Something sweet

I came across a post written right before marrying your dad. I thought it would be sweet to share it with you. Always remember there is a "right one"! God will lead you to each other! 

Mar 13, 2007

This morning everyone's gone. Everyone. René and my Pops are painting these candlestick things for the wedding (which are going to be AMAZING), Riley just left for school, & My mom is on her way to Springfield. I've been having a low-key, laid back morning. (putting off the many things I have to do before um TOMORROW!) ;) but it's nice and quite and i'm enjoying! Somehow I've gotten lost in thoughts of How on earth I ended up here..Like I am.. How did i change so much ... wow. Life takes so many changes ... I started thinking about the quote I heard a while back it was something like ... in the long run you don't regret what you do, you regret the things you never do ... as I was thinking about that, I also started thinking about how without realizing it random decisions I've made through the years have also brought better things into my life ... For example as I've pulled away from things .... things that pulled me down, some were actually wrong while others weren't wrong ... but like i said, they pulled ME down in someway ... I started to see how every time I gave up those pointless little things better things came to into my life ... there were many times when compromise was right there waiting, and for some reason i walked away ... and without my realizing it life got better ... there were rewards ... over and over again you might even call them "blessings" in many ways i've walked blinded to the blessing that kept coming to me ... now i see they came because i was seeking something ... something more ... I was pulling away from those things, that old mind set that kept pulled me back - selfish desires and pleasures - and now, now that i've pulled away, now that i've diligently sought after His desires ... i'm also beginning to see how true it is that HE is a rewarder of them that seek after His ways. Sure they are higher than our ways ... that's why we must let go for those things which pull us back, that take our focus from His desires, His plans, His purpose - we must release ourselves from those things which hold us back .... and seek. Now here today i find myself stocked full of this new life ... this new life that came to me ... how wonderful it is. What peace there is here. I never dreamed His will could hold this much peace. Could feel this good. Now I relax, I find rest ... here in all sorts of chaos ... there is still peace. it feels so good. ;) 

Heb. 6:11

Wedding in 2.45 days! Now there's something to wag your tail about! haha get it? ;)

Words from the wise

" Life is more than just waiting for the storm to pass. Life is about learning how to dance in the rain! " 
-My Pops, Your Papaw

Grown ups

"Grown ups are very hard ... But you can try" - Emma to Mommy

A First Day for Everything!

Numbers and Letters. 

So this morning Rene said what is 2+3 and Nelson said FIVE! We were a little freaked out - we never talk about adding with him. 

So Rene said how did you know that?? And Nelson said "Because everything is FIVE!!" :) 

Then a few minutes later he actually stated adding - he said 1+1=2, 2+1=3, and 13+1=14 ..... I don't know what to do with this four year old! 

Then when we were loading the car and he was looking at a book when he said "Jesus and Lasagna have the same sound" the "S" sound. When I sat down he stated telling me that he saw Jesus in the book (my upmost for his highest, Oswald chambers).  He wanted to show me and to my surprise and awe he had found the word "JESUS" on both pages! What an awesome first word to recognize! 

Learning to give.

We went to buy a birthday gift for Justin Pantaleon. Nelson was so excited! Rene told him he could get a little toy (4.99) for himself too. After saying that Nelson began looking through the toy store just for himself and decided he did not want the little one anymore. Instead he wanted something that was 19.99-29.99. 

I had already paied for the gift, had to wrapped and we were trying to get both of them out of the store screaming. When we got in the car and Nelson finally calmed down. He said "papi, I'm not going to that birthday party until I get a toy for myself!" He continued to state his position on the matter saying that he wouldn't go without something for himself as well! 

So we informed him that if that's what he wants to do that's fine, but he should just pray about it and think about it. I think he will come around. 

One of the things he really wanted was a fireman costume - memaw already has one for him for Christmas. ;)

This little birdie ....

Emma you're a totally cutie and a sweetie! Recently we were reading before bed when you said that you needed to get in your "nest". I was surprised when you crawled into my lap and made your nest in between my legs! My heart melted! Again this week you were snuggling into your "nest" when you said something about your eggs! My little bird. 

Tickled

Last Friday at family prayer I began talking to Melson about prayer, telling Jesus "I love you", receiving the Holy Ghost, and We talked about speaking in tongues. 

As we talke and prayed he began to giggle and tell me that it tickeled when I said that!

I'm pretty sure he was feeling the presence of God personally. Maybe fore the first time! It was beautiful! 

Later I saw him seriously watching others who were speaking in tongues. It was as if he had more of an understanding. Beautiful! 

Nelson's Prayer.

