Towards the end of my grandpa's life when he was asked, 'How are you doing today?' He'd answer, 'Oh, fair to middlin'.
I guess it means, not too good, not too bad.
I always thought he just sounded cute saying that, I miss him. He's been gone over 9 years.
I used to kiss the top of his EXTREMELY bald, EXTREMELY big head and he'd look up and just beam at me...that must be where all the big heads in my family come from!
Anyway, there is no real point to that story except that I've been thinking about him and whenever I do, I think of that saying.
I think I'm just missing my family a lot lately...and I'm getting so excited because in just about 2.5 weeks 2 of my brothers and 2 of my nieces will be arriving from out East - Robert and his girlfriend Jen and Brian and his twin girls, Katie and Sandie. We haven't seen Brian since the summer my dad died...its been way too long.
I'm so looking forward to some real family time and a big gathering at my mom's all week when they arrive.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Be Worthy
I'm reading Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas and before I get to the point of my post I want to challenge all you ladies to read this book. Its not an easy one to swallow. It wasn't even an easy one for me to purchase...I knew what it would say, but I'm into it now and I'm embracing it with all I've got! Loving it in fact.
Now, on to the point.
In the chapter I read tonight I read a quote and passage that just hit me...
During the Revolutionary War John Adams and George Washington both wrote in separate letters a quote from a play called Cato. It goes like this, "We can't guarantee success in this war, but we can do something better. We can deserve it."
While they were using it to describe the spirit of our infant nation (which I love and could make another post about) Thomas goes on to use it to describe how a wife should be in love to her husband. "You cant guarantee how everything will turn out; you definitely cant control another human being. But you can 'deserve' success. You can act in such a way that transformation is most likely." Seeing your husband's faults as God's plan to teach you, to form you into the person HE wants you to be, to be used by Him, into being more like Him. Basically, it starts with ME. (See, I said, kind of hard to swallow.)
"This should be the goal of every husband and wife - a man aspiring to be "worthy" of his wife, and a wife aspiring to be "worthy" of her husband."
And some biblical examples of God challenging us on this very thought:
- Matthew 10:38, Romans 6:32, Ephesians 4:1, Phillipians 1:27, Colossians 1:10, I Thess. 2:12, II Thess. 1:11, III John 6, Revelations 3:4
I know I'm going to be praying about that tonight.
And with that challenge, good night.
The cake
Who was this for???
The dad's had a lot of fun in the jump pit...I thought we rented it for the kids?
Jordan...
Garrick...
I REALLY tried to do a flip, but I couldn't muster up anything more than a pathetic front hand spring...I just kept thinking about how hard it would be to do laundry for my family of 6 if I were paralyzed from a traumatic neck injury.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Bruiser
During some of the festivities today I got a little distracted and somehow, although she was sitting, RIGHT BESIDE ME, Tess fell down off the landscaping block and onto a cement step.
You know the sound. The sound that makes your stomach lurch. The sound you'll never forget when its your own child's head against the pavement...
She screamed, I screamed, she bled I panicked.
After some comforting and her falling asleep in my arms for 30 minutes she was fine. Fine except for a really nice goose egg and a cut up nose and cheek.
It actually looks worse than it does in the pictures.
But, as you can see, she recovered and had a blast in the jump pit later!
I see you mommy!
Biting the cage!
I still love you mommy!
Oh that face!
Here I come!
(Courtney, seriously, can you believe this!?!)
THE Party, 1 year in the making!
When Tess was born, one year ago, Jordan remarked, "You know, next year our daughter's will turn 5 and 1 within 1.5 weeks of each other and the 4th is on a Saturday, we have to have a big celebration."
We've talked about it ever since.
And this weekend, was the party! It started on Friday and literally just got over at 9 tonight. And as you can imagine...there are 6 extremely tired people in this house. It might take a year for us to get over it! ;)
We rented this and truly, I'm not sure if we were more excited as the thing blew up or if the kids were. It was just so festive and fun!
We decorated a little, borrowed a bunch of tables and chairs from Nikki, and planned the grill out and fun!
The weather was very strange for the 4th...COOL! But we didn't complain, the rain held off and then just blew by, it was perfect. Truly perfect.
And as you can see, Tess was VERY excited! This is her latest look. Crinkling up her nose and throwing her head back.
And as you can see, Tess was VERY excited! This is her latest look. Crinkling up her nose and throwing her head back.
