Lost without LOST

Ok, 5 years ago, Ryan and I started watching a tv show that never in a million years would I think I would have been this addicted! :) LOL! When I was pregnant with Annalise, a friend told us that we had to watch the tv show, that it had some interesting things and twists and deep characters. Season 1 was already over, so we rented it on dvd from Blockbuster and sat on the couch night after night watching and eating (because i was prego) mesmerized by the show! It was awesome! The journey began there and everything else is history! Seriously though, the show became our weekly date night with our favorite snack and it became the highlight each week.
After 6 years, Lost had its series finale..its over! It has to be one of the best tv shows that has ever captured me and reeled me into rooting and relating to some of these characters. I call that brilliant writing! I am thankful for the fun, weekly date night it provided and can honestly say..i will miss it so! ;)

Here's a little video of some of the characters saying how the show impacted them as a cast member. Have fun with it!

Milestones

Well, in the past week, I have experienced some major milestones in the house! Its bitter sweet and yet another reminder that a season of life ends and new ones begin...

First off, I'll talk about my Annalise. She is my baby who is 4 1/2 and I am thinking, really only 1 more year until big school? It seems like I just had her! This past week, we said good-bye to pull-ups at night! I know some of you may be thinking, wow 4 1/2, I had my child night trained by 2, 3, etc etc but Annalise is a tiny little gal who has a very tiny bladder. :) I tried about 6 months ago and she was way not ready to pull out the big panties and stay dry all night! Its funny how you can have 3 girls and all of them do something completely different on the exact goal. Annalise just couldn't make it all night with her tiny bladder and her love for water. ;) Finally, last week, I gave it a try again and she had a couple of nights where she barely wet the bed and then it turned into nothing. By day 5, Ryan said, "there is no going back now, she had done it!" YEA!!! :) My baby girl is pull-up free and so happy to be! I truly can't believe I'll never travel the baby aisle again...no baby food, no wipes, no pull-ups, no more car seats, etc.....
WOW this is a huge milestone in my life!

Now Avery..where do I begin with this precious gal! She is my sweet pea that has the most sensitive, sweet spirit. Something happened to her this past weekend, and she became a reading fool! :) She loves to read and is doing so well at it. This weekend she picked up some of Addie's first grade chapter books and just started reading them. I was like..hmmmm, I guess she's actually reading and understanding the story line because she was engaged so much! It blew me away with her own will and determination. My Avery girl is reading chapter books! So proud of her eagerness...LOVE HER!

Finally, Addie! My first girl who changed my world completely! :) Never knew that a child, my first girl could bring so much joy into my life. Well, this past Thursday night, Addie Noel asked Jesus into her heart to be her "forever friend." Wow, it was an amazing night. We have the storybook bible that is the best bible out there for school aged kids. Its easy, short chapters with wonderful art work and every story shows how the events always point back to Jesus...well, after reading that multiple times, lots of talks, her going to church, seeing baptisms, and finally a true understanding that she NEEDS Jesus, she did it! She asked Jesus to come into her life and change her and begin a relationship together. It was incredible! Ryan, Addie, and I sat on her bed and talked, held hands, and prayed together. Truly a moment, I will remember forever. (More to come from Ryan when he writes on my blog the whole experience and happenings)

So, my girls are changing, growing, and more fun then when they took the first step and we jumped around like crazy parents! ;) A old season to let go and be grateful for those precious times, yet embrace this new season and journey as they move into more of an understanding of who they are! One of my prayers for my girls has always been that, Addie, Avery, and Annalise would be confident in who they are in Christ!
Thank you God for some really special girls who I love dearly!

And more pictures....

I really don't like to only post pictures of what is going on in our family but its been super busy these past couple of weeks. I barely have time to get the pictures on my blog yet alone right any funny stories or happenings in our life!
So once again, here are some photos... only this is Princess Annalise at a "princess tea party" this past weekend. Cutie pie and I promise, I'll write soon! :)

Happy 12th Anniversary, Ryan!

On May 16th, 1998, at Hardin-Simmons University Chapel, I married my best friend! Its been a fun ride ever since. I never thought sharing so much of me with someone so crazy could be this awesome! :)
Happy 12 years of marriage Ryan! I love you a ton!

The Boy We Never Got....

Well here he is...meet John Njoroge from Kenya. He is 7 years old and we have joyously sponsored this sweet boy from Compassion International.
We are so excited to have a boy in the family, the boy we never got! :) Ryan and I have been wanting to sponsor a child from Compassion International for awhile. So, we finally just put our words into action and this Sunday when our church had booths out, we let the girls pick a child. Honestly, I swore the girls would migrate to a girl but they didn't...they were drawn to the smaller boys. It was awesome to let them take some ownership and realize how important sponsoring a child in a far away country really is. We explained to the girls that they can write letters and pray for John, we can send him things, he will write us letters. We also explained that giving money every month helps pay for him to receive an education, have health monitored to him, and most importantly hear the good news, the gospel, and how Jesus loves him so!

I am excited, I think it will be a cool experience for me and the girls. A chance to invest in a little boy's life, even if its in Kenya!

We can't wait to get to know John and help him be a part of a church-base program that helps offer him love, guidance, and personal attention.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my amazing girls who bring so much joy to my life! Life is fuller and more fun with you 3 special angels.



To my mom who gives me an amazing love and friendship! You are so wonderful and a treasure from Heaven above and I thank my God for your life.



I love my mom, I love being a mom, and I'm grateful to all the other mom's who pour into my life and my girls! Happy Mother's Day!.

Teacher Appreciation Week

This week, its teacher appreciation week and I always look forward to this week. I love how each day is themed and you bring in a little something special! :)
I have to admit, I really try to go above and beyond and think "out side the box" for the little gifts. I want them to know that I took time to really think about their gifts and it comes with much gratitude.
I am grateful for their love and commitment to teach my girls. They are with them 7 hours throughout the day so I am thankful for their time and efforts. I am blessed this year to have some amazing women pouring into my girls hearts and minds. They have had a fantastic year and have grown so much!
So this is written today for two amazing teachers and to one I adore and call friend.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week...You are Awesome!

"I thank my God every time I remember you..." Ephesians 1:3

Canton Fun!

This past weekend, my sister and I made plans to surprise our mom with a trip to a hotel and a day of shopping in Canton for an early Mother's Day. It was a perfect way to just get away and spend some with my sister and mom and do what we do best...SHOP! It was a blast. We found some steals like leopard shoes for $10 bucks and some really cute burn out t-shirts. Most of all, we made memories, laughed, and shopped until our feet hurt and the huge bag of kettle popcorn was in our hands! :)
Thanks Mis and mom for a wonderful, fun day! Love you both...