Hot Hearts 2010

What a crazy weekend we had! The more I go to "youth events", the more I realize how old I am really getting. Hot Hearts was a lot of fun though. The Lord did amazing things through the speaker and hundreds came to know Christ as their Lord and Savior that night. I had a blast getting to hang out with Jared and be silly. It seems like our life is so "grown up" these days that we don't get to just be crazy silly that much. Does Hot Hearts count as a date night??? Anyway, as I was rocking out to Lincoln Brewster's "Today is the Day" the Lord really began a work in me. The song goes just like the Bible verse: "Today is the Day You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. And I won't worry about tomorrow. I'm trusting in what You say. Today is the day." On Friday night, at Hot Hearts, full of amazing artists and Christians worshipping...yeah I was rejoicing in the day. Hello...it was Friday after 3:30pm of course I was rejoicing. BUT...do I rejoice on Monday morning at 7:40 or the day that Sam gets a stomach virus (which also happened this weekend...yeah not fun). In those moments, on those "kinds of days" do I rejoice then? It's still the day the Lord has made. Another day on this Earth means another day that the Lord has a plan and a purpose for my life. Am I really using that day to further the Gospel. After the amazing worship, the speaker really preached the Word and gave a "no fuss, no glamor" invitation. Lights on, people looking...no stalling. Hundreds came from the tops of the arena to the floor to invite the Lord into their life. As I look over I see this kid step out into the aisle and I recognize him. He was a kid that I tutored when I taught in fourth grade. He had some learning disablilities, speech problems which resulted in a very nasally voice, and AWFUL handwriting. But I wondered this...if each person had a timeline of events that took place before they became a Christian would I even be a blip on this kids timeline? Do I take advantage of the opportunities set before me? Did that kid ever see even a glimpse of Jesus in me?

So today, use each day to the fullest. You are where you are for a purpose. If you left, would there be a whole in someone's life. Would there be a void that somone else would need to fill? Or would you just be forgotten. Make a difference, today and everyday. You never know when God could call you somewhere else or even take you to be with Him in glory.

~Elizabeth

5 months old!

Sam spent the day with Devin and she got some really cute pictures. This is one of my favorites. I'm so thankful that he is such a happy baby. It's makes for one amazing blessing, and two very happy parents! It also doesn't hurt that he loves sleep just as much as we do!

What are you DOing???

Here lately I've been feeling quite convicted about what my role (or lack thereof) is in the Kingdom of God. I feel like I do a lot of stuff at church, but I'm not really making an intentional effort to advance the Kingdom of God. Several friends of mine have been feeling the same way. I feel like a lot of times all I do is fill a spot at church. Someone needs help with the kids, I'll do it. We need a children's church program...I'll do it. We should start a Bible study...I'll do it. I can easily fill my schedule with the best of 'em, but is what I'm doing actually doing anything at all? That's where my mind has been the last few weeks. I've been really thinking a lot about the life I live. This past Sunday Jared talked about how there's more to a life then we get married, have kids, retire, and die. God wants us to live a life of adventure. I want that too! I don't want a life where I wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed, wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed....and on and on and on. BORING!!! I want a life that has meaning, has purpose. When I wake up and go to work, did I do something? Do I show Jesus to someone? When I come home...am I showing Jesus to Sam and Jared? When I go to church, am I sharing Jesus? When I do my everyday things, am I sharing the love of Jesus? I want to make a difference for God, even when it comes to the everyday things that I do. Some of the things I'm considering doing:
Breast Cancer Awareness 5k
Starting a Weekly Devotion for teachers
Give up something I have for the greater needs of others

I'm not saying that these things won't require more attention or time, but it's not that that bothers me. It's the lack of motivation to make a difference. There are people around me who are hurting and who need Jesus. Am I willing to do more to reach them?

I don't really know if any of this makes sense to whoever is reading this. Quite frankly I'm still working things out in my own mind, but I wanted to throw it out there for some accountability and maybe encourage you to do somethings too!

For now...DO SOMETHING!
~Elizabeth

Cord Found!!!

All smiles here...after we finally finished the peas.

Not a fan favorite these peas

What are you doing to me people???

Jared and I at the woods New Years Night. Fireworks and Fun!

Tress and I rocking it out in the camo. Watch out ...when we're together....crazy things happen!

You want me to eat what???

Bradley and his "my Sam" as he calls him. Getting some lovin'

He's such a happy boy. I loved the time I had at home with him just playing around!

Christmas morning at our house: By 7 am Sam was fed, presents opened, video and pictures taken, and back to bed for us. It was glorious!

Christmas at Grandma Bailey's house...absolute madness!

Sam's fan favorite from Aunt Mandy! He loves this thing...and he loves to eat the sun if you can't tell!

