One Day, Until Then

Snow Day

2011-01-27T22:00:00.000-06:00

Jadon enjoyed his first snow day of his school years. It wasn't called until 5:30 that morning. When I told Jadon after letting him sleep in, he did the fist pump with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

For some reason Haven's favorite thing to do is eat the snow. She's aware of the number 1 rule when eating snow, no yellow snow.

Grace

2011-01-27T21:27:00.002-06:00

I had an older boy who used to pick on me almost everyday on the school bus. I was in kindergarten and he was in high school. Going to a small school meant k through 12 rode the bus together.

I hated it and tried sitting behind the bus driver so he couldn't pick on me. My mom and dad complained to the school several times. I would come home with marks where he hit me or crying because of the mean things he said to me. I don't exactly know how or why, but it eventually stopped.

I have known for a couple of months that Jadon has an older girl on his bus that calls him names. He shared this with Nana, but hadn't share any of this with me until this week. We talked a little about what she says and I asked him if it hurt his feelings. "Not really," he said.

He told me that he still treats her with kindness even though she doesn't deserve it. I asked him if he knew what that was called and after thinking for a second he said, "Grace."

I am so proud of the way he has handled this situation. Before bed he and daddy talked about ways to show kindness to her. Jadon decided he wanted to take her a cookie. I had made no bake cookies that night.

Jadon came into my room and asked if he could have an extra cookie the next day to take to this girl. That day after school we asked how it went. He gave her the cookie, she didn't say anything until he was getting off the bus and then she asked why he gave her a cookie. He wanted to show kindness.

It hasn't stopped and she continued today to call him names. She will do what she will do and my prayer is that Jadon continues to show her grace.

The Worth of a Cookie

2011-01-27T20:58:00.002-06:00

How many times have you come to a decision on a disciplinary action for your children only to have it completely not have the effect you were hoping. This happened to me the other day with Haven.

Haven has this thing with waking in the middle of the night or real early in the morning to eat. She will get into the pantry and eat anything she can reach. Then knowing she has done something wrong she hides all evidence. One morning I found she had eaten 3 cereal bars and hid the wrappers under her chest in her bedroom. I have learned the chest is her favorite place to hide evidence and so I check it often. I'm always amazed at how much she gets past us.

My friend Jen is an incredible baker. I enjoy all things made by her. She had made her chocolate chip cookies and brought them to work. Yummy. That day I was not eating sweets so I took 2, put them in a baggy and took them home to enjoy the next day. I was pretty excited to reward myself with her cookies.

I made sure to hide them in my room so Haven wouldn't find them and eat them. The next day while getting ready for work I noticed the bag was a cookie short. I found out Todd did not eat it, my next person to question was Haven. It was her. I was a little sad and upset, one of us, Todd or me was not going to get to enjoy a cookie.

Punishment for Haven was a talk about stealing. When she takes something from someone else that is stealing and so she must pay for it. She has no concept of how much money actually is, but she does know that she wants to save her money to buy things. The cost of one cookie was a quarter, since she doesn't know how much it's worth, she does realize it is the biggest coin. My job done on this one.

A few hours later I am in my room folding laundry and Haven walks in carrying her ladybug money bank. Very quietly, almost like testing the waters to see if she might get in trouble before asking the real question. She says, "Since I already payed a dollar for the cookie, how much can I pay for the rest of them?" Handing over her bank.

It was worth giving up her money to have those cookies. Lesson not learned.

Meet Molly

2011-01-13T21:07:00.000-06:00

In her own words, "I can't believe I got an animal, a real animal and she's mine all mine!" Those were the words spoken by Haven after receiving Molly for Christmas.

Haven more than anything wanted a bunny, or a dog, or a horse, or a bunny. Mostly a bunny, but anything real that she could hold and cuddle and that was soft.

With the help of Robin, a lady who works with mom, we found a rabbit breeder in Bolivar. We went to visit the rabbits and fell in love with this little fur ball. She was only 4 weeks. They held her for us until Christmas so we could keep it a surprise for Haven.

This is Molly, a Holland Lopped Ear rabbit.

Christmas Day

2011-01-13T20:41:00.000-06:00

We had a great Christmas celebrating with family. We woke up early so the kids could open their presents and stockings from us.

Then we had brunch with the Mema and Pappy and the rest of the family.

After a much needed nap we went and celebrated with Nana and Papa and the rest of the family. I stole these pictures from Aunt Mal.

Hope your Christmas was filled with joy.

Merry Christmas From the Wallaces

2011-01-09T23:06:00.000-06:00

Silver Dollar City

2011-01-09T22:47:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Silver Dollar City is beautiful. We always try to make it down there each year. This year the entire family went minus Nana and Papa and Uncle John. The kids missed them being there.

One of the best parts is the Parade. All the grandkids lined up waiting for it to start.

Now time to ride the rides. No amount of cold was going to keep the kids from riding. Todd's first experience riding the bouncy frogs.

Santa Pictures

2011-01-09T22:00:00.000-06:00

Our annual pictures with Santa were with one of my mom's employees. For the last 2 years he had dressed as Santa to greet children who come through the GA.

Jude was not so sure of this strange man dressed funny. I love the "look at you out of the corner of my eyes" look.

The two ladies in their red Christmas dresses.

Wrapping Presents

2011-01-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

I admit I love to wrap presents. I don't always do the fancy bows, although I do love how they look. I really don't do anything fancy with my presents. I love to pick out wrapping paper and will get paper that matches my tree and I have to wrap the kids presents differently from the adults.

There is one distinct difference that makes my presents different than everybody elses. If you have ever received a wrapped present from me you probably know what makes them unique.

My family likes to tease me about all the tape I use when wrapping. In my defense it is not to make it hard to open, but I think the wrapping looks so much prettier when there are no gaps or bubbles. All the tape I use makes every corner and seam very straight and tight.

I can't help that having a perfectly seamless wrapped present makes it difficult for the receiver to open it.

Are you a wrapper or do you prefer gift bags?

Live Nativity Pageant

2011-01-09T21:16:00.000-06:00

Does your family have Christmas traditions that you look forward to each year?

For 33 years the Live Nativity Pageant has been a family tradition for Todd's family. I have been a part of it since I was 15 and I have very fond memories of starting out as an Angel in my early teens and then moving up to being one of Herrod's herom girls. Today I get to be Mary with little boy Jesus.

For the past 4 years I have had the priviledge to play Mary with each of my kids being little boy Jesus. This year was Jude's first year and while he was little boy Jesus this was Jadon's first year to be the Angel on the stable that Jesus was born in. I love looking back and seeing all the parts we have been able to play while telling the story to hundreds of people who come to watch.

When the Pageant started 33 years ago Todd was the first to be the Angel on the stable. Now it is so sweet to have our son be the Angel. Although, he almost didn't do it. He really wanted to and then as it came closer he wasn't so sure about doing it so he backed out. Then the girl that was going to replace him had to cancel a couple days before. So, it was offered to him again just in case he had changed his mind. I spoke for him without asking and said, "no." He informed me he did want to do it and so he did.

Saturday night was his night and it was the coldest night of the week, temperature of 15 degrees and windchill of 6. There was snow and awful wind. The wind being so strong they chose not to put his wings on. He did awesome and stood up there holding his hands in the air, only a couple times did he grab the the rail around him when big gusts of wind came.

Jadon in his angel costume.

Me and Jude with the Wise Men, Pappy was one of the wise men.

Enjoying our hot chocolate and cookie between shows.

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-16T20:08:00.026-06:00

Since we have been married Todd and I have put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. Growing up my family always waited until the day after December 11. That was my Uncle Joe's birthday and my mom always wanted to celebrate his birthday before we put our tree up and decorated for Christmas.

The first year we were married I admit I thought it was silly to put the tree up so early. But I look forward to it now that we have our kids. This has become our family tradition. Put up our Christmas tree or trees as is the case this year and that evening we put in the movie Elf, drink hot chocolate and the kids sleep on an air matress under the tree.

We started last year putting up two trees, the one in the living room that matches our home decor, burgundy and gold. The other in the kitchen that the kids put together with the ornaments they have made or collected. Most of the ornaments end up along the bottom of the tree, but it is beautiful still.

This year Haven got to put the Angel on top of the tree.

Ten Years

2010-11-11T22:29:00.000-06:00

In October Todd and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. We spent the weekend in Eureka Springs, hiking along the Buffalo River and spending time in downtown Eureka Springs. It was a perfect weekend, weather was beautiful and the time spent together was sweet. We came away with stories where we laughed so hard and stories of how God saw us through

Since having our kids we have never spent more than one night away. This was a very refreshing time to be just a couple again. We laughed a lot and spent time talking about our ten years. Like every marriage we have stories where we have laughed so hard it hurts and we have stories of how God saw us through difficult times. We both agreed that in our marriage this far the greatest trial we have faced together is the loss of our first daughter, Karis Rose.

Through God's grace we were able to not only survive through the loss of her, but our marriage became stronger and more dependent on God. Statistics show that 70% of marriages to do survive the loss of a child. Thank you Jesus for holding our marriage and not letting us fall into the 70%.

I am so thankful for the man God made for me. It is exciting to think about what is ahead and sometimes a little overwhelming. But I am ready.

Here are some hiking pictures of our weekend. We set out to find waterfalls with no luck. The first place we went found out after looking for it that a huge boulder had fallen and blocked it. The second place we went that was supposed to be an all season waterfall was merely a trickle down the side of the rock. I'm sure both were once very pretty. Oh well, the adventure was in finding them and we did find caves to explore.

Jadon's Birthday Pictures

2010-11-11T21:51:00.000-06:00

Some pictures of Jadon's birthday party. He had a Star Wars party at the park and invited everyone from his class. They mostly played, but we had an asteroid hunt* and played with a catch with the Death Star**. Later that afternoon we had the family party at our house.

And here are a few pictures that Mallory took of Jadon.

I love this picture and his freckles, they show up so cute.

* For the asteroid hunt I took prizes (small toys and candy) wrapped them in aluminum foil and hid them throughout the park. The kids loved hunting them and then unwrapping to see what each other found.

**I took a balloon and put a small bouncy ball inside along with sprinkles (like you put on cupcakes) then the kids played hot potato with it. The ball and sprinkles made it feel and sound like it could "blow up" at anytime. You can also put confetti in the balloon, but being at the park I didn't want to try to clean confetti out of the grass if it popped.

Happy Birthday Jadon

2010-10-21T22:59:00.000-05:00

Jadon,
I told you you were not allowed any more birthdays after your 5th. Well, I guess I wasn't able to follow through with that. I love you so much and even though a big part of me wants to keep you young forever the biggest part of me can not wait to see how God is going to use you.

I will always remember and cherish you as a baby while I continue to watch you grow into a young boy and enjoy every minute of it. You amaze me and I am so thankful for your life.

Love,
Mommy

What a Strange Little World

2010-10-21T22:42:00.000-05:00

Our house lately has been a strange little world. Haven is going through the stage of pretend friends and pretending to be different animals and people.

I have to admit when she first mentioned her pretend friend I had a to pause and go through my adult do's and don'ts to see if that was normal or not. I remember thinking, "she knows she's pretend....right?"

It didn't take me long to realize that of course she is normal. Her "friend" spent several days with no name because "her mommy and daddy had not named her yet". She is also 3 years old because according to Haven that was the best year of her own life.

She repeatedly talks about when she was 3 and how she could suck her thumb and snuggle with her blankie and oh how she misses being 3. I can't help but laugh inside when the best thing that has ever happened to her so far in her 4 years of life was sucking her thumb and having her blankies.

When she is not playing with her pretend friend she is being a horse or a dog. We have had to come up with different names for her depending on what animal she is. If she is a dog, her name is Sally and if she is a horse she is to be called Princess.

She has studied the way horses and dogs move, sleep, eat, play and do just about anything. She stays in animal character no matter what she is doing. I am truly amazed at how she prances around the house on all fours.

The other night as we were praying I started to pray for her and was corrected when I mistakenly called her Haven when she was Sally. I had to finish my pray over her calling her Sally. I am so glad God knows all and all her names and characters and He loves her the same no matter who she is.

