A man in a balloon and a haircut...

This weekend we headed downtown with some friends and this is what we saw. Kelly, from the Balloon Closet, climbed inside a giant balloon. Does it remind anyone else of Willy Wonka??

Oh, and I also got ahold of some scissors and began chopping at my daughter's hair. Poor girl. If I dressed her in blue I really think she might pass as a boy. It's a good thing hair grows, and lucky for her, next time I am pretty sure I'll be calling Sandi (she cuts hair).

I'm back...

Wow! I'm back and even after a week and a half, I still feel like I don't have much to say. However, I will press on and fill you in on our current happenings.

We are still working on the potty training and have had many successes. Hannah likes her "big girl potty" and has used it many times, now it's just time for mommy to get her act together and be more consistent. I'm not sure I'm ready to attempt having a diaperless child and a 6 week old. Just the thought of that stresses me out, so for now I'm just thankful we've fostered a "love" for the potty in our little girl.

This past Sunday we went boating with Sue and Dennis (Grams and Gramps). Hannah loved every minute of our time on the lake, and Gideon slept. It was the perfect day out for the family, and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of my 6 week hiatus from swimming.

Monday we spent the day in Bella Vista with family, enjoying the pool, dominos and hamburgers on the grill. Aric had to work, but at least we were close by for a change, so he was able to join us during his lunch hour, and for the evening. If only we lived closer so we could see daddy more often every day.

Tuesday it was just Gideon and me here at the house. Hannah spent the night in Bella Vista so her Grandma and Grandpa could take her swimming a couple more times. I couldn't believe how hard it was to leave her with them over night. When I got home and saw her empty bed and realized that we didn't have a little girl to pray with and tuck in that night, I had a wave of sadness rush over me. The family is definitely not complete when one of us is gone. Needless to say, even though I got a lot done on Tuesday, I'm so glad she's back at home with us. The house is just not the same without her sweet little voice and endless chatter.

Wednesday we went to the park and played.

Thursday we got a new roof on our house. It looks so much better. Our for sale sign will go up again very soon. Just a few finishing touches and the house will be back on the market again.

And that brings me to today. I promise to write more often than I have been, but for now I have to go. Gideon just woke up crying, and Hannah is in her room, knocking on her door saying, "I'm coming!"... that's my cue to get off this couch and get back to motherhood. There are little mouths to be fed and minds to engage.

The "BIG GIRL POTTY"

Well, just before nap time today we had the first of what I hope to be many successes on the "BIG GIRL POTTY!" After all the time we spent in there yesterday, it was a cause for great celebration when Hannah, after a few tears and lots of encouragement, finally decided to give in and "poopy" in her potty chair. Yay for Hannah!

A beautiful Sunday morning!

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Yesterday Tad's sermon was from the book of Ephesians. He focused on God's GRACE. Not only do we not deserve this grace, but we cannot earn it either. (Ephesians 6:1 - For by GRACE you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT OF GOD.)

Praise the Lord for this saving Grace, and His never-ending work in our lives!

**These are some pictures we took before church on Sunday. It was beautiful outside, and I just couldn't pass up a good opportunity to capture our family and our sweet little girl in her Sunday dress. It was quite a surprise that she was dressed up AND that we managed to keep both pig-tails and both bows in her hair.**

Our kiddos...

Meet our precious children.  Hannah Kate is 19 months old, and is a spunky little toddler who is constantly surprising us.  She's quite the chatter box and keeps us laughing.  What a joy she is to have running around our home.  Gideon Luke is our newest addition.  He's 5 weeks old today and already I can't imagine our lives without him.  He is definitely all boy, and we are looking forward to each new day with him as his personality begins to unfold and reveal itself.   We are so thankful that God has chosen to use us to raise these two blessings, and we pray that His grace will abound and that Hannah and Gideon will grow up to know, love, and serve their Lord.    

Finding encouragement...

As I sit here and read the blogs of others, I am encouraged by their lives, and their heart for the Lord, even in the midst of horrible situations - like cancer, death, etc.  It makes me wonder if my response would be the same.  Could I still give God the glory amidst the pain and suffering?  I hope so.  

That is one of the reasons I have chosen to start this blog.  Not because I think I have anything of importance to say, and it definitely has nothing to do with being an eloquent writer, which I clearly am not.   I am writing in hopes that I can share my precious family with others, and in doing so maybe bring a little joy and encouragement to someone else.  I pray that my words will reflect Jesus, and that through this blog and our stories, I will learn to always have an attitude of thanksgiving and praise for all the Lord has given me.