Becca and the Boys

Oh me oh my...

2011-10-26T11:59:00.000-06:00

I love creativity. I am longing to create again. All I've created lately are things to eat. And they are soon gone and I have nothing left to show for it. (Exept for Nicole's pictures of our apple pie... those are pretty!) I wanna start drawing again. Crocheting again. Scrapbooking again. Something.
Actually, I've been thinking about a project I want to put together. I want to make our family's memorial book of what God has done for us. I've been thinking about this for several years. Ever since Jeannette Henry told a Bible study group I was participating in about the basket of memorial stones she has. Each stone has written on it a memory of something God has done... an answered prayer, a new birth, an adoption, a special occasion... all beautiful memories designed to stimulate praise and awe at what God has done for them. I loved this idea; I wanted to make a memorial to God for my children to see, too.
Given my love of art and scrapbooking, this idea has taken on another form for me. I want to make a book. I want to include photos, art, journaling... But I need to write down our history so I can have something to build on.
I'm getting the itch. Gotta get started soon.

Lord, please get the glory! Not for me. Not for me. It's for you.
Amen.

2011-10-21T15:08:00.001-06:00

Oh dread. I hate seeing how long it's been since I've written anything. It hasn't been because God hasn't been teaching me anything, mind you. It's just been such a busy summer with the hip surgery and youth staff adventures and being the super blessed mommy of Henry and Jack Jack. Brent and I are so appreciative of all the prayers from our family and friends. God has blessed us more than I can express during this time. Hope you are all well too. I'm hoping to post from time to time, but we still don't have an internet connection at home other than our 3G phones. These have enabled us to respond to emails and keep up with our internet banking and facebook (which I'm taking a break from for a while). But they are not much good for composing blog posts! I laugh at the mere suggestion that my thumbs could undertake such a task! But may-haps I can figure out how to post pics to my blog from my phone. That would be a worthwhile endeavor. :)

Here are a few recent photos of my guys. We went to the Linder Farm's pumpkin patch with my girlfriend Nicole and her sweet son, Azarel. Had a blast, as you can see. Love to all my beloved, near and far!

Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he...

2011-04-27T13:09:00.000-06:00

Something came to me today while I was reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I was reading about how we serve leftovers to a holy God.
Something occurred to me.
I might not be an IRS agent... believe me, that would not be a career I'd thrive in. I might not be the kind of gal to break kneecaps if my neighbors won't pay for protection. As a kid I never took anyone's milk money.
I might even venture to guess (although probably this is very hoity-toity of me to say) that most of my friends and aquaintances like me.
Despite the obvious disparity though... I'm pretty sure this is true.
I am Zacchaeus.
So you know how it went down I'm sure... "He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree, and He said, "Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to your house today!"
Stick with me, this won't take forever... so Francis Chan pointed out the story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18. The young wealthy guy comes to Jesus offering his works, and Jesus points him to the cost of discipleship: it costs everything. The rich young man turns away, not willing to pay the price.
Verse 27 says "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Then he proves it with searching out Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus is the polar opposite of the rich young ruler for a couple reasons. He didn't keep the law. He was an enemy of God's people by serving Caesar, and because he stole from them to line his pockets. And he didn't seek out Jesus with boldness. He climbed into a tree hoping to catch a glimpse... but he sure didn't try to call attention to himself.
Henry has a story book that show Zacchaeus trying to see Jesus from the midst of the crowd and it shows the dirty looks from the good Jewish men. Not like the rich kid who probably had the respect of his peers.
Anyway, what I've always loved about this story is that Jesus saw Zacchaeus. He would have had to be looking for him. Noone else wanted to acknowledge his existence but Jesus was looking for him.
Now Francis Chan pointed out something I'd never noticed before. The two stories are juxtaposed. The rich ruler's response to Jesus is recorded in Luke 18, Zacchaeus' story is told in Luke 19. Two rich guys. One turned away. The other joyfully gave half of his money to the poor and repayed everyone he'd ever defrauded 4 times what he'd stolen. Criminy! Can you imagine? He'd be penniless after that. But that's just the point isn't it!?
Now here's the application:
Jesus looked for me. Singled me out. Pointed at me. Said "today I'm going to come stay with you!"
What am I going to do about it?
I'm rich. I live in America. We own a cute house. We have 2 dogs, 2 kids, 3 bedrooms, 2 cars, a motorcycle. For crying out loud! I'm rich. I never thought of myself that way!
It's time. I gotta start giving God more than my leftovers. I could use help as I try to figure out how to do that... as I count the cost, as scripture says. God help me!

My Crowded Kitchen: Sweet Chili Pepper Chicken

2011-04-03T22:10:00.000-06:00

I just have to give a shout out to my pal Tiffany. Her post of this recipe had me drooling in a very unselfconscious manner all over my keyboard... Sorry about that, computer.

My Crowded Kitchen: Sweet Chili Pepper Chicken: "Ingredients6 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in chunks1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips1 red pepper, diced5 cloves garlic, smashed..."

More Thoughts on Prayer

2011-04-03T01:15:00.000-06:00

Ummmkay... I think I read somewhere once that we are to pray without ceasing. Oh yeah. That is in God's Word... 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to be exact. You know, I think Spurgeon had it right in his comment about this verse:

It comes immediately after the precept, "Rejoice evermore;" as if that command had somewhat staggered the reader, and made him ask "How can I always rejoice?" and, therefore, the apostle appended as answer, "Always pray." The more praying the more rejoicing. Prayer gives a channel to the pent-up sorrows of the soul, they flow away, and in their stead streams of sacred delight pour into the heart.

Streams of sacred delight. Don't you LOVE that?? I think Spurgeon has something there. Always pray. Rejoice evermore. They are inextricably linked aren't they? I can't spend time in earnest prayer without feeling joyful. Refreshed. Encouraged. Humbled. (D: all of the above.)

I think what has hit me lately is that I can pray, not just about anything, but even when I don't feel like it. 'Cuz I've prayed about anything and everything for a long time now. But always when I felt like it. (Read here: inconsistently.) When I didn't think of it... well, I missed out I guess. I am making a concerted effort to be more quick to pray. When I feel like it and when I don't. I'll let you know how that goes.

I think the logical next step would be for me to start a prayer log or something. So I can try to remember all the things I'm promising to pray for. Rest assured, readers, that if you have asked me to pray for something, I have. Just, in some cases, (with much chagrin I admit) not as frequently as I would like to have done. And even if I had not, God is more gracious to you than you can imagine and would not let a crummy friend's lack of prayer hinder His sovereign will in your life.

