Best of Friends, The Richardsons

Baby Projects

2012-01-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

So I guess I've been inspired to actually get a few baby projects done since being home. I had asked my great friend Callie to borrow a baby sling and I got it and it was too snug for me. So I was really bummed cause I really wanted to have one to use. I was thinking, why don't I just make one? So I did!

This is the sling I borrowed.

This is the one I made!

Here is Samuel in the sling.

My other project was to make a baby blanket for Samuel. When I ordered all the nursery bedding for Nathaniel's room I also ordered a blanket that was super soft and its Nathaniel's favorite blanket. He always sleeps with it and he favors one of the corners of it. So since I'm using the same bedding for Samuel I figured he needed a super soft blanket too. I went to my favorite store Hobby Lobbby and found the perfect fabric similar to Nathaniel's. I made it today and I love it and hopefully Samuel will love it too!

This is Nathaniel's blanket.

This is Samuel's blanket I made.

Here is my little bear!

Samuel's Birthday

2012-01-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I woke up around 3:45am eager to get to the hospital so I could meet my new little boy Samuel. Lesh and I got to the hospital around 5:30 where they took me straight to my delivery/recovery room. I got dressed into my hospital gown, signed some papers, got my hospital bands put on and then into the bed I went.

Then the nurses could not get my IV in and they poked me 5 different times to find a vein that would work. This was quite painful and I have the bruises to prove it. 2 different nurses had to work together to make one work. So that was done and then I was hooked up to a blood pressure cuff, baby monitor and contraction monitor. Come to find out that my contractions were already 5 minutes apart so I was already in labor on my own! The nurse started my pitocin around 7:30. I asked for my epidural around 9:30 and was feeling good until around 11:45 when I started to feel my contractions again and very strongly. The anesthesiologist was called to come back and he tried 3 different drugs to help my pain go away, but unfortunately none worked and I got to experience labor like my ancestors did! Quite painful, but thankfully I was only in excruciating pain the last hour and I only had to push once!

Samuel was born at 12:58pm weighing 8lbs, 21 inches long. I was shocked by his weight considering Nathaniel was only 6.9 lbs and 19 inches long. The doctor said, he's big and I was like, what? And then to find out he had brown hair and lots of it? Totally different from Nathaniel. It is funny because this pregnancy has been completely different from the beginning.

I felt so blessed to have a healthy baby boy born with no major complications. We loved all our nurses and I love my doctor too! What I loved about the hospital I delivered at was that I delivered and recovered in the same room. Also the baby never leaves the room. Usually the baby is taken away for a few hours to get looked at, but at my hospital the nurses and doctors come to the baby and there is a special bed that is in the room with you so you don't miss a thing! It was wonderful!!

I was able to nurse right after delivery and watch him have his first bath in my room. Later, family started to arrive to meet Samuel. Nathaniel meeting Samuel for the first time was the best!! He was so excited to see him and hold him! I love having 2 boys!

That night I did send Samuel to the nursery so I could get some good sleep in between feedings and got some good rest. The next day we had more friends and family visit. We went home after 2 nights in the hospital and now we are adjusting to the lack of sleep! I'm exhausted, but I'm rejoicing and thankful to God for this wonderful blessing!! We have asked of God and have been heard by God. Thank you Lord for Samuel.

Seconds after Samuel was born!

My favorite OB Dr.P

Samuel on the warming bed.

Samuel's first bath in my room!

Nana and Samuel

Papa and Samuel

Auntie Breanna

First picture with mommy

Big brother Nathaniel's first look on little bro. He was mesmerized.

Uncle Bennett

Uncle Bryce

Grandma

My gal pal Tina

Nana reading a big brother book to Nathaniel

Auntie Breanna made this awesome banner for my hospital room!

My sister in Jesus and great friend Gillian

We had to supplement with a little formula since Samuel is jaundice.

I love this banner. My friend Gillian made it for Samuel.

Getting ready to go home!

Big brother enjoying his new job! Mommy's helper!

And Then There Were Two

2012-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

So do you think Nathaniel is happy about being a big brother?

He absolutely loves his little brother, constantly wanting to loo at him and hold him. It is just the most precious thing and it makes my heart melt! I am so thankful to God for Nathaniel, my gift of God and for Samuel- I asked of God and was heard by God. What a huge blessing to have two sons.

Samuel Brennan Richardson

2012-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

This morning started off early, we arrived at the hospital at about 5:30 and my contractions were already 5-6 mins apart. They started me on the drip at about 7:30 and then Samuel arrived at 12:58PM. Just one push and he was out! He is 8lb and 21 inches long. Mom and Samuel are doing great!

Christmas Cookie Extravaganza

2011-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago my Mom-in-Love invited her daughters and all her son's significant others to a cooking baking party! We had a great time baking together. Candace gave all us gals aprons as gifts so we could all bake in them, it was so sweet. I think this may become an annual event!

Here we all are in our fun aprons! Danielle-dating Bennett, Alekza- dating Bryan, Candace- my Mom-in-love, Vanessa- Candace's sister, Bailey-dating Marshall, me, and Breanna.

