The Christmas Eve We Will Never Forget

Before Christmas Eve Service

It was a beautiful service. We got to hear Jackson sing with the Children's Choir and a message about the LIFE Christ brings!

 Then, the most incredible thing happened. A prayer of ours was answered. Jackson looked over at me after Pastor David led the congregation through a prayer, and said he asked Jesus into his heart!!!

BEST. GIFT. EVER!

Thank you Lord and we praise your name for Jackson's salvation and eternal life and hope he has in you!

A tradition started many years ago by my mom is one of my favorites and now includes matching pajamas for the whole family! 

Brian did great with the deer and monograms!

LOVE this picture and these boys of mine!

Ready for Santa! :)

Baby Dedication

Last Sunday was Baby Dedication at our Church. We dedicated Lincoln to the Lord in front of our faith family.

We snapped a few pictures of him before we went to Church.

LOVE this boy to pieces!

We are so blessed!

Pastor David reminded us of the important calling we have in our children's lives. 

They played a video of the prayer we had recorded for our children. It was sweet and made the dedication more personal.

Lincoln was a bit fussy on stage, but found Jacob next to him and was consoling him. They go to daycare together. So cute!

We are so thankful for our boys and pray that both of them come to know the Lord as their personal Lord and Savior, live boldly for Him, and use their talents to honor Him. We have the best and most challenging job as their parents and pray that God would give us wisdom as we guide and direct them daily.

I pray daily by boys will "act justly, love mercy and  walk humbly with their God."

"Snow" Days

We have had two days off due to ice here. I feel like God gave these days off just for me. Lincoln is still fighting RSV. I have been able to stay home with him and not have to miss school or use any sick days. He is in all the details!

I love this definition of a snow day that I saw on Facebook. I think it is pretty accurate!!

Grandma has played, played, and played some more with Jackson. They have an extensive truck shop up in Jackson's bedroom. She has also read a lot of books.

Lincoln has been a major mama's boy while fighting RSV. He won't let me be more than 2 inches from his side. He is on the mend but not quite a 100% yet.

 We have to keep Jackson busy and entertained so he doesn't have a meltdown. He is so much better with a schedule and activity to do. He made a target for his bow and arrow and nerf gun. He had a blast shooting in the house.

And of course, Papa has been working the days away. We He is making progress and the kitchen is beginning to look really good. I am ready for the house to be back in order!

I am so thankful for these "snow" days even if there is actually no snow and it means going to school longer in June.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

The New Year

2013 was a year I will not forget! God's faithfulness, protection, healing, and love were wildly evident in our life this year. May was the biggest month of the year for us. Brian went to the ER, spent a night in the hospital, and a few days later Lincoln joined our family 3 weeks early. The peace and strength I had during that time only comes from the One who is worthy. 

We celebrated the end of the year with friends and fireworks.

Jackson said the fireworks were the best thing of the whole year, ha! 

New Year's Day was spent as a family. I love our little family and our time together.

It was a beautiful day! We spent some time outside playing at the park.

We also did some bowling. These boys make everything so much more fun and challenging.:)

LOVE

I am praying for complete healing for Brian's body and that God's plan is done in our lives this year. 

And, because Jackson is such a challenge I am claiming the verse below as my verse for the year. I am praying that Jackson will grow in the Lord, his heart will be transformed, and my boys will see more of Him in me.

Hello 2014!

Merry Christmas!

I love the Christmas story. It IS the best story in all of history!! Without it life is impossible and worthless, but God sent His son and because of that the battle has been won. He is love and because of Him we are not consumed. Let us worship him today (and everyday)!

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psalm 95:6

Memorizing Scripture V2:21

Proverbs 4:24 "When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." ....v26 "for the Lord is your security.

I am again amazed at the way the Lord works out and cares for every little detail. I had taken a personal day last Wednesday to go on a field trip with Jackson. We woke up to severe storms and the field trip was cancelled. Jackson was bummed. I also woke up with a 102.5 fever, achy body, and chills. I had mastitis. I wouldn't have been able to go on the field trip even if it hadn't rained. I already had a sub so no need to worry about getting sub plans done. Brian came home to take the boys to daycare and bring home my prescription my doctor had called in. The field trip is rescheduled and now Brian can come too!

