I feel so behind and really just a plain ole' lack of motivation for blogging lately (ok, last 6 months).  Seems like I would need to catch up on everything from Thanksgiving to Christmas if I wanted to really get back on track...but I think instead I'll make a fresh start. 

  Another part of me thinks no one really reads this blog, especially with facebook (shout out to my loyal reader/ BFF Jodi!)  Then there's also a part of me that feels like God has worked so much in our family over the last few months and it feels so extremely personal that it's hard for me to share.  But if nothing else this blog gives me a little time to organize my thoughts and try to put in to words what our life is like. 

So.  I'll give you an update person by person, cause I know you're on the edge of your seat to know what each of us is up to.

NICK

  Here's the short version.   Nick starts a new job this week.  This is a big deal to our family, because Nick is the primary bread-winner for us.  He his so devoted to providing for us and I'm so proud of him for embarking on a new journey when he  could've stuck to what is comfortable and familiar.  We spent hours and hours in prayer trying to look for what God's plan was for us.  There were a few months that I really wanted to believe that God would move us back to our home state. There's so much that  you miss when raising your children away from your family and their grandparents and cousins.  Not to mention having some "back up" for respite care when you are raising small children!!  Between Nick and I we have a HUGE family, all special to us and would be great playmates and influences on Blake and Kate.  So we laid ourselves before the Lord and asked him to either provide a career for Nick back home or to change our hearts, because we both were ready to go back.  The Lord is so gracious in how he works.  Though we did not find a job that would support us in Arkansas and though I still mourn the girls not getting enough time with our extended family, the Lord has given me peace that we are where we are supposed to be.   We are growing sprititually and the Lord is providing more time for us to be together.   Nick's new job is very close to our house, which means he will be home earlier and even gets to work from home a bit. 

SARAH

I am feeling a deep peace that God has worked these changes we are going through in response to a prayer wrote in my bible several years ago.  I am in no way complaining about working, in fact I love being a nurse and having a real tangible way to minister to the sick and hurting and their families.  But we made a decision when Blake was born that we would do whatever it took to keep our kids at home with us and that meant me working long shifts on the weekends.  I don't think I could ever give up nursing completely, but at this stage in my life I'm happily working one shift a week.  This way we always have Sundays to go to church, have lunch and rest together that day as a family.  I can't tell you what a difference having that day together makes for us.  I feel rested and renewed and it gives me something to look forward to every week. 

Back to my job.  I know it may sound corny,but I LOVE being a nurse.  Really love it.  If you knew some of the details of what nurses do, you'd probably laugh at the absurdity of it and maybe even lose your lunch.  But I couln't be happier with my career choice.  Yes, sometimes doctors are completely rude and yes sometimes patients throw a punch at you.  But I get a real chance to show grace and to help someone that is sick or hurting.  There have been days when I realize it's 6:00 pm and all I had to drink was my coffee on the way to work, but you always get to clock out and come home and be thankful that you are healthy.

Since I have Sundays free we've been able to volunteer in Kate's bible class at church on Sundays.  Um. SO stinkin' sweet these kids are.  And it makes me fall even more in love with Nick to see him love on and care about these little ones.   So we get to play, sing songs, and help them learn how much Jesus loves them. 

BLAKE

Blake is four and is such a precious child.  She is happy and accomidating.  She is absolutely the BEST big sister I have ever seen.  She is so patient, shares anything, and helps me in any way I ask when it comes to Kate.  Just the other day Kate was driving me nuts while I was trying to cook dinner and Blake said "Mom, do you want me to take her for a while?"  I gave a quick "YES!!" and she came and took Kate's hand to help her find something they could play together.  Nick and I have so many moments where we look at each other with a look that says "Wow, she's amazing."  I'm so thankful I get another year with her before she goes to kingerdarten.  Here are some things Blake likes :  Our swing set (she can swing by herself now and loves to tell friends how "impressed" we are by it.), the sand box, ballet (she starts dance class this summer",  our school time (she's learning her alphabet in sign language recently), our dog Levi (she likes to have him dance with her as her "prince"), having friends over to play, going to preschool and church. 

Her favorite number is ONE trillion.  Someone told her that was the biggest number in the world. 

She only wants to wear dresses that will "twirl" so we are a bit limited in wardrobe choices. 

She loves to make up her own songs and sing them loudy.  I

n the bath tub the other day Kate was lying her head down acting like she was sleeping and Blake commented that "Kate was like Jesus when he slept in the boat during the storm". 

We get told atleast once a day that Blake looks just like me...and I love it.

KATE

Oh, dear Kate.  She is a wild one.  It's hard to remember if Blake was quite this wild at almost 2.  Maybe you just forget as they grow.  Kate is talking so much.  She'll say "I don't like it"  "What are  you doing?"  She spends a good portion of her day wanting me to do things for her, can you believe it?  She is a busy busy girl.  She loves to "roll" her own backpack in to church on preschool days which means a good 5 minute walk in and out of church.  She has big opinions on whether she wants to be buckled OR unbuckled from her carseat.  She has big opnions on what and where she wants to eat her meals. 

