Mom? I have an idea. Like, we can decorate the whole house like Star Wars.
The, like, California talk is, like, something we hear a lot, like, around here lately.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ice Skating
Everytime we go to the Galleria, we spend a good amount of time watching the ice skaters and listening to Zac's seemingly innocent ponderings...
I guess I've just never been ice skating before.
[insert light sigh]
When I grow up, I am going to go ice skating.
[insert dreamy smile]
I sure wish you loved me enough to take me ice skating.
[insert a glance upward with glistening brown eyes]
Okay. The last one never happened.
But it might as well have.
Needless to say, we promised a day of ice skating.
*And like many events over Christmas 2008, we are without the camera. (I can't believe the blackberry is referred to as the crackberry when it has come in such handy...)
Look at that smile.
We are initially deceived at the idea that ice skates will fit like 21st century shoes.And not a 19th century torture device.
Zac is thrilled. He can hardly stand it.
We think that here he is envisioning gliding on the ice like the Stars hockey players he idolizes.Or at least being able to manage as well as his 4-wheel roller skates around our driveway.
He's a natural!
Dude. These skates hurt.
I mean, Let's go have some fun, kiddo!
Not as skilled as he initially hoped.
How come the kid gets cool hockey skates and the old guy gets figure skates?
Kind of getting it...
He stands by himself! Someone hand the kid a hockey stick!
Skating with Mom
We look happy, but none of us can actually feel our toes.
After about 15 minutes, we all decided to take a break.
$33 later... Zac decides the Zamboni is his favorite part.Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
We've opened our last advent door and eaten the last chocolate. We've enjoyed all the Christmas carols. (and ZZ knows most of the words now!)
We've wrapped all the gifts. And we've called Santa (1-800-726-8222) to chit-chat with him. Santa also sent us a video email message assuring Zac of his most wanted gift this year.
All the while, we've been reminding Zac the TRUE meaning of Christmas - that Jesus Christ was born as our savior.
The following is a testimony from Sarah Schieber. She and her husband Chad were running a marathon last year when he fell to the ground and died. Her faith is inspiring!
The one thing I am absolutely sure about is that God wants to have a relationship with you! Can you believe that?
The God who created Heaven and Earth and who keeps it all in order and in motion wants to have a relationship with YOU! He doesn't want to be some far off god that you pray to on holidays or when you really need something. No, my friend, He wants to be your friend! That is who God wants to be in your life.
Please forgive me if I go into more detail, or tell you something you already know, but there may be someone who eventually reads this who does not know these things. God the Father sent His beloved son to die on the cross because sin had separated us from Him. Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God the Father once and for all. For thousands of years people had needed to offer sacrifices as a way to reconcile themselves and their sin. God sent His son as the final sacrifice so that we could walk in relationship and have the assurance of eternal life.
I, personally, think that the 'relationship' part of this is the key. Think of it this way ~ if you wanted to have a relationship with me, but only called once every few months or when you needed something . . . would that be a relationship? God never changes and He never moves! He is ALWAYS surrounding us waiting for us to call out. He tells us in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But in verse 24 He goes on to say, "Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty.
He has done this through Christ Jesus, who freed us by taking away our sins." In Romans 7 the Word tells us that we wrestle with this thing called "sin" all our lives. It is why we do the things we don't want to do and don't do the things that we do want to do! It goes on, though, in chapter eight to tell us that when Jesus comes into our hearts the power of sin is broken and that it is like the lights come on in a dark place! There is a new power at work in our lives. How do we get this reconciliation and new power? We do it by repenting of our sins - basically, admitting that we were born with sin in us, and asking Jesus to come into our hearts and have a 'relationship' with us. Now, I would like to tell you about my personal relationship with Jesus. I grew up in a Christian home. I knew all about Jesus . . . but I will never forget one night when I was thirteen years old I decided that I wanted more . . . I needed a relationship with him.
