Pumpkin Parable

Each year, our family carves a pumpkin and we walk through the Pumpkin Parable with our kids. This year, Ashley and Bradley had the chance to hear it for the first time and it was such a blessing to be able to share Christ's love with them since they hadn't heard it before coming to live with us. If you haven't ever heard of the Pumpkin Parable, I encourage you to do this with your kids next year. It is a great way to have fun while learning about Jesus being the Light of the world.

The Pumpkin Parable:
As we cut the pumpkin open and pull the "yucky" pulp out, we tell how this is a picture of how God takes us and cleanses us from all our sin - casting them as far as the east is from the west.












The carving of the eyes, nose, and SMILING face, represents how God makes us a new creation.









Then as you put the light into the pumpkin, remind them that Christ comes into our lives as a light and can shine through us into a dark world.


It is always so much fun and we read scripture together and learn more about how much Jesus loves us. Happy Halloween and God bless you!

Happy 4th Birthday, Ashley!

Ashley actually turned 4 on September 23, but two weeks after she came to live with us, we found out she had not celebrated her birthday. The event-planner in me couldn't allow that to happen- no way, Jose! So, I arranged a Birthday party, mermaid-themed per Ashley's request, and we had so much fun! I made her cake, Nana, Aunts Amy and Stephanie came, Grandma and Grandpa (Bret's parents) came to town and we had a blast watching her open her gifts. Seeing all the excitement on her face was priceless. Bret and I said from the beginning, that no matter how long they may be here with us, we are going to bless them beyond measure. We are striving each day to be a blessing by showing them the love of Jesus and letting them know how special they are. Ashley- we love you! You are God's princess, created by Him for a purpose and we are honored to have the chance to experience your life with you at this time. Happy 4th Birtday, Precious.

Fall Family Festival

Each year, Lake Pointe Church puts on the most magnificent and overwhelming (in a good way) Fall Festival. This year, we ALL had a chance to go, Nana and Aunt Amy included. Madeline was of course, too old and cool, to wear a costume (apparently that stops in 3rd grade?!) so she was the only kid not taking part in the dressing up part of the evening. I didn't fight it, although it made me a bit sad. She is growing up so fast and even faster in her own world. :)

All the kids had fun, although I think Ashley and Bradley were just a tad-bit overwhelmed by all the activity and people. I am not quite sure they had ever experienced such activity before. But, the all the candy and prizes proved it a success and they talked about it for days after.

Riding the train with Landon, Bradley and Ashley
Landon and Ashley on the car ride. I love their excited faces!
Madeline and Landon on the airplane ride with Aunt Amy.





The 2 most adorable Texas Tech future cheerleaders, Ashley and Caroline






Landon (Batman), Madeline (Miss Cool) and Ashley (TTU cheerleader)

Halloween Sneak Peek

Landon: Batman, Ashley: Texas Tech Cheerleader, Bradley: Superman

Landon's First Day of Preschool

Well, so I have child #2 off to school this year: Preschool, that is. Landon was so excited to start school and could not understand why Sissy started 2 weeks before him. On Madeline's first day, he cried because he wanted to go to school, too. The next day, cried. The next, cried. This happened each day until, finally....

Yay! First day of preschool and Landon was so excited. After school, he came back to my office and talked non-stop about his day. "Mommy, I have a folder like Sissy. Mommy, I have my own cubbie with my name on it. Mommy, we got to go the library. Mommy..." The one that made me smile the biggest though was "Mommy, I am such a school boy now!" Yep, Landon is a school boy now. We love his teachers, Ms. Christy and Ms. Maxine and he is having so much fun! Here's to a great Preschool year.

Ready and eager to go to school!
After school, he came back to my office and played "school" to tell me all about his day.
I think he's a happy school boy.

Dinner in Denim

This year marked the first year that the ladies of our Life Group at church participated in our Annual Fall Women's Event: Dinner in Denim. Each table got to decorate their own table and fill it. We decided on a picnic theme, complete with a picnic basket, torn jeans for the place mats, a red and white checkered fabric for the table runner, sunflowers and some adorable fake bugs. Kelley had the cutest theme idea and it all came together nicely. We had so much fun! Great conversation, great worship, great speaker and some great memories. We are excited to get to do it all again next year. I think it will be a new tradition.
Here we are (only some of the women of our Life Group)
Back row: Kristin, Kelley, Me, Front row: Jen, Alisa

Madeline's First Day of 3rd Grade!

