Sunday, September 14, 2008

yeah I know it's September but I have a good excuse I promise

So we have had some major changes in our lives. The kids are now attending Round Rock Christian Academy. To to this I have gone back to work... the cool part I'm at the Academy too. But it has really changed the way we do things. We're all in bed earlier now and I'm up by 6 each morning. I know this doesn't seem early for most of you but I haven't gotten up that early each day for a long time. It's been 8 years since I've worked outside the home and it's been the hardest for me. The kids love it! Serah is in Kinder with Mrs. Smith. She is the only one in her class from our church so she is having to reach out and meet new people which is good for her. Also we have her in Kinder because of her lack of desire to read. This means she is ahead of the class in most of the other things and that's good for her since she has been following behind her brother and I think it has influenced the way she learns. We are praying that this is a catch up year for her and next year she'll move on up to 2nd with her peers but if not she'll be fine. Ethan is in 3rd with Mrs. Biggs and loving it! He isn't necessarily the smartest and that is really good for him. He is going to have to push himself, it won't all come easy like it has in the past. His days are full of new things and he even recently learned the S'hima, a Hebrew blessing, in Bible class.
I didn't get pictures from the first day of school but I promise to take one soon of them in their uniform. We know God has set this new direction in front of us and has a great plan for us with it. We're trusting him to guide us and give us the strength and joy we need each day. I will try to do better about updating this more often. See you soon. S

Monday, July 14, 2008

it's still summer right?

There is so much going on this summer it feels like the rest of the year... what happened to lazy days by the pool and sleepovers, riding bikes around the neighborhood and begging your folks for ice cream money? When did I become the grown up with a house to paint and parties to plan, lesson plans to work on and cats to take to the vet? Did my parents have all these things to do during the summer? Am I taking on too much? Am I making sure my kids summers are the kind memories are made of? I know that a lot of what we are doing this summer will be fun memories for the kids I guess I just didn't realize how much work my parents put into making those memories for us. Thanks mom and dad! I'm finding you just might have had to put more work into the summer than I ever realized.

So far this summer we've swum at the pool, gone to movies, started a vegetable garden, watched a dozen baseball games, seen the bats fly from under the I35/McNeil bridge and then had blizzards from DQ, enjoyed VBS (well the kids did, I was part of planning the whole thing) and the kids had Camp Foster.

Left to do... Soup Kitchen with the youth group, 7-11 on Wednesday nights, Beach Week with the Cook Clan, get ready for school next year and still get to the pool as often as possible.

What fun things did you do this summer? What do you still plan to do?

Oh and you do realize I only listed the things the kids actually took (will take) part in... my list is way longer than that. :o)

Hope your summer is going swimmingly!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Home again, home again, jiggitty jig

The kids are back from Camp Foster, tan, tired and totally spoiled... but that's they way it should be after a week with grandparents and cousins right? okay, so they aren't totally spoiled but I know for a fact they didn't have much responsibility while there... in fact when faced with putting clothes away this afternoon I got much grumbling and "but why's". They had a great time and I know they are ready to spend a week with their Cook cousins in August... we get to join them on this trip and I'm really looking forward to a week at the beach with the family.

I got most of my painting done, the kids love their rooms and Ethan gave me the biggest hug and told me he loves his room... we've talked about a few more things we want to do in there and he is excited. Serah told me she really likes her room color and the red wall but she's not too sure she likes Ethan's... "it's okay". That girl holds no punches... but she says it without any guile so you know it's just her thoughts and no hidden agenda so to speak. Mom C. say's Aunt Bethany was just like that... you know I don't know a better person Serah could take after.

Now back to our regular lives... yeah like we have normal quiet regular lives around here.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

The up side to getting older...

Wisdom!... too bad that wisdom didn't remind me of the down side of getting older... it's a lot harder to paint one little room than it used to be. Serah's room is done and drying and I'm exhausted... so much for getting both kids rooms done today. Looks like I'm in for a long day tomorrow. But it's so going to be worth it when they see their rooms, Serah's pink like she's wanted for a "long" time (can't you just hear her saying that) and Ethan's I hope will make a comic book author proud when I get done with it... you'll just have to come over and see it. Hope this week is seeing you all having fun. Till I have more energy.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Camp Foster here they come...

The kids are off at 8 am tomorrow to head to Camp Foster. Gran and Pop Pop take any potty trained grandchild that's available for one week each summer. They have loads of fun swimming in the pool, doing crafts and just being grandchildren with limited rules. The kids are super excited this year because there is an overnight camping trip planned. Grandparents rock!

Matt and I are looking forward to a week of getting together with friends, painting the kids rooms and just enjoying a week of not worrying about where the kids are or who's gonna keep them.

I'm sure there will be lots to share after they get back. If not before.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

VBS favorites

I'm going to let the kids share their favorite VBS moment so far this week. Here goes...

