Saturday, July 31, 2010

What in the World are you doing?

Last Sunday we had a commissioning service for a family in our church who are heading to Spain to serve as missionaries. As they began their testimony, they addressed the common responses of people who know about their upcoming move. Many people have asked “what in the world are you doing?” Their life is good…two kids, settled in Abilene, own their home, great church life, the kids are involved in soccer and ballet.…but God was pulling them in a different direction. God was the one asking “what in MY world are you doing?“

I had to hold the tears back because I felt a little tug on my heart. I am so excited that this family has responded to God’s call, selfishly I hate to seem them go because we are very close to them, but the tears were not for sadness, but the realization that God was maybe speaking to me. Maybe this was God’s way of asking me the same question! What have I been doing in God’s world? Am I on fire for missions? Service? Or church? Do I want to be a active part of God’s kingdom or am I willing to sit here while others are serving and responding? Maybe God has called me to do something and I am not responding and not listening because I am busy right now. You know I have a baby that requires a lot of my time and it is a lot easier to just stay at home with her….but what if God responded to my needs in the way that I often respond… I will think about that…or do that next time… I think it is time to quit waiting for the best time.

I have struggled with this for the past few months. When I worked for the church I experienced and witnessed ministry everyday, but I think I have taken the backseat and lost interest since I have started staying at home. I still love ministry and want to be involved in where God wants me. I want to use the gifts and talents I have been given to share God to others, but most importantly live a Christian life. I want to be an example for those around me...establish a Christian home for Madeline...give her the opportunity to grow up knowing and seeking God's will for her life.

Every day should be about serving God and responding to what God has called us to do…. called me to do… There are so many ways for me to take my cross share the Great News or to offer my self in the service of God, but I sit still when I should be jumping up and down for the opportunity to share God's greatness….to be a part of something bigger and better… I can’t take a vacation or time off from God….I need to stay close and serve..and be obedient.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Stylin' and Profilin'






Maybe she wasn't posing after all....maybe she is getting tired of being a bowhead!!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Who needs toys?



I told Madeline that she needed to start doing her part around here....


and that there were too many of us in this house (2 adults, a baby, 2 dogs and a cat)



for her to be playing around all day...


so she started earning her keep!


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Just minding my own business...

I was minding my own business.... trying to eat some macaroni


but they just couldn't leave me alone.....



trying to show off my pearly whites....


but I am going to put my tongue over them



and I am getting tired of this!!!



I am getting REALLY angry.....


I am going to through a fit!


Thank you for removing your fingers from my mouth!



Life is good when I can get my snacks off of the table.


Can't get into my mouth now!


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Megan! We love you!!!


Today is Megan's 6th birthday (my sweet niece). We celebrated her birthday this past weekend in Lubbock at my sister and BIL's house.


Getting her hair did... for the party!


Megan with her friends.... waiting to eat some cupcakes!



I don't think I realized how hard pinatas are to crack open. The kids were very entertaining and managed to knock the pinata down. They had to beat it up pretty badly to get to the goods...



Speaking of birthdays...it is hard to believe that Madeline will be a year old in 4 months. I have searched million websites for inspiration. I also have about 80% of her birthday presents purchased. I am excited to plan a party because I looove to entertain, but the thought of Madeline turning one saddens me a little. This year has gone by too quickly and I can't believe she isn't the same 4 pound baby we brought home last November, but instead an almost 20 pound eight month old. I want to hold her as much as I can because I know in the next few months she will be mobile and will not want me holding her....






(this is what she was doing last night while I was cooking dinner... I guess we are going to have to start childproofing the house sooner than I thought!)



Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Hard Day's Work

This is what happens when Mike takes Madeline to work....



at least she got a lunch break! :)


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Eight Months and New Shoes

It is hard to believe that Madeline is already eight months old. It seems like we just brought her home. She is quite the busy body these days. She has started laughing out loud, sitting up all by herself, rolling around to get what she wants, and my absolute favorite ....she gives hugs, kisses and reaches out her arms when she wants you!!


She continues to be such a happy baby and I am enjoy every minute with her. I am so thankful that we have had the opportunity to have one of us stay at home with her (and I am glad it is me!!)

Mike and I constantly ask ourselves what we did before her... and I guess our life was pretty lame....it doesn't compare to the life we have with her!


Her legs are long enough now that she is getting around pretty good in her walker. Mike and I took her outside to roll around on the drive way.


I think these are the cutest little chubby feet! I am soooo glad she can finally wear these shoes! We bought them for her a few months back at a really cute boutique in Lubbock, but her feet were not quite big enough....


and every girl needs a pair of pink shoes!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fourth of July

We spent the weekend in P-ville with my parents. Although the drive seemed long, we had a pretty good time. It rained all day Saturday and a little on Sunday, but we still enjoyed good food and some homemade ice cream and bread pudding.

Madeline lookin' cute for her first 4th of the July



A few pictures from the weekend.......

Eating cheerios with Gramps

I think she likes them!

Outside watching us paint in the garage


Since Mike had Monday off we decided to come home Sunday afternoon. The plan was to steam clean the carpet, but instead we were inspired to work on our fireplace/mantle (it was about time....we have had the mantle for almost 6 months!!) This is only the beginning of our project.