Kindergarten Graduation!!

Kindergarten Class Party

Ethan was the recipient of the "Einstein Award" for his gifting and enthusiasm for science.

With his sweet teacher Mrs. Bradley

As he received his diploma, it was said, "When Ethan grows up, he would like to be a pilot and fly fast jets." (He wants to be a Blue Angel! Reach for the stars, baby!!)

We are more proud of this boy than our hearts could express.

We love you, Ethan Joshua! You make us so proud!!! You are smart, well-mannered, looked up to, determined; a leader, a friend, a kind soul, a learner, a silly-willy; a gift, an answered prayer, a challenge, a teacher.
We couldn't imagine our world without you!

First and last day of 1's Class!

My, my Little Princesses, how you've grown!!

Here's to an always cherished, forever special, super fun first year of Kid's Day Out!

August, 2010
Audrey

Norah

Last day of school, May, 2011

(totally not feeling the pics...just anxious to get to school!)

August, 2010
May, 2011

Warrior Dash

2011

SWA Flight Attendant Interview

An insider's look at what took place on that harrowing flight:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/231278/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-shelly-elaine
(she may be over-exaggerating just a teensy bit)

I wannacoot!

That's what Audrey and Norah said after we tried on their Easter pretties--"I wannacoot! I wannacoot!" ......
and off they went!

And here are the two little beauties fresh out of the tubbie

Audrey Eating Salad Dressing

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

For the grandparents :)

Just across the finish line; Ethan's first 5K--The Run4Justice

Having lunch at Kindergarten

"LO-VE" at Ethan's school for Valentine's Day


Batman and Dora blankets & goodies from Bunya and Papi Frank

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One of the reasons getting rid of the cribs would be heartbreaking

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Audrey and Norah are TWO!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I cannot describe the weight of love and joy and gratitude my heart felt as I went through pictures last night and this morning to put this slide show together. In the everyday shuffle of life, it is easy to overlook the amazing answer to prayer these children represent. I am humbled and in awe of God's great love shown to us through Audrey and Norah. We are blessed beyond measure and so thankful to the Rock who held us, sustained us, and has given these treasures to us.

To the Lord, we commit our little ones. Thank you, Jesus, for these two amazing, healthy, joyful, sharpening, stretching, growing years!

Twintastic

This was one of the better things I've seen come around the corner :)

Notice Norah, a gal after my own heart, even buckled herself in. I wish everyone could have a twin!

After Audrey (wearing her brubby's t-shirt, of course) pushed Norah around, they wanted to switch, and then they played a little doctor.




And just for gratuity, here's a picture from each of the kids' school Christmas parties:

Ethan had a Polar Express party

Audrey and Norah had a Happy Birthday Jesus party :)

This is the night we surprised the kids to go see Christmas lights. Shortly after they fell asleep, we loaded them in the car, which was prepared with hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, popcorn, blankets, and Christmas carols playing on the radio. We drove the neighborhoods for about an hour looking at the lights while the kids enjoyed their after-bedtime-snacks. It was SO FUN! After we got home, all 3 went quickly back to sleep and slept in the next morning. This will definitely be on our to-do list next Christmas.

Christmas

My heart is full with the spirit of Christmas all around!

It excites me that all over the world, whether people realize, accept, or acknowledge it, the truth is, the birth of JESUS, the Savior, is being proclaimed! Christmas carols sung worldwide on radios and in the mall and even on TV commercials tell the story of Emmanuel, God with us! I pray that even one person would have their heart enlightened to the true meaning of the Christmas celebration this year--That God became flesh to dwell with us, putting off his deity in exchange for human flesh with one purpose-- to take the wages of our sins (death) onto himself that we may be reconciled to God the Father through Him. His birth means our rescue. There is no greater gift.

So, REJOICE!!

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!


O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him for He alone is worthy!

