Happy Birthday

I got a little behind on my blogging getting ready for vacation and then being gone for a week, so this should have been entered awhile ago, but better late than never. For my birthday Cory surprised me with a boat ride tour. We took the kids, because we don't have a babysitter yet here in Pitt. The kids struggled a little bit, but it really warmed my heart that Cory went through all the effort to be creative. They served us dinner and then we went to the upper deck and enjoyed some of the sites of the city.
Caleb sang me happy birthday which I really enjoyed. However, he was a little confused, because up until this point every birthday has been celebrated with cake and he kept asking when he was going to get cake.

God's Sovereignty

Last week Cory and I had something happen that was a little unsettling. This combined with feelings of discontentment with our house situation I think we were both feeling a little low. But, God is so good to help get our perspective right.

All of us probably have things that we wish were different about our current life situation or if we don't currently, it is waiting just around the corner. I was really encouraged by God's reminder in Philippians 4:11-13 about finding contentment in all our circumstance.
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
I am sure many of you have heard this passage and maybe it has impacted you, but I want to thank the Lord for putting it in our faces this past Sunday. It is so easy to be pulled away from truth especially when you are living in a new place with no friends to spur you on and God in His goodness reminded Cory and I that we can be content. Our circumstance my not be exactly as we wish, but if we dwell there pretty soon we will think things are far worse. Our hope is in Christ and the security only He can bring. If we start to think a job, person or place provides contentment we are setting ourselves up for much disappointment. One thing that our Pastor pointed out this Sunday when he was addressing the singles, but it helped me, "If you are not content in your singleness you will not be content in marriage." It is so easy to think if I just have this or get that I will be happy and when we get the this or that something new comes along we think, oh if I just had that. He reminded us that God is sovereign and He has us where we are to grow us and use us for his Glory and we should live each day with this in mind. If we do we can be thankful no matter our circumstance. There were 3 people on the stage that gave examples of this in their life and one was a man who lost his wife. He said, "Yes I miss Faith (his wife) very much but if I had to return to the man I was before I lost her and not have learned what I have about God I would not ask for Faith back. This was pretty impactful for me. I am I willing to lose what I treasure most to better understand who God is and who he made me to be. Sadly, so often I'm so focused on the things I want that I forget that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly, so if I don't have it, it must not be good for me.

I am so thankful that God loves us so much that when we start to have bad thinking He is faithful to get us in His word and focused back on Truth.
Today's Journey reading was very encouraging.
Join the Journey

MAKE IT STOP

Yesterday was full of little frustrations, but in the mist of it all I got a big chuckle. I had to go to Victoria Secret to get a gift. They were having their Semi-Annual sale, so needless to say it was extremely crowded and there were bins everywhere full of bras and panties. Not a real conducive situation for a double wide stroller. I have taken the kids to Victoria Secret a few times before and Caleb always seems to act especially mischievous and this trip was right on par. We were drawing attention to ourselves left and right. Running into bins, blocking the lanes and setting of the door security censure not once but twice in a matter of minutes. I was extremely frazzled at this point having no luck finding the items I needed. I decided to go to a little corner where they had a number of items in the size I was looking for and the follow scene transpired.

Caleb, " Mommy it's going up. Mommy it's going up. It keeps going up."

Me, "What is going up?"

Caleb in a slightly panicked voice, "It's still going. Mommy make it stop."

At this point he is holding the crotch of his pants so I was pretty sure I knew what was happening, but just to confirm, "Caleb what is wrong."

Caleb in almost tears, " My Pee Pee mommy, MAKE IT STOP!"

One of the sales associates hears the commotion and comes to offer aid as I am in mind sentence, "I can't make it stop honey."

The sales lady, "Can I help you?"

Me, "I don't think you can help us with this."

I proceeded to explain to the lady what was happening and we both had a good laugh at my sweet little guys expense. I am pretty sure it was just a coincidence that we were in Victoria Secret, but I think all future trips to VS will be just the girls.

Losing Streak

No, I am not talking about our beloved baseball team's current status, rather my ability to misplace just about everything. I can't find any of the needed plugs to my electronics and that has just about made me crazy. I spent 3 hours last night and probably another 2 last week looking for my cell phone charger, but to no avail. Well, it doesn't matter now, because today in a search for Makaylee's lost shoe at the mall I somehow manage to lose my cell phone. Urrrg, I hate losing stuff it is so frustrating. I also can't find the plug to the camera, so I am not able to upload the fun new footage of Makaylee's first steps. She started walking yesterday just shy of her 14 month date. As soon as I can get the video off the camera I will upload. It is pretty cute how proud she is of her accomplishment. It is a wonderful day despite my frustration, today I am 29 plus some. :)

Go Pens

Our view of the city from the suite. I took the pics with my cell, but they aren't too bad.

