tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15062991141044802272024-03-05T03:07:27.102-08:00Birth Control ChallengedCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-40729025958214498162010-07-30T08:35:00.000-07:002010-08-04T08:57:08.666-07:00A Decade of LoveA Decade....<br /><br />10 Years....<br /><br />When I was younger I dreamed of making it to this point of marriage. I don't know why. Maybe the fact that the statistics say that most marriages end with in the first 5 years. Not that I thought mine was ever going to end but I just wanted to prove to people that we WOULD make it. I can't believe we are here. I love Nathan more today than the day I married him.<br /><br />So in honor of my Anniversary, I thought I would tell some special memories from our wedding day (sorry if it's a little long...)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The Rehearsal Dinner~</span></span><br />It was Friday, August 4th, 2000, (3 months out of high school) the day I was to become Mrs. Nathan Watkins. WOW! I still like the sound of that. I was 18 years old (crazy young I know) but I was definitely ready to be a wife. I was not as interested in the wedding ceremony but more interested and excited about my everyday life with Nathan. That Friday morning....wait let me back up to Thursday night. The rehearsal dinner was fantastic and so memorable. We had a Mexican theme night with catered Mexican food for the meal. Nathan's family did such a wonderful job making it special & exciting. After the evening, Nathan and I said good bye for the last time as 2 single people. He went home to pack for the honeymoon and so did I. I remember packing up the last few boxes in my room realizing that I was never going to have a room in that house with my parents again. It was about 2am when I was finished packing and with tears streaming down my face, I walked downstairs to my parents room in hopes that they would still be awake. I listened at the door for a moment and heard talking. "YES",I thought. I went and and climbed in bed with them. I was laying in between my parents just crying and saying how grateful I was to them for being such amazing parents. By the end of the night, there was a HUGE pile of tissues on the end of the bed because we had been balling our eyes out. Not sure what time we ended up going to sleep. Such an incredible memory I will always have.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The Wedding Day~</span></span><br />From the Wedding day, I remember my dad walking in the Children's church room at the old SGC building where we got ready for the wedding and when he looked at me, there were tears in his eyes. His little girl was getting married. I'm sure his details of that moment are a little more vivid though. :) When everyone was in place for the ceremony, I heard the music start, and I remember reaching for my dad's arm and told him, "Ok this is it. Are you ready daddy?". The next thing I remember, we were walking down the aisle with my parents beside me and I was staring at this incredible man that God had picked out JUST for me. I was overcome with emotion and cried the WHOLE ceremony. We didn't wanted to do the traditional communion that's usually done at weddings because what was more special to us than that was washing each others feet. So that's exactly what we did....in front of everyone...on stage! HAHA!!! Most people think that it's strange that we did that (yea, I guess it was) but the meaning behind it was what was important for us. It signified that we were going to make serving one another and putting each other first, a foundation for our marriage. It's the very building blocks for our lives. I will never forget what we said to each other as we did that. "I commit to serve you and put you first no matter what." And I can say 10 years later, there's no doubt that we took that commitment seriously.<br /><br />There was kissing, hugging, pronouncing of husband and wife, pictures, pictures, pictures and then more pictures and then some more pictures. I swear pictures took the longest part of the night. It was ridiculous. Then came the going away part of the evening where the guests throw everything but the kitchen sick at you. Well they did in our case. For some reason, and I honestly don't remember deciding this detail of the wedding, but we had every known version of throwing material known to man. There were Bubbles, flower petals and rice. HUH???<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*Note to future brides: Note a good idea*<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Reason's why it's not a good idea:</span><br /><br /></span></span></span></span>Reason #1. That's just stupid<br />Reason #2. It makes people think you can't make a freaking decision.<br />Reason #3. Because kids will think it's funny to chunk bottles of bubbles in your eyes. <span style="font-style: italic;">That stuff burns.</span><br />Reason #4. Bird seed sticks to bubbles.<br /><br />I looked like a matted wet birds nest by the time we made it to our limo. I think Nathan yelled out, "What the?? Who did that?"You can clearly hear that on our wedding video. Oops :) LOL!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:lucida grande;">The Reception~<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So much FUN!!!! By the time we arrived, the party was definitely started. Everyone was dancing, eating, laughing and having a blast. We had our reception at a hotel in Grand Prairie TX. I'm so glad we did because it topped off the night with a bang. Nathan and I had our first dance to song that he had written and pre-recorded for me. I hadn't heard it before until that moment. YES, I cried. It was amazing and sweet.<br />Lots of dancing after that. cake cutting, more dancing, smiling and greeting every single person imaginable. I think we totaled up the number of people that attended the wedding and reception. Wedding- almost 1000 Reception- 600. We had a BIG wedding to say the least. So since we had our rice/bubble/flower throwing fiasco when we left the church to the reception, it allowed us to be able to sneak out of the reception without anyone knowing. This is how we wanted it. That way the party could keep on going and no one felt obligated to leave just because we left. Such a great memory of Nathan and I looking at each other and smiling which translated to, "Let's get the heck out of here!" I went to my parents and whispered in their ear, "Hey, I think we're going to leave now." I believe this is a pretty special memory for my dad. He always talks about it. Nathan and I made our secret get away through the hotel kitchen. We literally RAN through the kitchen to our waiting limo outside. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;">So fun :) Then it's honeymoon time baby!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">The Honeymoon~</span><br />No don't worry.....I'm not going to give you an details here :) All I'll say is.... we had the BEST honeymoon EVER! We went on a Eastern Caribbean Cruise and then followed it up with Disney World. Words can not describe the amount of fun we had. Oh those are the days....<br /><br />There you have it. The whole wedding day in a nut shell.<br /><br />I have loved every single day being married to Nathan. I can not say enough about how amazing he is. I promise he puts most guys to shame by the way he takes care of me and loves me. And even though I got married young, I have never, not even for a second thought that, uh oh maybe I shouldn't have done this. Marrying him was the best decision I have ever made besides deciding to follow Jesus. These 10 years have been full of lifes up's and downs but through it all, we have had each other to lean on. Every day I grow in new love for him. I REALLY thought I loved him on our wedding day, but boy was I wrong. I love him more today than I did then. He is the truest example of how our heavenly Father loves us. I get to see Jesus just by looking at Nathan. WOW! I'm a blessed women.<br /><br />So here's to you Honey. Happy 10 year Anniversary! You are incredible in every way. Thank you for showing what REAL love looks like. You totally rock my world!<br /><br />I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!<br /><object id="vp1BHJJp" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1280937328&f=BHJJpOkBCuIskrr6lt42wQ&d=177&m=b&r=w&i=m&options="><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed id="vp1BHJJp" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1280937328&f=BHJJpOkBCuIskrr6lt42wQ&d=177&m=b&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object><p>Create your own <a href="http://animoto.com/">video slideshow</a> at animoto.com.</p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-66720924410959014012010-07-23T06:19:00.000-07:002010-07-30T05:52:50.084-07:00A little disappointedMoving oversea is definitely not easy. But I was thinking it would be a little less complicated than it has been. You know with having family living over here already and having a Belgian brother in law it just seems like it would be pretty smooth sailing. And it really has except for dealing with stupid visas.<br /><br />We were told that all we had to do was get Nathan a visa and everything would be great. Me and the kids would go over on his visa and be able to get our ID cards, insurance, & kid credits from the government. Yes we can BUT it's a MUCH longer process. We went today to register at the commune of Waterloo in order to get our ID cards etc... The sweet woman behind the desk, informed us that while yes it's legal for us to do that, she now has to send off my paper work to the ministry of Interior to ask permission to give me and the kids ID cards. This process could take several months. Therefore we aren't going to be "officially" living here until we get our ID cards.<br /><br />WHAT?????<br /><br />This means that I can't register the kids for school, which means it will be that much longer for them to learn the language. I am pretty bummed. This isn't the end of the world news but we've already been dealing with Nathan's visa stuff for over 4 months now and the thought of dealing with even more visa issues for another God knows how long, just completely discourages me.<br /><br />I know God is in control so I will trust that He knows exactly what he's doing. I guess this means that we can come back to Texas anytime in Oct and come back as late as we want :) This could be a really good thing for us, but I just have to get over my plans I had made for the rest of the year. I have to focus on the positive. I have to focus on the positive. Nathan at least has HIS ID card. We can at least get a bank account now!! Woohoo!!<br /><br />So here we are again....waiting...waiting....waiting. Hopefully we'll hear an answer before we have to leave in Oct. If we don't, not sure what we'll do then. Oh God, please cause this process to go fast!!!<br /><br />I'm told, this is all part of the process of moving over seas, but I wish it wasn't so. I just want to have ALL THIS BEHIND US!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-65828996887385250892010-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:002010-07-10T04:48:40.168-07:00After 7 1/2 years, it's finally over!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG67LHz9Uobp3YZta3OTw9jflC2eJb1jA17jBjW2PnKsMPowhz_46Bu_bVuUHfR42_K9EDBtilnWzZRE7m7GfaIqXKYB9l_f857xJziEPiM6TcJm4ePb_pkwR_gLIM0GkJLjTNHJ5TiU92/s1600/diaper-fuel-lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG67LHz9Uobp3YZta3OTw9jflC2eJb1jA17jBjW2PnKsMPowhz_46Bu_bVuUHfR42_K9EDBtilnWzZRE7m7GfaIqXKYB9l_f857xJziEPiM6TcJm4ePb_pkwR_gLIM0GkJLjTNHJ5TiU92/s400/diaper-fuel-lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492241630541068290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I no longer have wet, smelly, poopy, disgusting diapers to change!!!!<br /></span><span><br /><br />My last and final child is potty trained!! Let's all stop and do the happy dance for me!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><br /></span>This is a big moment in a mother's life (DUH!!!). A moment that I am thanking God for every second of the day!!<br /><br />After having 4 children in diapers for approx. 2 years each, with an average of 6 diaper changes a day, that's <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">17, 520</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">DIAPERS</span> that I've changed in my 7 1/2 years of being a parent. Not to mention all of Judah's issues he had about 9 months ago. That's A LOT OF DIAPERS!!!!<br /><br />Early on as a mother, I thought that this moment was NEVER going to happen. I mean, you can't see beyond what's right in front of you face most days as a mother. Older mom's would say to me, "Appreciate every second cause it goes by so fast". I would think, "yeah yeah. The kids running all around you, snot on your clothes from noses that constantly run, poop on your jeans, laundry up to your ears, the "mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mom, MOM" that you've tuned out because you've heard it 600,000 times that MORNING, you mean THAT I'm going to miss???!!! I could only wish.<br /><br />But times like these it makes you appreciate it all. You take a step back and think..."<span style="font-style: italic;">Hmm....wow....it really does go by way to fast</span>".<br /><br />So Judah is officially potty trained. He is doing so well and was so easy to potty train, despite my fears. Everyone told me boys are way harder to potty train than girls. Well I had 3 girls and they were relatively easy. I was terrified to potty train Judah. Maybe Judah is unusual or something because I think he was easier than the girls. By the end of the first day, he had mastered the technique. End of 2nd day he was deciding when he needed to go. Then by the 3rd day, he was a full fledged potty trained machine. I am so proud of him. I mean he still has an accidents, but not very often. He honestly acted like it was no big deal. Like, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Duh mom, I was just tricking you my entire existence to see how long I could ride this whole changing service thing out</span>."<br /><br />So life is grand! I am diaper FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Only thing I'm going to miss.....the diaper bags. I have this obsession with them. Maybe I can switch my obsession to hand bags..... WAHAHAHAAAA (evil villain laugh)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7SzapVXLWEVZirz8JXvPEruWgrahqClpbNHAy2gSu0YeosvSPBJARjawbarnjte1jFMJId17_1xOrcjVkY2h5S3mvytSGSHwEE67eI7GdAcbdcG6SdzE4Xc7P_keepGXKCa1x0X21AyX/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7SzapVXLWEVZirz8JXvPEruWgrahqClpbNHAy2gSu0YeosvSPBJARjawbarnjte1jFMJId17_1xOrcjVkY2h5S3mvytSGSHwEE67eI7GdAcbdcG6SdzE4Xc7P_keepGXKCa1x0X21AyX/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492229501004530098" border="0" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-82211968708331287762010-05-17T13:53:00.000-07:002010-05-17T15:31:44.698-07:00Jet lag, French bread and a Twin Mattress....What do all these things have in common??? <div><br /></div><div>If you guessed moving to Belgium, you would be correct. I still have to keep pinching myself that I'm actually here. After many years and months planning and dreaming about what life would be like living in Europe, it's finally a reality. </div><div><br /></div><div>The day we left is such a blur. I know I cried a LOT. Saying goodbye to the people I love the most was insane. No one can prepare you for that. The plane ride was interesting with four kids. They all did really well, although not all the kids slept at the same time which meant no sleep for the exhausted parents. (Side note: If you are planning a trip overseas with small children, it's important to book your flight with the long plane ride first and not second. Trust me...It's just better.) But no trip (or who am I kidding) <i><b>day</b></i> would be complete without at least 1 of my children throwing up. Yep, Kadyn threw up ON THE AIRPLANE!!!! It was a nightmare. I will never look at airplane blankets the same again. ICK!!!!! And I thought that Maddy was going to follow suit cause she apparently gets motion sickness. It was an intense half hour to say the least. </div><div style="text-align: center;">On the airplane before the throw up incident </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmqL4rDChw7lipwx77SFEohKwZDg9z84lmJHrGDLuwCpqa_MEubpMbINfHSdj9biMh63evRLh-jRZjXUMirRXHtPlHb2r8nN57Hkblg1FuIzes_DgXhXgSsBEmQrTOpxiNVK31oaa9i9X/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmqL4rDChw7lipwx77SFEohKwZDg9z84lmJHrGDLuwCpqa_MEubpMbINfHSdj9biMh63evRLh-jRZjXUMirRXHtPlHb2r8nN57Hkblg1FuIzes_DgXhXgSsBEmQrTOpxiNVK31oaa9i9X/s400/IMG_2150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472365550838117554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd7-KT9A-RYAKJuxulHZxXoED4ImNC3IqvSJDWJM12CBYu0_uPrBwllyz3qBvsxUO0pGgpExfVN9QseDoF8mYdEZTECpVV6R-rVOt95YGocl1WsUyRWTQVHWKE1nXH2vDu_kNsEG7U4L0/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd7-KT9A-RYAKJuxulHZxXoED4ImNC3IqvSJDWJM12CBYu0_uPrBwllyz3qBvsxUO0pGgpExfVN9QseDoF8mYdEZTECpVV6R-rVOt95YGocl1WsUyRWTQVHWKE1nXH2vDu_kNsEG7U4L0/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472365572340081762" /></a><br /></div><div>Which brings me the next phase of our journey...<b><i>JET LAG</i></b>!!! Oh how I hate jet lag. Basically you just feel like crap for a whole week and lay around like a lump on a log. The girls did surprising well though. Judah on the other hand, not so well. The first night he woke up in the middle of the night calling for me, when I went in there he was wide awake and said, "Mommy, I took a nap! Now I want to get up." It was so funny to see a little boy so wide awake and ready for the day. But after a couple of nights every child was on schedule. