Our big girl!!!

(Not a great picture, but at least you can see how well she's holding her head up! Also, you gotta love that widow's peak. She gets that from her daddy! She's also got a crazy cow-lick in the front. Maybe her hair will grow longer so we can just cover it up! At any rate, you can really tell her hair is growing in! Maybe it will be long enough for bows soon!)

Kendall turned three months old this past Wednesday!!

We took her to the doctor yesterday for a check-up. She weighed 10 pounds, 15 ounces and was 23 3/8 inches long. Kendall is on the bottom end of the curve as far as weight goes, but the doctor said it wasn't any big deal as long as she is gaining weight consistently. I guess she's just going to be long and lean like her Pop! Our doctor was very pleased with her progress and told us a million times how great she looked. Of course, Evan and I were happy to hear good things!

Kendall is on the verge of rolling over. (Even the doctor told us yesterday he could tell it wouldn't be very long!) She's pushing off on everything, and even gets really frustrated about it. She has started laughing out loud a little more consistently, but still won't do it all the time. We've also had to retire a couple of 0-3 month sleepers because she's getting too long for them! It's really fun to watch her hit these milestones!

The doctor also encouraged me to begin stretching out her feedings during the day. I'm a little nervous about this, just because stretching out her feedings will cause one feeding to drop. She sleeps through the night all the time (usually from about 10:30-7:00) and I'm afraid dropping a feeding will cause her to wake up during the night. I do think it's time to stretch out the feedings a bit, mainly because we are having to wake her up almost all the time to eat! Stretching the feedings should also help Evan and I get into bed earlier, which is a good thing, since he started classes this past week and is needing some extra rest!

Other things that are going on...

Kendall and I started a "mommy and me" walking class at the Seminary a couple of weeks ago. I know it doesn't sound like it, but it's a WORK OUT!!! We go two mornings a week and have had fun meeting some other mommies and babies!

Thursday morning bible study also started back this past week. I'm so excited to be doing a Beth Moore study again. It's been a while. I think the last one I did was Believing God about three years ago. We are doing Stepping Up: The Psalms of Ascent and although I've only worked through one day, I think I'm going to learn a lot.

Last night, Evan, Kendall, and I went to the Seniors Game Night at our church. (This is a bi-monthly event at our church for the Senior Adults, however anyone is welcome to attend.) We had a blast! For those of you who don't know, Kendall being 8-10 hours away from her grandparents, great grandparents, and aunts is a BATTLE for me. (I mean, lots of tears are shed over this issue!) I grew up VERY close to both sets of my grandparents and love them SO much...it's hard for me to imagine Kendall not having the same experience. Because of this, Evan and I are praying that we will find "adopted" grandparents for Kendall while we are here and decided that attending Senior Game Night was a good place to begin getting to know "grandparent" type people. We played Skip-Bo (Skip-Boo as one of the sweet ladies called it) with three other ladies. Evan even won a game!!! We were probably the only couple there under the age of 40 and Kendall was the only baby, so of course, she got A LOT of attention! One of the ladies (named Leah) held Kendall most of the evening and even the men were talking and playing with her. I must say, it was JOY to my heart seeing Kendall get "grandparent-like" attention!!!! One of the couples took our contact information so they could invite us over sometime! What an answer to prayer!

Better go for now...I'll try to post some better pictures soon. Maybe we can get her laughing on video and post it, too.

Love to all!

Dress Up...

Kendall and I played dress up one day early last week. It was so much fun!! I decided I would take some pictures with her when we played with this feather boa. Some of the pictures turned out pretty cute, but she is SO camera shy! (She looks like a lion with a pink mane in some of them, too!) I've decided that we'll have to do this again sometime...maybe next time with some of mommy's necklaces!!!

Lessons Learned...

While I am trying to come up with what to type on this application (see post below), I thought I'd share a few lessons I've learned since we've lived in Louisville. I've been saying for awhile that I would share this, so here goes...


1.) The true meaning of Genesis 2:24.

• When Evan and I got married, I thought we'd already "left" our families and that we had this "leaving and cleaving" thing down. Well, I've never had to "cleave" to Evan more than since we've been here. Even though being 8-10 hours away from family and close friends is difficult, I'm glad for this lesson. I love Evan more and more everyday and am continually thankful for his spiritual leadership.

2.) While God's blessings can be material blessings, many times they are not.

