Rockland Youth

Aaron & I have been serving as youth leaders at Rockland UMC for the last four months. This Sunday we shared our last meeting with them as we are being called to other ministry at this time. Our time with the girls has been a fun and exciting time. We have learned so much about each of them and have been amazed at the work the Lord has been doing in their lives. In this short time they have taken steps to search deep within themselves to cling closer to Him in new ways. They are beginning to seek after Him with honest hearts, and Aaron & I couldn't ask for more. We are so proud of you girls, and will be praying for you to only follow closer to Him.

Dad's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Gramps!

My dad celebrated his 52nd birthday on the 27th. We celebrated by eating lunch at Jim & Nick's that afternoon. Mom made monkey bread to celebrate the occasion, so you know we all had a huge helping. Dad - you are a huge inspiration to us and we love you very much. Thanks for all you do for us, and for being such a great Gramps to Levi! We love you!

A Holly Jolly Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. Aaron & I were both really excited this year because it was Levi's first Christmas. It was our opportunity to begin family traditions of our own and put a real focus of Christ. We have been trying to find ways to teach Levi that Christmas is about Jesus, not Santa and presents, and make it fun and exciting all at the same time. We spent much of the holidays with family. We spend part of Christmas Eve with Aaron's family and the other part with my mom's extended family. We had lots of yummy treats and many laughs thanks to charades with Aaron's family.

Christmas morning was awesome! Aaron & I cooked a delicious breakfast and then we read the Christmas story. Levi was so cute opening his gifts. He was always more interested in eating the wrapping and tissue paper than the toy itself. Between grandparents and aunt & uncles, Levi totally racked up. He got lots of fun toys and some really cute clothes. He loves all his new trucks and toys, especially the ones that make lots of noise - thanks everyone! That night we had Christmas dinner with my family. This weekend we had a little Christmas with my mom's family. We got everyone playing Bunco and we had a great time. Aaron's aunt & uncle came down Sunday from Missouri so we were able to spend some time with them as well. It was really nice seeing so much family this year. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and here's to a happy new year.

Old Friends

At the holidays I was able to see lots of friends and family that I haven't seen in a while. My childhood friend, Jennifer, was in town for the holidays visiting family and we were able to make time for a quick visit. Jennifer & Ben live in Texas and just had their first child. It was my first time meeting Graham. Levi was excited to meet his new little friend and only hopes Graham can come back soon to play. It was so good seeing her and chatting about our boys.

Random Acts of Kindness

***Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. -Seneca-***

I have been completely blessed this month. It seems like I am encountering kindness almost everywhere I go. The other day I had been shopping with Levi and was unloading my buggy when a lady walked up and said "Let me take that buggy for you. You just take care of him." I was startled. She wanted to help me? Then it happened again today. I was at Kroger and had just finished loading the groceries in the car when a man offered to put my cart away. I was even more startled today because I was alone. No baby in tow. He just wanted to be nice. Now I know it is Christmas, and perhaps that is the reason behind this kindness I've been experiencing, but what if it's not? What if that is how they respond to others all the time? How different would the world be if we all showed kindness to just one person every day? We all know the economy is bad and things are hard right now, so why not make life a little better by being kind to one another. That is my challenge to each of you. I hope each of you will join me in showing an act of random kindness each day. Here in the Christmas season it is possibly an easy challenge, but what about January, March, or July? I believe we can make a big difference through small things. Let's start showing the Father's love to one another just as He instructed us to. Will you join me?

8 Things I Should Have Said...

I tagged my friend Khrystle in my '8 things' post, and she added the 8 things she is grateful for. I thought it was appropriate for the season, so here is goes... 8 things I'm grateful for: ...the love of the Father and the blood of His son that covers our sin. ...my husband who shows me indescribable love each day. ...my Levi. He is my greatest challenge, and blessing, and each day is new as I live through his eyes. Each day is a joy. ...my mistakes. I've made many and learned many of life's lessons through them. They also reveal the Father's forgiveness to me. ...my struggles. Through facing the unknown I have depended on Christ to see me though and my relationship with him has always grown for it. ...my family. Love them. Enough said. ...Aaron's job and God's blessings though it. ...that my family is healthy. There are so many things to be thankful for. I hope that this week as we celebrate the birth of our Savior that we remember all His blessings.