I've got lots of fun pictures to share and stories to tell but right now the couch and my husband are looking a little too comfy. Good night!
Friday, July 03, 2009
My One Year-Old
I took the kids to the library this afternoon.
Right away Tess crawled to the wooden fire truck/seat that is all the kids' favorite.
Then she climbed up into the seat of it.
Then apparently she stood up and fell out.
I ran over scooped her up and she slapped me in the face, laughed and pushed away from me so I'd set her down.
Huh?!
She's one, and she's taking off and the world is not ready.
At least not her mom's world.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
'L' and 'A'
I ordered these around Christmas, they just arrived last week. The Etsy seller requested extra time on them because I asked for them to be really big.
And they are huge.
And I LOVE them.
They are now hanging just above Lauren and Avery's beds!
One hour
Grandma Cindy offered to take the kids for awhile this morning and since I am not a fool, I quickly said, of course!
They've been gone 1 hour.
My Thursday list is...DONE! One hour. That would have taken me all day if they'd been here.
Now Friday's list is still looming, but now we have time to eat and then play when they get home and I can start on Friday's list at nap time.
Really, one hour. Who knew?
My lists...
I love lists. When I start to stress about a big job or jobs I have to do, I take a deep breath and think, "I just need to make my list". As soon as my list is made, I feel much much better.
I love to cross things off and feel like I'm accomplishing things.
It makes me feel in control of situations that are often chaotic. Yes, I may have a bit of a sickness.
Jordan is always making fun of my lists. Lauren LOVES my lists, loves to help write them, add to them, cross things off...she makes her own lists.
It just makes good sense!
So we have 2 big parties this weekend and lots to do. Lots to clean, decorate, set up, rearrange, prepare, shop for and 'cook'.
So I made my list....Jordan thinks I am off my rocker...its organized by room of the house and then a general catergory and then its color coded...by day...so I know when things have to be done.
He may have called me a 'freak'.
mean.
(BUT! Last night when he was trying to be helpful after the kids were in bed, I saw him glancing at the list to see what he could do! See, it just makes good sense!)
One more
Just one more post on this and I'm done.
I thought it meaningful to mention that for Ed's visitation people stood in line for over 4 hours, lining blocks in Parkersburg to get in. And that for his funeral, they packed every nook and crany in the church, showing it via video in SS classrooms etc, and then opened up the Vets building in Pburg to let in more people. Literally thousands attended to honor Ed and hear the messages below, including Iowa's governor and the head football coach of the University of Iowa.
And, to make that seem small in the spreading of his story, here is next week's SI cover...
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Aaron Thomas's Words
Just quickly, cause I think there are some things to be said, and it might be inappropriate if anyone else said it.
Our family can’t thank you enough, for what you’ve done, for your support, for the people you’ve become through my father. My challenge now to you, and my dad was terrible when he’d lose. I don’t know how my mom dealt with him. But my mom got him going again. Come Sunday, he’d meet with the coaches again, he’s ready to go again. The players all knew Monday was going to be terrible, but it was part of getting back up, getting going.
And I tell you this. We’ve stuck with this longer than I know he’d have liked. There’s no way he’d have wanted this to drag out five days, and there’s no way, he’d have waited four hours for anybody. But I’m going to tell you this, and I’m going to challenge you with this. You can be sad the rest of the day, but come tomorrow, once you wake up, it’s time to get going.
And the way my dad’s memory’s going to live, and the way we make up for him – there’s not one of us here who can make up for what my dad did. There’s not one of us here who can be Ed Thomas, but this can be a better place than it was with Ed Thomas, but for that to happen, it’s gotta come from each one of you.
I don’t care what your job is, and one thing I’ll never forget of my father – no job is too small. No job is too small. I don’t care what you do, what you make. When you step up and you go to work, come tomorrow, you give it everything you got. And if work starts at eight, make sure you’re there at 7:57. You’re not rolling in late. And if you work till 4, you work till 4:05. Don’t shortchange anyone, don’t shortchange yourself.
He talked a lot about character. Character is you doing what’s right when no is looking and no one will know. My father was a great man of character, that’s something I’ve taken from him. But come tomorrow, it’s time we all get going.
