My Little Fairy

We take Emmalyn to Sears pretty often to Sears to get her pictures taken, and she usually does a wonderful job smiling and looking beautiful for the camera. Well, this is what happened at the last sitting: This was the ONLY pose with a half smile, so we bought a few of it:

Well, Sears had a special event, called the "Enchanted Forest" today, so we took Emmalyn to see if she could redeem herself from earlier this month. She still didn't smile very well, but there were quite a few precious moments captured. (I sincerely think the Sears employee working with her today and last time is crazy, and she simply scares the smiles out of my child!) But without further ado, here are the results from today! :)






To see the all of the proofs from today, go HERE.

Yummy Recipe

The same wonderful woman over at Titus Two that gave me the prayer list gave me a recipe for a cilantro sauce that was delicious! I poured it over tilapia Tuesday night, and it was AWESOME!!! We had James and Kristin over, and everyone loved it! Kris even said "that is the best thing you have ever cooked!" He went on to mention 4 times before bed..."I just can't get over how awesome dinner was! Make sure you give props to the wonderful woman that gave you the recipe...and make it again soon!" I really loved it too! It was yummy mixed with the rice as well!

I would like to share it with all of you!:
1 garlic head, peeled, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 bunches cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Pour over fish, refrigerate leftovers. :)

I've Been Tagged

MrsSaf over at "Deaf Chicks Shouldn't Sing" tagged me with the "six quirky things" meme! I had quite a bit of trouble coming up with six odd facts about myself!

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other blogger´s by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.

So 6 uninteresting quirky facts about myself are......

1. I collect turtles, sort of. I used to collect a LOT of them, then realized they had to be dusted...now, not so much. I still really like them though!

2. I met my husband on the world wide web (eHarmony)...crazy, huh? And we couldn't be more perfect for each other. I am still SO IN LOVE with him!!!

3. I am a pretty picky eater and have HUGE texture issues that my husband is still trying to predict and understand. Give up, honey, it will never make sense! :)

4. I am the bionic woman...I have 8 very large screws and 2 long titanium rods in my back.

5. I will NOT leave the house without makeup. I know, it's weird...but my complexion is awful, and I feel unclean without a fresh "appearance" on my face.

6. One of my best friend's (Pennie) shares a lot of quirky little things about names...middle name, spelled the same odd way; our father's have the same name; her mother's maiden name is my maiden name; and we have wanted the same name for our first child since we were both 12!

Geez, I feel boring...it was hard to think of things about myself. Maybe my readers can think of other things they know about me that are "quirky."(?)

OK, so now who do I guilt into filling out the same meme? :)
Let's see...how about
Jana at Faithfully Following
Michael at Our Story
Jessica at Surrender
Kristy at The Home of the Lindsay Family
Jennifer at LIFE
Kristin at The Stark Naked Truth

My Second Sewing Project

So, I have finally taken time to get back to sewing. I finished my quilt, my first sewing project back in November...so it was time to dust off the (new) sewing machine and get back to work! About 2 weeks ago, my friend Michael and I went to Hobby Lobby to take advantage of McCall's patterns being on sale. She helped my pick out some easy beginner patterns, and taught me to buy the right amount of fabric and the little "notions" you have to buy along with the pattern. We had a lot of fun, thanks Michael! (She is a new friend around here, and I think this is going to be "the beginning of a beautiful friendship." :)

So, the first thing I decided to try was an apron...that seemed like an easy beginner's project. Well, I wanted to have her come over and kind of explain the vocabulary and tricks of the trade with patterns, but she was a busy bee, so I decided to try to teach myself. After a couple of phone calls to her and to my awesome sister, I did it! "All by myself" lol :) I had a LOT of fun sewing! This is a really fun hobby! I like creating a project and being able to look back at it and have a sense of accomplishment.

So, here it is:


And of course Emmalyn wanted to get in the picture. She thought "why would you have the camera out if not to take a picture of ME?"!

