Halloween 2008

New Pet

Nathan got some new friends at the pet store this week to replace his deceased fish........4 African dwarf frogs. They are the funniest little things to watch. He really likes them.

Little Pumpkin

Dedication

Today, we went to my grandparents' church so my grandpa could dedicate Natalee to the Lord. It was such a sweet little service and Natalee did so good! We had 4 generations represented on my side of the family! Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us and for praying with us for our kiddos!

Cubbie and Spark AWANA Cookout

Saturday night, AWANA had a Fall Cookout for the 3 year olds up to 2nd graders. It was a lot of fun. Nathan and I (Tripp decided to stay home with Natalee and keep warm - the pansy! ha ha!) rode around on a hayride, ate hotdogs and chili, smores, and had fun with all our friends. It was good to see Nathan interacting with all his little friends.

Pics from Disney on Ice

Here are a couple of pictures I got off my camera from Disney on Ice. Would you believe when I got home, I found batteries in my camera case......figures. ha ha!

Scary Fact

This book that I told you I am reading in the previous post is really good! I just started Chapter 3 and it is describing how children today are. I just read a paragraph that really upset me and it is so true. I want to type it for you now:

Children today are less sensitive to human life. Children today do not value human life as the children of previous generations did. Thanks to television, watching people die or be killed is a normal daily occurence. Because of this, children's hearts are hardening. They see people as objects, not creations of God. This attitude can cause children to show little response to the sacrifice and pain of Christ's death.

That last sentence really scared me. That really makes a lot of sense to me. If you see death all the time, Christ's death on the cross will seem as nothing unusual. What a scary thought.

If you have kids or work with kids, do read this book. It is really good! It is called The Faith of a Child by Art Murphy.

I LOVE Jesus!!!

Ever since Nathan was born, there was something I have always worried and struggled with. I have asked several people their opinion on it and 9 out of 10 times I got reprimanded for worrying about it. Well, the last couple of months, it has really been bothering me even more....especially more so with our pastor and emails floating around speaking of the return of Jesus to be more closer than we think with the signs going on in our world.

A week or two ago, I asked Jesus to please give me an answer to what I am worried about. Praise the LORD, HE DID!! TONIGHT!!!!

I have been worried that if Jesus came back or if Nathan or Natalee was killed right now, what would happen to them? I have tried to think and find things in the Bible that would tell me, but I just could not find anything to satisfy my fear. I was so afraid that if Jesus came, I would have to see them be thrown into Hell without me. I told Jesus that even though I believe in Him and don't want to be without Him, I just could not bear to be in Heaven without my children.

I went to the Mom's group I go to every other week and I happened to be the first one there. The leaders of the group told me they brought in some books that moms could check out to read. I went over and found a lot of parenting books. I picked up one and this little voice in my head said "No don't get that one......keep looking." So, I found one called "The Faith of a Child". I picked it up and felt really good about it and checked it out. While waiting in line to vote today, I read the introduction and the writer stated he was not an expert on the subject by any means but was definitely inspired by God to write this book.

Just now, I started reading the first chapter............and it read..........If your child was to died as an infant or young child, s/he will be with Jesus..........and there was Bible verses to back it up. I sat there and cried. God answered my prayer and has given me assurance that my kiddos are okay.........that I need to keep telling them about Him and when the time is right, they will understand their need for salvation.........that it is all in HIS timing, not mine........and that GOD wants them for HIS own just as much as I want them to be............You can't believe the relief I feel.

I will sleep GOOD tonight! I love you JESUS! Thank you for my answer!

Disney On Ice and Mashed Tators

Last night we went to see Disney on Ice. Nathan absolutely LOVED it! We had such a good time. Unfortunately I took a couple of pictures and then my camera battery died. I will steal some from my sister and post for you all......along with the few I did get.

Tonight we went to eat at Cracker Barrel. Even though Natalee hasn't been given the green light for solids yet, I couldn't resist giving her some of my mashed potatoes. The child begged for them! I gave her some of mine and Nathan's. She pitched a small fit when I wouldn't feed her more, but I figured I better just give a bit. She is really going to love eating real food soon!

Dog Tired!