Thanks God, for overcoming. Thanks for looking out for your Glory. Because if you had left that job up to me... I shudder to think... Thanks for caring for the shady characters. 'Cuz if you didn't, not one of us would be saved. And thanks a million times over for your Word.

Sunday Blessings

2011-03-27T17:55:00.000-06:00

Today at church I was astonished to realize that I haven't been in the worship service for weeks. I know this was due to serving in children's church, the boys being sick, and we were an hour late 2 weeks ago due to daylight savings (An hour late! That's a first for me!) and then there was last Sunday's fitness challenge with my work, ... Gosh, I'm embarrassed to say it has been a while. Anyway. not only did we make it, but we were on time and we got to enjoy a really amazing time of worship. We are so blessed to have Paul leading. And to have a church so chock full of stinking talent! Henry and Jack love their classes. What more could we ask for?

I guess I am realizing I need to be more thorough in my prayer time. I am so blessed by our church, but I have been forgetting to pray for our pastoral staff and the worship leader they are trying to find. Forgive me Lord for becoming side tracked and complacent. We are so blessed with these people. Help me to pray faithfully for them. Help me to pray for the youth too! I love our kids... Help me to bless them right back.

I'm getting over Cold #4 now!

2011-02-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I may not know the cure for the common cold, but I'm telling you, when they say "pound the liquids" while you're sick, they ain't kidding. I have made a concerted effort this time to drink tons of water and to get more sleep. And I'm telling you, this is working! I started to feel sick on Saturday... just a touch of a sore throat. I am starting to feel better today. I have never been able to cut a cold to only a week! And maybe I'm just lucky. But just maybe... maybe I took care of myself a little bit better this time! Thank you Lord.

The boys are starting to feel better too. Jack and Henry are still coughing but they are starting to be expert cough-coverers. :) Jack had shots yesterday for his 18 month doctor's appointment, so he may not feel too hot today, but I think we are on the upswing.

Arg! Sick Again!

2011-02-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth cold my boys have caught this year. Jack and Henry are miserable. I'm doing everything I can to care for them and myself too... I really don't want to get sick again. I have never been sick more often in my life... Well, not in my adult life anyway.

The boys and I are having a nice quiet day...

2010-12-11T15:41:00.003-07:00

I can't tell you how much we needed it. We went to Rachel's cookie exchange this morning while Brent was sleeping and we enjoyed meeting her friends as well as hanging out with our neighbor Cindy and her super cutie daughter Dawson. I love them!

When we got home we ate and Henry watched Chicken Little. Then the boys slept while I finished working on some Christmas gifts.... Can't wait to play Santa this year.

Even though I'm not feeling totally 100% awesome today (post nasal drip has struck again!) I'm so glad to have a relaxing day in which to spend time with the family and live the meaning of the season... giving, loving, yummy food, and spending a little time with the Savior.

I met Santa!

2010-12-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

And here he is!

Guy Stuff

2010-12-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

I just have to show you this picture, even though there's snow on the ground now. I know that this was in July, but bear with me. Brent and the boys were outside one day and Brent snapped a pic of H washing his bike right alongside his Daddy washing the motorcycle.

Setback

2010-09-23T15:53:00.001-06:00

Well, it's bound to happen.
Especially immediately after I make a decision to change the way I handle our money.
We had a financial setback today. Brent and I got online this morning to check out our usbank.com account. We were surprised to find that we are in the negative. After some investigating we discovered two payments that we made, but forgot to budget into this pay period. We goofed. Brent just was dumbfounded. It's been a long time since he has made a mistake on the budget. We are just so thankful for overdraft protection.

After doing some work to clean up our mess, we opened up Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace.
We recommitted to killing our debt. I can't believe we have allowed ourselves to get so far off base.

The first baby step is $1000 in an emergency fund.
The second baby step is paying off all debt, starting with laser-like intensity on the smallest debt regardless of payment size or interest rate.

Right or wrong... we took $700 out of our credit card to fully fund our step one emergency fund. And now we're ready to start hunting down our debt and killing it! We listed out our debts out from smallest to largest.

Brent's motorcycle
Brent's truck
Our credit card
My car
Student Loans
Home Equity Line of credit

Our payment on the Buell is $158.07. So we are going to be adding as much as possible to that to get it paid off as quickly as possible. We will be using the debt snowball method, so when we get the Buell paid off, we will roll that payment amount into the Dodge truck's payment, so we will almost be doubling it. This is going to take a while. We didn't get into this debt overnight. I'm sure it will take even longer to get out of it.

But at least we are starting. Why did we have to experience a setback to initiate change?
Dave says you have to be mad to create the energy to change. "Remember, there is not energy in logic, only in emotion." Financial Peace pg 273.
So we got mad. :)

The other financial "setback" we are experiencing now is me working less. Because I'm working one less day every week we are making about $400 less every month; net, not gross.
This is a BIG number if we are looking at this from a human standpoint. But if we look at this from God's perspective I know we can overcome this obstacle. According to the commuterride website my commute to work costs me roughly $7.50 one way, adding up to around $60 in savings for the four days I'm not working in an average month. And if I use that one weekday each week to organize my coupons and ads, shop for savings, and make gifts for Christmas instead of buying them, that day could end up being worth far more than $100. In fact, the benefits of staying home that one day are huge just for the time it gives me with my boys.

Maybe this hasn't been such a setback after all.

Oh oh oh, I almost forgot!

2010-09-21T20:21:00.000-06:00

I called into Matt Slick's "Faith and Reason Radio Show" today and talked to him about masculinity and femininity. It was a great topic and a good conversation. He even gave me some great advice.

I think my question had something to do with how do I encourage my husband to lead spiritually without being the one who initiates him leading or making him feel like he's not doing enough for me? And his answer was so simple. Just look for where he is leading, and FOLLOW. And pray for him. Which is the best advice, surely. We also talked about men loving their wives like Christ loved the church, and women respecting their husband as if he were Christ.

I'm a big fan of Matt - he's on 790 KSPD here in the Boise area from 5-6pm weekdays. And his website, CARM, is an awesome place to get answers about the word of God.

Anyway, I had to share... I was really excited that I got through to talk to him.

