labor, but how the Lord was probably just grinning, knowing babies are about to come, cause it's time.
The babies are doing just fine. They weighed 3.10/3.13 (tiny!), and needed only mild assistance breathing. They will probably be in the NICU for a good while, but everyone is in great spirits and trusting God's provision.
He is Redeemer. He is Savior. He is Knower of all things. He is Comforter. He is Almighty.
Here's a slice of the evidence:
It was a whirlwind of a weekend - not on any of our radars since she was 31 weeks pregnant - but good gracious, the Lord said it's time. Ever since Tucker died and they found out they were pregnant (then later, with twins), we've all been waiting in anticipation of what the Lord is going to do next, and ready to watch His timing made perfect.
So who knows why they came so early, but His timing is indeed perfect! I got this mental picture the other night of how the doctors were feverishly trying to stop the labor, but how the Lord was probably just grinning, knowing babies are about to come, cause it's time.
The babies are doing just fine. They weighed 3.10/3.13 (tiny!), and needed only mild assistance breathing. They will probably be in the NICU for a good while, but everyone is in great spirits and trusting God's provision.
He is Redeemer. He is Savior. He is Knower of all things. He is Comforter. He is Almighty.
Here's a slice of the evidence:
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Little Miss is 8 Months!
My little cutie pie is 8 months old which is CRAZY!
But she is trying to be my baby as long as she can, being that she is still not crawling and has no teeth. :) She can manage to get herself on the complete opposite side of the room however (maybe she's a sneaky crawler and stops the minute I'm looking??).
Her big thing this past month has probably been in the eating department. She loves EVERYTHING. And though she has been eating solids for a couple of months now, this past one she has pretty much been introduced to them all and hasn't met something she doesn't like.
As we speak, she is feeding herself some canned green beans. Yum.
She is still sleeping great. She typically goes to bed (on non-basketball nights) around 7:30 and sleeps until 7:30. We hand her a bottle, go back to bed, and she will usually fall back asleep for an hour.
She has been great at basketball games (which I attribute to her inability to crawl), and loves watching all the people around her. Very much like her brother, Lincoln.
I discovered the other night she LOVES being sang too!! So that night - I kid you not - I just held her singing to her until 10:00pm (well after the boys went to bed even). She just had the most precious look of delight on her face which warmed my heart. She also likes to dance. Her moves are hilarious.
I told Jason I really think there's a good chance I will want to home-school this little thing. Just LOVE HER.
(I had some pictures, but they are not uploading...oh well).
But she is trying to be my baby as long as she can, being that she is still not crawling and has no teeth. :) She can manage to get herself on the complete opposite side of the room however (maybe she's a sneaky crawler and stops the minute I'm looking??).
Her big thing this past month has probably been in the eating department. She loves EVERYTHING. And though she has been eating solids for a couple of months now, this past one she has pretty much been introduced to them all and hasn't met something she doesn't like.
As we speak, she is feeding herself some canned green beans. Yum.
She is still sleeping great. She typically goes to bed (on non-basketball nights) around 7:30 and sleeps until 7:30. We hand her a bottle, go back to bed, and she will usually fall back asleep for an hour.
She has been great at basketball games (which I attribute to her inability to crawl), and loves watching all the people around her. Very much like her brother, Lincoln.
I discovered the other night she LOVES being sang too!! So that night - I kid you not - I just held her singing to her until 10:00pm (well after the boys went to bed even). She just had the most precious look of delight on her face which warmed my heart. She also likes to dance. Her moves are hilarious.
I told Jason I really think there's a good chance I will want to home-school this little thing. Just LOVE HER.
(I had some pictures, but they are not uploading...oh well).
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Recommendation
I don't care what your position/take is on missions (though the Bible makes it very clear what it should be), if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will find this sermon igniting. I highly recommend it - more so than others I have discussed on here.
Watch it when the kids take a nap, with your husbands after the kids go to bed (there I go making assumptions on who reads my blog - ha), or find it in podcast form and listen to it while you work out or drive, but LISTEN TO IT...you will be blessed by God speaking through this man.
This word from Revelations will refresh your soul and remind you how simple our life task was designed to be.
How the "purpose of life" is really just not that complicated.
How we should be chasing after one thing, not all these other meaningless desires of the flesh we think will make our lives richer, yet turn out to be complete let-downs...
How that ONE THING is to bring glory to God by furthering His Kingdom.
I was convicted, yet again, on how I spend my money...where I place my "treasures" (that really aren't my treasures at all)...how much I hang on to, yet how much of it could be used to further the Kingdom. Along these lines, Jason and I saw Rick Warren on the Pierce Morgan show the other night talking about how him and his wife do finances. He said ever since they got married, they have increased their tithing every single year. They started out at 10%, and some years could only increase .25% or so, but now, deep into their marriage, they are tithing 90-ish% of their income to the church. NINETY-SOMETHING PERCENT.
Lord, increase my faith.
(you should youtube his interview, as well - it was great).
Anyway, I know I've been MIA from this blog for a while, but in our Bible study this morning, I was inspired and refreshed with this sermon! I hope you can be too.
Jesus Christ...He reigns in power, love, and mercy. And He has defeated death and invites us into His eternal family to be a part of His spectacular work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)