Perfect Chaos

Disney World

2011-12-23T10:36:00.000-06:00

We got to go to Disney! Collin and I took Ella and Braden to Disney World last week for the first time. We were already in Orlando for a friends wedding, so we just stayed in Orlando for six more days and embraced all things Disney. The trip was magical for all of us. So many sweet memories for us as a family.

Here are some highlights...

Riding the Tea Cups with Dad

Maybe the greatest highlight of the whole trip was a special VIP meeting with four of the princesses. Thanks to a special friend who happens to work at Disney (huge thank you to JW), she was able to sneak us into the castle and let Ella and Braden meet Snow White, Auroa, Belle, and Ariel! Wow, not many girls get an opportunity like this and we felt so blessed. The princesses are beautiful and so talented! I really felt like I was with royalty! We got to laugh, ask questions about all the princes, snow white whistled, and Ariel did an impression of Sebastian. It was such a magical moment and a dream come true for Ella (and mom too)!

Special time with Princess Aurora!

Riding the Astro Orbiter

Getting ready for Beauty and the Beast musical

Meeting Mickey at Hollywood Studios

Super Moms!

Going on a safari at Animal Kingdom

Meeting Donald Duck

We ate a lot of ice cream. Thank you Disney Dining Plan!

Animal Kingdom

Time with Mater and the guys from Cars

Getting ready for a day at Epcot

Meeting Mary Poppins

Ella loved everything!

The castle lit up at night. Incredible!

Another highlight for me was watching the light and fireworks show at the Castle during our last night. I looked down at one point and saw Ella and Braden with their arms around each other. I teared up knowing this time with them was so special. They are only 5 and 3 this one time and already getting big so fast!

Fireworks!

It was truly magical...especially to re-live the whole experience through the eyes of a 5 year old and a 3 year old. We were exhausted after it was all over, but so many sweet memories that will last forever!

I love Spring!

2011-04-16T20:59:00.001-06:00

Spring is absolutely my favorite time of year! I love watching everything come alive again, hearing the birds chirp, and having sunshine back! Around here we have loved taking advantage of the beautiful weather. We have tried to have a lot of picnics and be outside whenever we can. We have the most beautiful pink dogwood right outside of our kitchen window that blooms every year at this time. I love being able to look out my window at all of the gorgeous pink flowers. The other day we decided to do some art projects outside underneath the dogwood. Spring finger painting, how great is that!

Can you tell which child painted which side of this picture? Ha! Braden did the top part and Ella finger painted the forest of apple trees on the bottom part. Her skills for drawing have improved so much this year. I love to see her artwork and get a chance to see what the world looks like from her point of view.

Becket even had fun outside. Thank you Callie for letting us borrow this jumper! It has been a life saver!

Bobble Head Beckett

2011-04-16T20:58:00.001-06:00

I am obviously Beckett's mom so I think everything he does is super cute! Here is his latest "trick" that I think is precious! When you shake your head at him he mimics you. It makes me laugh and then it makes him laugh. I love it.

Beckett Milestones

2011-04-16T20:58:00.000-06:00

Beckett is 7 months and 4 weeks old. I can't believe we are so close to 8 months! We have had some milestones the past two weeks that I want to record. The first one is that he can pretty much sit up on his own. He still falls over sometimes, but he is almost got it. There is a chance he might master crawling before sitting up, ha! That leads me to the next milestone which is that he is pretty much crawling. It is still a combination of a commando crawl, scooting and kind of lurching forward, but he is on the move. Just last week I also spotted a 3rd tooth in his mouth. He has had his two bottom teeth for awhile but he just got the first one on top.

We are also working on sleeping through the night. I waited with the other two kiddos until they were about 9 months to cut out that last feeding, but recently Beckett went two nights without nursing, so I thought now would be a good time to go for it (and I have been trying to get him to sleep through the night before Collin and I leave for vacation!). Unfortunately, it has not been quite as easy as I thought. He will sleep through a whole night and then the next night he wake up a few times and want to eat. Every night has been different. Often, I have to let him cry it out which is so heart wrenching for me. He has always been so good, I never really had to let him cry anything out, or cry himself to sleep. Hopefully he will get there soon!

Beckett starting to crawl

Leadership Weekend

2011-04-16T20:20:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we had our whole leadership team in town for summer planning. It was incredible to have everyone here together to play, plan, brainstorm, and start to become a team. We laughed alot and got to talk through everything from staff training week to our parties at kamp. K-Kountry is blessed to have such a great team again this year. I can hardly believe that Kamp is just right around the corner!

The Team

The Girl's Team

Smash Ball

Mohawks and Ice Cream

2011-04-16T20:19:00.000-06:00

One a warm evening the other night we decided to eat ice cream outside and give Braden a much needed hair cut. We thought a mohawk would be fun for summer. It is hard to see the haircut in some of the pictures but Braden is so cute rockin a new hair do.

Lunch Conversation

2011-04-01T15:34:00.000-06:00

Braden: "Ella where is God?" "Where is Jesus?"
Ella: "Well God and Jesus are the same thing and they are up in the sky."
Ella: "Mom, did you know that we are on the earth and the earth is spinning but we can't even feel it."
Mom: "I know Ella isn't that neat."
Ella: "Mom, stop moving! See you can't even feel it spinning."
Mom: "Wow, Ella."
Ella: "Mom, do you know that pluto isn't a planet, it is not. Some people say that it is a moon, or a planet, but it is not."

Mom: "So Braden do you know where God is?
Braden: "Yeah, he is flying. He is flying in a bubble."
Mom: "Ok, Braden."

I love that Braden is the one that asked a question about God, and that he asked Ella and not me. I also love that Ella knows God and Jesus are the same person. I don't really know if I have taught her that or if she just picked it up. I want to remember this fun and crazy moments with kids that can go from teaching them about God to learning about planets!

Ella's Preschool Program

2011-04-01T15:33:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Ella had her Preschool program. The format is very simple. The kids sing a couple of songs and then you get to go to her classroom to view some of the art work they have been making in school. It is amazing how I can be so proud of her for just singing a song! It is fun to see her up on stage because you can tell she feels like she is doing something special.

Getting ready for the performance

All the classes together

Ella's is the vase with flowers

Can we say masterpiece! It is a picture of the ocean, in case you can't tell already.

The artist!

Some of the kids from her class.

Mrs. Matthews her teacher.

We gave her flowers when she got home to celebrate what a great job she did!

Binkie to the Baby Deers

2011-04-01T14:24:00.000-06:00

Braden is on the way to becoming a big boy. He has been sleeping in a big boy bed for awhile and now he doesn't sleep with a binkie anymore. (Potty training is the last big hurdle!) He had been talking about throwing his binkie to the fish in the lake, but since we don't have any fishes close by we decided instead to throw it outside to the baby deer. (we have way too many of those) Braden just woke up one morning and decided to do it. He opened the front door, threw it in the grass, and that was it. Later that evening to his surprise the binkies were gone. I guess the baby deer (or mommy) came to get them. We have been binkie free ever since. He asked about them a couple of times, but we just said the baby deer had them and he moved on. That was much easier than I thought it would be!

Braden's last pictures with his binkie!

Ella being the supporting sister.

Ready, set....

Throw!

"There they are, in the grass."

"I did it momma."

Ella acting out the deer coming to get the binkies.

"Mom, I'm a big boy."

Braden waving goodbye one last time.

Kasi and Brennan's Wedding

2011-04-01T11:00:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of March we headed to Georgia for the wedding of two K-Kountry staff. Kasi and Brennan are the cutest couple and had the most beautiful wedding. It really was one of the most creative, elegant, and unique receptions that I have ever been to. Ella and Braden stayed at home so Collin, Beckett, and I got some great family time, and some wonderful time with friends. We flew in to Atlanta, so we also got to stay the night with Cameron and Melissa in their cute newlywed apartment. It was so good to be with them, and spend some time in their world.

Beckett's first plane ride! I don't think the man next to Collin was too happy about sitting next to a baby, but Beckett did great. Not even one little cry.

The reception was at the brides home, and I am pretty sure they thought of every detail. It was out of the pages of southern living. True southern charm mixed with elegance and yet comfortable at the same time.

Isn't this a cute idea. The Bride and Groom chairs were beautiful, but I am pretty sure they never got to sit down!

This an "S" made out of greenery on the coffee/hot chocolate table. They also had the most incredible blueberry lemon scones to go with the warm drinks.

Loved this trough filled with glass coke bottles.

They had this beautiful monogram that personalized everything. I can't even imagine how much time this took.

The S'mores table. What a fun idea. They had sticks already cut and individual bags with all the fixins for a s'more ready to go.

This was my favorite idea of the whole party. When it was time to cut the cake, instead of having some announcer try to coral everyone, they had the cutest little girls run through the crowd waving these sings. It was precious.

The Newlyweds!

The whole K-Kountry Krew! It was so good to see everyone.

He Makes All Things New

2011-03-16T11:25:00.000-06:00

This short video is a powerful reminder of God's grace in our lives. If you have a minute to watch, it is a great encouragement!

The Chronicles of Narnia

2011-03-03T11:39:00.006-06:00

Ella and I have been reading through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She is still a little young to understand the entire story and all of the words, but I have also been surprised by how much she has retained. She has been the one to get excited each night, and ask to read another chapter. It has developed into a special activity for the both of us to do.
We are nearing the end of the book which in my opinion is the best part of the book. Chapter 14 is the part that Aslan is killed by the White Witch. It was heartbreaking at first to see Ella confused by why Aslan was killed. It made for the great conversation to get to draw the parallels between Aslan and our great King that died for us. At the end of talking she said, "Mom, so Aslan died just like Jesus died on the cross for me so I didn't have to." Wow, she got it! Her precious child like faith!