Tonight we had a bible study at our house. The young guys name is Damien. Papi met him a few weeks ago at Subway and he is hungry for more of God. 

As you and Emma were getting ready to sleep papi was down stairs talking to Damien. I needed to get Emma milk and asked you to pray for Damien to receive the Holy Ghost while I went down stairs. 

When I came back to their room I could hear you whispering your prayer. When I said something about praying for Damien to receive the Holy Ghost you said "I didn't say that". Instead you told me that you prayed for Jesus to send a church card down from the sky. 

The cool thing is I found out Damien had already received the Holy Ghost at his home and he is planning to come to church this Saturday and he is inviting friends!! Thank you for praying baby boy!

Looking in the right direction.

Today I fell apart. Sixth move in six an a half years. Exhausted. After teaching Sunday school the last Sunday I felt as if I would collapse before making it to the car. It felt as if every ounce of energy that I had stored up had been sucked out of me in those few sweet moments with those beautiful kids. 

Now Monday, I still feel under energized and exhausted! So, I ended up loosing it over - I'm not totally sure what - I ran to the play room and set in Nelson's little red recliner that was in the corner. I burst into tears just before Nelson hurried into the room to check on me. Concerned he sweetly began to cheer me and said he "was going to draw me a heart". As he left to find a pen I felt as if he had just shown me the greatest act of kindest I had ever known. 

I set there a bit overwhelmed. After drawing what he said was "the only kind of heart he knew to draw" he handed me a drawing of a circle. 

Feelin quite warm inside he then asked me if he could make me a "teloscope". I smiled asking, "what would I look at with a teloscope?" He rolled a piece of paper and as he raised it to his eye to take the first look he said, "Jesus". 

Yes, I looked up and there is a big coloring book style mural on the wall of their play room at the new house we just move into. There is a little girl on playfully on his back and he has children by the hand. What a reminder. 

No matter how bad it feels, no matter how much of a failure I may feel like - if I look to Jesus I will find peace. If I will just let him carry me or take me by the hand I will find love and joy to walk through every day. 

And you will too! 

Home schooling.

Today we finished lesson 13 and Nelson is doing so GOOD! He received his first "award" for doing a "whale of a job"! 

He has learned to to write the letter "i" "u" and "e". He knows his vowls, their names, sound, and at least one word that begins with the letter, today he learned 1-2buckle my shoe (we read it the past two weeks in his library class and today he had a project in math to learn it!) 

Plus today he surprised me big time - he had all four bible verses memorized!!!!! 

Psalm 23:1

Exodus 20:12

Genesis 16:13

Ephesians 4:32

Abuelo, abuelo

Funny story. It went something like this: 

Abuelo: Nelson, abuelo and abuela are very similar. Why do all the others grandparents have names like popo, papa, pew, pe, pa, pa pa, and I and just ABUELO?? We need to come up with another name and you can call me that! 

Nelson: ok what is it?

Abuelo: ummmm I dunno. I'm thinking. How about Nelsito? 

Nelson: nooooo how about Abuelito!! 

We love Abuelo! 

Good byes.

Kisses and Hugs are a must when someone is leaving the house!! 

Today poppy quickly told Emma bye and as he closed the door she went running. When the door was closed and poppy was gone, she was heart broken! 

She came crying. She just wanted to give poppy a HUG!!! 

Nelson Turned FOUR!

Super Party! 5 kids other than Nelson and Emma - that makes 7 the total :) 

They had cotton candy when they arrived, fished in the blow up pool, bowled, ate corn dogs and pop corn, had story time - polar bear, polar bear what do you see by Eric Carle, made paper plate clown magnets, played hot potato and pin the tail on the donkey, hit the piñata, bubbles, videos from y'all, sang happy birthday, cupcakes and candles (Nelson wanted to relight his candles in his friends cup cakes so they could blow them out as well). 

It was a very enjoyable party!

Tails

Look at that tail. 

Emma has a special bond with animals who have tails. 

She gets really excited that they have a tail too! 

You love to suck your thumb and twirl your tail. 

Vacation??

   

We are heading to Florida Camp Meeting in Ocala. Nelson told me "this is our first vacation!" ;)

When I grow up ...

We miss our family! 

This morning Nelson asked me if Arkansas was really far away? :) 

On Thursday he also told me, "mommy, when I grow up I'm going to be BLACK.   Black like tha deep ocean!"

Summer 2013

I had great plans for this summer. I had waited all year for May to make it here again. I wanted to buy the "Florida Super Savers Pass". I dreamed of the zoo, sea aquarium, and lion country safari. 

God allows things for a purpose. Instead of having a fun summer God has given us a purposeful summer. 

