Grandma From "Souralina"

Jonathan's mom, Hannah and Madeline's Grandma from "Souralina" (South Carolina), came for a visit this past weekend. We had a very nice visit with Grandma, but unfortunately Daddy didn't get to join in on much of the fun. Jonathan became very ill on Friday night and could not stop vomiting. Jonathan was supposed to preach on Sunday, needless to say, Pastor Justin preached instead. We had intended on a "girls' day out" to give Jonathan some peace on Saturday, in order to finish his sermon; but, we wound up leaving to give him some quiet time to rest instead. I took Ruth Ann and Hannah (Madeline too) out for a "Chick-a-flay" (Chick-fil-A) lunch, and a matinee showing of Ratatouille-- it was quite cute. We had a great time visiting with Grandma. Hannah even helped Grandma warm up for the rapidly approaching school year, as Grandma enthusiastically read many stories with Hannah.




The girls show off their new matching T-shirts from Grandma's recent visit to Dollywood.

Yellow Fleece Tent

Hannah asked me to make her a clubhouse today. So, I pulled out the trusty old yellow fleece blanket and clipped one end to her little chairs. As I tucked the other end of the blanket into her dresser drawer and saw her peaking out at me, I was reminded of the first time I made a tent for Hannah to hide under. It was one of those moments when I felt overwhelmed by how fast time has elapsed. The same chubby 11 month old that once crawled through a yellow fleece tent is now less than three months away from turning three years old and is hosting a "private" (as she informed me) tea party with her babies and imaginary friend "Sweetie."

Naturally, I went straight to the computer to find a picture of Hannah and her first makeshift tent. I was tempted to be sad, as I tried very hard to remember that day-- how she had just begun toddling, was speaking her first words, and still needed my help with everything. But, instead of welling up with tears, God in His exceeding goodness made my heart burst with joy. As I reflected on the last three years, I praised God for the opportunity to watch Hannah grow and change. Though infancy is a special time, it is so exciting to watch your children reach milestones, begin to understand the world around them, and ask questions about God. While many days are filled with discipline, training, and tantrums, the reward comes when your child points out a beautiful sunset and explains matter-of-factly, "God made that mommy," or she politely says, "Oh excuse me, I didn't mean to-- sorry," when she accidentally runs into someone in the grocery store. Yes, Hannah is growing up and it seems to be happening fast, but God was faithful to remind me today that my purpose as a parent is to help her grow up-- and to do so in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Thankfully we live in the age of digital photography, so those memories of infancy are just a click away!

Cousin Baby Whitlock

Congratulations Katie and Jimmy! My sister and her husband Jimmy have recently announced that they are expecting their first baby. We are so very excited for them and rejoice with them over God's outpouring of grace. Jimmy is a cancer survivor, and they were unsure as to whether or not they would experience difficulty conceiving. They give God all the glory for the blessing of their little butter bean.

Baby Whitlock is expected to arrive sometime in early February. Katie has been very sick during her early pregnancy and continues to work full time as a nurse. So, please pray that she will begin to experience relief from her pregnancy sickness. Please also pray for a healthy baby and pregnancy.

Keeling Over With Laughter

Happy Birthdiversary

Saturday, July 14th was Jonathan's birthday and our 6th wedding anniversary. We jokingly call the 14th our "birthdiversary." We spent the morning hanging out as a family. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast, and Hannah baked and decorated a birthday cake for Daddy. In the evening, we dropped the girls off at the Childers' house and went out for a child-free romantic dinner. Jonathan and I tried a new local restaurant called the Ribeye Room. Our steak dinner was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect for an anniversary date. As we conversed, laughed, and reflected over dinner, I was reminded of how very blessed I am to have Jonathan as my husband and spiritual leader. God is so good!

Hannah-- very proud of the cake she baked and decorated for Daddy. She patiently placed 29 candles on the cake (to appease Mommy). I thought Jonathan needed to see just how old he was. Let's just say the cake was very bright! haha.

Daddy preparing to blow out his candles.

This and That

Madeline had her four month
"well baby" check up this past Thursday. She is a healthy, growing girl. She weighed 17.8 pounds, measured 27-27 1/2 inches, and has a big 'ol head-- measuring 17 inches. Madeline spends a lot of time on her tummy and has begun to pull her knees up under her chest-- prelude to a crawl (this girl is moving too fast for me!!!). Madeline can sit unsuported for short periods of time. This picture was taken a couple of minutes before she fell to the side, which she thinks is hilarious.

Madeline waking up from a "post vaccination" nap. She was running a mild fever and had very sore legs, so a nap on Daddy's chest made her feel better.

I spent the fourth of July going through the girls' drawers and closets, pulling out clothes that were too small and searching through our tubs for the next size of clothing. Hannah now wears 3T and Madeline is wearing 9-12 month clothing. Hannah came across her costumes from years past and decided there was no time like the present to try and squeeze into a size 12 month lion costume. We figured we would go ahead and cram Madeline into the infant bee suit for picture purposes.

Here they are in their new 3T and 12 month matching pj's-- bathed and ready for bed.

This is a picture of Hannah jumping to Miss Jeanna. We joined Jeanna and Karis at the YMCA pool last Friday for a fun morning of swimming. I was glad to find out that Hannah is still a fish. Madeline seemed to enjoy the pool as well. We did not join a pool this summer as we wanted to scope things out and find out where we will be living. Thankfully we can accompany our friends as visitors for the affordable price of $5.00.

Madeline in her baby float.

On Friday night, we watched Karis for Justin and Jeanna. Hannah is always excited when Karis comes over, and she was very pleased to share her Dora the Explorer popsicles with her friend. They had a lot of fun playing and being very silly.

I put towels on their heads after their bath, and they both excitedly said, "It's like mommy!"

As for Jonathan and I-- we are staying quite busy with work, ministry, parenting, and house hunting. We are very much looking forward to a date (with no kiddos ) to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Short And Sweet

"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! "-Psalm 117

Psalm 117 is short, but oh so sweet. There is nothing quite like starting your morning with a promise like the one contained in this concise Psalm. God's love is steadfast, and His redemptive grace is toward us (believers). God's faithfulness, His eternal truth (Psalm 100:5), will endure forever-- to all generations. On a morning when my selfish desires and sinful thoughts began to creep in the minute my feet hit the floor, I was especially glad to be reminded of God's mercy-- that I have been bought by Christ's blood and He promises that "the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37), and "everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life" (John 6:40).