There’s a lot of work to be done in this town. My dad was here for a reason, he wasn’t taken before the tornado. He got us close. I think now it’s a challenge to all of us. Can we finish this town to where it’s supposed to be? Can you make the difference with the young people if you’re an educator? Can you step up and carry the torch. If you’re a church member, can you step up? Lead that Sunday School class. Work with the young people in youth group. If you’re not in a church, can you step up and find one? That’s what he’d want.
My father would be so proud to see this church full. Not because of these circumstances, but the fact that Kelly shared the message of how you can be saved and know where you’re going. Unbelievable platform.
I know there are people in here who have never heard the Gospel. I don’t think that’s the ultimate reason for my dad’s death, but it’ll play a part. So as a community – when I say community, whether you be from Parkersburg, from A-P, from the state of Iowa or anywhere else, if you truly honor and care about my father, come tomorrow you will pick yourself up, get going and do what you’re supposed to do.
If you want to honor my family and my father, and it won’t be just this week. Can you sustain it? He did it for 33 years here. Can you sustain it, day in and day out, doing what’s right, making people better, taking care of each other. If you can do that, my father will live for a really long time through all of this. If you can’t, that’s when it’s a tragedy, and that’s when it’s a shame.
My father died for his faith, I firmly believe that.
And this includes me. I need to step up. I know I need to step up. I need to be much more active in my church. But I’m challenging you all. Today we can be sad. Come tomorrow, it’s time we all get going. And like Kelly said, if you don’t know you’re saved, you make sure one of us, you see a deacon, you see Kelly himself.
The last thing I’m going to say. My family, I know we will miss someone in the thank yous. We cannot thank you enough. We cannot thank you enough for waiting in line.
You don’t know what that meant to us, and also what that would have meant to my dad. I know he had no idea the number of people he influenced. I know that. But it’s appreciated. You are all appreciated. He was important to each and every one of you. And as he’d say, it’s time we get up and get ourselves going. Cause the true test of character is how do we respond to adversity?
This is adversity. This is adversity.
Now, my challenge to you: how you going to respond, what are you going to do tomorrow? God Bless you all, and we thank you so much for coming and for loving our father.
Our family can’t thank you enough, for what you’ve done, for your support, for the people you’ve become through my father. My challenge now to you, and my dad was terrible when he’d lose. I don’t know how my mom dealt with him. But my mom got him going again. Come Sunday, he’d meet with the coaches again, he’s ready to go again. The players all knew Monday was going to be terrible, but it was part of getting back up, getting going.
And I tell you this. We’ve stuck with this longer than I know he’d have liked. There’s no way he’d have wanted this to drag out five days, and there’s no way, he’d have waited four hours for anybody. But I’m going to tell you this, and I’m going to challenge you with this. You can be sad the rest of the day, but come tomorrow, once you wake up, it’s time to get going.
And the way my dad’s memory’s going to live, and the way we make up for him – there’s not one of us here who can make up for what my dad did. There’s not one of us here who can be Ed Thomas, but this can be a better place than it was with Ed Thomas, but for that to happen, it’s gotta come from each one of you.
I don’t care what your job is, and one thing I’ll never forget of my father – no job is too small. No job is too small. I don’t care what you do, what you make. When you step up and you go to work, come tomorrow, you give it everything you got. And if work starts at eight, make sure you’re there at 7:57. You’re not rolling in late. And if you work till 4, you work till 4:05. Don’t shortchange anyone, don’t shortchange yourself.
He talked a lot about character. Character is you doing what’s right when no is looking and no one will know. My father was a great man of character, that’s something I’ve taken from him. But come tomorrow, it’s time we all get going.
There’s a lot of work to be done in this town. My dad was here for a reason, he wasn’t taken before the tornado. He got us close. I think now it’s a challenge to all of us. Can we finish this town to where it’s supposed to be? Can you make the difference with the young people if you’re an educator? Can you step up and carry the torch. If you’re a church member, can you step up? Lead that Sunday School class. Work with the young people in youth group. If you’re not in a church, can you step up and find one? That’s what he’d want.
My father would be so proud to see this church full. Not because of these circumstances, but the fact that Kelly shared the message of how you can be saved and know where you’re going. Unbelievable platform.
I know there are people in here who have never heard the Gospel. I don’t think that’s the ultimate reason for my dad’s death, but it’ll play a part. So as a community – when I say community, whether you be from Parkersburg, from A-P, from the state of Iowa or anywhere else, if you truly honor and care about my father, come tomorrow you will pick yourself up, get going and do what you’re supposed to do.