Santa's favorite!

Sam's Santa outfit that PawPaw Mel bought him...and the awesome rockin' horse too!

NaNa and Sam on his horse. He loves this thing!

I love this picture of Jared and Sam. He looks like such a curious little boy to me...Sam that is.

Family pic with "Santa"....I wonder who that could be. Grandkids can certainly change a guy that's for sure!

Mommy and Sam Christmas morning

Sam and Daddy rockin' it out one day. They have such a good time playing together!

These were pics from various Christmases with our families, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Sam's first try at baby food. I loved, loved, loved being home over the break and spending all day everyday with Sam. Even though I think we were only at our house two days out of the whole break, it was wonderful. We spent Christmas morning at our house in our pjs and the day after Christmas we headed to Lufkin to spend some of our gift certificates. I can't wait for the next break....Easter? Spring Break? SUMMER! It's such a blessing to have a job, but I certainly enjoy the times when I can be at home with my family. Those times are so sweet. Enjoy the pics...sorry there's so many. It's been forever since I put recent pics up and we've had a lot going on!

~Elizabeth

Sweet Memories

Bro. Paul (B Paw as Seth calls him) coming to visit. This is one of the many men who played an important role in the shaping of Jared's life. Thank you, for helping Jared to become an amazing husband and Daddy.

My best friends since 1st grade??? Has it been that long? Geez, I'm feeling really old now. Great to see that even through different seasons of life, your true friends are there when you need them. Love you girls!

Sam's Great Grandma Greene. She was saying that Sam didn't look as big as she expected him to be for a 9 lb 13 ouncer! That really was comforting to me since everyone near and far in the hospital went to the nursery window to see the "biggest baby". I still have a little complex about it if you can't tell.

Aunt Stacey and Sam....You have saved me from a lot of anxiety and worry. Unfortunately I'm afraid my millions of questions and wonders about motherhood will never go away, the questions will just get a little more complex. Either way, I'm glad you're there for me to talk to.

There are so many people who were in and out those few days that meant the world to us. Please don't think your picture didn't get posted so it wasn't a big deal, because it was to us. Everyone who plays a role in our lives is a big deal. We are so truly blessed to have such an amazing family and friends. It's such a neat thing that God chooses to bless us with things that we never even knew how much we needed. We love you all...and Mom: I will post more recent pictures as soon as I find that stinkin' cord! Love you!

Here recently I've been getting all kinds of sentimental, emotional...whatever you want to call it. Several people I know have all been having babies. Now don't get me wrong, we want more kids...just not right now. But, as I look at all of the beautiful little newborns, it makes me sad. I can remember Sam being that small. I remember his clothes were always too big. Now, they are always too small! I'm always going up a size in his closet! I can remember Jared and I saying how we couldn't wait for Sam to start to play. Now, I just want him to snuggle a little longer. I used to want him to sleep through the night. Now, I'm awake and I can't wait for him to wake up. It is 8:01 a.m. on Saturday morning BTW! :) So this morning I was looking through pictures on the computer of when he was first born, brand new. I can look through pictures and still remember how I felt. The anxiety of when he first started to cry. I didn't know what to do. Was he hungry? Did he have a dirty diaper? I can remember Stacey saying, "You can give him a pacifier if you want. Sometimes it helps their little tummies if they have gas." I can just remember the panic hitting me. This little guy is our responsibility. We are his parents. The things he learns about God, life, love, EVERYTHING, is going to be because of what we taught him (and sadly the world too if we let it). What a huge responsibility. Now, he's almost 5 months old. Do we have it all together? Uh...NO! But, I think we do a good job of knowing what his cries mean. Is he growing like a weed? Uh....YES! Seriously, everyday we are getting rid of old clothes that don't fit and washing the new ones that are the next size up! Good grief! I decided to post some pictures (Yes, Mom I am posting new ones!) from the day that changed our lives forever. BTW...I will also post pics from Christmases/New Years Celebrations when I can find our cord again. I'm sure it's hidden somewhere in a suitcase. But for now, enjoy some of these special pics that didn't get posted or you may not have seen.

4 months!

Brooke, I absolutely love this outfit! He looks like such a little man!

"Look at me! I'm four months old now!"

My little rock star...looking good for the ladies. :)

Katelyn helping Sam stand up!

That is not where he was two minutes ago!