I hate to even say it outloud in fear that I may jinx things, but she's really doing well with potty training.  She's wearing pull ups and does this funny, leg-crossing potty dance that lets me know she needs to go. 

She still loves her Piggy the most.  Lord help us if we ever truly lose that pig. 

Kate hates to have her teeth brushed and will only willingly let Blake brush them.

She loves to have her bedtime routine. The reading books, singing, rocking.  (Oh and of course she has big opinions on what books and what songs. )

So there's your update on us. I've been terrible at getting pictures lately. Lazy really. But I did take these of Kate.  Such a cutie. 



A Little Extra Partyin...

Since my Mom and Rick didn't get to see Blake's swim party they decided to throw their own.

The Hello Kitty cake my Mom made.  Thanks Grandma!

Kate wearing Blake's new hat.

Blake opening her Hello Kitty earrings and necklace.

So sweet to have cousins come and celebrate. We love them so much.

Just pictures...

Thankful..

 We made our own Thankfulness Tree this year to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I colored the top and Blake colored the bottom.  Every morning after breakfast we would decide what we were thankful for, write it on a "leaf" and stick it to our tree.  The crafts I like most are ones you don't have to make a special trip to the store for, so this one was perfect :)

When Nick saw this picture he said "Is that KATE??"   LOL, yep she's growing up so fast.

These girls have so much fun together.

And just becase we are SO thankful for Nana and I love this picture. 

Blake's Swim Party

We had Blake's 4th Birthday at a local swim school {shout out Groupon!}

They got to swim and slide, then have cake and open presents. 

Grffin, Lexi and Blake

Lexi and Kate Jumping!

Everyone sang "Happy Birthday SPLASH You!"

Kate know how to eat cake without the hassle of a fork.

November 13th 2011


My sweet Blake,

Today you turn 4 years old. I’ve been reading back through previous letters and it’s hard to imagine how far we’ve all come in 4 years. I feel like I could write a book about you, but I’m going to try to fit it into one letter.

In this last year you have changed so much. I can honestly say I LOVE just hanging out with you. We like to watch TV shows, read princess books or your bible, go shopping together, and sing loud in the car.

You are such an easy kid. You really have taken it easy on us. Daddy HATES to spank you, so it’s a good thing you don’t require many of those! Here are some things about you when you turned four.

• You love to know the meaning of words. Today you’ve asked me what “special” , “silent”, and “beautiful” really mean. It’s hard sometimes to explain in a way that you can truly understand, but we figure it out. There are some question you ask that I don’t happen to know they answer to, but you don’t believe me!! You’ll say “No, Mom, come on….tell me!”

• You are the best big sister in the world. You are so patient with Kate and never jealous of her. This morning I said, “Should we go get Kate up?” and you replied “Of course!!”. You share your toys, comment often on how cute she is, and love to tell me when she’s learned a new word or how to do something on her own. You can’t wait for the day when she moves into your room to sleep with you.

• You sometimes get words mixed up. You like to be the one to push the button on the “alligator” (i.e. elevator). You know that Mommy works at the “HoPsital”. The other day you asked me what the biggest number in the world is and when I asked what you replied “Chameleon!”

• You love God. We were just playing outside the other day and you looked at me and said “We should praise Jesus right here Mommy!” and so we did!! How beautiful for you to be able to express your thankfulness to God for what he has done for us at such a young age.

• A little quirk you have right now is praying for those who have already passed this life. You like to pray for my Grandpa, our sweet cousin Gemma who went to be with Jesus before taking her first breath and our dog Bubba who died earlier this year.

• We have a sweet friend Bobby, who is battling cancer, and if we ever forget to plead with the Lord for him you remind us!

• You still are a Daddy’s girl, but I think you’ve become just as much a Mommy’s girl this year.

• You can write your name, it’s so fun to see you learning new things.

• You take swim classes and are doing a great job swimming! You can float on your back, then turn over to a full swim! I go to the Mommy and me class with Kate and you do a great job sitting beside the pool cheering us on.

• Your favorite song is “God is bigger than the boogie man” by the Veggie tales. You know every word and belt it out!

• Your favorite movie is “The Nice Monsters” aka: Monsters, Inc.

• You’ve spent a few weeks in Arkansas visiting Grammie, Grandma and Nana this year. It was so hard for me to let you go, but it’s also very important that you get to know your family even though we don’t live close by. When I once called to check on you, you told me "Grammie bought me new things at the new things store...and remember Mom!! Never give up!!"

• Nana and Papaw came to visit for your birthday. You, Nana and I went to a store called “Sam Moon”. It’s all purses and jewlery….oh my goodness you were in heaven! You picked out so many bracelets and earrings and purses. You exclaimed “This store is AWESOME!”

So Blake, I hope this letter helps you remember being 3. I can’t wait to see what 4 has in store for us!!

Daddy and I love you to the moon (and on to the sun.)

All my love,

Mommy