If you want to honor my family and my father, and it won’t be just this week. Can you sustain it? He did it for 33 years here. Can you sustain it, day in and day out, doing what’s right, making people better, taking care of each other. If you can do that, my father will live for a really long time through all of this. If you can’t, that’s when it’s a tragedy, and that’s when it’s a shame.
My father died for his faith, I firmly believe that.
And this includes me. I need to step up. I know I need to step up. I need to be much more active in my church. But I’m challenging you all. Today we can be sad. Come tomorrow, it’s time we all get going. And like Kelly said, if you don’t know you’re saved, you make sure one of us, you see a deacon, you see Kelly himself.
The last thing I’m going to say. My family, I know we will miss someone in the thank yous. We cannot thank you enough. We cannot thank you enough for waiting in line.
You don’t know what that meant to us, and also what that would have meant to my dad. I know he had no idea the number of people he influenced. I know that. But it’s appreciated. You are all appreciated. He was important to each and every one of you. And as he’d say, it’s time we get up and get ourselves going. Cause the true test of character is how do we respond to adversity?
This is adversity. This is adversity.
Now, my challenge to you: how you going to respond, what are you going to do tomorrow? God Bless you all, and we thank you so much for coming and for loving our father.
God's plan
Jordan spent a majority of his night after Ed Thomas's funeral searching the internet for the funeral transcript on-line. Not because he was being nosy, it was because he knew that his good friend Kelly Williamson was going to be speaking at the funeral. He wanted to know how God’s Word was going to go out to everyone there from the Pastor, Kelly, the music, and other speakers.
While searching the internet, it didn’t take long to find the funeral transcript. What took forever was searching for a copy of the transcript that actually included what Kelly said – one version after another left out a majority of Kelly’s message. Finally he came to a copy of the transcript that had Aaron Thomas’ portion of the service, and from what Aaron said about Kelly’s message, he knew from that there was much more to what Kelly said than what was reported.
You see, the liberal media doesn’t want to pass on God’s message.
Below you will find what word for word of what came out of Kelly’s mouth at the funeral. Kelly gave us permission to pass this on. What the Des Moines Register, Waterloo Courier, etc. won’t report can still be passed on. What they leave out is here – it is a message everyone needs to hear.
And even more exciting is this. Jordan was so upset with the Register, that he emailed to find out why they didn't print the entire transcript. He didn't get a great or honest response. Then Jordan and Kelly were talking about it and Jordan decided to call Steve Deace, of WHO radio our of DSM (a Christian) to see if he might be interested in running anything about the lack of coverage.
Well, Steve was a little more than interested. So tomorrow night during prime time, the driving home from work hour from 5:20 - 6:00 pm , Steve will be speaking with Kelly and Aaron Thomas about Ed's faith, love of the Lord and how everyone needs Jesus Christ as their Savior!
God's got this all in His plan. I can just picture Him sitting on His throne saying, "Just watch me work, just you watch." I have goosebumps just picturing how awesome my God is.
So if you are in Iowa and can get WHO, listen, tomorrow at 5:20, turn on Steve Deace and listen...
Now, here is Kelly's words from the funeral - its long, but its powerful. Kelly is a great speaker and writer and motivator. Read it and you'll get some great ammunition the next time you have the opportunity to share. And in my next post I'll put Aaron's words. If you look at all the events of the last week - it is truly awe inspiring, there are people already coming to Christ because of all this, be in prayer for tomorrow's message going out...
"I would like to thank the Thomas family for giving me the privilege to share a few words about Coach this morning.
Jan, you are an incredible Christian witness to your family, your community, and to the state of Iowa in the wake of last week’s tragedy. Your grace and mercy, during this time of loss points people to Jesus Christ like nothing else could. I want to thank you for sharing your husband with thousands of young people both in this community and across the state. Your encouragement and support of your husband made him the man he was. You and Coach have a wonderful family, a Godly testimony, and our entire community has you in our prayers.