Last night we read Chapter 15 which is called Deeper Magic From Before the Dawn of Time. This is the chapter that Aslan returns back from the dead and is my favorite chapter of the whole book. Here is an excerpt.
"Oh, you're real, you're real! Oh, Aslan!" cried Lucy, and both girls flung themselves upon him and covered him with kisses.
"But what does it all mean?' asked Susan. "It means," said Aslan, "that though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."
"Oh, children,"said the Lion, "I feel my strength coming back to me. Oh, children, catch me if you can!" He stood for a second, his eyes very bright, his limbs quivering, lashing himself with is tail. Then he made a leap high over their heads and landed on the other side of the Table. Laughing, though she didn't know why, Lucy scrambled over it to reach him. Aslan leaped again. A mad chase began. Round and round the hilltop he led them, now hopelessly out of their reach, now letting them almost catch his tail, now diving between them, now tossing them in the air with his huge and beautifully velveted paws and catching them again, and now stopping unexpectedly so that all three of them rolled over together in a happy laughing heap of fur and arms and legs. It was such a romp as no one has ever had except in Narnia; and whether it was more like playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a kitten Lucy could never make up her mind. And the funny thing was that when all three finally lay together panting in the sun the girls no longer felt in the least tired or hungry or thirsty.

What an amazing literary picture of what it is to live with our Savior! I think Jesus says, "Catch me if you can!" and then leads us on the chase of our lives over hilltops and valleys. The key words being that HE LEADS. He is always hopelessly out of our reach as He is God and we are not, but allows us to "almost catch his tail" as we are able to draw close to and develop a relationship with him. The journey with Christ is unexpected, unpredictable, and indescribable. We never know where following him will take us, but we have the amazing security to know that when He tosses us in the air, He will always catch us with "His huge and beautifully velveted paws". Such strength and tenderness wrapped all together in the most wonderful harmony. Lucy said it perfectly that she didn't know if she was playing with a kitten or a thunderstorm. Our God is not safe. He is the God of the universe deserving reverence, fear and awe. Yet he also is there for us to curl up in His lap, to comfort us and walk with us. Then somehow in the process of chasing Him even if we are exhausted and panting from running, He refreshes us and we can no longer feel in the least tired or hungry. What an amazing God we serve! I hope that I can know God more like this each day and that you can too!

Poop!

2011-03-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

This post is not for the faint hearted. Yes, the subject matter is poop, so if that can not be tolerated by you than I will not be offended if you move on. Don't worry today post will not include any pictures {Thank Goodness!}.

With three little ones running around the house, and one that is potty training, it seems my day has a great deal to do with this subject matter. Braden is learning to go on his own, but seems to have some anxiety about going on the potty. So right now we have about 20 false alarms throughout the day which consist of him running up to me frantically telling me that He needs to go poop on the potty. We run as fast as we can into the bathroom, he sits there for a second, and then says that he doesn't have to go any more. I never ever imagined myself sitting on a child's size stool in the bathroom holding my 2 year olds hand, making grunting faces, encouraging him to push, and waiting with great anticipation for.....well... you know what, I don't need to describe it any further. If you could sneak a listen in our bathroom, hearing the way I have to encourage him would make you think I was cheering him on through the final drive of a tied football game as he is making the victory run all the way down the field. "Go, Go, Go....You can do it...You can do it....Keep going.....Whooo Hooo! Way to go Braden!!!!

Luckily, Ella is very potty trained but somehow can not retain the knowledge that she needs to flush the toilet after she goes to the bathroom. So this morning, she calls to me from the bathroom and says, "Mom, come look at my poop!" I respond, "No Thank you Ella". She says, "Mom, Come wipe me!" I say, "No Ella you are a big girl and can do that on your own." Then we start all over with another round of the same comments. So I go to the bathroom to help her, only to then leave to change a Beckett poopy diaper and return thirty minutes later to a full toilet and disgusting sight. Oh Great!

Ok...I literally had to just leave from typing this post because Braden ran through the house screaming, I've gotta go poo poo. (I am always a little tempted to just say, go in your diaper. It seems so much easier at this point.) This time it sounded like he won the superbowl. All with no success, so we will do that again in 10 mins. Ha!
So this is my morning, Hilarious! Braden is yelling again. Here we go....

{This post is lovingly dedicated to my Brother Joel}

Girls Night

2011-02-28T15:05:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I had an incredible girl's night. I got a great deal on a manicure, had pizza, and got to watch a movie. It doesn't get much better! Here is a picture of my nails after the very professional manicure.

What do you think? Ha! This picture doesn't even do justice to the beautiful mess that my hands were. I guess I should have mentioned that my manicurist was a darling 4 year old, the pizza was delivered, and the movie was The Lion King. The boys went to a basketball game so us girls were at home alone. It really was fun to have some time just the two of us. I really don't usually wear color on my nails, and I really don't like paint on my skin {I guess no one really does}, so this was a good practice in patience for me. I made myself leave it on for the weekend, and then to my great dismay {not really} it started chipping and I had to take it off. Thank goodness this excuse seemed understandable to a 4 year old. If you would like to make an appointment, I am sure we could work you in for a manicure too!

The Doctor is in the House

2011-02-28T14:26:00.000-06:00

2011-02-25T23:06:00.004-06:00

6 Months Later.......

My mom was sweet to get these outfits for the kids when Beckett was born. I was so sad when Beckett outgrew his onesie he wore in the hospital, but luckily she also bought the same one in a 6 month size. Beckett has changed so much in such a short time. It is amazing to me as a mom, that you see your child every day but don't notice how they change until you look back at pictures. I love all of my kids so much and feel so blessed by them. I thank God for them and am amazed that He entrusted these three precious souls to me to raise. These days can be so long and weary, yet at the same time I told Collin the other day that I know we are in our "Glory Days". We are still young (kind of), and healthy (what a huge praise!). These days are very precious with our little ones. I am trying so hard to really soak all of this in and love this time because it is already flying by. I feel like I would freeze time if I could. I never want to forget what it is like to feel Beckett snuggle his head on my shoulder when he is sleepy after nursing, or Braden and Ella run to the door when I come home, or seeing them sneak into our room early in the morning, or hear their little voices say "momma". This list could go on and on but I am tearing up...so enough for now.

I have a very wise friend (and faithful reader to my blog, thanks Jamie Jo!) who gave me great advice on kids growing up. One day we were in her car and she had pictures of her kids as babies with her. While looking at them I ask her if she missed having her kids that little. She quickly responded, "No.....I love every stage with them". That has struck me ever since then. Lord help me to love and soak in every moment, smile, laugh, hug, tantrum, and even the fights. I thank you and praise you for allowing me to do this wonderful and exhausting job of being a mom!

Play Date and Cupcakes

2011-02-19T23:12:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Ella had some preschool friends over for a play date. There were 5 girls and not one fight the entire time! I love that Ella has great friends, and I pray they can continue these friendship for many years.

Dress up time in Mom's shoes.

Working Hard!

I made cupcakes for the girls to decorate and I'm not sure if I made them more for the girls or me. This is the second batch of these cupcakes that I have made this week. I am obsessed! They are so good. They are strawberry cupcakes with strawberry frosting. I have always loved strawberry cake or just anything strawberry, so these are right up my alley. This recipe has fresh strawberry in the batter so the cupcakes bake up really moist and kind of dense. I will post the recipe below.

Don't overmix these and make sure to not over bake them. The recipe only makes 12 so it seems like the perfect amount to just have a small amount around for a snack. Or if you're like me, to limit the temptation to eat to many. I think I need to go eat one right now....but I better not, it would be my 3rd today. I know, I know.... don't judge me

Strawberry Cupcakes

2/3 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

2 large egg whites, room temperature

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.

2. Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree, add a few more strawberries if necessary. If you have any leftover save it for the frosting.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla, and strawberry puree; set aside.

4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.

5. With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.

6. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.

Strawberry Frosting

Makes enough for 1 dozen cupcakes (I had some leftover and used it for a second batch)

1/2 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, firm and slightly cold

Pinch of coarse salt

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place strawberries in the bowl of a small food processor; process until pureed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined. Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (save any remaining strawberry puree for another use); mix until just blended. Do not overmix or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.

Head Wraps

2011-02-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

I have realized lately that I really like to crochet. There are so many fun things that you can do with it, and I love having a project that you can pick up and put down, take in a car, or work on when you are watching tv. Here are the my two latest creations. They are head wraps to keep your ears warm. Next I want to make some in brighter colors, but I was making these for my mom and she requested black. Hope you like them mom! They are fun to make, let me know if you need one.

Play Room

2011-02-18T22:48:00.002-06:00

For those of you that have ever been to my house, you know that we have a "dining room" that has never been used for eating (unless gold fish and juice cups count). Actually our dining room has never even had a table in it, or chairs, or anything that even resembles a dining room (except for a gold chandler that I really do not care for).

About 4 years ago, a strange thing happened. It started very small and innocent, like a small wave that gently breaks on your toes at the beach. We barely noticed at first. In the beginning we even welcomed it until.....it began to take over. It went from a small wave to a Tsunami consuming anything in its path. It took over our dining room and began to spread to the rest of the house. Until we decided that enough is enough, we had to take back the reins, show it who is boss, get back control and regain our home. Of course what I have to be talking about is......the onslaught of TOYS!

Years ago we gave up our dining room to be a play room. This past weekend we finally added a little bit of much needed organization to it. It has made such a difference. Now the kids get so excited to put things away. So here is the before picture......

Ok, the sad thing is we had already picked up a little when I took this picture. Isn't this horrible!

And this is the After picture! So much better! The bins are all labeled with pictures so the kids can tell exactly what goes in each bin.

Growing up Fast!

2011-02-17T09:04:00.001-06:00

My little man is growing up so fast. He is just a week away from being 6 months old. How did 6 months go by so fast! He has two teeth now, and just started eating solids this week. We started with rice cereal and bananas. He loves eating. I took him hardly anytime to get the hang of it. The first time was a little awkward but then after that he was already an experienced eater. I can't get the bites in fast enough. I have started him eating a little bit earlier than my other two, but he was very ready! I love this little guy so much and feel so thankful for him. He was a surprise coming to us, but now I could never imagine life without him. He makes me smile constantly, thank you Lord for this precious boy!

First Bites

Gumball Necklaces

2011-02-15T22:54:00.001-06:00

Ella and I decided that for Valentines day we wanted to give the girls in her class necklaces made from gumballs. I love this idea, and first saw on One Charming Party. They were pretty easy to make and I think turned out oh so cute. I hope the girls in her class liked them. I think these would also be fun in other colors for birthday parties.

The original tutorial suggested using a metal skewer to punch the holes in the gumballs. Well....that was taking a little too long so we broke out the power tools. Using a power drill made it super easy and really fast. I highly recommend doing this if you make these.

Next I threaded ribbon on a large needle.

