Happi-Lee Ever After

Forrest Gump's Mom Really Was Smart...

2010-12-09T20:32:00.002-06:00

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. That's what my momma always said..." I'm beginning to the think that truer words have never been spoken. I've been reflecting on our big move lately, and it's amazing how moving into a different part can completely up-end your life!

The move in and of itself was a great move for us. Tyron and I both LOVE our jobs. The kids are going to amazing schools. We are slowly but surely beginning to make new friends. It's all sweet and good, but there are some things that just jump out and shock you. I'm still trying to rebound from some of the shock!

Adjusting to a new place is exciting and hard at the same time. While most of the things that have shocked me are pretty petty and inconsequential (except my #1), they are clearly not deal breakers or regrets. I guess I'm just realizing how spoiled I am and how set in my Dallas ways I am. So without further adieu...drum roll please...

Melanie's Top 5 Move Shockers:

5.I miss the open fields and lack of Oil Refineries. Can I just say eeeewwww on so many levels? They stink and clutter up the landscape. Not to mention, they are U-G-L-Y. They. Ugly. Period.

4. I miss clean towns. I like new. I like clean. Baytown is not new or clean. Still adjusting. Having to fight myself on a daily basis because of the nasty. I feel like the entire town needs a giant bottle of Germ X dumped on it.

3. Stonebriar Mall. It's new. It's clean. It's safe. It's BIG. Need I say more?

2. Grocery Stores. I like lots of variety and quality produce. If they make their own tortillas, even better! I like to walk in and have a myriad of choices. It's also a plus if the store is clean and logically organized.

1. One of the things that has shocked me most is just how badly I miss my friends in Dallas. I knew that I would miss them. How could I not miss the women that shared their lives with me? I miss the frequent deep conversations about the Lord and having someone to pray with that knew all the deepest, darkest, ugliest parts of me and loved me through it and despite it. These ladies aren't just my friends, they are my soul sisters. It's not shocking that I miss them. It's shocking that I miss them like I would miss my right arm. I love you girls! Don't make any plans for June 2011 because our weekend trip is gonna happen come Hell or high water!

King of ALL Days...

2010-09-19T21:18:00.004-05:00

"Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness. Open my eyes let me see..."

I think it's fair to say that God opened my eyes to let me see him a little better tonight. I was winding down for the night when Chris Tomlin's "Here I Am To Worship" starts playing in my head. I have always known (in my head) that God will meet us right where we are no matter where we are physically, emotionally, or spiritually, but for some reason God decided to write that knowledge on my heart tonight.

"King of all days, oh so highly exalted. Glorious in Heaven above! Humbly you came to the earth you created. All for love's sake became poor."

As I was singing this song in my head tonight, the lyrics "Humbly you came to the earth you created. All for love's sake became poor" really struck a chord in my heart. It hit me that God could have come as a king, a rich man, or an important person with influential ties. He could have come to earth as a high ranking priest within the Jewish Church, but he didn't. He came as a poor carpenter. Jesus was/is fully man and fully God. He experienced infancy, toddler hood, childhood, puberty, betrayal by his closest friends, hunger, thirst, anger, joy, and pain. I could list a million things that Christ experienced in his 33 years, but it would take a really, really long time. The point is this: God can and will meet you wherever you are. If you are experiencing life, God has been there. He KNOWS how you feel because he's been there.

Right. Where. You. Are.

I needed to hear and know that in the depths of my soul.

I'm not really a hyper-spiritual person, but I do love God. Jesus lives in my heart, and anything in me that is good is really just Jesus shining through all the nasty, dark yucky parts of my sinful soul. I want to be Jesus' hands and feet. I want to know God instead of just knowing about him, and I am thankful that he opens my eyes to who he is a little more every single day. I am beyond thankful for his mercy and his timing because this part of the year is sad and joyful for me all at the same time, and I know that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

"Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that you're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me."

I Am Officially Out of Space...

2010-09-17T10:33:00.002-05:00

...for books. Y'all, I have stacks and stacks and stacks of books. I think besides my family and friends, books are my favorite thing in the world. First of all, you have to give it up to God for creating people who have enough talent to create entire worlds, people, events, and relationships through their writing. I know that I am a nerd, and I am in no way bragging, but even with working and having a family, I read around 5,000 pages a month. Seriously. (And I do sleep...when I'm not reading! :-) ) I can read freakishly fast, so that helps me move through books in a hurry.

I read some research a month or so ago that said if everyone read 1-1.5 hours a day, we would not only be a more literate society, but that reading also helps our children process, learn, and cope with things more easily. That is a huge statement! By the way, the school I teach at subscribes to this philosophy, and it is truly amazing at what great readers these kids are. They are fluent, smart readers with opinions and high test scores. That's why we are a Texas Honor School. Sorry, I digress...

I am not a particularly picky reader. If it's written, I will read it. I finished the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon a couple of weeks ago. These books are not for the faint at heart. They are thick books that average about 800-900 pages per book (with 7 books currently published), but they are well worth the effort of reading. I just finished the Blue Bloods Series (super quick and easy to read), and I started Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett yesterday. To put a few minds at ease, I don't just read fluff. I LOVE classics like Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice. I also really enjoy Christian fiction. Anything by Francine Rivers is amazing.

So, all this to say, I am out of room for books. I had to stop buying books because I officially have no where to put them. I love to buy books. I know buying books is a waste of money to most people, especially when you have a public library at your disposal; however, I love to buy books because I will re-read books over and over again. So for now, I am now a loyal library patron. As a matter of face I have been 3 times in the last week because I blew through everything I had checked out. Tyron asked me if they knew me by name yet, and I laughed. Now that I think of it though, it's probably only a matter of time before they do know me.

So, in case anyone is out there that wants to get me an over the top birthday present, I need another book case. :-) Because the library is great, but I like to own books too...and I need a place to put them!

The Power of Blue

2010-09-11T10:40:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was the 2010 Barbers Hill ISD Tailgate Party. The Tailgate Party is basically a giant booster club event that brings in the pretty much the entire community. There were at least 2,000 people there! It was absolutely crazy, but we had a ton of fun. Each school campus designs and builds a float which people vote for by dropping tickets into a designated box. My campus didn't win, but we put up a good fight! After the tailgate party (which included dinner and treats for the kids, carnival games, and a pep rally), we went to the football game where the BH Eagles defeated the Nederland Bulldogs 28-21. It was a great game! Here are a few pictures from the tailgate party. Please excuse the quality of the photos...I was practically dead on my feet when I took them. :-)

Plinko "Eagle Style"

Daddy and Hannah

This is the outside of the arena where the Eagles play their home basketball games. Pretty awesome!!!

Family Fun

2010-09-06T12:11:00.016-05:00

Our family came to visit over the Labor Day Weekend, and we had so much fun! On Saturday we went to the Kemah Boardwalk and let the kids ride the amusement rides and ate at Landry's. Then on Sunday, we went down to Galveston to the beach. The word "fun" doesn't even cover it. It was an adventure, to be sure! The weather was perfect, and the water was nice and cool. My kids had their first run in with marine life while we were in Galvest. Luke got attacked by a crab and ended up with a little gash on his foot, and Faith got stung by a jellyfish on her neck. To my surprise, they all jumped right back into the ocean! I can't believe how brave they were because, to be perfectly honest, I was a nervous wreck the rest of the trip! Tyron also got stabbed by some small animal, but we weren't sure what it was. It didn't phase him much though! Not to mention me and Kara's sunburns! Ouch! Here are a few pictures from the weekend! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Stewart Beach - Galveston Island

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Cousins - MaKayla, Hannah, Kyler, Luke, and Faith

Kara and Me

Faith and Hannah showing their sandy hands.

The kids digging for seashells.

Hannah eating sand. Yum!

Luke's foot after his little run-in with a crab.

KEMAH BOARDWALK

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Faith, MaKayla, Hannah, Luke, and Kyler - The Lee Cousins

Having so much fun!

Tyron and Kara.

Kara and me...again. This time with make-up!

Tyron and me.

Hello Old Friend...

2010-08-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. You've been on pins and needles right? Just waiting for the day that I resurrect my blog...I've been waiting too. Hoping that someone is going to do it for me...just kidding! Well, the only excuse I can give is that I have been truly busy.

A lot has changed in the past 4ish months. Tyron and I got new jobs! In Houston! It's been a crazy whirl wind to say the least. We are both now part of Barbers Hill ISD. It's an amazing school district that has extremely high standards that has welcomed us with open arms. Tyron is the Head Boys Basketball Coach, and I will be teaching 5th and 6th grade. It's an exciting time for us. Luke will start Kindergarten on Monday. I can't believe it! I am so excited for him. BHISD is an Honor School, so the academic standards are unbelievably high (which I LOVE). Luke is going to fit right in. Plus, he got the best teacher! I can't wait to tell you all about her, but I will leave that for another post.

As usual, God has taken care of us beyond any measure of our imagination. Not only did He deliver us into this amazing school district, but he also delivered us into a church that we know is our new home. Clear Creek Community Church is exactly what we needed, and God sent us there without having to weed through other churches. Clearly God knows my limits! We are also renting a house from a pastor and his family. It's been a huge blessing. Over the past week we have gotten to know them quite well through deep discussions about our God. We are even praying about joining their small group. :-) It's been a month of knowing that we are right in the middle of God's will for our family. That security is better than any insurance you can buy!

At church on Sunday, our pastor was talking about community. It's amazing what that topic did to me! I boo-hooed my way through the entire sermon! It's amazing what community does for a Believer. I can honestly say that I know there are times in my life that God marked me for purposes that are still unraveling. However, during those times of great joy and great suffering, God sent special women to walk through them with me. The funny thing is that it isn't even who I would have marked down on paper if someone asked me who those women were. During that sermon, God gave me specific memories of times in me and Tyron's lives that our small groups and God driven friendships carried us when we didn't think we could walk anymore. I am so thankful for those memories! It gives me hope that I will have deep, God driven relationships with women here in the Houston area. It gives me hope that the relationships I built in Dallas won't diminish because of the miles between us. It gives me hope because God proves himself to be more than faithful over and over and over. He has blessed me abundantly, and I am beyond humbled and thankful.

"Therefore, confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. " James 5:16

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

HE is Risen...HE is Risen INDEED!

2010-04-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for all that happened on the cross. Jesus was substituted for me on the cross. I KNOW that. The penalty for my wicked and sinful heart was paid in full by the ONE who was sinless. Now that I have kids of my own, I can't come close to even imagining what God felt as his one and only son was nailed to a cross, terrorized by wicked men, and spat upon by those who passed by. Instead of taking Jesus down and allowing him to be saved from the humiliation and pain, God allowed it. Even more, He ORCHESTRATED it. That is how much my God loves us. He ORCHESTRATED the death of his only son so we could know Him. As I sit here and reflect on that love, I have tears in my eyes. A love so deep, wide, long, high, and complete is beyond what my human mind can comprehend; however, I get to taste a small portion of it daily. One day when I am in Heaven, I will fully know God. Then and only then, will I truly know the full love of God. There I won't be limited by my wicked heart and human mind. Until then, I know that He is risen. He will come again, and I know Him.

This is the song that has been in my heart all week:

Savior I come.

I Quiet my soul, remember.

Redemption's hill,

Where Your blood was spilled.

For my ransom.

Everything I once held dear,

I count it all as lost.

Lead me to the cross.

Where Your love poured out.

Bring me to my knees,

Lord I lay me down.

Rid me of myself,

I belong to You!

Lead me, lead me to the cross.

You were as I,

Tempted and tried.

Human.

The word became flesh,

Bore my sin and death.

Now you're risen.

Oh and everything I once held dear I count it all as lost.

Lead me to the cross .

Where Your love poured out.

Bring me to my knees,

Lord I lay me down.

Rid me of myself.

I belong to You.

Lead me, lead me to your heart.

Lead me to your heart.

Lead me to the cross.

Where Your love poured out.

Bring me to my knees,

Lord I lay me down.

Rid me of myself.

I belong to You.

Lead me, lead me, lead me, lead me Lead me to the Cross Lead me to the cross!

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Life...the Abbreviated Version...Because I Am Short On Time!

2010-03-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

It's been forever since I have written on this thing! A lot has changed in the last month. First of all, Hannah turned 2! She is such a big girl! She can talk in complete sentences, get herself a drink, feed herself neatly with a fork and spoon, and sing. She loves to dance and do "tricks." She is also sleeping in the bottom bunk and no longer has a paci. Hannah is also fully potty trained. Talk about fabulous!!! Hannah is incredibly sweet and easy going (most of the time). We all enjoy her so much! We all love our Hannah Banana.

I also went back to work recently. I am currently teaching High School Biology and loving ever minute of it. I have 5 classes of Freshmen, and 1 class of Seniors. My classes have been amazingly good with very few issues, and I have enjoyed being back in the world of work. The kids will start Preschool on the 22nd. Up until then, they were staying with a very nice lady here in town that keeps kids in her home. They have loved every second of their "school!" Talk about major reassurance that I am doing the right thing! Staying home with them for the past 5.5 years has been an unbelievable blessing, but the kids were so tired of being home...and so was I. They were ready to be doing something else, so now we all go to school. I hope that it continues to go as well as it has been. :-)

Tyron's basketball team made it to the playoffs this year! It was an amazing season filled with amazing kids. We enjoyed them all so much. The kids in Farmersville are such a blessing. They played so hard throughout the season and won some pretty tough games!

We have had a hard winter of sickness this year. We have had everything from Scarlet Fever to stomach bugs to ear infections this year. Faith had 2 seizures due to high fevers. All I can say is that I am ready for some warmer weather and much less sickness! Can I get an Amen?