Aaron and Todd, Your dad would be so proud of the way you guys have handled things this past week. By your words and actions, the two of you have exemplified to a community and to a nation what the fruits of a close, personal, relationship with Jesus look like in the worst of times. I want to thank you guys for sharing your dad with so many young people over the years, your dad was able to impact the lives of others because his two sons practiced what he preached. At no time is that more evident than at this very moment. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Growing up I had the great privilege to both play for and coach with Mr. Thomas. Outside of my mom and dad, I consider Coach Thomas to be one of the greatest influences in my life, and I know that I am not alone when I say that. Over the years, I’ve come to respect Mr. Thomas not only as a great coach, motivator, and mentor, but as a follower of Jesus Christ as well.
Coach Thomas was a man of great passion, discipline, and commitment, which came directly from his relationship with the Lord, and his deep desire to make an eternal difference in the lives of those he could touch. Coach understood that life was really not about him, it was about other people. I remember Coach Thomas taking time to call me on the phone on many different occasions. I remember one time when I was going through some adversity in my life Coach called me up and we talked for an hour and a half about the Lord, his plan for our lives, and the fact that He was in control of every aspect of our lives. That’s the kind of person he was.
God called Coach Thomas to be a missionary not on a foreign field, but on a football field, and the people here today represent the fruit of a life spent doing exactly what God had called him to do.
I’d like to read a portion of scripture from the book of James, chapter 5 v 14 this morning. I’d ask that you would please stand with me in honor of God’s word as I read James chapter 5 v 14. I’ll read just one verse this morning, say a prayer, and then make a few applications that I believe tie in with the life of Coach Thomas.
James 5 v 14 says: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
Prayer:
You may be seated, thank you for standing.
The author of this verse, James asks a powerful question. “What is your life?”
Many people today go their whole life trying to answer this question. More than almost any person I know, Coach Thomas understood what the purpose for his life was about. Coach knew that life was not about wins/losses, trophies or possessions, or fame or fortune. He knew that life was about living a life worthy of the sacrifice that his savior Jesus Christ had made for him at Calvary.
When I look at this verse I see three applications we can take away. The first application is that life is but a vapor. You know, there are some people that you think are just always going to be there for you, Coach was one of those people for me. I my mind somehow I guess I always envisioned Coach passing away out on that football game after going for two to win a big playoff game three days short of his 89th birthday.
In the last few years I have heard Coach talk about how his passion for the game and to make a difference have strengthened, grown deeper. Coach told me the reason for this was because he didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to do what he was doing, and that he wanted to make every minute count.
His understanding that God was in charge, and that life was short created in Coach a passion and an appreciation for the mission field that was AP High School. Coach Thomas was a fun person to be around. I mean it’s fun to be around a guy who you know absolutely loves what he is doing. Whether it be going to practice, mowing the field, pacing the sidelines, or watching the weight room, I always felt like Coach loved what God had called him to do.
I remember Coach Thomas being asked by a radio host why he loved the game of football so much, I’ll never forget what coach said, he said, “I love the game because every Friday night, I get to run out on that field under the lights and be an 18 year old kid again.” At a time in his career when most guys are easing up, or slowing down, Coach Thomas was driven to invest all he had into his faith, his family, and his friends.
Not only does this life go by like a vapor, but “this life is a preparation for eternity.”
Coach Thomas was saved as a young man, and it was his relationship with Jesus that emanated though everything he did. Mr. Thomas didn’t see himself as an icon, rather he saw himself as a guy who was trying to help other people. For as long as I can remember, Coach taught Sunday school, served as an usher, a trustee, a deacon, an elder. Of all the conversations I had with him, it was our conversations about good Christian books, movies, sermons, or just what the Lord was doing in our life that I appreciated the most.
I will miss seeing him at church. I used to love sharing a few minutes with Coach just before the service started or just after it was over. Many times during the football season my bulletin looked like a scouting report because I would shamelessly ask him how he would stop this particular play or formation. It usually took Jan to break us up.
Coach was ready to step out into eternity last Wednesday. Not because he was a good man, though he was, not because he’d been baptized, sprinkled, confirmed, or a member of First Congregational Church, but because he had repented of his sins and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
I’d like to ask you this morning as James did in our text. What is your life? Are you ready to step out into eternity and face God this morning? The Bible says in Hebrews 9v27, “That it’s appointed unto a man once to die, but after this the judgment.” Coach Thomas got up Wednesday morning and went about his usual routine like any other day, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing before God. Are you ready to stand before God?
You say how can I know I’m ready to stand before God?