A Great Tip: chipper chicken (as Frank would say)

2010-09-21T20:08:00.000-06:00

This Terrific Tip is courtesy of my friend Tiffany at afruitfulfind. She is my sale guru and emailed me today with a find: chicken on sale at Freddie's!

Foster Farms chicken breast is on sale (stock up price) at FRED MEYER this week at .99cents lb. This will help get your stockpile started if you need chicken?? The trick is you will want to buy enough to last you until the next sale, typically it's every 2-3 months that it goes on sale. This is the rock bottom price. So you will need to decide how much your family will need. For instance my family eats chicken 2 xs a week (I still go meatless at least 1-2 xs a week as well) so 2xs a week xs 4 weeks=8 a month xs 2 months = 16 packages of chicken. Hope that helps :)

I think I'm gonna have to head to Fred's.

Henry is starting to feel better. Antibiotics are hard on his system, of course.... but better than all that bacteria infecting his ear.

I need to post some pics, but I'm missing my memory card drive which allows me to take the photo card out of my phone and pop it into the drive... and whammo! It's on the computer. (Very scientific.) I hope I find it. We have had some super cute photos lately. It's not hard to get cute photos when the boys are the focus. :)

Anyway, off I go to feed my tykes and pop them into PJs. Wow time flies!

A Fruitful Find: Getting Started/Organized

2010-09-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

A Fruitful Find: Getting Started/Organized: "First things first:. Start collecting coupons! Very important for you to know that when you first start to coupon, shop like you normally ..."

I noticed that when Tiff brought in some surplus coupons to give away yesterday she had stapled them 6 deep, so all of them fit in a neat stack in one section of her binder. I'm going to try this and see how it goes. I'm getting more motivated reading all her advice.

A Fruitful Find: Stockpiling 101

2010-09-20T14:23:00.000-06:00

A Fruitful Find: Stockpiling 101: "Growing your stock pile is easy to do, with a little bit of time and effort, you have your self an abundance of savings. I will show you how..."

Okay, I'm getting started. Today I'm reading about how to start a stock pile on my friend Tiffany's website. And I just got off the phone with Idaho Statesman. I ordered 4 papers for .53 apiece. I checked on the Press Trib, and at this time, they don't allow for subscribing to just Sundays. They have a weekend and holiday package. My in-laws get the Trib, and personally, I like the paper; but this is about saving money. I'm so excited that I don't have to make a separate purchasing run on Sundays to buy the paper now. And I'm saving a ton over the check-stand price!

Henry is sick

2010-09-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

Ear infection. The words strike fear into my heart. Whether it is me or the boys, our family seems to entertain more than our fair share of ear troubles.
But thank goodness I took Henry in today and we got him started on amoxicillin. He started running a fever yesterday, but hadn't complained of his ears hurting at all. My mominlaw suspected it was his ears, but I had no clue. So I'm home with the boys today and I'm grateful to report that West Boise, according to my coworker Will, is making it without me. Thank you, God, for coworkers who understand sick kids and are willing to punt when I need to be home with the boys.

So last night I went to the couponing class at church. Thanks so much Tiffany for all the great information and the awesome website. We are blessed to have you in our church family. I really appreciated hearing your testimony and your words of encouragement.
My prayer is that if God would choose to bless this effort to be a good steward of the gifts he's given us, that I would not lack in enthusiasm, discipline, and energy to follow through with it.
AMEN!

My handsome big boy

2010-07-17T21:54:00.000-06:00

Henry has grown up so much... and I hardly notice it until I happen upon a picture like this. Look at him with his haircut and his confident smile. And you know, I was getting him out of the tub tonight and when I wrapped him up in a towel I saw how tall he is getting. I shouldn't be surprised, but I guess it is just because it seems so sudden - he's three... Jack's one, and I'm one fortunate Mom.

Pool Notes

2010-07-08T21:08:00.001-06:00

We went swimming with Nana and Papa today at the pool in their town home complex. Henry wanted to jump in. Papa caught him, or tried to. That first time Henry struggled a bit and went underwater... after the spluttering and the brief moment of "I want my Nana," Henry decided, actually "it was kinda fun."
Oh my word he surprises me. But after that he wouldn't "jump" off the edge unless his Papa's hands were inches away.

I need to be like that with the Lord. I need to jump into his arms... but unlike Henry, I have to trust that they will catch me even when I can't see him there. I don't mean to sermon-ize... but I just really need to remember Who made me and holds me in His hands.

Our trip to Fuller Park with the Bourns

2010-07-08T14:29:00.000-06:00

Henry's Top Ten

2010-05-27T13:59:00.001-06:00

10. Toy Story.
Mom, I'm Buzz Lightyear! To infinity, AND BEYOND!
9. Bibleman
I might not survive the Bibleman Jr phase. The movies are cute but the songs are so repetitive... Chugga chugga chugga chugga WOO WOO!
8. Paper Airplanes
Daddy made me this. It's a rocketship! It goes to the airport!
7. Wardrobe
I have never met a boy so obsessed with what he wears. He loves his Levi's and the WAL-E shirt as well as anything with Elmo, Big Bird, or Lightning McQueen on it.
6. Jumbo Krispies
Apparently Snap, Crackle and Pop had some time on their hands. Rice Krispies now has these big versions. Henry really likes cereal across the board actually, so maybe this should be Cereal for Dinner. :)
5. Jack
Hiiiiiii Jack! You're awake! Mommy! I'm in Jack's bed! Did I mention Henry is quite the climber these days?
4. Motorcycles
Brent has a Buell. Henry loves it. Every time we are out driving he informs me of every motorcycle he sees. There's aNOTHER one!!!
3. Honda Motorcycles
Daddy bought Henry a set of Hondas that he sleeps with and takes everywhere with him. Now Henry knows everything there is to know about them. This one is not a Kawasaki Ninja. It's not a Harley. This is a Honda.
2. Basketball Blankie
He uses it to wipe his tears and to snuggle with as he's going to sleep. He loves it.
1. Chocolate
He could live on it. Nuff said.

Easter picture

2010-05-27T13:34:00.000-06:00

I love those smiles!

We had a very happy Easter.

Yeah I know that was forever ago, but I don't have a lot of pictures to share here from work.

Reading... when do I have time for that?

2010-05-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

The truth is, I don't know. But I do, nonetheless.
Right now I'm reading Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. I am completely engrossed in it! It is beyond awesome. The premise might be too hard to describe in this format, but I highly recommend it! Literally, I find that I have to set it down and walk away because it is so exciting I start wanting to read all the time instead of doing normal real world stuff like, oh, I don't know... going to work; feeding my kids; sleeping...
I'm also reading Courting After Marriage by Zig Ziglar. I am enjoying it. He's so enthusiastic about the Redhead. I love it. And it also happens to be the cure for the common fiction besotted obsession.