We are currently on Spring Break, so I will try to post some pictures of Hannah's birthday party and our trip to Mimi and Paw Paw's house soon. :-) Until then, I hope your day is as blessed as mine!!

Politics

2010-01-29T11:37:00.000-06:00

So, if you have been reading my facebook statuses recently, you know that a lot of them center on the political status/government of our country. I know that a lot of people probably ignore or don't like what I have to say; however, it is our responsibility to know (and have opinions about) what is going on with our elected officials and our government. We are a Republic...not a pure democracy. Our elected officials get to make decisions as they see would be best for their constituents.

Here is one of my problems with President Obama and the Progressive/Democratic/Obama policies: He chooses to say that Republicans are choosing to play a political games instead of working with what he gives them. Really? Could it be that people genuinely disagree with his political ideologies? Let it never be that anyone disagree with what he has to say...Does that sound like a president or some other type of a head of state? If he thinks that Democrats, Republicans, Progressives, Independents,and the like are going to play pretty and agree on everything, he should know better. Different parties exist because the people of the United States have different beliefs and ideas as to how this country should be run. That is why people elect officials...to have their voices heard. He should not turn a deaf ear/accuse other political parties of being unwilling to heed to his expectations/ideas just because they bring other ideas and solutions to the table.

Another problem that I have with him is that he constantly plays the victim of the Bush Administration. Seriously? Didn't he have to know what you were walking into? Our country has been a wreck, and not just as a result of George W. Bush. Was Bush perfect? Absolutely not. I just think it's lame to constantly go back to that scapegoat. I want him to stop playing the blame game and do something about the state of our country. Period.

I could truly go on for a long time, but I won't. I just want people to know what is going on in their country. I want people to be aware so that if you disagree with how things are being run, you can go vote to change things. I want you to go out and vote if you like the way things are. Just be aware of what is going on around you. Our children's futures are always at stake.

Haiti

2010-01-15T14:35:00.001-06:00

I am absolutely heart sick for the people of Haiti. I can't come close to comprehending the pain and loss they have suffered in the last 72 hours. Haiti is a country that had so little in the first place, that for them to suffer such devastating loss is unbearable to watch; however, I sit and watch.

I watch because we need to see. Anderson Cooper (CNN) said that as he walked along the streets of Port-Au-Prince, he made himself look at the dead people that lined the streets because we need to see them and acknowledge that those bodies are people. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandmas, grandpas, sons, daughters, friends, babies, children, friends, mentor, teacher, missionary...all beloved of the LORD. We need to acknowledge their existence and the loss. We need to see that they are a people that have truly lost everything. They have less than nothing. No food, very little clean water, too little medical care for too many major injuries, no homes or anywhere safe to go. Children are alone and sleeping on the streets.

As I sit and watch, the news is reporting that mass graves are starting to be used. While I acknowledge that there is a need for such a thing, the concept makes the loss so much more real for me. Unidentified people who are being searched for by family and friends are being buried in huge graves. There will be no funeral or ceremony. Families will never get to say good-bye to the remains of their loved-ones, so closure will have to come some other way.

So, I will continue to watch. I will make myself see when my mind tells me to change the channel because there is so little I can do from my comfortable house in the United States. I want to acknowledge Haiti's loss and grieve for them. I want to triumph with them when help comes and head-way is made. I want to pray for the parents who lost their children, children who lost their parents, and families separated by physical distance. I want to pray that God would protect the minds and hearts of the children who are seeing too much for their young minds to comprehend and deal with; I will pray that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus to the Haitians, and that God will be glorified through this tragedy.

There are some simple ways to help. Click HERE for legitimate ways to help. Even if you think you have no money, you have way more than these people.

Catching Up

2010-01-11T12:17:00.000-06:00

So, the past 6 weeks or so has been a pretty stressful time in our family. Complications started shortly after Thanksgiving when we found out that Tyron has Stage 2 Melanoma. We were immediately referred to an Oncologist and supporting Dermatologist, and a procedure to remove the spot was immediately scheduled. The oncologist and dermatologist checked Tyron out really good and found 3 other spots. 3 procedures later, we finally got clear margins except for one spot that is considered "advanced displastic cells" which means they are cells that are changing but to an unknown end. So, we are faced with a decision to do more surgery (which would involve a skin graft), low dose radiation, or waiting it out for 3 months to see if anything progresses to cancer again. So, with our doctors blessing we decided to wait it out for 3 months and re-biopsy in March. The other options seemed like over kill to us, and they did to the doctors too. They just had to give us all the options. So, for now Tyron is cancer free. Praise God. Talk about stressful and scary though. People act like Melanoma isn't a big deal, but it can be very aggressive and fatal. It's truly no less serious than any other type of cancer...it just has a higher survival rate because it can be detected earlier. Thank GOD for that! Tyron is the glue, and my life wouldn't be right without him. I trust God, and I am so thankful that as we walked (and are still walking this road) He has been right beside us the whole time.

During the whole Melanoma incident, I got pneumonia too. Talk about good timing! Wouldn't be December in our house without at least one case of pneumonia!

Christmas was fantastic! We got to spend time before Christmas with Tyron's family, and we got to spend time with my family after Christmas. Christmas was just us though...and it was GREAT! We very rarely get to just be a family because of football, basketball, and track, so Christmas was extra special family time. Not to mention the snow! What a fantastic treat! God really went all out this year!

The Christmas season also brought with it a lot of change. We moved Hannah and Faith into a room together, so Luke is now in a room all by himself. Crazy to think that we don't have a baby in a crib anymore! It's so fun to watch them all grow up together and love each other. Hannah is now potty trained, so not only does she sleep in a big bed, she is in big girl panties too! No more diapers and no more cribs! Our family is growing up so fast! Now if Hannah would just be done with her paci...maybe after her 2nd birthday I will work on that. This season has also brought about some teaching opportunities for me. I am interviewing tomorrow at BRISD, and I am so excited. So much change in so little time would usually leave my head spinning, but it has all happened so naturally that I am nothing but excited and grateful. God is leading my family, and that is all I need to know. I trust Him explicitly and totally. God has also led us to a new church. It's been amazing!

So that the 411 on the Lee's. It's been a scary and exciting time in our family, but through it all God has remained faithful to us...as we knew he would. Maybe life will settle down and I will be able to post some pictures, but if not, you can see them on facebook. Hope you had as fruitful and blessed Christmas as we did!

2009-12-17T10:14:00.000-06:00

"You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give." - Eleanor Rossevelt

Our Family

2009-12-14T12:54:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine who is a great photographer, did our family pictures a few weeks ago! I love them! KDL Images.

The clan!

Big brother. They are so cute!

My man.

A.dor.able.

Photos taken by Kevin Laws of KDL Images.

Love All Around

2009-12-02T12:39:00.000-06:00

When we first moved to Lewisville, Tyron and I started to look for a church. Quite a few of our friends from College Station also lived near us, so naturally we started trying out their churches since we all went to church together in college. After a pretty short church search, we found The Village Church in Highland Village, TX. Most people in the DFW area know about or have heard of The Village. It's an amazing church full of loving, honest, real people who really seek and love the LORD. Tyron and I learned so much about God and really grew in knowing Him. The pastor at The Village is a very big part of how we grew during our time at The Village. We deeply miss The Village to this day.

All that to say, on Thanksgiving day Matt Chandler (Lead Pastor of the The Village Church) collapsed and had a seizure. He was taken to a nearby hospital and treated. Subsequently, a mass was found on the frontal lobe of his brain, and Matt will undergo surgery on Friday to have the mass removed. The neurologist doesn't know if the mass is malignant or benign yet, so a biopsy will be done at the time of the surgery. Talk about scary.

Please, please, please pray for Matt and his family. Matt is married with 3 young children, and he is an amazing speaker who has preached the gospel to thousands of people. He is extremely powerful, lovingly blunt, and makes you chase after Jesus. Please pray that Matt and his family have peace, the surgeons have sure and steady hands, and for perfect healing.

Even in all the adversity that comes with this, it has brought people closer to God. People all over the world are fasting and laboring in prayer for The Village and Matt Chandler. God is good all the time. Even in this time of uncertainty for The Village and Matt, people are being touched. God is pursuing people through Matt even in this. What a big and mighty God we serve!

If you want to know more about The Village Church and Matt's condition go HERE and HERE.

Thanksgiving and Such

2009-11-30T09:30:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite time of year. I absolutely adore Thanksgiving and all that it entails. The gathering of family, tons of food, watching kids play, Christmas shopping, and the list goes on...The past week has been amazing. Here is my top 10 list from the last week:

10. Photo sessions - I've done a ton of pictures lately. It's such a blessing to share in lives of others even for just a short time. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is the fact that I get to help people by putting them in front of my camera and showing them how beautiful their family is. People don't often see themselves in a picture as a complete family unit, and I love to create the moments in which they get to see themselves. It means so much to people to preserve those moments, and I am truly blessed to be trusted to do just that. God is so loving that He gives us a family to walk through life with.

9. Editing Pictures - I love the editing process. I love to let my creative mind go crazy and let loose. It's freeing and a little scary. Freeing because I just let go. Scary because I put so much of my self into each picture that if someone doesn't like it, it hurts just a little. All in all, editing pictures makes me love God more because I get to see how big and wonderful and loving He is to bless us with the people He made and the lives He created.

8. Putting up Christmas Decorations - I love putting up the Christmas tree and setting out the Nativity Scene. I love talking to my kids about why we have Christmas. They have connected so many of the dots about Jesus lately. My heart is so full.

7. Cooking Thanksgiving food - I love cooking. I love the sounds, smells, tastes, and joy that it brings my kids to help me. Luke is becoming quite the little helper. He helps me hand wash dishes when the dishwasher is too full, he stands at the stove with me to help me stir, and he is becoming quite adept at measuring things. He's getting so big so fast.

6. Luke's Basketball Team - Luke is playing on the Kindergarten basketball team this year. It's adorable and truly amazing. He is way more athletic than any 5 year old should be. It's so fun to watch him learn how to play on a team and listen to a coach that isn't his dad. It's also fun to see what a truly sweet spirit Luke really is. He lives to encourage his teammates. It just makes me want to squish him to death with love. Luke got his uniform last Monday, and it was Friday before I could peel it off of him. Basketball is Luke's first love. I love that God made Luke such a passionate little boy. :-)

5. Big Boy Basketball Season - I love watching my husband work. If people had any idea how much Tyron loves those boys and his job as a coach, it would probably amaze people. It's so fun to watch those boys learn and mature as a team and as an individual over the course of a season. It's also fun to watch what a brilliant basketball mind my husband has. Of course it's pretty hard to forget how cute my kids are in the stands yelling for the Farmers and being cute in general.

4. Thanksgiving with the family - We went to Kara's (my sister-in-law) house for Thanksgiving. It was fun to hang out as a complete family. Papa even came for a visit. We ate until we were about to pop and played games. It was GREAT.

3. Rest - Tyron had 5 days off in a row. He hasn't had a single day off since July 17th. He has literally been working 7 days a week since then. CRAZY. To say the least, he was exhausted...as was I. We got to spend 5 days together without any interruptions. It was nice just to hang out. We played games, watched movies, shopped, talked, and just rested. It was amazing. Really it would be my #1 except for some extenuating things.

3.1 We got family pictures TAKEN - and it wasn't even me who took them! We haven't had a family picture taken since Faith was 1. Tyron and I have some amazing friends that we met at The Village, and we miss them terribly. Chaille and Kevin, were in our first ever small group and walked with us through some dark and scary times. A bond like that doesn't disappear. Kevin met us yesterday in McKinney to take some pictures of us. It was perfect. He was amazing with our kids, and we got to catch up as we walked around. He is a very talented photographer, and he has a very creative mind. I can't wait to see the pictures, and I can't wait to shoot his family! God has blessed us with so many great friends!

2. My dad is much better! - My dad has been really sick over the last month and a half, and he is much better. I am thankful that God has provided healing.

1. Luke is healthy. - We had to go in for some tests over the last week because our pediatrician had some concerns at Luke's 5 Year Well-Visit. Luke grew 9.5 inches over last 11 months, but he only gained 4 pounds. My doctor was concerned that there might be an issue, so he sent us in for testing. To make a very long story short, all the tests came back normal. So, it looks like Luke is just going to be freakishly tall like his dad...except probably even taller. We are just going to keep a closer eye on his growth patterns over the next couple of years to make sure he starts to even out a little bit. I know God has Luke in the palm of His hand.

These are not all the great moments of the past week, but just a few. We are such a blessed family. I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving week as well! Here are some pictures from the week. {Ignore the quality please!} God bless!

Thankful

2009-11-20T13:43:00.000-06:00

I am reminded on a daily basis of how blessed I really am. {There are just some days that I don't want to pay attention to the reminder... :-)} For those of you who don't know, it's a miracle that Tyron and I have kids at all.

When I was 23, I found out that I had tumors in both of my ovaries...BIG tumors at that. I ended up having a surgery pretty much immediately, and the doctor had to remove one ovary and fallopian tube and reconstructed the other. It was a pretty crazy thing. After surgery, the doctor told Tyron and me (we were engaged at the time) that I would have a hard time carrying a baby to term. Boy, was that ever true. Obviously, Tyron married me anyway, despite the drama. :-)

I had my first miscarriage in November of 2003. I was almost 13 weeks along. It was the saddest, scariest, angriest time of my life. A month after I was done with the first miscarriage, I found out unexpectedly that I was pregnant again. Two days later, I miscarried that baby too. Talk about angry, sad, and confused. Two months after that, I found out I was pregnant AGAIN. 33.5 weeks into a complicated, yucky pregnancy, Luke was born. He is and was the most wonderful little boy. On Luke's first birthday, I found out I was pregnant again with Faith. She was early, but not as early as Luke. Then between Faith and Hannah, I had a miscarriage again, and then I found a month later that I was pregnant again. Hannah was born 9 months later.