Then because the holes were already drilled it was really easy to thread the ribbon through. I used a couple of different kinds of ribbon. Depending on the width and kind of ribbon it made big difference of how easily it threaded.

I used about 7 gumballs for each necklace, but they could look cute with alot more too. I tied knots in between stringing on each gumball and then tied a bow in the ribbon at the end. Here is the finished product on some of Ella's friends at school. The girls looked so cute in them, and I hope their moms didn't kill me for giving them gum!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

I hope that you had a wonderful Valentine's Day like we did at the Sparks' house. It was a great day to celebrate love!

This is how my day started. My eyes really didn't want to open this morning, but when I did pry open my eye lids, I saw this. My incredible husband had left me the sweetest valentine! He left at 6:00am for bible study this morning, so this was a labor of love on so many levels. I feel so blessed to have a husband that goes out of his way to love and appreciate me.

Hello Ladies!

(Thanks Katie for the cute Valentine's Day onesie)

Finding a heart... Ella for the last week has left Collin and I hearts around the house. It is so sweet to find these little images that remind me of her sweetness, and how she tries to tell us she loves us. I also love how she is drawing hearts right now. She is so proud each time she draws one.

Ella's Preschool V-Day Party

Bunko Anyone? It was Monday night, so it was Valentine's Day and K-Kountry hang out night. We decided to celebrate with fun food and a night of bunko. It was great food, so much fun, and hilarious fellowship. There were some wrestling matches for dice, competitive spirits and lots of shouting.

Snow in the Tub

2011-02-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

We are having such a snowy winter and I love it! More snow fell today and I could have just stared out my window all day. Both kiddos are just getting over being sick, and I wasn't feeling like I wanted to bundle everyone up to go outside, so we brought the outdoors in. After a few trips back and forth with shovels full of snow, we had all the snow we needed to play with minus the layers of clothes, hats, and cold toes. We broke out all of our sand tools, some spray bottles with colored water, and had a blast. The best part was the cleanup. I just turned all the water and it all went down the drain. Yeah for inside snow days!

Georgia Tech Nerd Night

2011-02-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

We love all of our K-Kountry friends here in Branson! One of the highlights of our week is when we all get together to hang out each Monday. This week was Georgia Tech Nerd night in honor of Allen Tignor's Birthday. Allen, we are so glad you were born and for the record, you are not a nerd (but you look pretty good dressed up like one)!

1st Time Sledding

2011-02-07T00:18:00.001-06:00

I have the best memories of playing in the snow as a kid, and I want my kids to have the same experiences. Each winter I have wanted to take Ella sledding, and for four years it has never worked out. I am so glad to say this year we made it. We had the perfect day on Saturday. The sun was out, so it really wasn't even cold. Ella and Braden loved it, and Beckett was kind enough to take a cat nap nearby in his car seat so all of us could sled. Perfection. I know this kind of day is rare when it come to kids, multiple layers, and snow, so I savored every minute! I don't know at times if I am really fulfilling fun moments for my kids, or living our my desires for fun. I guess it is a mixture of both, so it works.

Our friends the Rapps were kind enough to lend up this snow suit for Braden. I thought it was so cute that He and Collin matched. Thanks Bronwyn!

My dear friend Katie and Kara joined us. These girls bless me so much by how they love me and my kids!

Even Beckett had his first time to sled.

We got to build Frosty! The snow was perfect we just forgot something to make his button nose and two eyes made out of coal.

Yeah for Snow!

2011-02-06T23:57:00.001-06:00

I am one of those strange people that when everyone else is wishing for spring, I am hoping for just one more good snow. I like all four seasons. When it is supposed to be cold, I want it to be and when it is time for warmth, I love that too. So for the last week I have been in heaven. I love living in a winter wonderland. I say this bearing in mind that I am so sorry for all the people that have had havoc reeked on their lives because of the snow storms. I know I would not enjoy it quite as much if that is what I was living. But for us snow days entail, dad getting to stay home from work, a warm fire, and hot cocoa, so..... I quite enjoy these days.

It is a must on a snow day to have a fire side picnic with soup and grilled cheese. We end up with half of it spilled on the floor, but oh well, its a memory.

We didn't get to make Frosty outside because the snow wouldn't stick, but we watched him when we came in!

My favorite cocoa by far is made from milk with the recipe on the back of a Hershey's cocoa can. If you have never tried it, you must. It is so much better than any powder I have ever had. It is so worth a little extra effort.

Beckett is getting so big! He is still so content and joyful. Anytime he is smiled at, he always smiles back. He rolled over for the first time at Christmas, but just this past week he really figured it out and is rolling again and again.

He doesn't drink from a bottle very much, but he figured out how to hold it on his own. I also realized this week that he cut his first tooth! How can that be! It feels so soon. Ella told Collin, "Daddy...Mommy and I are just not ready for Beckett to have his first tooth." Sweet milestones.

1st Time to Ice Skate

2011-02-06T23:01:00.000-06:00

While we were in St. Louis for Christmas we took Ella and Braden ice skating for the first time. My Dad, Mom, Nicholas, Aunt Gerry and Uncle Cloud all came. It was such a fun memory to have every one there with us, and to have my brother (who is a great Hockey player) teaching my kids to skate. Thank goodness we had so many adults because we needed every pair of hands! I learned my lesson that when you are teaching children to ice skate you for sure need an adult on each side. Ella and Braden actually learned and improved quickly, but they were still like a wet noodle most of the time. Therefore a person on each side helped a lot. My Dad and Nicholas were great to take one kiddo while I skated with the other, only with the the help of my Aunt or Mom who walked along the outside of the rink and held the other hand. It was really cold, but really fun! We can't wait to go again!

Christmas Days

2011-02-06T17:03:00.001-06:00

Wow! We had a great Christmas! We were blessed to get to be with both families this year. We spent Christmas day with the Sparks and then a few days later headed to St.Louis. Overall it was so incredible to be with everyone. We were spoiled by gifts and great time with family!

Our first Christmas with Melissa!

Such fun gifts all around this year. There were dress up clothes, balls, dolls, guitars, and so much more. This was a great age of kids because Ella and Braden were so excited to ask for presents but still not consumed but them. I am sure that day will come, but I am hoping we can continue to teach them the real focus of Christmas.

We had big "Disney" Christmas. Disney dress up clothes, disney dolls, a Cinderella princess dress, and lots of Toy Story.

Braden got buzz lightyear pj's and now when he wears them only refers to himself as buzz. He also hates for me to take them off. Ha!

One of the hits of Christmas was the Hungry Hippos game. It has been so fun! We all laughed so much playing it together, and I love that Ella and Braden will play it together. I even don't mind sitting down to play few rounds with them. So fun!

I love this picture. Braden looks like he is standing in awe of the Christmas tree, which he truly should be. Marsha (Collin's mom) always does such a beautiful job decorating for the Holidays. She went all out this year with every corner of her home dressed for the occasion. Such a labor of love!

The whole family including Erica and Evelyn who came over for visit.

Next we headed to St.Louis.....

I think my mom was generally disturbed when she heard that Braden was wearing Ella's dress up clothes and was walking around in her high heels. At that moment, she was determined to get him some boy dress up outfits for Christmas. Now he is the cutest and most macho dinosaur, nemo, pirate and indian that you ever did see.

Yeah, fishing poles for everyone. Can't wait to use them at the lake!

Great time with our favorite cousin!

Beckett's first Christmas!

Wrapping Paper Scheme

2011-02-01T23:38:00.000-06:00

For some reason I love wrapping gifts. Every Christmas I really enjoy deciding a wrapping paper scheme each of my gifts. I loved how it came out this year with a little inspirations from going green. I went with just brown craft paper, red satin ribbon, large initial tags that were embossed with red glitter, and then red and white bakers twine. The bows were made from target bags. They were so fun and easy to make. Let me know if you want the tutorial of how to make them.

Christmas Part 4: Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-01-10T23:48:00.000-06:00

We made cupcakes, sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and then thanked Him for all of the blessings that He gives to us. Ella's cute comment later that night was, "Mom, how did God create everything in the world if He was just a baby?" I loved the way her mind works.

Christmas Part 3: Breakfast with Santa

2011-01-10T23:41:00.000-06:00

This will also become a yearly tradition for us! I randomly heard about this event and had no idea what to expect, but it was incredible. It was held at the Chateau and was more than I could have expected. We had so much fun, and the cost was worth it just even for breakfast at the Chateau.

They had a kid buffet, that was made just for the height of little ones to fix their plates. Ella and Braden loved being able to get their own food.

They also had every cereal that you could possible imagine, along with like 10 kinds of juices. So kid friendly! They also had a huge screen that was playing Christmas movies while you ate breakfast.

There were tables set up with wonderful "elves" that helped the kids make ornaments.

They also had clowns that did the greatest face painting I have even seen.

Braden was not crazy about getting his face painted (we ended up with just an ornament painted on his had), but he was so excited about the clowns that were making balloon art.

Ella's small dog in honor of her dog Izzy at home.

Braden could not have been happier with his sword, can you tell from his face! It kept him entertained for days.

The line for santa was incredibly long, too long for us to wait in. But the Chateau even had a huge table of coloring books and activities to do while you were in line for Santa. So clever!

Every child that saw santa got gifts, and they weren't cheap gifts. We didn't see santa but they were nice enough to still give us gifts. Ella got a huge princess velvet poster to color and Braden got a block set. I couldn't believe that each kid got a gift. Actually Ella cracked me up because after she finished eating, she bee lined away from me, so fast that I lost sight of her. I grabbed

Braden by the hand and started off after her, but it took me a couple of minutes to spot her. I was kind of getting frantic when I turned around and spotted Ella walking off the stage with a gift in her hand from seeing santa. I was shocked! Some how she managed to get herself onto the stage and sit on Santa's lap, tell him what she wanted from Christmas (roller skates and ice skates), all without waiting in the mile long line. I'm sure there were probably some parents who were infuriated and wondering whose child is that, as she butted in front of their child. That's my ella, fearless. All she knew is that Santa had arrived and she was going to see him. Hilarious!

Santa arrived at the Breakfast on an old fire truck they actually drove into the Chateau.

Christmas Part 2: Gingerbread House

2011-01-10T22:34:00.000-06:00

This will for sure become a new sparks family tradition each Christmas. I originally thought I would to make a the cookies and decorations from scratch, but I think that would have been a disaster. I bought the cutest kit from Walmart and I was really impressed with it. Now, I don't know why I would ever fuss with making it on my own (even though I am usually that person that tries).