• It was a blessing that we made it back from our Arkansas trip before the 4-Runner broke down.
• It was a blessing that I didn't have an infection after the D&C.
• Having food on the table every day and night is a blessing.
• Kendall Grace is a blessing.

3.) Sometimes what we see as "needs" are really just "wants" or "luxeries." I can do without a lot of stuff!!! For example:

• "new season" clothes and shoes...my "last years" stuff is just fine (and will be next year, too!)
• deli turkey (Evan and I are both at home for both meals. $8.oo for a pound of turkey a week is a lot of money on our skimpy budget!!! Although I do "splurge" occasionally...)
• Kleenex brand toilet paper (Do you know how much toliet paper you can go through when your whole family is home 24/7???? Seriously...generic is just fine!) :)

The list could go on and on...

5.) God provides for ALL our needs. No doubt. Even living on a variable income, we've still been able to pay our bills every month. (Living on a variable income will teach you trust in more ways than you could dream!!!)

6.) The power of prayer works. Put yourself out there and ask God to be big. I dare you. You will be amazed at what happens...I think back to my prayer for Kendall to come before my doctor's appointment. We prayed and prayed that I wouldn't have to be induced. She came on her due date. That's just God!!! Another thing I could go on and on about!!!

7.) Giving is not an option. Even when you feel like you've got nothing left to give-physically, spiritually, financially-you simply must. It's NOT an option.

I'm sure there will be more to learn in the days to come. I look forward to it!!!

Kendall in the Nursery

I've had a couple of emails from folks asking if I put Kendall in the nursery today. The answer is yes...I took her to SS with us and then put her in the nursery for church. She was going to have to eat somewhere in there anyway, so I figured putting her in there for part of the time would be the best instead of having to put her in, go get her, and take her back. She did fine-when I went to get her after the worship service, she was asleep in a swing. I was very thankful that one of the girls in our SS class (the wife of the couple that came over to eat Christmas dinner) was working in the Babies A room, so at least there was someone that knew her. We are putting her in the nursery again tonight.


I have to say, I am glad I decided to go ahead and put her in the nursery. I can tell that Kendall is becoming very aware of her surroundings. We went over to Ben and Kristina's house last night to eat and while she smiled and was fun, I think she could tell that she wasn't at home and it wasn't just mommy had daddy holding her and talking to her. I want her to be okay with other people...while Evan and I will always be the ones who can care for her best, there are other people who are capable of caring for Kendall as well!


Kendall also has started a new trick this last week...laughing out loud. ADORABLE!!! Maybe we can get it on video at some point. She is really wanting to roll over, too. She kicks her legs and pushes off like crazy.


Oh, and I also want to throw in an "edit" about my "Priorities" post.

I think I said this in my writing, but I want to reiterate that by no means do I think that Internet, blogging, email, crafts, etc. are bad. I also don't think it's wrong to post about our families, hobbies, or just life in general. Especially for us, it's a way for our friends/family in AR to know what is going on and to see Kendall grow. My conviction is mainly just a time issue-something that is a constant battle in my life. If the Internet weren't taking up too much time, I know I would find something else to keep me from spending time alone with God. I am sure many of you guys find yourself in the same place...I know it's a constant conversation at our house! Just wanted to make that clear!!!

On being sons and daughters of God

Leah and I spent New Year's Eve hanging out with some friends of ours from Sunday School. We had a really good time and enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with and get to know these couples a little better.

Two of the other couples also have young kids and as the evening progessed, the conversation eventually turned to some of the funny things kids do. One of the couples shared a story about one of their kids that I wanted to post here because not only was it really funny, it also was a great illustration of how our Heavenly Father relates to us.

The story goes that one day the mom heard one of her kids (I don't remember if it was the son or daugher) playing and laughing in the nursery so she went in to see what was going on. Was the baby having a good time playing with some of the shiny new rattles and toys that friends and family had no doubt lavished upon it? Nope. When she looked in the nursery, she found her baby sitting in its crib with its diaper off, smearing you know what all over the crib, the walls and itself. Unaware that this was a socially unacceptable behavior, the baby was having a big time playing in its own poop.

How do you suppose she reacted? Was she disgusted, frustrated or anry? Did she walk out and leave the child to clean itself up before it could enjoy her company again? No. Tickled, she called her husband in to check out their child's handiwork, and after they both had a good laugh, they cleaned up their baby and the mess it had made.