Aunt Vanessa making homemade hot cocoa

Bennett and Danielle starting the baking.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Crescents!

The quartet made peppermint sugar cookies, these were my favorite!

Bailey and Marshall made Chinese Tingalings- yes, that is what they are really called.

Bryan and Alekza made chocolate m&m cookies.

Bennett and Danielle made peppermint fudge.

Breanna and I made chocolate peppermint frosted sandwiches. Yummo!

Here is the spread!

Tada!

We all held off on eating the goodies until they were all done and then everyone got 1 of everything and chowed down! Whatever wasn't eaten we packed up in boxes and took some home.

We hope to make this an annual event! It was lots of fun and we were all rewarded with some great goodies! Thanks to my Mom-in-Love for planning the fun evening!

Christmas Happenings

2011-12-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

This month I am in full nesting mode! So along with Christmas happenings I have also been getting ready for Samuel's arrival. Speaking of Samuel, I have yet to blog about him at all! I am saving that post for next week. So like I said I have been getting the bedroom ready for Nathaniel and Samuel to share. In between that we have been doing fun Christmas activities.

First I actually learned how to crochet! My fabulous Mom-in-Love taught me how to make a hat for Samuel!

Then I went to a fabulous local Holiday Home Tour! This is the only pic I got from my phone. My friend Sweet T will be blogging about that! I'm so gonna add these bows to my tree next year!

Then I worked on some letters for the boys room and did some Modge Podging!

We went to Bass Pro Shops where they do free Santa pics and have all kinds of fun things for the kiddos to do. Here is last years and this years side by side. Ha! He used to be so scared of old men and especially Santa!

Today we went to a Christmas Cookie Extraveganza at one of Nathaniel's little friends house. It was so much fun!

I had to take a picture of some of her decor. I love that new mesh stuff and seeing it everywhere!

She made these aweoms aprons for each child to wear while they decorated thier cookies and then packaged them all up in a cute box to take home.

This weekend we are going to a Christmas show and have a few more things planned before Samuel's arrival!

Good Grief

2011-12-10T12:09:00.001-08:00

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Pumpkin Fun!

2011-10-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had some friends over for a Pumpkin Carving Party! We had a great time carving pumpkins and letting the munchkins play some fun Halloween games. Nathaniel was so excited having his friends over as well.

I love this picture!! Look at William's face! And then James with the empty watergun and Nathaniel eating his cupcake! Ha!

Then this morning Lesh and I met our friends the Caraway's and the Cummings for our annual pumpkin patch pictures. This is our third year to take these pictures and I'd say more difficult this year considering the kids just wanted to run around! Ha! It's a fun tradition and look forward to it every year!We were missing one though who was feeling under the weather. We missed you Carly!

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2011

Okay so this one is the best so far! Ha!

Asked of God, Heard by God

2011-10-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Lesh and I have been keeping baby #2's name under wraps! We have decided that we want to share his name now! Before I do, I wanted to share why we chose his name. I've shared before in other blog posts about my struggle with food and the addiction I had to it.

For years growing up I begged God to take away my struggle with food. I hated myself for overeating and eating when I wasn't hungry and I was so sick of being sick about food. Then last year a woman named Gari Meachum came to our church. She is a speaker, writer, and Bible study teacher and she wrote the book Truly Fed. This book was the beginning of my walking in freedom from food. The book has such a different perspective of food- the Bible's perspective on food and the relationship we should have with it. If you have ever struggled with food or know someone who does, this book is just for you! I'm so thankful for God bringing Gari into my life and her ministry of helping women walk in freedom from bondage. Not only has it helped me walk into freedom, but has also ushered my wonderful husband into that same freedom. After almost 30 years of bondage, I can praise God and thank him for hearing my prayers all these years and leading me into freedom.

Isaiah 43 18-19 says, "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness. Rivers in the desert." I rejoice over the "something new that God is springing forth in our lives.

Many of you are familiar with the story of Hannah in the Bible found in 1Samuel 1, and how she was barren for many years and she prayed and begged God for a child. He heard her prayers and because she asked of God he blessed her with a child. I look at this scripture through the eyes of praying/asking of God something for years and longing to have that prayer answered. Because God has broken my bondage during a time that I have also been pregnant, Lesh and I thought it perfect to name our second son Samuel. Samuel Brennan Richardson is due to arrive on or before January 17th, 2012. Lesh and I can not wait to meet this sweet son who will always be a reminder of God ushering us into freedom. And as a testimony to God, not to brag, I can share with you all that I have only gained 1 lb in my 28 weeks of pregnancy. That is a miracle from my God who is showing me and helping me learn what it looks like to walk in freedom.

If you have struggled with something that has kept you in bondage for years, please know that you can be absolutely FREE from what that thing is in your life!!

Here is a picture of Samuel from my last ultrasound. We have asked of God, and have been heard by God.

Randomness

2011-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in a while! My mom moved in about a month ago so life has been pretty chaotic around here! Some pretty Random stuff has been going on, so here a just a few things that have been happening!