When I lay down to go to sleep many things run through my mind; things I need to do, didn't do, what ifs but the great thing is that God is not worried about any of it, and I shouldn't be either.

Memorizing Scripture V2:18 & 19

I forgot to post my verse last time.

Lamentations 3:22

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Thankful for his faithfulness in my life. I need Him every moment, every hour of every day.

Proverbs 31:26

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness." NLT

What a great reminder as a wife, mother, and teacher. My words are powerful.

One Year Ago

After two miscarriages and two years of trying the positive lines we saw on September 26, 2012 turned out to be the sweetest blessing.

 Lincoln you are answered prayer and a daily reminder of the God who loves us dearly and never once let us go. We are so thankful for your life!

"For this child I prayer." 1 Samuel 1:27

One Week Done

 This past week was long, exhausting, overwhelming, exciting, rewarding, and fun. I have so many stories to tell from just one week with my students. I already love each one of them, but still can't wait to get home and see my boys!

My 8th year teaching 1st grade!

  I am still not used to my new schedule of getting up between 5 and 5:30 to feed Lincoln, work out, pump, get ready, get the boys ready, do a devotional with Jackson, and drop the boys off. We were able to have some fun in the midst of the craziness of the last 2 weeks.

 

I can't get enough of my sweet little guy. Lincoln is so happy and smiley! He wakes up smiling and cooing at me.  He is such a blessing to my mornings. I love holding him after working all day.

 

Jackson keeps life interesting and fun too! He is loving school and making such good choices there. We could not be happier with Lincoln and Jackson's teachers. God hand picked the best for them.

I made it through the week only with God's strength. Getting up so early, teaching all day, playing and taking care of the boys at home, house chores, school work, and pumping in between is tiring but God gave me strength to push through.  Brian and I both said we felt like we didn't see each other all week because we were busy, busy, busy.

 

Here's to Friday date night and a relaxing 3 day weekend!

 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28, 30


Perspective

This last week was filled with lots of surprises, and not the ones that get you excited! But, thankfully God helped see the better side of each obstacle. I wanted to blog about each one so I would remember God's faithfulness in each situation.

 

#1 Our dishwasher stopped working. We had to get a brand new one. The new one cost $315, the exact amount we had gotten back a few weeks before. So instead of being upset about spending money, I praised God he had gotten our deposit from Lincoln's babysitter back for us.

 

#2 The battery in my Explorer died while I was out running errands. It cost us another $130 and a couple hours of my time alone. But instead of getting frustrated, I praised God that we had the money to fix it and Jackson had wanted to go to school otherwise I would have had two boys to entertain in the heat as I waited for a new battery.

 

#3 When Brian was trying to get the ice maker on our freezer to produce more ice he somehow pushed a button that turned the freezer off. The next night, I found my stash of breast milk thawing in the freezer. My initial thought was to be upset, but I chose to Facebook about it with a little joke and be thankful I am a human cow:)

 

#4 Summer vacation is over, and I am back at work. Last week I had wanted to pout a little that I had to go back and was dreaming of staying home. But, then I realized just how blessed I am to have a job I love and get so much time off to spend with my boys. 

#5 Both boys came down with a fever this weekend. I chose to pray for healing instead of thinking of scenarios of who would stay home with them next week (my first week on contract) and thanking God that they are healthy. Both boys were feeling better by Sunday.

None of these situations were big in the grand scheme of life. But, they made me stop and make sure my heart and attitude were pleasing in His sight and were a great reminder of Who is in control!

"Set your hearts on things above." Colossians 3:1



Please No Arguing

Jackson is such a sweet boy. However, he likes to argue with us about everything. His little mouth gets him in big trouble most days. 

 

Every morning, and several times through the day, we say 3 verses. Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without arguing or complaining." Proverbs 16:24 "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy to the body." Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and actions be pleasing in Your sight."

 

Well, yesterday he did it. Jackson made it the whole day without arguing or complaining! He had such a servant heart and kind spirit!

