Trick or Lion Treat

Barbie Musketeer and Jeff Gordon

For Halloween Aunt KayKay and Attie Jo came to town, so we thought it would be fun to head up to Detroit and spend the weekend with our cousin. Part of the weekend's fun included trick or treating at the Detroit Lions practice facility and getting candy from the players themselves.

In the mist of the big guys, my sweet little guy.

I really liked Louis Delmas. He was very engaging with the kiddos.

Our cousin's husband plays for the franchise and it really was an exciting treat to get to hang out with all these huge football players.

Jordon, Stafford, Caleb and Attie Jo

I definitely was made extremely aware of my age. Without their helmets they looked so young. I've always thought of my self as younger than the professional athletes. It really is amazing to me how mentally tough they are to handle this level of pressure at such a young age.

The kids were very excited to run the football all over the field.

Kaycee and I looked a little like the annoying fools who gock after professional athletes as we tried to get this picture of one of her husband's favorite players John Lynch, a former Bronco.

ZooBoo

Cory's company was doing some promotional stuff out at the zoo for Halloween at the Zoo, so we thought it would be fun to spend the day dressing up the kiddos to see the animals.

It was a little chilly, but Makaylee's little dog costume kept her warm and Caleb thinks he is part of the Eskimo family and never gets cold.

We saw all the animals except the Male Lion. I guess it is too cold for him. Caleb was a little disappointed, but was quickly distracted by the offer of candy. There were a number of businesses promoting their company and handing out candy.

We got to see the scary sharks, which we missed on our previous visit to the zoo. It was a little like a scene from Jaws, walking through a tunnel with sharks all around.

I couldn't resist a few pictures of Makaylee as a Bernese Mountain Dog.
She wasn't as excited to say cheese.

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

Cory's youngest brother, Daniel recently got married and Caleb and Makaylee were in the wedding. The date was September 19th and I am just now getting this post up. I didn't have any cameras for the wedding, so here are some the photographer took. To see the pictures you have to put in Daniel as the password.

I was really nervous Caleb would see all the people and freak, but he did amazing. He saw his daddy up front and cruised down the aisle.

Caleb cruising down the Aisle

Makaylee and Emily went down next and Makaylee greeted everyone with a Big HI. So cute. The dress she is wearing was altered from a 4T. Thank you amazing seamstress lady for saving the day.

Makaylee and Emily down the Aisle

After the ceremony they did some traditional wedding pictures.

Cory's whole family

Makaylee and the Ladies

Caleb and the Men

Leslie and the Kids

Ruiz Brothers

Caleb and Daniel

Caleb

The reception was a blast. I did sneak downstairs for a little while to watch my Red Raiders get beat by the Longhorns. So Sad.

We all had fun dancing the night away. It was such a fun visit despite getting our luggage stolen. The wedding was very beautiful. Congrats little Bro. and Leslie Ruiz

Cory having fun as groomsman.

Equipped

I haven't been real consistent on my posting lately, because every time I think life is going to slow down we get another hit below the belt. The past week and a half Cory has been in Texas. He was down there hunting and then his Dad got put in the hospital. I did fairly well on my own for 11 days, but we are very glad to have him back. Side note, Papa is doing well and was released today from the hospital in Houston.

When you move to a new place obviously people you are sharing life with that know you well are not available. It is a little scary to feel like you are on an island. Especially, when you get one blow after the next. Cory and I historically tend to clash when stress levels get high, but surprisingly we have done really well through this time. We have had heated moments, but thankfully the Holy Spirit has been at work. When everything in me wants to take my life frustrations out on someone I have been able to practice self-control. This is really huge for me. Anger is my struggle and at it's peek is very damaging. I contribute this heart change to my time in The Word. I've been doing a wonderful study called A Heart That Dances, by Catherine Martin. It has given me a real longing for intimacy with my gracious loving heavenly Father.

I am so gratefully for the timing of all this. I know if I hadn't been spending time growing in my knowledge of God I would not have been equipped to handle a difficult situation we encountered with a wonderful couple we recently met. Pittsburgh culturally is very different then Dallas. I love so much about this, but also better understand the need to be fully equipped to rightly handle the Word of truth. This couple has been burned by the church and quite frankly abused by some followers of Christ. My hearts desire is not to be one more couple that throws the Bible in their face. I am told in

2 timothy 2:14-16

not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness.

