Compassion answers...

My post about compassion received several comments both on the blog and out in public from other friends and today I received an email that I wanted to share the contents of. It is a video on YouTube of Rick Burgess preaching. In his 'weakness' God is so strong and that is evident.

There are 1-2-3 videos and I hope you watch them all if you have the time, but definitely check out the 3rd one if you don't have the time to watch all of them. They are each about 10 minutes (less) long and what he has to say is powerful.

Just in case you can't get it opened, I will try to attach the 3rd one here...

Dentists and Pictures

Today was my long awaited for MDO day...

... and I spent it (most all of it)at the dentist. I hate the dentist's office...love the guy, hate the fact that he has to go anywhere NEAR my mouth with pokers and griders....and I had a horrible "outcome"...now I am on antibiodics and have to have a tooth extracted and a titanium rod stuck through my gums and a new crown...not fun and VERY pricey! And Wednesday (after Jeff has been out of town for tuesday and Wednesday) I have to go back to the dentist...just a different one this time and spend the day "consulting" my issue to see if the "plan" will even work in my mouth...oh my...what fun?!

On a much lighter note, if you scroll down to the very bottom of my page, I updated the picture...and you can see how much the kids have changed and even Jeff and I too! Fun fun!

Here are a few pictures for the day...

Jackson's Funny....

Funny things Jackson says:

moo-on = Mulan (the movie)

hurkies = Hercules (the movie)

meer = come here

Rae Rae Teal = Creighton Teal

burfwies = burger and fries

rill cheese sanwich = grilled cheese sandwich

peas= please

airy boy= larryboy

hut= football ( i have no idea why, except one day i bent over and said "hut, hut" and snapped the ball to him)

when i have the gate up and he is on one side or the other (doesn't matter what side, if i am not on the same side as he is) "let me in, let me in"

always tells jeff and i to "stop singin', stop"....with me I understand, but Jeff has a good voice :)

jackson: knock knock

me: who's there

jackson: airy boy

me: larry boy who

jackson: [confused look] and then we all laughed...he doesn't know what knock knock joke is yet...

Funny things Jackson does:

-can't stand tags in his clothes so that is the first thing we do is cut off all the tags (primarily his shirts)

-can't stand "feet" in his pajamas, so we cut those off (the footed sleepers)

-can't stand socks and shoes on, so if at all possible, and occasionally when not, he is taking off his shoes and socks

-STILL attached to the binky and blanky and would have it ALL day if we'd let him

-will pee in the potty but won't even consider pooping in the potty, however he LOVES watching the video of the SF triplets pooping in the potty...and sings along with it (atleast the chorus anyway)

-counts like this : one, two, five. His favorite number is 5 and anytime you ask him how old he is, he says 5 and has since the day before he turned 2.

Long boring hard week (with a good ending)

It's been a really long week. Monday was a holiday and so there was no school and no normal schedule that day. Jeff worked and the kids and I played hard that day. We had lots of fun. However that night Jackson wasn't feeling real well. He ended up throwing up, but like usual, that isn't UNcommon in our home. He didn't eat dinner that night at all. We all went to bed as usual and he woke up the next morning and was feeling fine...however still didn't want to eat.

Tuesday we went to Bible study and then went to the First Baptist Family Life Center to play with our friends for a little over an hour. We had a blast and the kids all played hard! We came home for lunch (I think Jackson maybe did eat a little for lunch) and then had naps. I am doing private lessons every Tuesday for one of my freshmen volleyball players! However, when the time rolled around for me to go they were both still sleeping, which is crazy because Creighton usually never naps that long...then as I was getting ready to leave she woke up anyway. So, Jeff stayed with Jackson and I took Creighton with me (the YMCA has free childcare :)). Jeff said Jackson just sat in the chair and watched movies the entire time I was gone.