I find her imagination quite amusing, there are times however, when it can honestly be a little embarrassing. Like tonight I was trying to talk to someone at Mama Jean's, Haven is sitting in the back of the grocery cart and as I am speaking I start to hear growling. She is trying to growl at the man I am talking to. He has no idea that she is pretending to be a dog, he just sees this little girl showing her teeth and making low growling noises.

My strange little world in my own little house being led by my very own little children. I couldn't imagine it to be any more fun.

So Proud

2010-10-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was the first Tiger Pride Assembly of the year at Jadon's school. Parents are always invited and I had planned on going. I asked Jadon if it was okay for his mom to show up, he casually said sure.

Several days before I had received a letter from his teacher in an envelope, sealed envelope, that had written on the outside "do not let Jadon read." In the letter his teacher explained that at the Tiger Pride Assembly they were going to recognize the Student of the Month for each class. And for the month of September she had chosen Jadon for the honor.

I got a little choked up. I was so proud of him. What an honor to be named Student of the Month, as she explained she can only choose 9 out of her class of 16.

The reason for secrecy was she wanted it to be a surprise for Jadon. He would not know until his name was called by the Principal.

Awards were also given from the specials teachers (PE, Art, Music, Library, Computer) to the class in each grade that had shown good behavior for the month. Jadon's class swept all 5 awards. From the reactions in the room I don't think that usually happens. Way to go Mrs. D's class!

A Haven story before I close. Lately when we pray together at night before bed time we have been discussing prayer requests. I asked her the other night if she had any prayer requests and she said so seriously, "yes, I want to pray that I can become a Princess, get married and have a baby." She already has that desire to be a wife and mom. We spent some time praying and talking about allowing God to do all these things in his timing and prayed for the man God has picked out for her in the far future.

Becoming a Princess, well she is already her Daddy's Princess.

God Loves Me

2010-09-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

That is the title of Jadon's first book. On Friday Jadon didn't have school, he was out for a teacher work day. So, he spent the day writing a book. He spent all day and night writing. The idea for the book, every thing he wrote and the spelling was all him, no help.

On Sunday Jadon decided that every person in his class should have a copy. So, he and Todd spent the evening making copies to hand out to his friends. While waiting for the bus on Monday he was holding his stack of books, he didn't want them put in his backpack to get wrinkled, and he said, "I think my class will like this, if I was given a book like this I would read it every night before I went to bed."

Jadon came home carrying the same stack of books minus 1 that his teacher kept. We received a very nice letter from his teacher explaining why the books couldn't be handed out during class and offered to help him give them to his friends after school.

Todd and I knew he probably would take his stack of books and not be able to pass them out. But we pray daily for our children to have boldness in their faith. We were able to have great conversation about how some don't believe these truths about God, but that we are still called to go and preach the good news, tell friends and everyone about Him.

One of my favorites is where he wrote God is Good and the illustration to go along with it is a picture of a person hurting (bleeding). God is good even when you are hurting. Amen.

Lemonade Stands

2010-09-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

Jadon has been wanting all summer to do a lemonade stand. The problem is we do not live in an area that works for having a lemonade stand. When Donna and Karla decided to have a garage sale Jadon took the opportunity to finally have his lemonade stand. Donna made cupcakes for him to sell along with the lemonade.

He did a great job. He proudly sat at the stand and when someone bought a glass from him, he got the ice, poured the lemonade and even counted the change if needed. He did very well at it too, making $13. After putting some back for God, reimbursing me for the lemonade and paying Haven for helping him, she went around asking people if they would like a cupcake and helped him serve, he came out with a net profit of $9. Not too bad for a lemonade stand in the country.

When Haven was not helping Jadon she was enjoying time with Buddy, the Guinea Pig. She loves him and is completely convinced that when she is not there he misses her.

Jude took a time out from looking for frogs to hold Buddy.

I Love Kindergarten

2010-09-16T20:56:00.000-05:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I have been excited about Jadon starting Kindergarten for some time now. I have thought about how I could volunteer at his school and go on field trips and be a room mom, all the fun stuff a mom gets to do when their kids start school.

I have joined the PTO and so far since the first day of school have been up there weekly doing something. I have helped work the Book Fair, which I made friends with other moms and the wonderful Librarian.

I worked school picture day. My job was to line the kids up for the photographer and check the kids over for messy faces and hair. It was so cute watching the Kindergarten classes and the cute little faces with big smiles. At the end of the morning I was blessed with the fact that my picture package for Jadon was free for volunteering. What a huge blessing that was. The week of pictures was not a great week for purchasing pictures. We went ahead and bought a package because I really wanted Jadon's Kindergarten picture and then to find out we got them free was a huge blessing. I called Todd when I found out and we had a little praise service.

On Tuesday I was able to go to the school and do copying and three hole punch papers for Mrs. Daugherty, Jadon's teacher. At the end of the day she asked if I would like to read the class a book. I loved it, Kindergartners are so fun to read too. Then they showed me a matching game they play on the smart board. I was also there when they called Jadon's name over the school's speaker system for winning a poster from the Book Fair. My heart was very proud watching him go out of class by himself, walk to the Library and pick out his poster, come back to the class and Mrs. Daugherty letting him tell his classmates about his poster. After he spoke his teacher had the whole class tell him "congratulations." I wondered at that moment, how did he get so big.

So, Jadon has loved his first month at school and I have loved my first month of being a school mom. I'm ready for more.

Butterscotch

2010-09-16T20:36:00.001-05:00

When we were pregnant with Jude Todd and I talked about the probability of us having 3 kids that preferred sucking their thumbs over a pacifier. At that time both Jadon and Haven preferred the thumb, even with much effort on our part to get them to take the pacifier. I didn't work.

I'm pretty sure that Jude was our earliest thumb sucker too. Great, another one to have to break from sucking their thumb.

I know some parents I have talked to would have preferred thumb suckers. Their reasoning is that it's hard for the child to lost the thumb. I agree with that, we never had nights of crying because they couldn't find their pacifier or having to wonder around retracing steps to find where they lost it.

But that's our argument for being against having thumb suckers. You can't just get rid of it when they reach a certain age. It can continue to be a struggle for them long after you think it's over.

We have been in a back and forth battle with Haven for about a year now trying to stop her from sucking her thumb. We have tried putting band-aids on her thumb, she just took those off. We tried putting hot sauce on the thumb and band-aid, she just waited for the hot sauce to be wiped off. We tried putting hot sauce directly on her tongue when we caught her and even though it caused her to throw up a couple of times she continued on.

Finally, I offered her a present. I put an offer of a stuffed horse on the table along with putting athletic tape on her thumbs and using the hot sauce on the tongue.

It finally has worked. She has been free from thumb sucking for a whole month. So, we went and she picked out her horse, Butterscotch. I am so proud of her.

Here she is with Butterscotch and her unicorn that she's had for a while now, Pinkie Star also known as Alice on occasion.

Jude wanted to get in on the pictures too.

2010-08-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

August 19, 2010 will always be remembered in our family, the first day of school for Jadon. This day began a new chapter in his young life and I am excited to watch it unfold.

Just in case you are wondering I did not cry, I did not even get teary eyed. I have been excited about this day for him. I did have that heart swelling proud feeling though.

Jadon has been wanting and ready to go to school for a while. He loves to learn and he honestly just could not wait to go to school so he could learn more.

I have been spending 5 years praying with and for him and every night the one constant in all those prayers is that he would grow to love God more and more with each passing day. For me today was about him going out on his own to put into action what he has been taught and to show God's love to his peers around him.

Todd and I tease with the kids all the time about not letting them have any more birthdays once they hit 5. There is no reason for them to grow anymore, of course we tease and have fun with it. Honestly, though, I am excited to see them grow. I want to see what God will do in their lives and how He will use them.

Here are a few pictures of Jadon's first day and one of him and his teacher Mrs. Daugherty.

And the night before his big, first day of school Jadon lost his other front tooth. He has now lost a total of 4 teeth.

Jadon, I am so proud of you and can not wait to see how you grow and change this next year.

The Fair

2010-08-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful visit from the Bischoff family a couple weeks ago. It seemed as though their time here was way too short. While here though we got to do some fun things with them, the fair being one of those fun events.
The fair had it all this year, for the kids, the magic of the rides and lights and fun foods and most important cousins. Donna went early this year and bought all in one bands, the entrance fee and a band to ride all the rides you want. It was great for the kids and the time of day we went was perfect for not having to stand in line. The night we also experienced a nice break in the triple digit degrees that we had experienced the first part of the week.

I took pictures when we first arrived with the animals and later didn't get a single picture of the kids riding rides. I'm not really sure what happened.

He is thrilled that I am taking his picture.

Ruth Ann loves her Jude and he returns the love to her.

Jadon and Haven walked around with each other holding hands most of the night.

The most important part of the Fair, your corn dog and jug of root beer.

Jude is still asking all most daily if we can go to the fair. He has now added at the end of his question, "next year?"

Clean Rooms

2010-08-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

I have a thing about having a picked up house. I don't always get around to dusting or mopping the floors or washing the patio doors that constantly have little finger print marks all over it, but before naps and beds the rule has been to pick up toys and shoes and clothes.

I think I enjoyed about 2 months of the kids liking to pick up their toys. About the time they hit about 18 months to 2 years and they feel so big when they get to help mommy and daddy.

I guess I never realized that time period was so short. I thought we would definitely be in the teen years before they became physically ill when asked to clean. It never fails, the stomachs start hurting, they become so exhausted they can't move or they just feel so bad.

My responses usually go something like this:

If you're stomach hurts so bad then it really isn't a good idea to eat dessert.
If you're so tired then I can pick your toys up, but you can go straight to bed so you can feel rested for tomorrow.
If you feel so bad lets not have a snack and you can go ahead and go to bed because mommy doesn't want you to get really sick.

All of these responses are followed by sometimes crying and emphatic reassurances that they are just fine. Funny how that works.

The other night I told Haven it was time to pick up toys and get ready for bed. She once again was taking an extremely long time to do it. So, I finally pulled her out of her room and gave her a time limit for when all toys needed to be picked up or she was going to have taken away anything that was not put up.

She finished well before time was up so when I go in to inspect the room this is what I found.

Everything was thrown either in her closet or on her bed. If this is how we do it now what do I have to look forward to when she becomes a teenager? I will give her credit, the floor of her bedroom was spotless.

St. Louis

2010-07-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

This summer my family was able to serve at the St. Louis mission trip. The past couple of summers we have been fortunate to serve in Denver and this year was our first time to minister in St. Louis. We go with Global Encounter Ministries and serve with dear friends the Caldwell family. We also join Donna, Matt & Lindsay and Matt and Mallory. Just a few family members shy of having our entire family on mission together.

This summer Lindsay and I helped Donna on the administrative end of the trip, Todd was lodging site coordinator for the Ferguson site in which about 300 students and leaders stayed for the week, Matt and Matt and the rest of the Springhill band led worship and Mallory was the trip photographer.

It was an incredible week of worship, ministering and catching up with friends on the mission field with us. Between the 2 lodging sites, First Ferguson and First Arnold, we had over 600 people on the field, with 18 ministry sites and ministered to about 1,200 children. We witnessed students and children making the decision to become followers of Jesus.

We also found some time to do some family time while in St. Louis. We were able to take the kids to the zoo.

I love this picture. Jadon is reading so well and enjoys reading everything. It was fun to watch him walk through and read about all the animals.

Some of their favorite animals we saw.

Pictures from the Arch. I am so glad we did this. I wasn't sure if we really needed to go up in it with the kids. I wondered if they would enjoy and appreciate it, but I am so glad we did. They loved it and thought is was amazing to look out the windows and see how far up we were.

Haven fell asleep on our way to the Arch.

I had never been to the City Museum. I loved it and if I could I have would have gone back the next day. The kids loved it as well. I don't have pictures of this part, but after we spent a couple hours inside we went outside to climb around and at one point we climbed up to the highest point to an airplane. We then climbed through a little wire circular thing to a tall slide to go down. When you are walking through this thing you can see the ground below and you are up very high. I was so proud of Haven and Jadon. Jadon went through no problems, Haven said a couple of times she didn't think she could do it, but kept going. When she made it across she was so proud. It was good watching her struggle with being frightened and working through it.