My baby is getting so big! I cannot believe she is 3rd grade. For some reason, Madeline in 3rd grade has made me feel really old. I don't know why. To top it off, she didn't want us to walk her in or take her picture of her first day. A week prior she had already planned it out: Daddy and I were both going to drive her to school, we would all go in, drop her off in her class, take her picture and leave. The morning of her first day, "Mommy, I am too old for you to walk me in. Please don't come inside and please don't take my picture. I am a 3rd grader now!" Me = broken-hearted. But, I told her that since Daddy had made arrangements to be there this morning and we already planned it, we were doing it anyway. I also informed her that I would be taking a "first day of school" pic each year and that she would have to accept it. Ha! But, I came to grips that it may possibly be the last year of the walk-in and snap a pic of her at her desk. I did manage to snap a quick pic when she wasn't looking. I love you Madeline, and you are turning into a wonderful tween. Tears. My baby is indeed getting so big!

Triathlon, turned Dualathlon

What was I thinking? Yes, I asked myself that question the morning of Sunday, August 23. In April, I committed myself (ignorantly) to participating in the Tri the Rock, a triathlon consisting of a 300-yd swim (imagine 3 football fields....yep that's far), a 14-mile bike ride (imagine riding your bike from downtown Rockwall to Town East Mall) and a 2.9 mile run. Keep in mind- I was a gymnast and cheerleader. Endurance sports is not my thing. I have never swam. Never biked. Never run. Never played endurance sports like basketball or soccer. I don't think I had ever ran to my mailbox and back to my front door, let alone 3 miles. Crazy Jenny. So, I committed. Began training in June. Hmmm...from 0 to full triathlon in 90 days. Sure! I can do it. So, I practiced. Alternating activities, I would bike one day. Swim the next. Rest the next day. Run the next. This was my pattern to build up my strength in all areas. No one told me that I should be training doing ALL 3 of them in one session. I had done a 14-mile bike ride at least 6 times. I had swam 300 yards, at least 4 times and I had certainly gotten up to running 2 miles and I figured I could walk/run and it would be fine. I was nervous, but confident I could do it. I wasn't in it to win or even place, just to finish.

So, I can't sleep the night before. My stomach was in knots and I was so nervous. I rode my bike at 5:30 am to the YMCA where it began. I was so out of my element among the fitness elite and muscle bods. Holy cow! First up, the swim. I am number 375 out of 437. I make it in the water...9 minutes, 58 seconds later, I am out of the water. Pretty good for a first-timer. I place 373rd for the swim. Yea..I wasn't last place. Make my way to my bike and I am so out of breath. Get on, start peddling. About the 7th mile point, after about a gazillion hills, I have to stop and rest...fall off my bike, scrape up my leg. Cry. Get back on my bike. Pedal. I am the last one to cross the bike finish line. Last place...I'll take it. What?! I have to now run. Nope. I couldn't do it. I was so mad at myself, but I could not physically go anymore. So, 2 out of 3...ain't bad, right? Bret was so awesome. He was so proud of me for signing up and doing it and was my huge cheerleader. Thanks honey for making me feel like a winner, even though I clearly felt like a loser. Oh, wait...I got last place. I was the loser. Well, you know what I mean.

So, am I going to do it again? Heck yes! Now, I know how to train. I have experienced the adrenaline and the exhaustion and know what it's like. I will do it again. I will finish all 3 races and I will not be last place. Here's to 2010 Tri the Rock!
Bret snapped this a bit too late as I rode past him and the kids. You can barely see me through the tree.
After the race.

Coleman Reunion!

August. 1996. Sophomore in College. First year at Texas Tech. Coleman dorm. That was one of the best and most fun years of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better first year away from home experience than to be placed with an awesome Christian roommate, wonderful floor buddies, and all the crazy fun we had. It is also very cool that we are all still friends and love to keep up with each other through facebook. We have all moved to different places, have different jobs, most of us have married, some have kids, we all have different lives. Yet, we still love to reminisce about the good ol' days of parties, boot-scootin', dorm fights, sneaking in boys (don't tell my mom), staying up late talking, having birthday celebrations, community bathroom drama, and so many inside jokes I could list here that only we would understand. I love these girls. So, when Andrea emailed us and told us she was coming to Dallas, I jumped at the chance to see her after 10 years. Plans were made for 5 of us to meet at Chuy's in Dallas for some chatting, great food, and few margaritas. It was so much fun to catch up with some of the girls and see their beautiful faces. I love you ladies! Let's not wait another 10 years, ok?


Back row: Shellee, Megan, Stephanie, Front Row: Me, Andrea

Caroline turns ONE!

I cannot believe it...little Doodlebug is ONE year old. How time flies. And how she is growing! A year ago we were wondering Caroline's future as she remained in the NICU for 10 days. Those were the longest 10 days of my life. I will never forget the first day when the doctor came in and said "Caroline is very sick." My heart sank. And now look at her...she is 24 pounds of pure delight, healthy, smiley and the perfect gift to us. She says "Mama", "Dada", "Die-Die" for Bye Bye and started saying "Nana", we think for Landon. She is in love with her brother, so it wouldn't surprise me. She loves to dance, which to her is swaying and bopping. It is so fun to watch her. She will eat anything you put in front of her, plus some things she shouldn't eat, too. We love our little Doodlebug and know God has such a powerful and intentional plan for her life. We can't wait to see all she becomes. Happy Birthday, Caroline!
Yummy! Cake.
1st Birthday Girl!
Steph, Nana and Amy
Grandpa and Grandma
The Lord Family

We did it!