Where I am going with all this. The couple doesn't want to argue theology which I can totally appreciate. I've been in those types of conversations and often it is just that arguing and no real good comes from it as I think the above verse clearly communicates. However, there are a couple things I believe are important. We must learn from teachers who agree theologically with Scripture and stand firm on issues of the cross. All that being said I am so thankful that after I watched a Rob Bell video at our small group time I wasn't able to rest. I'd never heard of him and I knew nothing about his theological beliefs. It wasn't that anything in the video stood out as errancy, but I couldn't help but wonder the heart behind some of his teaching. I can totally appreciate that he is done with the legalism and religiosity of the church. For anyone out there living that way I would encourage you to read how Jesus felt about this as He address the Pharisees in the Bible. I think when we live Pharisaical lives it grieves the Lord. I pray in my own life God convicts me whenever I think in myself I am righteous. It is only through the blood of Christ that I have been reconciled. But just because there are churches and people out there misusing the Word of God doesn't mean we throw it out as our Authority. We learn the Word for ourselves, so when it is not accurately being taught we can know this. After doing a little research on Rob Bell I found that he may not agree theologically on core issues with Scripture. He has gained so much popularity and notoriety amongst Christians today. I was given information on Rob Bell's Theology as I tried to investigate this teacher. I would encourage you to read it so you can be informed. I listened to a few sermons and not that I am well versed in theology, but nothing stood out in his sermons as false teaching. In fact I agreed with so much that he had to say. I appreciate his heart that we need a lot more love. However, the message of the Cross and not forgetting that sin is devastating seems to be down played. Sin matters to God and someone had to pay the price. So God gave us his son, Christ for payment.

I love that this experience gave me an even greater desire to study and understand the Scriptures. This is something I have earnestly been praying for. It is always interesting to see how God answers prayers. Not always the easy way that is for sure. I am extremely thankful for the gift of discernment and that the Holy Spirit was working and wouldn't let me do what I wanted. I can say I would have much rather continued to hang out and enjoy small group time with other people as I've been pretty lonely at times up here. I am also grateful that before we left Texas God put it on my heart to meditate on

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

I mindlessly put it on the dash of my car before we moved up here and I see now there was intention behind it that only God could foresee. I'm still feeling a little perplexed about being away from the community of believers we were surrounded by for 9 years in Dallas, but I know God has equipped me to be here and I am comforted by

John 15:5

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

A Whole New World

As I said yesterday I was feeling totally overwhelmed about the prospect of changing our diets so drastically. I actually found myself being bitter we live in a country where there are so many unhealthy options, but then I went to the grocery store. I am so encouraged. I don't have to grow my own vegetable garden or make everything from scratch. There are so many foods in the organic section of the grocery store that are kid friendly, have no preservatives, gluten and dairy free. I walked away tonight feeling like I am on top of the world. We can eat super healthy on the go. Say good-bye eating out and hello to the organic section of the grocery. I really do feel like a huge weight is lifted and I am so excited about what I am putting in my kid's bodies. Two snack foods we got tonight that my kiddos devoured were, Envirokidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars and Annie's Organic Fruit snacks. Both were all natural. I thought the Rice bars were really good and both my kiddos ate the whole bar. The fruit snacks do have cane sugar, so if you are trying to stay away from that it might not be great. I am not against sugar just limited amounts. I actually liked these better than the fruit snacks pumped full of preservatives. I am excited to say I still have a motivating tool for Caleb if I need him to behave in the grocery. I'm guilt free knowing it isn't hurting his little body.

You Are What You Eat

With Papa being so sick in the hospital I've been thinking a lot about what we are eating as a family. I am just going to rant for a second and include myself as part of the problem. We Americans eat for pleasure! When did we forget that food is supposed to nourish are bodies? So many of us are poisoning our bodies, slowly. As I see what my wonderful young father-in-law is going through I am hit hard with this truth. It will eventually catch up with us and we will pay a price. I am also reminded I am training my children now by what I am eating and feeding them. I am responsible for whether or not they are equipped to have a healthy life or one plagued with body image issues or worse health issues. It is very overwhelming to think about changing my children's diet, but everything is telling me I must make this a priority. I need to take this part of my job as their mommy very seriously and not give up when it is too exhausting. I may win a battle, but ultimately I will lose the war of their health. This may seem dramatic, but if you look around their are many signs pointing to our food destroying our youth. According to the AACAP between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. The annual cost to society for obesity is estimated at nearly $100 billion. Okay, so my kids are no where near obese, but what about the ridiculous number of people suffering from IBS now a days. Do a little research and you will be amazed. This doesn't even touch those suffering and not seeking help. Today, I got an even bigger wake up call about food and how it can drastically affect a persons overall emotional and mental state. We have such a huge number of kids being labeled with autism. After a little research some evidence shows the foods we eat regularly in our society might be contributing. How many Americans are depressed, angry etc and have no idea the foods they are eating could be the cause? I often struggle with Caleb emotionally and I believe I have exhausted ever parenting technique. I can't help but wonder if the foods I give him affect his demeanour. It is pretty overwhelming to know exactly where to start, but I am going to investigate dairy and gluten, because both Cory and I have issue with the former. I also believe gluten seems to do a number on me. After reading countless testimonials on angry and extremely emotional kids that did a complete 180 when gluten was removed from their diet, it is worth exploring. Gluten free diet information

Makeup artist

I think Makaylee's big brother was a partner in crime and got into my purse. He gave her my makeup and she figured out how to open the eyeshadow/lip gloss combo. I was pretty impressed she did a great job with application and the makeup was only on her face.