8 CRAZY Nights!!!

8 shows I like to watch: ...Criminal Minds ...General Hospital ...The Office ...My Name Is Earl ...FRIENDS reruns ...What Not to Wear ...Two & a Half Men ...CSI (any of them) 8 things that happened yesterday: ...paid my property taxes. ...went to Wal-Mart ...loved on Levi ...had the youth girls over for dinner ...acted out The Cat and the Hat ...received a random act of kindness ...suprised Amy with a visit ...cleaned the house 8 of my favorite places to eat: ...Chilk-fil-A ...Chili's ...Los Charros ...Steak N Shake ...Mom's ...O'Charley's ...Sonic ...Pizza Hut 8 things I'm looking forward to: ...Levi's first words ...Chirstmas with family ...Jesus coming in the clouds ...seeing Jennifer & Graham ...seeing cousins during the holidays ...finishing the Twilight series ...Levi's smile ...growing closer to the Lord in '09 8 things on my wish list: ...new livingroom & bedroom furniture ...an SUV ...violin lessons ...baby grand piano ...finished basement ...new cell phone with texting :) ...end of abortion ...revival in America 8 people I tag: ...Mom ...Lisa ...Jennifer ...Missy ...Khrystle ...Kimberly ...Rachel ...Shannon

My Reindeer

This is my new favorite Christmas decoration. Amy made this magnet for Aaron & me, and I just LOVE it! It's Rudolph! The reindeer's face is Levi's foot and the antlers are Levi's hands. Now I have a little memento of Levi's first Christmas! It's PERFECT! Thanks Aunt Lou!

All I Want For Christmas...

is my two front teeth!I finally got a picture of Levi's top two teeth. In the picture you can actually see all four of his little teeth. The bottom two showed up at about his three month mark, and the top two started making thier appearance about 2 weeks ago. He didn't have any problems cutting his top teeth. In fact he wasn't fussy at all, and I probably wouldn't have known he was cutting them had Aaron & Amy not shown me. Isn't he just the cutest thing you ever saw?

A Little Sugar & Spice

Last night we all got in the baking spirit for Christmas. Beth, Amy, Mom, & myself made all kinds of holiday candy. We made all the favorites...buckeyes, chocolate covered peanuts & crackers, mint chocolate bark, chocolate crisps, etc. I tried a new recipe for Oreo cream cheese truffles that I think turned out pretty delicious. I have another recipe or two that I want to try, so I don't think all the holiday baking is done just quite yet. The best part of the night were the home movies. Beth came across a ton of our old home videos so we popped them in while we baked, and we all died with laughter. Here's to more happy baking and reminiscing.

Catching Up & Eating Up

Tuesday Levi & I met Beth & Krissi for lunch at Zaxby's. We haven't seen Krissi in a while, so it was wonderful getting to catch up with her. Of course the food was delicious also! This afternoon Levi & I headed out to lunch again with mom, Beth & my Aunt Debra. We had a really good time chatting the lunch hour away and visiting with one another, and my fajita nachos were to die for!!

A big thank you goes out to mom for treated us today! Thanks! It was delicious!!

Baby Love

Changes

Apparently Aaron's facial hair has left his face...

...and found Levi's head.