Braden loved this but really just wanted to eat candy the whole time. It is hard to explain to a 2 year old, that m&ms are for decorations.

Ok, here is mom battling herself because the kids want to help decorate and I have to die to the fact that I want to make the house look perfect. Ooops

Making progress

Our institute adopted student and great friend Liz, joined us for the evening.

The finished product. Pretty cute!

This was not for the gingerbread house, but just a fun little moment. I made peppermint hot chocolate and needing help breaking up all the peppermints, so Braden grabbed his Handy Manny hammer, and Ella got the other one from his tool box and they went at it. I think we end up with more on the floor than in the pan and the plastic hammers were not quite strong enough to do much of anything, but it was fun to just let them bang all they wanted to!

Christmas Part 1

2011-01-09T00:22:00.001-06:00

We had a truly unbelievable Christmas season this year. I think it has been my favorite in a long time. It is such a fun time with Ella and Braden because they both at an age they can understand Christmas but yet are still not too consumed with just getting gifts. Everything is magical and wondrous for them. We really tried as a family this year to plan events to create memories and celebrate the true meaning of the season. Some of the highlights were going to Silver Dollar City (or Silver Dollar Silly as Ella calls it), putting up the tree, making a gingerbread house, learning about the Nativity, chocolate advent calendars, movie night, the polar express, Breakfast with Santa, and making birthday cupcakes for baby Jesus. So since I am still catching up on my blog posts I am going to have a few Christmas installments to help remember all the great times we had.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

I decided I wanted to start the tradition this year of giving each of the kids an ornament to remember the year by. This was the sweet picture to kick off this tradition. Ella got a fairy, because she is free spirited. loves fairies, dancing and all things princess. Braden got a truck because he loves trucks and it was one of his first words this year even though now he is talking so much. This is Beckett's first Christmas so he got a pair of baby shoes. Well...if I only had a picture to show only a few hours after this picture two out of the 3 ornaments were in pieces! Oh what super glue can do. Mom learned her lesson that breakable ornaments are not a good idea.

The Polar Express

We had the incredible opportunity to ride on the Polar Express train in Branson. We got to go with incredible friends and had such a great time. We all wore our pj's (just like the movie) and I was really impressed with how great of a job they did making it so fun and special for the kids.

Tickets....tickets please. They punched letters in the tickets just like the movie.

The staff came out to the "Hot Coco" song from the movie with cookies and coco for everyone.

We picked up Santa at the North Pole, he visited with each child and then gave them a bell from his sleigh. Ella was consistent all Christmas asking only for roller skates and ice skates.

Braden was terrified of Santa at first, but warmed up quick.

All the kids! The Rapps, Houstons, and Hampsch kiddos. We are so blessed to get to have all of these wonderful friends. I love that my kids get to grow up with each of these people.

Beckett was there too, he even dressed in his Christmas pjs. He just slept the whole time.

School friends!

Mom this post is for you!

2011-01-08T23:32:00.000-06:00

When I was little I have many memories of taking all the toys out of my toy box and then getting in and shutting the lid. My mom has told me many times about how I used to do this. Well aparantley my daughter is going to be just like me. This is the site I saw when I walked into her room. Ella was all prepared with her pillow in place and a flashlight for when she shut the lid. A little of her momma with the preparedness of her daddy!

Catch up #4 Thanksgiving

2011-01-08T23:22:00.000-06:00

We had an incredible thanksgiving with my family. They were gracious enough to come to Branson to be with us, so we were very thankful we didn't have to travel!

Braden was quite the cook! He gathered many of his plastic food toys, and was stirring them in a bowl.

Cooking with Nana

Beckett's first Thanksgiving! Thanks Nana for my outfit!

Kids Table

Fun with Cousins

Braden was hilarious! Do you notice how one eye is totally pressed down by the goggles, but that only make it all funnier.

Christmas Pjs for everyone

We kicked off Christmas with a trip to Silver Dollar City. It was a great way to kick off Christmas!

Our new playground! (Catch up #3)

2010-12-25T00:05:00.001-06:00

Thank you Nonnie and Papa for our wonderful playground! What an incredible present! It was a labor of love for my dad and mostly for Collin, but we finally got it put together.

Tatu's Birthday (Catch up #2)

2010-12-24T23:57:00.002-06:00

In October we got to headed to the Texas hill country in Austin to celebrate the birthday of Collin's mom. It was a wonderful weekend to be with family and to celebrate the incredible woman that Marsha is.

Clydesdales and carriage rides

Ella and Aunt Nat (the birthday party planner extraordinaire!)

Our cousin Ellen who is a wonderful photographer (check out her blog here The Lubbock Life) was so incredible to take some family pictures for us. Thank you Ellen!

My new favorite picture of Braden

My new favorite pic of Beckett

Major Catch Up! #1

2010-12-24T22:41:00.001-06:00

Ok, I have been so behind in blogging! I contemplated just passing over the last two months and just starting from today, but since one of the reasons I am writing this blog is to keep memories, I decided that I have to at least make an attempt to catalog some of the incredible things we have done this fall. I will keep the words short and let the pictures do all the talking. So here we go starting back in October. Bear with me, it might take awhile to catch up to december!

Our sweet friend Nay-Nay joined us for pumpkin carving. This was the first time we carved pumpkins with the kids.

Halloween - Ella was Ariel again this year. I fought her on it thinking she couldn't repeat what she was last year and then thought, why am I doing this, if she is the same thing I don't have to get a new costume. Braden was a pirate and Beckett was a monkey and a bumblebee.

Great Friends

2010-10-23T22:23:00.000-06:00

Recently, we had the biggest blessing of getting to spend two weeks with some of our best friends that are really like family. First we got to spend a week in Georgia at the Galloway's house. Then Katie, Rylie, and Jennifer came back to Branson with us for another week. I can't even begin to put into words how great it was to get to spend that much time with them! I treasure my friendship with Katie so much. She makes me want to walk closer with the Lord as I see how strongly she clings to Him. She is an incredible friend and mother. Ella also had the time her life getting to play with Rylie. I am praying that the Lord will keep their friendship strong for all of their lives!

Tuck in time with the girls. It was so fun to see them read books together and say prayers at night. Katie how are you always so photogenic!

Playing on the tire swing after taking a Jeep ride over to Laura's house.

The Galloways throw a great party. We had a bonfire one night complete with great fellowship, smores and incredible food!

Uncle Cam came to the bonfire and met Beckett for the first time!

Ella and Braden were so excited to see Uncle Cam. Don't worry we don't let Braden play with fire.

This is Ella and Rylie right after the looked for eggs in the Chicken coop. How incredible to have farm fresh eggs each morning.

One of the highlights of our week was getting to go for a ride on Cody the pony. Jennifer was so sweet to get him out and the kids loved it. Ella felt like a real cowgirl and her love for horses increased even more.

Rylie is practically a real cowgirl!

Ok, this picture is a huge triumph for Braden. When we first got to the house Braden was scared to death of their dog Tropper, and even more scared of the horses. I think it may have had something to do with the pig that bit him (see earlier blog post). Then when the pony came out and he realized he could ride it, Braden didn't hesitate for a moment to get on. He loved it! He went from not even wanting to get close to a horse to petting it and going for multiple rides.

This is Laura's son Grayson. Laura is an accomplished rider and Grayson is following right along in her footsteps.

This jeep can't go through the woods like Rylie's jeep at home, but the girls can drive this one themselves. I think I will save this picture and send it to them when they are 16.

Rylie and Ella had a sleep over one night at our house and we had to build a tent they could sleep in. Because we were building the tent, they went to bed kind of late and were so tired the next day, but I hope it was a great memory. There is something kind of magical about a few sheets draped overhead. This tent is dedicated to my Aunt Kathy who built the greatest tents for me and my cousins when I was little. I still have such fun memories of great tents and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Thanks Aunt Kathy!

Callie, Dru, Melissa, Hadley, Holland, Cat, Mylee, Katie, Rylie, Jennifer, Ella and myself all got to have a girls tea party together.

We went to Silver Dollar City (which Ella calls Silly Dollar City) our last day together. It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun with Rylie, Holland Houston, the Gregstons and Martha.

Rylie in the one room school house.

Ella went on her first Roller Coaster ride! She was just barley tall enough. She liked it the first time when she went with her dad and wanted to go again. Then mom went with her and we rode backwards. That might have been a bad idea. After that ride she said she was done with roller coasters...we'll see.

We packed a lot in to two weeks, and I only wish we had even more time together. We are praying the Lord will bring us together again soon!

Starbucks Date

2010-10-22T09:24:00.000-06:00

I had a great date this morning, hope Collin won't mind that I am dating other boys. The dress was casual....truck pajamas were totally acceptable. He made me feel comfortable because he had chocolate all over his face, so I wasn't worried if I spilled. The conversation was interesting but just small talk. Really it was small talk, all of his sentences were made up of just one or two words, yet he repeated them over and over to make sure I understood everything. He had a hot chocolate, but keep insisting that he was drinking coffee just like me. He laughed easily and really is into any kind of truck. He is a little shorter than me, but I think we will keep seeing each other! Ha! Here is a picture of my handsome man!

8 Weeks Old

2010-10-21T23:21:00.000-06:00

Beckett is 8 weeks old today! 2 Months still seems so like so little time, and yet it also feels like he has always been a part of our family. Here are some of my favorite things about this sweet little guy.

1. Watching him fall asleep in my arms.

2. His smiles!

3. His crazy hair! Do you cut a newborn's hair? Even just a trim? Send me your thoughts.

4. He is not the greatest sleeper at night, so to get him to sleep it often means having him fall asleep on my chest. It keeps me from sleeping well, but it is so sweet to feel him burrow his head and snuggle in to me.

5. He loves looking in the mirror. One of the places I change him has a mirror behind it and he could lay there all day.

6. He is just starting to recognize faces. It is so fun to feel like he knows his momma and smiles at me when he sees me. There is nothing better.

7. His blue eyes. He has blue eyes now, but I am not sure he is going to keep them because they are pretty dark. Braden has blue eyes just like his daddy, so I would love for Beckett to have them too. Blue eyes or not, he will be perfect.