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the greatest things that I have enjoyed living in Belgium so far, is the fresh <b><i>French bread </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">and pastries. Dear God I pray I don't gain 100 lbs. There is just nothing better than waking up early and driving to the bakery to get some fresh baked goodness. Mmmmm.....my favorite one is a chocolate filled croissant with a layer of chocolate on top. Holy cow its AMAZING! And everyday having sandwiches on a baguette. I always feel so European. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>So basically things would be pretty stinking awesome if it weren't for one little thing. </div><div>Sharing a <b><i>TWIN BED</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> with Nathan for 2 weeks. WHY??? Well you see, Our container (which was supposed to be here over a week ago) has not been delivered. It has our wonderful, glorious, comfortable, stupendous, delightful, beautiful queen bed on it. And the only bed available was a twin size mattress on the floor. Sure it was nice for a <i>couple</i> of nights. Gave me an excuse to cuddle. But after 2 WEEKS???? Yeah you might as well put me in a straight jacket. I am SOOOOOO done cuddling. (Just kidding honey). How does 2 grown adults sleep on a twin size mattress night after night for 2 weeks you ask?? It's pretty systematic. We both can't lay on our backs at the same time so we have to lay on our sides not pulling up our legs too far as to not knee our spouse in the gut or butt. We have to, in our sleep, feel when the other is about to turn over and then do the same....all night LONG. I bet we look hilarious. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Thank God our sleeping on a twin mattress is coming to an end. Our container arrives tomorrow morning at 8am. I am so excited! Like seriously excited!! We went to Ikea today to get a couple of things for our room. It's going to look so cute. I can't wait to post before and after pics. We also went to Bricco (Belgium's version of Home Depot) to buy some paint. If you have ever seen a pic of our bedroom you would know why we needed to paint. It was awful. Now after a couple of hours spent painting tonight, it's a beautiful off white color. A huge improvement from the burnt orange and cream with palm trees on the wall. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This pretty much sums up my first 2 weeks in Belgium. That and my lovely family. We just LOVE being together again. It's been a dream. Now if we could just get my other brothers, Holly, my niece Haddy and soon to be sister-in-love Hannah here, things would be perfect. ....Sigh...Oh well. Thank you Jesus for skype.....</div><div><br /></div><div>...and for me getting out of a TWIN MATTRESS!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Pictures taken in the airport before boarding for Belgium, eating our last mexican food meal)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_OeEMzlYgT8tLs_aBFqYiSAS0QFhD6fxQGbOmvi1n8PBtOXyI7dfI_NVrq9xHKWug-4Qo2kR4k8iwEKDKa2j_LpAEzrp0PaQVdJC_7rQffjg0kOffbHN0lyA0c2BBuiLfMsREt5t0wpP/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_OeEMzlYgT8tLs_aBFqYiSAS0QFhD6fxQGbOmvi1n8PBtOXyI7dfI_NVrq9xHKWug-4Qo2kR4k8iwEKDKa2j_LpAEzrp0PaQVdJC_7rQffjg0kOffbHN0lyA0c2BBuiLfMsREt5t0wpP/s400/IMG_2147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472366233266109794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FKcksC0R8jPi_Ux8VYlb6tFzvkAcP_2dTFYH34rbhPf3ssOAic7q5v6aTbVdsrd176FzrpeBZgVPqv20rQAvokhaTSpEOjqVqlJngI-ixZat49yVU3TzlySwQ6A99u3Gat6vyRwan6hb/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FKcksC0R8jPi_Ux8VYlb6tFzvkAcP_2dTFYH34rbhPf3ssOAic7q5v6aTbVdsrd176FzrpeBZgVPqv20rQAvokhaTSpEOjqVqlJngI-ixZat49yVU3TzlySwQ6A99u3Gat6vyRwan6hb/s400/IMG_2141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472365590402158594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4AZIke6Xok65aD5nh4cVPLDUys1ym6-YwGoyMXx2kMeMlCoXlFbyqDbBALi_ncWhr53bEN7Lo5cyizXBujG1cw_brgWS7FMc7gUQUET84DeaItw6lZtCTbiQ8hgfFfaBR0gKdEegg2Zz/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4AZIke6Xok65aD5nh4cVPLDUys1ym6-YwGoyMXx2kMeMlCoXlFbyqDbBALi_ncWhr53bEN7Lo5cyizXBujG1cw_brgWS7FMc7gUQUET84DeaItw6lZtCTbiQ8hgfFfaBR0gKdEegg2Zz/s400/IMG_2143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472365579640826706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWoI4vFB0Ocdc6lGPa8AxAZyk4tIhyphenhyphen0L1Ft533NzHxt3KwKaziMxDMerQgucHqLwAnc8pCicnPfNb0kMW28bMjijRjraNgiQedkpKBnpq7wyOtYp2WJzG4CbSKbQhjCkfKMPFaN85nE9c/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWoI4vFB0Ocdc6lGPa8AxAZyk4tIhyphenhyphen0L1Ft533NzHxt3KwKaziMxDMerQgucHqLwAnc8pCicnPfNb0kMW28bMjijRjraNgiQedkpKBnpq7wyOtYp2WJzG4CbSKbQhjCkfKMPFaN85nE9c/s400/IMG_2146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472365562542754546" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-67936601698741054132010-01-23T08:18:00.000-08:002010-01-23T14:31:22.943-08:00Happy Birthday Judah boy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdOfYyt_wc-yL4fA1nd7WCbwOfkAaMOJ2J6620PMX5q3xAxKR6Br0sRtnLE3JmmXqE2WFgzIP1NmQSjYvQs-jPr3jFPB9AUh1O_QuchpaGTe7HBJApRKo5w-LHxqd1XbeLSq0E3mlAyOe/s1600-h/Judah9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdOfYyt_wc-yL4fA1nd7WCbwOfkAaMOJ2J6620PMX5q3xAxKR6Br0sRtnLE3JmmXqE2WFgzIP1NmQSjYvQs-jPr3jFPB9AUh1O_QuchpaGTe7HBJApRKo5w-LHxqd1XbeLSq0E3mlAyOe/s400/Judah9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429996560980624626" border="0" /></a>Today my son turns 2 years old.<br /><br />I'm still amazed that I even have a son. After 3 girls I thought that I was just destined to a life of girls. Now don't get me wrong, I love having girls! Girls are so incredible! They play barbies, baby dolls, love to help in the kitchen, you get to put cute bows on them and frilly dresses. But oh my WORD they are complicated and emotional beings. Boys, on the other hand, love to rough house, play batman and spider man, can find constant entertainment with a simple stick but most of all, they aren't complicated at all. What you see is what you get. Very little ups and downs, just even keel. Quite refreshing. I'm sure the most excited person to find out we were having a boy was Nathan. He needed some more testosterone in the house to counteract 4 women. Poor Nathan and Judah :) On the plus side to having 4 girls in the house is that he has 4 women to dote over him and mother him. He eats it up. Which could be the reason he didn't start walking till he was 17 months old. Who needs to walk when you have 4 personal chauffeurs?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t2fuNLI-q8eCECdEPKtqt0n5-77rDicm3LvmvNDg3ks1x1qBxjQsiBId5N3EVdKBl8poHxc-6K3eE3Jq6cYZ_iA6rR3XSUfK1BZVNAhV2jusYsCZ2jD5MSfOX2xgJDXJFuvgLHaDuaRP/s1600-h/Judah.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t2fuNLI-q8eCECdEPKtqt0n5-77rDicm3LvmvNDg3ks1x1qBxjQsiBId5N3EVdKBl8poHxc-6K3eE3Jq6cYZ_iA6rR3XSUfK1BZVNAhV2jusYsCZ2jD5MSfOX2xgJDXJFuvgLHaDuaRP/s400/Judah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052334956732770" border="0" /></a>So today Judah Reign is 2! He came into this world in a hurry. If you want to read about his birth story click <a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=81516285&blogId=354811305">HERE</a><br /><br />Judah has such a tenacious spirit. I believe that this is God given because of his destiny and call over his life, he will need that spirit to lead a generation who sees the coming of Christ. Judah also has this rare quality of drawing people. Everywhere we go, people are just drawn to talk to him and more often than not, people will say "There is just something different about him." I know that because of this gift, he will be able to have great impact in the nations and that people will listen to what he has to say. Judah will declare, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD" to his generation. Ahhh...I get so stirred just talking about it.<br /><br />In the mean time though, Judah is completely into Spider man and batman. He told me that he wants to have a "bidaman birday" party (a.k.a Spider man birthday). HAHA!!! Didn't know boys got into this kind of stuff so early. I'm loving every minute of it though! He loves to do extravagant falls and wrestles with anyone who will engage him. He is talking so well. I can carry on an entire conversation with him now. He is just so much fun!<br /><br />His day started off with the traditional birthday donuts. Then for lunch we took him + the girls to McDonalds to eat and play.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfL694WfPWn304UbJ6RevphszJz_6aOQzKMMd1G18VmzQQVdwFCjm9SMwg0iX42el5QpQ_32T4zYFeK4ZCf1_TQ2rgHowYG6VhS6JwMQTZOPN5ZGwMbbnBuoubwWZFDi4RmMd_GnlhHb2/s1600-h/072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfL694WfPWn304UbJ6RevphszJz_6aOQzKMMd1G18VmzQQVdwFCjm9SMwg0iX42el5QpQ_32T4zYFeK4ZCf1_TQ2rgHowYG6VhS6JwMQTZOPN5ZGwMbbnBuoubwWZFDi4RmMd_GnlhHb2/s400/072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430065343055969394" border="0" /></a><br />We then took him to Toys R Us where he got to pick out a special birthday present. This is what he chose<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPNX2b2kHTEaO-7WnT9c9YRrtOznSBaumMTN0VYaJaHd5QL6ODTH81gRzigeLtEaxnCj1PL6uKrqBOq5XQ2OaGrW2rO0RQYrmVEJx4o2MUYtvY2OXD-mQuamwfCPtlQSDFD_kro-gyy2L/s1600-h/080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPNX2b2kHTEaO-7WnT9c9YRrtOznSBaumMTN0VYaJaHd5QL6ODTH81gRzigeLtEaxnCj1PL6uKrqBOq5XQ2OaGrW2rO0RQYrmVEJx4o2MUYtvY2OXD-mQuamwfCPtlQSDFD_kro-gyy2L/s400/080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430065771296805618" border="0" /></a><br />And here he is next to his favorite super hero<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE18QUW-HOZ5HhzsLY_OSPgJ3pQ4CUrFa327UdC5nHM4Ixriv_i8wYN2_BqMsUkbZ2dAW5kKo4FUm-CipYTzbdfln_-KjQUziWKi0_PsttlL4vT-e7OqAEXHCkmLK34K-A_tJhkzmqK3Es/s1600-h/078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE18QUW-HOZ5HhzsLY_OSPgJ3pQ4CUrFa327UdC5nHM4Ixriv_i8wYN2_BqMsUkbZ2dAW5kKo4FUm-CipYTzbdfln_-KjQUziWKi0_PsttlL4vT-e7OqAEXHCkmLK34K-A_tJhkzmqK3Es/s400/078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430066120569438994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We will have a big birthday party for him probably next Sat. Haven't nailed down all the details yet.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Judah boy! You are so loved! We couldn't imagine life without you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wdbc2Ryxg9UJ1EzcMeFUN2GtwFqUyTGqoXBC-JjryBojEOs4sf2XEJDcKRrKGbTP0u_TZdmI3VxrW6qw0G3Ho3O71icSI6lHXVEHrfMutb1N_2ujZ_yJrSpi0o_gV_UIj-JKjDupQ4Pe/s1600-h/Judah6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wdbc2Ryxg9UJ1EzcMeFUN2GtwFqUyTGqoXBC-JjryBojEOs4sf2XEJDcKRrKGbTP0u_TZdmI3VxrW6qw0G3Ho3O71icSI6lHXVEHrfMutb1N_2ujZ_yJrSpi0o_gV_UIj-JKjDupQ4Pe/s400/Judah6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430051606376873794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonpnP4w1mV2EvzIXucEhmkVsWyVZo384fx-DHezX_xW_7n96vhygQhTjKe-q32a5WuUWr-KmsfkvegYOvh5daHDfs4VBwI4BlVPdxYlMVYwF-MGZay9Ddg4MZa3KiJ6T-J-we49eDM5bw/s1600-h/Judah7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonpnP4w1mV2EvzIXucEhmkVsWyVZo384fx-DHezX_xW_7n96vhygQhTjKe-q32a5WuUWr-KmsfkvegYOvh5daHDfs4VBwI4BlVPdxYlMVYwF-MGZay9Ddg4MZa3KiJ6T-J-we49eDM5bw/s400/Judah7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052926743722978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMdtVqx_DwgfQW3qVrwqOW42Gbi4CzdbhbuCmM2rsWIcuXh_JK8MnXQ3YtLetpBFvbMFuPqzKnTBAij2IK8ay4zcfz92ZD-lRSO6bYnOQvCQtWpioONCPMdxr8bSEQ0W5XE2pd9pUByBl/s1600-h/Judah4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMdtVqx_DwgfQW3qVrwqOW42Gbi4CzdbhbuCmM2rsWIcuXh_JK8MnXQ3YtLetpBFvbMFuPqzKnTBAij2IK8ay4zcfz92ZD-lRSO6bYnOQvCQtWpioONCPMdxr8bSEQ0W5XE2pd9pUByBl/s400/Judah4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052925602339986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnW6PDuhdq4qlWPCd9R17A86FiWeTKHVl5ozhMMfV2AXyLQKZXSr_63R2t63dERLyuhwq62YT-kwV-u5dBaUFpK2Ojqn56dJNAdIVvE0YhsVfEZr6HEdXLtislFiJCs5KpSYp4dM9d1Tm/s1600-h/Judah8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnW6PDuhdq4qlWPCd9R17A86FiWeTKHVl5ozhMMfV2AXyLQKZXSr_63R2t63dERLyuhwq62YT-kwV-u5dBaUFpK2Ojqn56dJNAdIVvE0YhsVfEZr6HEdXLtislFiJCs5KpSYp4dM9d1Tm/s400/Judah8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052923531061682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymhtwtMMw1nrm4xVpECMwxN7ldvIeWkcX4wEPkQu1HIS41djisND_zrFehVfbrEDz5PDWdD4w_3qCGEPsGIrs3sXce7tRMnOULJRz_Ibj1bkhJb3S7lPwAKormOyuf24vk4QvoMepDp9n/s1600-h/Judah3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymhtwtMMw1nrm4xVpECMwxN7ldvIeWkcX4wEPkQu1HIS41djisND_zrFehVfbrEDz5PDWdD4w_3qCGEPsGIrs3sXce7tRMnOULJRz_Ibj1bkhJb3S7lPwAKormOyuf24vk4QvoMepDp9n/s400/Judah3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052918821434994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir44w68W0aYLcewajxSwx_XUHKagebxD9-cqz3hAh9XgJG3o68DqgXuClHdwVTCiu5xc9KUx6-SuX4Dix_vCVrKfy_wPWAwd23s9PlGvjLcVHF4kan6nLEkHqtFRiQRuSi_8b2HcY0LDXq/s1600-h/judah5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir44w68W0aYLcewajxSwx_XUHKagebxD9-cqz3hAh9XgJG3o68DqgXuClHdwVTCiu5xc9KUx6-SuX4Dix_vCVrKfy_wPWAwd23s9PlGvjLcVHF4kan6nLEkHqtFRiQRuSi_8b2HcY0LDXq/s400/judah5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430052917873347410" border="0" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-12709997695362569212009-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:002009-09-08T19:08:13.161-07:00Change, Change, Change...I'm beginning to loath the word.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL8TBQTEYl-sEsoOQDgXMbyNugI1UaatvILe-cNxt_CRU5YX60gos2tmRujsi7v4-_XNZQyRFQymhQ0mZWPEbpDW8jRwBy5OrLBYUDOvpv8ZDBEeLypBtgliwfR-wuIHc_7T3uH8Yx3x5/s1600-h/6328_1183098849927_1001888075_30564554_6567496_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL8TBQTEYl-sEsoOQDgXMbyNugI1UaatvILe-cNxt_CRU5YX60gos2tmRujsi7v4-_XNZQyRFQymhQ0mZWPEbpDW8jRwBy5OrLBYUDOvpv8ZDBEeLypBtgliwfR-wuIHc_7T3uH8Yx3x5/s400/6328_1183098849927_1001888075_30564554_6567496_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379277200399646594" border="0" /></a><br />The word "Change" can be: exciting, different, thrilling, exhilarating. But most of all, down right <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT FUN</span>!!!!!!<br /><br />Who knew that 2 1/2 years ago, my family would undergo the most drastic "change" we've ever experienced. That with one conversation, our lives (as we knew them) would be turned up side down.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Almost 6 months ago, I packed up my parents and youngest brother and sent them off to Israel to live. I thought that I would never be able to survive without them but I knew that having the rest of my family here with me in Texas was going to be my saving grace. Some may not be able to comprehend but my family and I are really close. Not a weird sort of close, but we all truly (spouses included) love being around each other. Having to pack up my parents house and sell most of the belongings that I remember growing up with, was the hardest thing I've had to do. When you see a casserole dish that your mom made all your favorite dishes in as a child walking out the door with some stranger cause they bought it in a garage sale, it makes you want to run after them screaming and demand that they stop stealing your stuff. You just can't begin to imagine the grieving process that I had, and still am having to go through. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu-9rIX6m481c0pbAhj5TixuXVbQ2BLwdiH_ShlBNzStsKVZgSCfc2eHkSpUU3SW9danVCJdPzHPT8nivH8Tme0ANW-pnaob6BzaEGMABK9eXl9zdpnKKajZKq51cZrHAwkK3hvoZqRBH/s1600-h/3171_96812313503_694173503_2535998_715869_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu-9rIX6m481c0pbAhj5TixuXVbQ2BLwdiH_ShlBNzStsKVZgSCfc2eHkSpUU3SW9danVCJdPzHPT8nivH8Tme0ANW-pnaob6BzaEGMABK9eXl9zdpnKKajZKq51cZrHAwkK3hvoZqRBH/s400/3171_96812313503_694173503_2535998_715869_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379277483677204274" border="0" /></a>As if <span style="font-weight: bold;">THAT</span> wasn't hard enough....<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">....Here we are 6 months down the road, and NOW I'm having to pack my sister, Brother-in-love and beautiful, adorable, smart niece and nephew, to move to Belgium. Can it get any harder???? My sister who is my best friend, my 2nd mom to my children, my confidant, my call 6 times a day for stupid reasons person and my neighbor. I love her!!! I get so emotional just writing about it. I knew that when she married Jon that she was destined for a life overseas but it still doesn't make it any easier right now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ_wx5FAm1jFMdtaeyfWQxvb4VyHwoTOgeIZCvItFU0Lz3yVnOnoI8LQFp4Cd00p_wxtUAwtykz24QVITOuj8NuOu18N7xNUjvuHd5ej54VSA6SazyexxwpMRcjsHMFxvYNevWmQVz52d/s1600-h/n1041501764_573605_7561619.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ_wx5FAm1jFMdtaeyfWQxvb4VyHwoTOgeIZCvItFU0Lz3yVnOnoI8LQFp4Cd00p_wxtUAwtykz24QVITOuj8NuOu18N7xNUjvuHd5ej54VSA6SazyexxwpMRcjsHMFxvYNevWmQVz52d/s400/n1041501764_573605_7561619.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379279520766265538" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today was move day for them. We loaded their 20 ft container this morning and watched it drive down the street on a semi headed to Houston and then to be loaded on a boat bound for Belgium. I did not have any emotions as we were loading things in or when I saw it drive away but right here in this moment, I feel all sorts of emotions. I feel happy that my sister is going to start this brand new life in Belgium and that my niece and nephew will be little french speakers. Happy that they are doing what the Lord has called them to do and that how fulfilled they will be. However, deep sadness that I won't get to see her or my little munchkins walk in the door unexpected and sadness that when I don't want to cook dinner, I can't just go 4 doors down to her house and eat her food. And that I wont be able to call her if something funny just happened, or if she wants to catch a late night movie with me after the kids have gone to bed. I got so used to having her so close to me. Belgium is going to be a HUGE adjustment.