Mostly About Emmalyn

I have noticed that many of my friends write about great spiritual awakenings, funny events in their lives, or simply have more thought provoking blog entries than my own. But, mine is similar to a blog I saw recently..."mostly about my baby." Is that normal? Will that change when I no longer just have one? Who knows. I will, for the moment, consider finding more interesting topics to muse and discuss...until then, I will stick with the current theme! :) Here is another video to make you laugh! :)

I think she got my love of animals :)

Every time there are animals on t.v., wether a commercial or show...Emmalyn pays close attention, often laughing or talking and pointing. I managed to get a little on video recently.

Gator Country

So, when my brother and niece were here (ahem, about a month ago) we went out to a place called Gator Country. (I'm sorry it has taken so long to post this, Cal. :) I completely forgot...but better late than never, right?) We didn't think was the BEST place for a one-year old, so she spent the afternoon with Kris's parents, and we went out there for lunch and a tour of the park. The restaurant was very good, we ate fried alligator that tasted, like, well...you guessed it...chicken! It was a little "fishy" and chewier than chicken, but still very good. :)

It isn't quite as impressive in pictures, but it was pretty cool to see all of these alligators in person! I also wanted to share some of the fun info and statistics we learned, but I waited a month to share this outing with you all, and I forgot all of them. Oh, I do remember one...an alligator chomps that huge mouth down with 3,000 pounds per square inch!!! Ouch! OH...and they eat each other!!! They can only keep them in ponds with other gators about the same size, b/c they have a 2 foot rule. An alligator will eat any other gator that is about 2 feet smaller than himself! Crazy!

We also fed alligators and watched some crazy guys wrestle and mess with them. Here are some fun photos and video from the day.

Feeding the gators hotdogs from a string:


This is the largest alligtor in captivity in the US, longer than 13 feet!...and these crazy cats are standing in there aggravating him!
Seriously, how crazy must you be to get in the water and swim with a 9 foot alligator! Remember, these are not "tame!!"
Cal holding a baby gator named "Chubbs"
Cal holding a white python...pay no attention to the classy guy with the tattoo (the other side said "pride"...nice, huh?)
Cal wanted to hold a bigger gator!:
We all had to pet this little lizard, but check out that cat that worked at the place...certainly fits in, doesn't he?!
Funny Uncle Cal!

And Cal wanted to hold a bigger gator...funny watching the alligator wrestler catch him.

Daddy got a Benz! :)

So, we finally sold the truck to get out from under those monthly payments, and with the profits, we were able to afford this! We will not only be saving over $600 in payments and gas, we have a Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor. Very cool! It is a 2000, but fully loaded with leather, sunroof, and 6 disc CD changer, and pretty low miles. We are very excited! :) :) :)
Inside:
Sunroof: :)
And this is what happens when Southeast Texas humidity fogs up your camera lens! :)

From the Inside Out

I am reminded, just about every time I pray or open my Bible, about My Savior's everlasting mercies and grace. I am so unworthy of His amazing love...but yet He opens His heart to me every time I seek Him. I put Him on the back burner, 'forgetting' my quiet time for weeks on end, but every time I make the effort to put Him back in control, He NEVER ceases to amaze me with His peace and comfort He gives! Even on my best day, my effort are like filthy rags...All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away (Isaiah 64:6). But, He promises that if I just pray, he will hear me and answer me! If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:14-15)
I have probably talked about this before, but it just never ceases to amaze me, and I wanted to remind my friends and family that if you are dealing with anything, to remember to turn to our Lord Jesus Christ, and he will renew you! Take your struggles to the Cross...every day!

We sang a new song in church recently, and it really struck my heart. It has wonderfully true lyrics, and is just beautiful!!!! It should be playing as you read this, and here are the lyrics:

From The Inside Out
by Hillsong United
album: United We Stand (2006)

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Chorus 2x
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

He Asks, He Receives... subtitle: "Funny Face" :)

Well, while my brother was here (oh that reminds me...I need to post about Gator Country!)...uh...where was I...oh yes...he asked for more video on my blog! So, I tried to capture Emmalyn doing this hilarious funny face she makes...on video! Not easy, but after 3 or 4 attempts, this is what I got. Her mouth usually opens wide enough to stick a couple of hands in, but I guess trying this while she is eating, I got the "watered down" version. Enjoy!