8. He is patient. I feel like Beckett is so sweet, slow to cry, easily settled down, and patient with me as I have to make him wait sometimes when I am tending to the other kiddos.

9. Having him here has made Ella and Braden sweeter. Both kids have tried to be so helpful when he is crying. It cracks me up because they mimic what they have seen me do. It is pretty cute to see Braden next to Beckett saying, "shhh, shhh, shhh, baby it ok, it ok". They talk to him, sing to him, and love to try to snuggle with him (try being the key word, Braden lays his head on him and doesn't quite get how much bigger he is). I think Braden would try to wrestle with him, if turned my back.

10. He reminds me how blessed I am. Thank you Lord for my family!

First smiles and sweet prayers!

2010-10-13T21:37:00.000-06:00

Beckett is 6 weeks old and is smiling! He has always kind of smiled since he was born when he is half awake and half asleep, but now he is really looking at you and smiling because he sees you. It is the cutest thing ever. His first and second smile were to my good friend Katie and her mom Jennifer. I technically got his 3rd smile.
He has still been such a sweet baby. One of the things that I have prayed for is that he will be joyful, so it is so fun to see the first signs of this. It is hard to make him smile and take a photo so sorry these are not the greatest pictures.

Tonight when we put Ella to bed she had the sweetest prayer. Here is a condensed version of her prayer. "Thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Braden and Beckett. Help Beckett to not cry. Thank you God for Jesus, and dying on the cross, so that we didn't have to. I love you God, I love you God, I love you God, and God I wish that I could hear you. Thank you for our food. Help me to have sweet dreams. Amen"

Sweet Ella, she always makes me smile. It is prayers like this that remind me why God tell us to have child like faith. So simple but so amazing. Jesus thank you for dying for us and may we hear you! I pray the Lord would continue to pull her heart to His.

6 Week Check Up

2010-10-13T21:12:00.000-06:00

Today I had my 6 week check up at the doctor. Going to the doctor is always somewhat of an event, and today was no exception. It starts with finding a babysitter for the other two kiddos. (Thank you Denise!) Then you have to leave about an hour before the appointment because I have to drive to Springfield. Why doesn't Branson have more good doctors, can I get an Amen from my all my Branson sisters, ha! I start heading my appointment, and I am most always late, so I am driving watching the clock the whole way. I hurry all the way up there, only then to get to my appointment on time, but now have to wait for my doctor. It is a good thing I love my doctor so much, because the wait is ridiculous. So because of the drive and expected wait at the doctor, and a 3 hour nursing window, Beckett got to come with me. Today, once I finally got called back to the room to see the doctor, it had already been over an hour. This is when the comedy began. At my doctor's office they give you this paper drape to place over your lap, which always makes me laugh. It is never big enough to wrap fully around yourself, especially when you are pregnant. So all I can think about while I am waiting for the doctor to come in is that I feel like I will moon him when he walks in the door. So here I am today, trying to hold the drape to stay covered, yet Beckett has just woken up in his car seat across the room. (I'm sitting up on the table) Going to him means, tip toeing across the room, while holding the drape and hoping that the doctor doesn't walk in at that moment. Beckett's crying persists......still no doctor, so I had to go. Picture me with one hand holding the paper drape, while the other hand tries to get a binkie in his mouth, and then rock the car seat with one foot, all while looking over my shoulder and hoping the doctor doesn't come in. So I got Beckett calmed down, tip toed back to the table climbed up and.....he started crying again. So we started the whole process over. I debated do I go....listen for the doctor....no signs he is coming....nervously tip toe back.....rock, rock, cry cry, hold binkie, look over shoulder....get back as soon as I can. All the while I thought surely the doctor would come at any moment so I didn't think I could just hold Beckett. Well....after about 30 mins of this I had to pick him up. I got him calmed down, he fell asleep, I creeped back to his seat to put him down (one hand on baby , other holding drape. I tried to put him down one handed, this is much harder to do than I thought. Lost the drape, quickly rush back to the table, get covered up and.....Beckett wakes up. Begin again. So after about an hour of sitting uncomfortably on a table trying to be decent, my doctor comes in. The appointment last for about 15 mins, and Beckett is quiet the whole time. Hilarious. Thankfully no pictures included with this blog entry.

Saturday at the Sparks

2010-10-03T11:46:00.000-06:00

Our day yesterday started with Braden and Ella wanting to dress up like cowboys. Thanks to our wonderful Tatu, they both have the cutest boots that they love to wear. Ella is determined latley to ride a horse and asks me almost every day if she can. So we got all dressed up and then Ella wanted to go look for horses. I couldn't resist taking the first picture. What is cuter than a cowboy in chaps and a diaper!

Then in the afternoon our friends invited up to go to a pumpkin patch. Sarah Hurst was in town for a visit, her sister Katie, Angela, and Kara, all were sweet to go and help me with the kids. It was a beautiful fall day, just perfect for picking pumpkins. The farm was so cute and had slides, hay bales to climb on, a sand box of corn, animals to pet, swings, hay rides, and a corn maze. It was so cute and the kids loved it, all except for one hungry pig. I'll let the pictures explain. Here is the picture of all of us feeding two babies pigs. Braden is my hesitant, scared of everything child. So when I placed some corn in his hand, I never thought he would really feed the pig. To my surprise, he did with out any hesitation at all. Yeah, good job Braden....read on.

Then as Braden in being so brave, the pig bites his finger! It was biting so hard I had to pull Braden's finger out of the its mouth. Ahh! So the next picture is my consoling a traumatized Braden. He was ok, only a little blood. Good job mom, so much for helping Braden to be brave with animals. Ha!

Then after naps Aunt LaLa, Jen and Chris came over for a visit and brought us Pizza. You can't tell from the picture, but Beckett is wearing a onezie that says My Auntie Loves Me, that Aunt LaLa gave him. She and Jen are so incredible at loving my kids, and my kids love them. Thanks guys for the great visit, so good to be with you!

Hair Cut!

2010-10-01T08:25:00.002-06:00

Ella got her first drastic hair cut! Ever since the summer, Ella's hair has just seemed kind of stringy. We needed a change, but Ella has been insistent on wanting to keep it long. So I am not sure how we talked her into wanting to cut it, but one day she just decided she wanted it to touch her shoulders. We made the appointment and Ella couldn't wait to go. Collin took her to get it cut, so when I saw her walk in the door, it was such a fun surprise. She looks so much older! Lately she has just seemed so grown up. Ella loves the cut and has been so excited to show her friends at school. This morning at breakfast she said, "Mom when my hair gets long again, I want to cut it like this." Precious!

Before

After

bottle = a little freedom

2010-09-29T22:37:00.000-06:00

Beckett had his first bottle today! Ella would never take a bottle, Braden was pretty good and I was hoping Beckett would be also. He did great, took to it right away! Having a baby that will take a bottle is so nice for me because I am able to feel a little more free and have the ability to be gone more than a just a 3 hour window.

Beckett continues to be a sweet baby, I am so thankful for him and our family.

Here are some more recent pics.

Sparks Party of 5!

2010-09-23T16:18:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to now be a family of 5! We welcomed Beckett John Sparks to the world on August 26th. It is hard to believe but he is actually already 4 weeks old today! Wow, on one hand I feel like he has been part of our family for forever, and on the other hand I feel like I was just in the hospital yesterday.
He is precious and has been sweet since the moment that he was born. Life here has been crazy but also so good. It has been really fun for me to have a baby outside of kamp life and just get to be at home. I think because we have gotten to be at home, it has helped things to seem a little bit calmer. The transition to three kids has gone well, and really far better than I could have even expected. I have been so blessed with great help from Collin and the fun of us learning how to even be a stronger team together.

Ella and Braden are the sweetest big brother and sister. Ella is super helpful, gentle, patient, and so loving twoards him. I will find her sitting next to him just gently bouncing him and singing him a song, so precious. She has been quick to grab a diaper or help calm him if he is crying. I continue to look at her and am just so thankful for her sweet spirit. I was a little worried that Braden might have trouble with a new baby, but he has been incredible. He loves Beckett and wants to give him kisses any times he gets close to him. He always says, "Mamma, kiss baby's head?", asking if he can kiss the baby's head. Then he asks to kiss hands, feet, and anything else. He always and ends with "Kiss Mamma too", and gives me kisses. I love my sweet Braden, he is all boy, not very gentle, but has such a kind heart.

For delivery I was really praying that I would go into labor on my own, but that wasn't the case. I have big babies so my doctor is never keen on me going much over my delivery date. The morning that we went to the hospital was quite comical. We were supposed to be a the hospital at 7:00am, and we overslept! Ahh, who oversleeps the time you are supposed to go have a baby, strike one for us. It could have something to do with the fact that neither Collin or I had slept the night before. So the morning started kind of bad, and then my mood was like a 2 year old throwing tantrum. I was frustrated because I was really hoping to have gone into labor on my own during the night. So that morning I was disappointed and still didn't want to be induced. Collin and I drove to the hospital and of course to top things off got into a fight, strike two. I was a crying mess, and then just cried harder as I thought about that this was not be the way I wanted to remember the day. Then we got to the hospital and started to get checked in. The first nurse we had was awful and didn't seem helpful to work with us at all, strike 3. I was an emotional mess, and close to wanting to turn around and just go home. But, the Lord is so good! He tends to our needs so well, and cares for our heart. Our nurse came back in and told us her other patient was close to delivering so we were getting a new nurse, yeah! Our new nurses were incredible and made the whole experience great. One of our nurses was even a past friend that worked with us years ago at K-West. So then after that the day went great. My doctor only had to break my water and that was enough to get labor going. Collin was an incredible coach, helping me to think on other things besides the pain. He brought up sweet stories of our kids and even made me smile through some of the hardest contractions. I was so thankful to have him by my side. They broke my water around 10:00am and Beckett was born at 6:24pm. Even after having babies before, I was still so moved and in awe of the whole experience.

39 Weeks Today!

2010-08-17T10:52:00.000-06:00

Well today I am officially 39 weeks and it is our 8th Wedding Anniversary! Still waiting for baby, and not really having any signs that he is coming soon. Please pray that I don't have to be induced and that this baby isn't too big!
I also can't believe that Collin and I have been married for 8 years! I love getting to do life with my best friend.

The Swimming Sparks Family!

2010-08-17T10:35:00.002-06:00

On August 13th in many ways our summer just begins. The past two days have been two glorious days of summer for us. It has been so nice to not have an agenda or places that we needed to be.

