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! :)

A New Year!

In one hour a new year begins. That is so refreshing for me. I went to Walmart tonight, alone=beautiful/wonderful, and as I was shopping and thinking, I just realized that although we have been incredibly blessed in unfathomable ways this year, I am so glad there is a new one beginning. This year has been hard for me in so many ways. Right now things are so good. Life is really just good.

But that hasn't been the case throughout most of 2007. It seemed that hindsight it ALL ended really well, but with each blessing came a lot of pain/difficulty:

*We had a sweet baby girl (blessed beyond measure in having a healthy baby) but within the month of her birth I was suffering with severe postpartum depression. This illness lingered within me (and my everything) for so long--making for a long and hard road--which is probably why there is even a list below...everything is completely life altering and hard when you are struggling with PPD

*Jeff finished his Master's (yeah !!!) but the getting through it and finishing it was so hard on all of us.

*Adjusting to 2 kids was incredibly difficult for me. Adding a second was so much harder than I ever thought possible. But now that they are both older (Creighton is not a baby and Jackson is talking) things are getting much much better.

*My walk with the Lord is flourishing now (Praise the Lord!), however, to get to this point, lets just say I was definitely at the depths of the pits below rock bottom! I am not proud of where I was, the state I was in, the way I acted/talked/thought, but I am VERY excited about where I am now.

*Things are really good at Grace (awesome!) but we have been through much to get to this point! (enough said on a public blog)

*Having nearly all of my friends leave Bartlesville (or talk of it) was incredibly difficult for me, but now I have double the love, as I keep in touch with them, and have added new ones and am cultivating and cherishing these!

*Some really difficult conversations and situations that have ultimately led to lots of soul searching and refining me---this is so good although pruning is incredibly difficult and hard on the pride :)

I am sure the list could go on...but it is just good to look back and be able to see that although things were really difficult, I can now see the "why" or the "reason" or at least the silver lining in them. I am just glad to be able to look forward to new....a new year, a new outlook. I am not as naive as I sound in thinking that 2008 will be "hunky-dory" and easy for me at all, but I am just in a good place right now. I am excited to see where the Lord leads and what He has in store for us. God is so good. So GOOD.

Happy New Year Y'all!

There is NO place like HOME

This is the way they went to school on Wednesday for their Christmas Party(s)...and if you look really closely you can see that Creighton's hair is in pigtails and she looked ADORABLE!

We are back from a long time away from home. It is SOOOO nice to be back home. We've been gone way too long. Our Christmas was memorable...tonight, however, I am just enjoying finally being in my own home, my element, in my bed!

Merry Christmas (a little late) and I truly hope everyone has been as incredibly blessed as we have. God is so unbelievably good. Hope your weekend is nice. Jeff is preaching tomorrow. So we are off to get some rest for the big day!

Flickr Pictures

You can see lots of pictures here or you can go there often and "we" (Jeff) will update it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bergcourtney/sets/ (just in case you need the address)

A sad yesterday...better today.

Yesterday was a really hard day for me (and my whole family). I don't even really know where to begin. I was going to write about my time in Houston this past weekend and was still fumbling around with all my thoughts on the details of it and the good and the bad of it all. However, yesterday as I was on my way to bible study I got a phone call from my mom about my Aunt LaJuan. She had overdosed on a lot of painkillers mixed with alcohol in (an unsuccessful) attempt to take her life. It was a bit unnerving and scary and really emotional. It was so hard, because we didn't have many answers at the time. She was a in a coma and the communication with those that were with her was scarce.

She is awake now and doing okay (after lots of crazy tests, a pumped stomach, and other meds to reverse the affects, etc). That is a miracle and a blessing. I hope she sees it as such.

My uncle (my mom and my aunt lajuans brother) has cancer and isn't doing well at all. His wife also has cancer and is doing a little bit better (but not feeling well). They both started another round of chemo on Monday. They are both fighting for life, while someone doesn't want theirs.