This was at the skateless skate park at the City Museum. We all had fun trying to run up the ramps and sliding down them. Here the kids (and Matt K.) are sliding down one of the tall ramps. Haven learned a lesson here, it is not a good idea to slide down concrete on your belly. She ended up with a concrete burn all down her stomach.

And finally Grant's Farm. We loved it and went at a perfect time, about 2 hours before closing. We didn't have the huge lines and the crowds around everything we wanted to do and see. The best part of the day for us and the kids was bottle feeding the goats and seeing the Clydesdale's.

The Fourth and My Birthday

2010-07-29T21:54:00.000-05:00

One of my most favorite holidays is the the Fourth of July. I love celebrating my country that I love so much and it is also the time I celebrate my birthday. I have such fond memories of my entire family all gathering together on July 4. We would spend the afternoon having birthday cake and homemade ice cream, then have a cook-out and after the cook-out and it got dark we would shoot off fireworks. While the men in the family were the pyrotechnics the rest of us would ooh and ahh and grandma and I would polish off and entire watermelon, just the two of us. I was very proud of that feat growing up, that we could eat an entire watermelon. I cherish those memories and want to make sure that my kids have a tradition that they look back on as a time they loved.

My birthday started off with a special birthday breakfast. My mom and dad bought chickens in the spring and have been waiting for them to get big enough to provide eggs. The day before my birthday their first chicken laid its first egg. My dad was so proud and his first thought was of me and my birthday and insisted it be my birthday egg. I love my daddy! So mom brought it over that day to make sure I had it in time for breakfast.

It was such a cute little egg. Can you guess which one was from my dad's chicken? They do get bigger as the chickens grow.

On the Fourth, as we have done the last several years, both sides of our families came over and we enjoyed homemade ice cream, pizza and watermelon. Then we enjoyed the fireworks everyone brought to share.

While the boys were setting off smoke bombs the highlight for Haven was finding a frog.

The best thing ever invented in the eyes of Jadon Wallace. He hates loud noises so having ear plugs was an incredible thing for him. All the kids wore them while the fireworks were being shot off.

Todd's Bad Awful Day

2010-06-27T22:54:00.000-05:00

There is a children's book that my kids love for me to read them. It is Grover's Bad Awful Day. You can probably guess what it is about.

Grover wakes up late in the process of trying to hurry out of bed he stubs his furry toe. While getting ready his toothpaste fell off his toothbrush, he lost the toothpaste cap down the drain, his fur was all tangled, he poured milk on the table instead of his cereal and he got to class late.

At play group he kept messing up his picture during Art class, he forgot part of his alphabet, music class didn't go so well, his friends wouldn't let him play with him and at lunchtime he realized he forgot his lunch at home.

On his way home from play group he dropped his ice cream cone on the ground, it started raining, one of his rain boots got stuck in gum and he had to walk the rest of the way home with only one boot.

But here is where the story takes a turn. He gets home and his mommy is there and he tells her all about his bad, awful day. All of a sudden there's a perspective change and with her assurance he comes to realize that he can get through bad, awful days and be okay.

Yesterday was a bad, awful day for Todd. He woke up and left for town to get items we needed for the house while in town the car died at an intersection. After being pulled home by his uncle he decided to mow the yard, while mowing the tire came off the mower. He was going to run back into town to get a part for the mower and when he got in the van the battery was dead.

That is a bad, awful day. But, even better than Grover's mommy we have the Father with whom we can run to and He can change our perspective on a day like that. We can rejoice in those bad, awful days. We can say, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24.

Thank you honey that on your bad, awful day you sought peace from our Heavenly Father and allowed Him to turn it into a day to rejoice in Him in all things.

Chick-fil-a Princess

2010-06-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

I love Chick-fil-a, is my favorite fast food place. The kids are the same. Anytime we are in the area of Chick-fil-a that's where they want to eat. So, Haven was pretty excited when we learned they were hosting a Princess Night. They had all the things a Princess would want, hair and make-up, face painting, fingernail painting, meet Miss Missouri and Miss Teen Missouri and free samples of food.

Mom and I took Haven and Kylah and Great Gram joined us too. We had a great girls night out. The lines were so long for everything that we only had time to get the faces painted and have pictures taken with Miss Missouri and Miss Teen Missouri and, of course, eat. But the girls had a blast and they looked like little Princesses in their matching dresses and tiaras.

The only disappointing thing of the whole evening was while waiting in line to see Miss Missouri and get her autograph and a picture taken with her I, and everyone else, could see her teal panties. Yes, her dress was so short that when she sat down you could see her underwear. I doubt it was intentional to show off her bright teal underwear to a bunch of little girls. But I was a little, okay a lot, disappointed that someone who has positioned herself to be a role model for young girls would be dressed so inappropriately. In line all I could think about was how I really wanted to tell her thanks for wearing a dress so short we can all see her underwear, including little girls that will grow up thinking that's how they need to dress to be pretty.

I was so overjoyed when Haven, not being impressed with them at all, refused to have her picture taken with them. I found myself smiling and saying that's just fine sweetheart let's go find something else to do. Jesus, I pray that she finds her value in You and not in her clothes (or lack of) and outward appearance.

My Children are Blessed

2010-06-24T22:26:00.001-05:00

My children are blessed to have the Daddy they do. I am so thankful that he is my partner in training our beautiful children. His wisdom, love, patience, firmness and most importantly his devotion to serving Jesus challenges me. I am thankful for his leadership in our family. I am thankful our children adore him because he has made it easy for them to.

At church Jadon and Haven got to say things about their daddy as the teachers wrote. Here's what they had to say about their daddy.

Jadon:

"I love you. I like helping you a lot. Do you like to stay with me a lot."

"I like to hunt mushrooms with you."

"You play golf with me."

Haven:

"Thank you daddy for doing great things with me. I like playing with you. You are so cool."

"I like when you sing."

Happy Father's Day to the greatest Daddy and husband as far as we are concerned.

The boys making their funny faces at the camera.

An Original

2010-06-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am so excited. My mom brought over my Mother's Day gift on Saturday. I know this past weekend was Father's Day. My mom had worked so hard on my Mother's Day gift this year and had to send it off to be finished. She had no idea it was going to take this long for them to finish everything.

I love it! It is an Elizabeth Chapman original. It's a rose, then my mom took the poem that Todd had written the day after we lost Karis and had them matted and framed. It turned out beautifully and I was totally surprised. And of course I cried. What a beautiful way to remember our daughter and how great our God is.

I love Elizabeth's paintings and had mentioned many times to Todd how I would love to own on. Plus the fact that she is a friend makes it even more special to own one of her paintings.

I tried to take a picture, I don't know if you can see it well, but it is absolutely beautiful and if you are ever my way stop in and I would love to show it off.

Rodeo Princess

2010-06-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Haven's birthday party this year was all about horses. She is so into horses right now and it takes me back to my childhood. When I was a little girl I loved and knew everything there was to know about horses. Every birthday and Christmas all I wanted was a horse.

So, when Haven started showing a love for horses it pleased me very much. I was also very excited to plan a horse birthday party. Haven was a Rodeo Princess and we were blessed to have Todd's cousin willing to bring their horse Sugar for the kids to ride. It was a birthday this little 4 year old will not soon forget.

All the kids getting their turn to ride Sugar.

Papa and Jadon hanging.

Oops! Little Mister caught sagging.

The rest of the party was pretty great too, opening presents and the cake.

It's great to be 4!

Success

2010-06-06T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have an official Kindergartner. Jadon is all signed up for school and this past week he started summer school. He has loved every minute of it. Each night he lays out his clothes and we start packing his lunch and he gets his backpack ready. In the mornings if he beats me up he finishes packing his lunch. He is such a responsible boy.

He has made friends and comes home to many questions about his day. We are beyond proud of him.

His first day of summer school.

Jude is doing very good on potty training. After a rough time of it early on, he has been doing wonderful in telling us when he needs to go. I would call the whole thing a success. I feel a little strange having potty trained my last child.

Happy Birthday

2010-06-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

This sweet little girl turned 4 this week. Pictures taken by my awesome sister.

Outside Fun

2010-05-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Some pictures of the kids enjoying the outdoors. I can't believe how fast they grow up and change.

Jadon finished his golf lessons and upon completion got a medal. He was so proud, he wore it around for days. Then a lady I work out with at the gym gave him her grandsons old golf club set. He plays golf every day.

Haven was given a Little Mermaid snow globe and she carries it around with her all the time. She calls it her trophy because "it is so special".

Jude is doing very well with potty training and having less accidents and more times on the potty.

Inspired Artist

2010-05-27T21:02:00.000-05:00

There is an inspired artist living in our house right now. It is fun seeing what the artist is going to draw or color or write or sing next and it seems that inspiration is everywhere for her. The house is full of beautiful drawings and sounds of her singing those cute little lyrics she has come up with.

The inspired artist is Haven. If she is not outside playing she is inside making new pictures. She is also constantly coming up with new songs to sing. I love it, she reminds me so much of Todd, making up songs. Mother's Day morning she came in to wake me with a beautiful song she created for me.

There is however a problem with her inspiration. Her reason for creating beautiful pictures is to make the house pretty and the paper pretty. Her goal in life is to make everything around her "pretty". Sounds like a grand idea, that is until she begins to draw and color the walls.

We have a rule in our house, No coloring or drawing on the walls - paper only. Jadon drew on the wall once, Jude hasn't yet, Haven does so weekly. Maybe not quite that much, but often enough that we might as well buy stock in the paint color of sandstone.

Apart from her disobeying our rule of no coloring or drawing on walls this is a huge problem because we still have our house up for sale. She seems to have no understanding of how important it is to mommy and daddy that we keep the house clean and the walls crayon/marker free. Instead in her head it is her duty to make those walls as pretty as possible and the only way that can happen is if she colors them.

So, now our inspired little artist has lost all privileges to create with either crayon, marker, pen or pencil. She is left with her sweet singing voice and all the ideas in the world of how she can make things prettier.

May's Half Over

2010-05-13T21:06:00.001-05:00

May is one of those months that just seems to fly by for me. It may be that there is something every weekend in May. There's the gearing up for summer and all the birthdays, Mother's Day, graduations and everything else. For our family comes in second to most expensive month behind Christmas.

My list of events during the month of May.

- Jadon went to his kindergarten screening. Well, this was actually the last week in April, but close enough. He did great after initially not want to go in the school building. Jadon needs to know what is expected of him and how things are going to happen. Walking into an unknown building not knowing what was going to be expected of him was a little overwhelming. But we made it finally and he did great. He's as smart as his dad and I always thought him to be.

- Jude has become very good friends with dirt. The child comes in most evenings looking like he hasn't bathed ever. I honestly think he goes out and rolls in it. He really also needs a haircut.

- Jadon started taking golf lessons. It's been a great Daddy son thing to do during the week. I can't remember the guy's name giving the lessons, but according to Todd he is a top golf instructor in the golf world. Todd came home the first night all excited because Jadon got about 30 seconds of one on one instructions from the guy. Maybe Jadon will be the next golf phenom or a doctor who needs a good golf game.

- We've found where all our food has been disappearing. We have 2 sweet boys in the house who you would think would be the ones to eat us out of the house. Oh no, it's not them. It's our sweet, petite little girl. A month ago I started finding candy wrappers hidden under her pillow. We had a talk and she became wiser and started hiding food and candy in her pillow case. Also, she wakes up in the middle of the night for a midnight snack. We don't usually keep candy or cookies or sweets in the house, but last week as a treat I bought Todd some cookies for his lunch. I bought them on Thursday and by Saturday they were gone. Guess who ate them....Haven! She is a bottomless pit that steals food. Looking at her you would never guess she ate constantly. Also, we know understand a little better why she would disappear to her bedroom throughout the day. She was eating food she had hidden in her pillow case.

- My sister started a blog for her photography. She has been working so hard toward getting her camera and was finally able to this month. So, if you need a wonderfully talented photographer you should definitely give her a call. She is super talented and is majoring in photography.