I don't write this to express my sadness or anger about my miscarriages. I write this to remind myself and others that even when life feels bad, GOD is GOOD. He walked with Tyron and me through every step and decision. He comforted us with His Word and mercy. He surrounded us with friends and family that let us be broken and sad. Looking back, there was so much light in the midst of the darkness that I can say that even through the sadness and confusion the time was sweet. We really got to know God's mercy and love during this time. Sometimes it takes God breaking me into a million pieces just so I will let HIM be the one to put me back together.

So, I am THANKFUL for the hurt, the grace, the growth, the love, the strength, and the 6 pregnancies that I have experienced. I am thankful that God gave me a blessed marriage and 3 wonderful, beautiful, and healthy kids. I. AM. THANKFUL.

Just One of Those Days...That a Girl Goes Through...

2009-11-05T09:24:00.000-06:00

Someone please tell me that I am not the only one that has days like this:

Tuesday started out innocent enough. The kids and I went to the park to feed the ducks before grocery shopping. We had a great time! Kids fed the ducks and played on the playground. The weather was BEAUTIFUL! Then we headed to Wal-Mart in McKinney. As we were getting out, I saw some sparkles which means that I was going to have a migraine within the next 24 hours. I usually have plenty of time after I start having visual symptoms to prepare myself and my kids for the coming of the headache. I figured I would just get through my grocery shopping as fast as possible...after all, I usually don't actually get the pain part of a migraine for around 12-18 hours after seeing the sparkles. While I was pushing the giant cart around the store, my kids starting driving each other crazy. Hannah reached into the grocery cart to pull out a cereal box, and she smacked Faith right under her eye with the corner of the box. Blood and screaming ensued...as did my impending migraine. They just kept irritating each other from that moment on! I literally thought that my brain was going to explode. I made myself push through the grocery shopping because I already had a basket full of groceries, and the drive takes me about 25 minutes to get to the nearest Wal-Mart. I was determined not going to waste my effort at the store. I made it through the store...barely. My kids were fighting. I was near tears, and it just kept getting worse! I had to stand in the check out line with the fluorescent lights blaring at me for 15 minutes. I made it though. I got kids and groceries in Tahoe and drove home. I could barely hold my head up by then. Did I mention that all of this is going on while my dad is in the hospital 6 hours away extremely sick? I made it home, fixed lunch for the kids, and barfed for the next 3.5 hours. I got my headache under control just in time to get ready so I could go to class that night. My wonderful and loving babysitter Haley came. (Y'all I am so thankful for her! My whole family just adores her. My life would be super nuts without her.) I was driving to class and the highway to school was shut down due to a massive wreck, so I had to detour WAY out of the way to get to class. My bestie Rachel got me through it though with her mad navigating skills! I was only 20 minutes late to class. I still had a glimmer of the headache from earlier in the day, but I did make it through class and home. I was so ready for bed that I could barely make the walk through our tiny house to my bed. Blech. Migraine hangovers are almost as bad as the actual migraine to me.

I don't have truly bad days very often. When it's bad though, it's bad. I like to go down in a blaze of glory. Thank goodness for this:

Lamentations 3:22-23

22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Halloween

2009-11-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

We had such a fun Hallween! Tyron didn't have to work on Saturday night, so he got to go do Halloween stuff with us for the first time in a few years. The kids had a blast, and we did too! Farmersville does Halloween right. You could hardly drive down any of the residential streets because they were so congested with kids in costumes. There were Haunted Houses on every street, bounce houses galore, and the town square had games, hay rides, and trick or treating at all the downtown businesses. I think just about every house was decorated to the 9's. Small towns know how to do Holidays! Here are just a few pictures that I took. Tyron made me put my camera up after a little while so I could just be part of the family. I hope everyone had as good a Halloween as we did!

Luke was a Gladiator, Faith was Princess Belle, and Hannah was Thumbelina.

Riding Bikes & Playing on the Playground

2009-10-31T12:52:00.000-05:00

Playing hide and seek!

Handsome husband!

Loving the swing!

Luke swinging by himself!

Hannah swinging.

Hannah and Daddy...she looks so little!

Me and my big boy!

Sweet baby.

Luke and his hero.

Climbing...as always!

Best Daddy Ever.

Hannah.

Speed Racer!

Super cute.

Luke and Faith playing "follow the leader."

Luke is 5!!!

2009-10-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it, but Luke turned 5 last week! I would have blogged about it sooner, but we were in San Antonio all week and just got back today, so I'm a little behind. However, I can honestly say that 5 years has FLOWN by. That old saying "The days are long, but the years are short." is definitely true!

I remember being pregnant with Luke like it was yesterday. I was so SCARED. After 2 miscarriages, you just don't take anything for granted. My pregnancy was complicated and peppered with many hospital stays. It was probably the scariest time in my life. The Lord took care of us though, and Luke was born at 33.5 weeks. He was TINY! I had never been so thankful and relieved to see someone in my whole life! When I finally got to hold him for the first time (10 hours after he was born.) I was completely changed as a person.

Luke was a difficult baby for the first 6 months or so, but he was precious at the same time. He has brought us more joy that any family has any right to have. Luke has grown into a sweet, brilliant, curious, loving, caring, responsible, and fun little boy!

Luke's favorite things are:

Basketball (hands down), Nintendo Wii, golf, holding me, dogs, playing with his sisters, Coburn, his new basketball shoes he got from Scotty, laughing, holding me, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pizza, apples, cheese, Phineus and Ferb, and going to his Sunday School class.

We are beyond blessed. God is so good! He has given me way, way more than I will ever deserve. Luke is such a ray of sunshine and love. I can't wait to see how he will grow and change over the next year. It just keeps getting better!

Book Series Review: The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries

2009-10-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

Click to go Charlaine Harris' website.

Charlaine Harris is most famous for the Sookie Stackhouse Novels that the HBO series Trueblood is based on.

Book 1: Real Murders

Though a small town at heart, Lawrenceton, Georgia, has its dark side-and crime buffs. One of whom is librarian Aurora "Roe" Teagarden, a member of the Real Murders Club, which meets once a month to analyze famous cases. It's a harmless pastime-until the night she finds a member killed in a manner that eerily resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. And as other brutal "copycat" killings follow, Roe will have to uncover the person behind the terrifying game, one that casts all the members of Real Murders, herself included, as prime suspects-or potential victims.

This was a book series that I loved. For a million reasons. I'll try to keep it to a reasonable synopsis though. The above synopsis is only for Book 1: Real Murders because it would take forever to write a synopsis and review for each of the 8 books.

Aurora Teagarden, daughter of a very wealthy real estate tycoon mother, is a librarian. Aurora is complex and a little misunderstood by her family and friends. She loves books and lives what looks like a very nondescript life until she meets 10 or so other people from her hometown who share a "True Crime" fascination with her. Aurora and these 10 other people found a club called Real Murders where the members get together and discuss old murder cases. After a while, members of Real Murders start being murdered one by one, and each member of Real Murders is at some point a suspect in the nasty murders of it's members.

The series has 8 books. In each book you learn a little more about Aurora Teagarden as a character, and you also get plenty of suspense and mystery. She goes through a lot of triumph, trials, near death, and tragedy. Harris makes Roe Teagarden as real as any character can get. Roe doesn't always get what she wants and it changes her view on the world and the town she lives in. The books in this series don't always wrap up in a neat little package which will just bring you back for more. As people, we want our happy ending, but these books tend to be based on a character that actually has to really live a life. The series is wrapped up nicely (but not perfectly) in the end, but Harris makes sure that Roe Teagarden does some living, growing, and maturing in the process.

All in all, these books are quick, easy, and suspenseful reads that aren't easy to figure out. Each book has an undercurrent of romance in them as well, but it's not overwhelming. You find yourself wanting her to find a boyfriend, but it's not the main story of each book. If you want a fast read that has major plot and character development, these are a great start. Aurora Teagarden is a protagonist that I think many women can relate to on some level, and each antagonist in each book is different but challenging to Roe. These books all have great rising action and conflict that make you keep turning pages. The plot climax is also strong in each book. While the resolution/falling action will bring each book to a close, it will also open up a whole new can of worms that makes a great segue into the next book.

On a sidenote, I've read pretty much everything Charlaine Harris has written. You can't go wrong with her books. Happy reading!

Attention Book Readers

2009-10-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't know, I am a major bookworm. I love books. I love the way they smell. I love when you crack open a new book and the bindings are super tight. I love getting into a plot and trying to figure out what will happen next. Books may be my absolute favorite luxury in life. I love the silence. I love books stores, new or second-hand.

I spend a lot of time reading. Probably more than 90% of the population of the United States. In the past month I have read 7, 184 pages. That is the literal number. Yes, I ready very, very fast, and I read every single word. My husband makes the remark that I should teach a speed reading class, but I am not a true speed reader. I just have a lot of focus...

Those things being said, I will preface with these things:

1. My children are not neglected. I mainly read while they are asleep. They are however instilled with a knowledge that reading is good for you and your soul. My almost 5 year old knows that if we don't know what a word means, we look it up in a Dictionary. All 3 of my kids love reading. I think that seeing me read has something to do with that.
2. Yes, sometimes reading is more important than sleeping. I have insomnia a lot of the time anyway, so who cares, right?
3. No, everything I read is not what you would call wholesome. It's also not the provocative romance trash either. I tend to really like dark, sort of violent, books...hopefully that doesn't say something about my personality. That being said I also really like Christian fiction...especially if it's written by Francine Rivers. If you've never read "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rives, I HIGHLY recommend it. It may be the best book I've ever read.

Those things being said, I'll tell you what kind of books I read. My favorite? Mystery. Without a doubt. If it's not dark and intense with some humor thrown in for good measure, I will not read it. I also love books about the unknown. I've been on a vampire kick the last 6 months or so, but I am not reading exclusively vampires either. I love books who have very strong, decisive, yet vulnerable female leads. I like when the lead is confident in herself, yet knows that she is not a man. Does that even make sense? I hate with a passion fluffy romance novels. I have met my Prince Charming, married him, and have a very happy marriage, so I don't feel like I need to supplement that relationship with the men written into romance novels. I do like when there is a hint of a romantic subplot that adds to the tension in a book though.

If I find an author that I like, I tend to read everything that author has ever written before I move on to someone else. Here are just a few of my favorite authors that I have recently read: Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse Novels -aka- Trueblood, The Aurora Teagarden Series, The Harper Connelly Series, and the Shakespeare's Landlord Series: All of them are FANTASTIC.), Elaine Viets (The Dead End Job Series), Stephanie Meyer (Twilight Saga and The Host.), Mary Higgins-Clark (too many to list), and P.C. Cast (House of Night Series - I love everything I have read by P.C. even though sometimes she is a little more provocative in her books.).

So, here I am spilling my nerdy guts to say this: Internet, I am going to start a book review on this blog. Every once in a while I will sit down and give my thoughts on books I have recently read. I am also working on being a librarian. For real. Have I said that I am too old to be sitting in a classroom yet? I digress, another post for another time. It's about time someone put the "cool" back into being a reader and librarian, so I took the challenge. Doing a book review will give me a chance to practice recommending books and stuff. :-)

So my first book review will come later this week. Be there, or be square! ;-)

Rebel Without A Cause...

2009-09-17T09:49:00.001-05:00

So, my kids had the swine flu, and I had been cooped up in the house for 7 days. I seriously thought that I might lose my mind if I didn't get out, so after Tyron got home, I left by myself to go to McKinney. I had no real idea what I was going to do, so I ended up at Starbucks because really, there is no bad time for good coffee.

Once I had said coffee, I decided that I was going to the movies. I know that most people don't like to go to the movies by themselves, but I LOVE it. I like that I get to watch whatever I want to watch. I can laugh/cry like the retard I am without having to worry that I am making the person I am at the movie with look like a fool for going with me.

I went to see The Time Traveler's Wife. It was actually pretty good. After it was over, I wasn't really ready to go home yet, so I snuck into another movie. I know, I know! Not exactly stand-up-citizen behavior, I know! It was so much fun though! I've wondered if it was possible to walk out of one movie and right into another one before. Last night I did. I totally enjoyed both movies. Try not to judge people. I was not ready to go home and hadn't been out of the house to do anything adult in a long, long time. I was a rebel without a cause last night, but don't fret. I have transformed from rebel back into mommy over night. No more movie sneaking for me...

Just a Little Shout Out

2009-09-14T12:40:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to give a little shout out to all my favorite ladies. You guys are my best friends, and I couldn't imagine my life without you! Each one of you is so different from each other. When we had our girls weekend in April, I was laughing to myself as I watched you all interact and love each other. It was so much fun to watch you all have so much fun and bond. Is it too early to start planning our next get-a-way?

Truly the Lord has blessed me beyone belief. You are all funny, clever, honest, loving, sexy, sweet, kind, caring, empathetic, smart, God-loving women. Your husbands are lucky to have you!

Thank you guys for putting up with me in the good and in the bad. My cup runneth over...truly. Thanks for being my family.

Just a little shout out to: Lori, Betsey, Rachel J., Brittany, Kathleen, Kara, Lacey, of course my Mom. God knows I am a handful, so he gave me lots of friends to share the burden! I love you guys!

Ode to Summer...

2009-08-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been forever since I actually wrote anything on my blog. To be perfectly honest, for the past month or so it's been way, way down on my list of "Things To Do." After all, it's been a busy summer.