Nathaniel is sleeping in a big boy bed! Since I'm pregnant my back has been starting to hurt and lifting 30 + lbs over a crib rail was getting difficult. He only fell out of bed once and he does great now!

I gave Nathaniel some chocolate covered peanuts and 5 minutes later he came to me like this! What a mess!!

Guess what Nathaniel's gonna be for Halloween? Iron Man! Prototype one from the first movie, the one Robert Downey made in the cave. He's so excited about it!

A kidnapping!!! Yup, I was involved in kidnapping Sweet T for her birthday! A bunch of us gals got together and took Tina to DQ for some of her favorite ice cream cake and then headed back to her place to watch some Rachel Zoe and Project Runway. She had a great time!

Homecoming in Texas! This is a tradition that apparently only exists in Texas and Oklahoma. I love me some crafts, so when my youngest Bro-in-law asked if I could make his mum I jumped at the idea! Here it is all done!

So lots of different things going on in the midst of my chaos, but it's all been good to help me continue to heal and grieve from the loss of my daddy. Each day brings a new set of emotions, but I know God's working it out all out for his glory!

I'm Addicted!

2011-09-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

So I have to admit that I'm addicted to several TV shows! How do I know? Because I hate watching TV in the summer and I just miss my shows!! These are some of the shows I love! Oh and last year I cut my shows in half because it was getting redonkulous!! I'm starting with my summer list!

1. The Closer- I'm so sad because there are only 2 episodes left of the series! Kyra is calling it quits and they are doing a spin off with another character in the show.

2. Rizzoli and Isles- Love this new show with actresses I was familiar with from other older shows. Rizzoli was in Law and Order and Isles was in NCIS.

3. So You Think You Can Dance- It is so fun to watch these talented dancers do routines that range from Hip Hop to the Fox Trot.

Okay that's it for summer! In just a few more weeks Some of my faves are starting again. And don't get on my about how many I watch. I know I'm not the only one! Ha! After alll, I need something to watch while I fold laundry and do my house cleaning right?

1. NCIS- mystery, murder, action, and humor

2. The Rachel Zoe Project- I love fashion I just can't afford it or wear most of it, but I love to laugh at this show. It is pretty Ba-Na-Nas!

3. Project Runway- More fashion in design!

4. Chuck- for the inner nerd in me

5. Bones- doctor/cop show

6. The Office- just plain ole funny! Although, I'm a little aprehensive about it since we lost a main character last season!

7. The Biggest Loser- very inspirational to see people transform their lives from the inside out!

What shows are you addicted too and looking forward to watching again?

We are back!

2011-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Lesh and I just got back from our romantic getaway to the Texas hill country! We had the best time ever! It was so relaxing and we enjoyed each other being away from real life stress. Lesh researched places to stay in the Hill country and found Hillside Cabin. It truly is a quiet cabin in the middle of nowhere. That is where we both needed to be! The last couple of months have been difficult with the loss of my dad in June. For me its been emotionally taxing and for Lesh it's been hard because he is the one who is handling all my dad's affairs.

On Sunday we dropped both Checkers and Nathaniel off with their grandma's and headed on our way out of town. About an hour into our drive the "battery not charging" light came on. We both were like, "Oh no!" We just kept seeing the battery voltage keep going down and praise the Lord Bastrop was our oasis! WE had just enough juice to pull into the Auto Zone.  Since it was a Sunday no mechanic shops are open so Lesh figured he could replace the alternator himself. We get to the counter and Lesh explains our issue and they say, "We can recommend a mobile mechanic!" We were like, "Hallelujah!" So a mechanic shows up and 3 hours and $400 later, our car is fixed! We did get to ride in a 1965 van that was 2 movies! Machete, and Friday Night Lights! It was loud, old and stinky! Ha!

We enjoyed the rest of our drive through the beautiful hill country and we finally pull into the entry way to our cabin. It was a mile drive from the main entry. We drove past the owners home that was AMAZING!! It looked like a picture of a home in Southern Living Magazine! and then passed a few curves to our cabin. We both were in awe! It was perfect! We got out and it smelled so good! It smelled like Cedar and relaxation!

After we unpacked we did a litle exploring and then drove out to Wimberly for dinner at a great restaurant called Marco's. Yummy! We took a walk at a park after dinner and took in all the beautiful landscape the hill country has to offer.   We decided to go see a movie at an outdoor theatre they have and we saw Cowboys vs. Aliens. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.   The place was cheap, but of course the quality wasn't the best, but we still enjoyed watching a movie under the stars something we hadn't done before! Then we headed back to our cabin to relax.

On Monday morning Lesh went running early and I slept in a little.  The owner had made us blueberry muffins that were quite delicious! Then we both decided we would read. I headed outside to the hammock on the hillside with a beautiful view and read for 3 hours! I started and finished "Heaven is for Real." I prettty much wept through the whole book since my dad's passing is so recent. I just kept thinking of my aunts vision of my dad in heaven. It was good to release that grief. Lesh napped too while I finished my book. Then I made Lesh's favorite meal for him- Flautas and Mexican rice. After lunch we headed back out to Wimberly to do some shopping and then we went swimming at the Blue Hole! It is a beautiful park with bald cypress trees and it was very refreshing. Then we headed back to our cabin to shower and change for dinner. We drove to Driftwood which was only 20 minutes away and had dinner at the Salt Lick. Wowsers was it yummy. It's good ole Texas BBQ! If you are ever in the hill country you have got to go here!