Her emotional and verbal development
Makaylee daily surprises me with her ability to express her desires. She isn't saying a lot of words that you can really differentiate, but she talks a ton. She will get to speaking so fast at times it sounds similar to the Chinese language.

She is pretty sensitive and doesn't like to be disciplined. She just cries and holds me anytime she gets into trouble. However, she still is determined to do whatever it is she wants to do and loves to test the boundaries.

Her sizes and physical development
-18 month clothes
-5 shoes. She can still squeeze into 3 and is comfortable in 4, but her favorite shoes are fives.
-She is still dainty, but seems to be catching up in height.
-She has most of her teeth. Still waiting for 2 i teeth on the bottom. One has peeked through.
-Ears seem to be doing well, but wax is out of control. (sorry sister)
-She has a permanent sweater on. Her sweet little back is so hairy and black hair. (super sorry sister, but I wanted to reminder this.)

Her interests
Caleb and Makaylee are becoming such buds. She still thinks her brother is pretty special, but it has been neat to watch Caleb really enjoy playing and sharing with his sister. They still have their moments daily, but he is starting to understand the joys of having a sister. I often think of the sweetness of their relationship and look forward to watching it grow through the years. It melts my heart to see them sit on the couch cuddled next to each other. It is always short lived, but on the rare occasion it occurs there is not much that compares for this Mommy.

She is into everything her brother likes, but has also starting to be curious about girly things. She loves shoes, hand bags and makeup. She is her mother's daughter.

Fall Fun

We are enjoying the cool weather of fall, but I am feeling a little like we missed summer. I can't complain it was such a nice contrast to melting in Texas. I can definitely feel the winter fast approaching, though. It was 37 degrees at 6:00 am this morning as we were loading up to take Grandma to the airport. Brrrr.

I enjoyed decorating the house for fall and made my first attempt at a door wreath. I am really pleased with how it turned out.


Makaylee and Caleb are loving the pumpkins. We had a fun going to the Farmer's Market up the street and getting all different sizes. I also got some from Michael's made out of?? Not sure, but they are lite weight and Caleb is enjoying kicking them like balls. I keep telling him they are for decorating, but the boy can't help himself. Even Makaylee joined into the throwing pumpkin balls fun.

I Have Something to Say to You

Life around here as been pretty crazy and honestly at times a bit overwhelming. There has been some major inconveniences and frankly a plethora of minor inconveniences. Yet, I am so thankful for all of the inconvenience. In the mist of having to spend countless hours inventory our stuff, moving a ridiculous amount of things and seeing sparks fly out of my new stove top and smoke smoldering I can't say I was ecstatic. As I sit back though and reflect I believe through this God is communicating a very important message. What I am about to say is not intended to sound arrogant or lucky me, but truly honestly to communicate just how thankful I am for God being faithful to light my path. We have been amazingly blessed financially in a time when so many are going without. It has been very easy for me to get totally focused on all my wants and forget that with much comes much responsibility. These inconveniences have reminded me what is truly important and forced me to ask the question, am I being useful with what I've been given? Do I remember that this is not mine and God has entrusted it to me for a purpose? I must seek this purpose and follow through. He has also reminded me through big and small means that this life is fleeting and I must put my hope in the eternal. I battle daily. I love to decorate, and it is easy for me to get caught up in wanting to make me house beautiful. I forget that my first priority should be to use this amazing house I've been blessed with to bless others. To step out of what is comfortable for me and make those God puts in my life feel loved. I just want to say, as I'm about to post picutes of the amazing home we are so thankful for,
thank you God for always having something to say to me and not allowing me to chart my own course.

Sorry for the picture quality. Cameras are MIA. I only have the iphone.

A little fall fest

With the beauty of trees come leaves, oh so many leaves.

The powder room

Loving this room now thanks to the unique wine hutch

Cozy living room, makes me what to cuddle with my hubby.

Loving the counter space

Having an area for the kids that is their own yet within reach of the kitchen and living room is a dream. My living room is no longer covered in toys, Woo Who!! Caleb really loves this room. We had our first visitor today and Caleb excitedly gave her a tour of his playarea. It was so fun to host a playdate with my new friend Kristi, who recently moved to the area from Wisconsin. I look forward to many more opportunities to host and build a family with the people of the Burgh.