This summer has actually been extremely nice. Tyron only worked a couple of camps, so we got to see him a lot. It was so nice just being in the same room with him. I just wish that it hadn't gone so fast! I feel like summer just started. Tyron has been back to work for almost a month already because he gets to coach football. I don't think I have to elaborate here...football is not exactly our dream job, but it is a necessary thing right now. I just wish it wasn't so hot! I feel so bad for them being out there when it's 100 degrees outside.

I have actually been pretty busy myself over the past month. I am working on my teaching certificate, so that I can go back to work next fall. I love being a photographer, and I plan to continue doing that, but we are ready to be a dual income family. I am also ready for a change. I am so excited. I love being home with my kids, but to be honest, I am ready to be doing something besides babies. I figure next fall will be just about perfect because Luke will start Kindergarten, Faith will start preschool, and Hannah will be 2 1/2 years old. She will go to the babysitter for 1 year and then go to preschool with her big sister. I will still get home pretty early in the day, and I will get summers off to be with them. I think it's going to be great!

The kids have had a busy summer too. Luke got to go to Basketball Camp this year. He is still talking about it. He had the best time, and he got a hustle award. He was so proud. If you want to see pictures from a previous post, click HERE. Luke has also gotten in lots of play time with his Daddy, so it's been pretty much picture perfect in his mind. Luke is also on the verge of reading. We've been working on so many things. Luke can write his letters, do simple addition and subtraction, knows the sounds that each letter makes, and knows a lot of sight words. He can also sound just about any word out that has less than 7 letters. I am so proud of him! He is such a bright kid!

Faith has had a big summer too. She turned 3 in June, which we celebrated at the spray park. We had a great time. Faith also got to go to gymnastics this year. She loved it, and her teacher actually put her with some older kids because she could already do some stuff. Faith has also finally started pooping in the potty every day. I was just about to start thinking that she was going to get married in a pull up when she started taking care of business on her own. I am so proud of her. It's crazy how you can have a kid fully potty trained, and then move cities and find that they pretty much regressed back to not being potty trained. I am just happy that she feels like she can control her life a little bit and isn't hanging on to that little piece of control anymore. Faith is definitely becoming a very big girl!

Hannah is just growing and growing and growing. She can climb anything, and she can keep up with Luke and Faith. It's so fun to watch them all play together. Hannah's vocabulary is getting bigger by the day, and she can walk, run, and jump. She is super lovey, but she is also very independent. Wonder where she gets that from?

So, as you can see, we haven't been gone much, but we have been busy just being a family. It's been the best summer I've had in a long time. I can't believe it's just about over! I am looking forward to fall though. I am ready for cooler temperatures, the Pumpkin Patch, different clothes, different food, and basketball games.

This Is For Real!!

2009-07-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

This is how you know you've made it big...you have your very own Chia Pet!

Do you think it even looks like President Obama? I don't! I actually find this hilarious!

I found out about the Obama Chia one night while I was flipping through the channels. Guess what channel it was on? Comedy Central. Tyron and I actually thought that it was a rerun of Saturday Night Live until Blue Collar Comedy came back on! We got a really good laugh!

According to Chia, buying an Obama Chia is one way to commemorate history! Please, please tell me if you buy on so that I can make fun of you for at least the next 3 years!

2nd in Command

2009-07-10T17:56:00.000-05:00

"We miscalculated how bad the economy actually is." Joe Biden

Really? Not so easy to be in charge of the country is it "Mr. Yes We Can #2?"

Okay, enough politics. :-)

A fitness program? I think not..

2009-07-10T16:17:00.000-05:00

A few nights ago Tyron and I were watching a movie on TBS. During a commercial break, this (see video) came on. We seriously thought that it was a joke or something! We were literally laughing hysterically by the end of the advertisement. They call it a "fitness program." However, I call it a "stripper training program." Check it out, you'll get a good laugh! For $1 you can try out the "Flirty Girl Fitness Pole" in your own home...now that is a deal if I've ever heard one!!

Luke - Our Big Boy.

2009-07-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

This may not be news to many, but it's amazing news to us! Luke is now officially taking a shower by himself without any outside help. He washes his own hair, and he even turns the shower off and rinses out the tub when he is finished.

It's the little things like this that can make an entire day! I can't believe that he has turned into such a little man! Kids get big so fast! I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such beautiful, sweet, and amazing kids. There are no words. Literally. Thanks God!

Luke has gone from this:

He is about 2 months old here...poor little guy. He was so little when he was born...not to mention bald! According to my notes Luke weighed in at 8 lbs and was 20.5 inches long at 2 months.

TO THIS:

Luke is 49.5 inches tall, weighs 51.5 pounds, and is very bright and athletic. So much fun! My favorite little boy! Not to mention, he got hair was not destined to be bald after all!

Pictures Of The Kids

2009-06-26T22:56:00.000-05:00

One of these days I am actually going to sit down and write something, but for now, pictures will have to suffice. I took these pictures last week. Most of the pictures I took were of Faith because she needed her 3 year pictures done. I think they turned out really sweet. Storyboards are the easiest way to post pictures, so I apologize if you get sick of looking a them all together like this. If you want to see more of Faith's 3 year pictures, just look at the post following this one. Enjoy!

PS - Blogger is being weird, so I will post the rest of the pictures tomorrow...

Faith's 3 Year Pictures

2009-06-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

Basketball Camp Part II - A Million Picture Tribute

2009-06-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

Luke finished up camp on Friday, June 12th. He says that it was pretty much the single greatest experience of his life...those are pretty much his exact words. He did a great job following directions and keeping up with the big kids. Luke is a natural basketball player...that is the simple truth. I wish all the picture that I took were perfect but the fact is, I had Hannah on my hip a lot of the time I was shooting, so there is some camera shake in some of these. Here are some highlights from his last day at camp:

Luke wrote his name on his award ball. I think he did a great job!

Luke and Daddy. Bet you can't guess who Luke's favorite coach is...

Luke, Scott Straley (alt. sp. Stray-Lee), Faith, and Hannah.

Scott was Luke's camp coach, and we have known him since he was an 8th grader. Tyron was his coach from 8th - 12th grade, and Scott now plays basketball for Austin College in Sherman, TX. We joke all the time that we are going to change his name to be spelled Stray-Lee. Our kids LOVE him, and wish that he was still staying with us. He is definitely part of our family!

Luke got the "Hustle Award." He was so proud of it!

Luke showing off his "Hustle Award."

Luke's team at camp: NCAA

Luke getting his shoe bag for attending camp.

SPEED DRIBBLE CONTEST:

HOT SHOT CONTEST:

Clearly it was a nail biter...

Anyone else wondering why the coach's kid is the only one NOT doing push-ups?

Watching her big brother like a hawk.

Seriously, Mommy...

Do you think her patience was getting thin? :-)

Changes the meaning of "baby in a basket."

Happy Birthday Princess Faith!

2009-06-11T14:15:00.001-05:00

It seems so crazy that Faith is 3 this year. Time has gone by so fast, but it also seems like Faith has been a part of our lives forever. She is so much fun. We get such a kick out of Faith. She has more personality than most full grown adults I know. She knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it. We used to worry that Faith would be an aggressive little kid, but she has turned into this precious, sweet, kind-hearted, and tender little girl. She makes us laugh every day, and she is so good to her brother and sister. If you are around her for any amount of time at all, you will fall in love with Faith. She is contagious!

Faith is adventurous, artistic, bouncy, energetic, sweet, kind, loving, nurturing, and a million other things. Faith loves bugs, gymnastics, ballet, being the center or attention, babies, Luke, Hannah, baby dolls, Noel, candy, playing outside, riding her bike, princess paraphernalia, and anything that is pink and sparkly. Faith doesn't like meat, naps, her back-up blankie, or anything that doesn't involve her big brother or little sister.

The Lee Family wouldn't be the Lee Family without Faith. God really blessed us when he gave us the privilege of being her mommy and daddy. God has taught us more about ourselves through Faith than we could have ever imagined possible. Amazing.

Happy Birthday Sweet Faith!

Luke's First Basketball Camp

2009-06-09T18:30:00.003-05:00

This year Luke gets to go to Basketball Camp. His coach at camp is one of Tyron's players that is from The Colony. His name is Scott, and he has literally known Luke every day of is life. It's pretty special that Luke gets Scott as his coach. Luke is loving every minute of camp...I'm sure you're shocked! Just to give you a point of reference, he is 4 years younger than the youngest camper enrolled. It's crazy because he is just as big as a lot of the other campers! See for yourself!

Working on "form shooting."

Shooting Drill called "Hot Shots"

When one of the coaches says "ball" the kids have to hold their ball over their heads.

Racing.

Luke's Team: VARSITY.

Listening to instructions from Daddy.

Dribbling.

Bass Pro Shop

2009-06-09T18:11:00.000-05:00

After Faith's birthday party, we went to the Bass Pro Shop to look around. The kids had a great time looking at all the fish and hanging out with Mimi and Paw Paw. Here are few shots that I took...

Faith's Birthday Party

2009-06-09T17:51:00.000-05:00

Faith turns 3 this week, so we had her party on Saturday. It was really laid back and so fun. We had the party here in Farmersville at the Spray Park and Playground. The kids had a great time, and it's always fun when the adults get to play as well! Here are a few pictures. I didn't get to take as many as I would have liked, but I decided to actually be a part of the party instead of just take pictures of the party. It was, of course, a princess themed affair...and the birthday girl was not interested in looking at the camera.

I recently retired from cake baking, so my friend Betsy made this cake for me. She is AMAZING, so if you ever need a cake, please email me and I will give you her phone number. She does beautiful cakes at very reasonable prices!

This Is Where I Want To Be...

2009-06-03T19:46:00.000-05:00

This is where my friend Brittany is right now. Why do I have to be in Texas when she gets to be in Hawaii? Britt took this picture and emailed it to me. I am SO jealous. She probably gets to go to Hawaii because she isn't spending her money on stupid stuff like speeding tickets...

Calgon...take me away.

I got to spend the afternoon in court. Yea me. To make a long story short, I got a speeding ticket that the officer messed up on when he wrote it. Instead of just being able to get it fixed, I had to actually go to court...or pay for a citation that was not valid. Nice. Anyway, my court appointment was at 1:00 this afternoon, and I finally got to see the judge and city prosecutor at 3:30!!! Blah! Needless to say, I still had to pay for the speeding part of my ticket, but the other part was dismissed. Oh yeah, I had all 3 kids with me too. NIGHTMARE. All 3 of them were angels. Seriously. God has blessed me beyond belief with amazing kids. I just felt so bad that they literally couldn't make a peep or I could be held in contempt. Thank God for Lori! She came and rescued my kids just in the nick of time. Love her to pieces. My hero! As Faith would say, "Lori saved the day!!!"

After court, Lori and I took the kids to McDonald's to play since they were so well behaved at the courthouse. I spilled 2 drinks that were completely full in the process of walking into the play area. Coordinated? Apparently not. This was pretty much the cherry on the sundae.

Today is not the day for me. I think I want to go to bed right now. Try again tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be better. Faith starts gymnastics tomorrow, and I can't wait. She is super excited and already knows how to do quite a bit. Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Tomorrow will be better. I just know it!

Hello Summer!

2009-05-26T21:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we spent the day at the playground and spray park in Farmersville. I took a few pictures. True to form, Luke ran from the camera and the girls hammed it up. Hope you enjoy them! Hannah wasn't crazy about the spray park because the water was cold, but she loved the playground. Faith loved it all, and Luke can make a basketball hoop out of anything. They are all priceless and precious!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-05-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

Today is our anniversary, and I would like to tell everyone why my husband is the best. Here is the list:

He loves Jesus.
He loves me for me even when I am being me.
He is the best Daddy ever.
He does the laundry.
He can talk me off of any ledge.
He loves his kids at school. They are more than just students and athletes...they are his kids.
He keeps me focused on Jesus.
He makes me a better me.
He is very handsome.
He is tall.
He has the best laugh.
He isn't afraid to be silly with me.
He always puts his hand on my back when we are going to sleep because he knows I sleep better like that.
He encourages me to be creative.
He encourages my passion for photography.
He keeps me centered when I try to go too far to the right or left.
He can show me how to do just about anything on the computer.
He always helps me.
He has a beautiful soul.
He has the prettiest blue eyes in the world. Hands down.
I could go on for days.

Tyron,

Thank you for marrying me. You make every day the best day. You make me smile when no one else can. You are the better half of me. I can't imagine my life without you. I am blessed beyond belief to be your wife. Thank you for loving me just the way I am...the good, the bad, and the ugle. Thank you for doing the laundry when I can't get to it. Thank you for being the best Daddy in the world to our kids. Thank you for investing in the future of the world by teaching boys to be men. That investment is no doubt going to give back big returns. Thank you for investing in our future by helping me raise our children up in the ways of the Lord. Some day we will, God willing, see our children follow our footsteps of faith. You are an amazing example of a husband to our girls, and you are the best example of a man to Luke. You are my hero and best friend. I love you more today than I did the day we got married.

Happy Anniversary Babe,

Melanie

Spastic? Yes - I AM.

2009-05-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

I get up every day, 7 days a week, at 7:00 a.m. This is the time that I drink coffee, read my Bible, and pray. Today as I finished praying and was on my way to the kitchen, I saw something laying in the hall floor that looked like a snake. The only thing I came up with was that the kids must have left a toy out last night that I hadn't noticed. And then it moved. Across the floor. The toy that looked so much like a snake, was indeed a snake. A small copperhead to be exact. POISONOUS. Danger Ranger.