<br /><br />Although I know that they are not actually moving for a couple more months, I know that the day is approaching. I'm having to prepare myself. I guess you could say there is some grieving that I'm having to go through.<br /><br />I have lost my neighbor.<br /><br />I used to pride myself in being a person who handles change well. But this kind of "change" I'm not handling well at all. It's not everyday you have to pack your parents, sister, brothers and nieces and nephews to go live overseas in the same year. Good thing is we serve a good God who supplies us with all of our needs. That includes GRACE. He has given me grace to have my mom, dad and brother living in Israel and I know that he will give me the grace to send my sister off to Belgium. But between now and then, I can sulk. :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmrp0dxG7Hv3HXj7dWTe14bMbMYyJTE4OAEV9hrR9Tn_DP-i71cAd_GSylBPnQ-01ErV9T3nqivsyhIJSSxP3r5SffN8roCEn-1rZgURLW8_GcM1KTvEjNyL-s8rFDu8h3rLn7LfvZ-8R/s1600-h/3171_96803768503_694173503_2535827_6338451_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmrp0dxG7Hv3HXj7dWTe14bMbMYyJTE4OAEV9hrR9Tn_DP-i71cAd_GSylBPnQ-01ErV9T3nqivsyhIJSSxP3r5SffN8roCEn-1rZgURLW8_GcM1KTvEjNyL-s8rFDu8h3rLn7LfvZ-8R/s400/3171_96803768503_694173503_2535827_6338451_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379279810574840290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YXUlbvIxjO23gaBNdqmIKtCzSIrqvqg-0aaBtxgaHjRCKSjdjnHqh_TDfWzPNEtxdYyTkE-0lvADUZ2vMKms-Uk5mPOWO1rFkraDqFC74HnVxRpHbjPAOaPqUlBmWVNRRr1tiaNU6nAO/s1600-h/6011_1181200403787_1041501764_581095_8080617_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YXUlbvIxjO23gaBNdqmIKtCzSIrqvqg-0aaBtxgaHjRCKSjdjnHqh_TDfWzPNEtxdYyTkE-0lvADUZ2vMKms-Uk5mPOWO1rFkraDqFC74HnVxRpHbjPAOaPqUlBmWVNRRr1tiaNU6nAO/s400/6011_1181200403787_1041501764_581095_8080617_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379280096200558706" border="0" /></a>I pray that we will not be separated for long. These sister's were meant to be in close proximity forever and always. So here's to you, "CHANGE". You're not my best friend right now.<br /></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-62017102339654947152009-07-01T09:46:00.001-07:002009-07-01T16:14:50.795-07:00I can't believe this day is actually here!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChgdKalI8oiFwuJ32Ox5C4PomS1HJhjBDgWr59-yAxcevQDd0TvBr506u4MSA5QLPLRCsAymotMvf9Er6C18s1lr0MkvMKwU13Hf3HEA7XPCbVueQh1InPSe2kqY3ANvzMuZ6Kz9Q_2s2/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChgdKalI8oiFwuJ32Ox5C4PomS1HJhjBDgWr59-yAxcevQDd0TvBr506u4MSA5QLPLRCsAymotMvf9Er6C18s1lr0MkvMKwU13Hf3HEA7XPCbVueQh1InPSe2kqY3ANvzMuZ6Kz9Q_2s2/s400/082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353539400417741202" border="0" /></a>My little son, Judah has officially jumped on the walking train. I thought this day would never get here. After all he is 17 months old. That is the latest any of my kids have EVER started walking. Kadyn was 14 months old and I thought that was late but NOOOOOO....17 months takes the cake.<br /><br />He took his first steps about 2 months ago but never really had an interest in walking. He knew that crawling got him where he wanted go and QUICKLY!!! He literally was the fastest crawler I had ever seen. Anyone that saw him crawl would say the same thing. It was seriously hilarious. That boy loves speed and walking was just not fast enough for him. Until now. It probably didn't help that he had 3 older sisters who think they are his mom and carry him around the house like he's a baby doll. He even yells out, "Maddy, Maddy" with his arms raised when we wants to go somewhere. Smart I tell you.<br /><br />Here is a video of his new found love:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyA2kGB_hXuu0_qyXAGuD4dja9Uu1G6bKeWoUAB8EYun-Kp0TXOCHsQDkiW76F-zceKT8F9-SocIVHbawyjfQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Way to go Judah!!! Welcome to the wonderful world of walking! We are so proud of you!!!! I love you Judah boy!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-63011069281429916312009-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:002009-07-01T09:41:28.930-07:00New adventures of a SAHM!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl73VkAjf8q_zjY8sPVaFJhFYLZn7Y7WoLP4yLtA9QyRL57SR7LEhQdb57SS955KBUls6DbF7upds49OezI6_vtCfTGKFYLMe8_P-FaEuTe9uGkfQqnjdgcKqqRe4r3g7MiecFeqbspAip/s1600-h/sha0225l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl73VkAjf8q_zjY8sPVaFJhFYLZn7Y7WoLP4yLtA9QyRL57SR7LEhQdb57SS955KBUls6DbF7upds49OezI6_vtCfTGKFYLMe8_P-FaEuTe9uGkfQqnjdgcKqqRe4r3g7MiecFeqbspAip/s400/sha0225l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353531329676486354" border="0" /></a>I thought this picture was funny! It totally describes how I feel sometimes :) FRAZZLED!!! I wonder if that's how I really look in those times too. Eyes blood shot and my hair all a mess with kids puking and smelling from a disgusting diaper? Probably.<br /><br />ANYWAYS.....<br /><br />You would think that after having been married for 9 years and with 4 kids under my belt that I would have this SAHM (stay at home mom) thing down. Nope. I am discovering new ways all the time on how to make the most of my days at home with the kids. My new found adventure is....drum roll please.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />COUPON CUTTING!!!!!!</span><br /><br />I have never done this before. Shocking I know. I guess it always seemed to daunting and time consuming for me especially having such small kids in the house and not feeling like I have time for anything other than staying sane. However, I realized that I could have been saving my family TONS of money if I would have just done this before. Oh well, this is the new me! The coupon cutting me!!! It truly helps having another SAHM who lives 4 houses down to do it with. That would be my lovely sister, Destiny. We are determined to save money. I feel so funny getting excited about cutting coupons. In my opinion this is the epitome of a SAHM. I would always make fun of people like this, honestly. But seeing the error of my ways, I too have joined the coupon cutting club. Destiny and I are going to buy a coupon book so we can be so organized and everything.<br /><br />Ok, enough of the boring coupon cutting talk, another thing I have started doing for my family is, Meal planning. Another 'Duh' thing to do I know, but for some reason, I was never good at doing it. I felt over whelmed at the thought of planning meals for the week. Cause what if Nathan didn't want that meal I had planned and I would have wasted money. I finally got over that and realized I just needed to say, "oh well, get over it. This is what we're having." My favorite website for recipes is www.thepioneerwoman.com. Every recipe I have tried have been absolutely delicious as well as a HUGE hit with the family.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This week's meal plan is:</span><br />Tues- Chicken & rice with green beans and french bread<br />Wed- leftovers<br />Thurs- Manicotti & ceasar salad<br />Frid- Shabbat Mexican themed potluck<br />Sat- Homemade chicken salad sandwiches<br />Sun- Homemade beef stew<br /><br />I have found a new passion for cooking as well as baking. I'm going to be baking some homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast for Saturday morning. Now if I can find a passion for laundry, then I would be the greatest SAHM EVER!!!! Not to mention my husband would kiss the very ground I walked on. Don't know if I'll ever embark on that adventure. Is there a "Good at doing laundry" pill that I could purchase? That would be awesome!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-11532187693485231432009-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:002009-06-17T14:50:54.425-07:00Kadyn's 3rd birthday party!! (better late than never)My baby girl Kadyn is 3 years old now!!! I can't believe it! She actually turned 3 on May 3rd and I'm just now writing a blog about it. Oh well...better late than never right?<br /><br />Kadyn is our little comedian of the family! Everyday she makes us laugh over something she either did or said. She LOVES life....but hates animals, no seriously... HATES them :) Kadyn LOVES to worship! That's her favorite thing to do is dance before the Lord! She tells me, "mommy I want to wuship". How can I deny that??? I just love this little girl! I really can't imagine what this family would be like without her. She is absolutely adorable!!! However, she still sucks her thumb when she is sleepy or needs to be comforted for some reason. I guess for now it's ok but sometime soon it's gotta stop. Hopefully she won't be 16 and still sucking her thumb. Ha! Her best friend is "Korby" aka. Korbin Shull. They are inseparable. Super cute! I feel bitter/sweet about this 3rd birthday for her. The getting older thing is very hard for me, especially with her. I absolutely love the 2 year old stage, call me crazy I know, but it's true! That stage is full of new discoveries and new adventures. They have this zeal for life that is exciting and new. The world is their oyster! Seeing their face light up when they discover something new, well...there's just nothing like it! Can you tell I love it?? HAHA! So Kadyn getting older is kind of sad, however, it's awesome all at the same time cause it means she's that much closer to walking into the call of God for her life! I can't believe I get to be apart of that!<br /><br />We had such a fun birthday party for her. Anyone who knows me knows that party planning is not my specialty and I'm seriously not good at it so when a party that I PLAN goes well, I am very proud of myself :)<br /><br />We all went to Boomerangs in Hurst (it's a bounce house place and a perfect place for a party). So we met there, let the kids jump for a bit then headed to Chick-fi-la for lunch, cupcakes and presents! It was perfect! Thank you to everyone who came and made the day so special for Kadyn! She had a BLAST!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVzSe464u1vb9VFV4bRZzzo89y92kbkT9bOWSUGChnBYZVC6vPkrTFxv-QjRP1LUz-aGJf2k7l1wj6PfeSnzZygyH4Cej-Pt4UZgos9VDkT2mqxrOsKUWi_D_5PUtwv1lWLM_ENS1VzGr/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVzSe464u1vb9VFV4bRZzzo89y92kbkT9bOWSUGChnBYZVC6vPkrTFxv-QjRP1LUz-aGJf2k7l1wj6PfeSnzZygyH4Cej-Pt4UZgos9VDkT2mqxrOsKUWi_D_5PUtwv1lWLM_ENS1VzGr/s400/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348403842333520130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2WcqA5xk6tmPbs_U_PKWdSmv4uaEsLmOVziLerIThZCAJNQhz_JXD_pjlJMnspsH7DfODPqBUCvFJK4E4UPiQTkFnqCexMI7AN1srdQ9QauIJwZb78e3qCJT-MsS1qvCAwj_sINUcEzg/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUnQdFbpNVpYhX8D1FahvsTB0X4mEdW4rXzCryuG0HhbEUh1TuaMUNH1utrxlGB2usJ_sIHNG6shMAMqv9hWHwpa-J7XyLpM4nICLYtnCxKvyEOpP8W4FsHHNps7SZJwCOxnAsJU3B2fr/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348399717532966482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lsNGpfJRzu_5aUIHLc1NYA8mB6NZcWD9OhPvttGXU0ysMWQp6iANfMMLYX57GRorCz16KqCpOWRqDjp1og6wCDB6O2S8ySIrIP9oDSNC8b4cVeprPblDqhMU5bRkqmGjlGjY1fxIHLG-/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lsNGpfJRzu_5aUIHLc1NYA8mB6NZcWD9OhPvttGXU0ysMWQp6iANfMMLYX57GRorCz16KqCpOWRqDjp1og6wCDB6O2S8ySIrIP9oDSNC8b4cVeprPblDqhMU5bRkqmGjlGjY1fxIHLG-/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348399713234286466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='355' height='268' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_TLnt9ynHaYRu-yany209s1_Mu-g8Y9E78oIfpr1M8t0X9Vr2fkzOiAQGj6G5byKh_3SIjGivKPsgfvKj' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br />Happy birthday Kady Girl! You are a delight to your parents and am so proud of the women of God that you already are! I love you!!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-72836197565437013312009-06-15T12:32:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:34:00.082-07:00A little slice of heaven.........Cabo San Lucas,Mexico....possibly the most heavenly places on the face of the planet! Nathan and I had the privilege of taking an impromptu trip to this glorious place last week (No, don't worry we didn't get the swine flu). This was our first actual vacation ALONE with no kids, family, friends or a team that we had to lead since our honeymoon. I have to admit, I wrestled with major feelings of guilt and selfishness before I left. However, I knew that Nathan and I needed this trip REALLY BAD!! I really can't believe that we actually were able to go. We were blessed beyond belief by Ray and Teddi Baker. They let us have 1 of their time share weeks in Cabo and we were BLOWN AWAY by their kindness. Ahhh!!!! Thanks you guys! You have no idea how AMAZING this was for us! Truly the MOST memorable trip EVER!<br /><br />We left early Sat. June 6th at about 5am and came back June 12th. We flew from here to Houston then from Houston to Cabo San Lucas. Here is an aerial shot of Cabo as we flew in.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sPRedy-4FbTYeMnQgcr8LqNoClWwtLzVNPI8PWCzW7UFOSzz0uODHRX6Sqplr4LEyCBbwANPecYhU8mJJaEqfxkL5nuRF2arp-_6scepl2iH4Cl_-0a-iz1fvyTRYY51p75_jOdBB08y/s1600-h/089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sPRedy-4FbTYeMnQgcr8LqNoClWwtLzVNPI8PWCzW7UFOSzz0uODHRX6Sqplr4LEyCBbwANPecYhU8mJJaEqfxkL5nuRF2arp-_6scepl2iH4Cl_-0a-iz1fvyTRYY51p75_jOdBB08y/s400/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347653913101067218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The resort was out of this world!!! It's called Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. It was located on the side of a mountain and overlooked the beach. Spectacular!!!! Besides a little excursion of Jet skiing in the pacific ocean we did one day, all we did ALL week was lounge by the pool or beach for 5 to 6 hours at a time reading and listening to teachings or music on our ipods while sipping on diet cokes. Jealous? I would be too :) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9x3TJXzz6jV146-SgEmzdZQcY7-etmfifByxBYeBT_2fVa3td6v-7LllpZulD2uwCSZxSdZd0B8LhCngJtgTkgaFt9Glcoa-7eisR9nCdCAisjOtAbUTKics-DoSY-doT75GCAhYysBd/s1600-h/091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9x3TJXzz6jV146-SgEmzdZQcY7-etmfifByxBYeBT_2fVa3td6v-7LllpZulD2uwCSZxSdZd0B8LhCngJtgTkgaFt9Glcoa-7eisR9nCdCAisjOtAbUTKics-DoSY-doT75GCAhYysBd/s400/091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347653914835054546" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Sitting on our balcony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAKaqGXeeRekvAg6WwjAEK9lz9kkwu2EKP7drTFPgCXrOQItY8famQt6zb7Cp7VnwJ94r1YZCjh7IhnDiAetg7UGEeJVsiQidbPpS7Mpu6z9UWyjPIV3qOHoj8HEpkKRQ7PpudzUP1_-/s1600-h/095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAKaqGXeeRekvAg6WwjAEK9lz9kkwu2EKP7drTFPgCXrOQItY8famQt6zb7Cp7VnwJ94r1YZCjh7IhnDiAetg7UGEeJVsiQidbPpS7Mpu6z9UWyjPIV3qOHoj8HEpkKRQ7PpudzUP1_-/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347653935710927842" border="0" /></a><br />View from our balcony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylzaAedRcShRoZ5ZC9EfoJe0kcrW187e86TPlTGyvXwhcEjcQiRtgCcCmBfiPZiGiZVRs4_J5NVYCGkZmxaGeXNw-F91gnK_fn1jsiLkTyBVEdMfKiph8Wih-uir8qAg1TVCxDSrErcjm/s1600-h/153.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylzaAedRcShRoZ5ZC9EfoJe0kcrW187e86TPlTGyvXwhcEjcQiRtgCcCmBfiPZiGiZVRs4_J5NVYCGkZmxaGeXNw-F91gnK_fn1jsiLkTyBVEdMfKiph8Wih-uir8qAg1TVCxDSrErcjm/s400/153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347661062415408242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm1QEgU-xvBHIm7ksVQkpRzQYRTpJLR8YPb_lk8l2o7KrQUhatO8aJVzHEw1M_NVvS0HRnHcyPOv2ShocglBuB0CjIQVwoOQVaF2sWUMA-8urHO6cm0WkuMR3bTZqFAiMiVQS_F5M_BFf/s1600-h/154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm1QEgU-xvBHIm7ksVQkpRzQYRTpJLR8YPb_lk8l2o7KrQUhatO8aJVzHEw1M_NVvS0HRnHcyPOv2ShocglBuB0CjIQVwoOQVaF2sWUMA-8urHO6cm0WkuMR3bTZqFAiMiVQS_F5M_BFf/s400/154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347661059344866834" border="0" /></a><br />Pics of our fantastic 1 Bedroom suit!:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5BTvGOve8DZJ5sUhdpZbkzSH3EeWIuggfJmj_2Zd9AKclFBmY2A7uQKud4SsuWwdVytJOHrS_gyOstxlNuYIMv-5JeAbuzkqkx46wTpIP4ZqZOf_jkl7If-6Kph5W8WmWe_izTdRCi5y/s1600-h/143.