Christmas Drama

Prospect presented their annual Christmas Drama this past weekend. They have been doing the drama for some 20+ years. Aaron has played the role of Jesus for the last three years and did a phenomenal job again this year. I am so proud of him. He really takes the role seriously in hope of portraying our Savior in the most accurate way. It takes a lot out of him - both physically and spiritually - but he does an awesome job. My dad and Beth were also in the drama. Every year Beth plays the role of a young woman that has had an abortion from the pressure of her father. This is a hard role for her, but she does an amazing job every time. This year was no different. Levi made his acting debut as her son in heaven. There is a picture of them at the bottom of the post. The rest of the pictures are from the play. Most are from dress rehearsal because I was helping clean Aaron up on performance night so I couldn't snap any pictures. Angel telling the shepherds of Jesus' birth.Manger scene with the wise men.

Rachel singing "Blessed Redeemer" during the Crucifixion scene.

Hypocrite scene

Rachel praying with Beth.

Beth & Rachel again

Single mom scene.

Kevin singing "He Touched Me"

Here is a picture of Aaron getting his make-up ready for the Crucifixion scene. Sorry it is a little graphic. Levi was Beth's baby in heaven. I called him the star of the show. No - I'm not biased! Here is a picture of them in action.

I HATE PEAS!

WARNING: Graphic Content!

Levi does not like peas. I tried feeding him some on Saturday and this was the result. It was totally on accident that I caught it on tape.

Chomp, Chomp

Just thought I'd let everyone know that Levi is cutting his 3rd tooth! He cut his first two back at 3 months and he cut them pretty fast. He had them both in about 2 weeks. This will be his first top tooth. It is just now breaking the surface, but you can definitely feel it! Solid food here he comes!

6 Month Milestone

Levi turned 6 months old on Friday. I can't believe my little boy is already half a year old! Time is flying by so quickly. I took him to the doctor for his 6 month check-up today. He weighs 20 pounds 2 ounces and is 27 and three quarters inches long. The doctor said that he is in the 90th percentile in weight and height, well proportioned, and growing beautifully. He got his next series of shots, and was such a trooper. He only cried while getting his shots and as soon as they were done he quit crying and was just fine. Levi is such an amazing little boy. The last six months have been a true blessing from above. Here are a few interesting things you may or may not know about Levi.

• He LOVES rice cereal.
• He LOVES his daddy. Levi and Aaron have this special bond. Every afternoon he waits for Aaron to get home from work so they can have "man time."
• He enjoys his daily bath. Every night Aaron gives Levi his bath and prepares him for bed.
• He is a WONDERFUL sleeper. He usually sleeps about 10 -12 hours at night. He can soothe himself and put himself to sleep if needed.
• He sucks his thumb. We aren't too thrilled with this one, but it has been a life saver in some instances. He only sucks it when he's tired and want to sleep, so it's not all the time.
• He loves to be part of the group. He doesn't like to be alone in the room. He will play by himself, but just wants someone around.
• He likes to sit a the dinner table with us, and wants his own spoon and cup.
• He like to ride in the car.
• He is rolling EVERYWHERE! I can't turn my back for a moment and he is somewhere different. He rolls from back to belly and belly to back, and he scoots all over the place. He can lay on his belly and scoot in circles all over the floor.
• He LOVES Dodger. He likes to pet Dodger and watch him chase toys in the living room.
• He likes to be outside and in the sun.
• He has the BEST laugh. He is ticklish and laughs like crazy.
• He is talking all the time. He is cooing and aahing all the time. I love to hear him talk to me!
• He still only has 2 teeth. He's had these two teeth for several months, but he is chewing and gumming on everything so I'm sure there are more on their way.
• He's a football fan. He will watch football with daddy all day if he could.
• He loves to give hugs and snuggle.
• He loves the camera and taking pictures. Any electronic - remote control, cell phone, etc - he is interested in it.
• He LOVES his toes! He will play with his feet for hours!
• He's growing a little hair, but just mostly on the top of his head.
• He is beginning to recognize his name and will turn his head when he hears it.
• He LOVES his mommy. I'm so blessed with his presence, and I love when he just wants to love on me.