Good Times!!!

Daniel, Julie, Jenna, and Baby Boy Taylor stopped by for a short little visit on their way to Disney World this past week.  It's hard to believe that my baby brother is a husband, a daddy, and a Texan!

As usual, the 16 of us, hung out, ate dinner, played, and destroyed my parents' house in a few short hours!

Jenna practiced being a big sister to a BOY!

oops!  my finger got in front of the flash!

The girls were giggly and silly!  Just like girls are supposed to be...especially when they are all together!

We attempted to get a decent picture of all the grandkids.  This was #6 of 14.  You would not believe how LOUD it was during this photo shoot!

Carter and Charlie got in their regular play time.

We had the kids race.  We are not at all competitive!  Grace said, "I tried to won, but I just free and Sissy is four and Drew is six."  Lily won.  Grace was a s-l-o-w starter, but almost caught up with Lily.

Brad had the kids doing some Marine exercises. I think he might miss the Marine Corps a little.  This was quite amusing to watch!

Grace and Carter fell asleep in the car on the way home!  I wish we could spend every day like this!

Good Times!!!

laugh.

when was the last time you laughed?  i mean really laughed?

i love laughing!

she is right!

Grace was very impressed by this car that was parked next to us when we got out of church today.

She then so wisely stated, "Dem don't got kids."

7x7

The past few days, I have been thinking about the challenges that I was given during the Mother’s Day sermon and Carter’s baby dedication.  When I came across this post, I knew that I had to give it a try!  Just like Angie, I have always said that it doesn’t matter if my kids are “gifted” in academics or sports or music.  It doesn’t matter if they are popular or in the “in crowd.”  I just want them to do their best at everything they do.  I want them to be sweet and most importantly I want them to be Godly children full of Jesus‘ love and wisdom.  

Join me in this challenge for the next 7 days.  Let’s pray these 7 scriptures over our children as they complete these 7 normal everyday tasks:

1. When they wake up: “Let the morning bring (child’s name) word of your unfailing love, for (he/)she has put (his/her) trust in You.  Show (her/him) the way (he/she) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul.” (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: “Therefore, as God’s chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others.  Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her).  And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: “Teach (child’s name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength.” (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: “(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child)  clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior.  Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed:  “The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping:  “I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that (he/she) may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which (he/she) shines like a star in the universe as (he/she) holds out the word of life-in order that (he/she) may boast on the day of Christ that (he/she) did not run or labor for nothing.” (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

So what do you think?  Will you join me?  You can write these verses on index cards or type them up in your favorite font.  I would love to know if you will be joining me in prayer this week.  (So, please leave me a comment.)  I know that Angie would love to hear from you too!

We can do this!

7 prayers for 7 days

Carter's Baby Dedication

This past Sunday, on Mother’s Day, we had Carter’s baby dedication at church.

It was a special time for us and our family (minus the Taylors in Texas...boo) was able to share it with us.  

We made a couple of huge promises and ones that I pray we are able keep.  We promised to provide Carter with a home in which Jesus Christ is honored.  We also promised that Carter would grow up learning about God’s love.  We prayed that one day, Carter, would accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  

Our wonderful pastor wrote a letter to Carter to give to him on his 12th birthday.  He began reading it to us and our church, “Dear Carter.”  Grace (who is usually mortified to speak in front of anyone other than our family) bursts out laughing and says, “DEER, Carter?”  I’m glad she is coming out of her shell...I think.  

The letter tells Carter about this special day and also encourages him to receive Jesus as his Savior, if he hasn’t already, or to continue to grow in Jesus’ love, if he has asked Jesus to be his Savior.

Carter with his new Bible. (May 2011)

...and just because...

Grace with her new Bible. (May 2008)

Ok, mommas...I have a really cool challenge for you.  I am super excited about it and can’t wait to share it with you.  Hopefully, I will have it ready by tomorrow!