Well the city was pretty pumped last night after the Pens won the Stanley Cup. I am not a huge hockey fan normally, but it was very exciting to watch and I can honestly say I hope Caleb doesn't take up hockey, it is way too intense. We went to another Pirate's game last night and even though they lost, it was a wonderful outing. Caleb is totally into watching and we were in a luxury suite.
We got to enjoy all the food and drinks we wanted and there was ampule area for Makaylee to crawl around. One fun perk of Cory's job.

Diaper and Hands Free

We had a great official first week. It started out going to a Pirate's game, which Caleb absolutely loved. From the stadium you look into the city. I thought it was beautiful. The Pirates came back in the 8th to win, so we got to see fireworks. It was a blast. This just increased Caleb's love for baseball and now BP is a daily routine.





Tuesday night we had fun at the chic-fil-a. They had a festival to kick off summer with a band, dancing, balloon making and a number of games. Makaylee got soaked playing in the water and they both entertained us with dancing.

We spent the other evenings going to the driving range. Caleb is quiet the little golfer and Daddy is improving, too.



Potty Training
We also started potty training this week.
Day 1
Went perfect. I let him run around naked all day and I didn't even have to remind him to go. He had no accidents and totally got it.
Day 2
I think I set my expectations a little high after such a successful first day and thought we could try the big boy underwear. It should have tipped me off that this day might not be as successful. He came running into my room after playing in his room for awhile grabbed a towel without a word and ran back to his room. After a minute it dawned on me what he might be doing and sure enough when I went to his room he was cleaning up the pee pee of the floor. The fact that he cleaned up his own accident was pretty impressive in it self. After that I put him in his underwear and shorts and not a few minutes later he was soaked and when I went to change him a had a not so pleasant surprise. I was a little discouraged. I have to admit the potty training thing has been something I have totally dreaded, so thinking it was going to be easy had me really excited.
Day 3
We reverted back to naked all morning. In the afternoon I had to run a few errands, so I put a pull-up on him and he did great. He communicated when he needed to go and we got through the day totally accident free.
Day 4, 5 & 6
He is still doing great and has now been successful 2 days in a row with big boy underwear.

On a side note. We had to run to Walmart and of course I had to change Sissy's diaper after I finished shopping in the typical public restroom (nasty). Caleb decided to strip down to nothing and use the big potty. I couldn't leave Makaylee on the changing table. She had a major blow out and poo poo was everywhere. I was cringing as Caleb shoeless hopped up on the disgusting jon and to top it off he too pooed and decided to whip himself with about a cm2 of tee pee. Needless to say I was about pooed out by the time we and a grocery cart full of food left the bathroom. I don't think anyone ever told me how gross child rearing can be.

Standing Hands Free
Makaylee is really improving on standing alone. She can go for seconds at a time and gets the biggest smile on her face when she realizes her accomplishment.

We are enjoying the cool summer days of Pittsburgh and excited to head to Hawaii in a couple weeks.

Saying Goodbye

Last week we said goodbye to our sweet friends that we built a life with over the past 11 years and I just wanted to say thank you to all the treasures I met in Texas. I will put them chronologically, because that just makes sense.

I found Zola Bud (Zoie) 11 years ago in Lubbock Texas running around a park. She would find someone to follow keeping her distance a safe 20 feet and run. For 3 weeks I saw her in this park alone and so I decided to attempt to take her home. I am not a dog person, so I was very scared to get too close, but after bribing her with food she let me get close enough to grab her. I realize it was stupid she could have been aggressive, but she went limp in my arms and so I loaded her up and took her home. She was extremely skittish, but with time we became really good buddies. We moved a lot over the years and she never liked the change, but we had each other and during some lonely times I was so thankful for her. This begs the question why did I choose to send her to live with my mom. Well, my sweet hubby is not and has never been a dog person, so from the beginning Zoie was a source of contention. Actually, I would say she was our number 1 reason for conflict and after 5 years I decided this much conflict was not good for a marriage no matter how much I love my sweet Zoie. My mom sweetly agreed to take her and I received this email reassuring me this was a good decision and she would have an amazing final years out in California.
I promise that I will do my best to give her a loving home and safe home. I just hope that she takes to me, and Jewel. I worry about her being away from you, it may take a while for her to be comfortable. I hope she will adjust okay. She will like it here, I am on 400 hundred acres, which I haven’t even been around the whole ranch yet, and there are horses and cattle. But, only my horse is close to the house. The rest are turned out, I go for days and do not see any of them. There is a large spring (pond) not to far from the house, that is a water hole, and once in a while they use that. So, there is a lot of room for her to roam on. I will keep her close to the house at first, and when she bonds with us, I can take her with me on the little trail rides I go on. Jewel goes, but she goes to the top of the hill, and waits for me, she is good for about ¼ mile and then there is a tree that she shades up with and she can see me as I ride. Anyway, I know this is hard for you to do, but please be reassured that I will do my best to make her feel at home.
I know that this probably sounds a little over the top, but I really feel like a lost a part of me when I put her on the plane, she really was a loyal companion through all the ups and downs of life.