Tuesday we repeated the relaxing and I laid in the hammock for 3 more hours reading 90 Minutes in Heaven. Didn't finish it but almost. We cleaned up our cabin and got our things packed and sighed because we didn't want to leave. We headed home and stopped in San Marcos to shop the outlets a bit.  No car troubles were had on our trip home, thank you Lord! We picked up our sweet boy we missed terribly and Checkers too. It is nice to be home and so thankful we had the opportunity to get away.

Dinner at Marco's Italian

The Corral Theatre- watched a movie under the stars

This is where I laid for 6 hours over the course of the weekend!

My view from my hammock

Sampson is the guard dog, but he was too sweet and very big!

This is Cash and Buck, they were our vacation dogs. The spent the morning with me while I laid in the hammack and read. They kept bringing us their ball to throw. They belong to the owner and are the welcoming committee!

The owner had llamas, goats and we even ran across some wild turkeys and deer too!

The most peaceful and relaxing time! We would love to go back in the winter and make use of the fire place and hot tub!

Romantic Getaway!!!

2011-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Lesh and I leave tomorrow without our sweet boy and head out for a romantic getaway!! It is so much needed for the both of us. After my dad died in June it's been quite crazy with ups and downs emotionally and physically. Lesh has had lots of stress put on him too with all the paperwork he has willingly taken on. So we both need to get away desperately!

We will be staying here!

There are deer and llamas and a creek. Also a beautiful porch swing and peace and quiet!! We can not wait to leave tomorrow morning!! Did I also mention there is a hot tub!! Woohoo!

E.T. and Laundry

2011-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Of course Checkers has to lay on all the clean clothes I had yet to fold right? It reminds me of the scene in E.T. when he was hiding in the closet amongst all the stuffed toys. This is only a small portion of the pic. My whole couch was filled with clothing. I finally folded it today! HA!

Lately

2011-08-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

I've recently started watching my friend's little boy named Cooper. He is 15 months and so cute. Nathaniel just loves him and is constantly petting him and kissing his head and trying to play with him. It has been really good for Nathaniel to have a little friend to play with. He is such a social boy and he needs that company! Here are some blurry pics of them playing, taken with my phone because I have put my camera in a nice camera bag and can't get to it fast enough! Ha!

Two and a Half!

2011-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel is two and a half years old today! Wow these last 6 months have gone by so quickly!! Nathaniel makes me laugh so much and brings so much joy to our lives. Nathaniel has crossed some big bridges these last 6 months like putting more words together when he talks and gaining independence in being able to do a lot more things on his own, as he says, "I do it, I do it!"

Another great leap has been accomplished- potty training!! I was pretty amaized at how quickly he caught on! I had heard of nightmares and hearing that boys took much longer. My great friend Wendy decided to potty train her son Zach and I was inspired to try with Nathaniel. I did the 3 day bare bottom approach with him and he did great! I still put a diaper on him at nap and bedtime, but during the day he goes on his own and we have an accident on rare occassion and it'susually my fault for not making him go when he is distracted and having too much fun. So all in all he is pretty much potty trained! Hooray!

At two and a half I've learned what Nathaniel's love language is- pyhsical touch. Which is sweet because he loves to hug his friends, but he hasn't quite learned to be gentle and not come off so aggresively, because not all people like physical touch! Ha! So we are working on his being more gentle with his loving ways so his sweet little friends won't think he's being mean.

Getting in the car is getting much easier since Nathaniel can now climb in and get in his seat very easily which helps out this momma's back issues! He can snap his top buckle on his own and I only have to snap in the bottom buckle for him and adjust the straps. It's so great! This will come in handy when baby #2 arrives in January! I haven't even made a post about that yet! That's coming next week!

The child is obsessed with trains and cars-hot wheels or and cars that look like hot wheels. He carries them wherever we go and always in the car. Its a great distraction for him when we are out in about. He loves to make car noises and making them crash! I recently bought him Cars pancake molds and he loved that!

Here are a few pics of Nathaniel as of late! Oh and these are all taken with my cell phone, so they may be a bit blurry!

Some Fun

2011-07-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Some fun is what has been needed in my life as of late. It's been a rough month, but thanks to some great friends, have gotten me out of my house to watch our littles play. My great friend Wendy invited me to go to Noah's Ark pool. I had never been and Nathaniel had the best of times. It brought so much joy to my heart. Thank you to my sweet friends who have been intentional on encouraging me and praying for me and for holding my hand through this time. I love you all so very much!