This video is an artistic take on how the story of the nativity might have read had a social network existed at the time of Jesus's birth. Follow this historical period as it unfolds as a digital narrative. This vignette is great for highlighting the truths and circumstances of our Savior's birth in a fresh, unique way. ENJOY! :)

When the cat's away....

the mice will play!

I don't know that I've mentioned this on the blog yet (my Facebook updates definitely trump the blog updates lately), but my little girls are all but giving up their one and only nap. The one hour of down time all day that we get. The one hour I can either put my feet up with a nice warm drink or do something snappily without four little arms entangled in my legs or close my eyes before picking up the E-man from school...I might cry just thinking about giving up that precious nap!

Nap times used to be a snap--just a quick rock, then into their cribs. Most times they would play for a few minutes, then put themselves to sleep. Somewhere over the past few months, it became more of a struggle, and sometime in the last few weeks, they have gone many, MANY days without naps. After 45 minutes of trying to get them down, it just wasn't worth it or we had to leave anyway, so they won. To make matters more complicated, Norah has perfected her art of escape, and helps herself out of her crib willy-nilly like, then entertains Audrey in her crib. Oh, and then there's the whole, "I'll take off my diaper pants and potty in my crib if you do" action....yeah.

Today Chris and I tag-teamed putting Norah back in her crib and laying Audrey back down. Back and forth, back and forth, back and....we finally succumbed to a snuggle and a half-snooze on the couch as I (at least) listened to Norah rummage around her room for a good 40 minutes. Audrey fussed and chatted, but didn't succeed in escape.

When we got up to get ready to pick up Ethan, we found this: :) :) :) This room was neat and tidy before nap time! I guess we all got a nap today, after all~

Santy Claus Visit...

"Naughty" or "Nice" List?

Following in her mama's footsteps....

Norah, November 2010, walking in my shoes.

When I see my babies imitating me, it is a stark reminder of my enormous responsibility to model Christ for them.

Lord, just as my little ones desire to imitate me, so let me imitate You.

Blog Update Overdose

My sweet family is long-overdue for an update on the littles. Thank you, moms and dads and aunt, for not harassing me in the least for some pictures ;) Jenny, you did harass me, but for this I am thankful.

Norah on our trip to Galveston, October 2010

Audrey having a snack in the backyard, September 2010

Norah's piggies, Summer 2010

Cowboy's game, November 2010

The highlight of my night was getting to watch the DCC in real life :)We took Ethan to see the Blue Angels, October 2010

Ethan got his Green Belt, October 2010

Audrey gettin' jiggy wit it, Summer 2010; Audrey and Norah in the front yard demonstrating their skill of faking deafness. Norah is wearing her accessory of choice (a headband) and Audrey is wearing her accessories of choice (Ethan's shirt and tennis shoes), Summer 2010; Ethan singing his Benjamin Bunny 'B' song, September 2010

Highly Hilarious and SO TRUE!

Thank you, Elizabeth Esther, for giggles this morning!

Mommy Loser, Daddy Rockstar------

http://blogs.ocfamily.com/2010/10/14/mommy-loser-daddy-rockstar/

Shorty McShortyson

LOVE it.....today, at least!

I'm scared it'll never, ever look this sassy again once I wash and style it myself.
You'll know I failed at restyling when you see me sporting two short piggies or a bobby pin pushing my bangs back, like always. But I am willing to give this grown-up hair a go.
Yippeee!!!

Stolen from a friend

My friend and college roomie, Erica Norton, is on the adventure of a lifetime--Traveling with her professor husband and two young children, they are leading a group of 25 college students from Concordia University to 10 countries in 4 months. In each country, they will be studying and experiencing the culture by immersing themselves in it, as well as taking part in many service projects. AND....they are doing it "backpack style" and staying on a budget of $27/day....Now, if THAT's not intriguing....

You can read all about their adventures here.

Below is a short article from the Concordia website. It is beautifully written by one of the students on the trip and well worth sharing. If anyone else besides me feels at times clutzy, awkward, ungraceful, unsure...this one is for you, too.