Tuesday night was date night for the month for us and so we had babysitters come over and Jeff and I went to Robert's in Bartlesville. It was really really good food, but a little pricey for my taste. The appetizer Eggrolls were FAN-tastic! I had never even heard of Robert's but Jeff randomly had found it and wanted to do something different so we went! I am glad. Afterwards we drove around and just talked and it was so nice! We came back and the kids had just gone down and Jackson ended up coming back out because he heard us so he stayed up for awhile and didn't eat anything again for dinner or snack. I think it was really late by the time we got him down.

Wednesday morning we went to wake him up and he was so tired and not feeling well I guess. I asked him if he wanted to go to school and he said yes so I tried to get him dressed and he fell asleep...literally COULD NOT keep his eyes opened....it was strange, so Jeff took Rae Rae to school and I figured I'd bring him later. As I was still trying to get him dressed he passed out cold...so I took him to his bed and he slept till like 10:45. When he woke up he was like a totally different kid and was JUST FINE. It was weird and I didn't want to risk it so I kept him home with me. He was NONE too happy about that. But he finally ate some cereal for breakfast/lunch and we had a really fun time together. Its rare I have him by myself. I either have both of them, or Creighton (when Jeff takes Jackson) so it was nice. I tried to give him special time and things throughout the day since we haven't ever really had that time and to keep his mind off of the fact that he really would have rather been at school with Emma Kate. That afternoon, Jeff came home to take him for a special lunch to Braum's. Since he hadn't been feeling great, I wasn't excited that Jeff had gotten him excited about burger fries and a malt...but I figured I'd let it slide and see what happened...I wish I would have spoken up. He took a big gulp of malt and one bit of ketchup on his fries and it was ALL over...and yes, we were in Braums. It was like he got a funny itch from the ketchup or something. He threw up several times and then we cleaned him up and left. It was way gross. Then he was fine.

WE went to church that night (and yes, I did a horrible thing and took him too). But I had to go and I didn't have an option. But I did keep him in a room without all the other kids and let him watch a movie. IT worked out. But I am SO glad i went because my small group went fantastic. I had 5 new girls and it was so so good! I think Satan would have LOVED for me to have not shown up....

Jackson from that point on has seemed just fine and hasn't anything else occur...thankfully! Thank heavens Creighton hasn't gotten it either....although she did cut a molar through yesterday! I think that one has been coming through for a few days...she's been tough. Its crazy she is cutting molars when she doesn't have all of her front teeth yet...only 2 on bottom.

Thursday we woke up and he seemed 100% fine and so we went to the Family Life Center again for 2 hours with Kara and the girls. They all played and had a great time and slept well that night.

Friday we went back to the FLC and played for an hour and then went home and played with Jeff because he had the day off! IT was fantastic. That night Jeff and I dropped the kids off at my moms and went to Tulsa for dinner. It was great. They kept them overnight and we slept till 11am this morning!!!! It was great. We watched a movie and then we watched Jeff Dunham with Brittany and Chris and then I went to get the kids and came home and we made breakfast for dinner! It was great and the kids ate well. We put them to bed a little early. Jeff hasn't been feeling well the past couple of days now though...so I hope he doesn't get it!

I am excited for a new week! Its been a long week and a hard week...even with two date nights...the last 2 days haven't been hard though...so I think that is why I am able to say this week's been good...because last Friday-this Thursday were REALLY hard for me for some reason....

Sorry for such a boring post...

Compassion hurts

I don't know what it is about me...but I know that I can't handle death well. I think I allow myself to feel too much compassion (is that possible, I don't think so) (maybe I am just not wording it well)...but I allow myself to be in their shoes "too much" and without the Grace of God that HAS.TO.BE. the ONLY thing that allows people to take another breath. My heart feels as if it weighs 8 tons. There are so many things and so many people hurting and dying. I just can barely take it. So, part of me wants not to feel, not to imagine what it must feel like, and ask all the questions, to put myself there one more second, but I know that can't be right either.