First, we got to join my parents out at their lake house for the afternoon on Sunday. They have been working so hard every weekend on the lake house they are building. It is really coming along and it was so fun to see the progress that they have made. My younger brother Nicholas was in town from Arizona, and it was also great to see him. He is a pilot and if anyone knows of any good jobs for pilots, please pass them along!

They took a break to swim with us for a little while at the lake and it was so fun and relaxing. We swim with life jackets on, but Ella is still such a dare devil jumping off the dock. Braden loves the water but on this day was still terrified to let go of us. He had to have a hand clutching us at all times.

Our dog Izzy has also never ventured all the way into the water, but my brother Nicholas taught her how to swim and she loved it! This was a big milestone for her. I think this is going to be a great way to wear her out, yeah!

Yesterday, we also got to go to the K-Kauai pool. We had so many friends there! It was a beautiful day and just felt like a summer day. It was so fun to reconnect with people and see all the kids have so much fun together. Braden also swam on his own, such a difference from just a day before. He has always been terrified to let go of us, and he swam on his own with floaties. All of a sudden he just let go and said, "I do it." He would swim off on his own, and then turn back and say, "Momma I'm coming". It was so cute and I love getting to see Braden learning something new!

I promise to get some video to post soon.

We also then got to come home and make fresh pasta with tomatoes from our garden and we made fresh pesto from our basil. Yum! Ella has so much fun picking mint and smelling it. I love it, because I remember doing that as a kid from my mom's mint bush.

I love summer!

Sarah and Brad are Married!

2010-08-17T10:20:00.000-06:00

Sarah Bishop was on our leadership team at K-Kountry this summer as the Assistant Director. She juggled camp and planning a wedding all summer, and did a great job. We went to her wedding this past weekend and it was beautiful. Congrats to Brad and Sarah!

Kamp is Finished!

2010-08-17T10:10:00.001-06:00

It is bittersweet to close down camp at the end of the summer. Collin and I feel like we have run a marathon and just crossed the finish line! We hate saying goodbye to the kids and staff, but also look forward to getting back to just being a family. Especially this year with baby on the way!
We really feel so thankful for so many things this summer. Collin has said that this is his best year at kamp in 13 years, wow! We see how the Lord provided in so many ways! Safety, staff, great kids, a great leadership team, so many blessings! It really felt like a smooth summer. I wasn't sure what it would be like to go a whole summer being pregnant, but I did it and it wasn't so bad! Don't know if I would like to do it again, but.....I'm glad I don't have to think about that now. Once again I love getting to work with my husband and I am so proud of him. He is really a great director and I love getting to be under him and a team with him.
Here are some more highlights of the summer:
1. Great leadership team: Our team was really united and looked for ways to help and serve everyone. I loved the times that we laughed together, but then was great at getting things done. I am so thankful that they support us as a family and freed us up many times to be married and be parents. So thankful for all of you!
2. Great kidsitters: When my kids are happy, I feel so free to be able to be a better director. Thank you Sarah and Ashlyn for loving on our kids.
3. Walks with my husband: Every year we try to learn how to be married at kamp a little bit better. We have set many goals, and sometimes they work and sometimes we fail. This year we carved out a little time in the mornings to take a walk and it was glorious. It made me move and get a little exercise along with taking our neglected dog for a walk (poor Izzy). It was a great way to get on the same page and connect. At the end of the summer, Izzy even started to be able to come with us and not have to be on a leash. For Izzy this is huge! She doesn't come very well, so it was so fun to have her fun and stay by our side.
4. Tribal Night: I've already posted about it, but it was so fun to see my kids enjoy tribal so much, especially Ella.
5. Ella learning to swim: I can hardly believe how fun it has been as a mom to see Ella accomplish such a great thing. Hats off to James Grimmer, he for sure was the turn around in Ella's swimming. She gained confidence and the skills needed to take off from there. She is adventuresome and fearless, and I love to see how those qualities have gone into her swimming. I am just so proud of her.
6. Golf Cart Rides: What would my kids do without a golf cart? They love to take rides around camp.
7. Hearing Braden learn to talk more: He is a non stop talker now. He loves to talk and really wants to be heard. He repeats things over and over until you repeat it back to him and he is sure that you have understood. Sometimes a little annoying, but fun to hear him express his world.
8. Seeing Kamp embrace our kids and our kids embrace kamp: Ella and Braden are the king and queen on camp. They both walk around saying hi to everyone, and everyone knows them. Sometimes this can be too much, as they both learned how to tell kids to go away, but they also love it at times. They get loved on by everyone.
9. Both kids birthday parties: So fun, everyone helped to make both of them so special.
10. Having a garden at kamp: I loved getting to have a garden for K-Kountry this summer. We learned alot, and I will do many things different next year, but I loved having fresh herbs, tomatoes, and zucchini share with kamp. There is something so gratifying about picking something that you have grown, and then being able to eat it.
11. Ok, more to come but this is all I can think of now. Feel free to add comments with any of your highlights!

Two Little Indians

2010-08-05T08:58:00.000-06:00

Our Tribal ceremony has been magical not only for campers but also for my kids. Ella loves getting dressed up and joining in. She has done such a good job being quiet when she needs to be, and listening to directions. Her favorite part is going to see "Big Chief". This last time Braden got to stay up late too and join in. He was so cute! He let us paint him up and was even great about wearing the headdress. Big Chief called all of us to join him for the beginning of the ceremony and there was something so magical and sweet about it. Collin and I still have many moments during tribal that we laugh that we have college degrees and it is our job to be dressed like an Indian! Ha! A 9 month pregnant indian is an especially funny sight to see, but we love it!

Back to School Bash

2010-08-03T17:57:00.000-06:00

We can hardly believe that people are already talking about going back to school. I still feel like summer is just starting. I guess that is because in some ways our summer starts on August 12th once kamp ends. Either way 1st Baptist Church threw a great back to school party. Sarah our great kidsitter took the kids for a really fun outing.

Summer Days

2010-08-03T17:16:00.000-06:00

Nothing beats being a kamp kid. Only at kamp can you play in a sprinkler, jump on a tramp and fly high in a harness all at the same time! Last week one of my best friends came to kamp for a visit. Ritchey Cable brought some of his youth group to volunteer at K1, and so Melissa got to hang out a little bit while he was here. The all of our kids had a blast hanging out together, and it was so good to catch up with Mel a little bit.

Sophie, Parker, Cooper, and Braden

Melissa was the champ and pulled all the kids in the harness

Braden and Sophie, they are only about 6 weeks apart.

Flower Girl

2010-08-03T17:04:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago Ella had the honor of getting to be a flower girl in our dear friends wedding. The Tanners and my parents have been friends since their high school days. Now all of us kids alongs with the Tuepkers have all grown up together. The Tanners daughter Lindsey got married in St.Louis and the wedding was beautiful. Ella and her cousin Hannah were two of the flowers girls. Congrats Lindsey and Matt!

Once again, Ella danced the night away!

Birthday Wheels

2010-08-03T16:46:00.000-06:00

Ella and Braden both got some new wheels for their birthdays. Both Grandparents spoiled the kids with some great new toys. Tatu got Ella her very first big wheel and Nana got Ella and Braden a power wheels Jeep. Needless to say they have both been such a hit this summer! The first couple of days that they had the jeep Ella and Braden told everyone they saw that they got a new car. All they wanted to do was drive it each day. Thanks grandparents!

The big reveal

Braden can't believe his eyes!

Here we go

Our cousin Hannah spent the day with us and Kamp, the girls love to play together.

Our friend Laurel was also with us at Kamp that day. Loved hanging out with you Laurel!

I'm a big girl on my big wheel! Pretty soon she is going to be flying down our drive way like her daddy used to do!

Swim Lessons

2010-07-23T23:19:00.001-06:00

Today seemed like a monumental day in the lives of our kids. Braden got another haircut and didn’t even shed one tear. I think mom and dad are becoming wiser on how to make it a pleasant experience for him.

Ella also had her first swim lesson today! James Grimmer works here in town for K-life and during the summer has also been teaching swim lessons. He was gracious enough to fit us into his busy schedule and I have been so excited to have Ella learn more about swimming. She loves the water. Just two days ago she jumped of the diving boards by herself for the first time, and she has really been practicing going under water. She is so eager and has really improved this summer, but needed a few more techniques.

Ella, in her wonderful eagerness and full of life fashion, literally jumped right in to lessons. She was in the water before James could even tell her to jump. She is fearless! I stayed at the pool and watched from a distance on top of the bleachers. I felt like such a cheezy mom because I kept watching her and tearing up! She did so good. She listened, tried so hard, and even when she swallowed water, she just kept trying again and again. The smallest successes like watching her jump in by her self and then swim back to the wall, just made me well up with pride. I also got emotional just realizing how big she is getting. I thought for sure at the end of the lesson she would be exhausted, but she only wanted to keep swimming.

I feel so blessed to have her as my daughter, and today was one of those moments I don’t want to forget. I didn’t take any photos but I will at the next lesson.

Way to go Ella!

Great Read!

2010-07-13T14:46:00.001-06:00

I just ran across this blog post from a K-Kountry session 1 counselor. Emily Crane posted her thoughts on her time at K-Kountry and I don’t think any one could have described K-Kountry from a staff perspective any better! It is an incredible read and reminded me again how much the Lord uses this place to impact kids lives and all of our staff as well. For those of you who don’t really know what I do in the summer, this is a great window into my job.

http://www.emilyanncrane.blogspot.com/

A Summer Night

2010-07-12T22:20:00.002-06:00

We had such a fun night tonight just enjoying summer! Our garden is doing incredible, so to start the night I got to make some fresh summer squash and zucchini for a few of our staff. How fun to cook with things out of the garden. I had no idea how much zucchini and squash a few plants could provide!

Today Sarah (our incredible kid sitter!) and the kids found a small baby turtle. Ella immediately named it “Sparky”, hilarious that she picked that as its name. Ella loved the turtle and would even touch it, which is a big improvement over last year, but Braden was terrified of it. He loved to watch it and have other people touch it, but he did not want to get close to it. We kept it until after dinner and then Ella decided it needed to go back to its momma. So we all went down to the slu to release it together. It was so cute to watch Ella and Braden wave goodbye to the turtle.