I told the husband he'd have to remember that story because he could use it as a sermon illustration some time. You see, I think that must be exactly how God relates to us. How many times do you suppose He looks down at His children, only to find us covered in our own junk without even realizing that in our attempts to find enjoyment and satisfaction on our own, we've just ended up playing in our own "poop." Yet, just like these parents, He doesn't get disgusted or angry with us. In fact, contrarty to what we often let ourselves believe, He doesn't even wait for us to clean ourselves up before He'll have fellowship with us. In His grace, the Father takes it upon Himself to lovingly clean us up and set us back on track, hoping that the next time we'll choose to enjoy the good things He's provided for us.

Priorities

My friend Amy (see her blog link on the right) posted on her blog today something today that is well worth the read. In fact, her post has prompted me to follow up on our blog.

Lately, Evan and I have been talking a lot about priorities. I have become completely frustrated with myself about the amount of time I spend on the computer at night checking email, reading blogs, etc, compared to the amount of time I spend personally reading/studying God's word, praying, and memorizing scripture. If I say that God is the number one priority in my life, then why doesn't EVERYTHING I do reflect that?

While I don't think the Internet or blogging is bad, I do think that spending an hour+ at night on the computer reading about what people are doing, their craft/home improvement projects, etc. and then only giving God 15-20 minutes of leftover time before I go to bed is not right. In fact, to help me in this area, Evan has used our "parental controls" to block me from looking at web-sites that consume me. (Oh, how I am thankful for my husband's accountability and desire for me to be a Godly woman!!!)

I also agree with Amy that what I post about IS an outpouring of my heart and what matters most to me. I think my postings could easily come across as though Kendall, Evan, shopping, crafting, making sure I get "connected" in Louisville, etc. is much more important to me than my relationship with Christ.

Evan and I talk a lot about the song Better is One Day. The song's chorus says, "Better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house, better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere." Do we, as believers, really believe that one day in the presence of God is better than anything else? Honestly, I think my life says, "a shopping trip at Target and Hobby Lobby" or "a day spent with my husband and daughter" is better than one day in the courts of the Almighty. Sad.

I write all this to say that I just need to get my priorities in line. I know there are a lot of people who read our blog-- some of them are Believers, others are not. I need to view our blog as an opportunity to lift up and encourage my friends who are Christians and to share Christ with my friends who don't know Him. Our blog should be evidence that I am not "conformed" to the world but "set apart" from it. I don't think it's always that way. Please forgive me. I will try to do better.

Evan and I talk about how we hesitate to post "spiritual" issues on our blog, for fear we will come across as "preachy" or "pointing fingers." I have decided, though, that is just Satan's way of keeping us from sharing Christ with others and I can't use that as an excuse anymore. I have decided that if I feel convicted about something or if God is really teaching me something and I feel the need to post about it, I am going to and I'm not going to apologize for it. Who knows...maybe someone else is dealing with the same issue (just as I was when I read Amy's post today) and we can find encouragement in each other.

Here are a couple of verses and hymn lyrics I've been thinking about to close...Do I really believe these words as truth?

Matthew 6:19-21

(one I am reminding myself of constantly and are words straight from Jesus himself!!!)

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

1 John 1:15-17

(a verse I've been working on memorizing...since before Kendall's birth...)
Do not love the world or anything of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and it's desires pass away but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

I’d Rather Have Jesus –

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I’d rather be His than have riches untold;

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,

I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain

Or be held in sin’s dread sway,

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,

I’d rather be true to His holy name.

This and that

It seems like it's been a while since I've posted anything on here other than videos or pictures of Kendall. Thankfully, Leah's really taken ownership of the blog and keeps it updated so everyone can keep track of what's going on with us.

I figured out how to put music on the blog and was able to add this song by Audio Adrenaline, which is one of our favorites. In fact, ever since Leah and I first got the CD with song on it, it has been kind of a theme song for us. When we first surrendered to the ministry, it seemed to say exactly what I was feeling. I love how music is like that. I wish I had the lyrical ability to put my feelings into words the way musicians can.

These lyrics really remind me of Jesus' words in Matthew 8:35, where he said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it." And his reminder to the disciples in Matthew 16:24 that "If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."