Hello!!! :)

2010-05-04T09:13:00.002-06:00

Now that you will never check this site again I have found a way to revive it. I love this blog. I couldn't abandon it forever!
Henry and Jack are great! We had a really fun Easter and are hoping it warms up around here so we can start summer already! I'm working on a quilt for Henry's third birthday. Can't wait!
Love you all!

Henry's Cute Ad-Libs

2009-11-14T12:29:00.004-07:00

On the way down the stairs today Henry said "these stairs are so deep".

Every time he shakes anyone's hand he says "nice to meet you sir" regardless of whether the hand he is holding belongs to a man or a woman.

My all time favorite: "I need to hold my mommy."

Henry's Second Birthday!

2009-06-07T22:09:00.003-06:00

I'll let these shots just speak for themselves. I love my Henry!

My 29th Birthday!

2009-06-07T21:48:00.004-06:00

Hello All! Sorry this post is so deplorably late. I turned 29 in February... but who's counting!?
Here are a few pics from that day: Here I am looking somewhat exhausted. Oh well. The cake was chocolate with mint chocolate chip ice cream inside. Yum!

Here is what Mom and Dad gave me: it is hanging up in a prominent place in our dining area. Love it!

I will get more pics up soon. It is so rare that I have internet access anymore that I try to take advantage of the rare opportunity!

Love you all!

Liz and Brian's new baby, Logan!

2009-01-24T15:11:00.003-07:00

Mama Liz and Olivia getting to cuddle for the first time all day!
Brent getting some snuggle time with baby Logan.

Olivia and Nana admiring Logan.

Here is Olivia and Aunt Becky, Liz's sister.

Henry and Olivia are the best of friends!

Side note, Logan was born on Dec. 26, 2008.

Happy one month old Logan!

Christmas morning 2008

2009-01-10T13:53:00.004-07:00

The basketball hoop and dump truck, and the fun hat Mommy made... This year we had Christmas morning at our house. It was so wonderful to relax and enjoy Henry's excitement!

So it's out of focus... oh well! It makes me smile.

What do I play with next??

Henry was such a joy! He played with everything he received.

Thanks for the Tonka truck Daddy!
I love it!

Our Halloween 2008

2009-01-10T13:43:00.003-07:00

It's been a busy couple of months so I'd like to try to catch up a little on my blog while I have a chance. Here is my little Dino stomping around the living room and trying to get his candy out. Mommy's costume was a little zany, with that purple hair and all.

Not really sure what we were going for, but it was a fun look.

Do you see his eyes? "I wonder how much of this chocolate I can shove in my mouth before Mommy stops me?"

dressing up in warm winter wear

2009-01-10T13:31:00.003-07:00

Henry knows what every toddler worth their salt always seems to know:

If you put on a funny hat, Mommy is required to take pictures. Moreover, if you dress up like a grownup and smile like a Cheshire cat, sometimes you get to stand up on rocking chairs and do other things you would ordinarily never be allowed to do.

Twilight

2008-09-18T22:10:00.009-06:00

I just finished reading the first two books in the Twilight series- Twilight and New Moon. (They're making a movie based on the first book due out in November, I think.) They are really amazing books. Everyone at my work is passing them back and forth. They are soooo suspensful and romantic. I can see why they are becoming the cult classic.
Now, I just started The Shack, and it's already made me cry... It's also shaping up to be a page turner. I had to put it down today because it was just too much for a girl on too little sleep to process right now. There is a word for this... this problem I have.

...bookaholic...

The Mark of the Lion

2008-09-18T22:10:00.008-06:00

I read the first two books in The Mark of the Lion trilogy recently (before I got sucked into the Twilight books- pun intended). I was really impressed. First of all Francine Rivers is a brilliant author... the strands of plot were woven together so well. I really felt like I was there, you know? The story takes place in the Roman empire during and after the sacking of Rome. It was aweful to read how the Jews were treated. The "games"... yeah. Brilliant. Let's have a death match between unarmed men, women, and children and half-starved lions.
The period did lend itself to violence and Francine doesn't shy away from that, but the thing I was most impressed with was the main character, Haddassa. Her faith was so inspiring. I loved reading about her and all the lives she touched because she dared to let Jesus shine through her.
Thumbs way up... I can't wait until my mom or one of my sisters read these so I have someone else to talk about them with. I do owe Liz a thank you for introducing me to them; for pete's sake she loaned me the books.

Got the Giggles!

2008-08-27T21:34:00.003-06:00

We had so much fun playing at Eagle Island Park! We played at the playground and made lots of new friends, thanks to our gregarious son who delights in walking up to strangers and smiling at them. Henry really enjoyed the playground and hanging out with Olivia. Here's a cute sound effect I found on phonezoo.com:
Create free ringtones at Phonezoo

Henry and his race car

2008-07-16T11:46:00.008-06:00

Henry loves this little car. It looks like cookie monster. And these photos capture the trifecta: a favorite toy, a beautiful summer day, and the garage... where even a little man feels at home.
I would never have imagined how much he would find in there to investigate! But he's a very enthusistic detective.

He is such a joy! He is thrilled with summer, the pool in the front yard, and with the dogs in the back yard. His favorite phrase right now is "'at's'at?" which can be translated what's that most of the time; sometimes it just means look!

He likes dancing to Itsy Bitsy Spider on his "Cock-a-Doodle-Doodle-Blue" Do-Re-Me & You CD that Nana gave him from her Kindermusic stash. It is his all time favorite right now.
And he loves reading his books. Recent favorites include "Happy Baby Words," a chunky board book with lots of photos of baby's, any book with flaps that he can open and close with the comment "at's'at?" and of course, Sandra Boynton's "Barnyard Dance." We love to read! And we love to play with this Mr Man. He is a riot!

Wedding Memories

2008-07-13T09:38:00.007-06:00

It has been such a long time since I looked at these. I can use the reminder from time to time! Here are a few of our moments I'd love to share with you. My Uncle Derrick, Daddy, and Uncle Mort.
My parents, who have just this year celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Congratulations Mom and Dad, and thank you for the Godly example!