I came across Julian from a couple of blogs and I read his story and then he passed away this week. I just don't know how parents do it. I just don't. **you can go to www.carepages.com and sign up (with an email) and type in juliansworld (all one word) to hear updates and hear his mom's heart...what a cute and sweet little 4 year old boy!

There is also a lady in our church who is pregnant with a little girl who (unless a miracle happens) will not likely make it very long from the womb (if that).

Then, Christy tells her story of Phoenix and it breaks me again.

There are COUNTLESS stories, countless people, that I know or have come across, and even within my family that are going through this right now. I find myself on my knees begging, pleading that the Lord would have other roads, other trials for me to face, but to please never let me walk the road of losing a child. I don't know how I'd do it. I know that God is big, and big enough, but I fear...I fear this.

My heart is so hurting....how do they do it? How do you breathe? How do you get up in the morning? How?

I know that all hurting is here because sin entered the world and allowed man and the land to be cursed...how I long for the return of the Savior so we have no more hurt and no more tears...

The rest of Christmas pictures arrived!

These are from the "opening" of our Christmas gifts at Jeff's dad's. Remember Creighton was sleeping throughout the entirety of the gifts until the very end when Jeff's dad was popping bubble wrap and it woke her up...

Here is our family picture for Christmas! Debbie's camera always takes really great pictures!

I liked this picture of Jackson...

Here is his vtech computer he got...he likes it, but hasn't quite figured out exactly the concept of the "mouse" and the games yet...I thought he would, and he is getting better, but not quite yet.

Here is his scooter! He was so excited about it. Debbie captured a great shot here of his face. He really likes it. We took it to the park the other day and he tried to ride it. He is getting much better, but it is funny to watch. He isn't good at steering. He is prone to roll over the top of it. So, I was thankful he was surrounded by lots of grass and the fact that he is one tough cookie!

This is when Creighton woke up at the very end and this is a somewhat decent picture, which is a SHOCKER because she was certainly not ready to be in any photos, or not be held by me...I can't believe this pic turned out like this...

because, this is what the rest looked like! :) She was throwing some serious tantrums.
That is Layne and Bree, Jeff's sister's kids. Jackson loves Bree and talks about her all the time! Its pretty cute. I think she likes feeling "big" around him since she was the baby for so long.Umm...I don't really know...but I love him....he found this costume and the rest is history.

Creighton! ***Edited

Yesterday Jeff took Jackson to see the new VeggieTales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. While they were gone Creighton and I hung out and made dinner and played a little bit and she took a nap.

Today we had a good day and Creighton took a good nap after we played at my friend Kara's house (ironic, since I was just complaining to Kara that she doesn't ever nap well at home for me...she slept 2 hours and 5 minutes!). Jeff got home and played with the kids while I made a yummy dinner.

**I added a whole package of chicken (skillet cooked with basil and parsley and salt and pepper) and then 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce. It was fantastic...and Jeff liked it and Creighton LOVED it! Jackson, however, did not TOUCH it. But I thought it was pretty good too, and it couldn't have been easier...especially if you don't add extra sauce and chicken...10 minutes is no lie! A new favorite around here. (and there weren't ANY leftovers!...yeah)

After dinner Jeff took Jackson to the HS basketball games and they still aren't back. But I was given the gift (I saw tonight in a whole new light as opposed to yesterday) of spending one-on-one time with Creighton again. Its funny when I change my attitude and perspective of how much fun we can have. Typically Creighton is really clingy and wants to be nursed and/or held ALL THE TIME when I am within eyesight. But I realized tonight I need to just get down on her level and do the things I know she loves to do, especially since that usually doesn't get to happen when opinionated big brother is around. We had so much fun and I haven't been the one to make her laugh so much in a long time. I LOVE (ADORE) her laugh. It is so precious. It made me sad to think I have missed out on it so much over the last few months. She is so sweet when I let her be, by "listening" to her and giving her attention instead of trying to get things done or be selfish with my time by being on the computer. (she is in bed now though :)).