Some of you may have known that Bret had been working part-time for a local blinds company, selling and installing window coverings. Well, he has now started his own business, Window Coverings by Bret. And we know one of the best ways to start up any business is first through word of mouth.

We sell wood blinds, shutters, arches, roller and roman shades, etc. All of our window coverings are custom built to the size of your windows and we offer competitive pricing and installation. If you are looking to update your home with new window coverings, building a new home and need to cover your windows, or have a friend who may need our services, please consider us! We work all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

You can check out our website:
http://www.windowcoveringsbybret.com/

Thanks so much!

Cow Appreciation Day!

Many may not know this very important holiday, but TODAY, July 10th is Cow Appreciation Day! Oh yes...break out the party gear and let's celebrate. Or download your cow costume and head on over to Chick-fil-A for a free meal! That's right. Chick-fil-A is giving out free combo meals for anyone who comes in dressed head-to-toe as a cow. Or if you're not so inclined to dress in full cow gear, you can get a free entree just by wearing something cow print. Madeline and her friends downloaded the cow costume (if you can really call it that) and taped it to their bodies. It was quite humorous so I had to share. Happy Cow Appreciation Day! MOO.

Farewell Blessing

I have to say that this past school year was quite a blessing in many aspects, but one of the most treasured blessings was The Hutson Family. Nanny Ann, as I have referred to her in my previous blog posts and her sweet daughters, Hannah and Emily, took in my kids and kept them for me during my work day. When Caroline was still on her heart/lung monitor and I was unable to take her to the daycare, Ann stepped up to the plate and took on Caroline and Landon! It was precious to watch their sibling relationship become so bonded since they were with eachother all day. Ann instilled faith and a love for Jesus in Landon to complement our home's dedication to Christ. From FBC Dallas' Donut Man, to the countless Bible stories, videos, songs and movies...Ann instilled a love of God in my precious children that I am so grateful to have had. Emily and Madeline became very good friends, Hannah and Landon were best buds and Caroline...well, everyone loves Caroline! I thank God every day for bringing Ann into our lives to love, care for and bless my children. We love you, congratulate you on your new marriage, your new home and your new life in Flower Mound. We will miss you ~ Ann, Hannah & Emily! God bless you.

Here is the blessing that I speak over my kids each night so I leave you with the same: May you blessed with peace and grace, power and protection, health and healing, holiness and godliness, abundance and prosperity and all the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. AMEN.

Here is a photo montage of the year with pictures taken from their time at Ann's house, with a few from play time at ours. We hope you like it!

ps. Before you click on the link below, make sure you stop the music playing on my blog. Go down to the very bottom and click on the "stop" button. Now, you may proceed with watching the video.


Friends ~ A Blessing for Life

Pre-Surgery Trip to Pasadena

Several months ago, I had asked my blog-readers to pray for my mother-in-law Kathy. They had found cancer in her thyroid and was scheduled for surgery. As an act of kindness to her, we went down to Pasadena to visit before her surgery. Our goal was to get her house ready and cook up some food so she wouldn't have to take care of that while focusing on recovering. Our trip was a small bit of work and lots of fun! We had some great conversation time, took the kids to Kema to the Boardwalk, sat on the porch swing and watched the kids play, swam and just relaxed. It was a great trip. I am also happy to report Kathy's surgery went well. The docs think they removed all the cancer and she is home recovering. Thanks for all your prayers!

My 32nd Birthday

This year, Bret really out-did himself and completely surprised me with some awesome plans. First, he set up a small surprise party with all my Bible study peeps complete with food, homemade chocolate cake, flowers and the sweetest card. I was shocked! He is not the planner but he had arranged the night so sweetly. Thanks Erin for taking me to get a pedicure to distract me from the goings-on. My toes look great! And look at my beautiful flowers from my Honey:


Then, Thursday, my actual birth day, we went to Kyoto with my family to celebrate yet again. Madeline, Landon and Caroline thoroughly enjoyed the show. Aunt Stephanie even came in town to help me celebrate. After dinner, we all went back to Mom's for cake and presents. What fun!

















Finally, on Friday night, we went to dinner with our dear friends, Mike and Angela to Gloria's. We ate, chatted, walked along the harbor. It was such a beautiful night! We saw the most amazing rainbow in the sky near time for the sunset. I had to take a picture since it was so beautiful!










Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special and for being a part of it. Love you!