It is such a raw thing for me. I have been where my aunt was...different circumstances, but the same hopeless feeling. I know how selfish it seems from this side of it, but from there, there is just no thinking like that. I want to love on her, but I am so far away and the relationship isn't there to really do that. It is so hard. I also knwo what it feels like to be on this side of that kind of hurt and it hurts. Questions like "how can she be so selfish" come to mind quickly. But like I said, I am no one to judge that decision or emotion...I can't.

My family is hurting. Lots of them. My aunt has a husband, 3 siblings, a mother, 3 daughters (2 son-in-laws) and 5 grandchildren...not to mention all of us others in her life (and affected by it). There are lots of raw emotions raging and hiding. Please pray for all of us. Thank the good Lord she was unsuccessful. The ramifications of it all would be endless if she would have been...The whole family just needs a load of prayer and lots of miracles.

Christmas Letter 2007

Hello Friends and Family! Here is a small update on The Berg Family:

Jeff is in the middle of his 5th year as the Director of Youth Ministry and still loves it. We are all extremely excited about the up-and-coming opportunity this February for Jeff to be ordained as a minister, and will take the title as Youth Pastor. There have been many changes in the youth group this year, from hiring new staff, to a complete new vision for Wednesday nights, and things are going really well! His “sweet sixteen” guys that he led for the last four years graduated in May and that was an adjustment for him! It was really neat to watch them grow so much under his discipleship. Jeff completed his Masters in Youth Ministry in May!! So now, when Jeff isn’t working or hanging out with family, he is definitely in front on the TV watching a movie or playing the Wii.

Jackson will be exactly 2 ½ on Christmas Eve. He is all boy, all the time! Although he is really sweet (and dang cute)! His vocabulary has just exploded over the last few months and he is talking all the time. His motor skills continue to impress me, as he can do things I never expected him to be able to do (yet), such as shoot at a target (on the Wii) and hit it consistently all by himself. He really likes playing outside, running, jumping, and climbing. One of his most favorite things is to swing! He’d do it for hours if someone would push him that long! He loves to watch Bob and Larry (VeggieTales) and loves Curious George too! He absolutely loves music: dancing, guitars, drums, just anything. This brings priceless smiles and laughter without fail. His laughter is contagious and he loves to laugh and play with Creighton. They are so fun to watch together and LOVE being with one another!

Creighton turned one this November and is now 13 months. She is such a joy! Her eyes dance and she smiles with big dimples and lots of teeth showing, a lot. Speaking of teeth, she didn’t have any until she was 11 ½ months old and now she has 6. So its been a big teething session for her lately. She is still nursing and we both are really enjoying that time together. She was walking early and is now pretty much keeping up with Jackson all the time. They love to climb and play together outside. She is full of energy and lots of laughter herself. She doesn’t say many words yet, but she says “dada” and “mama” all the time. She gives great kisses, which is one of her favorite things to do. She plays with her baby dolls and tries to steal whatever Jackson is playing with. She LOVES to dance. Usually there doesn’t even need to be music playing and she’s dancing, but if there is music: watch out! J

Courtney loves being a wife and a mommy. My family is the joy of my heart! This fall I coached the freshmen team at BHS and it went well. It was a good thing for me to ease back into something small (and something I love). I was able to build some neat relationships with my girls, which didn’t end with the season, and that is the greatest things of it all. I am leading a small group of 11th grade girls for Nikao and I love them! It has been so good to get back into that. My heart is there for sure and I love the relationships I am able to make and build upon within that setting!

We hope that all of you have had a great year. Have a blessed 2008 and Merry Christmas!!