Uncle Derrick and Kelly
My beautiful sister Hollie clowning around.
Hollie, Amber, Kelly and I posing for some pictures (and joking about Kelly's bruises on her arms.)
My groom and I. *sigh*

Our prayer after the candle lighting. While we prayed together our music pastor Jesse Shuster (also here) played Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will be Here" (This is just a youtube link, no big deal; I just love the song so much.) It was magical. Brent made me laugh... it was the highlight, I think, of the whole wedding.

Except for this moment, maybe. :)

So amazing how we thought that this was somehow IT... the beginning of something great. Now I realize the truth is it was just the beginning of the beginning. I'm coming to understand that marriage makes heaven and eternity more real and more potent in the here and now.

Come Lord Jesus. But until you do, thank you for the ones I love. Thank you for blessing me with this taste of what heaven will be.

Toehead haiku

2008-07-11T18:42:00.001-06:00

playing in the lawn,

mom says "lunch!"

what's a boy to do?

Bugs Beware!

2008-07-05T15:43:00.003-06:00

Here I come! I'm gonna getcha!
SWAT!
Did I get him?
My job here is done!

Naked!

2008-07-02T19:28:00.004-06:00

Warning! This video contains nudity of an intensely cute nature!

Sprinkler Play

2008-07-02T19:08:00.004-06:00

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Watson's house.

June 29, 2008

Pictures say more than my words ever could.

First Birthday Video

2008-06-30T22:15:00.004-06:00

I just figured out how to put this on my blog! Enjoy!

I'm one year old today! -by Henry

2008-06-01T21:50:00.008-06:00

I'm one year old today.
I am so big now!
See me show you I am one
(Mom and Dad taught me how.)

I'm one year old today,
Momma and Nana made my cake!
It is a lion made of gumdrops!
The best that they could make!

I'm one year old today.
And... say, this cake is good!
I'm not sure I can share it,
Even though Grandpa says I should!

I'm one year old today.
I love this birthday stuff!
I need some milk with all this cake.
(I think I've almost had enough!)

To Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa,
And everyone who came today,
Thank you so much for all you did!
I'm one year old today!

I love you all!

Big Boy Breakfast

2008-06-01T10:41:00.005-06:00

We Love Fruit!
We have lots of melon and pineapple left over from the festivities yesterday. Henry loves fruit, so we had a fresh, juicy, drip down the chin breakfast this morning.
A PEI Dirt Baby Bib breakfast, as a matter of fact! ("Hello Gail and Paul! Take a look at me with the bib that Nana and Papa gave me from their trip to see you! We love you!")

He is such a big boy now! A whole year old!

Beth Moore is coming to Boise!

2008-05-13T21:36:00.002-06:00

I'm going to see Beth at the Qwest Arena on Friday, 5/15 and Saturday 5/16! I'm so excited! I've been reading her book, "Believing God," and praying that God will bless the women from my church, Central Valley Baptist; Mom's church, Meridian First Baptist; and all the women who come to hear her speak. When I went to Living Proof Live in Salt Lake in October of 2006 it was awesome! I think God really spoke through her. I can't wait.
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/
Here's her blog. Absolutely fab.

Mother's Day Brunch

2008-05-13T21:19:00.002-06:00

Becca, Jaime, LaVonne, Bonnie, Myrna, Bridget, and Henry at the Golden Corrall on Saturday 5/10/2008. Peekaboo!
Nothing like hugs from a grandma!
Hi Jaime!
Henry and Momma

"Country Vegetables and Chicken"

2008-05-13T20:53:00.003-06:00

The Verdict is in:

YUCKY!

Munchin' on a Pretzel.

2008-05-13T20:08:00.000-06:00

Yum, yum!

Our January Trip to Garden Valley

2008-04-15T22:05:00.003-06:00

mommy and henry
daddy and henry
"unca' brian and aunt lizzy" and olivia

I am starting Turbo Jam!

2008-04-10T08:59:00.002-06:00

And I chose to eat oatmeal over the delicious smelling biscuts and gravy! I know what you're thinking... "Yummy hospital food? I thought that was a myth." And you would probably be right anywhere but here... St. Luke's Medical Center has some kinda good cookin'! And the biscuts and gravy are at the top of the heap... and the top of the calorie count, so I was good today and resisted temptation.
Anyway... Turbo Jam. We ordered it (a series of workout videos) from Bodybuilding.com and it arrived yesterday. I'm battling a headcold but I want so much to get started. Last night
Brent came to me while I was trying to put in a few Pampered Chef shows. He wanted to start working out last night... but I deferred. I can do everything... just not everything all at once. I'm going to try to start tonight. He has a head start on me though; he learned all the moves last night. So I have to try to pop the training video in before he gets home.
Love love love to work out. Didn't used to but I find that it lends itself nicely toward sanity.

I'm a Pampered Chef!

2008-03-14T07:35:00.003-06:00

I just got my kit last Saturday and I have been making new recipes ever since! It is so much fun to use my new things. I am as excited about all the new kitchen utensils and bowls and pans as I am about the yummy things I've been making with them! (Also Last night I made YUMMY little mini quiches that Brent and I devoured. Oh, they were sooooo good! I'm going to make them tomorrow for my show. Can't wait.

Oh, by the way, Henry loved the box that my kit came in. I put a quilt inside and he played for a long time in there with lids and rattles.

I'll be posting some new pics of him in the near future... stay tuned.

Nanna Loves Her Baby, Yes She Does!

2008-02-20T22:49:00.001-07:00

Henry has his Nanna wrapped around his little finger!
Oh how we love him!

Little Baller

2008-02-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

Jaden is doing great!

2008-01-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your prayers. Jaden came through surgery and is doing great! God has been so great. Thanks again!

Henry's First Christmas

2007-12-27T10:16:00.001-07:00

Please be in prayer!

2007-12-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Chris Carlsen has a darling four year old little boy named Jaden. He has so many health problems and is really sick right now. They have always been such a blessing to me, I'd just like to ask for prayer for him.

Oh tananbaum!

2007-12-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

Just a baby and his toys.

2007-12-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

My son might take after his mother...

2007-12-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

Little Becca, at around 8 months of age...

A bit of a Q ball baby! Little Henry at 6 months exactly.

Very slight, like mommy, and even his posture is similar!
I find it so amazing that he is sitting up! What a big boy!

He is starting to look more and more like Brent all the time, but he still has my eyes, nose, and mouth shape. His cheeks and hair, now those are all Daddy!

We love our ExcerSaucer!