Ethan: I like craft, music, recreaton and snack.

Snack: The cookies

Music: Singing

Craft: The Flower, The Cup Holder And Sand Dollers

Recreaton: Playing in The Sand

Serah: i like the song from last night. wiki wiki
i like playing in the sand.

I'll try to get pictures soon.

Hope your week is loads of fun too. Shelly

Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday night ballgame

I took Ethan and Serah to the ballgame tonight... what a blast. I don't know if it was just luck or because Matt wasn't with us but the Express hit 3 homers and ended up winning the game... this is the first time we stayed for a game they won. We had popcorn and cracker jacks, drinks and a Chick-Fil-A chicken tender (it was Chick-Fil-A night and they were passing out a free one at the gate). Ethan made lots of new "friends" and Serah sat near me with her hands over her ears. Since Friday night is fireworks night, at the top of the 9th I took the kids out to the van so Serah didn't have to hear the fireworks and Ethan and I sat on the top of the van to enjoy them... and enjoy them we did... it ended up being a sweet time for just the two of us. We talked about fireworks and how much we enjoy them and... how do they work? (" I don't know Ethan, lets learn about them later at home"), can there be more than 2 colors? (" I don't know Ethan, watch and see if there are any with more than 2 colors"), and how long can they do them? ("I don't know Ethan, why don't you just sit back and watch and find out")... I think your starting to catch on... the boy loves to talk... we got home close to 11 and I think the kids will sleep good tonight... mommy too!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Just a normal day in our house




So the other day I cut Ethan's hair... just to have fun with him I gave him a Mohawk first. Needless to say he wasn't too into it... but I did get a few pictures to post.
Not to leave Serah out of this post... here is the best Serahism yet... I'm sitting at the computer working on VBS stuff and I hear behind me... "Serah you are a genius"... yup you guessed it, Serah was the speaker. Gotta love that girl.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Backyard splash day






The kids had a great time playing in the sprinklers

yesterday, the yard even got some water.




I baptize you...

Before the plunge


What a special moment between Matt and Ethan


He was moving but this is the only after picture I have

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Wow

Today was awesome, from the peaceful time we spent this morning getting ready for church to the crazy and chaotic time we spent with family and friends this afternoon celebrating Ethan's obedience in following Christ in baptism. What a blessing it was to hear Matt express his love and joy in taking such a special part of Ethan's life. As I sit here I can only repeat Matt's desire to direct Ethan in his learning to hear Gods voice even better than he hears ours. I heard Big Dad tell Allen how easy his job was going to be when all these kids who are being discipled at home make it up to the youth group. I pray that we are able to teach our kids to be Christian leaders in their church and the world around them. Lord give us the words and actions that will direct them down the path you desire them to take. Help us keep the straight and narrow path before them so they can fulfill your good and perfect will for them.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Can the days get any crazier

In two days Ethan and Matt will step into the baptismal pool. I am getting so excited to see Ethan be obedient in baptism. I hope we've explained enough to him that he gets the significance of Sunday. I'm grateful to you all who will be there supporting him and showing him you love him.

VBS is coming up fast and at times it seems like a speeding train, one I hope doesn't get derailed. Chris O and I are talking many times a day and the computer is always in use. I can really use your prayers over this next month for patience, perseverance and faith that Gods will and timing will be evident and accomplished. Also prayer that I will make the time my kids need and not push them away in my desire to make it all work out perfectly.

If you don't hear from me too much this month know I promise to be back at least by July but hopefully I'll be better and get on once in a while.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

pictures from our Colorado trip








Matt and I took a weeks vacation recently. What a blessing to spend that time with just him, unwinding, delighting in each other. Here are just few of the many pictures we took.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart

13 years ago I married the perfect fit to my personal nuttiness... thank you for the past years, they have gotten sweeter and sweeter. I love you and look forward to many many more years together.


Those who love deeply never grow old, they may die of old age, but they die young.
- Arthur Pinero

Marriage is more than finding the right person, it's being the right person
-anon.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self‑seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
-1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Ethan's baptism

Ethan's baptism will be on June 1st during the second service (11:00). Matt will baptise him. We all are excited about this step of obedience on Ethan's part. He is pretty nervous about being up in front of the whole church but I think having his daddy there is a big help.
If you are wondering Ethan prayed his own special prayer to accept Christ as his saviour on February 12th in the morning. We hope you can be there to celebrate with us. If you can't please take a few minutes to leave a comment for him. I want to have a special place for him to hear how much everyone loves him.

Ethan's decision

A little over a month ago Ethan prayed with Matt and I to ask Jesus to be Lord of his life. We knew he was nervous about being baptised so have allowed him to wait awhile to talk with us and to grow some. Today we go to meet with Pastor Tom about planning his baptism. I so desire for Ethan a full mature walk with the Lord. I know that today's step of obedience is the first of many. Please join us in praying for him daily and his continued growth in his walk with God.