I still don't know what God has in store for us after school, as far as what ministry setting we'll be serving Him in, but these two verses sum up exactly what I know His call is for us - total surrender to go wherever He leads and do whatever He asks, knowing that whatever it costs, the reward will be well worth it. If we're really honest, that's what He requires of all us who claim to be His disciples.

On another note, I'm really ready for school to start back up. Classes start the week of January 21st and I'm enrolled in nine hours again this semester. The classes I'm taking are Old Testament Survey II, New Testament Survey II, and Personal Evangelism. I'm really excited (and a little nervous) about the Personal Evangelism class. From looking at the syllabus, I feel like this might be the most beneficial and practical class I'll take in all of my studies. The bulk of the grade comes from an assignment in which I have to share the gospel on five occasions throughout the semester and write a paper describing those experiences. For one of the other assignments, I have to write out my testimony and then share it in front of the class. It's kind of sad that they have to offer a college level class on this for people who are going into the ministry, but the reality is, sharing the gospel is something I fail miserably at, so I'm looking forward to being "nudged" into action.

Everything else is going pretty good for us. We are constantly amazed and humbled at how God provides for all of our needs (even as He continues to help us learn the difference between "needs" and "luxuries").

We love you all and are so thankful for your encouragement and support.

The Projects (and a couple of Kendall pictures)

This past weekend, I neglected my wifely duties of laundry and dishes in order to work on some projects. I am so thankful that Evan doesn't complain when I pull out all the "craft boxes" from the closet! He also went to Hobby Lobby with me on Saturday so I could pick up a few supplies while they were on half price! What a guy!!! Our dining area is a wreck from all my scrap-booking stuff being out everywhere. (Our kitchen is also a mess, but that's only because I dropped the chicken salad pie I made for dinner as I was taking it out of the oven. Did it go on the floor???? NOOOO...It's all inside the oven. We are waiting for the oven to cool off to clean up that big fat mess!!!)

I've been trying to add touches of pink to Kendall's room to make it more girly. I will try to take some pictures of her room once it is complete (it may be summer before that happens!) but I did make these pictures for over the twin bed this weekend. I had a picture that said "Sweet Dreams" hanging over the bed, but with the bed turned against the wall (which I hate having furniture pushed up against the wall, but in that room is necessary in order to walk!), the picture seemed to be lost on that big wall. I got the idea for these pictures from my friend Kendra who did three dresses on smaller canvases in her daughter's room. I decided, though, after emailing Kendra for her opinion, to do a dress, purse, and shoe instead of three dresses to change it up a little bit. I used some left-over fabric from Kendall's bedding and just used the Modge-Podge glue (I love that stuff) to stick it on. Oh, and pink ribbon and pink scrap-booking paper.

What do y'all think? (Evan had to ask me what the dress and purse were. I told him if he were a girl, he would have known right off the bat. He said the dress looked like a lampshade.)

Sorry, the glare on this one is bad! I think you can get the idea, though.
This is how the pictures will hang over the bed.
(I thought I would hang them with ribbon, but I think I am going to get some picture hangers and attach to the back. I think the ribbon would be too much in that room.)

I also got a pink feather boa for the top of her changing table (that looks really cute) and when I get that area all done, I'll show y'all those. Although I'm not a big artificial flower person, I'm looking for a few bright pink gerbera daisies to put in a basket up there. I looked at Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have any.

I have also worked a ton on Kendall's scrapbook this weekend. I've already decided that our children will get a book of their first year, and then after that, all pictures will go into a family photo album. It's too much work to try to keep up with. I spent two weeks just trying to organize pictures! I did get a really cool book for her, though. It's a three ring binder that is made out of chipboard so you can decorate the cover however you'd like. Pretty neat. I started on the outside of it, but messed it up and took it all off to rework it. If Kendall is still sleeping once I finish this post, I may go work some more on it.

Remember me saying that Kendall hates to hear the bathtub water faucet running? This was her face when Evan turned on the faucet to get the water warmer a few nights ago. Pitiful, huh? I had to take her out of the room it scared her so badly!

Yet another pitiful face!!!

Oh, and an update on the nursery situation. After taking Kendall into the church service last night, I'm really leaning towards leaving her in the nursery next week. I had to take her out to change her diaper twice (the second time I just stayed out) and was just completely distracted the whole time. I'm kind-of to the point if I'm not going to be able to hear any of the message, then what's the point of me going? Anyway, we'll see...I may take her to Sunday School with us and then leave her for the worship service. I don't know.