We took a bath together, which I know she LOVES. She giggled and cackled her way through that. She splashed and played forever. Then we got jammies on and played cars and danced and played babies and read books and then played peek-a-boo...which is her all time favorite thing I think. She LOVES it when I scare her...we did it for at least 20 minutes. It was fantastic. I loved every minute of it...and I know she did too. I could see it in her eyes...they danced!

I nursed her to sleep a little while ago and it was unrushed and it was sweet! I started today to only nurse her at night, morning and nap...which is A LOT less than I have been...we'll see...I hope to keep it up because she ate lunch and dinner like a champ today!!! Seriously, I don't know where she put all that food she ate! She certainly tried to nurse a lot, but I was able to distract her until it was time...successful first day! :)

Here is a picture of her as she was asleep in Jackson's bed this morning. Jackson was in our bed with Jeff (he came in at 8ish) and so when she got up about 8:15 I nursed her back to sleep in his bed! She slept very well until I woke her up at 10:10a.

***EDITED: They made it back just now and this is what my son looked like...the youth love him (which I like) and they treat him really well...tonight they "dressed him up with a blue sleeve, a piece of a shirt to spin "cheer" and a blue ball and a stamp on his hand! CUTE as all get out!

Listen Up

The Gift of Listening
By Renee Swope

"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.Bend down and listen as I pray." Psalm 17:6 (NLT)

Devotion:I was recently reading a book in bed when I heard my husband calling our dog to come get her treat. He was actually luring Chelsea , our thirteen-year-old daschund, to her doggie bed.
Daisy, our beagle, was already outside doing her business, anticipating the reward of a doggy biscuit if she obediently came back inside and went to her bed. However, Chelsea was sound asleep in her chair; and nothing was going to get her to budge. Not even the promise of a bedtime treat.
I wondered if Chelsea had perfected her "selective hearing" skills, knowing it was time for bed, or if she's going deaf. I had a feeling it was the latter.
Once the dogs were tucked in bed, we laughed about how Chelsea used to hear every little thing. If the wind blew a leaf outside our front door, she barked.
Andrew my 10-year old came to my bedside to kiss me goodnight. With a concerned look in his eyes he said, "Mom, I hope when you get old you don't go deaf like Chelsea ."
I laughingly told him that when I'm as old as Chelsea , it might be good if I can't hear everything. She gets a lot more sleep than she used to, and I love to sleep. She also doesn't hear when we laugh at her, and it might be good if I don't hear jokes them laughing at me either.
My light-hearted response didn't wipe the concern off his brow, so I asked why he was afraid I won't be able to hear him."Well, sometimes you don't hear me now. Like when you're on the computer and I ask you a question, sometimes you don't hear me." He answered without hesitation.Ouch! I was not expecting that answer. I almost plunged into a "bad mommy" moment. My child thinks I can't hear him. I thought. I felt really bad because although I may be deeply distracted, I know that I hear him but I don't always listen.Instead of defining that moment with guilt, I pulled Andrew close to me and told him I was sorry for not listening sometimes.
I didn't want him to fear that old age might make it worse. So, I explained how me being on the computer is similar to when he's watching a good movie or playing video games. I reminded him how he gets so involved that's it almost like he's in another world and sometimes doesn't hear other noises, like me calling him for dinner. He nodded with a smile.
Then I made a promise I want to keep. "Andrew," I said, "I am going to try really hard to stop what I am doing when you come to me, look away from my computer and really listen to what you're saying. You're more important than anything I do on the computer. What you have to say matters to me!"
Today's verse reflects our longing for God to hear us. It reminds me that in the same way I go to God because I want Him to listen and answer me; my child and others come to me because they want me to listen to them.