 

He is a good big brother. If it comes to Lincoln, Jackson usually is willing to help. It is any other time that we have problems.

 

It was a rainy day, so we headed out to Barnes and Noble. Jackson and I had so much fun. I treated him to a smoothie for being a great helper and listener. He picked out books for me to read to him on the stage, he played trains, and Lego's. We were at B & N for a good 2 hours!

 

Lincoln has a great role model to look up to.



 

We will keep on praying for Jackson's heart and attitude to resemble God's word. It was an encouragement and refreshing to know Jackson can not argue about everything!

Heartbeats

Brian's heart ablation was scheduled for June 18th. After a month of waiting, we met with the doctor the week before. He went over everything about the procedure in detail and answered our questions.

 

The day of the operation we arrived bright and early at Texas Children's. Pastor Dave came up and prayed over Brian before he went back. Brian was wheeled away around 8:30.

I received a phone call updating me on Brian and the procedure every hour. That phone call was wonderful because it kept the mind for wondering what might be going on. Around 12 o'clock the nurse called and said "it was slow going". Mel and I went to the food court to eat lunch and thought for sure the procedure would take even longer than the projected 5 hours. However, the next phone call surprised us. They were done and everything went great! Praise the Lord!

Monitor showing a regular heartbeat with NO PVC's. A first for Brian.

The doctor came and talked to us and let us know that he got rid of all of the extra PVC's and was unable to get his heart into Afib or any other life threatening rhythms. Brian was discharged around 8 o'clock that same night and is doing well. He will follow up with his cardiologists in a month or two.

 

We are so thankful for the many prayers for Brian and our family, the phone calls, and texts.

"He who forms the mountains, creates the wind and reveals his thoughts to man. He who turns down to darkness and treads on the heights of the earth- the Lord God Almighty is His name!" Amos 4:13

 

We give God all the glory!

Awards Night

Jackson was in Awana's for the first time this year. They had an awards night for any child who finished their whole book. Jackson memorized all 24 verses.

Jackson was a Cubbie, and Mrs. Sue was his teacher. She has been helping out in Awana's for 20 years!



Jackson and his class. He loved going each week.

We are so proud of him and are praying these verses take root in his heart!

 

"My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye." Proverbs 7:1-2

Held In God's Hands

It all started like a normal Thursday night. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and went to the bathroom one last time hoping it will help me last until after midnight. I crawled in bed next to Brian. He prayed, and we gave each other a kiss goodnight. I woke up at 1 am, excited to make it until then. But, nothing after that was expected...

 

Brian woke up at 2am with what he thought was heartburn, put it proceeded that he needed to throw up, and after that he was not comfortable with his heart rate or rhythm. (Just fyi: I was trying to be a good wife by bringing him Tums, Pepto Bismol, and Sprite Zero and he wouldn't take any of it.)

He had me feel his heart, but really I am no help when it comes to anything medical. Shots scare me!

 

Brian decided it was necessary for me to take him somewhere. I threw on some sweatpants, sweatshirt, and rain boots- not the best foot gear for a hospital stay. Our neighbor came over quickly to stay with Jackson so we wouldn't have to wake him. We started driving towards Brian's hospital. Not even 4 blocks from our house Brian informs me he feels dizzy and may pass out. There was a fire station right on the corner,and I pulled in. I jumped out of the car and started banging on the doors and windows. After what seemed likes minutes, but was probably just 30 seconds, someone answered the door. I told them what was going on and people started running around. They got Brian in the ambulance and told me to follow them to the hospital. The driver said she wasn't going to use her lights but just drive fast. As soon as she hit the street, the lights came on. I think this was the only time I actually panicked because all I could imagine was them doing chest compression or shocking him in the back of the ambulance. On the short drive to the hospital I was praying for good doctors and wisdom for them to know what to do. (We weren't able to go down to Brian's hospital because they just needed to get him somewhere close.)