- Tonight was my last night to teach Body and Soul. Since January I've been teaching a strength and toning class at the church on Thursday nights. I have loved every minute of it and being with those ladies. This summer my goal is to work towards becoming certified in group exercise. For these ladies to come and be under me while I work towards that goal has really meant a lot to me. I was very surprised and even cried, yes I did, when they gave me a card with gift cards in it. I really feel as though I should be giving them thank you gifts for sticking with me for 18 weeks. Thanks ladies!

Smoothie King

2010-04-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

My family has become addicted to Smoothie King. The kids love it and the best part is it is very healthy. But the down side to enjoying a good smoothie is the place is expensive. So, when we went grocery shopping this week I bought the stuff to make our own smoothies.

It is so fun, the kids love it. I researched and found some great recipes. I would however like to find, and have not been able to, smoothie recipes with vegetables added. If you have a recipe or know where I might find some, please let me know.

The smoothie has also been a great way to add some much needed protein to Jude's diet. He is not a meat eater, which is fine with me and I do not force him to eat meat. But he still needs a way to get some more protein in his diet. Plus I put little extras in for added nutrition.

Our first night making them the kids were very proudly sporting their smoothie mustaches.

Jude is also doing much better with the allergies. We put him on bee pollen and elderberry juice and they have helped tremendously.

The Big 4-0

2010-04-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

A big milestone was reached in our home on Monday. My wonderful, extremely handsome, loving, God fearing husband turned 40. No big deal to him, honestly I may have had more thought of him turning 40 than he has.

Be it vain, here is my fear. I really don't want to be aged with him. I will say my husband does not look his age, he has very good genes. His mom and dad both have aged very well. My parents have both aged very well too.

For this big birthday I wanted to do something really special. He insisted on not having a big party and preferred a quiet dinner with just the two of us. So, I called our very best, favorite friends, Gary and Lynette, who we have not seen in way too long and asked if there was a day they had available to meet us for dinner. We were able to have a date that worked and so they showed up surprising Todd.

It was a great time with great friends and they even tried sushi for the first time that night with us. Todd chose the restuarant, Umi's. We had many laughs and, as always, was reminded why we are such close friends. Our hearts, desires, and ideas are so similar, they refresh us.

It meant a lot to Todd to have them celebrate with us and I couldn't imagine celebrating him any other way. Over a wonderful meal with wonderful friends.

Us enjoying our yummy sushi.

He really was having a good time.

Not a Great Week for the Boys

2010-04-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

The poor Wallace boys. This has not been the best of weeks for them. It started off with Jadon having a dentist appointment on Monday. He's been complaining of a toothache off and on for a couple of weeks. This was the first chance I could get him in.

He was not happy to be going, but go we did. We got the verdict that he did indeed have a cavity and not just one, but three. This was hard for me, we brush teeth every day, we do not eat a lot of sugar in our house, we don't even keep juice or soda in our home. So, I felt bad. To make it worse the dentist strongly suggested pulling one of his molars. He said the x-ray showed it being abssessed.

Jadon not happy at all about the suggestion was finally okay with it when he got to pick out a container to carry his tooth home in to hide under his pillow. In return he would get money. The tooth was numbed and he lost his tooth. I was very proud of him and he was very brave. Hopefully we never have to do that again. The other two cavities can be cleaned and filled. Thank goodness.

To top off his week Jadon woke up yesterday morning with his front, top tooth loose. Not counting the one pulled by the dentist this will make his third lost tooth. He's going to have all his adult teeth by the time he starts kindergarten.

I have never been one to suffer greatly with allergies, neither is Todd. It never even crossed my mind that our kids would be dealing with allergy issues now. Poor Jude has them and has them bad. I keep hearing on the news how bad the pollen count is right now. Well, pollen I ask that you just pack up and blow away somewhere else and leave my poor son alone.

I noticed an increase in rubbing the eyes and being kind of grumpy. Then on Monday evening when I got home from the dentist with Jadon I saw the most pitiful looking little boy. He looked like he had been in a horrible fight and he lost.

His eyes were so red and swollen. He kept rubbing his head and went around saying in a weak whimper, "eye hurt, head hurt."

Another feeling of helplessness. I don't want my boys to hurt. We are working on getting him taken care of, but in the mean time the boy has been sentenced to being indoors. He spends 5 minutes outside and his eyes are swollen shut. He doesn't understand either, which makes it so much worse. He would live outside if I would let him. Pray for us and especially him.

This was after the swelling had gone down a little.

Ballerina Haven

2010-04-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

Oh sweet, little ballerina. The day finally came for our little ballerina's first official class. She was in love, prancing around as she watched herself in the walls of mirrors. She was a seed that became a tree and blew in the wind. She loved every minute of it. And quite honestly I loved every minute of watching her.

There was a great sense of love and pride in my heart as I watched her and then when she would turn and look at me with a huge smile on her face after every move she did. It was pure joy for me.

Here is our little ballerina enjoying her first class.

He Is Risen

2010-04-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

He is risen indeed!

We taught our kids this greeting from early Christianity. We would say to them, "He is risen!" and they would respond, "He is risen indeed!" It was so fun when they would greet us and we would respond. I received a text from a number I didn't recognize saying, "He is risen". Even though I didn't know who it came from I couldn't pass up the opportunity to respond with "He is risen indeed."

We had a great Easter weekend. Our church held The Big Hunt, with food, inflatables, massive egg hunt, and an illusionist. We have been praying for this event for months and had high hopes of having maybe 500 people show up. The Lord is awesome and we had around 1,200 people there enjoying the beautiful day.

On Easter morning Todd fixed us cinnamon rolls for breakfast, a very big treat since we never have them, and then the kids went on a hunt for their Easter presents. Then we had an awesome worship service at church and headed to my parents for lunch. Worship Sunday was amazing, there were 8 people who now know they are a child of God. Wow!

Here's a little photo montage of our weekend.

We don't tell our kids about the Easter bunny, there is nothing about the bunny that points to Jesus. So, for us we choose not to teach our kids about the bunny. But at The Big Hunt a guy was dressed up for anyone who wanted pictures. My kids were more entertained by the fact that someone would dress up like a big rabbit. Jadon and Kylah are checking him out.

The massive egg hunt.

Enjoying our Easter morning cinnamon rolls. This is a huge treat for the kids.

The kids chasing Papa's chicks after Easter lunch. Jude kept catching them and throwing them back in the hen house, to which I am pretty sure they were very thankful to get away from him.

Week in Review

2010-04-01T20:50:00.001-05:00

I don't have one thing in particular to write about this week, I can think of several little things. So, I thought I would just recap our week. The little joys in the lives of the Wallace family.

* Signed Haven up for ballet. She has been wanting to learn ballet for months now and we finally got her signed up. She is beyond excited.

* Scheduled Jadon's Kindergarten screening. I can not believe he will be in Kindergarten next year. He too is beyond excited.

* Jude has now graduated to his big boy bed, the bottom bunk. We no longer have a need for a crib, which has been a long time since that need has not been there.

* The weather has been absolutely beautiful this week thus allowing us family walks every night. The kids are always full of interesting conversations during these walks.

* Jadon and I sat and stuffed about 200 eggs with candy for our big Easter Egg Hunt at the church on Saturday. I loved watching him work so diligently and we had amazing conversation about God. His heart for others continues to amaze me every day.

* Jude's little legs are an absolute mess, after only 1 day of wearing shorts. His knees all the way down to his ankles are bruised and scraped.

* I found my old Breyer collection of horses I had when I was a little girl and brought them home to Haven to play with. Oh what sweet memories it brings back and I enjoy so much watching my little girl play with them.

* Todd brought home a bouquet of tulips for me and a bouquet of calla lilies for Haven. She walked around carrying them for the longest time. When we finally put them in a vase she had to have them put right in front of her chair at the kitchen table so she could look at them while she ate.

I love being a mom and wife and weeks like this, where nothing big is happening just being with each other, is the very reason why. These are the weeks that I find out the most of what is going on in each of my children's minds and hearts. Yes, these weeks are my favorite.

Jude sleeping in his big boy bed and his pile of books beside the bed. That is so much like his daddy.

Our Visit to Texas

2010-03-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Last week the kids and I got to tag along with Donna on her trip to go see the Bischoff family. It was their spring break in Texas and the weather was absolutely beautiful. We had a wonderful time, Haven got to play with "her girls" as she calls Bailey and Ruth and Jadon definately got his fix of wii time with Lucas and Micah. Since we were on vacation I didn't monitor his wii time, when we are at home he can only play for 30 minutes a day. Needless to say he was loving all his wii time.

I got to actually hang out with Wendy and even got to go to a Boot Camp class with her. The only negative thing about the class was it being at 6:00 in the morning. I'm usually not even up by that time, but it was an awesome class and well worth waking up for.

We also had plenty of tea parties with tea we bought from the best tea place ever, Teavana. Mmmmm, I think I'm going to fix me a cup of hot tea.

Saturday the kids sort-of played in the pool and then that night the kids got to have a picnic in the living room floor and watch a movie at dinner.

The rodeo was in town, and if you ever want to go see a true, huge rodeo Houston, Texas is the place. The kids had a blast and we still missed about half of what was there.

Here's our little mutton busters, Jadon, Micah, Bailey, Ruth Ann, Jude and Haven (Lucas helped hold Jude up so he could look through and that was enough for him).

Next we were onto seeing all the new babies that had been born that week and the tractors. Jadon loved this part, sitting in a real tractor.

When we first arrived there was a family taking a group picture. We all made the observation that there is almost always one that doesn't want their picture taken. As was the case with that family. Well, later in the day we were that family. Haven was really wanting to go see the rabbits, not have her picture taken.

Jude loves his Lucas.

Haven got to pet the rabbit, this was definately a highlight for her.

Next we went to the neatest thing. You walk in and everyone gets a basket and a cup of chicken feed. You are then led to the chicken house where you feed the chickens their feed and you pick up an egg (the eggs are made of wood). You then get a "seed" that has a picture of a vegetable on it and you go plant in the garden. After planting you "pick" your vegetable and put it in your basket. Next you go get the wool that was sheared from your sheep. Then you're led to the cow barn where you can "milk" a cow and pick up your carton of milk to put in your basket. Next is the orchard where you pick oranges off the tree and add to your basket. After you have collected eggs, picked your vegetables, got your wool, milked the cow and picked the fruit the kids take their baskets to a farmer's market where they "sell" their stuff and are given a play dollar where they can then spend it to purchase a snack. It was the neatest way to show kids the process farmers go through. And the kids loved it.

Next we enjoyed the Pig Races. So much fun, although our little pigs were always last.

My little piggies.

And to end our day at the rodeo we all got to choose a carnival ride. After the one ride of choice, we all (minus Donna and Jude) raced down the giantic slide. Haven and I came in last. After climbing all the way to the top Jadon decided it was way to tall and didn't want to go down. Me being the great mom and really not wanting to have to walk him back down, sat him down on his mat, put his feet in the pouch and gave him a nice big push down the slide. Thus making Haven and I the last ones to leave. Don't worry once at the bottom Jadon jumped up and down saying how much he loved it. He just needed that little push.

We ended our last night there with a pajama party where we had rootbeer or orange crush floats and all the kids slept in the girls room. That was also the night where Haven made it quite clear to everyone that she was "never going to go to sleep". I think she may have scared the other kids and she made quite a go of it, but in the end sleep won out.

Aunt Wendy reading bedtime stories.

It was such a great 5 days and it was so nice to get away on a little vacation. The only that would have made it better was if Todd could have joined us.

Potty Time

2010-03-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

We started last Friday with potty training Jude. He had been telling us for some time when he needed to go and showing interest in sitting on the potty. So, we took on the challenge of freeing him from his diaper. He's done well. It hasn't been as easy as the other two, but he loves to sit on the potty. He has his stack of books sitting on the vanity and his jar of m&m's for his reward. When it's time to go sit on the potty he picks out one of his books and sits and reads. We usually go through all 5 books twice before he his ready to get up. I think there was one time during the second day that he sat there for 30 minutes reading his books.

I couldn't help myself, I snapped some really cute pictures of him on the big boy potty.

He's into heavy reading too, John Piper's The Blazing Center. It seriously is in his stack of books he chose. He calls it Dada's book and it is so cute listening to him "read" the book.

So proud of the big boy.

