2 more!

I love this one of him pulling himself up in the basket. He was so proud! I was waiting for him to tumble over into the leaves but he was a champ!

Isaiah's face in this picture is priceless. He was so tired by this time. He was crying and then laughing. I think we will send this one to Saban...."TOUCHDOWN!"

6 month photo session

Tonight we loaded up and headed down to "the scrub" for Isaiah's photo shoot with Beth Carter. She never ceases to amaze me. The session only took about 30 minutes but it was so fun playing in nature with Isaiah. This place has some great walking trails. It is a must do for this family of three. I love new finds! Isaiah was a trooper. He loved playing in the leaves (and eating them). I can't wait to see all the shots, but Beth is so GREAT that she got three ready for us to see TONIGHT! Did I mention she is GREAT???!!! I took a wicker basket and we put him in for a few shots. That little wiggle worm grabbed a hold of the side and pulled himself straight up. He is so strong! We headed over to a walking trail and Beth set out a chair. We were both a little nervous putting him in it (I mean this was a real CHAIR). That little hoot hopped right up and sat in that chair like a pro!
Here are the three pictures she shared with us tonight.




I purchased this hat at Mudpies and Pigtails Boutique back in February. I have been so excited about it and I LOVE seeing this vision come together. We finally have our "little hoot" shoot! I couldn't be happier. Thanks again to Beth Carter photography and Monique at Mudpie and Pigtails. You have made me one happy Mommy. And I will now be the bragging mom, "isn't he the cutest most perfect owl baby you have ever seen in your life?"

Easter and Mothers Day

Sorry for the lack of blogs lately. Our computer took its' final breath and the purchase of a new computer is not at the top of our financial priority list. I must say it has been kind of nice not having one or the other of us hooked up to the "world wide web" at night. Currently I have the computer run to our tv and I am sitting on the floor with my neck and face turned up to see the screen. So, to avoid any neck problems this will be a short picture post.
First of all I must report on our church Easter program. AMAZING! God was all over that place! To check out the video of the cardboard testimonies you can go to http://www.tbachurch.com/?page_id=175 and click on Easter 2011 cardboard testimony.
Isaiah had a great Easter and enjoyed all of his goodies. Thanks to Cappy and GranDebbie, Gigi and Pete, Aunt Ashley, Pawpaw D and Nana for donating to his day. Here are some pictures:



Mother's Day weekend was an absolute BLAST. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my first MD! We started off Friday night with a stroll through downtown Lakeland and a stop at our favorite pizz place. Saturday morning we were up and at em' with our dear friends the Stiversons! We loaded up the suburban with strollers, coolers, sunscreen, carseats, babies, toddlers and precious friendships and headed off to Tampa for a day at Lowry Park Zoo. The weather was perfect (as perfect as Florida weather can be this time of year) and we had such a great time. Ellie was a blast to watch. She was so interested in all the animals. I don't know what she liked more, feeding the giraffes or riding the camel! I have always dreamed of having a little family and taking off on adventures with other families. It was such a special day and I will treasure it forever!






After a full day of zoo fun you would think this family of three would be DONE! Nope, not us! We came home for a quick refresher and loaded up for another evening downtown. My precious friend, Mary, was running in the May Faire 5k so I wanted to go cheer her on. Mary is a super star. She did a great job! After the race we settled in to a spot on the grass with 100's of other people and enjoyed a glass of wine, some live music and a fireworks show. Isaiah had a blast. He LOVES Mary. She has a special way of making him smile and giggle (even without Lilly)! Once the fireworks ended we headed over to the Red Door to check it out. We didn't have dinner but I cannot wait to go back. They have a large selection of wines, microbrews and a menu that makes your mouth water just reading it. Tables are set outside surrounded by dim lights, tiki torches and live acoustic music. This is a MUST DO DATE NIGHT for us!



I am so excited about the summer. COME ON SUMMER DAYS AND NIGHTS! June and July are already showing themselves to be quite busy for us. We are READY and EXCITED!

Easter is upon us!

I am so excited about Easter this year. Let's start with the obvious, it's Isaiah's first Easter. I can't wait to put his basket together and fill it with little goodies that he won't even remember. hahaha
But seriously, Isaiah's name means "God Saves". Isn't that what this whole Easter thing is about? It's not about bunnies, eggs and candy (even though that is such fun with little ones). It's about MY HEAVENLY DAD sending HIS SON to this messed up world so that He could beat Him to death.....ALL FOR ME! That's right, He did it for ME because He loves ME! And guess what? He did it for YOU too! How awesome is that? Last weekend it was explained to me this way, "God sent His son to walk on this Earth knowing His fate. God balled up His fists and BEAT THE HELL out of HIS SON for us. So that we can be FORGIVEN and so we can have SALVATION." If that isn't a powerful lover I don't know who is. Is HE the lover of your soul and your heart?
I have heard this song a lot lately and every time I hear it I just want to shout it out loud and dance, just like my heavenly father dances over me!

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
HERE IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST I LIVE!

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
THEN BURSTING FORTH IN GLORIOUS DAY
UP FROM THE GRAVE HE ROSE AGAIN
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

I am so looking forward to a powerful service at church on Sunday. We have a very cool testimony we are sharing. Cardboard testimony! What an awesome way to show how God is working in people's lives today. To see the sin He has taken and restored. To see real people with real struggles leaning on HIM because HE is our FATHER. If you are looking for a service to attend I hope you will join us at TBA Church on 540 A!

Birthday Wishes

Happy 1st Birthday to my bestest friends baby girl, Katelyn Jane Miskel. We love you and we are sad we can't make it to your very special party! Tell your mom to take lots of pictures for us. We love you and miss you!


Another Birthday shout out to my newest sister in law, Krissy D! We are so looking forward to your visit in July. Enjoy your special day.

Easter Cookie Recipe

I came across this Easter cookie recipe in my MOPS cookbook. What a great way to explain the love of Jesus and His resurrection to your kids while spending some great quality time together. ENJOY!

Make the evening before Easter.

YOU WILL NEED TO PREHEAT OVEN TO 300 (THIS IS IMPORTANT-DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU'RE HALF WAY DONE WITH THE RECIPE)!

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooded spoon
tape
Bible

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus arrested He was beaten by Roman soldiers.
Read John 19: 1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar.
Put 1 tsp. vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19: 28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar.
Eggs represent life.
Explain the Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10: 10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.
Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23: 27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup of sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He love us.
He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34: 8 and John 3: 16

Beat ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents - in God's eyes - the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1 : 18 and John 3: 1-3

Fold in the broken nuts.
Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matthew 27: 65-66

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain the Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27: 65-66

GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16: 20 and 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow.

On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28: 1-9

The GP's came to visit!

Last week Cappy and GranDebbie came for a visit. What a fabulous time we had. Isaiah was spoiled rotten and I enjoyed every minute of having extra sets of hands. I spent one whole day being a total bum, it was great. I also got a chance to go volunteer at my school and teach some kindergarteners. I guess I will always be a teacher in my heart. It was such a fun time (even the 30 minutes we sat in the bathroom with 20+ kindies while tornadoes passed us by). Thanks Jennifer for welcoming me into your classroom and letting me teach! We also spent one afternoon walking Lake Mirror, exploring Hollis Gardens, having lunch at Garden Bistro and playing at Barnett Park. The week seemed to fly by and we are so looking forward to the GP's next visit in June. 3 months is a long time but I know my little buddy is going to keep me busy so the time will fly by. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all your help with Isaiah and in the yard. We love ya'll so much and cherish the time we get to spend with you. Here are some pics from the week. ENJOY!