 

In the ambulance his heart went into SVT with his heart rate was sustaining over 200 beats a minute. Brian was still talking and seemed ok when they wheeled him into the emergency room. They gave him some medicine to stop to his heart and try and bring his heart rate down. The first dose didn't work and they gave him a higher dose. I did not watch this as I didn't want to see the monitor flat line. They ended up giving him a different medicine that seemed to control his heart rate a bit more. But, as it would go up he would have trouble breathing and his hold body felt like it was being squeezed by a blood pressure cuff. Then the ER nurse would come in and give him another dose of the medicine. This happened 2-3 times. The ER doctor was trying to get a hold of his cardiologist before determining his next step. Brian's heart was in afib rhythm and both the ER doctor and his cardiologist decided they needed to try to shock him back into a normal sinus rhythm. Again, I could not watch this procedure. The shock was successful and put him back into a sinus rhythm the doctor was happy with.

 

From there we waited to be transported to a room on the cardiac ICU floor. Brian felt way better and continued to improve through the day with more sleep and food. They kept him overnight for observation and to make sure his heart stayed in sinus rhythm.

We were surrounded with prayers, support, and love of our neighbors, friends, and family. I didn't have to worry about breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Visitors helped pass the time of sitting in the hospital. Jackson spent the night with my uncle and aunt, so thankful for how much they love him (us).

God had his hand in every part of this scary situation. For one, I was calm and felt peace the entire time Brian was in the ER and dealing with SVT and afib. Following the ambulance I prayed for good doctors and nursers and wisdom for them. One of the guys on the ambulance knew me from school, one of the ER nurses was a mom of a girl from Jackson's preschool, and another ER nurse was the wife of one of Brian's coworkers. God placed people in our path who were somewhat connected to us.

Everyone was worried about me going into labor. Happy to report I haven't yet! I knew I needed to eat and take care of myself for Brian and Lincoln.

We are waiting for Brian to be discharged. He will stay on some medicine that helps keep your heart from going back into afib and will follow up with his cardiologist and EP doctor in a month before he has another heart procedure. Please pray that his heart will stay in normal sinus rhythm.

Thank you to everyone who prayed and showered our family with love and support. Praise be to God for his provisions and protection over Brian!

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save you." Zephaniah 3:17

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Christmas Day

Christmas morning Brian and I were up before Jackson once again. He slept until 7:30, but every other day of break this week he has been up at 6:15!

 

Santa enjoyed all the cookies and milk and left Jackson a note.

 While breakfast was cooking, Jackson dug into his stocking. Lots of fun goodies!

 Testing out Finn McMissile on the iPad.

 Breakfast was Jesus' birthday celebration. We sang Happy Birthday and put candles on the monkey bread.

Christmas morning family picture

Next up was presents! Jackson started with presents from Santa. He must have been good because he got exactly what he wanted from Santa plus one. 

His rainbow engine truck and big pirate ship were favorites all day.

He even tried out his scooter!

"This is how you scooter, Mom!"

 

 We spent the rest of the day watching some of Jackson's new movies, playing new games, and with new toys. We went over to Aunt Midge's for dinner. It was a great day celebrating God's goodness on our family and just being together.

A Christmas Prayer

I heard this prayer by Max Lucado on KSBJ this morning. In light of the recent tragedy, and evil around us everyday, the world is in need of Savior more then ever. Come. Jesus. Come.

 

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,
Your Children

 

 

Full Swing

December brings a full schedule of fun (and some craziness)!

 

We hit the ground running on the 1st with Jackson's advent calendar. I put a verse, small treat, and sometimes a special activity that will we will be doing in his small box for the day.

We then read Jackson's Christmas Bible and sometimes another Christmas story. He looks forward to this time each night.

 

We went to the Parade of Lights this weekend, but since it was 80 degrees we opted for a smoothie instead of hot chocolate!

Jackson spot for the parade, and he did cover his ears for most of it because there were sirens galore.

An ambulance shining bright. Jackson's verse for this night was John 8:12, "Jesus is the light of the world."

 

We took Jackson to see Santa Cow at Chick-fil-a. He earned enough smiley faces from preschool to be able to go and had been talking about it for days. However, when we got there he was to scared to take a picture. I had to take one with him first to even get this one!

 

My Christmas cards are on their way.

After one epic fail, I love how they turned out!

 

Here's to hoping the rest of December slows down so I can enjoy it (and do a few loads of laundry)!