2007-11-03T22:06:00.000-06:00

And our Baby Einstein blocks! Henry has been blowing a lot of raspberries lately. He's very proud of this talent.

My "Elmer Fudd" Hat

2007-11-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

Henry and Grandma Watson
According to the grandmas it just doesn't get any cuter than this!

Grandma got Henry this hat. It's our favorite!

At Patty's house...

2007-11-02T21:46:00.000-06:00

Patty's daughter, Courtney and Henry hanging out. Henry and Sarah "Sis" Urvand spending some quality time together.
We had a lot of fun with the Jones family and Sarah. We should do it again some time soon!

good view

2007-11-02T20:04:00.000-06:00

August 3, 2007
Man, has time flown! I can't believe this was two months ago!

Happy!

2007-10-07T16:38:00.000-06:00

This one is a lil bit fuzzy. I have a nack for taking fuzzy shots.

Momma and Son

2007-10-07T15:04:00.000-06:00

These pictures didn't turn out very clear, but they are so sweet, I guess I don't mind.

The cutest baby on the block!

2007-09-18T21:58:00.000-06:00

a change will do you good

2007-09-18T21:29:00.000-06:00

Kelly and Henry were hanging out, having a fun time.
Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle.
Squeeze, kiss, hug.Suddenly, Henry seemed unhappy. Very unhappy.
Downright bummed out.Do you need a change?Why yes! Yes you do.

There! Now that's a clean baby. Henry is happy.

Kelly is happy.
And Mommy is happy.

The End.

the Word of God

2007-09-15T22:53:00.000-06:00

Times change and men change with them,
For still the New allures,
Their purpose falters ever,
No plan of theirs endures;
Strange Gods demand their worship,
Strange creeds that come and go;
Men's thoughts and men's opinions
Are Tides that ebb and flow.

On ever-shining currents
Their minds drift to and fro,
Their wavering wills are shaken
By all the winds that blow;
But steadfast as the mountains,
And surer than the sea,
And fixed as are the heavens,
God is and God shall be.

And though the little hills shall melt,
The mighty mountains move,
Though earth and heaven shall pass away,
And suns unstable prove,
Though faithless stars shall cease to shine,
And there is no more sea,
Still changeless as the changeless God
The word of God shall be.

Annie Johnson Flint

Little Bear

2007-09-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

Henry loves his Pooh Bear hat. Snuggly warm and gosh-darn cute. That's what it is. I find myself calling him "Little Bear" all the time lately. Mom and I were talking about this yesterday (she was confessing her titles for him), and I wondered if other people do this to their kids...?

I can't help it. I am my mother's daughter. I have so many pet names for Henry, but so far, never Hank!

Daddy and Momma sure do love Henry.

2007-09-14T21:45:00.000-06:00

here is Henry at the LEAP program (at church), sleeping on Momma's lap

What are you looking at?

2007-09-14T21:38:00.000-06:00

Henry on 8/15/2007 Shocking... isn't it?

Sleeping Beauties.

2007-08-12T14:24:00.000-06:00

Sunday naptime.

Welcome to our world.

2007-08-11T13:31:00.000-06:00

Today I found some pictures from Henry's first few days. I almost cried as I looked at them and realized how scary it was. Thank you all for praying for us and for him while we were in the hospital, and ever since. We thank the Lord for his faithfulness. What an awesome God we serve.

What an sweet guy... That head looks sore, doesn't it?

Brent and Henry

2007-08-09T19:56:00.000-06:00

The portrait of a proud daddy! And, by the way, that's a great hair style! Henry has a natural cowlick- even when we try to tame it, his hair won't stay flat for long. I love it! I can hardly believe my child has been blessed with hair!

Cool Shades, Baby!

2007-08-09T19:40:00.000-06:00

Grandma got Henry some awesome red sunglasses, which he proudly wore while we were in Donnelly a few weeks ago. What a cool dude!
We had so much fun hanging out with the youth kids, kicking back on the beach, playing with Olivia and Liz, and seeing Brent! Henry and I really missed him while he was up helping with Camp One80.

"My Best Friend" by Henry

2007-08-09T19:30:00.001-06:00

This is my best friend, Olivia. I call her Livvy. She is really neat. She was born two weeks after me on June 14th and Mommy and I went to visit her and Aunt Liz in the hospital a couple times. We have so much fun. Sometimes we take naps together. Other times we play with her Baby Gym. Last month we went to Donnelly together with our mommys. She is funny, too- she doesn't think farting and burping is gross at all!

She is really cool... for a girl. Henry and Olivia on June 20th

"From Where I Sit" (Part 2) by Henry

2007-08-09T19:17:00.000-06:00

I really like my Jungle Baby Gym.

I like that it makes music when I kick the arches and I like that the lights blink.

But most of all, I like my monkey. My monkey's picture is on the gym. That's because he is so cool.

I just can't take my eyes off of him.
See? He is really friendly, with a big smile and black eyes. Mommy always puts him where I can see him.

I love my monkey.

"From Where I Sit" (Part 1) by Henry

2007-08-09T18:58:00.001-06:00

I have a new outfit. It's still a little bit big. But I am growing so fast, it'll fit perfectly in no time at all. Mommy loves this hat on me. She says I look like I'm ready to go fishing with Daddy and Grandpa.
You ever noticed that after you pose for a million pictures you see spots?
Uncle Brian told Daddy that these pants make me look like I'm ready to tee off at Foxtail. I don't know what that means, but as long as they have milk there, I'm up for anything!

Alphalove, John Lithgow style...

2007-08-03T22:30:00.000-06:00

A, you're adorable

B, you're so beautiful

C, you're a cutie full of charm

D, you're a darling and

E, you're exciting and

F, you're a feather in my arms.

G, you look good to me

H, you're so heavenly

I, you're the one I idolize

J, we're like Jack and Jill

K, you're so kissable

L, is the love light in your eyes.

M, N, O, P,

I could go on all day.

Q, R, S, T,

Alphabetically speaking,

You're O. K.

And you make my life complete!

V, you're so very sweet

W, X, Y, Z...

It's fun to wander through

The alphabet with you

To tell you what you mean to me.

Bathing Baby!

2007-08-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

Henry's first pictures.

2007-07-19T23:06:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to get Henry's picture taken at Kiddie Kandids over the weekend, but then it occured to me that those weren't the most exciting first pictures. These were Henry's very first pictures... and his sweet footprints. When I saw them I burst into tears. He was in the NICU and I was in the mother/baby unit, and I hadn't gotten to see him since they transferred us from the Meridian hospital. These two colorful pictures were a sight for sore eyes.