That night God showed me a valuable gift I can give to my children, my husband, friends, co-workers and even strangers. I can give the gift of listening by simply stopping what I'm doing, and giving my full attention to them when I hear them speak to me.
Lord, thank You for listening to me. Please help me be a better listener. It's easy to hear with one ear while the other is turned toward my computer, the television or my cell phone. I want to give the gift of listening this year. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I received this in my inbox this morning and I was kicked in the gut by it. I think I needed to really hear that today! I know that my kids, if they were able to speak, would maybe have a similar story. That made me realize A) how much they do pay attention and B) how much they do need me to LISTEN (cause goodness knows I HEAR them). Just wanted to pass it along...I thought it was good.

Trouble! :) and a Video

My kids have matching shirts that I bought them at Walmart. If you can't read them, they say "trouble is my middle name"...and with the two of them together, that is exactly true! :) They are fun, but man, they are so crazy some days.

Here is them using their Christmas presents (guitar and Star Station) to create a fun video. Excuse the undressed boy (atleast he still had a diaper on) and all the clothes and toys everywhere.



Oh yeah, and Happy Birthday Erin, Jenelle, Rachel and Robyn!

Good Night and Day

Last night was our Ladies Night Out adventure to Chili's. We I choose Chili's because it is open till 11 and I love their food and I have lots of Chili's gift card money :). My fear besides food poisoning and just gross food of choosing a 24-hour restaurant would be that we might never leave...and that would be bad. They kicked us all out last night PROMPTLY at 11:01p. I was very sad because we were having some fabulous conversation and just having a great time. I wasn't ready to leave at all, but that could have been the fact that I downed 4 glasses of tea, which I NEVER.EVER. drink after lunch if I want to sleep at all that evening. :) Anyway, I just LOVE that time with those ladies and for myself too. It is so refreshing and I get to be me...without slobber and snot and whining and someone constantly wanting my breasts (you pick, between Jeff and Creighton, the time that's not happening is slim). Anyway, I just think that it's so important for moms (and wives) to get out of the house and to be alone or with other women. It is so fun to look forward to also! I read several emails and this post and had several conversations leading up to yesterday that made me realize how important it is for this to happen. I wish that all Moms were allowed this privilege each month. I just love that time...love it love it love it.

I am so thankful that I get to do this. My husband is terrific and did/does a fabulous job of taking care of our kids. They played at McDonalds for an hour and he had the last little bit of laundry I didn't finish on Monday done and the house was picked up and dishes were done...fabulous and more that I could have asked or hoped for!

Something really crazy is that it is on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays I get to have some more time to myself because of Mothers Day Out. Usually I try to do laundry and clean and cook and go to Walmart and do bills and a million other things...well today I did go to Walmart and I did do some bills...but I just wanted some time to really relax and so I bought a People Magazine (I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this...I rarely do this, but on occasion I like to remember why I love not being famous!) and some AirHeads Xtremes (sweetly sour belts) (seriously I LOVE these things) and I sat on my bed and read it from cover to cover and ate them in less than 3 minutes and that was so awesome!

I still have over an hour before I have to go get them and I need to prepare for my bible study tonight...

Randomness

So sorry I haven't posted, the post below took it out of me...I didn't realize how long it was until I went to read it myself and then I was like, "no one is ever going to sit here and read this whole thing..." and apparently I was write. But thanks Marci for your comment there! Anyway, I have a lot to post about, but I am exhausted right now. But I wanted to check in and say hi out there to everyone in blogland.

I "heard" through a Christmas card that arrived at my house that my college teammate Jennifer is reading...how funny?! Hi!

And because of that I wanted to make sure you other readers (including Jennifer) know that you CAN leave comments and NO you don't have to have a google or blogger account to do so. You can do it one of two ways: 1) leave a comment as Anonymous or use whatever "normal" email you have to sign-in...it doesn't make you a blogger or even a blog, just allows you to post signed in. I use my yahoo email to do all of my signing in on here...so post comments! :)

I will try to be up for posting a real post tomorrow....

A WHOLE lot of reading going on!