As I noticed the disgusting little thing, I panicked because it was about 3 feet away from Luke and Faith's floor. They were awake, but they were still laying in their beds talking. I didn't know if I should go get the shovel without drawing attention to myself or if I should tell the kids to make sure their little fannies stayed in their beds. I opted to run like Hell to the garage and get a shovel. I then proceeded to assault the snake. As I was trying to kill the dang thing it struck the shovel several times. All I could think was that it could have gotten one of my kids. That is scary. REALLY scary. Needless to say, the snake ended up in 3 pieces and without a head. I ended up having an anxiety attack post snake assault that left me sick to my stomach and in need of rescuing. I called Tyron, and he abandoned a class to come and rescue me. I seriously got my kids out of bed, put Hannah in the high chair with her seat belt on, and put Luke and Faith in their chairs at the table. They weren't allowed to get out of their chairs until Daddy made sure there were no more snakes in the house. I am still paranoid every time I see an electrical cord.

I don't think we will be getting our deposit back...not when the assault of a snake happened in the hallway of our little rent house. Who knew that snakes had so much blood in them? Yuck.

Thank God for protecting my little family from that vile little creature! I have subsequently started praying that God would ban all poisonous creatures from our house and yard. Give me bugs, mice, or mean dogs...just don't give me a snake. I might even consider getting a cat.

Catch of the Day

2009-05-09T13:10:00.000-05:00

We have been at my parents house since Wednesday, and one of the fun things that we have done is take the kids fishing. Luke caught 3 fish! He caught a white bass, black bass, and a perch. It was so fun to see him enjoy what he was doing. So fun!

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

2009-05-04T10:40:00.000-05:00

Saturday night Tyron and I watched the documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." This documentary was made by Ben Stein to expose the scientific community in their efforts to completely squash the theory of Intelligent Design. Intelligent Design is not necessarily the same as Creationism, but it does have some of the same elements.

I really encourage you, whether you are a Believer or not, to watch this movie. It's amazing how some scientists are going from being a scientist to atheist to attacker of religion. In fact, one of the scientists interviewed wrote a book entitled "The God Delusion." Here is a quote from this book by Richard Dawkins:

"The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully."

Hello? Could you be more insane? Tyron actually paused the movie at this point, looked at me and said, "You know, I tend to want to be God's justice man. Make people pay for profaning God and His Word, but man, I want nothing to with this meeting with God on his judgement day. Talk about saying and thinking ALL the wrong things."

This movie pretty much only reiterates the fact that without Jesus you have nothing. If you have seen this movie, I would love to know your thoughts on it. I can't get over how crazy it was to hear what some of these people said in their interviews.

If you would like to sign the Academic Freedom Petition, you can go click

HERE.

If you want to see the movie trailer click

HERE.

Me and My Homies

2009-04-26T21:09:00.000-05:00

This weekend my besties and I went to downtown Dallas and stayed at the Magnolia Hotel. It was so much fun. The hotel was great (free happy hour, milk and cookie reception, jacuzzi, and other various amenities), the food was good (particularly Mia's), and the company was the best. We got mani/pedi's, played pool at the hotel, talked and talked and talked, people watched, and slept very little! I didn't take near as many pictures as I thought I would because I was too busy having fun. Here are the few pictures that we took yesterday! Thank you Dallas for showing us such a good time! We are doing this again next year!

My Besties.

L-R: Kara, Lori, Brittany, Betsey, and Rachel - My Homies.

Rachel standing with the Lamborgenhi at the hotel. Seriously, how sexy is her face and hair blowing in the wind?

Brittany, Me, and Lori getting our pedicures.

Lori literally kept us laughing the whole time. So much FUN!

Rachel giving the beauty queen wave while getting a pedicure.

Betsey and Lori getting their manicures.

Going to Starbucks.

Christmas in April

2009-04-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

You know that feeling when you are a little kid that you get on Christmas Eve? That is exactly how I feel right now. The anticipation of this weekend is killing me!

Tomorrow starts off with a race that my friend Brittany and I have been training for. Then we will come home, shower, pack, and meet up with 5 other girls at the Magnolia Hotel. We are going to get mani/pedi/massages, eat good food, drink wine and other various alcoholic beverages, and have some good ol' fashioned girl time.

This is much needed for me. It's been a long year of new job, new town, new house, new baby...pretty much a new everything. I can't wait to hang out with all my favorite girls and just be me.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am sure there will be a million pictures to post on Monday. Yea! Less than 24 hours to go!

No officer...I don't know what you're talking about!

2009-04-22T14:05:00.001-05:00

I went to Dallas yesterday to shoot some bridal portraits. As we were driving home on I-30, I was in the far left lane and sped up to get around a semi. I got nervous because I was next to a cement barrier and a semi truck that was not exactly keeping it between the lines. Lo and behold, a cop was right there waiting for me! I got pulled over, and I got a ticket. Seriously! He should have pulled the truck driver over for being a crappy driver! Instead he gave me a ticket with 2 charges. One charge was for speeding, and the other charge was because my driver's license and insurance card had 2 different addresses on them. So STUPID. My driver's license had the correct address, but my insurance card had my old Frisco address on it. We have already changed our address for our insurance but haven't gotten a new card yet. This is the first ticket that I have gotten since I was in college. Ugh. Defensive Driving...here I come!

My Charmed Life

2009-04-18T08:04:00.000-05:00

I love my life. God has blessed me with an amazing, God - loving husband, 3 beautiful and healthy kids, a roof over my head, and plenty of food to eat...not to mention that Jesus saved me from eternal damnation. Lately it's been so easy for me to get caught up in the minor details of life that I lose sight of God, but He gently reminds me of his presence daily.

Every night before we put the kids to bed Tyron and I lay hands on our kids in prayer. (For those of you who think that it sounds weird to lay hands on some one in prayer, it's just a tangible way to show who you are praying for. It helps the kids understand that Mommy and Daddy are praying for them.) We finished our prayer and Faith says, "I want to pray." She does this every night and so does Luke.

This was Faith's prayer(unprompted by us):

Dear God,

Thank you for my dancin' and for my feet that move. I hope you love my dancin' since I dance for you and Mommy and Daddy. Thank you for Jesus and the Easter eggs. Thank you for helping me be a cheerful giver when I played with my friends today. Help my owie get better because my head hurts where I bonked it. I love you God. And Jesus, too! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

God reminded me of his presence by using my 2-year old's prayer. It's amazing that this little prayer came from my 2 year old little girl. Only God could put such sweet things in the heart of anyone.

Thank you God for working in the hearts of my children. It's such a blessing and privilege to be a mom. Thank you for your Word that I get to freely read every morning. It truly is the well spring of my life. Thank you for reminding me how sweet you are. Help me not to get caught up in the grind of life and forget that each moment is precious. Amen.

Easter Pictures

2009-04-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some Easter pictures. We had a great Easter weekend! We went to church and had lunch with Darrick and Brittany, and after naptime Luke and Faith hunted Easter eggs. We aren't huge fans of the Easter Bunny, so we pretty much just make a game out of the egg hunt. Hannah was too busy climbing and walking around to care about the eggs, but Luke and Faith had a great time. The kids don't have Easter baskets, so they used their pumpkins from Halloween. Ghetto...I know, but we don't care. Hunting eggs is about Jesus...not eggs. That's our motto anyway. :-) Enjoy the pictures!

Heeeeellllllooooooo Beautiful!

2009-04-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Meet my new toy! This is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens. This bad boy is 7.5 inches long and weighs about 2.5 pounds. That is A LOT of glass. Yea!!

I am so excited. I have been stalking this lens for months! I finally got it and can't wait to start using it. I am shooting a wedding on May 1st, so I am sure it will get a full workout then. I know some babies that are due pretty much anytime that are gonna meet this big boy too!

Lunch with Luke

2009-04-03T12:49:00.001-05:00

This is the conversation that I had with Luke while I fixed lunch:

Me: "Luke, do you want spaghetti or peanut butter and jelly for lunch?"

Luke: "Spaghetti. Spa-ghetti. Look! I didn't say pasketti! I said spa-ghe-tti! Faith say 'spa.' Now say 'ghetti.' Now just keep saying over and over again until you get it!"

Me: "Good job Luke! Do you want cheese on your spaghetti?"

Luke: "For sheezy! For schizzle! Thanks yo!"

Me: (Thinking...What the???????????????????) "Your welcome?.?.?"

Apparently my son is learning a little slang... :-)

How You Know You Are Getting Older...

2009-04-01T11:18:00.000-05:00

I have been running and working out like a madwoman for the past few months. It's been great! I am losing weight and feeling better. Good right? Until you realize that you are getting older.

Yesterday, I was running and my knee cap randomly dislocated. I didn't fall, step in a hole, or even run on uneven ground. Nice, right? Seriously, I am in pretty good shape! I don't know what happened. The only thing I can figure is that my body is starting to protest because I am getting older. 30 isn't old, right? I think I might have to trade my body in for a newer, less dislocated model. Anyone know where I can get one of those?

Now I have to get through a photo session with a knee that is easily 3-4 times bigger than the other. All I can hope for is that I don't permanently cripple myself. At this rate, I am gonna need a walker by 40!

If "The View" Can Do It, So Can I!

2009-03-30T10:34:00.000-05:00

As I flipped through the channels this morning, I came across the show "The View." Seriously, why would anyone willingly watch this show? All these women are all talking/shouting at one another voicing their "view." I couldn't even decide what they were debating! So annoying. So, I have decided that if these women can voice their views, so can I!

Okay, so is anyone else annoyed that Obama was on TV discussing his March Madness Bracket? In my own opinion, his butt should be in his office spending his time as president doing something that serves our country better than a little bracketology. He was also on Jay Leno. Seriously? Is that the best way to reach the American public these days? Was going on Jay Leno so that the American people could see him as just another average-American? I don't know about you, but I don't want to see our president as just some average-American! I want to see our president as our Commander In Chief. I want the presidency to be a higher calling. I want our president to take his job, our economic issues, and a every other detail of our country seriously. And not with Jay Leno. Seriously. Obama you are not an average Joe. You are the president of the United States of America. Act like it.

As a side note and reminder, we can not put our faith in people. Our faith belongs to God. He is the only one who will keep his promises. Period.

Have a great week!

Wow...

2009-03-26T21:34:00.001-05:00

This is what Luke ate for dinner tonight...

12 pizza rolls

1 whole apple

1whole peeled carrot

1 chicken and cheese burrito

~8 oz. of milk

...and he said he was still hungry. Eating me out of house and home. Seriously.

I Might Be A Morning Person

2009-03-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Anyone who really knows me is going to be shocked by the title of this post because I LOVE sleep. I will tell anyone that asks me that I think I am still sleep deprived from when Luke was born...and I am only half joking. He didn't sleep at all (just screamed his tiny little head off) for 4 straight months. I probably averaged anywhere from 2-4 nonconsecutive hours of sleep in a 24 hour period for those 4 months. I will cut him some slack though...he was a preemie with some health issues so it wasn't his true disposition...anyone who knows him can attest to this. Anyway, I digress...

For about the past month I have been faithfully getting up at 6:45 to read my Bible, pray, and have coffee in peace. Can I just say that it has been amazingly fruitful and has restored my soul in so many ways. I wanted to blog about this for a while, but I feel like God is just now releasing me to be public about our morning date because there is a back story to it.

In hoping to be transparent but not overly blunt, I will briefly tell you about the back story. About 2 years ago, I was a Preschool Ministry Director for a church. It was the hardest job in the world. The church that I served decided to let me go as an employee, and I was devastated. I felt like a close family member died when this happened, and I felt betrayed by the pastor at the church where I served for a number of reasons. We ultimately left the church and now go to Fellowship of Frisco.

Over the past 2 years I have been seriously struggling spiritually. I struggled in my daily walk, with trusting church authority, and with trusting God. Most of all, I have struggled with forgiving the leadership of the church that I previously served. I have literally walked the last 2 years with bitterness, hurt, and unforgiveness in my heart. For 2 years I thought I was okay, but I am not. God pushed all of my struggles to the surface about 6 weeks ago and forced me to start the forgiving process. It's been hard because I tend to hold onto things, but God has shown me that hanging on to the things of the past just keep me prisoner to the very things that I have left behind.

Each morning I wake up, turn the coffee on, and open my Bible. I read for about an hour every morning and then spend time in prayer. Through the last month God has done miraculous things in my heart. I have been able to forgive what has been holding me captive for the past two years and find God in a more personal way than ever. So, I think I might be a morning person because my date with God is BY FAR my favorite part of the day. I literally wake up and can't wait to get out of bed. When I pray, I feel like God is literally sitting next to me instead of feeling like my prayers hit the ceiling of my house and bouncing back down to me. My life is so much richer and sweeter than it was 6 weeks ago. Praise God for sanctification! Praise God for being faithful to his word. Praise God for loving me enough to push me through this painful process that I am still going through. Praise God for getting my lazy bum out of bed every morning to be in his presence.

I would urge you (if you're still reading this gargantuan post) to allow God to push all your junk to the surface to be dealt with. He will walk with you through every second of it. He will not leave you, and he will make all things right. He is the only one who can make everything right. I pray that if you have things hidden in your heart that God would make them known to you so that you can deal with your junk and experience him and see him more clearly. It's worth every second of sleep I am missing, and I used to really love sleep. I can promise you that.

Holy Cow People...I Tried On A Bathing Suit!

2009-03-23T15:28:00.001-05:00

I was in Target today, and I decided to try on a bathing suit. BIG. MISTAKE. It started out harmless enough. I need a new bathing suit for a weekend that I am spending with all my best girlfriends in April. Target has a ton of cute suits. Mine from last year is WAY too big because I was 3 months postpartum when I bought last year's suit. So, needless to say, I need a new suit.