Love,

The Bergs

Crazy night/morning for Dad

We are back from Houston. We had planned to go down anyway awhile back, and so we just left a day early. We left early in the morning. On the way down, the kids did great. However, yesterday they didn't (mainly Creighton) do as well, but still were not terrible. We didn't get home till after midnight and I was exhausted. I have a cold and a cough which is NO fun, but I went to the doctor today and she prescribed me some antibiodics just in case and to hopefully speed up my recovery. Jeff slept out on the couch last night because I was hacking so much. It was bad, but I finally fell asleep and slept well (and through) the night, unlike my husband. (sorry honey). He was showering with the kids this morning (with the tub filled too for the kids) when Creighton decided she needed to go the bathroom in the water...so needless to say, in the 8 hours we were with our Daddy/Husband its been a nightmare for him. They are at school and he is at work. I am sure he's exhausted. But we are back and that is nice. (at least for me).

More updates later...

All about Jackson!

This was his first Christmas picture! 2005

Informal Christmas picture *Christmas morning* 2006! (yes, Creighton was born, but was sleeping when we took this picture)

It was more funny to Jeff and I, because you can't tell in the picture, but he's smiling and saying cheese even though we can't see his face at all...but he didn't want to take the mask off even though he can't really see anything.

This is where he likes to "keep" things right now. I don't know why, but he puts everything up is shirt and keeps it there until someone says something and then he'll pull it all out piece by piece and play with it. Some of his favorite things to go up his shirt are kleenex (*as in the entire box) and wipes (*as in the entire tub)...a little crazy... This picture happens to be the nativity pieces...but only "e-sus mommy" "e-sus babee" and "e-sus dada"

He has enjoyed playing with the nativity we got last year but I think he had the story right up until the point he though the camel needed to be the one on top of the stable instead of the angel. I told him the angels were singing over the stable and he said "No, mommy, the "mul" (camel)" I said okay...the camel can stay...

He just got a new Veggie Tale Nativity (from his Grammy Terrie) and he loves it. It is so cute! I just love it and he is so funny with the pieces. I don't have a picture of him with it yet!

Jeff found him sitting in our room holding our picture from our wedding and just staring at it. Long enough for him to have "caught" him doing it, go to get the camera, take the pictures and Jackson never knew he was in the room with him or taking pictures....how intent is that?

Jeff downloaded a Veggie Tales song (the main intro song to all their movies) but it has "Jackson" in it (if Jackson likes to talk to tomatoes etc) and EVERYTIME it comes on and says his name he goes nuts over it and smiles and giggles for several minutes! I LOVE IT!

I just love this little man. He is growing so fast and getting so big. I just had to share some of my newest favorite pictures of him! He is so precious!

Its Been A Little Cold and Dark Around Here

It has been a crazy couple of days around here. Here is an update on what I can recall :)

**Random: Creighton is 1 year, 1 month, 1 week and 1 day old TODAY! :)

Friday:

Jeff had a long day at work! My mom came to get Jackson for her toddler cooking baking ("bate too-eys wit rends (friends)") extravaganza. They had a blast and Jackson's cookies were very festive! He spent the night with them and they took him to Silver Dollar City in Branson all day on Saturday. Jeff and I had "Elder/Staff Christmas Party" that night and it was fun but long. The food was good this year (because it wasn't "fancy" food, but rather just normal and really good)! I had to leave early to go get Creighton from the church and then we came back and it finally ended at 10:30ish or so. But it was fun and I ended up with movie tickets ($20) and Jeff ended up with Williams Sonoma peppermint bark (which he wasn't happy with, but I LOVE)...so it all works out, because I am sure he'll steal my movie tickets.

Saturday:

I had a volleyball tournament from 9a-4p in Bville to help raise money for the YMCA. It was really fun and my team ended up winning the whole thing! It was funny because it was a co-ed tournament but our team consisted of only women playing on a men's net...but it apparently didn't stop us! I am SOOO sore from this day! That evening Creighton and Jeff and I hung out and had a good time. It is amazing the difference in only having one kid to care for! Man...it was so much easier! Her personality just is so fun (most of the time) and sometimes that gets overshadowed by having both of them...a good reminder to (even now) start spending one-on-one time with them regularly!