I am currently reading these books:

A Heart Like His by Beth Moore
I am enjoying the book, however, I am doing so many right now, I can't devote a lot of time into it and I just started it. I am about at chapter 3 I think. It is great reading though so far and I am learning from it. It is well written in that it keeps my attention and the chapters are fairly short.

God's Story: Finding Meaning for Your Life Through Knowing God by Anne Graham Lotz
This is what the Spring bible study is for us right now and we will be doing Genesis and Revelation. We are in Genesis now and Tuesday was our first week. So this is my first week of homework, although we are suppose to do 2 weeks worth. It is taking some getting used to, but I think once we get out of the days of Creation it will be a little more enticing and engaging...although not to say I am not learning anything...God definitely speaks through His Word...

Veggie Tales: Bible Storybook by Cindy Kenney
I love this book. We read in it most nights to Jackson (and sometimes Creighton) and have for awhile now. I think we've had it about a year. For certain we've read every story at least 5 times! It doesn't get old to me and not to him either. There are lots of stories...I REALLY like this book. Jackson ADORES Bob the Tomato... and so do I

Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
We got this book for Christmas because I found it referenced on JMom's blog and although we haven't read in it as much as the aforementioned Bible storybook, we have read a few nights in it and I really like it also. It is a little old for where Jackson is right now but I love it that it always puts the gospel in the story, no matter what the topic was...it is great! The age is for 4 and up though so in a few years I think Jackson and Creighton will really like this one too.

Raising Kids for True Greatness by Tim Kimmel
I started this book a while back and loved what I have read so far...but I need to begin back in it, because I never finished it. I certainly like (so far) what he has to say. I want that...to have Jackson and Creighton be great, not necessarily successful in the world's standards.

Parenting with Love and Logic (birth through six years) by Jim & Charles Fay
I have already read this book cover to cover twice, but I keep it out because I haven't quite not even close or even started mastered the main idea in my daily life with my kids. It all makes so much sense, until I try to use it. The examples don't go far enough. I need like 24/7 hotline I can call when my kids don't follow all the rules like all these kids in the examples :) But it is really great...in theory...we'll see if I can ever get it down

I have these purchased and at my home, but haven't started reading (but excited to start):

ScreamFree Parenting by Hal Runkel
Truly know NOTHING about this book, but I have the book and the CD and the title "had me at hello"...Thankfully I can say Jackson hasn't said this in a "true" situation, but last night I was "singsong"ing a phrase that got louder at the end and he said, "mom, stop screaming"...I am glad I wasn't upset or screaming in any way because if he ever actually said that on the more often than I'd like to admit occasion of me screaming, I'd feel horrible...so, let's just say I need to read this book...and pray that it helps and in the mean time it sits by my nightstand to hopefully learn by osmosis while I am reading all my other books

Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only by Beth Moore
I couldn't wait to get started in this book (I got for Christmas) but with all my homework right now I knew I wouldn't be able to devote much time to it, so I am waiting, but VERY excited about it.

The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden & The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz
My brother got these books for Jeff and I for Christmas and they are REALLY cool. We haven't actually "read" them yet but we have looked through them and I plan to get on top of looking through them more thoroughly soon...(we'll see how soon that really is)...I think my kids are a little young for majority of the stuff...but its exciting anyway...


I haven't purchased these yet, but NEED to:
The New Strong-Willed Child by James Dobson
Enough said

Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Clinically Proven Five-Week Program for Parents of Two- to Six-Year-Olds by Rex Forehand and Nicholas Long
Enough Said...Again

and any other book about how to EFFECTIVELY parent stubborn, strong-willed, just like me children

....oh, and did I mention, I really HATE reading...always have. I don't mind reading a magazine...but I haven't ever been much of a reader of books/novels no matter what they pertain to...oh well...