God’s Lead: A Devotional Perspective on Tango

http://atw.cui.edu/gods-lead-a-devotional-perspective-on-tango/
by Martha James, sophomore

He made eye contact with me. Startled at his advance toward me and the taking of my hand, I let myself be pulled to the center. Encircled around us, our friends and some strangers watched in anticipation. I was confused as to why he chose me. I had not learned the correct steps. Anxiety pulsed through me as he placed his hand on my waist and asked for my right to accompany his left. I wanted to warn the hollowed floors beneath our feet of the hurricane that would soon ensue.

I quietly reminded him that I did not know the steps. He looked at me with gentle calmness and replied, “Confidence, Martha.” After a brief moment of silence, interrupted by my deep breath, the music commenced. The tango tune coming from a small radio in the far corner prompted his first step. He led me forward, to the side, and then back, never losing focus. His eyes were locked on mine. In that moment, he guided me. There was no flaw in his movements. I felt secure.

Concordia students use blindfolds to practice tango steps.

God is asking for my hand every day. He desires to take me out of my comfortable state and solicits for my dependency. There is no hesitation in his strength as he holds me close. He knows every step perfectly and will not let me fall. I am graceful and elegant because of His determination to make me so.

He whispers confidence in my ears and my anxiety compares nothing to His peace. I am overwhelmed by His longing to dance with me. He chose me. Without His presence I stand still, motionless, without hope. The act of dancing by myself or to my own steps is futile. Looking into my soul, He reminds me of the trust that I am lacking and therefore need. Nothing wavers His steps.

I hear the beckoning of my love. He wants to lead me into a place of peace and rest with careful precision and with my faith solely in Him.

The Girlfriend

September 8, 2010

Dear Ethan,

Today on the way home from Kindergarten, you casually informed me that you had a "girlfriend".

"You do?!" I said. "What's her name?"

You replied, "I don't remember, but it has a 'B' in it."

"Is she in your class?" ("Yes.")

"Do you sit by her at lunch?" ("I can't because we have to sit by the person we're in line with, and she's at the green table, not my table.")

"Do you hold her hand?" (laughing--"NO!")

"Who says she's your girlfriend?" ("I do.")

At this point, I nearly wanted to cry. I had a knot in my stomach and a load of bricks on my chest making it hard to breathe. I don't know why it was so hard for me to swallow this new information.

Was it because you are obviously too young to have a girlfriend? Was it because I felt like others were introducing you to new, mature concepts and I had no control over it? Was it because I could visually fast-forward ten years to the age Dad and I were when we met and started dating...and time seemed to be going all too fast for me to bear? Was it because I panicked about your purity and your heart?

I don't know. All I know is that I wanted to cry and I couldn't breathe.

About five minutes later, just before pulling into our driveway, I asked you, "What is a girlfriend?"
You said, "You know."
I said, "Well, you tell me. What is a girlfriend?"
"Mom," you said, "it's a friend who's a girl."

OH! Ah! "Oh, so like Ruth is your girlfriend because she's your friend and she's a girl."
"Yeah," you replied.
Whew. I breathed a sigh of relief and giggled as we unloaded out of the car.

I love you, Son. I'm so proud of you and I know you'll make wise choices. Don't grow up too fast, Little Bear!

love: Mommy


Dear Heavenly Father,

I bring my little boy before you and pray over his life as he grows and begins to come into a place where he desires love and companionship. Surround him with Godly influences. Give him your wisdom for the choices he will be faced with. Protect his purity and guard his heart until the one you have chosen to be his wife is ready. I pray for her, also, that she would walk in wisdom and purity, and that you would bring them together at just the right time. Bless their relationship and let it be pleasing to you. As Ethan matures, keep our lines of communication open and help us to be an appropriate model for him. Thank you that we can entrust our lives and our children's lives to you. Amen.