Answered Prayers

2010-02-25T22:14:00.000-06:00

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. -Romans 8:26

This has been my verse for the day. What a perfect verse in a perfect time. Yesterday I was having one of those days where I felt as though all the things I had been praying about were not being heard. I even voiced it out loud in that throw myself a pity party type way. Whiny voice, "Why God, why?"

I feel as though what I've been praying for God had ordained Like the selling of our house, Todd and I prayed for this decision and got the yes answer. So, we put our house up for sale. It hasn't sold, but not even that, we've had 2 people come look at the house in almost 4 months. Lots of hits on the website, but nothing on the next step.

As well, Todd and I had found a home in Willard that we really liked and met more than our needs at an amazing price. We really had not planned on putting an offer on it until we had more interest in our house, but after finding out that it was short-sale and possibly take months before we found out anything we decided to go ahead and put an offer down contigent on our house selling. Our realtor came by my work yesterday to let me know that they had received a full asking price offer which meant that knocked us out immediately. Very disappointing.

The job situations. Wondering what happened when there was a job so perfect and an application is submitted with perfect references that it should be yours. Then not even an interview.

I almost feel embaressed telling this part of the story. I am giving God a why over not selling the house, not getting a house we wanted and not getting a job that we wanted. But that is what makes what happened today so amazing. God showed me today that He is in control and He showed me what He finds important. I have been so focused on my few prayers of I wants not being answered that I had forgotten about some of the others prayers I had been offering up to Him.

One of those prayers I have been praying is how to do more with the kids in showing them how to love and care for others. I'm still learning myself how to be a completely selfless person. But my prayer is so much for our kids to now have a heart for others. God showed me today that this is the prayer He most wants me praying right now. This is what He is wanting to teach me and my family about.

Our Thursdays are our grocery shopping days. The kids and I head in early hit the bread store and sometimes Mama Jeans then to Wal-Mart. Today as we were leaving the bread store I had just put all the kids in the van and was getting ready to leave when a woman walked up to my window. She asked if I knew where a certain church was and so I proceeded to tell her how to get there.

She interupted my directions to ask if I could drive her there. She had been walking for about 2 hours trying to get to the church. The church was still about 15 minutes away in driving time. I agreed and she hopped in the van and proceeded to share with me her story. I listened and she talked the whole way to the church.

When I dropped her off I asked if I could pray with her to which she was very grateful. Then from the cash I had to go grocery shopping with I gave her some and waited in the van long enough to make sure she got in and waved me on.

As soon as I left the parking lot I started crying because it was then that I realized that God was so graciously teaching me what is precious to Him. His people. I had such an incredible time with this lady and was able to love on her and provide for her. He does answer my prayers, He gave me and the kids this lady to minister to today.

All I can say is, "Thank you, thank you Jesus for answering my prayers." Thank you for bringing one of your precious people for us to minister to. I serve an awesome and almighty God.

Shekinah Retreat

2010-02-25T21:14:00.000-06:00

Last weekend Todd and I got a much needed retreat away with just each other. Thanks to my sister and mom who tag teamed taking care of our kids. Mal stayed at the house with the kids so they could sleep in their own beds, then mom came and got them so they could hang out with her on Saturday.

Todd had booked this cute little Bed and Breakfast in Arcola, MO not too far from Stockton Lake. Which this time of year the lake was not a draw, but the fact that it was away from everything and in quiet was what made it appealing.

I actually came across this B&B through a mailing I received at the church. We like the atmosphere they have and this one reminded us of the one we stayed in on our honeymoon. They both were huge houses turned B&B and they both had themed rooms. We chose the Garden Room to stay in. I know it might sound way corny, but the room was so pretty and relaxing.

The owners were an amazing couple and it was so nice to get to know them. They were so warm and welcoming, but also very professional. We never saw them unless we wanted to or they were bringing our food. We learned that every one of their children is involved with the B&B in some capicity. One of thier daughters fixed the romantic dinner we had on Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. She will be leaving in a couple of months to go to culinary school. Her goal is to return once done with school to be the chef. She has an amazing talent. It has been a long time since I have savored every bite I am taking. Everything was homemade and seasoned with home grown herbs. Truely divine cooking.

We were provided our room, a library to sit and have a beautiful view to outside, a game room to watch movies or play games with each other, and amazing food. Todd and I truely got to relax and spend time talking without interuption.

I took my camera and here are a few pictures of our wonderful weekend.

Jude Turns 2

2010-02-18T22:33:00.001-06:00

Saturday was Jude's 2nd birthday. We had a great day of celebrating the precious life God has given him. Friday night Jadon and Haven joined me on picking up some last minute things for the party the next day. It was such a joy to see them so excited to make his birthday such a special day.

Jadon was up early on Saturday so he could help greet Jude with Happy Birthday wishes and love. When Jude finally made his awake state known Jadon and I went running in singing happy birthday and Jadon saying, "Oh my, you're older and look how much bigger you are. Yep, I do think he's gotten bigger."

It totally cracked me up. Surprisingly Jude didn't know what to do with all the attention. I would never have thought of him as anywhere close to shy. But throughout the day he didn't quite know what to do with all the attention.

I am so thankful for his life in our family. He is definately starting to assert his independence. His favorite thing to say right no is uh-huh. He says it for everything, even if he means yes. So much is the term used, it's not really a word, that he gets serious discipline for it. Take that out of his vocabulary and he is a rough housing, yet gentle spirit boy who loves his family and has the funniest little personality. He mimmicks everything his big brother and big sister does and he and I share some of the most sweet times in the evenings sitting and reading books.

He loves having the Bible read to him. Oh how I pray this love for the Word only intensifies as he gets older. I am excited to watch him grow into the person God has planned.

Pictures of his big 2 party. Jude sleeping before the big day.

Jude wanted to try everything piece of clothing on that he got and he kept going to Great Gram to help him put it on.

Jude done with us singing and asking him to say how old he is. It is the cutest thing to hear him say "too" and cross his fingers.

Isn't this the sweetest face.

A few of the other really cute kids in the family. Haven was really enjoying her cupcake and was not planning on wasting any of it.

Later that evening we took Jude out to Chick-fil-a for his birthday dinner. Upon arrival we had forgotten about the Valentine Dinner set-up they were having. The whole place was decorated to resemble a fine dining place with a host to seat you, linens on the tables and waiters and waitresses to serve you. They brought the food you ordered out on plates instead of a tray. It was done very nice. The only draw back is we waited for over an hour for our chicken nuggets and chicken sandwich with fruit cups and fries. We received our dinner about the time we would be getting ready for bedtime. The kids were tired, hungary and not very patient. The play area is only fun for a while.

They were very gracious and knowing we had waited a long time ended up giving us our meal free and coupons for free sandwiches in the future. This was not prompted by us complaining or getting upset. Another reason to love Chick-fil-a. We took it as another birthday present for the little Juddlebug.

I think he had a great 2nd birthday and I know the rest of us enjoyed celebrating him.

Thank you to Mal for taking pictures, they all turned out wonderful!

I Need You Spring

2010-02-11T21:38:00.000-06:00

I am so ready for warmer weather to be here. I really think the kids are ready. There is a lot of cabin fever going on around here and it has taken over my kids and turned them not so pleasant. That is the only explanation I have for their behavior of late. Well, except that they were born sinful and don't need any help in behaving badly.

I do think, however, that having some time outside with the warm sun shining down on their pretty little heads would help in fixing some of the weariness they have.

It seems that their sole purpose for waking up in the morning is find new and creative ways to annoy the crud out of each other. One wants to listen to music the other makes super loud noises making it impossible for the music to be heard, then it all comes out. The yelling to stop, if that doesn't work they resort to hitting or biting. Today Jadon actually head butted Haven because she was being too loud. This from a boy who is very protective of his sister.

Jude has even been getting in on it. Any chance he gets he takes something away from Haven and runs from her. She starts chasing and it never ends good. There has been plenty of talks, time-outs and spankings these past couple of weeks.

Today we were driving into town, I had a lot of errands to run, and Haven wanted to tell Jadon about something funny that happened. He seriously would not even look at her. She kept asking for him to look at her she wanted to tell him something. So, she hits him and screams at the top her lungs. I understand her frustration, but, oh my, there is a better way to handle that.

We're learning a lot about responding rightly, not responding by how you feel.

I really want to lock myself in my room and not come out. This too shall pass. I just really wish that it would hurry up and the kids that I know will return.

On another note. Here are a couple of pictures of the living room we painted for my mom's birthday. I think it turned out very lovely.

I had just finished typing this and Jadon comes in crying because he's had a bad dream. I hate it when one of them has bad dreams. It seems Jadon is having more and more of them. Tonight everything was very tall so I had to go in his room and pull everything down. Which means walk over to the window and pretend I'm pulling it down and then over to his closet and do the same and then pull his bed down. Then we prayed together.

Spring and Tulips

2010-02-04T19:25:00.000-06:00

I love when it starts getting close to Spring. My favorite flowers are tulips and each year leading up to Spring Todd will come home randomly with boquets of tulips. Saturday Todd took the kids to Wal-Mart and came back with the first boquet of tulips of the year. They are beautiful and extra special since Todd and the kids picked them out together.

A Jude Story

2010-02-04T19:18:00.000-06:00

This is probably more a story of what Todd and I did to Jude. It's confession time.

I will start by setting the scene and defending our actions a little bit. Thursday nights are very hectic in our household. That is Todd's school night, in which he leaves for school around 5pm and returns around 10:30pm, I have started teaching a Body & Soul class at the church on Thursday nights (I love it, it's a strength and toning class) and so the kids spend the evening at my mom's for a couple of hours.

After I get done with class I go over to mom's, we visit as the kids pick up the toys and then we head home. By the time we get home it is after 8pm and the kids are usually in bed around then. So, we get the house picked up, put out clothes for the next day, put on p.j's and brush teeth. This is usually all done by 9pm and the kids are put in bed. I finally get to sit in quiet for the first time all day and wait for Todd to get home.

Well, one particular Thursday not that long ago we did our usual busy run around get home do our bed stuff and we are almost in bed when I hear Jadon yelling for me from the bathroom. He was yelling for me and yelling at Jude to stop. As I walked in the bathroom there is Jadon using the potty and Jude standing beside him, holding toothbrush.....under the stream of pee. Oh gross, what is he thinking.

I quickly grab the toothbrush and threw it in the sink. I was afraid if I threw it in the trash he would dig it out. I had all intentions of going back and getting the toothbrush and disposing of it properly.

Okay, well I admit I didn't go back and the next morning we are brushing teeth when I hear Haven yelling, "Ewww, gross no Jude." I went running into the bathroom and saw Jude with his toothbrush putting it in the toilet.

Oh yes, the toilet. Oh wait, the toilet. Oh NO, the toilet.

My senses started coming back to me and I asked Todd where Jude got the toothbrush. Todd responded by saying that he got Jude's toothbrush out of the sink and had brushed his teeth. Oh my, yes brushed his teeth with the very toothbrush I had taken away the night before because he was contaminating it in the toilet.

It did get thrown away right then, but a little too late. I apologize right now Jude for letting daddy brush your teeth with a nasty, dirty toothbrush.

One more Jude story. Last weekend we were all watching cartoons together, Todd was a men's study at church, and Jude came over with Jadon's Bible in his hands. He handed me the Bible and asked me to read it to him. Very cool, this is not a picture Bible. He sat on my lap and for the next 20 minutes as we read through Psalms. It was a very sweet moment as he listened to God's Word.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-02-04T18:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I am so thankful for her; her thoughtfulness of others, how she loves me, Todd and our children. I pray this year is full of blessings and amazing God moments for her beyond anything she can imagine.

This year we all pitched in and bought paint and my brother spent the entire day painting her living room. We had a whole cast of helpers, from going in on the gift (we had to buy a bunch of paint) to those in charge of keeping her away from the house the entire day to my brother and cousin doing the labor. It turned out beautifully and when I get some pictures I will post them.

She called me around 10pm when she finally got home and was so surprised and happy. She reminded me of the story I used to hear her tell of when she was a little girl. She loved the color Indian Red. She would color everything with that one color. When she saw her walls the color reminded her of Indian Red. I am so happy that not only does the color look beautiful in her living room, but it brought back such a happy memory for her.