First of all can I just say that dressing room light could be the least flattering in the entire universe. I turned around in the dressing room and just about passed out. Any good friend would have told me to go directly to the plastic surgeon and spare no expense on a total body remodel. I was absolutely horrified.

I may never wear another suit again. Ever. Unless they make turtle neck bathing suits that have knee length skirts attached to them.

The Dallas Arboretum

2009-03-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

The kids and I went to the Dallas Arboretum today. I took some pictures and here are a few that I got. A couple of our friends met us up there, and we all had a great time.

Some of these pictures are fully edited and others are still works in process, so don't judge! ;-)

How Great Is Our God?

2009-03-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

In the past few months I have not been the most faithful of bloggers. As a matter of fact, I haven't been that faithful of an anything. It's pretty indicative of my insane apathy for the God who created everything and everyone and has delivered me from the evil person I am and the world we live in. Can I just say one thing? That. Is. Really. Really. Sad.

I've been a Believer a long time. I can barely remember not knowing Jesus, and the sad part is that I KNOW Jesus and still get swept up in my life, my worries, my kids, my husband, my blah blah blah. Get the point? I have been so focused on MY world that I have forgotten who this world (and my life) actually belongs to. Trading the Creator for the created. Isn't that pretty much man's recurring sin? I'm pretty sure you spell that I-D-O-L. I, long time Believer and lover of Jesus Christ, am guilty of idolatry. God forgive me. Please.

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day things of life and forget about the God who saved us from it. I say these things and confess my idolatry because I think we need to be reminded, as I remind my kids, that this life is not about us. It's about God. It's about being obedient and experiencing the joy and freedom that comes only from knowing and experiencing God. Chasing the things of this world never got anyone very far when it comes to eternity.

My only hope is that God is going to finish this work that he started in me. I know He has his work cut out for him, and He is the only one who can finish this task. I pray that I will be sanctified and bring Him glory. He is the only one who deserves it. May I be reminded of that daily.

Phillipians 1:6 (NASB):
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. "

Turkey Bacon Is NOT Suitable for Human Consumption.

2009-03-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

Tyron and I have really been trying to eat healthier. We're not 20 anymore, ya know. Tyron and I have a tradition where one night a week I fix breakfast for the two of us after we put the kids to bed. I usually make biscuits, bacon, sometimes gravy, and eggs.

I tried to make our dinner-breakfast healthier by substituting turkey bacon for the real stuff. I actually really like turkey products like sausage, lunch meat, etc, but I can not even begin to tell you how disgusted I was from the get go with the turkey bacon. Words truly can't express my disgust with this so-called "bacon." My sense of smell was so offended that I just about tossed my cookies right then and there, but in the name of health I forged on.

I cooked 6 slices of turkey bacon, and I gagged the entire time it was cooking. It totally reminded me of being pregnant, which I'm not by the way. Unless God has so MAJOR plans, procreation is permanantly no longer an option for the Lee Family. I digress...

This thought actually crossed my mind: "Maybe it's just the smell...maybe it actually tastes good." Man, was I ever wrong! I took one bite of the turkey bacon and just about walked away from the dinner table for the night. The stuff actually tasted worse than it smelled! Blah! My entire dinner experience was tainted from that one little taste.

I am back on the real bacon wagon. Never again will I try tukey bacon. I just can't do it. So, I apologize to my future clogged arteries and bid my turkey bacon experience good-bye. Hello pork! I'm sure you've never tasted so good!

Pictures of Hannah at the Party

2009-03-01T23:06:00.000-06:00

Here are a few highlights from the party. We had a great time! Thanks to everyone who came. I will post more party pictures later!

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

2009-02-25T16:52:00.001-06:00

Today is Hannah's first birthday! This past year has flown by in amazing fashion. I can't believe how much she has changed in one year. Hannah is an extremely sweet natured baby who is a great sleeper, plays well, and is easy going. I can't believe how blessed I am to be her mommy. She steals our hearts daily with her sweet smiles and gentle spirit. I can't wait to see what the next year will be like with her. The fact that I get to be at home every day with her is truly amazing. Watching her grow and change every day is so much fun.

It seems like momentous days, like birthdays, I am reminded of all the things that I want for my kids. Of course there are things like health and safety, but more than anything, I want my kids to know Jesus and love Him. I pray that they will know and experience the God of mercy and love and not just know about Him. I pray that more than anything they will know that we love them as their parents, but I want them to know that God loves them even more than we do. We are truly blessed.

BLESSED. IN. A. BIG. WAY.

Here are a couple of pictures of our beautiful baby girl:

Hannah Mae Lee

February 25, 2008 @ 12:49 p.m.

6lbs. 15 oz. and 19.5 inches long.

Hannah Mae Lee

February 15, 2009

Beautiful.

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

Farmer's Basketball

2009-02-19T11:49:00.001-06:00

Seniors

L-R: Tyler, Thor, Alex, and Cameron

Seniors + Tyron

Team Huddle after Pre-Game Announcements

Thor and Cameron during Pre-Game Announcements

T - Minus 8 Days...

2009-02-16T23:41:00.000-06:00

8 days from now, my baby is going to be 1.

Hannah Mae

Picture taken on 2-15-09

So, Faith is a Charismatic When Treated with Albuterol...

2009-02-16T23:25:00.000-06:00

Faith's favorite song to sing is "Jesus Loves Me." It's way cute. I love her sweet little voice. She's so stinking amazing. Now take all that sweetness and add albuterol...parents with asthmatic children know what I'm saying. Instead of sweet, soft "Jesus Loves Me," you get crazy, loud, hands raised, dancing, exultant "Jesus Loves Me." It's pretty awesome. Sadly, I know how that makes me sound as a mom. Just let it slide. I do not drug my child for entertainment purposes. I swear. I guess this is a perk of having an asthmatic child. I will take a charismatic any day...after all, Jesus does love her.

Pictures to come later.

Quote...

2009-02-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

"Community that does not bring about progressive sanctification is futile."
- Matt Chandler, Pastor of "The Village Church"

Our Little Hoopster

2009-01-26T15:39:00.000-06:00

Isn't he so handsome? He loves his hoops!

He is still so little...

Dribbling the ball!

He shoots on a 10 ft. hoop with a boy's regulation ball.

And he makes a lot of shots!!

I LOVE the shadow behind him. The shadow is a truer depiction of who Luke really is!

Luke is always at his happiest when we are at the gym.
Someday Luke is going to make his daddy look so smart!

The Park...On A Beautiful Day!!!!

2009-01-26T14:57:00.000-06:00

The pretend water tower at the park...my kids love it for some reason.

Luke

Pretending to shoot me with water...what is it with boys and weapons?

Faith enjoying the rocking horse!

Hannah watching Bubba and Sissy. She LOVES them!

Prayer for Our New President

2009-01-20T08:20:00.000-06:00

As I am sure that everyone knows, today our country gets a brand new president. I know that to a lot of people this seems a little scary for some reason or another. To others, it's a relief. To both I want to encourage you to pray for the new leadership of this country. Pray for wisdom, strength, intelligence, and many other things. I would also encourage you to pray that God would overwhelm Obama's heart with an overpowering urge to love and serve the one true God. Pray for our country and our economy. I am sure that there are very few people out there that haven't been touched by the economic downturn in our country.

Please pray for our government and it's leaders no matter what your political conventions are. Pray in hopeful expectation that the LORD can and will do amazing things. Lastly, pray a prayer of thanksgiving because our God is sovereign and has ordained each and every event that will map out our future.

God bless America! God bless our new president and his family.

A Whole New Year...

2009-01-15T15:57:00.001-06:00

It's officially 2009. Not that you need me to tell you that! I have been thinking about all the changes that 2008 held for my family. Last year was amazing, fulfilling, and a million other things wrapped into a time frame of 365 days.

To think just a year ago we were a family of 4, and now we are a family of 5! Crazy. Simply amazing. Hannah came into the world completely naturally. It. Was. Painful. And. Beautiful. She has been such an amazing blessing to us all. Hard to believe she will be 1 next month.

It's been totally fulfilling to watch my family change, adjust, and flourish. Tyron finished up the school year at the The Colony and a short week later started at Farmersville High School. The next thing we knew, our house was on the market. 81 days and something like 40 showings later, our house sold. Off to Farmersville we went. Good thing too...Tyron was actually sleeping in his office and in our car on game nights. 6 ft. 10 in. doesn't fit very well into a Honda Accord while sitting...I can't imagine him lying down in it! It was a huge adjustment for all of us to move. We moved away from our friends and the conveniences of civilization. Even though we didn't move that far away, it's still far enough that it changes things. I wouldn't trade it for the world though. We actually see Tyron now. Every. Single. Day. A HUGH blessing.

I am utterly and completely amazed at the last year of my life. So many things have changed. The thing that amazes me the most is that every single moment of it was completely orchestrated by my God who loves me and ordained every single breath of 2008. That alone trumps every single thing that happened in 2008.

I am not a "New Year's Resolution" kind of person; however, I do have some things that I am going to continue to strive for. Here are a few of those things:

Pray more often.
Live more in the moment. All too soon this season of life will be a thing of the past.
Say yes to every thing the LORD asks of me with reckless abandon.
Do a better job of encouraging my husband.
Seek God every single day.

Most of all, I want to be near to my God. Here are the lyrics to a song that I think summarizes how I feel. I want this to be the cry of my heart this year...

Be Near by Shane and Shane

You are all,

big and small

beautiful

And wonderful to trust in grace through faith

But I'm asking to taste~

For dark is light to you

Depths are height to you

Far is near, but Lord I need to hear from you

Be near, oh God, Be near, oh God of us

Your nearness is to us our good

Be near, oh God, Be near, oh God of us

Your nearness is to us our good

Our good

Your fullness is mine (Your fullness is mine)

Revelation divine (Revelation divine)

But oh to taste, to know much more than a page

To feel your embrace...

For dark is light to you

Depths are height to you

Far is near but Lord, I need to hear from you

Be near oh God Be near oh God of us

You're nearness is to us our good

Be near oh God Be near oh God of us

You're nearness is to us our good

Be near oh God Be near oh God of us

You're nearness is to us our good

Be near oh God Be near oh God of us

You're nearness is to us our good

My good

Rachel's Pizza Dough and Pizza Sauce

2009-01-15T14:19:00.001-06:00

I went to Rachel's house last week to hang out and eat dinner. We had such a good time. Rachel made homemade pizza. It was fabulous, so I figured I would put it here as my recipe of the week. Besides being fabulous, it's super easy to make and budget friendly. Enjoy!

Rachel's Pizza Dough

1 Package of Rapid Rise Yeast
1 tsp. of sugar
1 c. warm water
2.5 cups of flour
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 tsp. salt.

Preheat oven to 450.
Combine yeast, sugar, and water.
Allow to stand for 10 minutes.
Combine with other ingredients.
Rest for 5 more minutes.
Shape into pizza crust and top with whatever you want.

Rachel's Pizza Sauce

1 - 10.75 oz can of tomato puree.
1/4 c. water
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. basil
1/8 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Bring ingredients to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 1 cup.

Recipe of the Week

2009-01-05T11:03:00.000-06:00

I thought that I would start posting a recipe of the week. I know that I get sick of fixing the same things over and over. If you also want to post a recipe of your own, just leave it in the comment box! This is an easy way to share recipes that we love. I hope you are all having a good day amidst all the rain and ice!

Mac and Cheese the Healthier Way

Serves: 6

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 13 minutes

1 box (13.25 oz) whole grain penne pasta
4 cups broccoli florets (optional - use something you like better if you don't eat this)
1 c. skim milk
1 Tbs. all purpose flour
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
2 cups 2% sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

Boil water and add pasta. Cook about 6 minutes.
Add broccoli to pasta and water. Cook additional 4 minutes.
In small sauce pan, whisk together milk and four. Simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Add grated Cheddar, whisking constantly until melted. Transfer past and broccoli to serving bowl. Pour cheese sauce over pasta-broccoli mixture and stir until coated.

Enjoy!!

Time For A Change...

2008-12-28T23:23:00.000-06:00

of posts that is! My last post was, shall we say, a major downer. Sad, but true. We have all survived this plague of sicknesses so far, and I am truly grateful. December has been a long month, but it hasn't been without a multitude of blessings.

My most treasured earthly blessing is my family. One of the things that has kind of been nice about being sick is that we have been forced to just be us. Just our family. I have actually just gotten to hang out with my hubby and relax. You know, doctor's orders and all that...lots of rest and fluids. Dang pneumonia! My kids have been great. I just wish that they could all stay well! Needless to say, we have had lots of great family time because we've had to stay in so much.

Secondly, I have some pretty great friends. I have had friends (and family) drop (and offer to drop) everything to come to our rescue. Definitely a blessing. Rachel even drives all the way from Denton to see me. I love her. Some friendships just don't change over time. Such a comfort to me.

Christmas was such a blessing this year. Luke is old enough to actually get what Christmas is about. That's not to say that he doesn't love the gifts, but he also really gets who we are celebrating. At the beginning of this month we went to this amazing production called Journey to Bethlehem with the Blaggs. You actually walk the road to Bethlehem to be counted in the the census. There are tons of live animals, 3 magi, an angel proclaiming the coming birth of Christ, the shepherds, thieves, and finally the town of Bethlehem complete with a market, children playing in the streets, and the stable where Jesus was born. At the end of the journey when you are standing at the stable where the baby lays in a manger, one of the magi quotes the Bible and they sing "O Come Let Us Adore Him." It's amazing! Lori and I both got teary. It really helped my entire family wrap our minds around what Christmas is. It will be a family tradition from now on. Luke walked away knowing the Christmas story by heart. He really wanted to hold "Baby Jesus" too. So sweet. It really hit Faith too. When we put all our gifts under our tree about a week after JTB, Faith said (ver batim), "These shouldn't be our presents. They're Jesus's." Yet another teary moment for me. God is so good.