Lord, the One You Love is Sick

2011-07-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

God showed me something yesterday in my time with Him that brought encouragement to my heart as well as many tears. In John 11 we read the story of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Its a story of 3 siblings that Jesus loved dearly. Lazarus became very ill and Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus for him to come urgently. Then it says that when Jesus heard he decided to stay in that town another 2 days.

I was a little confused by this because it said that he loved Lazarus. But then I kept reading. When Jesus finally arrived to see Mary and Martha, Lazarus had already been dead for 4 days. Also in John it says that many people had come because Lazarus had died. So then Jesus does an amazing miracle and raises Lazarus back from the dead! John 11:45 says, ⁴⁵ Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Then it just hit me. Lazarus had to die so that the people would come and that they would see Jesus' miracle and believe in Him.

My daddy was really sick and it all just happened so quickly, and we prayed for healing. But it did not come. My daddy died. We had a celebration of life service for him that was a celebration of Jesus. So many people came! Most of the men my daddy worked with came as well as his bosses. I know many of them did not know Jesus. Many of my brother's former friends- friends he had when he wasn't a Christian and who he lived in the world with came as well. So many came who did not know Jesus, they came because my daddy died. It was standing room only in the sanctuary and they all heard JESUS!!!!!!

Praise you God with all my heart, tears streaming down my face, that many, Lord heard about you and your truth and victory. If even one person chose to believe in you Lord it was absolutely worth his life Lord.

Jesus gave his life for the whole world. He came so that we would have abundant life. A life filled with purpose and Glory for His kingdom.

Lord, the one you love is with you now.

When We All Get to Heaven

2011-07-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

The month of June was a blur to me. My daddy went to be with Jesus on Father's Day, June 19th, 2011. We celebrated his life on his birthday June 21st. It was all so fast it still feels like a bad dream sometimes. I was daddy's little girl and my daddy loved me so much and I always knew he did. He was an amazing daddy. I have so many great memories from when I was a little girl and memories from adulthood.

When we lived in Chicago my dad would take me to the local park and we would cut a small branch from a bush or tree and we would use it to catch butterflies. There always seemed to be an abundance of butterflies just flying everywhere. It must have been all the flowers in the park that attracted them. We would pick one that was pretty and catch it. We would then take it home an press it into one of my Disney books. I still have those books and every once in a while I find one and think back to the fun times in the park.

Another thing I loved about my dad is he always encouraged me to thank God for everything. Every time I would tell him thank you, he said, "Thanks God mi hija!" He showed me what true forgiveness and grace was when I strayed from the Lord when I was 19. I came home to confess my wayward ways and he never condemned me or yelled. Instead he praised God, hugged me and told me, "Once you were lost, but now you are found and you are home. Thanks God!" He showed me who Jesus was and I'm eternally grateful!

As an adult he always told me he was proud of me. On my wedding day right before he walked me down the isle he gave me a letter. It was his blessing on my life. I will treasure that letter for the rest of my life. I would go to my parents house and I would sit at the dining room table where he would always be reading- the paper, his Bible, a book, and we could talk for hours about life, God, our family. I will miss those times at the dining table with him. The table is worn where he sat. The last 2 weeks since he has been gone every time I go home I sit where he sat and rest my arms in the same place he did.

Today we scattered his ashes. My dad was a naturalist. He heard from God and spoke to him while he was outside tending his garden and yard. The neighbors knew him as the man always outside watering his yard. He planted trees from seedlings and now they are the biggest trees on the street. He told my mom, brother and I that when he died he wanted to be food for his trees. So we dug holes around all his trees in the front and back yard and spread his ashes to be fertilizer to his trees. It was what he wanted and so we fulfilled his desire. I saved some ashes for the tree he gave me for my home when we moved in and we are saving some to take to a park. He loved being outside, it was where he felt closest to the Lord.

It has been a roller coaster emotionally and I know it will continue for awhile. Lord, I miss my daddy, but Lord I'm so thankful he is with you rejoicing and shouting the victory!! This hymn was one of my daddy's favorites. He couldn't wait to be with his savior and he was not afraid of dying because he knew where he was going. Praise God! I will see him again one day. Thank you Lord.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace.

In the mansions bright and blessed

He’ll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to heaven

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus

We'll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when traveling days are over,

Not a shadow, not a sigh.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Let us then be true and faithful,

Trusting, serving every day;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

Will the toils of life repay.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,

We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we’ll behold;

Soon the pearly gates will open;

We shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Ottoman Mania

2011-05-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo very excited to share with you all Lesh's latest project and how I have benefited from Lesh's latest Hobby- carpentry. I have been wanting an upholstered ottoman for our living room for a very long time and hadn't failed to mention it quite often to him as well. Ha! But what he realized is that he could also benefit by buying new tools. What man doesn't love buying new tools right?

I love fabric! I wish I knew how to sew and in fact, if I am pregnant with a girl I am going out to buy me a sewing machine! I got to go to interior fabrics to pick out the fabric for the ottoman, pillows and drapes. It was way fun. I was looking for fabric that matched this new rug I got. It's actually Flor tiles and I love them! It's great if you have kids because if they mess one up you just pull it up and clean it, then put it right back! Enough about that.