Lazy Blogging

25 Randoms

1. I'm 5'5"-ish and 110-ish lbs. I've never owned a scale and my weight doesn't fluctuate much.

2. The book I'm currently reading is "The Language of Love and Respect" by Dr. Eggerichs. It is a book about communicating with your spouse.

3. During my pregnancy with Ethan, I couldn't get enough Hershey's with Almonds. We bought them by the box at Costco and I stored them in the fridge. I probably ate 4 or 5 a day, yet still only gained 16 lbs.

4. I found my first gray hair a couple weeks ago. It seemed too significant to throw away, so I taped it to the bathroom mirror with a Super Man sticker.

5. I don't have the heart to kill a spider. I'd much rather let it live in our house to eat bugs or safely transport it outside with a cup and paper trap.

6. Before I go to bed, I have to do "All the Things": Double check the alarm, double check the bolt locks, close the laundry room door and the front bathroom door (Chris doesn't know, but I'm afraid snakes or alligators might come up through the drains and get my children as they sleep), check the kids (esp. for snakes and alligators) and pray over them, check the thermostat.

7. The funniest thing I found out about Chris recently is that he has "First Day of Work Underwear"...that's another post.

8. I pee when I watch "Blades of Glory" every.single.time. Seriously, don't make me watch it with you if I don't know you that well. Just the thought of this movie makes me bust out in spontaneous laughter.

9. When I crawl into bed, I have to make sure all the pillow case openings are turned toward the inside of the bed.

10. When I park, I try to find a spot at the at store front, not because it's less distance to walk, but because I need to look at the reflection of my car to help me get centered. Without a store front reflection, it often takes me two to four tries to get it right.

11. I prayed for twin girls since I was very young. At times I am indescribably overwhelmed that God would grant this desire of my heart. He is SO GOOD!!

12. I can't stand when people drive with their blinkers on.

13. Even though he's kind of a train wreck, my girlhood crush on George Michael is not tainted. I always imagined he would ride in on his motorcycle wearing a pair of jeans and a white hoodie sweatshirt and take me away from school for the day.

14. The feelings of joy and gratitude make me openly cry.

15. My favorite Girl Scout cookies are Thin Mints.

16. I won awards at the State Level for Story Telling in high school. I could rock "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with puppets and props.

17. Even with 7 years of high school and college cheer leading under my belt, I couldn't learn a choreographed dance to save my life. I faked my way through and tried to be in the stunts as often as possible.

18. Speaking of cheer leading, I still like to put my uniforms on and practice some of those old cheers in the mirror. I just need a guy who's willing to stunt with me...that would totally make my day!

19. I wish I could find some friends who would be willing to have a Wedding Dinner with me. We would all wear our wedding dresses and our guys would come in tuxes. We'd eat wedding cake and drink champagne at our very fancy get-together.

20. My favorite instrument to listen to is acoustic guitar, but my favorite instrument to watch are the drums. I am AMAZED at the coordination of drummers and find them fascinating.

21. My biggest spiritual stronghold is FEAR. I've made progress in this area over the years, but concerning the well-being of my children, it is still my biggest hang-up.

22. I've been on two televised game shows--Fun House in the 6th grade (my partner Eric and I won a trip to be 'celebrities' at Nebraska Land Days...why couldn't it have been a trip to Space Camp??) and MTV's The Big Date when I was in college. I hope I NEVER find that episode.

23. I actually did go to Space Camp. My friend Cassandra and I got our first "boyfriends" there--twin boys named Rob and Ryan. I don't think we even made eye-contact or held a conversation, so I'm not sure why he was my boyfriend.

24. Chris was the first boy I didn't break up with after our first kiss. Everyone else who tried to kiss me before him grossed me out a little. Chris' kiss was sweet and gentle and happened on my front porch. I was 15.

25. I made a decision to follow Christ with I was 12. I've never doubted His deep love for me and I'm forever grateful for His gift of salvation. My heart belongs to Jesus.