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5BTvGOve8DZJ5sUhdpZbkzSH3EeWIuggfJmj_2Zd9AKclFBmY2A7uQKud4SsuWwdVytJOHrS_gyOstxlNuYIMv-5JeAbuzkqkx46wTpIP4ZqZOf_jkl7If-6Kph5W8WmWe_izTdRCi5y/s400/143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347661053554058290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Guest bathroom<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYka5bdWXanD3zA4S9aTiZ0JpQFInRRcn9KVRWDg022NtXaNrqREqD-KaVDNNhOYgb-pn9_xP4eZsUdu1bgMnX_do16rd9c3D_I80E5irgCqg1psIyMQYYKCvNXf6XATHVLKvzci3Hd0iT/s1600-h/144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYka5bdWXanD3zA4S9aTiZ0JpQFInRRcn9KVRWDg022NtXaNrqREqD-KaVDNNhOYgb-pn9_xP4eZsUdu1bgMnX_do16rd9c3D_I80E5irgCqg1psIyMQYYKCvNXf6XATHVLKvzci3Hd0iT/s400/144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347661051204982466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI8-8tu2ruXFxJ3u-X0Aw5zwgnulUIUu3EcUYXUJ8mUQvn9bptZ6ctAwtdGfsBPOxkyVVFC8zMYhk3APLFYKToIhIxle8RbmdC2-tTtIoMXus6Wgs1Cz7y2UZn6m01-dhkIEF_fdrMduy/s1600-h/145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI8-8tu2ruXFxJ3u-X0Aw5zwgnulUIUu3EcUYXUJ8mUQvn9bptZ6ctAwtdGfsBPOxkyVVFC8zMYhk3APLFYKToIhIxle8RbmdC2-tTtIoMXus6Wgs1Cz7y2UZn6m01-dhkIEF_fdrMduy/s400/145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347660113022041522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQo9SKhK6ckFLoI5Nu1_8OjU5M0DUYMJko34lyzLaiUHljMYjxCvqRHiTDC01XfXW9P6ANO_V-zJEeF57EJchFuH0JHED27GD7c6bGs-WmWUs4T9UzoZ0J78MhETXBRdV_KqSsd_AJwOW/s1600-h/146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQo9SKhK6ckFLoI5Nu1_8OjU5M0DUYMJko34lyzLaiUHljMYjxCvqRHiTDC01XfXW9P6ANO_V-zJEeF57EJchFuH0JHED27GD7c6bGs-WmWUs4T9UzoZ0J78MhETXBRdV_KqSsd_AJwOW/s400/146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347660107081053154" border="0" /></a><br />Master suit and bath<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iWBGt_H6Gzql85OzDK5CR76jazOV3ztNS5nV5CUD7OICDaWTiCkt6JC3T81uXD4shenlV1Hw8dDOVKZNFvmTwx9bi9Wyw50excezy4a453D1rRL_5_v9Zb7C4SmNMduZUfUh_x1hrrbj/s1600-h/147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iWBGt_H6Gzql85OzDK5CR76jazOV3ztNS5nV5CUD7OICDaWTiCkt6JC3T81uXD4shenlV1Hw8dDOVKZNFvmTwx9bi9Wyw50excezy4a453D1rRL_5_v9Zb7C4SmNMduZUfUh_x1hrrbj/s400/147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347660102782016258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYYvt4tlNh8_dM8Csd0BTeItNkN8N-CGetrwZOKSt6NM0ep8uKhurhgeI0hq8VVBA8MEn1QbsjYR4uUZbAosr2Z0LDC7dMeFI8rLOLemciQNw-orvHLsu2dNBQzgzDzeNEYs8_bVYaT2w/s1600-h/149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYYvt4tlNh8_dM8Csd0BTeItNkN8N-CGetrwZOKSt6NM0ep8uKhurhgeI0hq8VVBA8MEn1QbsjYR4uUZbAosr2Z0LDC7dMeFI8rLOLemciQNw-orvHLsu2dNBQzgzDzeNEYs8_bVYaT2w/s400/149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347660094003483634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74nwhrZxWCcf2FvqIwqtSvNjtYPB-D9iHlTammkHs0ESJ50YuDIi_ipk1CXEVik3uHxvvv0pboA01hfx_bC4OMCNUSVyHM6dD0w-jlZSd_Bgq2U6ElpstNJkQYxetjqwnv6GjZQuCJQrn/s1600-h/150.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74nwhrZxWCcf2FvqIwqtSvNjtYPB-D9iHlTammkHs0ESJ50YuDIi_ipk1CXEVik3uHxvvv0pboA01hfx_bC4OMCNUSVyHM6dD0w-jlZSd_Bgq2U6ElpstNJkQYxetjqwnv6GjZQuCJQrn/s400/150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347660089906751442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX6CTlOz1mjstgDTQzOJHD2zGzXLGTmEFnhJ7u_Lqe0obO1rIriO9W5YPPxVNiwOuqYPPnVuejludV2BlX_vkQwbdJRJ7MHS5fDaSiY9fkTEvRQ4iT4PZHfjC9QuMCnRfS98QOggRYkth/s1600-h/098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNX6CTlOz1mjstgDTQzOJHD2zGzXLGTmEFnhJ7u_Lqe0obO1rIriO9W5YPPxVNiwOuqYPPnVuejludV2BlX_vkQwbdJRJ7MHS5fDaSiY9fkTEvRQ4iT4PZHfjC9QuMCnRfS98QOggRYkth/s400/098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347658777147474594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4xFHTzh5zs5aI8AC3tS71dw9bOc3GNX6dWYIP_O-dtvGvAkn39Ro79KZN3ypdz1pQjvYFKti9XtIg8BPBK4aYYsH3clJnBbu5yrHhrPb2aj4j9Gk5td_yqLb_KVNNfnSjnIexCTWIaMl/s1600-h/101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4xFHTzh5zs5aI8AC3tS71dw9bOc3GNX6dWYIP_O-dtvGvAkn39Ro79KZN3ypdz1pQjvYFKti9XtIg8BPBK4aYYsH3clJnBbu5yrHhrPb2aj4j9Gk5td_yqLb_KVNNfnSjnIexCTWIaMl/s400/101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347658774638567058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtH38wncx9sRDhAQNZP9YdZ5Yhy-t0iAxFIrTCVzZ4IOOwQFnOZsNSJTaLMrnPTAlD-RlCtME7r7KcVwl9VO8kn94sytMSAIe_kBAXff0UlEjl9vGcYAqNlxvH-ohEraac7-VjgBWWYix/s1600-h/106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtH38wncx9sRDhAQNZP9YdZ5Yhy-t0iAxFIrTCVzZ4IOOwQFnOZsNSJTaLMrnPTAlD-RlCtME7r7KcVwl9VO8kn94sytMSAIe_kBAXff0UlEjl9vGcYAqNlxvH-ohEraac7-VjgBWWYix/s400/106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347658769784380930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD_lEpCDBGjSqHJY3yFKI409GIN00olA-sS82QuKwVwgnq2oZCvlnwO8IRcsj5qFlKzuIzSBRMR8XWrs4P3WB8o9u9mMxKTv92VPNfUCHXZ6ZzbNUbsWGretZX1LmWwIaax2-9IfF44VN/s1600-h/103.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD_lEpCDBGjSqHJY3yFKI409GIN00olA-sS82QuKwVwgnq2oZCvlnwO8IRcsj5qFlKzuIzSBRMR8XWrs4P3WB8o9u9mMxKTv92VPNfUCHXZ6ZzbNUbsWGretZX1LmWwIaax2-9IfF44VN/s400/103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347658767067720418" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Where he spent most of his days :) in that lounge chair<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IdXgSeN_z4z_rLghMGYJ30k4R_TW25-vo66fKEV0nUoj53u3EwPajZOUhZm8dL9E98SamEaCmWAw156NqReo4SRehjjPM-FQOql38iyKwP1Z1JOYERP8KFArGu8ypRMFBrDOu5WQ-i8P/s1600-h/109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IdXgSeN_z4z_rLghMGYJ30k4R_TW25-vo66fKEV0nUoj53u3EwPajZOUhZm8dL9E98SamEaCmWAw156NqReo4SRehjjPM-FQOql38iyKwP1Z1JOYERP8KFArGu8ypRMFBrDOu5WQ-i8P/s400/109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347658762876290018" border="0" /></a><br />An end to what we called our "PERFECT DAY"! Dinner at sunset!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod_kSrecv6iqIt2KLZ-BTfwxhya1rGQRHP0XiUdDf7B4wvv8RjePPHw-9G_w-2JBszUoWESRNbqEU_QjtUlbEtweQQMZc5kg3e7XcawN-FkJsRpzL4Eo9yH6g5Q7sSES5quWcICrmkRDP/s1600-h/112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod_kSrecv6iqIt2KLZ-BTfwxhya1rGQRHP0XiUdDf7B4wvv8RjePPHw-9G_w-2JBszUoWESRNbqEU_QjtUlbEtweQQMZc5kg3e7XcawN-FkJsRpzL4Eo9yH6g5Q7sSES5quWcICrmkRDP/s400/112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657774933177026" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't he AMAZING? I fell deeper in love with this man on this trip! He rocks my world!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vm0t5yUeIr4vCAUq_dDw5DFJ5-1lV8GNEGX7i5xGfbV1seV-42q43ZhDqwH2nyHYTCLPlJb2nl8w-inzYNzikd-LDUaU3-R2m9WVzELY1pQAObtMxQmVwyPA-2SoqibrYeAtJwCbu3hY/s1600-h/113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vm0t5yUeIr4vCAUq_dDw5DFJ5-1lV8GNEGX7i5xGfbV1seV-42q43ZhDqwH2nyHYTCLPlJb2nl8w-inzYNzikd-LDUaU3-R2m9WVzELY1pQAObtMxQmVwyPA-2SoqibrYeAtJwCbu3hY/s400/113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657770455439282" border="0" /></a><br />Taken during one of our night strolls on the beach<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrJDosPbzuPGpgxX5E7SLRUqXI-RXB7m2qxzM05V6pFi5CZzljpnD0WiHOOapoLJJVWTox1O8Av2kZJ0ZrMWHrku-V4GnAia6aNlg5ChaovBSP3GEaeU2WkYOhpsgWINO0AWdDft2bWSf/s1600-h/119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrJDosPbzuPGpgxX5E7SLRUqXI-RXB7m2qxzM05V6pFi5CZzljpnD0WiHOOapoLJJVWTox1O8Av2kZJ0ZrMWHrku-V4GnAia6aNlg5ChaovBSP3GEaeU2WkYOhpsgWINO0AWdDft2bWSf/s400/119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657759289097650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqnhmCYQ2GAvJbOXd1TCznwhEfNt3tUQRcpmOX7wN5Rv0S8ct1wIbb_3D25iiZaAMmwywzJjleSPGjs9QaZI6688zR1KlYV6fofG3aG5tRwDQUcA_bYufp3Oz43dJMyL49C-6yoYwMWv5/s1600-h/121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqnhmCYQ2GAvJbOXd1TCznwhEfNt3tUQRcpmOX7wN5Rv0S8ct1wIbb_3D25iiZaAMmwywzJjleSPGjs9QaZI6688zR1KlYV6fofG3aG5tRwDQUcA_bYufp3Oz43dJMyL49C-6yoYwMWv5/s400/121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657755050132850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppmtzC1G0mfDVTKpxZI-F4AFvPRxU_A6IWJI01Iu2k2ovUPrhqVrzEDRdd2VeK17ePuH4EworzB_ssvqmRUt_lvhmVeuLde00_3UxeZ9kAldfBYOYoAjtC1Eh54dlqHj20xYN8WU5u8RI/s1600-h/124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppmtzC1G0mfDVTKpxZI-F4AFvPRxU_A6IWJI01Iu2k2ovUPrhqVrzEDRdd2VeK17ePuH4EworzB_ssvqmRUt_lvhmVeuLde00_3UxeZ9kAldfBYOYoAjtC1Eh54dlqHj20xYN8WU5u8RI/s400/124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657747198295234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrghqZEKa8xw2uYEZ5PeOqXasLEFeQ9-EzTYcIj7dTIklKugveK3TXlPQTup81j266V9D_S9OiCMNk57Wy-GQVVvuoNOYW7ULQ9Idwean-sL-swJAiTYPIoQaxbjoYY5PtaalfPKS1p_xe/s1600-h/123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrghqZEKa8xw2uYEZ5PeOqXasLEFeQ9-EzTYcIj7dTIklKugveK3TXlPQTup81j266V9D_S9OiCMNk57Wy-GQVVvuoNOYW7ULQ9Idwean-sL-swJAiTYPIoQaxbjoYY5PtaalfPKS1p_xe/s400/123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347656814206013842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is why they call it Sunset Beach. The pic doesn't do it justice.<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPmDcS1xWuvJmY4Via4oNQPsigPoz55A8XURt__VbmVi6MB42DrcPzGyzxNWHzOVxy9487AWVENkQffj3uwaQJ-H5WV-IHFI4r-FrXCJGFUgf47gcm-ImsEXCk1-qWrw0xgcwvm2q-exW/s1600-h/128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPmDcS1xWuvJmY4Via4oNQPsigPoz55A8XURt__VbmVi6MB42DrcPzGyzxNWHzOVxy9487AWVENkQffj3uwaQJ-H5WV-IHFI4r-FrXCJGFUgf47gcm-ImsEXCk1-qWrw0xgcwvm2q-exW/s400/128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347656812344686226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgGDZ7r-3bbz73b5ZDVI8WdA0ztgRLe3JTNvSRsTE5q8x8wL71HmCOhUeBCkpdNopuL763HT1snBiDRMC5Vd1pxJHnKN7-p6ZmzbRV7RbAU7MdIUh4l4rTEJ9s6HpsxDbWEFbaWt1nW5Q/s1600-h/129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgGDZ7r-3bbz73b5ZDVI8WdA0ztgRLe3JTNvSRsTE5q8x8wL71HmCOhUeBCkpdNopuL763HT1snBiDRMC5Vd1pxJHnKN7-p6ZmzbRV7RbAU7MdIUh4l4rTEJ9s6HpsxDbWEFbaWt1nW5Q/s400/129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347656807621449762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lik8hPejlFIlJbnYlAKq73XiluhqUA46CBwr96EBNBi-cb5DSdWi78qxJ91fVsGbaFTPeIOc12KacsgjoSoZELpdAhEy44CHQ8wZsVJzqDM1ViQ2ggOxF0RRTOaCx9QjdTPcJw3XLD6c/s1600-h/137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lik8hPejlFIlJbnYlAKq73XiluhqUA46CBwr96EBNBi-cb5DSdWi78qxJ91fVsGbaFTPeIOc12KacsgjoSoZELpdAhEy44CHQ8wZsVJzqDM1ViQ2ggOxF0RRTOaCx9QjdTPcJw3XLD6c/s400/137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347656801013294130" border="0" /></a><br />Our cabana where we spent most of our days<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyeYJ7z1Q-KgjIyO-D3ZXrHwIitj58bkfbrxq6nEewJsq103-AM5QMXAw2EhR8705CZPODPgRzcIhGv6eoODj8RPZkukbdBuOOVAYR-4n3N17kiWDMsbChyphenhyphenZyS0sqoA3mVXxwuMtpkjk1/s1600-h/138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyeYJ7z1Q-KgjIyO-D3ZXrHwIitj58bkfbrxq6nEewJsq103-AM5QMXAw2EhR8705CZPODPgRzcIhGv6eoODj8RPZkukbdBuOOVAYR-4n3N17kiWDMsbChyphenhyphenZyS0sqoA3mVXxwuMtpkjk1/s400/138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347656797441932194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlefWB5J1h_wE4OFYf9K8nBWJWFZS_j9CRIh0g8HiYz9CdwRoad6OnuagPPPMunJIP4V9R3GYZEnqrU2JFIWv_rfBLSZnKpHb6LHG96KQml5v42VHh318SyLvynybHElBJ4wUDIwxuesY/s1600-h/142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlefWB5J1h_wE4OFYf9K8nBWJWFZS_j9CRIh0g8HiYz9CdwRoad6OnuagPPPMunJIP4V9R3GYZEnqrU2JFIWv_rfBLSZnKpHb6LHG96KQml5v42VHh318SyLvynybHElBJ4wUDIwxuesY/s400/142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655885710075298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9C12NjsGyUvYlbhVS-uU4IgJbxrZdn66nE9eW4YHTLBo-G276KfNoopIy2B7eXP6S1zatCngeswnocXK4tqQ1lY31l_-j6J6DfvoiFgWHHK1K2MSvhod_JHR-kQYDIL6D3Bw4W2pZX8h/s1600-h/153.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9C12NjsGyUvYlbhVS-uU4IgJbxrZdn66nE9eW4YHTLBo-G276KfNoopIy2B7eXP6S1zatCngeswnocXK4tqQ1lY31l_-j6J6DfvoiFgWHHK1K2MSvhod_JHR-kQYDIL6D3Bw4W2pZX8h/s400/153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655877970715762" border="0" /></a><br />The last night :( but we were ready to see our kids!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQELUT7NoAxXFMH6e_lpI2A22njn_7w4Zfu6bftaiZhQ4FUFmR5cPifGRPm2UnJ7halI3ln4uNl2a2EHgI8bYK3bZgkfmObXxja1HwHPoaIAqsG6EwsQhv-zSHoLqba2BbS3EA-hworFk/s1600-h/155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQELUT7NoAxXFMH6e_lpI2A22njn_7w4Zfu6bftaiZhQ4FUFmR5cPifGRPm2UnJ7halI3ln4uNl2a2EHgI8bYK3bZgkfmObXxja1HwHPoaIAqsG6EwsQhv-zSHoLqba2BbS3EA-hworFk/s400/155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655871691319650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaDGZ5fyOLhhOHxh_j1r2A4tWBgNo9T78Q2ZkgQmOilJaYdm3pUMJB1bqFsp03wi4Wtu-XqEKKbLocQNXXu_RQ_-w-BV2IFl5hJPOL4OnOFWt0oK3RSBe3r0UgTJ9jpWDlE2_70s3YQhU/s1600-h/158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaDGZ5fyOLhhOHxh_j1r2A4tWBgNo9T78Q2ZkgQmOilJaYdm3pUMJB1bqFsp03wi4Wtu-XqEKKbLocQNXXu_RQ_-w-BV2IFl5hJPOL4OnOFWt0oK3RSBe3r0UgTJ9jpWDlE2_70s3YQhU/s400/158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655866324486658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqY0II1Nwy4H_MoofRq3BbM8scBUHYYz8h6FN7PSqfWfYPepdfbZd-I_evcBjtJLcoKO1DReH0XvfStzm0FIceBRsifqeKwi-LT3_xKSPxMOzsvv46yqn1ogROGJOMFvZtNVklCtfcpfW/s1600-h/159.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqY0II1Nwy4H_MoofRq3BbM8scBUHYYz8h6FN7PSqfWfYPepdfbZd-I_evcBjtJLcoKO1DReH0XvfStzm0FIceBRsifqeKwi-LT3_xKSPxMOzsvv46yqn1ogROGJOMFvZtNVklCtfcpfW/s400/159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347655861867857186" border="0" /></a>So there it is! Our 2nd honeymoon as we like to call it :) We came back feeling refreshed and ready for life again. I am so grateful for the opportunity! Thank you to the Smiths, Shulls, Bakers and Vandeputs for keeping my precious children. Without you, this much needed getaway would not have been possible. I love you guys more than I can say! Thank you for your sacrifice! You are AWESOME!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-5493469025577207502009-03-17T09:23:00.001-07:002009-03-17T10:44:34.450-07:00"We've got to make it through the winter....""....Or we won't get lovin in the spring"<br /><br />I just can't seem to get these show tunes out of my head. For the past 3 months I have been very busy working on the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.<br /><br />The performances were this past weekend, March 13 &14th. Let me tell you it was fun! The last time I had done a show was back in high school and that was my life back then. I have such a passion for acting so it was great to flex my acting muscles once again. To step outside of motherhood for just a bit and do something apart from mothering. Not that I don't LOVE being a mother, but sometimes being a mom, you forget about the things that made you who you are today. It was an incredible experience. I played Milly (the lead for those who don't know). I loved every minute of it! All the dancing, singing, acting and not to mention the costumes. It's just hard to compare anything else to it. The adrenaline that you get once you walk on stage, WOW!!! That's all I got to say. It was a huge cast. 14 leads, 7 townsmen, and then the extras plus the crew and directors. There was many late nights and sore mornings (cause we danced so much). But I can't complain. I at least was getting a really good work out every night :)<br /><br />And of course I could not have even thought about doing something like this if it hadn't been for the BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD! He really took up the slack. Every night I would have to be at rehearsals and he would feed the kids, bath them and put them to bed, and he did that for 3 months. He even would clean the kitchen for me. I'm telling you what, he really sacrificed a lot to let me do something that I enjoyed. I owe him a LOT! Thank you honey!!! You are incredible! I Love YOU!!!! I think he is glad to have his wife back though :)<br /><br />The girls loved watching me act. This was the first time they have ever seen me in any other role besides their mommy. Kadyn told me after the first performance, "Mommy you are really mad at daddy", it took me a minute to understand but she was referring to me acting mad at my "stage husband" in the play. I guess we were that believable. Then the second night she pointed to David Martin (He played Adam, my husband in the play) and said, "There's my father!!!" Clearly she was really confused. Ashlyn's reaction was a little interesting. The first night, she came up to me, threw her arms around my waist and through sobbing tears said, "Mommy.....You...Did...such...a...good...job...!" She was so proud of her mommy. The emotions that she felt was overwhelming that all she could do was cry. Nathan said she cried herself to sleep that night. Sweet girl. It of course made me cry too. Now Ashlyn asks me every day....."Mommy, I really want you to do the play again. PLEASE!!!!" Like we all just decided to put on a play and it's that easy to do any night of the week.<br /><br />So now that it's over, I am back to my life as a mother and wife. My actress hat is back in the closet. I am sure I will wear this hat again someday but my family needs a little break. Rehearsal schedules are grueling.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who came out to support me. I am a blessed woman.