Well, time to go. I hope that you have all been as blessed this month as we have. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks...

Luke and Faith painting Christmas ornaments.

Faith's ornament.

Hannah crawling around while the kids paint.

Mimi and Hannah getting ready for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.

Sweet Hannah.

Pretty Faith.

Luke. When did he get so big?

Luke and Faith in their Christmas jammies. Hannah kept crawling off when I tried to take a picture. Her jammies match Faith's.

Paw Paw tickling Faith's feet. She LOVES him.

Luke on Christmas morning. Santa brought a "big truck."

Hannah. Faith shared her candy from her stocking. This was Hannah's first taste of sugar. Do you think she liked it?

Faith playing with Hannah in Hannah's new house. They are so cute playing in it.

Worst Week EVER. Period.

2008-12-17T13:57:00.000-06:00

This got kind of long...sorry.

It feels like I haven't blogged in a million years, but it's only been a week. I have all these fun things to blog about. We went to Journey to Bethlehem in Grapevine. It was amazing. It really brings the Christmas story to life. I highly recommend going next year...especially if you've never been. You can check it out HERE.

I also got invited to a Christmas party here in Farmersville this past Friday night. I seriously didn't know a single soul that would be attending. Anyone who knows me at all would understand that I was just about ready to vomit on my way to the party. Seriously. I was a nervous wreck. When I got there, I was welcomed with open arms. I met some really nice women and got to know a few of the other coach's wives. All in all, it was really fun until I got "the call."

My phone started ringing at about 8:15. I checked it just to make sure that it wasn't my babysitter. It was my husband. I figured that he was just calling to make sure that I didn't chicken out of the party and to give the update on the game. I called him back to tell him that I was okay and wasn't sitting in the corner of a strangers house rocking myself into a calm. When he actually answered the phone, I knew something was wrong. He was SICK. Really, really sick with a horrible stomach bug. Loving wife that I am, told the hostess of the party a quick thank you and told her that hubby was on his way home from tournament because he was sick. I needed to be with him in case he was on his death bed.

I got home at about 9:00. Got Tyron settled in and kids in bed. 10 minutes later I was also officially sick. The whole 9 yards. About an hour later Luke was throwing up, and another hour later Hannah was throwing up. Faith escaped this time because she had it earlier in the week.

I called my mom and asked her to come as soon as she could...which would not be until around 11:00 Saturday morning because she lives 5 hours away. Tyron called his sister who lives in Mesquite, who arrived promptly at our house around 12:15 am. Thank God. Seriously. She stayed up with my puking kids all night while Tyron and I begged for mercy. It was really terrifying. This is the first time Hannah has been sick with something other than an ear infection, and I couldn't even comfort her. Luke is a little panicky when he is sick to his stomach and I couldn't do anything for him either. It was horrible to have to let some one else take care of my kids; however, there is no one that I trust more with my kids than my mom or my sister in law. There aren't enough thank you's in the world for all that they did.

My mom is still here. I found out on Monday that not only did I have a stomach virus, but I also have a bad case of pneumonia. Nice, right? The doctor pretty much told me to get in bed and stay there. I went back to the doctor today, and the doctor threatened me with hospitalization. I talked her out of it, but I have to go back to the doctor on Tuesday. If I am not much better by then, she is going to put me in the hospital. Like I have time to be in the hospital.

So, add all this to the fact that I had the flu at the beginning of last week, and Faith had the stomach bug from Tuesday - Thursday and it was pretty much the worst week ever. God willing, we will all be well and stay well. I for one, can't take much more. Talk about a train wreck!

Thank you Kara and Mom for being so extremely helpful. I am not sure we would have all walked away completely in tact if it weren't for y'all. Love you both!

PS - If I talk to you and I seem a little weird, it's all the medicine I am on. One of my inhalers makes me nervous and jittery, so I apologize for acting like a junkie that is waiting to get my next score. Seriously. Tyron thinks it's kind of funny. :-)

My Kids Christmas Portraits

2008-12-11T11:01:00.000-06:00

I finally got around to taking my kids Christmas portraits. It was cold and a little windy, but I think I got some pretty cute pictures. If you would like to see some of my favorites, check out my other blog.

Click:

Selah Portraits

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!!

I Am A N-E-R-D.

2008-12-04T19:58:00.001-06:00

In the last 10 days I have read somewhere in the ball park of 2700 pages. I know, I know. Crazy. Reading is without a doubt my favorite solo hobby. I could read for days on end with time slipping past while I am completely unaware. So, without further ado, I would like to put a book series out there on recommendation:

"The Twilight Saga" by Stephenie Meyer.

These books have a lot of supernatural aspects to them, so if you are an anti-Harry Potter person, just disregard this post. Seriously. I have always enjoyed books, movies, and TV shows that have a supernatural emphasis, so I knew I would like these books. I also have no problems with reconciling these kinds of books with my belief in God like some other people do. Fiction books don't diminish the non-fictional Bible to me, but that is another rant/post altogether. So, anyways...I digress.

This saga is about vampires and werewolves and their relationships with the human world. Believe it or not, there is nothing at all frightening about the books. It's pretty much all about relationships. There are things about vampires and werewolves, but mostly it's just a characteristic trait to help you further identify with with each character. Really, it's brilliant.

So, if you are a fan of reading, I highly recommend this book series. It's awesome. Now, I just want to go see the movie. I know the movie won't be as good as the book. They never are, but I still want to see it.

**Note: No children were neglected or involved in the time I spent reading. :-)

You HAVE to be kidding...or else I might cry.

2008-12-02T20:59:00.000-06:00

Today just happened to be "one of those days." You know the one that I'm talking about. The day where every one is in a crummy mood for no good reason and nothing totally catastrophic happens, but we all want to cry despite the lack of reason for crying. Everything in the world got on my nerves today. I swear. I think our dog came within an inch of losing her life at least 10 times today. Faith pulled all the stuffing out of a car pillow for the 3rd time today, and Luke was totally whiny about every imaginable thing. On top of that, I tried to make a simple run to the bank (in McKinney) to find that there were NO envelopes in the night drop so I could make a deposit. I visited 5 banks to try to deposit money with no success. Can't a girl catch a break? All of this combined with my crummy mood did not make for a delightful day in the Lee home. Seriously. I think I prayed about 100 times today for patience, a better mood, an end to the screaming, etc. Ugh. No nominations for the Mother of the Year Award for me. Honestly, I could have put all my kids to bed at like 6:00 just to get a break. Wow. I'm a great mom...just in case you didn't hear the sarcasm, I'll say it again: I'm a great mom.

So, what did this splendiferous day teach me? This: This is the day! This is the day that the LORD has made, that the LORD has made! I will rejoice! I will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it! This is the day that the LORD has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day! This is the day that the LORD has made.

A song that I sing to my kids every day when we get up.

Thank you Holy Spirit. Really.

Something I'm Not...

2008-11-17T09:58:00.001-06:00

So, my friend Lori inspired me to do something a little different. I painted my toenails and fingernails this really dark purple-ish color. It's so dark it looks almost black. See, on my friend Lori who is beautiful and super trendy, dark nails look sophisticated and a little unexpected; however, according to my husband, dark nails look just a little goth on me. I tend to be classic in the way that I dress...think Ann Taylor Loft, and that is my style. I mean, I just got up the nerve to start wearing hoop earrings! Last night Tyron asked me if I was going to keep my nails like that for his first game (which is tomorrow btw). I said yes. Even though they look a little goth on me, I kind of like my nails dark! So, for today and tomorrow (and maybe the next day too!), I am going to pretend that I am trendy and sophisticated and wear my nails dark. Ha! Take that Farmersville...I'm shakin' it up a little! Gotta keep all my peeps guessing! Yeah, I just said peeps...and my nails are dark. Hey, if I'm going to pretend, I am going to PRETEND!

Yesterday Was The Best Day EVER!!

2008-11-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

My best friend from high school came to see me yesterday! It's crazy that she is still one of my best friends today! We have known each other for 20 years! She has two little girls (Anna - 4 and Grace - 2), and we all had such a GREAT time. Our kids got along so well. It was amazing. We started off the visit with great burgers from Charlie's. Then we came back to our house and played in the back yard. Our kids never sat still! They ran, jumped, and played nonstop. At about 6:00 one of my other best friends came over with her family. There were 5 adults and 7 kids in our 1250 square foot house last night! It was crazy fun. Needless to say, every one's kids were pooped by bedtime. Wish I would have taken a picture of all the kids together, but here is a picture of Anna, Faith, Luke, and Grace. Yesterday was the best day EVER!!!

10 Things I am Thankful For...

2008-11-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for Jesus. He saved me...in every sense of the word.
I am thankful for Tyron. He is the love of my life. He loves Jesus, and he loves me. He is self-sacrificial and shows me Jesus every single day.
I am thankful for our three kids. They add so much joy, laughter, and love to my life.
I am thankful for my parents. They are always there when I need them. I love you both!
I am thankful for my sisters in Christ...especially Betsy R., Lori, Rachel, Amanda, Megan, Betsey S., Rebecca, Breanne, and Lacey. You each show me Christ in different yet amazing ways! I love you madly.
I am thankful that I have eyes to see the world around me...especially my children's beautiful faces and my husband's hotness!
I am thankful that my house sold, and we live in "The Ville."
I am thankful for my photography passion. It makes others smile, and that is all I want to do!
I am thankful for my cell phone. Without it, I would be lost. Really.
I am thankful for my DVR. Without it, I am afraid that my children would have a mother that was a little less sane and a lot more spastic! (So, I let me kids watch T.V. If I didn't let them watch T.V. the dishes wouldn't get done, and Hannah would starve to death...sad but true!)

Some of my "things" are sort of silly and some are serious. ALL of them are TRUE! I am tagging the following people: Megan, Amanda, and Rachel. See the post below to see directions. After post your 10 things, make sure you tag a couple of people too!

I LOVE Thanksgiving!

2008-11-12T10:32:00.000-06:00

So you may have noticed that I changed my blog theme to be a little more "Thanksgivingish." I LOVE Thanksgiving! Partly because of all the amazing food, but mostly because of it's meaning. I love Thanksgiving as much as I love Christmas. I know, I know. Christ was born; therefore, we have Christmas. I am most definitely not trying to make little of that. I just think that it's equally important to be reminded of ALL the things that we should be thankful for. I wish I could say that I am as thankful on a daily basis as I am on Thanksgiving, but I'm not. Simple as that.

In an effort to be a little more thankful this year, I am going to post 10 things I am thankful for. I will be tagging 3 of you to do the same. So make sure you check your comments to see if I tag you!

Luke's 4 Year Stats...

2008-11-10T15:13:00.000-06:00

Okay, so we knew that Luke was big for his age, but this is ridiculous!!

Disclaimer:

Beware, this is not bragging or a competition. Grandparents read this blog and want to know what the babies are up to.

Height: 46 inches (110%)

Weight: 43 lbs. (90%)

It really is crazy how fast they get big! Luke is only 15 inches shorter than I am, and he just turned 4!!! Better get my bluff in now!

Luke is not only getting big, but he is pretty bright. Here's a little of what Luke can do right now:

Count to pretty much whatever number you give him (within reason...not 4,500, 018)
He is starting to do simple addition and subtraction.
He knows the alphabet (upper case and lower case) and knows the sounds of each letter.
He is starting to work on reading (sounding out words like cat, hat, mom, dad, etc) and sight words (a, an, the, etc.).
He can write his name (not perfectly).

Scare On The Square and Trick or Treating

2008-10-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

Hannah. Cute? I know...

Mr. Incredible...look at those muscles!!!

Ballerina Hannah...she was supposed to be a butterfly, but her wings were wwwaaayyy too big.

Luke and Faith getting in on the action.

Princess Faith walking the streets of downtown Farmersville.

Luke looking for the loot!

Yyyyuuummmmm!

Look at my muscles!

She is so pretty.

So proud of her costume.

Wishing I would just leave them alone!

We had a good time tonight! The kids had a great time. Hope you guys had a Happy Halloween!!!

Fall Festival at FBC Farmersville

2008-10-31T11:24:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday night, the kids and I ventured out to the Fall Festival at the Baptist Church here in Farmersville. It was incredible! There were probably 200 kids that were Luke and Faith's ages running around everywhere. The kids played all kinds of carnival games like the bean bag toss, ring toss, soccer, cake walk, fishing for treasure, and hole in one. It really took me back to when I was a kid! It was so fun! They had carnival games, bounce houses, train rides, and face painting. We loved every minute of it! They got a TON of candy too! Make sure you check out the blog entry below. We had a Halloween Party yesterday!!

Luke and Faith waiting patiently in line.

Luke playing the "hole in one" game.

Faith playing the "hole in one" game.

Faith's lady bug tattoo.

Luke went for the sports themed tattoo.

Luke playing the football throw game. They let him scoot up because he was "little," but they had him scoot back when they saw what kind of arm he had. Needless to say they were shocked to see a 4 year old throwing a football like a middle school kid. He even made it in the hole the first time! What a stud!!!

Faith "fishing for treasure."

Hannah. Luke and Faith's biggest fan. Next to Mom and Dad, of course!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had a little Halloween Party! We had such a good time. The kids painted pumpkins, had pizza for lunch, made pumpkin cupcakes, and decorated cookies. Not to even mention all the playing and goodie bags! The kids had so much fun, and Betsey and I had a great time watching them appreciate Halloween! Enjoy the pictures!

Pumpkin Cupcakes - pretzels are supposed to be the stem on the pumpkins.

Faith painting her pumpkin.