My daddy had left us when I was eleven, and I needed a 'constant' in my life. I needed someone whom I could trust was ALWAYS there and would ALWAYS love me. In the book of Philippians the bible tells us the "Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us." That, was what I needed. I took a step one night at a church service and went to the altar and gave my heart . . . ALL of me . . . my hopes, my dreams, my life . . . to Jesus.
Since that night, I have lived my life with Jesus in mind. I had watched enough Christians by this point to know that a life with Christ didn't mean a life free of trouble, rather, that when troubles come there is a constant . . . an anchor. This, my friend, is the crux of all of this . . . please hang on here for the most important part . . . When Jesus died on the cross, He rose from the dead and not long after that He ascended up to Heaven to live there with Father God. When He did that, He sent something called the Holy Spirit. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, at that moment the Holy Spirit is deposited into our "spirits."
One thing the bible teaches is that there are three parts to our physical being . . . our body, our spirit, and our soul. Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Basically, at the moment of salvation, we lay down our souls and let the Holy Spirit come in to inhabit our 'spirit' being. The Holy Spirit is an amazing, incredible part of all of this! The Holy Spirit is our counselor, our guide through this wonderful and horrible life, our constant companion and our light to follow. The Holy Spirit becomes that little voice that directs our path . . . the world sometimes refers to women having a 'sixth sense.' Well, what I have come to know as a believer is that my 'sixth sense' is the Holy Spirit that lives within me. . . always comforting and guiding me.
There is something regarding my faith that I am really chewing on right now. What I am chewing on is this concept of 'peace.' You see, what I know beyond knowing as I look back over this past year of my life and all of my grieving is that all of my pain and fear and mourning and questions have been enveloped in a very sweet peace that has come from the Lord.
When I was thirteen years old, I had NO idea what my life would hold . . . .the good OR the bad. But that decision as a teenager has changed the way that I relate to my life. I could have become paralyzed the day Chad died - paralyzed with fear, pain, or both. But instead, I look back on that day and know that, truly, the Hand of God ushered me through every horrible step of the grieving process. That doesn't mean that the pain was magically gone or that I didn't question or get angry with God or Chad, or even that I didn't sometimes want my own life to end! It didn't mean that I didn't feel hopeless at times as I grappled with the most horrible pain I ever could have imagined. It doesn't mean that I didn't question how in the world my life could ever go on. What it does mean is that through ALL of the questioning and grappling that there was a CONSTANT! Jesus was with my through every step and every tear. The Holy Spirit was, and is, my very constant companion.
In Phillipians 4 the word tells us that, "when we present our requests before God, with thanksgiving in our hearts, that He will give us a peace that passes all our understanding that will gaurd our hearts and our minds." I DO NOT understand how it is true! But, my friend, I KNOW that it is! I have had a peace that has truly stood gaurd around my mind and my emotions. It is way bigger than I . . . It is truly something that only God could do! I am so thankful for my relationship. HE is my best friend! The Word says that we will have a friend in HIM that will stick closer than a brother! I have tested it and know it is true! He is SO good.
One thing that one of my counselors told me this past year was that it is in times of great trouble like you are going through that we must go back to what we KNOW to be true . . .NOT what we FEEL! I tell people in my concerts, that the God of October 6th - the day before Chad died when my life was perfect and good - and the God of October 7th - the day my whole life came crashing down on me - are the SAME GOD! My circumstances don't change WHO God is! God is good! Period! I trust that! I trust Him!!!!!Now, for the comments that people say to you.
There WILL be good ahead. I know that because God's Word tells us that "All things work together for good for those who love Him." I am a BIG believer in the fact that God "redeems our suffering." That is a topic for another time . . . but basically, it means that God does not waste our suffering.
When God created Heaven and Earth, death was not in His plan! However, when sin entered the world, so did death. I am so thankful that God made a way through Jesus for us to be reconciled back to Him . . .and therefore back to our loved ones who now live with Him in Heaven!