Sunday:

Our power began to come on and off throughout the early morning and then went off completely for several hours during the morning through afternoon. Jeff was at church and I was trying to keep Creighton busy and warm. Thankfully we have a gas water heater and a gas stove so I was able to still put some soup on to warm and Creighton and I took a hot shower (but i forgot I wasn't going to be able to dry my hair :( which was maybe not the smartest thing afterall). The power was on and off throughout the afternoon/evening but mostly on I think...its hard to remember. My parents brought Jackson hom that evening which was good to see him. He is so fun right now. He talks constantly and is getting so helpful and big! It was so icey at that point. My dads car (huge heavy Tahoe) slide OUT of the driveway in park with the Emergency break on! That night was quite the crazy night becasue the power kept going on and off and finally we just got both of them in bed with us and that was better because I wasn't worrying about them being cold. But I didn't sleep much at all and I truly thing Creighton nursed for like 9 straight hours...or used me as a pacifier, one. We woke up to crazy crazy ice everywhere...

Here is a picture Jeff took. I love the details that the ice formed around. It was so funny...like every blade of grass has its own ice surrounding it. It was cool looking...except our tree in our backyard fell on our house!Monday:

No school...pretty bummed about that, but then again, Grace closed the offices so Daddy was home with us, so it worked out! Our power was out for a majority of the day though so we made a tent and built a fire to stay warm (in our living room). It worked except the kids didn't want to stay in there for anything...unless of course we wanted to the to do something outside of the tent nad thats all they wanted to do was BE IN the tent...it was a crazy day trying to keep them occupied and warm and me not go totally stir crazy!Brittany, Jeff's associate, didn't have power either and doesn't live very far so she came over for a bit and by the time she got here, we ended up getting our power back on. Then some of our other neighbors came over and that was fun. We played games and stuff till like 1am. They all went home and thankfully had power. We lost power a few more times that evening/night, but after 1am it has been on since! (Praise God!)

Tuesday:

We all slept really well! I think we were all so tired, finally warm, and I wasn't worried for once about them, that we all slept till 9:45! Creighton finally slept through the night for me! Jackson came and got in our bed at 7, but went right back to sleep! IT was fantastic!!!! However, Jeff just assumed the roads would be bad, but they weren't this morning and everyone was at the office and he'd missed his 9am meeting...oh well. He went in for about an hour and then came hom and we've had youth over ever since. Creighton and I went to Walmart--um...seriously...you'd think it was Black Friday or something....there were a million people there and the lines were SO long. If I didn't desperately need bread and diapers, I would have ran out the other door and never turned back, but luckily I remembered a little "trick of the trade" and checked out in the garden area and was out in no time at all (there were only like 3 people in line down there). I am hoping to get out and go to the YMCA tonight to workout and let the kids get some social interaction with other kids (just in case they dont' have school tomorrow). My parents have been without power for since Sunday night and they aren't expecting it to get back on till next week becasue there are so many outages all over Tulsa and the surrounding areas. I am so thankful that ours is on! I pray it remains on throughout the day and night (and forever, I guess !) :)

We're Back from cali...things are good

Here are some pictures of our stay in California:

here is Jeff when he was called up on stage to do sound FX for Universal Studios. I just love the picture because I captured his REAL smile (too bad his eyes are shut though)...still had to post it
here is the picture of Jeff and I near the only water (ocean) that we saw on the trip and this was unexpected as we were detoured way off our track on the way to the airport (suppose to go to Burbank and ended up in Santa Monica on the pier off of Santa Monica Blvd.) But it was a good thing! I loved the view!

Here is a picture in the same location of Becky and I!

Here is a picture of the Colaws and us. I thought it turned out nicely.