Next we headed over to a wild blackberry bush at the bottom of the K-Kountry fields and picked blackberries. So yummy and really summery!

Free Sparky!

Sarah and Sparky

One more close up look

Go Sparky, Go!

Picking Blackberries

Yes that is me and my big belly that seems to get in the way of everything, even pictures!

Braden was mostly being a boy and just hitting the bush with a stick.

Sweet Braden giving sister kisses on the golf cart ride home.

4th of July

2010-07-05T18:20:00.002-06:00

Collin stated last night that yesterday was maybe his most fun day at kamp in 12 years. It was really an incredible day. I have to say that I was a little bit sad going in to the day to not be at the lake with my family. My family always comes in for the 4th of July and for as long as I can remember we have celebrated it by being at the dock all day. That means I don’t think I have ever had a 4th of July in kamp. But this year my family was in Europe for vacation. Although, we did have family here because the Tuepkers were so gracious to invite us to spend the day with them. They are our extended family, and we have always spent the 4th of July with them too. We did miss being at the lake with everyone, but it was a really fun day in kamp.
One funny story from the day. Ella was trying to take a nap with Ashlyn our kidsitter and was bouncing all over the place. Ashlyn said “Ella you are like a mexican jumping bean.” Ella looked at Ashlyn and said, “Ash I’m an American jumping bean.” Obviously she was taking the American pride thing very seriously!
Here are some more highlights from the day.

Our whole family after we finished the K-Kountry parade. We got to ride on a 4-wheeler and Ella through candy. She felt like the star of kamp once again. Braden just loved the 4 wheeler!

This is Ashlyn who has been our great kidsitter for the last 6 weeks.

Watching Dad set off Roman candles.

Ella’s first sparkler. Braden held one too, but I was a little more nervous with him and a sparkler.

Ella’s First S’more

2010-07-02T16:29:00.001-06:00

Tribal night has become such a fun night with Ella. She has started to love getting dressed up with me to do the Indian ceremony. It’s hilarious because she refers to Collin all night as “Big Chief”, and asks when we get to go see “Big Chief”. It is fun to see experience the magic of the night through her eyes, and she really does a great job. She gets all painted up and stays totally quiet when she is supposed to. How many 4 year old have parents that dress up like Indians. Ha! And, me a pregnant Indian, really funny and kind of crazy. This time after Tribal “Big Chief” decided he wanted some family s’more time and it was so fun.

I can’t believe that it took 4 years, but Ella has now had her first s’more. Her reaction cracked me up, because she really didn’t like it that much. She didn’t like that it was sticky, and she really just wanted the chocolate, who can blame her. All around great memory and another time I feel so blessed to have my whole family get to experience kamp.

Ella and Katie. I have such sweet friend that are great at loving my kids.

The incredible K-Kountry girls leadership team minus Jana and Liz, don’t know why they are not in this pic.

First Fruit From the Garden

2010-07-01T13:38:00.002-06:00

We decided to try a garden at K-Kountry this year. It has been so fun to watch it grow and really to learn about something brand new. We know there will be much trial and error to come, but so far it has been fascinating to watch things grow and really fun for the kamp. Today was a big day as we picked our very first yellow squash and one green pepper. My dream is to have many things that the campers can help pick, but we might have a long way to go for that. Here are some beginning pictures and then some that I took today. The zucchini is taking over, ha!

Herbs and the beginning of the squash and zuchinni

Peppers and Tomatoes

I love having fresh herbs. This is the before picture they are so much bigger now.

Our blueberry bushes did great. We probably got about 150 blueberries this year.

We had a rabbit eat our potato plants to the ground. I was so surprised when we dug them up to actually find potatoes. They were small but really tender and yummy.

Ella picked our first squash.

Herbs are overflowing, yeah!

First cherry tomatoes

The zucchini is taller than Ella!

Ella took this picture with our first green pepper, I don’t even like green pepper, but it is so fun to grow them.

Ella's 4th Birthday

2010-06-30T15:04:00.004-06:00

I can hardly believe it but yesterday Ella turned 4! Why is it that 4 sounds so much older than 3? She seems so big to me and I can't believe how time has flown by. This is our little girl that we prayed and prayed for. She felt like a miracle baby after after we had some losses. Now, she is 4, Braden is 2, and we can't wait to meet our 3rd precious baby. Wow, God is so good!

Ella is our tender hearted, sweet, and loving girl. She is full of life and is often fearless. She makes me smile daily and is such a blessing. She is a delight and we have had 4 years full of joy with her. God blessed Collin and I with the greatest blessing on June 29, 2006.

Ella has been planning her party for months. Every trip to a store added another present to her list of what she wanted. Thank goodness she didn't remember everything she asked for. It was a great excuse to explain why we couldn't buy something she wanted, I have no idea what I will say now.

Ella had asked for a princess Ariel swim party continuously and has never wavered, so that is what we did. Once again I feel so blessed for my kids to get to have such amazing birthdays here at camp. Everyone goes out of their way to help and love on my kids! Thank you to all of my wonderful help, I couldn't have done today without you, and thanks to everyone who came and made it so fun! Katie, I love party planning with you! Maybe there is a future business for us! ha!

Getting ready for the big day

Ella getting the birthday rap sung to her

The best daddy ever!

The Party! It turned out to be so magical. It was an under the sea theme, with real fish, bubbles, sea shells, balloons, and yummy food. It almost felt like you were under the sea when you walked in the tent.

The loot! Ella is so blessed!

Mylee and Claire coloring Ariel

Pass the treasure game. Fun for big and little kids!

I had to give up on making the cake, too busy. Thank you walmart! It was so cute and tasted great!.

This was probably my favorite part of the party. I made mermaid towels for each of the girls to take home as a favor along with a pair of flip flops. They looked so cute in them! I think every girl needs one of these!

The boys got gold fish and swords to take home.

Ella and Braden dressed for the Around the World party tonight.

Close up of Ella's Birthday Shirt

The last picture before bed. So thankful for this girl!

Braden Got a Hair Cut

2010-06-30T14:54:00.000-06:00

Braden's hair always makes me laugh. Whether it is long or short, it sticks staight up. Most of the time it is just crazy, and he is the fuzzy headed boy that I love. This is also because he hates hair cuts. It never fails that he gets hair all over him, then rubs his face, gets itchy, and pretty soon the battle is on. He just screams and then covers his head with his hands. The only thing that has come to help is bribery with popsicles and m&ms. A buzz works a little bit better because its fast. So I am pretty sure, Braden's head will be buzzed for quite some time. I always think he looks a little bit like a military kid when we are done but after it grows for a couple of days, he is so cute!

Before.....

...and after!

If you look close you can see his mouth is blue from m&ms....bribery is great!

Braden loves his shades. Thanks Nonnie!

Braden is 2!

2010-06-07T22:25:00.003-06:00

I can hardly believe it but, on June 4th, my binkie loving, blue blanket toting little boy turned 2! This past year it has been so fun to see even more of Braden's personality come out. He is all boy as you will be able to tell from the pictures. He loves to wrestle, play ruff, find sticks, trucks, and also he is the best snuggler. I am praying our next boy will love to snuggle too. Braden has always had a stronger will, but at the same time is makes your heart melt when he lays on your shoulder after he throws a tantrum. Ha! He loves to laugh and to make other people laugh. He is such a joy and I love seeing how this little man is growing up.

Both of my kids birthdays are during kamp and I am determined to still give them an incredible party in spite of things being crazy with kamp life. So far they are the most blessed kids ever to have kamp birthdays. Our leadership team along with many others showers them with love and go all out to make the parties memorable. Thanks guys!

One of Braden's most favorite words is truck. Car trips with him are hilarious because he yells truck over and over again every time he sees any form of a truck. So a theme for his 2nd birthday part was easy to come up with. We celebrated with all things truck and construction. We had hard hats, power tools, street signs, shovels, stop lights, orange cones, and the highlight of the party was the real backhoe! Braden loved getting to see so many truck things at this party! Happy Birthday Braden, we are so blessed to have you as our son!

The benefit of helping mom cook, cake batter!

All my helpers, including Ashlyn our great kidsitter!

The final product!

Ella in her party outfit

The birthday boy!

He was so happy driving, he really didn't want to get out.

Braden loves to play in the sink, so he got his own. He didn't even want to leave it to eat cake!

Thanks to everyone who made it so special!

Miss you Jamie Jo!

2010-06-07T20:45:00.002-06:00

My sweet friend Jamie Jo and her husband run an incredible camp called Kivu. Camp Kivu is located in Colorado and offers incredible leadership training along with many options of adventure sports. Here is a quick excerpt from the Kivu website:
"As the Directors of KIVU Andy and Jamie Jo have BIG dreams to help teenagers learn valuable life lessons as they experience the Creator inside the boundaries of the Creation. Rock Climbing, Backpacking, Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, River Rafting, and a program on Vallecito Lake make KIVU an exciting, adventurous place for any teenager.

Jamie and Andy have such a gift at raising up a purposeful generation for Christ. Check out Camp Kivu website to learn more.

Jamie Jo has also been one of my biggest supporters in life and my fun crafts. She just sent me this great photo of her and Callie wearing the Africa shirts and headbands I made for them! Thanks so much!

Thank you Tatu and Poppy!

2010-06-07T20:34:00.001-06:00

Moving out to kamp is one of the craziest time of our whole year. This year Collin's mom (otherwise know as Tatu), was so gracious to come and help take care of the kids for a two weeks. She did everything from take care of my kids to plant flowers. She is always a joy to the entire kamp and strives to find ways to serve. Tatu, I couldn't have done it without you! Collin's dad got to also join us the last weekend of Staff Training. He too jumped in to help during the time he was at Kamp. He even got an awful case of poison ivy because he was cutting back brush for us! I'm so sorry! We love you Tatu and Poppy! Thanks for being great grandparents!

K-Kountry Western Night

2010-06-07T20:22:00.001-06:00

During our staff training week we had a western night which always proves to be a favorite night for everyone. We have a square dance association in Arkansas, that is always so great to bring many of their members to teach the staff how to square dance. There were many great moments of Staff training week, but seeing my whole family dressed in cowboy attire was definitely a blog worthy moment. Braden and Ella looked so cute in cowboy hats!

My two Handsome Cowboys!

I don't remember why he was upset, but he still is so cute!

Summer's Here!