Lesh made a plan and a design and then built it! He worked on it for several weekends and yesterday and today we finished it! What's even greater is that is also has storage! Yippee! Here are the pictures of the project as we went along.

The bottom storage part

The lid

Four layers of batting

One of the sides with fabric

Bottom half done!

Top with foam and batting

Bottom fabric and feet-still need to stain them

Completely covered without tufting

Side view with tufting

Storage!

All done!

Buttons!

I'm too scared to put my feet on it!

I love my husband's talent! He is such a handy guy and I appreciate that so much! Thank you Lesh! Next on the list is Nathaniel's toddler bunk bed! I'll be sure to post about that too.

Surprise!

2011-05-15T12:38:00.001-07:00

Some Fun!

2011-04-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

My last blog I commented on how there was a lot of crazy things going on in my life and that I needed to just be still. Well, I was still and then decided I also needed some fun in my life. So so thankful Easter came just in time! In honor of Easter my church made a ressurrection dance called dance your shoes off where over 2000 members of my church danced to a song called Rise Up and at the end we all donated the new shoes we danced in for charity. That was a blast to participate in! I also got to dance for a clip on Fox and Friends on Easter morning and I was also able to dance at both church services on Sunday morning. It was a blast! Lots of endorphins produced makes me a happier person!

After church we went to my In-Loves and had a great time with family and Nathaniel was able to hunt some eggs too. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Than later we headed over to my brother's house and celebrated Easter with my parents. WE had another egg hunt and the boys- my son and my nephews, spent the evening jumping away on the trampoline. The loved jumping together.

On Monday I headed down to Galveston with my mom and Nathaniel and we stayed for 3 days at a beachside resort. We went to the beach, Moody Gardens and hung out at the pool. It was relaxing and fun!

I'm thankful for the last week and the reenergizing it has brought. Thank you Lord for the many blessings this week!

These are all a little grainy, taken with my phone.

Still

2011-04-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

Things in my world are kind of crazy right now and I have such a tendency to get busy and want to fix it and I turn into a "Martha." I really need to be a "Mary" right now and just be still. This song by Watermark has always been a call out to me and a reminder that I need to sit at my Lord's feet and just be still. Still...

Bluebonnets 2011

2011-04-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Yee Haw!

2011-03-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went with Lesh's family to the rodeo and boy did Nathaniel have a great time! We did the petting zoo, pony ride, carnival rides, livestock show and he loved every minute!

The Lake! Lots of Fun and a Frightening Experience!

2011-03-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

This past week Lesh took some time off so we could venture out with our good friends the Caraways to their lake house. We had an absolutely fabulous time!! We woke up and put on our comfy clothes, ate yummy breakfasts, played outside with the deer, road on the boat, walked around, watched the kids play; it was just an overall very relaxing vacation. We are grateful to have spent the weekend with great company!

Nathaniel had a blast with Zach and Carly and it was fun watching him wake up and say, "Zach?" These two boys are going to get into lots of good trouble together in the future I can tell. The adults were sitting at the dining room table having great conversation and in the background Wendy hears Zach laugh and giggle, "Do again, do again!" So she gets up to see what Zach is laughing hysterically at and she laughs out loud too. I get up and Nathaniel is standing in front of the fridge soaking wet! He had been putting his hand on the water dispenser on the fridge and standing there getting all wet. There was quite a large puddle of water on the ground too. So each time Nathaniel did it Zach laughed and told him to do it again! I should have taken a picture of it. It was too funny. I didn't even gripe at him, it was just one of those funny moments.

On Saturday the Caraway's lake neighbor approached Brandon outside. Wendy and I were a little curious as to what she was talking to him about. He comes inside and tells us that she had asked him if he would come by around 10pm and beat loudly on the door. You think this is weird? Well she had a big group of junior high boys and girls staying with her and each night they had been telling scary stories to each other. So she wanted to scare them good! Ha, ha, ha! Now this was right down Brandon's alley! 10pm came and we turned off all the lights in our house so they couldn't see. Brandon had instructed Lesh to to make a scary scream on one side of the house- which sounded like a wring wraith from Lord of the Rings and then right after Brandon was going to pound on the door. Wendy and I left the side door open so we could hear Brandon and Lesh do their thing. The lady left a flashlight on the porch for Brandon so he could flicker the light into the house. So Wendy and I watch from the side of the house and we see Brandon run to the front of the house and points the flash light around. We see Lesh run to the back of the house and then Lesh makes his scream and instantly Wendy and I hear all the kids in the house screaming in terror!!!! Wendy and I were laughing hysterically and jumping up and down! Brandon then pounds on the front door and makes moaning sounds and the kids are still screaming their heads off. Brandon and Lesh run back to the house and we are all laughing our heads off! It was so much fun!! Our guys sure had a blast scaring those kids! I'm still laughing about it today.
Anyways, it was a great weekend and the much needed relaxing hit the spot!

It was so cool that the deer here just walk up to you to eat. Nathaniel loved it!

The kids put on a show for us and then Carly did the Robot!

The kids had a blast riding Nathaniel's gator!