Happy Birthday Mom/Nana! We love you!

Words From Haven

2010-02-04T18:39:00.000-06:00

I have to say that I am truely a blessed mommy. The Lord has trusted me with raising two wonderful boys and a wonderful little girl. So far in my parenthood experiences I can honestly tell you that raising boys is so much less drama filled. With them what you see is what you get most days.

On the other hand our sweet little angel's moods can turn on a dime. Here's a few things Haven has told me this week.

YOU NEVER LET ME DO ANYTHING!!!!! (I smile because just she wait there will come a day I really won't let her do anything and I can even use the reason "because I said so.")

She sang to me in her cute little falsetto voice, My mommy has the sweetest smile.

After getting up from bed for the 2nd time to go to the bathroom I asked her why she was getting up so much needing to go pee-pee. (I knew it was just an excuse to get out of bed.) Her response as she shrugs her shoulders, "well, mom, people pee." There you have it folks in case you didn't know.

She wanted her hair in a pony tail, but didn't want me coming her hair. Here's our conversation:

Me: Haven do you want your hair down or in a pony tail

Haven: I want my hair in a pony tail.

Me: Okay lets go comb it.

Haven: I don't want you to comb it, it will hurt.

(Okay I remember how much it hurt when my mom used to comb my hair. I would often cry.

So, I really do try not to comb hard and try my very best to get those tangles out without

pulling a handfull of hair out of her head. I really do try.)

Me: I will try really hard not to hurt you. Let's go get the comb.

Haven: Well then, if you want to hurt me then go ahead.

My thought: Of course I don't want to hurt her, but the hair is getting combed. Oh, boy are we in trouble.

She is so frustrating/funny, sweet/ornery at the same time. She is the perfect little girl to be put right between two brothers.

Journaling

2010-01-07T23:06:00.000-06:00

For Christmas one of the things that came in Jadon's stocking was a journal. I was very excited about that for him. I am horrible about journaling, I wish I wasn't, but non the less I am. I have a hard time keeping up with this blog and basically all I write about is the kids. I don't know what the problem is, it's not from lack of things to write or discuss. Todd is farely good at it and I really want the kids to develope the habit.

So, this goes back to me being very excited for Jadon and his new journal. I sat down with him and told him what it was for and that he could use it to write anything he wanted in it. The only thing I told him had to do was write in it daily. Everything else is up to him, how, when and what he writes.

He started on Christmas day and has done so every day since. I am enjoying reading what he writes and how it writes it. I do not help with spelling, he sounds everything out. And he is always so eager for me to read what he has written. I will enjoy this now because that will not be the case in a few years. He dates every day and then puts it away for the next day.

He doesn't mind if I share with you, I did ask him, a couple of his writings. I find them very sweet.

IM THEKEING OF TRANS - translation: I'm thinking of trains (he has a train obsession)
YOOU KAN LAYS LUV ON ME - translation: you can always love on me (this is my favorite)

I am getting an incredible opportunity to see into the mind of my son and he amazes me. With each writing it opens up even more conversation between us about all kinds of things, especially as I'm trying to figure out what he's written on some of those days. I am so proud of him and love him dearly.

Christmas

2010-01-07T22:50:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from The Wallaces.

We had a great Christmas season. One of the most special things about this holiday is that we got to spend it with my niece, who we had not seen in 4 years. Since September we have seen her every other weekend and having her for Christmas made it a very special one.

We also got to spend some time with cousins from Texas.

Also making this Christmas very special this year was the age of the kids. Of course, with kids Christmas is very exciting because of presents and my kids were very eager to share their lists with you, but a magical thing also happened. We were able to share and discuss the real reason we celebrate Christmas and why we get presents and they understood it even more than the year before. I loved having conversations about Christmas with Jadon. We talked about how everything points to Jesus, even Santa.

Todd and I decided from the beginning to tell the kids about St. Nicholas, Santa. We shared with them the true story and how he loved Jesus and gave gifts to the needy because of his love for Him. We have pictures taken with Santa and even this year at my mom's work a wonderful man who works for her dressed as Santa and spent the day greeting the kids that came through the GA. I took the kids to see him and we even caught him parking airplaines. St. Nicholas is still magical, but not because of himself, but because his life was lived loving Jesus and doing for others and that is what we want our kids to take away from him. He's not just this man who brings you things, he was a man who loved Jesus and therefore gave of himself to help others.

Santa at the airport.

Jadon was also in his first Christmas Play at church. The kids did a wonderful job with it and I was a proud mommy watching my eldest up on the stage. I will admit that the poor child has the musical ability of his mommy and that is pretty bad. He was in the choir and they sang the cutest songs and had the cutest motions to go along with them. But poor Jadon, he could either sing or do the motions. He could not do them both at the same time (the songs were too fast for him, again he is my son and not his fathers). At one point during the play we all thought he was going to start singing and it was just a big ol yawn. And we even spent days practicing at home with the cd. It was quite comical watching Jadon trying to do the moves and trying to singing and then there is Haven standing right beside him singing and doing the motions so perfectly. Too bad she was too young to be in the play.

Anyway, we were very proud of him and he did those motions with all the emotion of one having to calculate every movement. He's our little logical robot, sensitive and caring, but definitely logical and analytical.

Where Is He Learning This Stuff?

2009-11-10T15:14:00.002-06:00

Two nights ago I was fixing dinner and Todd was sitting at the table and we were talking about the days events. Haven and Jude were playing and Jadon came in and sat down at the table with his Leapster. All of a sudden we hear Jadon say, "9 times 4 is 36."

Upon hearing this Todd and I both stopped talking, looked at Jadon with mouths open very wide and simultaneously said, "what did you say."

He looked up at Todd with an annoyed look on his face, because he was playing a game and he didn't want his frog to fall in the water, and said again, "9 times 4 is 36."

We didn't even know he knew multiplication. And where did he learn it and how random is knowing 9x4. He then told us that 6x11 is 66.

This reminded me of the time when Jadon was 18 months old and we were driving somewhere and he asked me what the octagon said. My mind started searching around trying to remember what an octagon looked like so I didn't look dumb in front of my 18 month old. I guess I was taking too long to answer and he added another hint for me, the red octagon.

Thank you, thank you son for the extra hint and now I know the red octagon says STOP. I remember thinking at the time, my 18 month old son just said octagon and how in the world did he know that shape.

He never ceases to amaze me. He is so smart and he can't wait to start school next year. I am so proud of him.

Fall Festivities

2009-11-05T20:56:00.011-06:00

We have had a great time celebrating the coming of a new season. I always find fall refreshing and beautiful. I love the smell, the crispness of the air, the beauty of the trees, and the season brings.

We started off our fall festivities at the Japanese Stroll Garden and the butterfly house learning about caterpillars with Nana and Great Gram.Jadon and Haven enjoyed getting their faces painted at Fair Grove's Heritage Days. This year instead of carving pumpkins Jadon and Haven chose to paint their pumpkins. Except for on mishap that got blue paint everywhere everyone had a blast.The cousins enjoying the Fall Festival at church and they loved Mema's game of trying to knock down crows off the scarecrow. They also got to go trick or treating and cousin Kylah and Nana joined us.

Aged to Perfection

2009-11-05T20:34:00.004-06:00

After celebrating Jadon's big 5 birthday, we celebrated another milestone birthday, Donna turning the big 6-0. Jadon was born on his Mema's birthday.

We had a great time with friends and family celebrating a wonderful, godly woman. Karla did a great job in planning the party.

I really am extremely blessed. I was born to a wonderful mom and God gave me another wonderful mom. I pray many more blessed years for my beautiful mother-in-law.

A few lovelys that celebrated turning 60 in 2009.

The Quickest 5 Years Ever

2009-11-05T20:08:00.003-06:00

Jadon Creed turned 5 on October 17. I still have a hard time thinking of him as being 5 and he has no problem reminding me almost daily. We celebrated with family and cupcakes in the shape of a train and pumpkin pie made from the pumpkin (no canned pumpkin for his 5th birthday).

He also was treated to a day with Mema and Auntie Karla as they took him shopping for his presents and lunch. Then Nana and Papa took him on his first ever train ride on the Branson Scenic Railway. Jadon enjoyed his best birthday so far in his young life. The pumpkin pie I made from the pumpkin Jadon picked out.

The train cupcakes. The present from Mommy and Daddy, bunk beds.
Jadon,

I am so proud of you! It seems like yesterday you were this chubby, bald little baby just coming home with us for the first time. Today you are this incredibly smart, witty and kind hearted little boy.

You have been so excited about turning 5 and I pray that this year is full of exciting adventures, learning more truths and growing into a boy that fears the Lord.

And just remember the deal you made with Daddy, that you will not have any more birthdays and stay the awesome 5 year old you are.

Love, Mommy

It Going, Going and Gone!

2009-11-05T19:36:00.004-06:00

We had a big day in the Wallace houshold on September 11. Jadon had been sporting a very lose bottom tooth for a couple of weeks. Todd had tried pulling it out a few days before and nothing. But Jadon was being lured by the idea of getting the dollar both Mema and Nana promised him once it came out, so each night he and Todd spent time wiggling and moving it around.

Then it came, the day that Todd thought it was finally lose enough to try pulling it again. That little tooth came right out. Jadon was very brave.

We waited until Jadon went to sleep and I put the money from Mema, Nana and us under his pillow. He woke up the next morning very excited to find money, but a little disturbed his tooth was gone. We chose not to tell him about the tooth fairy, he knows who the money came from and Momy has his tooth. There is nothing wrong with the tooth fairy we have just chosen not to use her in our house.

Pictures of the first try at getting the tooth out

Jadon lost his first tooth on September 11, 2009 at 4 years and almost 11 months.

Smizing

2009-11-05T19:07:00.003-06:00

I admit it that once in a while I sit down and watch America's Next Top Model. I find it interesting watching the whole photography process. This season I have noticed a word that Tyra uses, called smizing. For those of who do not take time to catch ANTM here is a little definition of smizing, it is the art of smiling with your eyes. Even if your mouth is not, your eyes should be smiling. This is a very important art to master if you want to impress Tyra.

So, there you have it a little lesson on smizing. If you google it you can actually find a video with Tyra showing you how to achieve effective smizing. And I just want to say that Tyra can eat her heart out because my little sweet Haven has perfected smizing.

She didn't take lessons on how to acheive smizing from Tyra, she never watched a video. She has the natural raw talent. Here is Haven doing perfect smizing.

The professional shot:

The candid shot (she can even do it with food all over her face):

2009-08-29T23:20:00.005-05:00

We offered our prayers,

Night and day those prayers arose

To heaven's throne. He heard our voice,

And God planted a Rose.

We gave our hearts

To love, though the Rose we could not see.

In faith and fear

We dreamed of al that she would be.

We prayed God's grace

For grace in her to be known.

And for beauty

That would come from the depths of her soul.

But God's dreams are greater

Than any we could conceive.

His plans are always good and right;

This we must believe.

And in the midst of dryness,

God's tears fell with our own,

As He chose for Himself the beauty He made.

God picked the Rose.

Todd Wallace

August 30, 2003

Kids Say.....

2009-08-25T11:52:00.002-05:00

The other night Todd and I were sitting down to do a devotional with the kids. The one we are going through right now is teaching them how to pray. There is a series of fill in your answers and at the end the kids pray.

I love this devotional because I get to hear what the kids are actually thinking about. It's been fun too as we look back at when we first started this book with Jadon when he was 3.

Sunday night we started with the first, I love you (God) because.....
Haven's answer was so sweet, "because He loves me."
Then they gave their answers to, I'm sorry because..... and thank you (God) for.........
After those came the prayer requests and the time of prayer.

Haven wanted to pray for her hurt leg, she did scrape it up pretty good at Great Gram's house. Then we decided that we should pray for Lucas, Bailey, Micah and Ruthie's papa because he is very sick. What came next has to be the sweetest pray I have ever heard.

Haven started praying and this is her prayer, it was so sweet that I wrote it down word for word so I wouldn't forget it. "God will you be the doctor to make Lucas and Bailey, Micah and Ruthie's papa feel better."