Bubba

***EDITED****

Jackson used to call Creighton "Bubba" and thankfully now he doesn't call her that anymore (he calls her one of the following: "Way Way" (Rae Rae), "Tate-on" (Creighton), or "sis-sis"). However, I was starting to realize that Bubba was beginning to fit more and more because of the mullet that manifested itself on her little head. Apparently this is called a CHULLET...check it out! How embarrassing! (same link as above, check out 3.7)
So instead of having her always wear a hat to hide it:

I cut it all off...and now she could still be Bubba, because Jeff claims she looks like a boy. (The reason that she now sports little Pebbles on top minus the bone of course).


I thought I had a better picture that showed the back but I can't find it right now. But here is a video of her pretty happy! :) Love these moments...

Christmas 2007

This is how exciting our Christmas was and also how excited we are to be home! (scary face by me).

We went to my Dad and Mom's on Friday the 21st for Christmas with them and my brother and his girlfriend Lacy! (they got Jeff and I some cool books...more on this later). WE had a really nice Christmas...even a WHITE one. We were very blessed by them this year and I was so proud of my mom for not overdoing it. Creighton got some cute clothes and some books (and her bed set my mom purchased a while back). Jeff got a game and some bath stuff (he loves baths). I got a cool HUGE skillet pan with a HUGE surprise in it: I was very excited! This is what Jax got : A smart cycle. He really likes it but I think he'll really like it in a few more months when he actually can pedal forward by himself. The seat is just a little too high for him to go forward alone, but watch out he is vicious backpedalling :P And then we all got stockings too filled to the brim with candy and fun things!

WE made cakeballs and Jackson "helped" so he thought they were his for the consuming by the handful at any old time he pleased...this is where we found them A LOT...the two of them together are so mischievous, but pretty cute!

We went to Enid for 6 days starting Sunday. We had a good time there but so thankful to have come back home to get back on schedule. Here are some pics from Enid:

We all got so many neat things from Terrie and Philip this year. Jackson and Creighton have so many toys I don't know what to do with them all. They got a TV Star Station which is pretty cool, a Launch Pad for the computer (story coming for this in another post). They both got suitcases with their initials (conveniently we named them with our initials and so we can use them too! :O). Jeff and I got lots of nice things: books, games, jewelry, clothes, and I am sure I am missing lots, and a 24x30 canvas picture with a custom frame for above our mantle to replace the old one:

Jackson got his FIREMAN suit. A real one, with steel shank shoes and everything! He loves it.

Creighton got an Abby-Cadabby doll and suitcase. I am not sure knows what to think of her. She is cute though. We just don't watch much Sesame Street nowadays. I love Jackson's look though!

Jackson got a real guitar from "Santa" Terrie. He loves it and plays it all the time. It is really cute!

Both kids received bike helmets for one of their presents. Jackson sported his around for a lot longer than I thought he would. It is Cars and he loves "TI-ting MiKeen" (Lightning McQueen) right now.

Creighton's is still big on her, but it is the smallest they make. But she was cute. Disregard my nose/profile shot in both pictures , ugh...I need to use my new Photo shop to cut that out!

Jackson was ABSOLUTELY exhausted from the day. He fell asleep at the table drinking some yogurt...which he NEVER does (never ever ever!)....poor guy, but he's pretty cute! (boots on and everything).

We went to Papa John and Gramma Ebbie's house for Christmas on the 27th. We had A LOT of fun over there. They have lots of toys from when Jeff's sisters were little and the infamous SLOT MACHINE that Jackson LOVES LOVES LOVES to play on. He loves it. We figured out a way for him to think he has won too...we put in a bunch of coins and then hit the cash out button and he goes nuts...it keeps him very busy! :)

Here is Creighton in her Santa outfit she wore that day. She actually slept the ENTIRE time we were opening gifts there, but we don't have pics yet from that opening anyway (not sure where our camera was) but Debbie has some I am sure I can get my hands on soon. The kids (and us) were very blessed by them also this year. Jackson got a cool scooter, an aquadoodle, and lots of other things. Creighton got a baby doll that she loves (that is what she loves to do the most over there is play with the girls' old baby dolls and "feed" them), and she got some cute clothes and lots of other things too...They both enjoy making lots of noise with the drums, maracas, tambourine, and cymbals...(what was I thinking asking for musical instruments :)) I got Photo shop! I am so excited to use it. I have tried a couple time so far and I am not that good at it yet, but I am getting better. It is really neat. We got lots of cool things too. Jeff got a couple games for the wii and we got some more board games and I got a bible study book, and a really awesome frame that has 4 8x8 pictures in it! It is above our bed now!