7 Years of Marriage

2011-03-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

On March 13th, 2004, I said "I do," to my very best friend. I am so thankful that God brought Lesh into my life. God has surely shown us that he created marriage to make us holy rather than for just happiness. We have learned so much in our 7 years of marriage and know God has many more lessons to teach us. I love that Lesh makes me laugh. I love that we can read a book and sit next to each other in silence, or watch our favorite shows, go for jogs together, and of course have adult to adult "discussions." Like I mentioned earlier, I know God created marriage so that we can become holy because living with another imperfect human sure brings out our weaknesses. The great thing is that in the midst of our weaknesses God shows up and becomes our strength and he makes beauty from ashes and strength from despair.

Today we celebrated by driving to the arboretum where Lesh proposed and we had a picnic. We went for a jog first and then picked up some take-out and laid on a blanket in a quiet spot of grass in the park. We were surrounded by beautiful red bud trees, pink magnolia trees, and azaleas. It was a beautiful spring day to be outdoors. I am so thankful we married in the spring and get to enjoy the beautiful newness of spring every year. Oh and I hate that we wearing our running clothes. If we had dressed nicer it would have been better. Oh, well, I still love the pics!

This is my favorite tree ever!! I call it a tulip tree, but it is a Jane Magnolia tree. I want one in my backyard! This tree just makes me so happy!

This is when Lesh proposed to me on October 25th, 2003

Happy 7th Anniversary!

Zoo Fun!

2011-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend it was perfect weather to go to the zoo. Lesh was out of town, so Nathaniel, me, and Marshall, my brother-in-law, headed to the zoo!!

He was so tired that he fell asleep a few minutes from getting in the car. We had a great time and planning on heading back soon!

Happy Belated V-Day!

2011-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

It has been a long while since I have posted! It seems Spring has Sprung already and we are wearing shorts and flip flops already! I sure missed this weather! A great friend Wendy hosted a fabulous Valentine's party for our kiddos and they had lots of fun. They deocrated Valentine bags, ate lunch, played outside and just plain had good ole fun! I'm so blessed to have friends with kids the same ages. It's great to let them play while us moms can chat it up. It is good therapy for the soul! On a side note, Lesh and I got to go an a fabulous date! We went to Vargos where we had our wedding reception and it was delicious! We had a great night on the town!

When It's Too Cold Outside

2011-02-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

When it's too cold outside to play in your playhouse because there are icicles hanging from the roof...

You have too think inside the box!

Made For More- 13.1 Miles

2011-01-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

"We were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth." A quote from Lysa Terkeurst from her new book Made to Crave.

God has been teaching me to trust him, that His support is the only thing I need and not to rely on others for things He can only provide. Through everything I've learned this year God has brought to light that I have used food to provide comfort in my moments of sadness, anger, and happiness. I've first run to food and then regret it and then I go to God. It is a cycle that is destructive and does not bring glory to God.
There are several things that God has used to bring me to this point of understanding. One is the book Captivating by Jon and Staci Eldridge. I highly recommend this book to every women seeking to deepen their relationship with God. This book enlightened me to the things hidden deep in my heart I didn't "see". Then seeking help from someone wiser than me has helped to extract feelings never spoken or expressed before. This lead to a healing of my heart. This past month I began a new Bible study called Spirit Hunger by Gari Meachum. This study has helped me to see scriptures I had read many times before through new eyes. You see Gari's past struggles are in the area of food. It was a stronghold in her life as it has been in mine. Her knowledge in this area of struggle has opened a greater understanding of how God is meant to fulfill the spiritual hunger in our hearts. Another thing God is using to teach me about how I view food is the book made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. It is about satisfying our deepest desires with God, not food, shopping, drinking, drugs...

During all of these things going on in the spiritual realm of my life, the physical realm of my life needed lots of work too! My husband and I were inspired by many of our friends who are marathon runners. We decided we would train for the Houston marathon and Half Marathon. We started training in July and training was going well, running up to 6 miles, until I injured my back and took me out of training for 2 months. Lesh injured his knee a month after I did. This was very depressing and I allowed my self the comfort of food again. Once I started feeling better God prompted me to get out of the pit and start running again. So I did and got back up to 6 miles 2 weeks before the Houston half marathon. I was encouraged by my marathon friends that I could run 13.1 miles if I could run 6. So I believed them, but most importantly I believed that God could make it happen.

God has taken me on a tremendous journey this past year and running the Houston Half Marathon was the Peak of my year.

I had butterflies in my stomach all morning long. We woke up at 3 to insure we could eat and have time for it to be processed before the race. We watched The Spirit of the Race a documentary of marathon training, as we got ready. We arrived at the George R Brown Convention Center to check in our baggage- change of clothes for after the race and to meet up with our training group. The air of excitement in the center was thrilling! We took a group picture and prayed and then headed to our starting line. I was able to run with a woman who ran the same pace as me so that was great to have her to shoot the breeze to ease the jitters. Lesh had a different starting line since he ran the full the marathon. The gun went off and it took me 9 minutes to just get to the starting line. It was drizzling, but it felt good to keep me cool. The first 6 miles I felt God just carried me because the running felt so easy! I had so much fun running and being cheered on by spectators. The next 3 miles took more effort, but I still felt good. I saw my family and Nathaniel waiting for me between mile 8 and 9 and that was so great!! So encouraging to my heart! I gave everyone a hug and kiss and kept running.