It brought tears to my eyes, she spoke truth in her innocent, sweet prayer. Our God is the Great Physician and the Healer. Oh, I pray that she in her innocence continues to learn and believe and trust in the truths of our Holy God.

And God will answer her prayer, He will take care of their papa and he will heal him and that may mean his ultimate healing in heaven.

A Cousin and the Zoo

2009-08-25T10:51:00.006-05:00

This weekend we had a wonderful visitor. It was my brother's little girl, who actually isn't so little anymore. We hadn't seen her in 4 years and we got to spend this entire last weekend with her. One of the first things we did was take her and Jadon, Haven and Jude to the zoo. This was K's first time at a zoo. She wasn't quite sure of going, she had pictures of the lions and other animals running around and she was concerned about the lions getting her.

Once we got there she looked at me with all seriousness and said, "Aunt Heather you will be patient with me and let me spend time looking at everything."

We did let her have all the time she wanted and it was so much fun. Here are some pictures of K's first trip to the zoo and my kids getting to spend time with their cousin for the first time.

Thanks to Nana for buying us all tickets to ride the train. Haven and K sat together, Nana and Jude sat together and Jadon and I sat together. Nana is so cool, she's in the picture with all the grand kids. After 3 tries I still wasn't quick enough to catch Jude actually looking through the hole.

18 Months

2009-08-25T09:39:00.003-05:00

Jude,

You are 18 months old. Some days that seems completely impossible. As I write this I'm watching you play and laugh. You have the sweetest, but at the same time, ornery laugh I know. There is a mix of sweetness, loving and stubbornness in your personality. We will spend many a days working on submission to authority. Mommy and Daddy won't have to worry about you following the crowd. The crowd will follow you, so we pray for your heart to be submissive to God in all things.

You are fearless and there are many bumps and bruises on your head to prove it. I believe that is another reason God made you with such a hard head. You are determined and never give up, even in things you know you are supposed to do.

Right now we are in the midst of a biting issue. Poor Jadon and Haven catch the brunt of your bites. So much so that as much as you like to bite you like snuggling even more, but anytime you try snuggling with your brother and sister they run from you screaming.

You do love your brother and sister and want to emulate everything Jadon does. Right now you are running around in Jadon's shorts that are much too big for you because you had to have his shorts on. I love watching you and Jadon wrestle on the floor, which comes to an automatic stop once you bite. Gotta stop that biting!

Your favorite person in the whole world right now is Pappy. You are quite the Pappy's boy and you do not share him. He loves you just as much and is proud of the fact that when he's holding you no one can get you from him. Not even I or your daddy can compare to Pappy.

You may be the smallest in our family, but in your mind you are the biggest. I love your big personality and can't wait to see how God shapes and molds you as you grow into a young boy and man. You are such a joy and we love you so very much!

Finally

2009-08-14T22:19:00.006-05:00

I admit it, I'm just now getting around to having Haven's birthday pictures done. Her birthday was in June and shortly after her birthday we hit a very busy stretch for our family. So, today we went and got her pictures.

She did great and I had the hardest time picking out which ones I wanted. It was so much fun getting ready with her too, doing her nails and hair and picking out her outfits. Here are just a few of the pictures.

Some Fun Pictures

2009-08-09T20:48:00.005-05:00

Last night Jadon and Haven were in a mood to have their pictures taken. It doesn't happen often that they both want to pose so we pushed bed time back and had a spontaneous photo session. We had so much fun laughing and they enjoyed coming up with the next pose.

Here's a few shots from our night.

Gavin's Snake Party

2009-08-04T15:52:00.006-05:00

This past weekend Gavin turned 8 and he got to have a snake party. It was also nice that it landed on the weekend that the Bischoffs would be in town, so he got to have his cousins at his party. He had a herpetologist come and he brought 4 different snakes with him. At the end of his demostration he let the kids choose between holding a boa or a king snake. Lindsay took pictures of each of the kids that wanted to hold a snake and put their picture in a key chain for them to take home.

I have to admit that I was a little surprised at how interested my sweet little girl was in the snakes. She was the one that sat as close as she could to the snakes. When I saw her work her way to the very front I thought that's okay because once the snakes start coming out she will end up at the very back. I was wrong, she not only stayed up there but she couldn't wait to touch it and hold it. When she was handed the snake she hugged it and let it crawl on her shoulder. Jadon and Jude also held the snake. They are definately their daddy's children.

Jadon, Haven, Jude, Lucas and of course Gavin were the only ones in our family brave enough to hold the snake. Bailey, Micah and Ruth Ann chose not too, I'm with them.

The birthday boy and his snake cake that Erin made.The cousins enjoying the cake.

We had found a shirt at Gymboree that had a snake on it. It was also on sale so Nana bought it for Jadon to wear to the party. It was definately a hit.

He Can Move The Mountains

2009-08-04T11:08:00.012-05:00

In between worship in the mornings and the ministry sites at night there was plenty of time for us to have some fun as a family. We were able to go hiking in the mountains on two different days. The first time we took everyone, the second time we took just Jadon with us.

The first day we went to Estes Park and hiked in the Rocky Mountain National Park. We got to see Alberta Falls, a beautiful waterfall, and Bear Lake.

Right before leaving for Denver Todd had found a zoom lens for my camera on the Internet. They were asking $100 for a brand new lens, so Todd offered them $75 and they accepted it. We were hoping that it would come in time for the Denver trip and UPS brought it the day before we left. I was so happy. I was even more happy when I got to use it while hiking through the mountains.

Pictures of us at the beginning of the hike and at the end of the hike at Bear Lake and of our friends that we went with.

Todd and Matt on top of the rock they just conquered. The day started off foggy, but by the end of the day the sky was a beautiful clear blue.Some wildlife that we were able to see. We were surprised at how close the chipmunk would let the kids get.The second trip to the mountains was to St. Mary's Glacier. It was definitely a different hike as in it wasn't as pretty as the prior hike. But once we got to the glacier it was absolutely beautiful. Todd and Jadon played in the glacier. There was a definite climate change the closer you got to the glacier.
To give you an idea of how big the glacier is in the middle of picture on the right hand side you can barely see two people on the glacier. They were on skies hiking their way across it.

We have found Jadon's thing, he loves hiking and climbing rocks. He becomes a totally different boy once we put him in the mountains. He is usually a cautious fearless (I know those don't sound like they go together, but that's Jadon, he loves to do new and daring things, but he's going to go in prepared and cautious) and we're convinced his body if full of nerve endings since he has absolutely no pain tolerance what so ever. But put him in the mountains and he becomes a wild man climbing everywhere.

Just Like In The Bible

2009-08-04T09:06:00.004-05:00

After being home from China for 10 days my family took off for Denver to a mission trip led by Global Encounter Ministries. Donna and I drove out with the kids on a Thursday and Todd flew out that next Friday after work. The kids did awesome with the 15 hour drive, they honestly couldn't have done any better. At one point I heard Haven ask how much longer before we were in Denver and Jadon leaned over to her and said, "remember mommy said it was going to be a loooonggg drive, I don't think it's been long enough. You will be okay." I loved it, encouraging his sister.

The kids have been counting down to Denver since several months out. We went last year and they absolutely loved it. Jude was just a few months old last year so it was going to be a different experience for him.

Our week was definitely blessed. Todd got to speak at 3 of the morning worship services, we spent our evenings going to the different sites and letting the kids participate in that group's ministry while I walked around and took pictures. It was a blessing to see all these students loving on the kids.

Our first night of ministry we went to the city park and another park, both just down the street from the church we slept at all week. I got to take pictures of some precious little kids and Todd got to stop a fight and physically walk a kid off the park. All was good until a mother of a couple of the kids attending the Bible club started rounding up her children. We weren't done or getting ready to be done, so I asked if everything was okay. She didn't know that Todd was my husband and she looked at me and said that she was worried that the kid Todd just confronted was going to go home and get his older, bigger brother who has a gang and come back for that guy (as she pointed at my husband).

That is not at all something you want to hear. I'm looking around wandering if I should grab the kids and at least put them in the car. I said something to Todd and of course he sees no problem... men! So, we have a watch out group and then he's spotted. The kid comes back with a group, we are told by locals his brother is not with him. Thank you God for your protection because his brother was not home when the kids went to find him.

That was the beginning story to D, that's the kids name. The rest of the story includes him coming back to Bible Club on Wednesday, the night the gospel was shared. D along with a couple of friends were led to Christ that night. The next evening at Family Night D went up to the youth pastor that had been at the park all week and asked prayer for strength to live his life for Christ amidst his environment and prayer for his brother because he really needed this. Brings tears to my eyes even now. So, if you think of D please join us in praying for him and his family.

D is the one in the Colorado Rockies hat. This picture was taken at Family Night, the reason for the painted face on his friend.

Another amazing God thing was the evening of Family Night. Isaiah Caldwell had a kid come to him with questions and he was led to Jesus. He then said my cousin needs this, left went and brought his cousin to Isaiah, who was led to Jesus. After praying he said my brother needs this, left went brought his brother to Isaiah and he was led to Jesus. This went on 2 more times until there were 5 kids in that family saved that night. Wow, isn't that what we read in the Bible, one person comes to Jesus and their entire family is saved. It was an amazing night of God showing Himself. We were in a highly Muslim area and we got to see one Muslim man saved and planted many more seeds with the children that were allowed to join in the activities at the parks.

Some pictures of the kids that came and Jadon and Haven enjoying the Bible Clubs.

This is the Pastor and his wife of the church we slept at. They are an amazing couple. They have a huge heart for those around them. Pray for them as well, they now have the task of making contact with all the families of the kids we that came to the Bible Clubs.

China Part 3

2009-07-26T23:17:00.011-05:00

In the middle of the ministry we took a couple of fun days to go shopping and visit the Great Wall. The Great Wall was amazing and I am so glad I got to experience it in person. The day we chose to visit was a clear, hot day. It was nice to have it clear since many days there are smoggy.

I took this picture on top of one of the towers. Once Blaine, Brian and I saw that we had not reached the highest point we just had to get there. The rest of the group stayed back as we had to reach the top. Yes, my competitive spirit came shining through as I really wanted to keep up with the boys. This is us after reaching the top.

The shopping was definitely a unique experience. I had never bartered before in all my shopping experiences. At first I had to have someone do it for me, but by the end of the day I became more accustomed to the whole process.

I had been told before going over that you can get pearls for very cheap. I wasn't sure if very cheap was also my idea of very cheap, but I went hoping to get a pearl necklace and earrings that I can give Haven on her wedding day. Thanks to Brian and his incredible ability to barter I got a real pearl necklace and earring set for $5.50 American dollars. I consider that very cheap. The Pearl Market where we got our pearls and other goodies.

I also enjoyed some very unique eating experiences. We were fed lunch at the Village everyday, but for evening meals we had to go off site to eat. We did have McDonald's a couple of times and yes it tasted exactly like McDonald's in the States, but we also experienced some local dining.

This place was called Hot Pot and everything was brought out raw and we all had a fondue bowl with seasoned water that we cooked everything in. When the brought out the shrimp our interpreter instructions were to cook the shrimp until the eyes bug out.

China Part 2

2009-07-26T22:40:00.003-05:00

Phillip Hayden Foundation (PHF) is a foster home for orphans. It began years ago when Tim Baker and his wife met another man named Phillip Hayden while they were English as second language teachers in China. Phillip had a heart for orphans and in their free time they worked with the orphanages in China. When Phillip was in his late 20's he died suddenly from a heart condition he had. To continue his passion and honor him the Bakers founded the Phillip Hayden Foundation. It started in their home and they took in as many orphans as they could.

Through God guiding them and blessing them they now have Shepherd's Field Children's Village. The land they now have they actually bought for the equivalent of 1 American dollar, through God's guidance and much prayer.

PHF is actually a business in China, they make banners and sell them in their store. The Baker's through a local business man found that if they made the foster home a business they would have more freedoms in the Chinese government. They did some checking and sure enough becoming a business gave them more rights under the law. This began the arts and crafts factory, that houses special needs orphans.

It is amazing to hear all that God has done through this place. They are literally tearing down walls in China concerning Christianity. They have had business men and government officials come to the Village to see what is going on and hear the children singing "Jesus Loves Me".