Here is Curious George...I saw him and HAD to take a picture with him for Jackson! And someone pointed out to me that Jackson looks like him...I agree...but I think it just the nose (not to mention the fact that Jackson is VERY curious like CG too though ;))

Here we are with Shrek...as if you didn't know....

Yesterday we spent the day in Owasso to finish our "vacation" family style. It was nice being able to relax and play together as a family. The kids were excited to see us. I got the BIGGEST hug from my little man that there ever was! Creighton was just excited to nurse again, and I'll tell you...so was I. (*a) because I hate pumping and b)because I truly do enjoy that time I get with her!)

We came back home last night and ate at Taco Bueno (which has officially been promoted in Jackson's vocabulary to "tock payo" instead of just "payo" now *which I LOVE). His vocabulary has just exploded and he is speaking in long sentences now and for the most part I can understand him about 80% of the time. It is so incredible. I love it! He is the funniest guy. And he is SO sweet too!

All day today I kept myself very very busy without really a moment of stopping! The day went by SO fast. It always seems to do that on Mother's Day Out days unfortunately. But it was good. I went to see my friend Melissa and her sweet baby Avalynn today and she is SOOOO tiny and sweet. I went to get all of our mail (which was a ton!) and then went to the bank and to walmart! The ever love-hate relationship I have with that place....but it wasn't too bad. I came home and put away all the groceries and did LOTS of laundry. I ate a few bites for lunch, checked my emails and it was off to get the kids. When we got home we played hard for 3 hours until we had to leave for church. Nikao/small group went well and we made it home by 9:30 and the kids went to be late like around 10 or so.

I had so much fun with my kids today. I was intentional with them and I had energy and I was just refreshed from my time away with them. It was truly (as much as I can remember) the greatest I have felt in a long time (since Creighton was born anyway). I am just at peace with where I am in life and the stage of life that I am in. I found myself humming and singing a lot today. We played music and colored and cut out Christmas trees and snowflakes and played in their rooms and read books and did A LOT in only 3 hours. I had FUN with my kids in a way I have not ever been able to experience. I am so so thankful for my vacation, if for that reason alone. Life is good and I am so blessed. *now lets see if I feel that way on a day where I have my kids for more than just 5 or so hours total of the day :)...but that was a good way to start it off....even though I could tell I was different even yesterday. I love productive days...

Oh yes, and if you don't know about being elfed...check out our version of it! Haha

California

We are in California with Becky and Brent. Today was the preview launch of the new church Kaleo Fellowship. It went well, although it seemed several times Satan was trying his darndest to keep us from fellowship with each other, with God, and for it to not work out/work well. But, much prayer went into it and it was evident. I am so glad to have been able to be a part (however small) of this great calling of the Colaws. I am excited for them and to see what God has for them. It was neat to hear and see the vision in real life, to see the progress that has been made and all the hard work and effort come to fruition. It was hard work to get it all ready on Saturday and Sunday was hard work getting it all back in order (the place where they are meeting is a gymnastics facility with LOTS of equipment), but I am glad to have been able to serve alongside of some of dearest friends and to be able to be there with them/for them at such a neat time in the process/journey of their dream and calling. Not to mention to just be able to see them in person and laugh and cry together...its been really good.

We leave tomorrow which I am ready to see my babies (I miss them so much) but being away has been nice and coming back to reality is never as easy as it feels it might ought to be, and I don't know the next time I will see the Colaws either...:(

Two of my Bville friends had babies while we've been gone and I am excited to see them though too. Congrats Christy and Melissa! (and Kara's was right before we left, so congrats to you too!).

I'll post more when I get home, but probably not till Tuesday or Wednesday since we don't get in till Tuesday to Bville and it will be crazy to catch up...but I have a few pics of Jeff and I and our adventures at Universal Studios. We had such a great time!

I am so thankful for Becky and Brent and the vision that they have and the obedience that they have had to God in following the calling to plant this church...its so very exciting to see it all happening!