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from the play: Sorry the pictures are small. I don't know how to make them bigger :(<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxfNBwDE6GZbletzAIFL_YOylgc-86IohfggcHo-5MeDafGShafUc3Gr5Oc9p-_8ljbuBG0fGUMwP6X9rN1tlo2m8eHgaXLuAoDF-jUQ-d-DZkXZ74lKHnH_QqYJ1THp8utHi_LPw1L8l/s1600-h/7b47b4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314209901648260818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxfNBwDE6GZbletzAIFL_YOylgc-86IohfggcHo-5MeDafGShafUc3Gr5Oc9p-_8ljbuBG0fGUMwP6X9rN1tlo2m8eHgaXLuAoDF-jUQ-d-DZkXZ74lKHnH_QqYJ1THp8utHi_LPw1L8l/s320/7b47b4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YXFCv3c43cZPL3anErGC58WCv_1Gq6G5iyKPEj4073eolrOdsRk5KDTbcHICcljHyJZzOglHAKrk03wzVFYOgX-ywWNVReIHflcpXjL1jUXc1D94H9mwZHhcC2JA8dYTA831_cXIn2f7/s1600-h/7b47b8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314209894486066082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YXFCv3c43cZPL3anErGC58WCv_1Gq6G5iyKPEj4073eolrOdsRk5KDTbcHICcljHyJZzOglHAKrk03wzVFYOgX-ywWNVReIHflcpXjL1jUXc1D94H9mwZHhcC2JA8dYTA831_cXIn2f7/s320/7b47b8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl76bnblU995ktdk3PljA9nPBPVKklXi6PgywMrdm_p5M5hNYxcAQdaW5453dFJXj9Z6O77LDbUq6u2J7AxfVqiMjjhbzbI6BAGUdpRjWPopIkeqKNluvfooN81QGhP418MBRWRAInIx9/s1600-h/7b47b3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314209894094873250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl76bnblU995ktdk3PljA9nPBPVKklXi6PgywMrdm_p5M5hNYxcAQdaW5453dFJXj9Z6O77LDbUq6u2J7AxfVqiMjjhbzbI6BAGUdpRjWPopIkeqKNluvfooN81QGhP418MBRWRAInIx9/s320/7b47b3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CI2kTqKlIJoXRG0rl4F-Y3R6h6Pe2xLZvGYnlw6ZGCbJPNey6u15VYkVKb6zljlGepL_l4HDxKCcA19xZeriiVuIRGP3y_5wsOJAFx-BB0Ql0TwdGYSRlCjZF9wripilBhRnHRnMl4ZO/s1600-h/7b47b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314209896302886546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CI2kTqKlIJoXRG0rl4F-Y3R6h6Pe2xLZvGYnlw6ZGCbJPNey6u15VYkVKb6zljlGepL_l4HDxKCcA19xZeriiVuIRGP3y_5wsOJAFx-BB0Ql0TwdGYSRlCjZF9wripilBhRnHRnMl4ZO/s320/7b47b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7HdMWN_fIxAbpXEMT4836-yRUoSnON4WMUi1U0NOwcncaAO4q0QtOmCLEbVDq5wS1M-h0DM-2-mlhInXQL4Vuc18iLphjtHpiGsPglIq1LlGYKXyxkU8KGE2w4OJUc1OrV_eU-9h8Oaj/s1600-h/7b47b2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314209889841518530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7HdMWN_fIxAbpXEMT4836-yRUoSnON4WMUi1U0NOwcncaAO4q0QtOmCLEbVDq5wS1M-h0DM-2-mlhInXQL4Vuc18iLphjtHpiGsPglIq1LlGYKXyxkU8KGE2w4OJUc1OrV_eU-9h8Oaj/s320/7b47b2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRD1hck0Tw6EMJU1m-9AYCcoTLmPt5q9lgBv5V2wqlD7ycmNSE66TP_840dXaSmZbKli29-L7X_h0mMHShVp0JNi4BC-5gtmsysEIOafQEXRM7pVOQ-UFe-htPDco475tNne5nNoltUX0/s1600-h/7b47b7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314210902535798370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRD1hck0Tw6EMJU1m-9AYCcoTLmPt5q9lgBv5V2wqlD7ycmNSE66TP_840dXaSmZbKli29-L7X_h0mMHShVp0JNi4BC-5gtmsysEIOafQEXRM7pVOQ-UFe-htPDco475tNne5nNoltUX0/s400/7b47b7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9F41GXtaKCnXQA5E71GY4PnqnDX9vBNqRYx2uON0GiWqZ39B2kTLyO7wJkCV_cq7mlUaBFMn3VvBsFKF216Cyq-mgGdi3qRe0ifLz7p8Y42-xjIBtRUf8pI8qtUgjun-nWRAptgPs0Sy/s1600-h/7b47b6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314210895410573026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9F41GXtaKCnXQA5E71GY4PnqnDX9vBNqRYx2uON0GiWqZ39B2kTLyO7wJkCV_cq7mlUaBFMn3VvBsFKF216Cyq-mgGdi3qRe0ifLz7p8Y42-xjIBtRUf8pI8qtUgjun-nWRAptgPs0Sy/s400/7b47b6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu4scEtmbH7T2eSBdSeuFG00DaVdKHmVbNLhyphenhyphenLiC0zlcHngj8s0F6G-iBHb77yxKLQ0C63b8UY9aDe3cqIDdUalZTXeX2rw7K_cGF93xXOrFTYoqPAzCUwvgREJTVPQU4NkOLQg7wjZ0h/s1600-h/7b47b5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314210896449075474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu4scEtmbH7T2eSBdSeuFG00DaVdKHmVbNLhyphenhyphenLiC0zlcHngj8s0F6G-iBHb77yxKLQ0C63b8UY9aDe3cqIDdUalZTXeX2rw7K_cGF93xXOrFTYoqPAzCUwvgREJTVPQU4NkOLQg7wjZ0h/s400/7b47b5.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you want to see some videos of me performing, Here is a link to my mom's facebook page. You will see some videos of me on there. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=1001888075">http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=1001888075</a><br /></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-69803622570157883592009-02-22T08:43:00.000-08:002009-02-22T09:44:30.214-08:00Hospital bag check list: (This is for you Nikki)<a href="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/109609/42_2008/3ebbc907822eb5f2_suitcase.larger.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/109609/42_2008/3ebbc907822eb5f2_suitcase.larger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Wife:</strong> "Honey?? I think it's time!"<br /><br /><strong>Husband:</strong> "Time for what?"<br /><br /><strong>Wife:</strong> "To go to the hospital"<br /><br /><strong>Husband:</strong> "Uh...Are you sure? Oh my gosh... I mean are you sure? What do I need to do?" As he stands and scurries around like a chicken with his head cut off.<br /><br /><br /><br />This could be the conversation you WILL have or have already had when labor begins and it's time to make the trip to the hospital. I know when I was pregnant with my first and labor began, the moment I told my husband and family that it was time to go to the hospital, complete chaos began. People were running into each other, trying to figure out what to put in the car and such. They were so freaked out that everyone ran out of the house and left me standing there alone. Sounds like a movie? Yeah I know. IT REALLY HAPPENED! If I had not been prepared (as far as my bags packed and stuff) the trip to the hospital would have been a nightmare.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br />So in continuing the theme of my last blog, I thought I would write a check list for your hospital/labor bag! Here is a list of things to make sure you pack with you to the hospital:<br /><br /><br /><strong>For Me:</strong><br /><ol><li>Warm comfy socks/house shoes</li><br /><li>Nursing gown and robe (don't use p.j. pants in the hospital because...well...they will get too messy)</li><br /><li>Extra pair of clothes to come home in. (bring your smaller maternity clothes, not your "normal" clothes. Chances are they won't fit that soon after giving birth)</li><br /><li>Toiletries/make-up</li><br /><li>Nursing bra</li><br /><li>Nursing pads</li><br /><li>Camera/video camera</li><br /><li>Lap top (if you have it)</li><br /><li>Ipod and speakers</li><br /><li>Chap stick (your lips get VERY dry)</li><br /><li>Pillows (however many you need to make your hospital stay more comfortable)</li><br /><li>Blankets </li><br /><li>Movies (for down times in the hospital)</li><br /><li>Cell phone chargers</li><br /><li>Magazines/book/cards</li></ol><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><strong>For the baby:</strong><br /></p><ol><br /><li>Warm blanket (to come home with)</li><br /><li>1 cute outfit to come home in and for hospital pictures</li><br /><li>P.j's</li><br /><li>A hat</li><br /><li>Baby mittens (they tend to scratch themselves a lot)</li><br /><li>Socks</li><br /><li>Boppy pillow</li><br /><li>Car seat</li><br /><li>Nursing cape (optional)</li><br /><li>Newborn Paci (optional)</li><br /><li>Burp cloth</li><br /><li>No need for diapers and wipes, it's provided by the hospital</li></ol><br /><br /><p><strong>For the Daddy:</strong><br /></p><ol><br /><li>Extra clothes</li><br /><li>P.J.'s </li><br /><li>Pillows</li><br /><li>Blankets (A few because it's freezing in the room for "non-hormonal" people) </li><br /><li>Socks</li><br /><li>Toiletries</li><br /><li>Some snacky items</li></ol><br /><p>There it is! Hope it helps in preparing for your impending trip to the hospital. Yay!!! What an excting time!!! You're that much closer to seeing your precious baby! </p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-32477398135302523052009-02-20T13:25:00.001-08:002009-02-20T20:37:08.683-08:00New Mommy Check List:<a href="http://www.emissions-plus.com/checklist.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 193px" alt="" src="http://www.emissions-plus.com/checklist.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1845847/2/istockphoto_1845847_check_list_on_pad.jpg"></a>I am frequently asked by first time 'mommies to be', "What do I REALLY need" when registering and buying things for their new bundle of joy? And although this is just MY opinion, I thought I would share a list of things that have helped me and other new mommies in figuring out what they SHOULD, or SHOULDN'T, spend their money on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Must Haves:<br /></div><ol><li><div align="left">Crib (no brainer)<br /></div></li><li><div align="left">Sleep positioner (without the incline) <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2341851">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2341851</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Changing table (good for storing diapers and wipes as well designates a specific place for the diaper duty)</div></li><li><div align="left">Light weight bigger blankets for swaddling</div></li><li><div align="left">Swing</div></li><li><div align="left">Bouncy seat with bright colors (Babies enjoy color and will sit there longer if it's interesting)</div></li><li><div align="left">Play mat (once again...needs to be interesting)</div></li><li><div align="left">A chair and night stand for the nursery (not a must have, but it's nice for middle of the night feedings)</div></li><li><div align="left">Chicco or anything higher brand for car seats, are amazing! They are more expensive but totally worth it. They are WAY more durable. This is the one I have <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156650">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156650</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Pack 'N' Play (for road trips or over night stays-smaller the better!)</div></li><li><div align="left">Medela breast pump (If you're going to nurse)</div></li><li><div align="left">Disposable breast pads (I use Lansinoh brand)</div></li><li><div align="left">Nursing pillow <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3211979">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3211979</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Nursing cape (Here's a good brand that I use <a href="http://shop.bebeaulait.com/shop/hhnc?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand+Names">http://shop.bebeaulait.com/shop/hhnc?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand+Names</a>)</div></li><li><div align="left">Burp cloths (not too many unless you have a VERY spit-up'y baby)</div></li><li><div align="left">Diaper bag (Love this one, totally functional <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3011087">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3011087</a>) One thing to remember about buying diaper bags, they get REALLY dirty. Don't go over board in spending tons of money on one. If you're anything like me, you gotta have more than one, cause I mean...a girl's gotta have options ;)</div></li><li><div align="left">High chair (I've always used this one for all my kids <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508005">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508005</a>. I'm not into big bulky items.)</div></li><li><div align="left">A stroller (If you have the money and want to invest, buy this stroller <a href="http://www.philandteds.com/classic_index.htm">http://www.philandteds.com/classic_index.htm</a>. My sister has this stroller and it's AMAZING!!!) A must have, if you can afford it.</div></li><li><div align="left">A Bumbo seat with tray</div></li><li><div align="left">A sling <a href="http://www.hotslings.com/">http://www.hotslings.com/</a> & the ones celebrities are using <a href="http://www.mammasmilk.com/">http://www.mammasmilk.com/</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Washable bibs </div></li><li><div align="left">Thick hooded towels (this is a cute one <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3430888">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3430888</a>)</div></li><li><div align="left">Cool mist humidifier</div></li><li><div align="left">Bottles and bottle brush</div></li><li><div align="left">Sippy cups (I like the First Years Take and Toss ones) Wonderful!!!</div></li><li><div align="left">Video Monitor <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265802">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265802</a> and then this monitor when they get older/or you have multiple children in 1 room <a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4631086">http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4631086</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Baby grooming kit</div></li><li><div align="left">Bath ring</div></li><li><div align="left">Toilet seat ring <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2654418">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2654418</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Quick read thermometer (one for the ear is the best)</div></li><li><div align="left">Crib wedge <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401848">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401848</a></div></li><li><div align="left">Shopping cart cover </div></li></ol><br /><p align="left">Waste of Money:</p><ol><li><div align="left">Wipe warmer</div></li><li><div align="left">Diaper genie</div></li><li><div align="left">Clunky stroller/car seat combo (a.k.a Graco)</div></li><li><div align="left">Over sized baby bathtub </div></li><li><div align="left">Safety locks for cabinets (they're more annoying than helpful)</div></li><li><div align="left">Non-wipe material diaper bag</div></li><li><div align="left">swaddle me blankets</div></li><li><div align="left">Fancy bibs</div></li><li><div align="left">Craddle cap remover</div></li></ol><p align="left">Ok...those are just a few products that have made my life a little easier and some that have been a complete waste of money. </p></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-63915686437054301822009-02-19T07:26:00.001-08:002009-02-19T09:16:16.470-08:00I can hear the sound....<span style="color:#000000;">Have you ever wondered why some sounds can calm you and put you at total peace? Why is that God allowed us to have ears to hear? He talks about in Revelations, "his voice, like the sound of rushing waters", or "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the spirit is saying"...I know He was talking about spiritual ears but I can't help but think of our natural ears in comparison. God uses the natural things to speak of the spiritual things. </span><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000000;">So as I was sitting hear listening to the different sounds in my house this morning, I began thinking of all the sounds that make me happy and bring me peace. Here are a few I thought of:</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">-Coffee beans grinding</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Sound of birds chirping on a beautiful summer day</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- My children laughing </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Boxed fans </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Thunder and rain</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- The silence in my house at nap times</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Coffee brewing</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- The sound of intercession</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Shabbat conversations around the dinner table</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Hearing my friends having fun, laughing and talking together (on girls nights)</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- The ocean</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Hearing my baby cry for the first time after giving birth</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- Kadyn singing at the top of her lungs</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- My kids little conversations to each other when they don't know I'm listening</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">- The soft voice of the Lord</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EBCkrjUphWZagC9o70y3sFQCClzHijegkFm59DeuBB1z3vPUzi8h3cqDBsBTy_a95ZMeTx2zznDW9MteTyL0xyAHKF2fQ9CzfJpr1Mj6WFNJKHmadkXg0Ih02aoMyA8G74XT5G9ifBFz/s1600-h/Lion-10312.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304555990745050434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EBCkrjUphWZagC9o70y3sFQCClzHijegkFm59DeuBB1z3vPUzi8h3cqDBsBTy_a95ZMeTx2zznDW9MteTyL0xyAHKF2fQ9CzfJpr1Mj6WFNJKHmadkXg0Ih02aoMyA8G74XT5G9ifBFz/s320/Lion-10312.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;">I then thought of what my brother had said to me one time. He asked if I had ever heard the sound of a Lion roaring right in front of me. I said, no. He then began to describe the sound. "It was like it vibrated my whole entire body. I could feel the sound in my chest. The shear power behind it was unnerving. It scared me, I'm not going to lie." He said that at the moment, he broke down and began to cry because he was immediately reminded of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This is what it must be like to hear the sound of the Lion of Judah coming for his bride. Why did God choose to use a lion when describing himself? There are much bigger and more powerful animals to use as a comparison for the Savior of the world, the one who set the universe in motion, the One who is coming at the end of the age to establish His kingdom here on earth. But then hearing the description of the sound a lion makes, it totally came together for me. The sound demands respect. A lion can be so calm and peaceful but when it needs to, it can attack and scare away any other thing that it wants to and defeat it. I am reminded of that Misty Edwards song, "<em>I can hear the rhythm of the sound of the Lion of the</em> <em>Tribe of Judah."</em> I am so glad the Lord gave us ears to hear the awesome sounds in the natural so we'll be able to distinguish the sounds in the spiritual. I am constantly blown away at God's creation. WE are God's creation!!!! He fashioned and formed us for a specific purpose and has a reason behind everything He makes. I am in awe at His creativity.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">As you stop and think of all the sounds that make you happy and bring you peace, don't forget about the ONE who gave you those ears to hear. That there are specific reasons why He chose for YOU to be able to hear. <strong>BE STILL AND QUIET</strong>.....tune into His voice. Sounds simple I know but this is what the Lord was showing me this morning about Himself, so I decided to share :)</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Love you all</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-43831068555899843142008-12-19T09:26:00.000-08:002008-12-19T13:46:22.753-08:00Tribute to my husband!Wow!! My husband is 30 years old! Where did the time go? If feels like just yesterday when we were in high school together. Now we have been married for 8 years and have 4 beautiful children!<br /><div><div><br /><div>Nathan's birthday was on the 15th of December but we had his party on the 13th. It was such an AMAZING party, thanks to Anthony and Tracee Smith who hosted the party at their house. Everything was decorated so beautifully and the food....Oh the FOOD...was delicious! We had fajitas with all the fixins. I personally believe it was better than any restaurant we could have gone to! The goal of the party was to show Nathan how special he is. I had a little surprise up my sleeve for that...