2010-06-06T18:56:00.002-06:00

Well, Kamp actually started awhile ago, but I am just now getting to blog about it. We officially moved out to K-Kountry May 19th and have been here ever since. Things have been CRAZY, but also so good. I have been so blessed to have wonderful help with my kids and the whole transition. Both kids have loved being back out here and have even adjusted well to sharing a room. Even though we have been going non stop Collin and I feel so blessed to get to do what we do. Our staff has been amazing and it is great to have kids here again!

This is our new pool deck and fence! It looks fabulous!

More Projects!

2010-06-03T23:02:00.004-06:00

These are onesies that I finished a little while ago for my new friend Carol. She ordered these for baby gifts adn I had so much fun working on them. She picked out the onesies and then I got to embellish them. Thanks so much for letting me work on these. I hope you and the moms you are giving them to, love them!

Healing is in Your Hands

2010-05-13T22:03:00.006-06:00

If you haven't heard the new passion CD yet, I would highly recommend it.

I have always been a huge fan of Christy Nockels, and once again her new song has quickly become the song that I play on repeat throughout my day. The song is called "Healing is in Your Hands". Reading the words is nothing like hearing the song, but for the sake of reference here they are.
Verse 1

No mountain

No valley

No gain or loss we know

Could keep us from Your love

Verse 2

No sickness

No secret

No chain is strong enough

To keep us from Your love

Chorus

How high

How wide

No matter where I am Healing is in Your hands

How deep

How strong

Now by Your grace I stand Healing is in Your hands

Verse 3

Our present

Our future

Our past is in Your hands

We're covered by Your blood

Bridge

In all things we know that

We are more than conquerors

You keep us by Your love

I am so struck by this song and the many reminders of the God that we serve. How amazing that we serve a God that loves us so deeply and that we can never be separated from His love. No trajedy, no powers of men, nothing can take us from His love. In all things we are covered by His blood, and by His blood we have life.

My favorite part of the song is at the end when she sings "In all things, we know that we are more than conquerors, you keep us by Your love." Wow! I have so many times in my life that I can see I have been able to be a conqueror because of Christ keeping my by His love. There are also the times like right now that my heart is burdened for dear friends and family that have great prayer requests. Also, camp officially started yesterday, and my heart can easily feel overwhelmed and burden. But how great is it to know, we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS! So I hope wherever your heart is today you can be encouraged, knowing that we serve a great God, we are covered by His blood, and that in Him we can have victory and hope over this life and its trials.

More Wedding Pictures

2010-05-11T08:21:00.004-06:00

Pre Wedding with Uncle Cam and Kate the other flower girl

The beautiful bride and Ella

She was in the middle of the whole dance floor just doing her thing!

Center of attention and loving it!

The second she stopped dancing she fell asleep

Cameron and Melissa's Wedding

2010-05-10T21:50:00.005-06:00

This past weekend we traveled to Chattanooga, TN for Collin's brother's wedding. What an incredible wedding! Everything was beautiful down to the last detail. It was so fun to be together with family and celebrate Cameron and Melissa's love for each other. I didn't get many pictures of the wedding, but their photographer's blog has a small preview. http://contemporaryportraits.blogspot.com/

Thank you to the Sparks for an incredible rehearsal dinner, to the Fain's for a beautiful weekend, and to my parents for making the drive and helping us with the kids!

As much as I loved getting to see them happily enter into wedding bliss, I have to say a highlight for me was getting to see my precious daughter as a flower girl. Ella has been looking forward to getting to do this for weeks. Every night she would ask me if she could put on her dress, and she proudly announced to anyone that would listen that she got be go to a wedding and wear her white dress with a green sash. This is her second time to be a flower girl and I really think she thinks the weddings are more about her than the bride and groom. She feels like a princess, and its the cutest thing ever. With a 3 year old there is always a little bit of an unexpectedness in what they will do, but it seems as if Ella understands the specialness of the event is on her best behavior.

At both weddings I got weepy watching her walk down the aisle in her little white dress, because in my head I flash forward to her wedding someday. Lord, help me soak in these sweet days of her being little because I am sure that day will seem like it will come too fast!

There is also no doubt that Ella is a dancing queen! The moment we walked into the reception, she hit the dance floor and never wanted to leave. She is the girl in the middle of the dance floor with everyone making a circle around her, and she loves it. She would hardly stop dancing even to eat cake! In fact she didn't stop dancing until about 11:00. Then, she sat in my lap for 30 seconds, and was out the moment she sat still.

I was so proud of how great she did and how sweet she was the whole night even when she was tired.

She gets to be a flower girl for two more weddings this summer, and she is already so excited!

Orders Shipped!

2010-05-10T17:07:00.003-06:00

This post is a little late, but I am excited to announce that I shipped out my first set of orders last week! I had so much fun working on each of these and appreciate everyone who sent in an order. So to Jamie Jo, Jane, Stevie, Sarah, Carol, Lindsay, Amy, Jenny, Angela, Joey....and many more, THANK YOU! Hope you love them!

Below is a picture of one of my favorite new items I have made. It is a T-Shirt with the shape of Africa for Jamie Jo Braner. Their family has adopted a boy and a girl from Africa and continue to be an example to me and so many others about the power of adoption. I was so excited to make this shirt in honor of Gabby and Tiki who are two incredibly special kids.

Crazy but Good

2010-05-02T21:09:00.006-06:00

This weekend was for sure crazy, but so fun. This weekend about 12 families from the neighborhood had a garage sale. This spring sale has become some what of a tradition taking place for the last 4 years. This year by far seemed like our largest sale yet. (Ashley thanks for opening your home and garage to us!) I always seem to forget how much work it is to put on a garage sale. After wind, rain, moving tables, folding clothes, early mornings and two long days, I think we all made enough to go out to dinner. Yeah! I for sure would second guess doing all of it again, except I love the fellowship with my friends! So to Bronwyn, Melissa, Ashley, Jennifer, Callie and Lindsay, good job and it was great to be with you all. And Melissa I just want to say you are not a big girl! Ha!

We had so many clothes!

Ella trying on some merchandise

This weekend I also got the honor to help host a baby shower for Lindsay and Baby girl Todd! I am so excited for the Todd's first baby and can't wait to get to meet her! Lindsay and G.T. we are praying for you guys!

Below are some fun things I got to make for the shower. I love making baby gifts!

Gorillas and Indians

2010-04-30T19:31:00.004-06:00

Collin claims that one of the first moments he fell in love with me was actually when we were at K-West setting up for a huge island themed party. The set up was so intense that it took a few days to get everything ready. There was scaffolding, power sprayers, tiki torches, wading pools, and a huge inflatable gorilla. The gorilla was like one that you would see on a car lot. It was big enough that everyone walked underneath its legs to enter the party. Well, minutes before one of the parties started everything was ready, and then our gorilla suddenly sank into the ground in a deflated pile of fabric. The seam had ripped all the way up the back, so it wouldn't hold air. Everyone's spirits deflated also, as it seemed one of the main parts of our party was ruined. Well....I happened to have a needle and thread in my cabin and after a couple of quick stitches the gorilla was back up, and the party saved. Who ever knew that knowing how to sew would be able to save a 30ft gorilla.

I should have known that would be an omen for the rest of my time working at kamp and the nutty things that I would continue to get to do. The other night Collin and I found ourselves sewing indian costumes and loin cloths. I like to sew, but really who knew I would be making indian costumes. This came after I spent the day running around looking for fabric and indian themed trims while the people in fabric stores looked at me like I was crazy. Just another snap shot into the life of a kamp directors. My job allows me to do everything from dressing up like a princess, sewing loin cloths, to leading kids to Christ. Crazy fun!

Everyday Wonderful

2010-04-30T19:05:00.003-06:00

I feel like as a mom some of the main things I want to remember are the every day common things that are so precious. It is the sweet little comments, times of laughter, even begging my kids to finish there dinner, that I know someday I will miss. Ok, maybe not spending an hour to try get my kids to just take a couple of more bites. Overall, it is the small things that my kids do that bring me so much joy. As I write this Braden is running laps around the island in the kitchen. When he passes me he comes and gives me a hug, then runs off for another lap. So precious! Here a couple of the things that seem to happen every night in our house that I just love!

Snuggle time with Dad as he watches the news. One of Collin's favorite things is to get to watch the evening news every night. Many times he is gracious to DVR it and watch it late at night once kids are in bed because it can be too crazy at 5:30. But I love when he does watch it early and each of the kids will snuggle with him and watch Diane Sawyer!

After dinner each night somehow both kids end up tackling Dad in what ensues as a long wrestling match. The laughter is incredible and Collin usually ends up out of breath from chasing kids around the room. So fun!

Another fun moment was yesterday at dinner, Ella looked at us and said "Mom I don't like my nose." Confused about where on earth she would ever get the idea that she didn't like her nose, I asked her questions to figure out what she was really talking about. She continued to say she didn't like the way her nose looked on her face and that she wanted to change it. Immediatly I started thinking, Oh no my 3 year old already is facing issues with being self conscience. I start to tell her how she is perfectly made, beautiful in every way.......when she responds, "Mom I think I want an elephant nose instead." She then explains how great it would be to have a long trunk that can squirt water. I just start laughing so thankful for her innocence and creative imagination!

T-Shirts and Headbands!

2010-04-29T16:40:00.009-06:00

One of the main reasons that I started a blog is because I love to craft and I wanted a place I could show some of the things that I have made. I am also in desperate need of a new couch so I thought maybe I could take some of the things that I have made and turn them into a new living room. So below you will find the items that I have available right now. I have so many more fabrics and ideas, so keep checking back for new things. I can also do anything custom, if you would like to make a request for something different than you see. If you would like to order anything please post a comment or let me know at rachel@kanakuk.com

Reversible Headbands: $10.00

Made with super comfortable headbands that can be worn all day. Easily reversible just by twisting fabric. The pictures show 2 headbands to illustrate both sides of the fabric. The top of the headband measure 2 inches, and then tapers down to 1 inch at the ear.

#7 (not reversible)

Tie Headbands: $10.00

Super comfy and cute to add a pop to any outfit. The widest part of the headband measures about 2 inches, and then tapers down to an inch where it ties.

V-Neck T-Shirts: 12.00

These are available in small, medium, and large right now but I can do any special sizes needed. I have many more designs to come, or feel free to ask for something custom.