Thank You Lord!

2007-07-17T20:09:00.000-06:00

I have been so very blessed! I don't know the last time I felt so alive, so exhausted, so in love. This little man has made us a family. We are three...

Thank you, Father, for allowing us to experience parenthood. Please be with me. Going back to work is brutally hard. I love my job, but I hate leaving Henry.

Thank you for all the answered prayers.

Amen.

Like mother like son...

2007-07-17T19:50:00.000-06:00

Can you see the resemblance?
Henry

and

Mommy

Small Smiles

2007-07-02T11:48:00.000-06:00

Coming soon:

A picture of Henry smiling... He has been flashing brilliant gummy smiles for several days now. We just have yet to capture the elusive moment on film. For now you will just have to believe me when I tell you that those smiles are the sweetest things I've ever seen!

I am so in love!

So soft.

2007-07-01T18:56:00.000-06:00

Here is one of the blankets that Henry was given. This was taken at The Library Coffeehouse, my favorite coffee shop. We had my work shower there at the beginning of May. Kelly and I love to go there and eat ice cream or get my all time favorite: the hazelnut decaf latte. Yum! They also have killer biscuts and gravy, which is what I had the morning of my shower. Love those coworkers of mine!

Who ya gonna call?

2007-06-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

The most hilarious thing happened this morning to Henry and I. While he was eating breakfast we heard a loud wet sound. I looked down, and oh my... he needed a change of diaper, and a new onsie too. So we headed to the changing table, and started the process. He was naked when I realized that I didn't have any of the right size of diaper on hand. I ran to get the right size, and was only gone maybe 10 seconds, when I turn around there is a fountain coming out of the changing table! My sweet little automatic sprinkler was "watering" the carpet. What fun! Yes it was indeed eventful! I got Henry changed and set him on a towel while I cleaned up the changing table. When I was done I got down on his level and starting talking to him and telling him what a big boy he was to have made such a mess all by himself... He smiled at me! I was so excited I called Brent and Mom and Dad right away to tell them the whole story!

Exactly four weeks ago...

2007-06-27T12:03:00.000-06:00

...I went into labor. I was sure that we were going to have to wait to be induced, but Henry had his own sense of timing. (He still does!) Brent went to Caldwell, about 20 minutes away, to trade his Kawasaki Ninja in for a Harley Davidson (yay!). While he was gone his sister Jaime came over to hang out with me. In retrospect we joked that all we have to do to go into labor is have Brent leave to go look at motercycles. By the time he got home, I was ready to go to the hospital! We got there at 2:30 or so and I was dialated to a two. They had us walk around the labor and delivery floor for an hour to see if I would progress. It went so fast! I was concentrating so hard on dealing with the contractions that I didn't notice the time at all. When they checked me again I had dialated about another centimeter, so they admitted us. I remember being so worried that they would send us home. I also remember that the nurse who checked me was so sweet that I actually complimented her on how gentle she was. She was shocked. I quickly got the reputation of "the nicest laboring woman ever" which stuck with me through the next 13 hours.
Back labor is rough, but I really wanted to wait on medication to see if I could handle it. So I tried for about 4 hours. I finally gave in to getting the epidural when I started to cry that I didn't think I could do this. It was worth the work and the wait. I'm really proud of myself for waiting that long. And the next several hours just seemed to fly by. I found I had to breathe through the contractions anyway because they made me feel so short of breath. They gave me oxygen at some point. I think it was close to midnight when I started pushing, and Henry was born at 3:07am. That was the hardest part. The pushing... ugh.
Henry and I both had a rough time. But, boy, was he worth it!

I just updated my format...

2007-06-27T12:01:00.000-06:00

I like to mess with a good thing, make it a better thing. I like the way my blog looked before, but I love the way it looks now. I hope this works.

Nana and H Dub

2007-06-20T18:36:00.000-06:00

So Cute!

More Pictures of the Kiddo.

2007-06-19T16:43:00.001-06:00

Henry!

2007-06-19T15:47:00.000-06:00

BORN: May 31, 2007

WEIGHT: 6 lbs 10 oz

LENGTH: 21 1/4 in

We were in the NICU for one week, because of Henry's tough delivery. What a fighter! He's our miracle boy.

These were taken in the NICU, in St. Luke's Downtown, Boise.

I Gotta New Attitude!

2007-05-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

I am so tired of "watching the water boil" here, that I'm going to stop. I know that if Henry doesn't choose to come on his own, the 5th of June will be the day... so I am going to look forward to being induced! I am just going to decide to have no other expectations! Life is so much easier this way. It is amazing to me that I went this long being exhausted and achy, and expecting him around every corner. I feel so free now! :)
Thanks so much for all your prayers! We are truly blessed! God has been meeting all our needs so graciously. He is so good!

Come on Henry, we wanna meetcha!

2007-05-27T14:28:00.000-06:00

Mr. H is cozy, he says and can't be bothered with such silly notions as "due dates" and "work schedules"...
Oh, I say, I see. Well, love, anything I can do to accomadate you. You see this is Memorial Weekend and I'm not too concerned with things like schedules right now either.
Yet you are still troubling me with all these demands, he reminds me.
Hardly, Henry. Asking you to come out and join us in the land of the living is hardly "all these demands". I know you are a very young one and won't be learning this until you are three or so, but the world does not revolve around you (despite what your Grandma and Grandpa, and Nana and Papa would like you to believe).
Ummm, I'm tired now, let's continue this discussion later. Mr. H can pencil you in, say in mid-June?
Not gonna happen kiddo. Either you are going to make your appearance soon, or we're going to help you out of there! I love you Mr. H, and I'll see you soon.
(...We're going to have to do something about this talking about yourself in the third person business, though.)

Brent, I love you.

2007-05-01T21:15:00.000-06:00

When I got home today Brent and one of the boys in our youth group, Kyler, were in our garage working out. When they got done I was making dinner, and Kyler came in to use the bathroom and get a drink. He kept telling me how much fun he had.
He is going to be coming over frequently from now on to weight lift with Brent. He looked pretty awestruck at the amount of weight Brent was lifting.
I love Kyler, and I know he needs good relationships with guys. I am so glad that he is interested in training with Brent, and spending time with us. But even more so, I am so glad that Brent wants to spend time with him. I'm really proud of Brent. I see him with the young men in the youth group and I know he is going to be a great daddy.
Henry is one lucky boy. He is getting a Mommy and Daddy (and grandparents and aunts and an uncle) who love him so very much.
And I'm one lucky gal. I have the most wonderful husband in the whole world. He is living his faith in Jesus in a way that really blesses me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this family.