Here's how I scare Mommy! My favorite game to play

Again, with the covering of the face...hmmm

Today we went for Sam's four month checkup. I cannot believe it's already been four months. We have a WONDERFUL pediatrician who always listens to my fifty million (how ya like that number Jared?!) questions without making me feel like I'm being over protective or something. Our little man is growing like a weed and is doing great. He just looked and smiled at the dr. Dr. Hubbell says its time to start cereal! I can't believe that....I feel like I should still be holding this little baby who can't do anything. It feels like just yesterday Jared and I were saying..."When is he going to start doing stuff?" My how time flies. Sam is rolling over, scooting, singing (in his own way), standing with help, and sitting up with help. He loves to chew on everything including his toes! Yuck! He has such a neat personality...He loves to smile. He'll smile at anybody even perfect strangers. Lately he's started playing this little game with me. It's called "How to give Mommy a heart attack." Here's how you play. Fall asleep in whatever place you like, and stick whatever you can over your face. Bib. Burp cloth. Chewey. Blanket. Whatever. When Mommy takes it off b/c she's afraid you can't breathe, open your eyes and give her a big smile. Then, fall back asleep. Play this game as often as you like. :) What a crazy little man. He did get his shots today though. That wasn't fun. He did fine at the dr's office, but once we got home and he woke up...it wasn't good. He just went to sleep so here I am catching up on my blogging.

December has been insanely busy. I think our next free weekend is sometime in January...I find that the more we go, the more I want to stay home. When did I get so old? My parents used to go to work and come home. Every day it was the same. When I was growing up I hated that. I always wanted to run the roads. Go and do. Not anymore. I like to come home and stay home. No Wal-Mart, no park, nothing. Just let me be at home. Unfortunately, the world doesn't understand my need for family quality time at home. We're adjusting though.

Tomorrow is my class party at school. Friday is early release. Thank you Jesus! I have never been so ready for Christmas break in my life. School is crazy this year. It's not me having a baby, I'm not sure what it is. It's just.....different. I have really been challenged as a teacher this year. For one, this is the first time I've ever been at the same school teaching the same grade two years in a row. Wow. This group of students is different from last year, so I'm having to do things a lot different. What worked last year, doesn't work for this group. I have to continually remind myself of what Jared always says, "If you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting." If I want my students to be successful then I've got to keep working until something sticks. I'm still loving teaching b/c it is challenging. It is rewarding. Like no other. I'll just be ready for a vacation. Melissa is coming to stay for a little while. She's going to keep Sam while Jared and I and a group of our friends go see Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio in Houston. Woo Hoo. Excited about how the Lord is going to use that night to speak to us.

Well, I wish I had some inspiring things to say...I just wanted to give a quick update for our faithful readers (if we have any ) who don't get to see Sam on a regular basis. I do hope that you all have a great Christmas and that you would truly celebrate Christ's birth this season.

~Elizabeth

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Stockings are hung!

Tree is up! It's our "grown-up" tree. Gigantic!!!

Sam's first snow! He didn't realize this NEVER happens. We tried to tell him to be a little more excited....what can you do???

Daddy & Sam in the snow (well...sorta)

Mommy and Sam in the snow...brrrr!!!

The tree is up, the stockings are hung, the cinnamon candle is burning, and the first (and probably only) snow has fallen. Christmas is officially here. Jared made a really funny joke today. He said, "The most wonderful time of the year is getting kinda expensive." While Jared had some good comedic timing, that's sadly the truth. This morning Jared talked about how so many times we are like the inn keeper. You remember him don't you? He's the guy who didn't have room for Jesus, the Savior of the world. Because of him, Jesus was born in a manger. He compared us to him. OUCH! During Christmas time especially (which should be totally opposite) we don't have any room for Jesus. We'd love to give more or do more, but there's just not enough time or money. Well, the truth is, there is enough time and you do have enough money it's just a matter of priority. For me I needed to hear that. Every year at Christmas time I participate in two different things at my school. 1. Secret Santa. Always fun, but it does cost money. 2. Christmas Angels. Teachers turn in different student's names to be put on a tree. These are students who won't get a Christmas at all or are just in need of basics like clothes, deodorant, school supplies. Both of these cost money. I like to do both, but if it comes down to it and I have to choose to do only one, which is it going to be? When Jared and I got married, we talked about what traditions we wanted to start as a family. One of those has always been reading the Nativity story (The real Christmas story) on Christmas Eve. We've also done shoeboxes for Operation Christmas child. But now that we have Sam, I've been thinking about what traditions I want to do with him, and what significance they will have. I want Sam to know why we celebrate Christmas. I want him to have a giving heart. But I want him to treasure the memories that we make along the way. Some traditions we've already started: Reading the Nativity story, Operation Christmas Child , caroling each year (we take the kids at church every year). I'm looking for some new ideas that you do too! What is something that you either do with your kids now, did as a child, or plan to do with your own? I'm just wanting meaningful holiday traditions to remind our family of the real meaning of the season. I enjoy getting to hear some ideas! Stay warm!

~Elizabeth