Does God have a plan for you? Absolutely! Will it be good? Yes and no! I TRUST my precious Lord who gives me this amazing thing called 'peace' to have a good future me. I don't believe that my life will be without struggle. I DO know that God longs to redeem all of this pain and anguish and I trust that somehow, in some way He will bring good into our lives.
We have a puppy named Miah. She is named after Jeremiah 29:11 that says, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future." THAT is the heart of a Heavenly Father who does, truly, want good for you. Psalm 91:1 (God's 911) says, "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High God will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
God longs for you to be snuggled in so close to Him that you will be sheltered in His shadow. Cry out to Him! Open your heart completely to Him and let His sweet Spirit envelope ALL of who you are - your pain, your future, your hopes, your dreams! He longs to hold it all in His hands . . . so that when the plans YOU make fall apart - He is there to hold you through it!
We wish all of you the hope and love of our Heavenly Father during this holiday season! We love you!!!
We've wrapped all the gifts. And we've called Santa (1-800-726-8222) to chit-chat with him. Santa also sent us a video email message assuring Zac of his most wanted gift this year.
All the while, we've been reminding Zac the TRUE meaning of Christmas - that Jesus Christ was born as our savior.
The following is a testimony from Sarah Schieber. She and her husband Chad were running a marathon last year when he fell to the ground and died. Her faith is inspiring!
The one thing I am absolutely sure about is that God wants to have a relationship with you! Can you believe that?
The God who created Heaven and Earth and who keeps it all in order and in motion wants to have a relationship with YOU! He doesn't want to be some far off god that you pray to on holidays or when you really need something. No, my friend, He wants to be your friend! That is who God wants to be in your life.
Please forgive me if I go into more detail, or tell you something you already know, but there may be someone who eventually reads this who does not know these things. God the Father sent His beloved son to die on the cross because sin had separated us from Him. Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God the Father once and for all. For thousands of years people had needed to offer sacrifices as a way to reconcile themselves and their sin. God sent His son as the final sacrifice so that we could walk in relationship and have the assurance of eternal life.
I, personally, think that the 'relationship' part of this is the key. Think of it this way ~ if you wanted to have a relationship with me, but only called once every few months or when you needed something . . . would that be a relationship? God never changes and He never moves! He is ALWAYS surrounding us waiting for us to call out. He tells us in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But in verse 24 He goes on to say, "Yet now God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty.
He has done this through Christ Jesus, who freed us by taking away our sins." In Romans 7 the Word tells us that we wrestle with this thing called "sin" all our lives. It is why we do the things we don't want to do and don't do the things that we do want to do! It goes on, though, in chapter eight to tell us that when Jesus comes into our hearts the power of sin is broken and that it is like the lights come on in a dark place! There is a new power at work in our lives. How do we get this reconciliation and new power? We do it by repenting of our sins - basically, admitting that we were born with sin in us, and asking Jesus to come into our hearts and have a 'relationship' with us. Now, I would like to tell you about my personal relationship with Jesus. I grew up in a Christian home. I knew all about Jesus . . . but I will never forget one night when I was thirteen years old I decided that I wanted more . . . I needed a relationship with him.
My daddy had left us when I was eleven, and I needed a 'constant' in my life. I needed someone whom I could trust was ALWAYS there and would ALWAYS love me. In the book of Philippians the bible tells us the "Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us." That, was what I needed. I took a step one night at a church service and went to the altar and gave my heart . . . ALL of me . . . my hopes, my dreams, my life . . . to Jesus.
Since that night, I have lived my life with Jesus in mind. I had watched enough Christians by this point to know that a life with Christ didn't mean a life free of trouble, rather, that when troubles come there is a constant . . . an anchor. This, my friend, is the crux of all of this . . . please hang on here for the most important part . . . When Jesus died on the cross, He rose from the dead and not long after that He ascended up to Heaven to live there with Father God. When He did that, He sent something called the Holy Spirit. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, at that moment the Holy Spirit is deposited into our "spirits."