(evil grin). If anyone knows Nathan, you know that surprises are SOOO hard to keep from him. He figures anything and everything out. Well I had all his friends and family chip in to get him a Taylor guitar for his birthday. This was a big deal because you see, a few years ago Nathan had to sell his super nice Taylor guitar that he bought and paid for himself before we got married. It was a collectors edition. That guitar was his baby. And he had to sell it because we ran into MAJOR financial troubles. He felt that the only way to help provide for his family, was to sell it! Since then, I have always thought, why didn't I just refuse to let him sell it? It meant so much to him and it was a HUGE passion of his heart. I have regretted that decision ever since. </div><br /><div>Well...when I was thinking of what I could get him for his birthday, that was the first thing that popped into my head. I just knew that I would never be able to pay for it myself (because they usually cost $1000 and up), so I sent out a secret email asking his friends and family to help out. And they did!!!!!! We were able to surprise Nathan with a Taylor 210ce and an awesome case. He was surprised out of his mind! He could not believe that we all did that for HIM!!! Our goal was accomplished :)</div>Here's some picture from the party<br /><a href="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3462.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 492px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 374px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3462.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3472.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 406px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3472.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3466.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 407px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 324px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3466.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3470.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 497px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 404px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3470.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3463.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 496px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 391px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh12/yesitsnormal/IMG_3463.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nathan never thought in a million years that he would have another Taylor again, and while his new guitar is not quite as nice as his old one, the sound on it is AMAZING!!!! One sign that I knew he was thrilled, is when he got up the next morning, he immediately grabbed it and started playing it. It brought a tear to my eye, to say the least.<br /><br /><div>So THANK YOU AGAIN all you who made this dream come true! You have no idea what this meant to Nathan and I. Love you guys!</div><br /><div>Nathan is the most AMAZING individual that I have EVER come in contact with. He loves the Lord with his whole heart and pushes me to grow in Him more. I love this man!!!!!! When I tell people of how great of a husband, father and friend he is, I often wonder if people really understand that I'm not lying! He is the same man at home in private that he is around hundreds of people. His character and integrity amaze me! Nathan is the BEST husband in the world, and I mean that! He is constantly serving me and the kids. I honestly think there is not one selfish bone in his body! On our wedding day, instead of taking communion, we washed each other's feet, which was symbolic of servant hood. This foundational principle we built our marriage around. To Serve one another daily and put each other's needs before our own. Nathan exemplifies this to the millionth degree! How did I get such an AMAZING husband???? I know what you're thinking, you're making him sound perfect. Well...he pretty much is. There is not a whole lot of bad things that anyone, not even his wife, can say bad about the guy! I think that speaks volumes! </div><br /><div>So here's to you Honey!!!! I love you more than words can say! You inspire me everyday to be a better wife, mother, and lover of Yeshua! </div><br /><div>HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!! I pray that this next chapter of your life, you will see the favor of God poured out even more. That you will walk in an even greater anointing than you ever thought possible! I love you!</div></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-67233273562877429032008-11-26T15:10:00.000-08:002008-11-26T15:52:09.705-08:00Ashlyn's first school Field Trip and first sleep over!Ashlyn had her first school field trip to the zoo last Friday! And although it was tiring, we had lots of fun! Oh and we HAD to go on the one of the coldest days of the year. It was freaking freezing! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-13YufSxQIDsFb0T-mOpoFu5KNlmsLTpg_8RKLvTQzyjePbShudIoUj4ta9UNmTKN1AbOfpiIEzOqPzhcA37sYpCMBn1KaxBFSQmuJASyIgfOl0ngUfqRB3VQsyeJwLrz_EQWCmeK_bJ0/s1600-h/IMG_0169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-13YufSxQIDsFb0T-mOpoFu5KNlmsLTpg_8RKLvTQzyjePbShudIoUj4ta9UNmTKN1AbOfpiIEzOqPzhcA37sYpCMBn1KaxBFSQmuJASyIgfOl0ngUfqRB3VQsyeJwLrz_EQWCmeK_bJ0/s320/IMG_0169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273109196357137858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUUhw5DQ3UW4LWRHfY96Ca4pagfp5VptkccMfT7aReFmiaBlNQJHiyl0d3AIxHj9f08arEjsbqhIVY8i8JYEzE-Dig3JtpMNVOa2DRMfFqky1FeTvJV6lMLTMx4WYKgS1g0tk9WMUssTm/s1600-h/IMG_0170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUUhw5DQ3UW4LWRHfY96Ca4pagfp5VptkccMfT7aReFmiaBlNQJHiyl0d3AIxHj9f08arEjsbqhIVY8i8JYEzE-Dig3JtpMNVOa2DRMfFqky1FeTvJV6lMLTMx4WYKgS1g0tk9WMUssTm/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273109215164213634" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Ashlyn's good friends from her class</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rG83iXhL7j6hrn5y2ODTewb_KdUuMjOKKRtfWgCIidChfK7NK0JZVvAowvbF7jo85REcsbnmpQZeODvN46VAgl0ESKJbT0x7OJDoy9rGldPBXGqflSMvhad0PGi_fEpEADHTgHIwpBA2/s1600-h/IMG_0174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rG83iXhL7j6hrn5y2ODTewb_KdUuMjOKKRtfWgCIidChfK7NK0JZVvAowvbF7jo85REcsbnmpQZeODvN46VAgl0ESKJbT0x7OJDoy9rGldPBXGqflSMvhad0PGi_fEpEADHTgHIwpBA2/s320/IMG_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273109221068808450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Her whole class</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO1A6Ltn_xQ1s383uj6ki_7VqbmeH2MTmD8obvVZgSl-Se7v82pAClV2t6miMh2x9O3X58npVgcBJQ0DyBlFk-ruP_mRBeM_rO5qCjcBrWlgCVn_SJ29vxBshuRuGrvxObuzP7Zc8Ypnh/s1600-h/IMG_0179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEO1A6Ltn_xQ1s383uj6ki_7VqbmeH2MTmD8obvVZgSl-Se7v82pAClV2t6miMh2x9O3X58npVgcBJQ0DyBlFk-ruP_mRBeM_rO5qCjcBrWlgCVn_SJ29vxBshuRuGrvxObuzP7Zc8Ypnh/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273109224085285810" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmyVexHWst7VatNWX6R3rBaa4T3GLMcE3BQ8mRvGdy4Y2I3coSfTyMAuR7uRISf6N_n-mqGyOFBuximgwLNsa-xFgyRFghpwFBVNKfS-tJ2dCSEoZvvdA7KIH6Kj1bWaXmj7FxvtTZWen/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmyVexHWst7VatNWX6R3rBaa4T3GLMcE3BQ8mRvGdy4Y2I3coSfTyMAuR7uRISf6N_n-mqGyOFBuximgwLNsa-xFgyRFghpwFBVNKfS-tJ2dCSEoZvvdA7KIH6Kj1bWaXmj7FxvtTZWen/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273111196080928178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gFg25hNcuXsaEyUHaJeB9N5pGwcvwFIiHxQJ7YMEFNV-eF1kWVvhJToC8gNd-lsXMYh4id-rR2PaaAQP6V8YNlGuQAjevowDOnAEDwgWD-S_KthWjusUEP5k566PZzVIfxJ6vmzP1kSh/s1600-h/IMG_0183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gFg25hNcuXsaEyUHaJeB9N5pGwcvwFIiHxQJ7YMEFNV-eF1kWVvhJToC8gNd-lsXMYh4id-rR2PaaAQP6V8YNlGuQAjevowDOnAEDwgWD-S_KthWjusUEP5k566PZzVIfxJ6vmzP1kSh/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273111201904811426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzSdNXu2leiP1hr1GM0mHcD0aWlCRFNXo2_RNQiGj2xZz_8MGyfgYRd2q1cVXv-oVGRxFuR1qytu8ON5EPkelYIQyW7stJPp-JtevhGH1B-pZN2EFMIDjDT6CeseWbOTO9-Z_PAFo8bd1/s1600-h/IMG_0194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzSdNXu2leiP1hr1GM0mHcD0aWlCRFNXo2_RNQiGj2xZz_8MGyfgYRd2q1cVXv-oVGRxFuR1qytu8ON5EPkelYIQyW7stJPp-JtevhGH1B-pZN2EFMIDjDT6CeseWbOTO9-Z_PAFo8bd1/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273111206823260322" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlhLZomOldp2diDYQupX4nE-MhuBVmK0BNTRXwM9ZfVnRTYE1yLUtvEsPmxYbVIxD0AHuiR96XO-6eV6P8sa-rdhtI_5Ouw28nVzcofeuaCjtfbeqD9bbITWUDoAO8JcFSj6Z_yfGF74S/s1600-h/IMG_0187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlhLZomOldp2diDYQupX4nE-MhuBVmK0BNTRXwM9ZfVnRTYE1yLUtvEsPmxYbVIxD0AHuiR96XO-6eV6P8sa-rdhtI_5Ouw28nVzcofeuaCjtfbeqD9bbITWUDoAO8JcFSj6Z_yfGF74S/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273111220273526690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This girl totally fell asleep on me in the bus on the way home. Awkward!!!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then we came home and immediately got ready for Ashlyn's sleep over. She had about 3 friends (which was all I could handle for my first sleep over). All the girls had a blast! I will definitely do this again. And while it was exhausting, I had a lot of fun! The girls made their own pizzas. We set up a huge tent in the basement where they watched movies, ate lots of junk food and slept (very little). We even did make-over's on the girls! Fun had by all.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YOJ7fEXJevSSVmzh6mDh-xynvypPRu4LTuMrxXbCNuBqJU46uLr3JQ5PIUbtW_Djh5o-KK_r8nljzWN4j4wjCwrmtaZTvQ6c5H84ytvMfTrLE2ahxq4VlA0ZtRudGFv6McJChe1qE76a/s1600-h/IMG_0200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YOJ7fEXJevSSVmzh6mDh-xynvypPRu4LTuMrxXbCNuBqJU46uLr3JQ5PIUbtW_Djh5o-KK_r8nljzWN4j4wjCwrmtaZTvQ6c5H84ytvMfTrLE2ahxq4VlA0ZtRudGFv6McJChe1qE76a/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273113713131448562" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ4L1AyXQOG_Iayo8_5FsjhMH4nQrwm2dyfd18MLIogeczKJBXA8Cf9f7BbRn6k5TxKBIaNPpyUMFp0vd4uzbgUiM-1vSBRAK6dZUaQy8F6aVxmk05dpEiX1aj5_9_lHcXk6SbUANHWlw/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ4L1AyXQOG_Iayo8_5FsjhMH4nQrwm2dyfd18MLIogeczKJBXA8Cf9f7BbRn6k5TxKBIaNPpyUMFp0vd4uzbgUiM-1vSBRAK6dZUaQy8F6aVxmk05dpEiX1aj5_9_lHcXk6SbUANHWlw/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273113714987441314" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU9QOShmEDiB7SSXRMPdOglIteR9HWvH6d9TR2Ukm33fBDvD6Xn1emF1Q5Yn8iTD6zpjW84F5wTXa9SUPdTIh0EltJhW3mWcqWedO3q7ow6CCdsqTXhlrg0gk6pTqC1lftqLHNz4K3DC9/s1600-h/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU9QOShmEDiB7SSXRMPdOglIteR9HWvH6d9TR2Ukm33fBDvD6Xn1emF1Q5Yn8iTD6zpjW84F5wTXa9SUPdTIh0EltJhW3mWcqWedO3q7ow6CCdsqTXhlrg0gk6pTqC1lftqLHNz4K3DC9/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273113726407845522" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fDQbx7ZxlbHH1HUHnIV4tRep1l0D1ZQbZn5uPltTF9ivml82gdGzdbDepRFfkATM34IJCdMehmV7ngu3DSnTcN1vIJyQtED-Skxe8J7y8wbtCoytoQ7TsAd2vv1jxvlirsWzxagreKe8/s1600-h/IMG_0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fDQbx7ZxlbHH1HUHnIV4tRep1l0D1ZQbZn5uPltTF9ivml82gdGzdbDepRFfkATM34IJCdMehmV7ngu3DSnTcN1vIJyQtED-Skxe8J7y8wbtCoytoQ7TsAd2vv1jxvlirsWzxagreKe8/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273113730350680194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnYxr1VmXx2FCTrJeCB_x1A47pfzVQd9ms-yMbDH0CLZ_bJGQ6GmzgBraNxnomAYJdDT0835tQoE5VHEDOr_ObS0_zd_CGhOsJnV4Z9AnKshmazBk33UmVGxs_w5g46SPWlq9tA_6_xKm/s1600-h/IMG_0206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnYxr1VmXx2FCTrJeCB_x1A47pfzVQd9ms-yMbDH0CLZ_bJGQ6GmzgBraNxnomAYJdDT0835tQoE5VHEDOr_ObS0_zd_CGhOsJnV4Z9AnKshmazBk33UmVGxs_w5g46SPWlq9tA_6_xKm/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273114758428667426" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdZmUxxznh8r7GTlOttzyPiBYkLzXik2XtulTU8qTIeAl63BdSGQKMPQwEy0rHFjOdjvwAUXZRq1sntExgCTJaI0IWyhyphenhyphenrhd5xnMAisao02eaWdv_RnKMm0Tq9X9PpGXt9f7NQTr4NY6H/s1600-h/IMG_0208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdZmUxxznh8r7GTlOttzyPiBYkLzXik2XtulTU8qTIeAl63BdSGQKMPQwEy0rHFjOdjvwAUXZRq1sntExgCTJaI0IWyhyphenhyphenrhd5xnMAisao02eaWdv_RnKMm0Tq9X9PpGXt9f7NQTr4NY6H/s320/IMG_0208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273114766475509554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rndKjs-jePynqqj3OOq1v1fizduOnWSST3-5iRF7R0dJGsEIRl5Fj3LjobKix504lcUG9WVpXfyHAwlQJTWmOlJ37uC9flPLl3bMZXaZY61vD7RanDELelXPzMoee17KIl_CqtaJfO6Z/s1600-h/IMG_0209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rndKjs-jePynqqj3OOq1v1fizduOnWSST3-5iRF7R0dJGsEIRl5Fj3LjobKix504lcUG9WVpXfyHAwlQJTWmOlJ37uC9flPLl3bMZXaZY61vD7RanDELelXPzMoee17KIl_CqtaJfO6Z/s320/IMG_0209.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273114766928688930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After the make-over's (Don't they look beautiful..LOL)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcQthNjwlrPftf9H2dtqXEh3xk_kiBxkN8LxcDY9l1U3pznybxLmG2zUvvR0l8PdVE8SE1ckXGmWc8n_CKRSDR0dvoKJb4t-WhiF7fu7i6ZJFXNoaPVQse0lOzX37F1_QwVAN_F4OLES_/s1600-h/IMG_0210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcQthNjwlrPftf9H2dtqXEh3xk_kiBxkN8LxcDY9l1U3pznybxLmG2zUvvR0l8PdVE8SE1ckXGmWc8n_CKRSDR0dvoKJb4t-WhiF7fu7i6ZJFXNoaPVQse0lOzX37F1_QwVAN_F4OLES_/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273114772965289474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Rachel and Melody were so sweet to come over and help give the girls make-over's. Thanks girls! You're the BEST!!!!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Pdg9fESoSlvFSoGX8Q1cXD9PyCEpVb80GCwK4wD2qEKuXBukuN46zsGbHqtXJtsaileoCPMDeDmT6e4IO9qbZkR32zqkFp3GzKCJKskyxuRNky3iFFxO-TcNeVBHzvk9tMFNWqJwhsx_/s1600-h/IMG_0213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Pdg9fESoSlvFSoGX8Q1cXD9PyCEpVb80GCwK4wD2qEKuXBukuN46zsGbHqtXJtsaileoCPMDeDmT6e4IO9qbZkR32zqkFp3GzKCJKskyxuRNky3iFFxO-TcNeVBHzvk9tMFNWqJwhsx_/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273117128720844306" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-40292146307531598722008-11-06T19:06:00.000-08:002008-11-26T15:09:40.878-08:00Better late than never.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I wrote this a long time ago and haven't had the time to post until today. It's late but hey...at least I did it :)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is Ashlyn Rose's birthday (November 7th)! She is 6 years old now. I can't believe it. </div><br /><br /><div>The time really does fly by so fast! Wasn't it just yesterday that I held her in my arms for the first time. I was completely in awe of her. And after 1 hour and 45 min pushing, I finally got to meet the little girl that had been growing all those months inside me. What a dream.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3jjCSS9pvkk15B6llb-5allK_yzxlNPeAaGU1tXuFj8RhxLlir11irA1xJWe10gOt_GZuLZ55ED5_ubL1Y5pkLmeIInHX0mRWkOo9dZ5BKPaY1lw7wDql6LClGkxXxw2vEYslVR63NZC/s1600-h/Family+197.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3jjCSS9pvkk15B6llb-5allK_yzxlNPeAaGU1tXuFj8RhxLlir11irA1xJWe10gOt_GZuLZ55ED5_ubL1Y5pkLmeIInHX0mRWkOo9dZ5BKPaY1lw7wDql6LClGkxXxw2vEYslVR63NZC/s320/Family+197.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273091139031850706" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>I went into labor on a Wednesday night November 6th. Nathan was at youth and I stayed home to do some cleaning in preparation for little Ashlyn's arrival. I remember I was bent over cleaning the tub when all of the sudden I had this really hard contraction. I waited till it was over then resumed cleaning and scrubing the tub. Then I had another one... and another. I thought to myself, " I better lay down and take it easy. Maybe I just pulled a muscle or something." Ha! The contractions didn't go away. </div><br /><div>At this point the contractions were just 15 min apart. Well I was by myself and didn't really want to drive anywhere alone, so I picked up the phone to see if my sister could come pick me up and take me to my parents house while I waited for Nathan to be done with youth meeting. The call went something like this:</div><br /><br /><div>(phone ringing)</div><br /><div>Des: Are you in Labor?</div><br /><div>Court: Hello to you too? And I don't know. I think so.</div><br /><div>Des: (In a screaming voice) Oh MY GOSH, Oh my GOSH!!! I can't believe it!</div><br /><div>Court: Des calm down I just need you to come pick me up and take me to mom's house.</div><br /><div>Des: Ok, Ok awesome! I'll be there in 5 mins. </div><br /><div>And she just hangs up on me. </div><br /><div>Des gets there and all but pushes me out the door. I swear the energy on that girl was irritating. We got in the car and all she kept asking me was, "Are you having a contraction? Are you having another one?" as she drives like a mainiac. She was so excited that I was going to have a baby.