First you must acknowledge you’re a sinner:
The Bible says in Romans 3 verse 10, 23: “There is none righteous, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…”
Second you must acknowledge the penalty for your sin:
The Bible says in Romans 6 v 23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Third, you must acknowledge that the penalty must be paid by you or by Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in Romans 5 v 8, “But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”
Fourth you must receive Jesus Christ, who has already paid the price for you sin, as your only way to heaven.
The Bible says in Romans 10 v 9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
In a few minutes I am going to close with prayer and in that prayer if you are in the sound of my voice and you know you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you’ve never asked him into your heart, or maybe you have fallen away from the faith and you’d like to recommit your life to Christ, I’ll lead you in a prayer and you can gain the assurance that when your date with eternity comes,
Life is a vapor, our lives are a preparation for eternity, and finally this morning, our life is a chance to impact others for eternity. Coach Thomas changed my life, and the life of thousands of people in this community and around the state, anyone who waited 4.5 hours to give Jan a hug last night could attest to that.
Coach was the embodiment of the idea that one person can make a difference in a home, a business, a team, or in a community. Coach was the kind of man a young person could aspire to be like one day. In a world where coaches are winners on the field but losers off of it, Coach proved that you could do what’s right and still be a success.
Coaches words ring in my ears today, and to the young people who are here this morning I know that coach Thomas would tell you this, “Do what’s right, always remember who you are and where you come from, good things happen to good people, bust your butt when you’re up and rest at the end of the line, do your best with your God given ability, and have a passion because the world is desperate for people who have a passion for what they believe in.
These were not just slogans for Coach Thomas. They were truths from the heart of a man who loved the Lord, his family, and this community in that order.
Coach Thomas always said that if all he ever taught a young man was how to block and tackle, he’d have missed the whole point of what he was trying to get accomplished. I think the same thing can be said about today. If all we do here is celebrate the creation and not the creator we would have missed the whole purpose of what this service is really about.
If you’d like to get saved this morning and commit your life to Christ will you bow your heads and pray with me know, you can agree with me silently right where you’re at, lets pray. “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that you paid the penalty for my sins. Lord I accept your forgiveness of my sins and I ask you to come into my heart and save me and give me eternal life, Amen”
Please, if you just accepted Christ I urge you to tell a friend, tell me, or tell a member of the Thomas family we’d love to pray for you and help you on your new journey as a Christian.
Coach Thomas I love you, I respect you so much, and I am so thankful for all that you have done for me. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven."
A two bath night...
Tonight was a 2 bath night for Contessa.
First because of this...spaghetti night. And when its your first birthday, you get to eat it however you like!
(WHY is the silly 3 year old as messy as the 1 year old!?)
The reason for bath #2 - Birthday Ice cream cake!!!!
Happy First Birthday, Contessa Caroline!
Contessa, Contessa, Contessa!
How can my baby be turning1?
It truly seems like yesterday that you were born and here we are, celebrating your very first birthday!
Tess, I want you to know the happiness that you have brought to our family. I didn't know that we had a piece missing from our happiness until the day you were born and suddenly, I knew, this important part of our family was finally included!
You are so special to each of your siblings and we just love to watch their faces light up when you are showing off or giving them one of your radiant smiles! Daddy says you have 'the best' smile! And he is right, I cannot compare it to anything because it is just too much!
And then there are your big blue eyes! No one seems to be able to pass by without making a comment on those beautiful baby blues you have!
What we love most about you is that from day one it seemed you wanted to make sure you weren't lost in the house of 4 kids. You have always been a very vocal baby, making the most precious and LOUD noises we've ever heard. Hearing you say uh-oh and daddy just make my day!
Contessa always know that there is nothing we would not do to make you smile. You are the sweetest baby there could be and we love you completely.
-Mommy and Daddy
Monday, June 29, 2009
Encouragement for Today
Romans 8:37-39 (KJV)
'Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV)
'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'
'Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
Ephesians 6:11-13 (KJV)
'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Daughters and Dads
Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express.
~Joseph Addison
And guess who caught the bouquet?
Lauren caught the bouquet! And this isn't the first time she's done it. I'm starting to get worried.
Here's Lauren with the groom, cousin Travis. I remember Jordan and I's wedding and Travis was this cute 12 year old. That was 10 years ago - or it might as well have been yesterday, and now its Travis's turn...I hope Lauren's wedding doesn't come around that quickly!
I don't think Jordan was all that thrilled that she caught it!
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