One thing the bible teaches is that there are three parts to our physical being . . . our body, our spirit, and our soul. Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Basically, at the moment of salvation, we lay down our souls and let the Holy Spirit come in to inhabit our 'spirit' being. The Holy Spirit is an amazing, incredible part of all of this! The Holy Spirit is our counselor, our guide through this wonderful and horrible life, our constant companion and our light to follow. The Holy Spirit becomes that little voice that directs our path . . . the world sometimes refers to women having a 'sixth sense.' Well, what I have come to know as a believer is that my 'sixth sense' is the Holy Spirit that lives within me. . . always comforting and guiding me.
There is something regarding my faith that I am really chewing on right now. What I am chewing on is this concept of 'peace.' You see, what I know beyond knowing as I look back over this past year of my life and all of my grieving is that all of my pain and fear and mourning and questions have been enveloped in a very sweet peace that has come from the Lord.
When I was thirteen years old, I had NO idea what my life would hold . . . .the good OR the bad. But that decision as a teenager has changed the way that I relate to my life. I could have become paralyzed the day Chad died - paralyzed with fear, pain, or both. But instead, I look back on that day and know that, truly, the Hand of God ushered me through every horrible step of the grieving process. That doesn't mean that the pain was magically gone or that I didn't question or get angry with God or Chad, or even that I didn't sometimes want my own life to end! It didn't mean that I didn't feel hopeless at times as I grappled with the most horrible pain I ever could have imagined. It doesn't mean that I didn't question how in the world my life could ever go on. What it does mean is that through ALL of the questioning and grappling that there was a CONSTANT! Jesus was with my through every step and every tear. The Holy Spirit was, and is, my very constant companion.
In Phillipians 4 the word tells us that, "when we present our requests before God, with thanksgiving in our hearts, that He will give us a peace that passes all our understanding that will gaurd our hearts and our minds." I DO NOT understand how it is true! But, my friend, I KNOW that it is! I have had a peace that has truly stood gaurd around my mind and my emotions. It is way bigger than I . . . It is truly something that only God could do! I am so thankful for my relationship. HE is my best friend! The Word says that we will have a friend in HIM that will stick closer than a brother! I have tested it and know it is true! He is SO good.
One thing that one of my counselors told me this past year was that it is in times of great trouble like you are going through that we must go back to what we KNOW to be true . . .NOT what we FEEL! I tell people in my concerts, that the God of October 6th - the day before Chad died when my life was perfect and good - and the God of October 7th - the day my whole life came crashing down on me - are the SAME GOD! My circumstances don't change WHO God is! God is good! Period! I trust that! I trust Him!!!!!Now, for the comments that people say to you.
There WILL be good ahead. I know that because God's Word tells us that "All things work together for good for those who love Him." I am a BIG believer in the fact that God "redeems our suffering." That is a topic for another time . . . but basically, it means that God does not waste our suffering.
When God created Heaven and Earth, death was not in His plan! However, when sin entered the world, so did death. I am so thankful that God made a way through Jesus for us to be reconciled back to Him . . .and therefore back to our loved ones who now live with Him in Heaven!
Does God have a plan for you? Absolutely! Will it be good? Yes and no! I TRUST my precious Lord who gives me this amazing thing called 'peace' to have a good future me. I don't believe that my life will be without struggle. I DO know that God longs to redeem all of this pain and anguish and I trust that somehow, in some way He will bring good into our lives.
We have a puppy named Miah. She is named after Jeremiah 29:11 that says, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future." THAT is the heart of a Heavenly Father who does, truly, want good for you. Psalm 91:1 (God's 911) says, "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High God will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
God longs for you to be snuggled in so close to Him that you will be sheltered in His shadow. Cry out to Him! Open your heart completely to Him and let His sweet Spirit envelope ALL of who you are - your pain, your future, your hopes, your dreams! He longs to hold it all in His hands . . . so that when the plans YOU make fall apart - He is there to hold you through it!