One more thing...Evan has been messing around with the look of our blog and adding songs and stuff. I wish he would add some really cute background or something, but I know he won't. Too girly for him. He's also become obsessed with old music today. Funny. In between doing files he was pulling up some really old school songs...I about died when he said he was going to add "If the South Would've Won" by Hank Williams Jr. as our blog theme song. Oh, the life of a husband working from home and the whole family being together 24/7...What fun!

Eating My Words

Before Evan and I had Kendall, one thing that would drive us crazy was when people would bring their baby into Sunday School and the worship service. I mean, really? Was the nursery not good enough for these parents?

So, here we are, Kendall is almost three months old and I still haven't put her in our church nursery. I'm EVEN struggling with WANTING to put her in there! I think there are lots of reasons why I can't stand the thought of taking her to the nursery...cold and flu season in full swing and my extreme fear of Kendall getting sick (stupid...I know...she's human, sickness is going to happen!), about 17 babies with three adults, and it's not FBC Farmington where my mother-in-law and Dawn W. would be taking care of Kendall and she would get a lot of attention! Plus, Kendall is a GOOD baby!!! She rarely cries out when we are out ANYWHERE; she will sit and look around and just make faces. (However, cute babies like Kendall can be just as distracting as crying babies!)

Beth, the children's director at our church, gave me a VERY hard time this morning about not leaving her. She laughed and said that Kendall would by-pass Babies A and go straight to Babies B!!! Beth also told me to try to get myself ready this week and leave her in the nursery next week at church...UGGGHH...I just don't know! I know Evan is ready to take Kendall to the nursery, but I am just not!!! Why am I so scared???? Should I just suck it up and go for it? Or should I wait until cold and flu season is over?

On another note...we learn new things about Kendall everyday. She is so fun! We have come to learn that she HATES loud noises. She screams bloody murder at the sound of the bathtub faucet running and flipped out yesterday when I took her in the bathroom at Chik-Fil-A to change her diaper. She did not like the sound of the toilet flushing! She can also figure out pretty quickly when she is in a room alone and will whine and whimper until one of us gets in the room! Kendall has also learned what we call the "fake out" where she will start crying but then as soon as one of us starts talking to her or playing with her, she smiles and laughs. She definitely knows how to get attention! Being parents is so much fun. It's not always easy; there is a lot of learning and work, but it really is SO much fun!

Two things...

1. Jenny D.-I don't have your email or I would've emailed you directly. The trick to get out the fabric softener totally worked. I had to do it twice, but you can't even tell the stain was there!! Any suggestions for an "oily" spot? I dripped a vinaigrette salad dressing on a shirt the other day that I had only worn once. Someone told me to use dish-washing soap on that,too, but it didn't work.

2. I think I finally got all the Thank-You's for Kendall's gifts written, addressed, and mailed. If you got Kendall a gift and somehow didn't get a Thank You note from me, I am REALLY sorry. Please know it wasn't intentional. We are SOOOO thankful and always amazed at everyone's generosity. Thanks again to everyone!!! We love you all!!

Christmas and New Years

So, I spent the last hour while Kendall was napping trying to get a Holiday post done, and for some reason, it didn't save. UGGHH...

Anyway, here it is in a nutshell...

After I finally came to terms with not being in Arkansas for Christmas, we had a GREAT holiday. Christmas was quiet, but Evan, Kendall and I enjoyed celebrating Jesus' Birthday as a family of three. We have spent the last two weeks cooking, eating, watching movies, making new friends, starting new family traditions and keeping old ones, learning more about Louisville, and more! While "hustle and bustle" is fun, we've about decided that being "at home" on Christmas is the way to go!

It's New Year's Day-we watched the Hogs get stomped and I've got our black-eyed peas and greens going for fun (we know we aren't "lucky," we are blessed), and it's freezing cold with a few snow flurries here! As I look back on 2007, I am so thankful for the lessons God taught me (a whole other post...maybe someday I'll have time to sit and share) and look forward to drawing closer to Him in 2008!

Here are some pictures of the last two weeks!

One more thing...I just love my husband. He's awesome. Today, he VOLUNTARILY started taking the Christmas tree down for me...ornaments and all. (What a man!) I don't know if he was sick of looking at it or just being nice, but whatever the case, I'm so glad he helped!! You're "the bomb," Evan! :)