</div><br /><div>I get to my mom's house and go sit in the living room. My parents were trying to play it cool and just time the contractions but I knew the suspense was killing them too. Finally they reached 3-5 min. apart. I said, "We need to go to the hospital." and when i said that, the chaos began. People jumped up and started running into one another, all talking really fast and not knowing what they were to do. They soon began to file out of the house, but who did they forget, Yes!!! The pregnant lady in LABOR. I seriously was scene out of Father of the Bride 2. </div><br /><div>When I arrived at the hospital, I was dilated to a 4 and 100% effaced. I got checked in around 12:45am, they broke my water, I got my epideral (Woo Hoo) and settled in for the long haul of labor. Which really wasn't a long haul at all because around 3:30am just as I was about to dose off, I felt this wierd sensation down in the lower regions. I woke Nathan up and told him but about that time the nurse walked in too. When she checked me, I was fully dilated and ready to push. What a shocker! Only 7 hours of a labor for my first child I thought was pretty good. But the pushing was the not so fun part. I guess because my epideral was working so good (Thank you Jesus for that), I couldn't really feel when or where I needed to push. Which in turn made me have a 1 hour and 45 min. pushing session to get this baby girl out of me.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXuflosycRjooWdQRyv9WJCUft-HWqCufKSP7vmZTDGg8Zkh2ZjZqm12dlWav2A2BSZfLjyQ1PRqjzembWZe2lUTUqy_NzGoT0D_W6LNc0YGFoqisOmxhyxbsnak67Ta2lgG9H_Z5joDm/s1600-h/Family+311.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXuflosycRjooWdQRyv9WJCUft-HWqCufKSP7vmZTDGg8Zkh2ZjZqm12dlWav2A2BSZfLjyQ1PRqjzembWZe2lUTUqy_NzGoT0D_W6LNc0YGFoqisOmxhyxbsnak67Ta2lgG9H_Z5joDm/s320/Family+311.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273091133809486898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXvdBHC5AhyD5IezQ2TmqW17e0bWK9Uf5Lco9olAM9ddOUABekvwIKTFIEjTEkgUF3TbVh_iEDefQRSOq14gR4HpxKfkhIm6BHtVDY7ACvvCzSaniUHsnYmfbeUivRiT53ed_MSs37mHh/s1600-h/Family+313.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXvdBHC5AhyD5IezQ2TmqW17e0bWK9Uf5Lco9olAM9ddOUABekvwIKTFIEjTEkgUF3TbVh_iEDefQRSOq14gR4HpxKfkhIm6BHtVDY7ACvvCzSaniUHsnYmfbeUivRiT53ed_MSs37mHh/s320/Family+313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273095705701282482" /></a><br /><div>There she was....gorgeous in every way. She looked like a porclain doll. Perfect round head, rosie cheeks, and beautiful full lips. She was my daughter...MY daughter! The feelings are indescribable. When i held her for the first time, all the cares of the world just melted away. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW2BFXQQOuNdUA4qM9NOazyP73ym2fCMerH5fNPJmECBbrJmt7OXdpGjz7Hw76-iVJKgHB6fmZZMFfnjCVKUohkogB4C1YxRDsQ1xBGjmoQjkKiOiJ3-w5Yg9_f9ZTGStZ__R5XCoTd6/s1600-h/Family+342.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW2BFXQQOuNdUA4qM9NOazyP73ym2fCMerH5fNPJmECBbrJmt7OXdpGjz7Hw76-iVJKgHB6fmZZMFfnjCVKUohkogB4C1YxRDsQ1xBGjmoQjkKiOiJ3-w5Yg9_f9ZTGStZ__R5XCoTd6/s320/Family+342.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273091127123083666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w5HvNvWP75NXZS6qlt-nXu0sH20lQ9bH7yC-UaFMAIVzD8orsZjVytMuj5RIjvNZou2ngyWoDDxV2jJwJNM5Z3T9Q_eYmw0KO3iv48Mr9DBdsSXnZe99g3s5EqjAKBeFlCdC_R95ptMA/s1600-h/Family+355.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yXWIjelh9H7x7asxWLwWozt27531_xqeHbUO_HD8EM0jcy-vhiUSZ9Q9HZ2CsMeaXZ4b8hE7WDgVisQ8lQ71Wp30nSK4DZOwNPpN4Bcre9Ch8sS1WodEX6xgviOw2cfD8xPm5zLLq1V0/s320/HPIM0320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273101750603927554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-KbIx6Voy0o_vKwQzGY6n_sCTEriUeDJJDhFEo2xYYFc-gk59sgDVa7FhdX6yqPcS_AUWzvoyBwDGauOxblNNEnwKdAjL9YSKZJBOdykY52Yj9MwzK1GnP1hg3o3JnH2-dMy6Vs-7ICH/s1600-h/f157e61a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-KbIx6Voy0o_vKwQzGY6n_sCTEriUeDJJDhFEo2xYYFc-gk59sgDVa7FhdX6yqPcS_AUWzvoyBwDGauOxblNNEnwKdAjL9YSKZJBOdykY52Yj9MwzK1GnP1hg3o3JnH2-dMy6Vs-7ICH/s320/f157e61a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273101755791560050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNj93nZ8g711R4-87n4xSvk9hzzS17empe8Ck7eukFX2DoEq0ATbcWulEoHHbs9Fiqb-qWRt5vmdTQ16m9PH45jdJn47r5T4P4Dycqb8h-vaQA2allMD29zfEA7U3OSfu8bI6DHVxmlrd/s1600-h/44fa3e85.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNj93nZ8g711R4-87n4xSvk9hzzS17empe8Ck7eukFX2DoEq0ATbcWulEoHHbs9Fiqb-qWRt5vmdTQ16m9PH45jdJn47r5T4P4Dycqb8h-vaQA2allMD29zfEA7U3OSfu8bI6DHVxmlrd/s320/44fa3e85.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273101748079047618" /></a><br /><div>So my baby girl is 6 today. And although some things have changed like, no more colic, no more reflux, she is still the same beautiful, perfect girl. Ashlyn is so smart and intelligent. She loves people, life and Jesus. Her favorite things to do are (1.) Read, read, read (2.) Go to church so she can dance and Sing (3.) play with her siblings and friends (4.) watch movies (5.) Try to act like she is 12. Right berfore her 6th birthday, I was able to pray with Ashlyn to receive Jesus in her heart. That is a memory that will stay with me forever. I cry just thinking about it. She really understood what it meant and there was such a sweet presence of the Lord that was there as we prayed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ashlyn is AMAZING!!!! I am so grateful to God for blessing me with her. She has an Awesome Destiny on her life, of which she is already walking into at this very young age. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday Sweetie! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9VfUyi1-xkfoy8NxTspj0KxIzciQgtJK4gwVpAYVBGXyoRK4cw1_UguXpoJmszqB5rzqJUHSDMM1Rg-3miuGbfcRg8kfXL-_D8k-hOdkVfAbk13P_F_qdr0dwJbkU5ZVWf2M0257mhS-/s1600-h/IMG_3017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9VfUyi1-xkfoy8NxTspj0KxIzciQgtJK4gwVpAYVBGXyoRK4cw1_UguXpoJmszqB5rzqJUHSDMM1Rg-3miuGbfcRg8kfXL-_D8k-hOdkVfAbk13P_F_qdr0dwJbkU5ZVWf2M0257mhS-/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273101758294102834" /></a><div> </div><br /><div> </div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-85250412229793896452008-11-04T08:05:00.000-08:002008-11-06T19:01:19.727-08:00Have I been home a week already?<span style="color:#000000;">Yep, I guess so!!!! After 9 short days in Belgium, I am back to the harsh reality of life here in Texas. And although I really wanted to be with my kids, I honestly was not ready to come home. I LOVED Belgium!!! It was freezing and even snowed while we were there, but I loved it still. It felt like home. It could have something to do with the fact that I knew so many people over there and that Jon's family is the most hospitable family in the world. Words can not even come close to describing my experience in Belgium. God did some powerful things. I am still processing everything that took place there, so I think I will wait to write a detailed blog on the spiritual aspect of our trip till later.<br /><br />We didn't have Internet access very much on our trip so I didn't get to write blogs while we were there. However, the first night we arrived in Belgium, I wrote a blog about my "so far" experience and was hoping I could post it but didn't get to. So here it is:<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Belgium Day #1 </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Wow!!! I can’t believe that we are actually here! It’s completely what I thought it would be. Beautiful. Cold. Rainy. Quaint. Historical. Totally Amazing! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">We arrived at 10:30am on Friday October 24th (my birthday!!!) Our flight was long and tiring but ultimately, uneventful. Which is good! We had a non-stop flight from DFW to Amsterdam. From there we had about an hour and a half lay over, then it was a 25 min flight to Brussels, Belgium. When we arrived I thought Jon was about to come out of his skin he was so excited! He just kept saying, “I get to see my brothers and mom and dad” with a big smile on his face. He practically ran off the airplane. It was so cute! However, when we came out of the gate, no one was there to meet us. We looked and looked, but no one. Finally after about 20 min of waiting, we find out that Jon’s mom told Tim (Jon’s little brother) to pick us up at 8:00am instead of 11:00. He had been waiting in the car, sleeping, the whole time. Poor Tim L Once our luggage was loaded in the van it was off to Christophe’s house for some lunch and R&R. Even though I have never been to Belgium before, it was comforting to know familiar faces. I know almost all of Jon’s family so it felt like a reunion of sorts for us. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Chris lives in a beautiful home. Ramonda fixed us a WONDERFUL lunch, rice, chicken and broccoli mixture and fruit salad. It felt so nice to have a warm home cooked meal to start the trip off right. Then the sweetest thing, Jon went out and bought me a little birthday cake. It was precious and I adored it. I can’t believe he was so thoughtful! It made my birthday special because he actually thought ahead about something. Destiny you would have been proud (you probably told him to do that ) Lol!!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">After Liz and I did the dishes for Ramonda, we loaded up in the van for our long journey to the middle of no where. This is where the youth conference (can’t pronounce the name so I wont even try) will be held. It’s in this huge prison like place. Seriously I feel like we should be in an episode of Prison Break. It’s sorta creepy but not, at the same time. Currently I am typing this as I sit in this rickety bed wearing about 2 layers of clothes to sleep in because it’s so cold that I can almost see my breath. Oh Lord help me! The drive was humorous! Jon drove us in this OLD van that didn’t have power steering and was a standard to top it all off. Jon drove like a maniac but he did better than I would have done for sure. All of us were jet lagging BAD too! We all kept head bobbing on and off the whole time. We all caught each other, more than once, with our mouths open, head back and totally asleep. It cracked me up. Liz and I got to laughing so hard about something but we wont say what that was (wink, wink Liz). Once we got there we had to wait for everyone else to get there before we knew where to take our luggage and such. By this time it was about 6pm and we were starving. For dinner, we walked to get some French Fries, of course, then came back to make preparations for the youth conference. There will be about 350 youth attending this conference. It should be awesome! I actually have no idea what to expect but I’m sure it will be great! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">After taking a Hot shower (thank you Jesus), it’s off to bed for another day of Belgium! Woo Hoo! I miss my sister, kids, family and friends though. I hope they are doing ok. Well I better get some sleep. Love to all.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#993399;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">I'll post an extensive picture blog later! </span></p><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-20321505121774221662008-10-10T13:52:00.001-07:002008-10-10T16:15:20.238-07:00The State Fair of Texas!!!!!I love the State fair! It brings joy to my life, for real! I know some people hate it and think it's boring. NOPE, NOT ME!!! I enjoy every minute of it! My husband loves it too, thank God or we would be in trouble :)<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, we decided, would be a perfect day to go to the fair. On Thursdays if you bring a Cinemark movie stub you get in for free. We like "free" considering we have so many kids. Things get mighty expensive for a family of 6. The day started off at 5:45am for me. I have been working with Brad Shull doing a Daycare photo shoot all week. He has been needing to pick me up by 7am every morning to get there by 8am to start. Now those of you who know me, know that I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> an early morning person. I just don't do mornings but I managed to get up and and be some what awake by the time I got to the photo shoot :) Go me!!!! I'll write about my work week in another blog later.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got home around 1:00pm and started getting everyone ready for the fair. We had to meet my parents, Austin and Hannah and Preston at my parents house at 2pm. But before that we had to get Ashlyn out of school early cause we were not going to have a wonderful day without her, school or no school! </div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we parked and got inside, it was about 3:30pm. They smell of all that fried food made me hungry immediately! On a side note: why is it that fairs believe that everything is better fried? They had fried, green beans, fried cheese cake, fried peanut butter and jelly, fried lattes, fried pickles, fried cookie dough, and list goes on. While I do believe that a lot of things are better fried, NOT EVERYTHING IS GOOD FRIED! Fried peanut butter and jelly?? Are you serious???</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids had a blast! There is nothing like seeing their little faces light up when they see something they have never seen before. I'm sure every parents mission is to show their kids new and exciting things. Mine is for sure. I now fully understand when people refer to parents as "living vicariously through their children". I can get a little obsessed with making them do things that I loved to do as a child. I hope I'm not scaring them :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The day was filled with lots of eating, playing, eating, walking, eating, watching shows, and did I mention EATING???? We have a few traditions at the fair. We always have to let the kids participate in the Backyard Circus, walk through the farm, visit the ginormous petting zoo and eat at the food pavilion. Here are some pictures of the day! The whole group!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Judah Boy<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3012.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kadyn Promise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Maddy Paige<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Ashlyn Rose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3017.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3016.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Mom and Dad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3019.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Preston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3020.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Austin and Hannah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3021.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3022.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The Petting Zoo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3023.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I can't believe they weren't scared!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3024.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3025.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3027.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The girls participated in a "Pee Wee Stampede" They were so cute :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3028.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3029.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3030.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3032.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3033.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3035.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3037.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Judah had fun watching his sisters perform..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3031.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Backyard Circus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3040.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>They were butterfly ballerina's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3041.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>My little Farmers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3044.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3047.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3048.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3049.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3050.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Taking a rest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3051.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3052.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The Texas state Fair has really upgraded on their parade quality! It was actually good this year. The girls LOVED it...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3053.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kadyn couldn't see so I had to put her on my shoulders.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3055.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The last thing of the day was the Illumination Sensation show! Gigi and Ashlyn enjoying the show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3060.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Nathan and Preston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3061.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Judah loved the show too<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3057.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kadyn wasn't sure about the fireworks, so Poppy had to hold her.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3062.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3064.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Everytime the fireworks would shoot off, Kadyn would put her head on Popp's shoulder and suck her thumb. She was nervous.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3066.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Ashlyn wanted me to take this picture. This is how she wanted to pose. My little want to be model..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3065.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3065.