I fell the last week of May. I messed up my foot and am not suppose to be walking on it! 

God has taught me to allow people into my home to help. Neli has been with us about three times a week, Elizabeth and Rebecca have come on Thursdays, various ladies have been cooking dinners for us. WE are BLESSED with a wonderful family in Christ!

We have read a lot of books and watched more movies than normally! 

You two kids are troopers! 

You fight over who can bring the gel pack for my foot and who will take it back to the freezer! 

Sometimes when I moan Emma imminently says, "you want ice mommy? I can go get da ice!" 

Thank you God for children with servant hearts! Please keep their hearts soft and pure! 

Come Rawr With Me!

I found Nelson combing Emma's hair! 

Parking Lot Worship Service!

"Cheeeeese"

Happy Summer!

Goliath Come on Out!!

Emma is knocking on the door saying "Goliath I told you Nelson is gonna come and get u in there!" 

Realities.

Ayn Rand - "We can ignore reality, but we cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality."

I want to be aware of right now. I want tonotice your feelings, your thoughts, your emotions and questions. Reality today will shape your tomorrows. 

I know I can never supply all of your needs. I will not get it all right, but if I can eachand every day point you towards God and his grace. If I can just cultivate a thirst for righteousness. If I can just mirror his Love and forgiveness. Then our realities (short comings, failures, sin) will lead us to our knees, and our hearts into his hands. 

Always keep a cellphone handy.

I was looking back to May 3, 2012. Nelson was just 2 years old and we had an adventure! 

Rene and I were on the balcony this morning working on our calendars. Emma came out to join us :) As I was going to take Emma back inside Nelson closed the door and locked it! He kept trying to unlock it but wasn't able to ... So we called fire and rescue (they are across the street). But we had one more problem ... The dead bolt was locked. So we explained to Nelson what to do through the window and he opened it for them!!! It was an exciting morning!!!

I'm not sure who looked like the monkey the three of us on the screened in balcony or Nelson running around inside! 

He did get nervous when he realized we couldn't open it - next thing we knew he had a butter knife - thankfully he listen to us and didn't try to pick the lock! He also figured out how to open the deadbolt for the fire department to rescue us!  

A mothers prayer

Have you ever had one of those "wow" moments with God? Don't forget to tell your kids about those moments when God was so real - that is what carries us through the deserts and plants seeds of faith in the generations to come!

Dear God keep us from idolatry all we need is YOU!

Purify our hearts, Consume our hearts. Please lord Jesus keep us from bowing to the trends of this culture. Strengthen my children in their faith in you that they might stand strong! No matter the pressed that comes agains them let their eyes stay on you - the author and finisher of our faith!

Deut 4:9-19

Kindness

I just told Nelson thanks for going Emma some pop corn. Our conversation went something like this - thanks Nelson that was kind - and he said, like Jesus was kind when he gave his followers fish and two loaves .... There were 5,000 people! 1...2..3..4..5..... And then he got distracted!

Enjoying North West Arkansas

The reason for our 2013 "great spring adventure" is because your Uncle Riley is graduating with his masters from John Brown University. His degree is in leadership and ethics. After finishing school he is planning to go to Africa for several months to work with the missionaries in Malawi.

We enjoyed staying with Uncle Riley. We went to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, went to the original "walton's" (walmart), and had lunch at "the station". We also went to church with him, and played with Eva Price.

Here are some pictures.

Road Tripping

So our spring trip has been filled with wonderful memories! A few days ago we were riding around with Nelson's great grandpa .... The cousins were all arguing over something in the back seat when Papa let out a big "HEY" to calm them down .... Of course it went silent! Then I hear Emma sweetly saying, "Don't do dat Papa" ;)

"Melson" and "Emily Cake" have had alot of fun playing outside and Nelson has lived spending time with Jace.

We were able to see great great grandpa "bepaw" along with both sets of great grandparents!

God is With you!

Emma was being chased by a roaring lion (Nelson)! She was playing scared when Nelson told her "don't be afraid, God is with you!" He then leaned in and whispered, "he leads you in green pastures"

Thank you for keeping us and leading us Jesus!

What time is it?

"It's two o'clock!" That's nap time! When Emma sees a clock or feels sleepy she says, "it's two o'clock!"

Today we are in the car and she said, "it's two o'clock" covered her eyes and said, "it's really dark!"

She's so full of fun!

Spring Travels!

Road trippin'
We drove from south Florida to South Carolina, and now to little rock, on Saturday we go to nwa, on Tuesday back to little rock, Wednesday to Jonesboro, Thursday to Memphis, Friday to Atlanta - fly home!

Sweet home, how I miss you!

You kids sure are troopers!