Tripp was home today so I took advantage of it and spent 3 hours away roaming around town. Tripp and Natalee must of had quite a time because this is how I found the poor thing when I got home.........crashed out on the table! ha ha!

Sibling Love

Saucer Fun!

Natalee is having a ball in the saucer. Thanks Heather for letting us borrow it!

Our Little Ghoul

Natalee has three Halloween costumes to wear this year - two from Aunt Allyssa and one from one of Tripp's friends at work. Here is our little "ghoul" in the outfit her Aunt Allyssa got for her.

Random Pics From Weekend

Natalee enjoying the saucer Mrs. Heather let her borrow

Natalee cuddling her bunny in the crib

Nathan wearing funny glasses his Daddy made for him from his Zaxby's toy

Natalee passed out in the jumper Mrs. Heather also let her borrow. She doesn't jump, she likes to spin in it.....and sleep

Say NO to milk!!!

Daddy, Natalee and Nathan riding the carousel

Nathan loves playing ball. He can hit really good!

My Sweet Boy!

Okay......I am an overly proud Mommy today! I don't know if I had forwarded emails to you about a little boy at my church who was badly burned earlier this year. He spent months up North recovering from his injuries and just recently got to come home. Last Sunday night, he came to church for the first time. I don't know if any of you have had experience with people who have been severly burned, but it is very hard to see how much it affects someone, especially someone young as Nathan's little friend.....but I have to tell you, my Nathan did something today at church that made me sooo proud. While I was singing in the choir, I saw Nathan and Tripp interacting with this little guy who was sitting in front of them. Then when I came down from singing, Nathan was sitting beside him drawing pictures. I was so happy! But the next thing I heard Nathan did was the best of them all! His Sunday School teacher last year came up to me and told me that when she took Nathan and the little guy off to Children's Church, Nathan grabbed Garrett's hand and walked all the way to the classroom holding his hand!

I am so proud of him! He got himself a BIG ol' Hershey bar today for being such a good friend to Garrett. Wouldn't it be great if all of us could be such a good example of love like Jesus would show to others like Nathan did today! Proud Proud Proud Mommy I am today!!! :-)

4 Month Check-Up

Natalee went for her 4 month check-up today. I didn't realize it but she was to get 5 shots and a polio vaccine orally today. We had a different nurse this time so her reaction was much better than last time. The silly little girl cried but as soon as it was over she cackled out loud at the nurse picking at her. Such a sweetie she is!

She weighed 13 pounds 1 ounce and is 25 inches long. And guess what....her clicking hip she had 2 months ago...........it is no more! It disappeared! Yippie!!! Good news today!

MEAN Momma!!

An uncle of mine sent me the below video to watch......I was enjoying the peaceful video then it was abruptly halted. Ha Ha! Nathan loves to watch the video clips people sent to me........when he watched this one, I HAD to tape his reaction! I am SOOO mean! ha ha!

Uncle's Video:

Here is Nathan's reaction:

Bunny Feet

Natalee received some bunny feet slippers at her baby shower. She is able to wear them now. She looked so cute in them!

More Pics from Camping

My mom sent us some pictures they took while camping. The lady in the first two pictures was the Chicken Lady at Dollywood. There is a chicken restaurant called "Mrs. Lillian's". This lady comes out and sings with her rubber chicken while you eat. It is a lot of fun!

RiverPark

Tripp took off work today and we spent the day at the Riverpark. Tripp and Nathan had a good time playing soccer while Natalee and I sat on the blanket and played. Natalee is getting where she giggles out loud and she and I were having a good time laughing. Then, we went to ride the carousel. This was Natalee's first time on the ride. She seemed to like it. Several people looked in the window to watch her ride. She was all bugged-eyed as we went round and round.

Natalee's First Carousel Ride

Veggie Tales Live

Last night we went to see Veggie Tales Live! The kiddos had so much fun! Nathan was dancing the 'Boyz in the Sink' dance in the aisle and Natalee was so excited the girl wanted to STAND in my lap for about 90% of the show so she could see and wave her arms in excitement. The show was okay....but I have to admit I enjoyed the show my kiddos put on much better.

TV Buddies

These two were good TV buddies Thursday morning. They looked so sweet when I peered at them on the couch.