Thanks so much for the prayers!

2007-04-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

I can't tell you how grateful I am for your faithful prayers. God has been so faithful to answer them. While I've had a hard time getting enough sleep, and even though my body is not in my control right now, I can really see the hand of God creating opportunities for me to rest, rejuvinate... and rely on Him.
I tell you what, God is so good. I mean So. Good. :) He has really come alongside me to give me the stamina I needed throughout my work week... and all my showers! (Praise the Lord, we had our third shower last night. Dad and Mom, I will never be able to thank you enough for the surprise of having Kelly there!) God has abundantly supplied all my needs (and even many of my wants along the way) according to His riches in glory! I don't know what I would do without Him.
And thank the Lord for Brent! He has been too wonderful, taking care of our home inside and out, working full time, managing our finances, going to school, continuing to volunteer with the youth group... is there anything he can't do? Can I just say, I love my man! He is going to make a terrific daddy.

Okay ladies, I need prayer.

2007-04-23T21:59:00.000-06:00

I'm exhausted. I can't breathe. My feet are swelling. My tummy is itchy. My pelvis is starting to ache.
I need strength. And sleep.
Thank the LORD that I can go to bed knowing that I don't have too much longer. I just pray He continues to give me the stamina and emotional wherewithall to keep it together for these last 4 weeks. Please, God, give me peace of mind and heart... And if its not too much to ask, could this baby drop, please, so I can breathe again?
Amen.

I Miss My Sister!

2007-04-07T15:20:00.000-06:00

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I love the smell of growing things in the air... the bright tulips waving in the April breeze... seeing the trees decked out in blossoms. I love it. I love especially the time to reflect on Christ's resurection and the fact that we serve a living God! There is nothing stuffy or traditional about Easter services for me. It feels new every spring. I think the Holy Spirit renews the reality of His redemptive work in my heart and life every year. Never more so than this year. I feel like Henry growing and developing inside me is a picture of why Jesus did what he did. His brand new life reminds me of how precious each life- each soul is to God the Father. Jesus came to earth, submitting to His Father's plan. He walked in our shoes, sinless, and then willingly suffered a humiliating and painful death because He loved us so much! He then defeated death itself, ensuring that the saints would never have to fear it again! Praise the Lord!
And yet, even at one of my favorite times of year... I'm feeling a little bit forlorn. Like this is all incomplete somehow.
Our family just is not complete without Kelly! She needs to come home! I know D. C. is exciting and huge, and full of promise, but Meridian, ID is full of family that misses her. I'm so proud of her and the intership she is completing, but I can't wait for her to come home!

Fatigue

2007-03-22T21:50:00.000-06:00

I know. It is normal. But wow, am I tired. I want to be able to stay up tonight and find out if UCLA and Tennessee win their games... but I'm too pooped. I love love love watching the games with Brent, but I just can't keep my lids up anymore. :)
I guess I'll find out tomorrow....
Night night.

Before the baby expect showers...

2007-03-12T17:47:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, March 10th, Kandy Crust had a baby shower for me at her house. I don't have enough time to tell you all about it right now, but I just wanted to show you the darling cake that Debbie Boone made! I also want you to know that I have more pics and will be posting them soon. It was the most wonderful shower! I was overwhelmed with the generosity and love of my amazing sisters in Christ! Thanks to everyone who came or contributed!

Beth Moore Rocks!

2007-03-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well doesn't she?

I am in a Beth Moore Bible study at church right now. We are going through Daniel. I love it! Who would have thought that it held such rich insights into my life right now!?! Not I! (I'm, of course, guilty yet again of underestimating God's power to speak to me through His Word.) I'm so grateful for it! We are now on Week 5 and the conviction is pumping through my veins! I love how she compares the consecrated golden goblets that King Belshazzar used to toast the gods of his land to us as vessels of Christ. She refers to 2 Timothy 2:20-21:
"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
We are bought with a price and set aside; consecrated by a holy God for His own purpose and He wants us to behave like we are different! She challenged me not to let my enemy use me as his vessel to make an unholy toast ever again!

Anyway, a good Bible study in a small group is such a treasure. I am really thanking God that He led me to attend this one.

I also enjoyed "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. I took that one or two years ago and it really got me memorizing scripture... and it convicted me of my need for a mentor. I'm so grateful for Jeannette Henry who came alongside me at that point and continues to pray for me and offer me insight.

What good Bible studies have you been doing lately? Or even ever?

I'm Back!

2007-03-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I'm so so so sorry I've been on hiatus unannounced! It's been a couple of crazy weeks around the Watson residence.
I came down with a really nasty respiratory infection three weeks ago. It was flu-like in its symptoms and had quite a life of its own for about ten days. I was totally out of commission from everything, not just blogging.
Then as I was just getting better we got ourselves packed and on my birthday we headed up to McCall, Idaho for winter camp with our teens. It was exhausting and a lot of fun. It was good to get away for a little while, but I felt like I needed a weekend from my weekend!
Now I'm back on my game, mostly...
Yesterday was a full day. Brent and I painted Henry's room. It looks great! Three of the walls are done in a dark-off-white sand color, and one wall is blue. Next weekend (in between the baby shower and home group...) I am planning on going to Craft Warehouse and getting the paints for a tree mural on one wall. Looking forward to getting that done!
Then, we got dressed up (here read: I showered, put on makeup and Brent wore a collared shirt- spiffy!) and went to the Morrison Center. There we saw Ballet Idaho perform "The Carnival of the Animals". I haven't been to a ballet since middle school days and Brent had never been. It was so much fun! By the time it was over we were pretty hungry, so we went out to Pizza Hut. We haven't been to Pizza Hut in so long that we reminisced about the free "Book It!" personal pan pizzas we used to get as kids and filled in both of the kids sheets... everything from the mazes to the crossword puzzles to answering the questions "What would you do if you had a million dollars?" and "Which wild animal would you choose for a pet and why?" It was so much fun. We were there way too late.
As a result I was up much of the night with indigestion. There's a surprise...
But I hear it is good training for the very near future...
Again, sorry it's been so long. Don't give up on me!