The government knows the Bakers and the volunteers they have are Christians and they teach the children about Jesus. The government overlooks this because they do such good work and they play by the rules. I am amazed at what God is doing through a few people as they love on orphans and all the Chinese workers they employee.

There are Nannies that take care of the children, chefs that cook the food for the children, the ladies that make the banners, men who make by hand all the furniture in the village, men hired to drive around volunteers. They have been able to see many of these employees come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. How exciting is that.

They are in the process of building a boarding house where they will house those children who do not get adopted. They see about 80% of the orphans adopted, but for the ones that do not get adopted they are just put out to either sink or swim. In China once a child reaches 14 they are no longer adoptable. So, by the time they turn 15 or 16 they are pushed out. PHF wants to provide a way for these children to thrive by teaching them life skills before sending them out into the world. Their hope is that they can take this approach to the Chinese government and they will implement this into their government run orphanages.

I love PHF and their vision. They are looking at the big picture and reaching China through very practical means. There is a huge orphanage rate in China. In the United States we have about 500,000 in foster care; in China they have conservatively 13 million orphans.

What a huge task PHF has, but they make it seem small by the way they do it.

China Part 1

2009-07-26T19:59:00.009-05:00

I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and write about the wonderful experience I had ministering to orphans in China. I have been trying to lay out how I want document my trip. I have so much to tell that I don't think I can do it all in one post. So, I'm going to break it into 3 separate posts.

I will start off with the process God took me through as I prayed about going. Last September a group of ladies from Springhill went to the minister to children who stay in the Phillip Hayden Foundation Foster Homes. I had not heard of PHF until then and it really tugged at my heart as I learned the trip would be loving on orphans. The commitment for going on this trip had to be made several months in advance and I was very pregnant with Jude and knew going on the trip would not be an option, he would be 7 months old at the time of the trip.

Since I couldn't go on the trip I prayed for the ladies and kept up with them through a blog they had set up specifically for the trip. I loved waking up every morning to check and see what they had done with the kids that day.

Shortly after the team arrived back it was announced that Springhill would send out another team in the summer. I started praying about that team and the trip and as I prayed the thought of me going kept coming to the forefront. In December I went to Todd to ask him his opinion. When I mentioned it he was so excited for me and really encouraged me to go. I kept asking the "what about this" questions and he kept encouraging me. After that I spoke with my mom and Donna and they were both very supportive. I then sat down with Jadon and Haven to talk to them about it. Haven didn't fully understand what it all meant, but Jadon loved it. It really blessed my heart to hear him talk and ask questions about what I was going to do. He often would say, "Mom, you're going to help kids who don't have a mommy or daddy." I would sit down with him and we would talk about it and every time he would end with the words, "that is so sad." He often told me he was glad I was going to help other kids who don't have mommies or daddies. I really got to see his compassion for others through the preparation of this trip.

This started a 6 month process of God teaching me about faith and seeing more of who He is. God showed me that when you are walking the path He has planned things will work out. I don't know how many times I said to myself or Todd, "maybe I shouldn't go". Each time I would commit to follow God and go, He then would show me I was doing the right thing.

I prepared through team meetings to go over and love on sweet orphans with disabilities. No matter how many times we talked about being there, I couldn't have prepared for the actual emotion of being there and hearing the children's voices and seeing their smiles and laughter.

We went over there with crafts in hand and not knowing what to expect. While there we did crafts, played and loved on some very precious children. I learned their stories, prayed for them and cried for them. I can still hear their little voices singing "Jesus Loves Me" in English. I am so glad I got to have the opportunity to go over to China.

Some of the sweet faces.The kids wearing their animals masks they made and singing "Jesus Loves Me".Oh man did they love playing ring around the rosy with Brian and Ruth.
Enjoying the pool party.

This is Henry and he greeted me every morning with his arms wide and with either the song, "Jesus Loves Me" or "Happy Birthday." The funny thing is I did celebrate my birthday while in China and that morning he sang "Happy Birthday" to me, he didn't know it was my birthday.

My Little Fashionista

2009-06-16T12:37:00.004-05:00

Over the weekend Haven and I enjoyed some girly time. We went shopping and painted our toe nails together. I have been waiting for the day we sat down together to paint our toes. I had decided early on to wait and paint her toes until the day we could enjoy it together. And it was a wonderful, memorable time. We started with the both of us going shopping for the nail polish and she picked out two colors, pink and purple. Her favorite colors. Then we went home, fixed dinner for the boys and after dinner painted our toe nails.

She was so proud of her toes that we went ahead and painted her finger nails too. Every person she has encountered since Saturday has been shown her finger nails and toe nails.

Haven is also into dressing herself and I have to say she has a very unique style. Here is her outfit she picked out for today. From the top, she has on a Terra green dress worn over maroon sweat pants and turquoise shorts adorned with lace around the bottom. What is not seen is the red shorts with butterflies bordering the waistband underneath the maroon sweat pants. To complete the outfit is a beautiful beaded flower necklace, a pair of mod inspired sunglasses and black patent leather shoes, which definitely pull the whole outfit together.

I love this little girl and I honestly can say that I wake up in the mornings wondering what she's going to do that day. She is a riot.

A Foot In The Mouth Moment

2009-06-11T09:54:00.005-05:00

This morning Haven and I had one of those moments that as a mom make you think and smile at the wonderful way a child's mind works. Haven was getting dressed to go to Mema's house and decided she wanted to wear her "rainbow" shoes instead of her crocs. She was having a bit of trouble and politely asked for help, she is getting so much better at asking for help instead of demanding it.

I sat down on the floor with her and showed her how to grab the tongue of the shoe so it wouldn't end up at her toes and she slid her foot right in. Here's how our interaction went:

Haven, "Will you please help me?"

Me, "Yes, grab the tongue and hold it, then slip your foot in."

Haven, "He he, the tongue." (she usually laughs when I refer to the tongue of the shoe)

Haven, "Is this the mouth?" (pointing to the part of the shoe her foot goes in)

Me, laughing "Well, that would make sense."

I love getting insight into the thoughts of children. And Haven's little mind is full of interesting and fun ideas and thoughts.

On to a story about Jadon, that is far less amusing. I, the unsuspecting mom went to hang clothes in Haven's closet only to be met with the stench of pee when I opened the door. At first I dismissed the idea of there actually being pee in the closet and went about hanging clothes. But the longer I stood there the more I continued to smell it. Finally, I gave into what I didn't want to believe and started looking around for the culprit of the smell. I bent over to sniff around and got a big disgusting whiff of pee, looked down and there was Haven's trash can sitting in the closet. Why would Haven's trash can be in the closet? Ewww! To hide the inch of pee sitting in it.

In my mind there was only one offender, Jadon Creed Wallace. I quickly called him into the bedroom and asked him if was the one relieving himself in his sister's trash can. Oh no mom, it was Haven. Hmmm, how could Haven have peed in the trash can. His honest response, she stood over it and just peed.

Okay, now I'm taken aback. Because I'm almost positive that Haven is not tall enough to stand over her trash can, so this only means that Jadon did do it AND has come up with a pretty good lie to blame someone else.

Enters Haven into the conversation and she, of course, says she didn't do it, that Bud did. I do a little experiment to see if Haven is tall enough, which she isn't, and then I start laying out the punishment for first peeing in a trash can instead of the toilet and then for lying.

Jadon did finally confess, which did not spare him from his punishment. But I was a least thankful he was willing to confess and ask for forgiveness.

So, the moral of the story. When you smell pee there is usually a reason, and usually isn't a good reason.

New First

2009-06-08T18:44:00.005-05:00

So, tonight I made chicken spaghetti for dinner. I made a plate for Jadon, Haven and Todd and myself, then I made one more. For the Judemister. Yes, this was Jude's first attempt to eat spaghetti by himself. I handed him the plate then a fork and let him go at it.

We all had a great time watching him eat his dinner. He enjoyed himself too! You can see the progression from trying to use his fork to forget the fork it's much easier with the hands. I love this boy, he makes me smile every day.The fork has rendered useless and now just sits on the plate. The hand is much more efficient.Time for that bath.

Happy Birthday Haven

2009-06-07T20:02:00.008-05:00

Wednesday was Haven's 3rd birthday, the birthday celebration was yesterday. We do our best to make each child's birthday special for them. Haven woke up to "Happy Birthday" being sung to her and getting to eat whatever she wanted for breakfast. Then she had Jadon sing to her and Nana and Papa called and sang to her. Each time someone called to sing "Happy Birthday" to her she would tilt her head, clasp her hands in front of her while swinging her body back and forth and smiling the entire time.

It was so sweet watching how Jadon doted on her all day. She went to Mema's for the day and when Daddy came to get her he had a rose for her. Oh how she loved that rose. She carried it around with her the whole rest of the day. I was finally able to put it in a vase when she went to bed (she was talked out of sleeping with it).

Mema let her choose what she had for lunch and we let her choose what we had for dinner. Of course for dinner she chose McDonald's. She ate it with her rose laying right beside her on the table. At the end of the day when I was putting her to bed she looked at me and said in her sweet little voice, "Mommy I had a great birthday party." My heart melted as I thought how incredibly awesome that was. We were able to make this day so special for her that she didn't need presents.

Pictures of her enjoying her dinner and with her rose Daddy got her.

Saturday was the big party day. Haven is so into puppy's and for about a month now all she has wanted is a puppy with a bone. So, we had a puppy party complete with bone cookies. She loved it. And Uncle John and Emma won with the best present ever, a remote control puppy that walks and barks (and the remote is in the shape of a bone).

The party hat parade.The fun begins, the opening of the presents.So serious.Look at that cute pucker for blowing out the candles. I didn't make the cookie with the puppy dog, but I did make the bone cookies. Thanks Erin for letting me borrow your cookie cutters. My sweet Haven you are such a sweet, beautiful girl. You bring such joy to your family. You are constantly making us laugh, whether it's trying to figure out how to shut Nana and Papa's door, singing the many songs you make up or just the quirky little sayings you have.

Your brothers adore you. Jadon is your "Bud" as you lovingly call him. Eaves dropping on your conversations has become a joy to me. You two are the best of friends. Jude's favorite game is to knock you down and plant kisses all over your face. You are one blessed little girl to be in between two brothers who love you so much. And your brothers are blessed to have a sister who loves them as much as you do.

You are such a beautiful girl and I pray that you continue to grow as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I pray you continue to have a desire to learn the truths of the Lord. Your relationship with Jesus is the most important decision you can make in your life and I am excited for the day you have the realization of your need for Him.

Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Haven, Love Mommy

Water Fun

2009-06-03T09:06:00.006-05:00

We have this really cool park in Springfield that I have grown quite fond of this summer. I did not visit it last year nor did I have the desire, with an infant and 2 little kids. I did not trust myself in being able to keep an appropriate eye on my kids while taking care of a little guy with many other kids running around. But this year it has already become a weekly routine in our schedule.

What makes this park so much fun? It has awesome fountains and a wading area for the kids to play in, it's free and the water is about calf high on the kids. This is perfect water for my kids who non of which like water in the face. I have no idea how this started or why, but both Haven and Jadon do not like water in their faces. So we have a place to go during the hot summer days that is wet, fun and free.

Enjoying the Farm

2009-05-25T11:54:00.010-05:00

My cousins just had their second little boy on May 15. He had fluid on his lungs so he had to be in the NICU for 7 days while they gave him antibiotics to keep it from turning into pneumonia. He was a big boy at 9lbs and 1oz (his momma is a tiny little lady) and healthy otherwise.

They also have a 2 year old boy. They had been making several trips a day with their 2 year old to the hospital to see their little one. To give Miles a break from the hospital and mom and dad a chance to just be with their newest one my mom, Mal and I took all the kids to Rutledge/Wilson Farm park.

I love this park, as do the kids. They have the coolest playground made to look like a barn and silo and then they have animals from miniature ponies, calves, sheep and a working hen house.

The kids had a blast, Miles and Haven are the best of friends. They love each other, it's cute watching them talk (they have their own language) and hug and kiss each other.

Our little rock climbers.Future farmers. Haven's a pro, she'll be able to drive and put her make-up on at the same time. They have a fiberglass cow with water in the utters that the kids can try their hand at milking. Jadon was the only one we could get a picture of.