We wish all of you the hope and love of our Heavenly Father during this holiday season! We love you!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sleep in heavenly peace
When someone you love dearly
works very hard on a project
desperately trying toprove something please
a group ofpreschool mothers 4-year-old children.....
works very hard on a project
desperately trying to
a group of
You can be:
supportive...
encouraging...
full of praise...
But don't ask questions.
Like...
Why is Jesus laying in turds?
Because the end result is that beforementioned spouse will not have time to watch hunting shows with you.
And popcorn doesn't taste the same when you have to make it yourself. And eat it alone.
While the cake is rethought and redone and re-smushed together in dyed hands that used to bring me the strange concoction of fruit punch that only she can make just right.
Then little hot chocolate reindeer have to be assembled....
...to make up for the lack of confidence in the Turd Cake...
...that actually could have been biblically accurate.
(In my unsolicated -and now unwanted- opinion.)
Jesus does appear to be quite fond of his new top-of-the-line Manger 2000, though. 
Doesn't he look more comfortable? Less humiliated?
Happy Birthday, Big Guy.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Snow Day!!
SNOW DAY!!!
Zac doesn't really remember any past snowdays, so today was a very fun surprise!
It's a snowman! (a texas snowman for sure...)
The obligatory snow angel 
Hey Swimmy!
Swimmy makes a snow angel, too.
This is Zac, learning how to make a snowball.
Boys learn very quickly how to make good snowballs
Let's have a snowball fight!!
Aaaaahhh.... warming the hands on the car heater....
SNOW IS COOL!!!
And just to reminisce.....
Zac's very first snow day...
December 2004
Little Snow Baby :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
A glimpse into the future
We went to make Christmas ornaments with the art teacher at our neighborhood school.
She read a story, then made the salt dough right in front of the kids.
How CUTE!
Unless you're a 4 year old boy.
Boys don't pay attention to CUTE.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Not the best of luck...
...with things that we depend on for transportation.
Let's hope things don't happen in 3s!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
What we've been up to
Some light saber duels
Family Uno Games
Chill-out time with Swimmy
Putting up Christmas lights
We went to the Neiman Marcus Children's Christmas Parade
We went to the Neiman Marcus Children's Christmas Parade
Zac made himself comfy
Then the parade started.
And it was like...
Hey, cool.
That's neat.
Wow - those marching bands sure are loud.
Can I wear your gloves?"
And then, all of a sudden it was all...
OH EM GEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
And we had to hold him back from storming the street.
And when the 15 stormtroopers marched by with Darth Vader...
Well, we almost had to resuscitate him.
Zac also recently had a little concert with his bible study class.
Forgive the unsteadiness.
It was hard to keep steady while trampling the other moms to get the perfect video of my kid.
Then we had a girl birthday party to go to.
Which - come on - who doesn't like a Little Mermaid party?
Zac also recently had a little concert with his bible study class.
Forgive the unsteadiness.
It was hard to keep steady while trampling the other moms to get the perfect video of my kid.
Then we had a girl birthday party to go to.
Which - come on - who doesn't like a Little Mermaid party?
Looking off to the right, you can see Zac and his buddy Kyle contemplating the situation.
Dude. Dude.
What are we doing here?
London Bridge is falling down! Falling down! Falling down!!
Um... it's so tempting....Must. Not. Join. In.
Put your right foot it! Put your right foot out!Put your right foot in and you shake it all about!
Man.
Dude.
I love that song.
Ashes! Ashes! We all FALL DOWN!!!
Who wants to chase bubbles!!!Weeeeee!!!!!
Dude. There's a time and place.
Just wait for it.
Now what'd I tell ya?
I love me a girly party!
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