A Tribute To Daddies!!!

Funny photo: My dad (on the right) and my husband.

(What is that about marrying a man that reminds you of your dad?)

“Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.” -Anne Geddes

“He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” -Clarence Budington Kelland

"One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be." -Anonymous

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."
-Proverb 20:7

Kris and I were both blessed with great dads, and I am realizing more and more how important the role of a daddy is in the home. I am so thankful we had good role models! Kris has learned a LOT in the last 16 months, and I am so proud of how he has grown. He truly is a great daddy! I know it is 4 days late, but Father's Day has me feeling especially proud of the father figures in my life, and grateful for the role they will play in Emmalyn's life as she grows up.

But even more, I am so very grateful for the example we have in our Heavenly Father! He truly never will leave us or forsake us, and I am overwhelmed with emotion and thankfulness that He has called me to Himself! Abba truly is an awe-inspiring daddy!!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." -Ephesians 1:3

Here are a few pictures of the wonderful Earthly fathers in my life...

My Daddy...aka, Grandaddy :)
Emmalyn's other proud Grandpa, Kris's awesome dad, Mike:
The WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, TERRIFFIC daddy of my child:
A bonus daddy picture too cute not to share!!!

Great Movie!

This movie was hysterical and you should go see it!!! Just thought you should know. :)

Finally, some pictures from my niece's visit :)

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I guess with the situation with my friend Jessica, blogging seemed less important. Please continute to keep them in your prayers, this will be a long trial, I am sure.


Well, she (I'll call her "B") was here for 2 weeks, and we had a really great time! Emmalyn and I spent the 2nd week pretty under the weather, but managed to stay busy enough to keep B entertained, I believe. I am trying to remember what we did, exactly. :) Oh yes, the first week, she went with me to MOPS, a playdate with my friend Lauren, and around town for fun errands, like Target. :) I am sure we did more, but my almost 30-year old memory fails me. :)


The second week, we went to a great splash park, but I managed to forget my camera. I promise it was adorable! :) I also got a fun little wading pool and slip and slide for them to play in in the back yard. (Well, the wading pool for Emmalyn...the slip and slide was definitely more fun for B.) We played around a lot this week, and generally had a great time!!! Here are some photos:

B and Emmalyn Dance "Under the Sea":

Jessica had her baby

I just wanted to let you all know that our friends Jessica and Josh welcomed their baby boy, Treyson Kemp, into the world yesterday at almost 3:00 p.m. He was adorable, and apparently looked just like his older brother, Luke. They had about an hour with him, and he went home to be with Jesus at 4:00 p.m. Jess and Josh are home now, and apparently doing pretty well. Please pray for this family.

Just Checking In

Well, the last week and a half have been busy, but mostly a lot of fun! I have had my beautiful 16 year old niece with me since May 30th, and we are having a lot of fun! Memorial Day was fun, and we have since been trying to keep busy around town. But for the last couple days, I have apparently come down with a bug. Kris thinks it might be Strep! So, I am now worried about getting these 2 beautiful girls in my care sick! Please pray with me that this passes quickly, I feel miserable! Please also pray that these girls don't get sick! She is really a lot of help with Emmalyn, and for that I am very grateful! I certainly will miss her when she leaves!

I will post more about the visit, hopefully with lots of great pictures, when I have more time and feel better!

But, Jessica has been going through a LOT the last week and a half...please go read her blog and pray for her!!! Please pray that she can carry this baby as long as possible, but that when God decides it is time to have the baby, that she will go into labor on her own and not have to be induced! Pitocin=yuk!!!