Luke showing off his pumpkin.

Coburn painting his pumpkin.

I think Faith and Coburn are in love.

Can you believe it? All 3 kids smiling and looking at the camera! So proud of the cupcakes we made!!!

T - 24 Hours and Counting...

2008-10-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow afternoon is the official start to the 2008-2009 basketball season. Life is going to get even crazier at the Lee's! I am so excited to see how this year goes. For those of you who don't know Tyron all that well, he is an amazing coach. He actually got an email from one of his former players yesterday telling Tyron thank you for not only teaching him basketball but for also teaching him what it means to be a man. That is Tyron's true goal in life...turning boys into mature adult men. What a mission!

This year will be extra special because this is the beginning of Tyron's head coaching career. I know he isn't perfect, but I know that he is going to do a great job with these kids. Tyron is so passionate that it just rubs off on people. I can't wait for their first game. I got to see their new uniforms and travel suits last night. They are going to not only be a good team but they will look pretty spiffy also!

More than anything, I am just so stinking proud of my husband. He has been given this mission by God. There is nothing clearer in this world to me than that. I can't wait to see him on the sidelines! I also can't wait to meet the boys. Little do they know, but they are going to have some pretty big fans that aren't even old enough to go to school! Luke's all-time-favorite player has already been named (that would be you Scottie), but there will be plenty of room in his little heart for some pretty close runners up.

All that to say: GO FARMERS!!!

10 Things I LOVE About Our New House...

2008-10-27T16:53:00.000-05:00

10. It's 2 blocks away from the best burger place we have ever been to...Charlie's is the best!

9. It has a big backyard for a suburban neighborhood.

8. We don't have neighbors behind us.

7. We don't have to worry about foundation problems...after all, it's just a rent house.

6. It's in a little bitty town that is friendly and peaceful.

5. I love all the rust colored light fixtures.

4. My kids are totally comfortable here.

3. It only takes me 1.5 hours to do a major clean job on the entire house.

2. It made us realize that we don't need everything that we think we need.

1. It literally takes Tyron 1 minute to get from his school to our house.

It's not perfect, but it'll do!

These Are For You Paw Paw!

2008-10-19T21:58:00.001-05:00

Luke and Faith looking at "Black Beauty."

"Look! A horse! Like Joe!!!"

"Can I feed him? I know how!!"

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2008-10-19T21:35:00.001-05:00

Seriously, this was like 1/10 of the pumpkins at this place. There were some that were huge and some that were the size of a small apple. Talk about variety!!

No, I am not holding the girls down. Hannah just wouldn't stop eating the nasty hay, and Faith wanted to feed her the hay because she thought it was funny. Especially when Hannah gagged. Luke was the only one who didn't care about the hay, and he wanted to go run so he tolerated yet another picture. :-) Not the best picture of me. I look tired. Oh wait! That's probably because I am tired! ;-)

Hannah loved the pumpkins!

Look at her sweet smile!

Hannah loved all the activity going on around her.

No smiles, but at least they are all looking at the camera!

Up close...

I don't know how accurate this thing is, but I thought it was a cute idea!

He just wants me to put up the camera so he can go through the hay maze.

Cutie. He looks like such a big kid!

Luke and Faith smiling...Hannah eating hay. Nice.

We went to the pumpkin patch last week with some really great friends of ours. We had a great time! The kids got to go on their very first hay ride, look at animals, climb all over creation, bounce in the bounce houses, go through 2 different hay mazes, and run like wild animals. I love the fall!

Okay...I'm gonna say it...Selah Portraits

2008-10-16T16:10:00.000-05:00

Many of you who know me in real life (as opposed to just knowing me through my blog) know that I have been in the process of starting my own business. A photography business. I went live with my photography blog a couple of weeks ago, and soon I will have a real website to add to it. I am extremely excited and can't wait to see where this takes me. It's all baby steps right now because I am the mother of 3, but I hope to soon be a full-fledged small business.

If anyone is interested in setting up a session you can find my pricing and contact information on my blog. I would love to work with you and/or your family. If you aren't interested at this time in booking a session, just look around and check out all the cuties on my blog. I have been blessed to work with some amazing kids and people. Drop in and leave me a comment. Let me know what you think about my work...just remember - I am a work in progress!

www.selahportraits1.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Lukey!

2008-10-14T16:55:00.001-05:00

As of 3:41 p.m. Luke was 4 years old. Never in my life have I ever met a child with such a tender and loving heart. You stole my heart the moment the nurse laid your 5 pound body in my arms. There is nothing like holding your first child for the first time. My how time flies. The fact that you are already 4 amazes me daily. Mostly because I had NO clue what I was doing when I had you. Seriously. You have taught me more in 4 short years than I could have learned doing anything else. I am humbled to be your momma. The Lord sure knew what he was doing when he made you. You are a lover and a fighter. You are kind and thoughtful. You make your momma's "heart happy." Watching you grow and change has been my privilege. I can't wait to see what the years ahead have in store for you. Amazing things. I am sure of it. God has big plans for your little soul. I love you madly my sweet little man.

Today was dedicated to doing what you wanted to do. We spent the day with our best friends playing at the park, eating pizza, and making and decorating cookies. I have had so much fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Coburn and Luke - Best Friends

Luke, Hannah, Parker, Betsy, Coburn and Faith

Decorating Cookies

Hannah and Parker

Betsy and Coburn - eating some yummy cookies.

Luke showing off his cookie.

YYYYUUUUUMMMMMMM!

The cookies that didn't get eaten!

Did You Get Him From The Mall?

2008-10-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

So this is how you know if your son has been spending too much time around the mall:

Luke (as he notices my wedding rings for the first time): "What are those?"

Me: "Those are my wedding rings. Daddy gave those to Momma when we got married."

Luke: "Did you get Dad at the mall?"

Me: "You mean, did I get my rings at the mall?"

Luke: "No. Did you get my Daddy at the mall?"

I think it might be time to find a new hang-out when there isn't anything else to do.

A Few New Pictures

2008-09-24T17:13:00.000-05:00

Hi! Well, I got 2 new lenses and tried them out on the kids. It's always a challenge to get my kids to sit for me. They see my camera and start running. Here are a few that I got today. I know there really isn't one of just Faith, but she was crazy this morning. She was very busy looking at the wildlife and nearly falling into the tank. Enjoy!

My ABSOLUTE favorite. This is Luke.
Love this one too.

Luke on top of the world.

So sweet.

Happy little man.

What Mom?

Silly kids!

Big ol' blue eyes!

So sweet.

Hannah will be 7 months old tomorrow.

Mama's Losin' It

2008-09-23T22:04:00.000-05:00

This blog is one of my favorites. Check it out, and while you're at it register to win a new Hoover vacuum!

My New Journal

2008-09-23T21:26:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking...I know, strange but no less true. Here's my question: In 25 years, will you remember your feelings, your struggles, your victories, who you are today? What are the things that you want your kids to remember about you, if God forbid you die today, tomorrow, or next year? My husband's mom died when he was 12 (maybe 13...I know - I should know this age). He has very few real memories about who she was as a person. He remembers doing things with her, her favorite George Strait song, and that he sometimes got to eat Fruity Pebbles for supper; he doesn't remember her though. He doesn't remember her personality. He doesn't remember what she was really like, and it breaks my heart. What if I die before my kids are grown? I want my kids to remember ME. I want them to know who their mom is and was. I want to remember me and praise God for just how far He has brought me. If I were to write down all the kinks that God has worked out of me in the last 10 years, this blog entry would probably take at least an hour to read. (I won't disclose that info for the sake of some that might read my blog...I don't want any toes curling.) I want to remember the things that I struggle through and overcome. I want to see my prayers answered, so in 5 years I can look back and see how faithful God has been to me.

All that to say I have a new journal. It's not an every day journal. It's a "when I feel like journaling" journal. I want to write in it the things that I want my kids to know about me. Imperfections and all. The real me...not my "representative" me. I want them to know how screwed up I have been and that God can take you out of any pit. I want to journal my life now so that I can remember what it feels like to be short on cash, exhausted but delighted from taking care of my babies, how totally in love I am with my husband, and that I am so very thankful that I have God on my side. I want to remember these things when my kids are going through them with their families. I want to be able to truly empathize. I want my kids to know how their dad and I feel about each other. I want them to have what Tyron and I have in each other. Really, I could go on FOREVER.

So, I am just going to throw these questions out there to the blogging world:
Will you remember who you are in 25 years? Will you remember what you feel in 25 years? Do you want your kids to remember you for who you really are, or do you want your kids to remember what they have been told about you? Just something to chew on in all your spare time. I know...we all have oodles of spare time. Maybe you can think about it in between bon bons and during the commercials of your favorite soap...;-)

I Can Finally Say It...

2008-09-23T14:22:00.001-05:00

We sold our house! I am so excited, relieved, exhausted, elated, and put in my place because my faith was more than just a little lacking. I can't believe that it's over. After 80 some odd days on the market, our house is sold. We have made it through the inspection and the option period ends tomorrow! PRAISE GOD!! SERIOUSLY!! I am just so excited that I can say it. I have been feeling like something is going to happen, and they are going to opt out. BUT THEY HAVEN'T. Yea! So, now I feel like I can tell my friends. There it is: WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!

We will be moving to Farmersville very soon. Like in a week. Can't wait...Farmersville isn't going to know what hit them.

YYYYYIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

And the Winner Is.....

2008-09-19T13:38:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Rachel!

I will contact you soon to get your mailing address so HAH can send you your book!

Yea!

Happy Friday All!!

Hearts At Conferences

2008-09-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hearts At Home puts on yearly conferences for moms. I would love to go to one, but they are always in basketball season. Sad. One day I will go! Check out their website to learn more

If you are like me and you want the benefit of going to the conference without actually going, you can order the DVD set of the conference.

Check it out!

www.hearts-at-home.org

Hearts at Home Blog

2008-09-15T20:12:00.001-05:00

It seems like pretty much every one has a blog these days. Hearts At Home has one too! To check it out, just click HERE.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite parenting book?

Don't forget to answer the question so that you can be entered into the giveaway!

My Heart Is At Home!

2008-09-15T02:00:00.000-05:00

I became a mom on October 14, 2004. My son Luke was born that day, and man did I have a shock coming to me! Up until my son was born, I was a successful college grad who had a great job and a fulfilling life. (So I thought...) My husband and I had decided that I would stay home once we had kids. Seriously how hard could it be? I thought that I was ready for all the stuff a 5 pound baby could throw my way. Here's a little picture of my little man:

Luke: 3 1/2 weeks old.

I quickly found out how hard it is to truly die to myself each and every day. Luke was colicky and didn't sleep (except in this picture), and I found myself sliding into a terrible bout of postpartum depression. Everything about me was being completely redefined, and I felt totally out of control of my life. I had now idea how to deal with all the changes that were taking places in life and in my soul. Fortunately, God put some pretty amazing women in my life.

I am fortunate enough to have friends that are also SAHM's. They really rallied around me to help me find the new me. They served me by relating to me and praying for me. They supported me right through the transition into motherhood. I truly feel that they saved my life. God used them to soften my heart towards my baby and my sweet husband. The Lord changed a part of me that was selfish and wicked...a process that has continues this very day.

I quickly realized how important it is to have a coop of other moms to really live life with. Moms need other moms! When Luke was about a year old I found "Hearts At Home." Hearts At Home is a ministry that helps you connect with other moms and offers moms encouragement and education. I was really looking for an umbrella organization that shared my heart. Having gone through such a hard transition into motherhood, I really felt the need to walk with other women in faith and motherhood. Hearts At Home is where I started and where I still am. If you are interested in learning more about "Hearts At Home" just click HERE or on the Hearts At Home logo on the top of the post!

This is our little man today:

Question of the Day: If you could give a first time mom any piece of advice, what you say?

Don't forget to leave a comment!!

New Pictures

2008-09-14T15:21:00.000-05:00

Like at the FAC. 9/12/08

Hannah 9/14/08

Faith and Luke at the FAC. 9/12/08

Hannah again. This may be my new favorite picture of her! 9/14/08

Faith 9/12/08

Luke sliding at the park. 9/14/08

**Some of these pictures are fully edited and some of them aren't.

Hearts At Home Blog Tour

2008-09-14T15:10:00.000-05:00

Hi! I just wanted to let you all know that my blog is being featured in the Hearts At Home Blog Tour. Each day I will be writing a little mothering tidbit that is related to a ministry that is close to my heart. Hearts At Home is a ministry dedicated to making moms better. If you would like to go to their website just click HERE.

If you leave a comment you will automatically entered into a contest that I am running! If you win you will receive a copy of this book:Make sure you leave a comment! I will announce the winner on Friday! Love you guys!!

I am so not "with it!"

2008-09-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

Okay today my house was showing so I took the kids to the mall. After lunch and walking around, we headed back to the car. It just so happened that we parked in the Nordstrom parking lot, so we had to walk through that store to get to the car. As we were passing by one of the many make-up counters, this is a conversation that I overhear:

Make-up sales person who looks to be in her mid 20's (talking to 2 65ish women): "You both qualify for a free eye liner and mascara as well. And let me tell you they are stupid easy to put on!"

Both of the older ladies look at each other with funny looks on their faces.

One older lady replies: "Ummm, can you just put it in the bag with what we already purchased?"

So to all you hip moms out there...when did the word "stupid" become a way to describe something that is done with ease? Really? I am totally not with it! Why not just say really instead of stupid? Personally, I would have felt a little weird and disrespectful if I would have even said the word stupid to these women. They both looked so sophisticated and nice. They looked like hip grandmas. Saying the word stupid to them would have made me feel stupid.

I am sooooooooooooo not "with it"!