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div><div>By the end of the day, I was exhausted and so were the kids but it was a fabulous day. Another State Fair in the books! </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_3067.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-12993697277689396282008-10-10T13:25:00.000-07:002008-10-10T13:51:22.486-07:00Date night!<div>Last Saturday, Nathan and I went out with some friends, Anthony and Tracee Smith, for a double date! It was AWESOME!!!! We totally needed this night. Things have been so crazy lately and we haven't really gotten to just unwind and relax. This night was designed especially for that. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anthony and Tracee had rented a limo for their daughters 16th birthday. The limo was going to take her and her friends to dinner, then just wait for them to get done. Well...Anthony said let's not waste precious limo time (since you had to rent it for a 4 hour min.) and have it pick us up for dinner too. How fun is that right??? So Nathan and I dropped off our kids and my mom's house, then went home to wait for "our limo" (said in a British accent) to pick us up. </div><div>Here we are waiting for the limo...Don't we look cute?!?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_2978.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; " src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_2978.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_2979.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/IMG_2979.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The limo arrived and off we went "in style" to our restaurant! It sort of felt like we were celebrity status! Oh yeah :-) They took us to Cacharel in Arlington. We had never been there before and let me tell you, IT WAS AWESOME!!! I never knew that such a fancy restaurant existed in Arlington! It's a French restaurant with such elegance. I ordered the Caesar salad, Duck, and chocolate soufflé for dessert. Wow..Amazing!!!! We just love hanging out with Anthony and Tracee! It's nice to be with people that you can be "real" with. We never run out of things to talk about either. They are such a sweet and Godly couple! Thanks guys! We love you :)<br /><br />So that's our date night!!! It's not everyday a limo picks you up to take you to dinner. I could definitely get used to that!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-47694325253825206662008-10-06T14:03:00.000-07:002008-10-06T20:55:18.347-07:00Oh sweet Victory!!!I think I finally accomplished what I thought was the impossible!!!<br /><br /><strong>JUDAH IS TAKING FORMULA BOTTLES!!!!!</strong><br /><br />I honestly didn't think it was going to happen but after 24 hours of non-stop trying, he gave in to the bottle drinking! The bottle that finally did it for him is called, "First Years, Breastflow Bottle" <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2815318">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2815318</a><br /><br />It simulates the breast perfectly, which kind of tricks him into thinking it's the "real thing" :)<br /><br />I tried a new formula too, "Carnation Good Start". I heard it tastes most like breast milk, although I still thinks it smells like dirt. Poor baby. no wonder he didn't want to drink it! But at least he got over it! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now when I leave for Belgium, I don't have to worry about him not eating.<br /><br />This is how I did it. I put breast milk in a bottle and gave it to him. He at first started screaming thinking it was going to be "the dirt" formula but then some milk went into his mouth and he immediately started gulping it down. Well because he was so hungry, he ate it really fast and wanted some more. I then put some formula in the bottle and offered it to him again. He cried and refused for a second but then conceded to the taste. Thus I had the VICTORY!!! He tried refusing a few times after that but would always give in. So far so good :)<br /><br />I have to be honest and say, it's kind of hard for me to think that I will not be nursing him any more. I have never nursed a baby this long and for some, this isn't long at all (I guess I'm just not the long nursing type, don't judge me). He is 81/2 months old already! The longest I nursed any of the girls was 6 months. I feel pretty good about the fact that I did it for that long. (pat on back). It does make it hard when I know he likes it so much though. That's the sucky part. I really do enjoy nursing, but it was just time.<br /><br />Now the hard part is here...the part where your milk drys up. Oh my word, my boobs are hard as rocks right now. I guess better now then when i am in Belgium but it seriously hurts like crap! I hope they dry up sooner then later cause I can't take much longer of this. It's painful people!<br /><br />Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement! I really needed them.<br /><br />And thank God there is VICTORY in the Watkins house! Woo HOO!!!!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-90133394827607279272008-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:002008-10-04T11:47:51.342-07:00Before and After'sWoW!!! I can't believe that we have been in our house for 13 months. In some ways it feels like we have been here forever and in other ways it feels like we just moved in. <div><br /></div><div>About 16 months ago, my sister saw that a house got put on the market which was 4 houses down from her. She imediately called me (as she did everytime she saw a house for sale close to her) demanding that I check it out. You see, we had been praying for God to give us a house on the same street. And even though I prayed for this to happen, I just didn't know how we would find a house that was in our price range and within walking distance of each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well with enough prodding from my sis, Nathan and I checked it out. When I walked in the front door, I immediately knew this was OUR HOUSE!!! I just had so much peace about it. Now, it was in pretty bad shape and was definitely NOT "move in" ready. Even with all the work that I knew needed to be done, I still wanted that house SOOOOO bad. It's an almost 3800 sq. ft house because, (get this people) It has a fully finished out basement! Can you believe there is a house in Texas with a basement??? It's awesome! There are 5 bedrooms, 2 bath's, 2 living rooms, a dinning room and a huge laundry room. I have to say it was perfect for us. </div><div><br /></div><div>We met the owners who had lived in that house 57 of it's 58 year long life. It's always nice to know that only one other family has occupied your house. That means it's probably a pretty good house. Of course the owner's loved us and told the realtor that if we made an offer to give it to us. We of course made an offer for 100k and was accepted! I still think that was a steal considering the amount of house we were getting. The closing process went well and soon we had the keys to our New House!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was time to get to work. And boy did we work HARD!!! flooring had to be ripped up and walls had to be re-textured! Walls had to be knocked out and doors had to be replaced! Then there was the painting...panting walls, cabinets, doors and floor vents. A lot of work but well worth it. Now, can I say it is completely finished???...NO!!!!! But we are getting there slowly but surely. I wanted to show some before and after pictures to give you a clue of all the work we have done. </div><br />Kitchen before...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2323.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2323.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Kitchen After...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4fy22P8QWRRAamHW36x9dlGS88JTEAg4FLZ-hWLWSKyDA7IwdWlxT294vQQyD8SNCHYhYtgoF3dlkKknQVet044OgTXWiflFn2oQGGAnXQsskiTzmUWbJDaABc4lsZwctKZW8X6y54Ik/s1600-h/IMG_2715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4fy22P8QWRRAamHW36x9dlGS88JTEAg4FLZ-hWLWSKyDA7IwdWlxT294vQQyD8SNCHYhYtgoF3dlkKknQVet044OgTXWiflFn2oQGGAnXQsskiTzmUWbJDaABc4lsZwctKZW8X6y54Ik/s400/IMG_2715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253366481928179394" /></a><br />Living room Before...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2324.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2324.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br />Living room After...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AFHbzKD2OP5UO96mRzs9-Yu2xIMSSJV_OOJ9-9fDLL3nO8Zvru53syt4X9dRE3V92OokaeAR1eGmiXhMxAhoEt8T44gwVBPjdM4F5wWAOwx-IE_RYWminRIlEFgjACkcuwy0ukSdM9Jj/s1600-h/IMG_2716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AFHbzKD2OP5UO96mRzs9-Yu2xIMSSJV_OOJ9-9fDLL3nO8Zvru53syt4X9dRE3V92OokaeAR1eGmiXhMxAhoEt8T44gwVBPjdM4F5wWAOwx-IE_RYWminRIlEFgjACkcuwy0ukSdM9Jj/s400/IMG_2716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253367695193593314" /></a><br />Before...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2334.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm36/courtneypraise/100_2334.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />AFTER...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lyLurnivCiBkGfCJCQKulHGy9476bRrMxuZjg3kT6HJhOhn4pU_OXhfLOxGipBsq_BwjyuBKatk26229NDeOsSssfoOONFxbtRJuiZUYV3_s4-7qpLuCvlzr4pNqYsj4y79h3Zdpan43/s1600-h/IMG_2718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lyLurnivCiBkGfCJCQKulHGy9476bRrMxuZjg3kT6HJhOhn4pU_OXhfLOxGipBsq_BwjyuBKatk26229NDeOsSssfoOONFxbtRJuiZUYV3_s4-7qpLuCvlzr4pNqYsj4y79h3Zdpan43/s400/IMG_2718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253369302170924434" /></a><br /><br />So here I sit 13 months later, loving my house and enjoying every minute of it! And even though there is still so much work that has to be done...I look at these pictures and can appreciate all the hard work and elbow grease that went into making my house a HOME!!! I am truly grateful!Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-83835275129494017592008-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:002008-10-04T09:58:16.652-07:00I need some tips...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Jg9GyVTCjwX-2gGsHJVNVvcaiNtui-_ya9ySDRPWH8whGtHVeMdhjgqFJA9c50s4yDg1xrZ1aX4g48qMjneXNAthBYQfLGaXDAh9Nx41izBB6VTq-qkskDjWf-ZeSXaFc0jLuO4ZycNB/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Jg9GyVTCjwX-2gGsHJVNVvcaiNtui-_ya9ySDRPWH8whGtHVeMdhjgqFJA9c50s4yDg1xrZ1aX4g48qMjneXNAthBYQfLGaXDAh9Nx41izBB6VTq-qkskDjWf-ZeSXaFc0jLuO4ZycNB/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253343675912459378" /></a><br />So, my dearest Judah boy needs to be weened from breast milk LIKE NOW. However, he refuses to drink formula. I have tried switching formula's, tried getting a bottle that simulate the breast...and still no luck. He literally screams the entire time. I am so frustrated. I probably wouldn't ween him yet but I am leaving for Belgium in 19 days and he's not going with me. <div><br /></div><div>Have I mentioned that I am so frustrated right now. I have tried putting half formula and half breast milk in a bottle, I have tried letting him get GOOD and hungry before I offer it to him. I just don't know what else to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would appreciate any advice anyone has to give. This has to happen soon or whoever keeps Judah while I'm gone is going to hate me by the time I get back. SERIOUSLY!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Any tips???</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-44992281407893423902008-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:002008-10-01T11:11:17.029-07:00She's HOME!!!!<div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">DESTINY IS HOME!!!!!</span></strong></span><br /><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">I'm so excited!!! She got home around 10:45 am today and with LOTS of prayer, won't have to go back till she delivers Shiloh at full term.<br /><br />NO MORE HOSPITALS FOR THIS FAMILY FOR AWHILE!!! That's what I am declaring! If I never have to re-live this past September the rest of my life, will be ok with me. She is doing really good besides having to lay down for the next 10 weeks. Man that would totally suck. And Destiny is not that kind of person. She always likes to be doing something. Especially coming to see me everyday at my house :) (Sorry Des that it had to happen in your birthday month)<br /><br />Speaking of birthday month....</span></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><br /></span><a href="http://www.jillianslasvegas.com/grx/birthday_cake.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="FONT-SIZE: 130%; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.jillianslasvegas.com/grx/birthday_cake.jpg" border="0" />TODAY MARKS THE FIRST DAY OF MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! <span style="font-size:100%;">Happy birthday month to me. For those of you who don't know, my actual birthday is the 24th of October! This birthday will be very different because I will be celebrating it in BELGIUM!!! I honestly don't think it's going to be that great because my sister won't be there. Boo!!! Totally not happy about this. It makes me want to cry. This was going to be our first oversees trip together. I know God has a plan in all of this but just not seeing it right now. I really can't believe that we leave in about 3 weeks. That sends butterfly's to my stomach. Mostly because I am still nursing Judah and haven't even weened him yet. He hates formula and I just don't think I want to pump the whole time in Belgium. Oh man, I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it. I have never left him for more than 24 hours before. What am I going to do?!?!?! </span><br /><br />In other news, Judah hasn't had fever in about 2 whole days! I have no idea what was up with him. He had what Des and I refer to as, "phantom fever". It comes on just as quickly as it goes without any explanation. So strange! But Praise the Lord it's gone!<br /><br />Ok that's all I have for today...I need to go 4 houses down to see my lovely sister!<br /><br />PS. I am setting up meals for them while she is on bed rest. We don't need every night, only on Mon. and Wed. nights. If you are interested in doing this for them, please leave me a comment saying what night and week you would like. I have the next 2 weeks covered starting next Mon. but after that, I need people. Just let me know if you are interested! Thanks guys! </span><br /></a><a href="http://www.jillianslasvegas.com/grx/birthday_cake.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jillianslasvegas.com/grx/birthday_cake.jpg"></a></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506299114104480227.post-90670860550057940452008-09-30T11:51:00.000-07:002008-09-30T12:34:05.674-07:00Update on DestinyThe Dr. came in this afternoon and said that she will be staying in the hospital for one more day. Although she is doing very good, they would rather be safe then sorry.<div><br /></div><div>Currently she is off of every IV drips and stuff. She is just on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Procardio</span> which she will be on for the remainder of the pregnancy. Destiny feels so much better today now that she is off of the "Evil <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Satan</span> drug" as Destiny calls it. That stupid Magnesium is awful stuff but works great for people in Destiny's condition. </div><div><br /></div><div>So here's the plan of action:</div><div>-She will be in the hospital for one more night just to be monitored. They want her to act like she would at home so that they know what her body is going to do. Des says that she feels a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">crampy</span> which I figure is another reason why she is staying another night. </div><div>-The Dr. is looking into an experimental drug called "17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hydroxy</span> Progesterone". This is supposed to help mature the baby a little more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">in case</span> Destiny's body just doesn't cooperate (which it will). We're just know for sure if her insurance will cover it since it's an experimental drug. They are checking though. Apparently Destiny is a prefect candidate for this. </div><div>-If all is well, she will be going home tomorrow, although she will be put on bed rest till she's about 34 or 35 weeks. For those of you who are counting, that's 10 weeks of bed rest. YUCK!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>So that's the plan as of right now. Please continue to pray for Destiny, Jon and Lyric. They need to be covered in prayer constantly.</div><div>If any of you are interested in bringing meals to her and Jon during these coming weeks, just let me know. We are going to need all hands on deck. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was telling Des...this is when me living 4 houses down really comes in handy. This is going to be a long road but totally worth it cause we're going to get a healthy baby in the end!!!!</div><div>Here's a picture of Destiny today just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">chillin</span> in her hospital bed! She's so cute :)</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIGOsdVaZjuOzrztwxrSu4bgCndgC-GwYVbwJKlxlFImqbAGAbO4I-B5Ms-Ji7yv10b3fB_NKq3dtdGO-9mp_h-VWqlHkIka6fBs9M2OcwKxpjwu9yVtZQaFQugQWOP1YCTL2-FlSSLY5/s1600-h/IMG_2976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIGOsdVaZjuOzrztwxrSu4bgCndgC-GwYVbwJKlxlFImqbAGAbO4I-B5Ms-Ji7yv10b3fB_NKq3dtdGO-9mp_h-VWqlHkIka6fBs9M2OcwKxpjwu9yVtZQaFQugQWOP1YCTL2-FlSSLY5/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251898002437638962" /></a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02907307617766229540noreply@blogger.com3