Pray for Your Children

From the day we found out we were pregnant, I have been praying for Emmalyn. But recently, I have been thinking...how can I pray more effectively for her? How can I pray more specifically for her? John 16:23-24 says "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

So, asked my dear friends over at Titus Two how they pray for their children. I got a lot of great responses from these wonderful, Godly women! One of my favorite responses was this list from my friend "Momma5." This list gives you a Godly characteristic to pray for each day of the month, and better yet...the scripture to pray! This is such a wonderful list, I wanted to share it with my mommy friends!!!


*Daily, pray for their physical protection, purity, a close walk with Christ, their future mates, their testimony in the world, but you can also use this list to remind you of other things.

1 salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).

2 growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).

3 love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).

4 honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).

5 self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6 a love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).

7 justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8 mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9 respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

10 strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

11 faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).

12 courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

13 purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14 kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15 generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16 peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17 joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18 perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19 humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20 compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21 responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22 contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23 faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24 a servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).

25 hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26 the willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27 a passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).

28 self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29 prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).

30 gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).

31 a heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

I finally made it to the gym! :)

I have been talking about it for months, and I finally joined the YMCA and had my first workout this morning! I mainly joined b/c my back surgeon suggested pool therapy and exercises, and they have a great pool.

But since today was the first time for Emmalyn to be in the nursery there, I didn't want to be "unaccessible" in the water. So, I kept it short, and just rode the bicycle (I couldn't think of anything else to do that would be no-impact for my back). But, I rode 3 miles!!! I only "worked out" for 17 minutes, but I feel great about it! And Emmalyn did great! She didn't fuss at all, and apparently played well! So, tomorrow, I will go to the water aerobics class that is an hour long...I am excited!

Just for your amusement... :) :) :)

Needed something to post...

I have been feeling, well...uninspired recently. I haven't posted much this month, and felt I needed to post something. Well, most of you have probably already seen this, but if not, enjoy!!! (Even if you have...it is still funny!!! I laugh out loud every time!)

It is called The Mom Song, by Anita Renfroe...sung to the tune of the William Tell Overture.

Miss Independent

Please click on "Miss Independent," by Kelly Clarkson on my plalylist , make sure you have the volume up, and enjoy Baby Girl's Theme Song playing while you read!:) :) :)

Emmalyn has 2 stubborn parents. We knew we would have a stubborn child. We used to say, "poor kid" will have to deal with this. Now, we say "POOR US!!!" We did not know, however, how fast we would learn how independent she would be!!! She is only 15 months, and already exerting her own opinion daily! She does NOT want to hold your hand walking down the sidewalk...she wants to "do it herself!" She does NOT want you to feed her...she wants to "do it herself!" She does NOT want you to show her how to get up into her rocking chair or riding toy...she wants to "do it herself!" I could go on! It is cute to see how she is learning how to do these things, but frustrating when I truly know she can't, but won't let me help her! This is the cause of most of her fits these days, and the poor thing is so frustrated! Hopefully, she won't give us TOO much trouble when she is 2! Ha ha ha ha!!!

Just so you get a visual for this little tirade...this is what happened when I would not allow her to go to the water "by herself" at the beach! pitiful, isn't it?

Update on Jessica

If you will remember, I posted a prayer request for my dear friend Jessica a little while back. A few prayer warrior friends have asked me how she is doing. Well, she is doing well! The prognosis has not changed for the baby, but God's unsurpassed peace and grace has truly been lavished upon her! What an amazing God we serve! She has started a blog, and you will find a link to it on the right hand side of my blog, entitled Surrender: Jessica's Journey . I hope you will take time to read her story, prayer requests, and praises...and please keep her and her precious baby and family in your prayers!

Here is a quote from her blog:
"To all you prayer warriors out there we thank you for standing in the gap for us. I pray and thank God for you daily. I have prayed that God will bless you for your faithfulness. In James he says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b. It also says, "the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." James 5:15aRemember this though, God is at work and has his hand on this situation no matter what the outcome is."

What a treasure we have that some of us have not even met each other, but we share our struggles and praises because we are all children of God! What a wonderful sisterhood this is! I am so very thankful God called each of you and me to His heart, so that we may share this life on earth together!

Ephesians 3:14-19
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."