My friend Hannah and her son (and husband) came over. Jackson and Jonah are only 15 days apart and were together a lot when they were little. They have moved to Texas now, but still come up to visit family in Bartlesville, so they get to play together still on occasion. The story to this picture is on Hannah's blog. They were funny and cute!!!

My Husband...

...is wonderful. He bought me flowers and had them delivered to the house yesterday, for absolutely no other reason than he was thinking of me and wanted me to know he loved me. That is pretty cool. He is doing a really wonderful job of showing me how much he loves me in big and small ways. It is so neat. My parents really have a great marriage (as far as I know) and I always dreamed of having someone love me like my Dad loves my Mom and I found that. God has blessed me so much. He is truely wonderful to me, for me, and for my kids. I got the WHOLE PACKAGE...and his comment below about God tricking me...no way...He was made just for me...no one else in the world could do for me what he does and just know me like he does. Thank you Jesus for my sweet man that you handcrafted just for me....and Jeff, thank you for being that man, and for growing daily to be a better husband, daddy, friend and follower of Christ! I notice...I do.

I Corinthians 13

I Corinthians 13 is a chapter well known and used by many and yet it seems to be one I still REALLY enjoy and it doesn't get old. I memorized it all when I was in a martial arts class that was Christian based...that was a part of each belt, you had to memorize certain scripture. This was for the Yellow belt test. Anyway, that was random info. But back to my story. I love this chapter (pun intended). Someone emailed this to me before Christmas and I had intended to post it but never had the opportunity being without a computer for 9 days (ahhh). Anyway, I had to share it even though Christmas day is past. It puts a new light into the Word (not that scripture needs it...) Here you go...

I CORINTHIANS 13 - A CHRISTMAS VERSION

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Good New Year's so far!

This is one of my new FAVORITES. We dressed all up for Daddy to preach on Sunday. (Which by the way, he did a fantastic job). It is suppose to be up on Itunes later and I will post a link when it is.

My New Year has started off really well. Jeff was off on Tuesday and we went to my mom's for black-eyed peas and Potato Soup and Ham and Banana Pudding and Cheese Dip/Chips. There was enough food for an army and there were only the 4 of us and two babies (who didn't eat ANY of it). We didn't do much of anything except go get Jeff an i-phone! He is very excited. It is pretty stinkin' cool....so cool in fact, I might ask for one if the prices go down---DRAMATICALLY! His was a gift...mine will have to be too!

Anyway, both morning my kids have slept in till 10 and thus so have I. Jeff had to work today but I went to the gym with the kids and got some studying in the Word in. It was good and then once the nursery was closed the kids and I played basketball and raquetball together and went home for lunch and naps. I got lots done during their naps. I love being productive!

Tonight, however, was a bummer a bit because I was suppose to be meeting my small group girls for dinner since we didn't have our normal meeting tonight. I got to Chilis early and ordered chips and salsa and a drink and waited...

and waited....

and waited....

and NONE of them showed. I felt like an idiot at the big table alone eating chips and salsa like you have never seen to try to pass the time and not look ridiculous...so instead of bailing, I called Jeff and he and the kids and they came out to meet me...wasn't so much the "night away" I was anticipating, but it was good nontheless. We had a giftcard and so it was free...and that is ALWAYS good in my book. I am back at home and getting ready for bed....

I'll probably update with Christmas pics in large quantity next Monday when the kids go back to school! :)