When we moved to Dallas Zoie and I lived with Wayne and Susie Wellborn. They really were amazing to me and took us in as if we were family. Susie taught me more about Christ and was instrumental in my walk and Wayne showed me unconditional love.

I actually moved to Dallas for a boy, so when we split I had nothing except Zoie, so I was pretty overwhelmed. I decided to befriend one of my ex's childhood friends and his wife and I am so thankful for there sweet friendship. They always welcomed me as the 3rd wheel even when they were in the hospital having there 2nd child I was there the inter day.
Through my job I meet Holley a dear friend who cared for me and provided lots of fun memories.

When I started at Watermark the many people that I encountered were such a blessing, but my singles small group girls loved and challenged me to be a more devoted follower of Christ. My sweet friends Alyssa, Rachel and AE I will treasure them always.

When we made the huge life change and started having kiddos the Lord faithfully provided me with a group of girl friends who have shaped so much of who I am today as a wife an mother.

Katrina ,
The first thought that comes to my mind is how you are so intentional with pursuing people that need relationship. Whether it be those that need friends you are always so welcoming or those that need Christ you watch and you see a need and you do something about it. This is a special unique gift and I am thankful to have known someone who encourages me to do this more.
Jeri
When I think of you I think of gentle spirit. Honor emanates from you. Whether it is in the way you love your kiddos, your husband or friends. I always felt like you really cared to know about me and what was going on in my life. I really believe you taught me to be a better listener. You also taught me patience and kindness.
Courtney
Oh how to sum this up. You encourage me in so many ways. I love that you are always faithful to pray and it is genuine. I have learned from you a greater understanding of the power of prayer. I also have always admired your calm spirit. There have been many of time when I get frustrated with Cory or Caleb that I think of you and am encouraged to handle myself differently. You are an amazing mother and such an honoring wife. You have really helped me understand what a woman who loves the Lord should look like. You are strong yet gentle and quiet.

Elizabeth,
You and Ben have been so much a part of sharpening Cory and myself even though you probably weren’t always aware of how much you both impacted us. You are so thankful for the opportunity that we had to live close enough that we could ride bikes or walk to each other’s house and that we were able to really know you all. We had so much fun together. I have so many wonderful memories of our boys playing together and laughing until their bellies shook. Fun memories of putting them down and hanging out watching Lost, playing games or learning to be better parents. So much of my direction of parenting has you guys woven in it. I admire your strength, but the way you understand your role as wife and mother. I admire your uncompromising attention to detail, creativity and eye for quality. I had often thought about our boys growing up playing ball together and us watching and cheering on in joy not cursing that we had to be at another game.
Caren
I am so sad our boys don’t get to grow up together. You are a woman of amazing faith and I have been impacted greatly by that quality in you. I watched you walk beside your husband faithful and honoring to him knowing God had a plan. This has really encouraged me many times with Cory. I also admire how you are able to be confident in your friendships. Growth in my people pleasing has been huge for me and you were an influential part of it. I am going to miss you so much. Your hospitality and fun parties. I always felt very at home at your house.

Ginger
When I think of you the first thing that comes to mind is how dependable you are. I admire this quality so much. It is hard to find a person who you can really count on. Whether it be in how you get stuff done with excellence, the way you pursue your friendships or your role as a mom. You are a woman of quality.
Stacy
I remember when we worked together and we did the angel tree thing and nothing went according to plan, but you remained calm and all turned out amazing. You have such a gift of putting things together. Whether it be in your creative crafts, parties or events you are truly talented. I admire your eye for detail. I also admire the way you honor your husband and love your child.


I will miss them greatly, but I was thankful we got to say good-bye with a fun Birthday party for "Jackmame" with all of Caleb's dear friends.









Finally, I am so grateful for our community group and the way they have encourged us in our marriage and been so much fun getting to know.


Buttorffs
Thank you for always being honest about your struggles and for encouraging us to strive for more in our marriage. Dawn I have really enjoyed analyzing life with you. You are such a joy to visit with.
Liggitts
You guys have been so much fun to get to know and watching you grow in your processing has been such a pleasure. David we are going to miss your story time and Leeann thank you so much for loving Caleb so well and always changing yucky diapers with no complaint.
Clarks
We had so much fun the few times we have gotten to hang out. You guys are a blast and we are thankful you are going to add a really fun dynamic to the group we so value.
Sheltons
It has been such a treasure to be able to walk through the last couple years with you. Your family is such an answer to prayers. I so admire your hearts. Holly you have taught me more about forgivness than anyone before and Mike's gift of encouragement has been something I strive to be like. I have learned a lot from you in my role as mommy and wife. Mike you have been such an blessing to Cory and instrumental in making our marriage stronger. We love all of you and thankful for the friendships of Ellie and Anna.