Now the roads were wet since it rained for most of the race so my socks got wet and started developing blisters on the bottom of my feet, but I kept going. I wrote Psalm 119:32 on my arm with a sharpy marker so that I could read it over and over. It says, I run in the path of your commands for you have broadened my understanding. My friend Gillian emailed it to me the week of the marathon and it just resonated in my heart. Thank you Gillian for your encouragement!

At mile 9 was the turn around to head back to the GRB and that was fun too because I knew I only had 4.1 miles to go. There was plenty of music entertainment on the stretch back and at mile 10 the half marathoners meet back up with the full marathoners. These runners were the Boston qualifiers since they were running 26.2 miles as I was running 13.1 miles. They were fast and flying past me. They were inspiring! So I picked up the pace again and ran through the pain of my feet. KSBJ had posters with scriptures that just made me want to cry because I knew God had brought me that far. The last mile and a half I decided I needed to pull out my IPOD to listen to my song of the year. The song is called Walk on the Water by Britt Nicole. I love that it rained because I was walking on the water! I can't even tell you what happens to me when I hear this song. It is a reminder to me that I was made for more. So I turned it on and let the words penetrate to the depths of my heart and my feet moved. I then started to cry, but then I couldn't breath so I had to stop the crying and just focus on how God had brought me that far and that he was going to finish the race for me. I reflected on all God had taught me this past year and the victories He accomplished in my life.

My favorite line of the song is,

You know you're made for more

So don't be afraid to move

Your faith is all

It takes and you can

Walk on the water too

As a ran down the last quarter of a mile the lines of spectators lined the side of the streets and people shouted my name- it was printed on my bib- telling me I was almost there, telling me that I had done it, shouting way to go, and so many other encouraging words. I felt them all from the Lord. Then I saw my friends John and Gillian and their sweet daughter Leelah- Nathaniels' future spouse so she says. :) I totally lost it when I saw them cheering me on and then finally I ran across the finish line with a HUGE smile on my face thanking God for all He did.

Wow, I am in awe of God's goodness, faithfulness and power. I am thankful for all my friends and family who prayed for me and Lesh. Lesh was unable to finish his race as he got injured and had to stop at mile 21. He ran the race God had prepared for him to run and there is great success there. Thank you Lord for your steadfastness in our lives. I thank God that I am made for more.

Before the race!

Lesh at mile 15

Me between miles 8 and 9

Finisher picture taken by Gillian

It meant the world to me to have you there as my "Earthly" support!!

Thank you for being such an encouragement to me on this journey!!

My bling!

Choo Choo Nathaniel's Two!!

2011-01-31T08:52:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel turned 2 on the 27th and we had his party with family on Saturday at our home. Nathaniel has had a fun birthday week celebrating. On Thursday when he woke up we sang Happy Birthday to him and then Lesh made Nathaniel a train pancake that he just loved! He ate two train pancakes with jelly. Then we gave his brithday gift.

Several months ago a neighbor moved and put an old gator outside in the trash. Lesh got it and said he could rebuild it and fix it up for Nathaniel's second birthday, so he did!! It looks brand new and Nathaniel loves it!! The rest of the day was low key and we went to the park to play for a while.

On Saturday we had all our family come over for lunch and cupcakes. Nathaniel wanted to open presents as people came in so we did let him open one and he played with it the whole time. Enough typing you can see for your self!

He was so excited about the gator. Lesh did such a good job rebuilding it!

Blowing out the candle on his muffin during breakfast

Bryce Lesh's brother and his sweet girlfriend Sonia

Lesh made this cake for Nathaniel! He did such a great job!

I love Jeriah's smile!

The guys grilling our lunch!

Juliana, Vanessa, and Rudy

My grandma and my mom

This house was from my dad and Nathaniel has been playing in it so much!

Talking on his phone from his new clubhouse

Uncle Bryce sharing his coke with Nathaniel. I don't usually let him drink it of course. :)

I love this picture of my dad and Nathaniel and me.

Playing in boxes are so much better than playing with the toys that came in them right?

Messy face!

He love Mr. Potato head!

A pro at opening gifts!

Nathaniel absolutely loves Mickey and this shirt was just so perfect for him!

He's now got is own laptop!! From his grandma!

This was such a sweet gift. I tried hard to fight back the tears. It's a book that has your voice recorded reading the book. Nana got this book for Nathaniel. She loves to read him books so this was so special!!

Our attempt to take a picture with the kids in it! Jeriah took off running and laughing or course!

I love this picture!! So sweet! My brother and his family!

Our family of 3!

My mom-in-love and her sister Vanessa

Today I take Nathaniel for his 2 year check up so I'll come back and update his stats!

Here is a pictrue of Nathaniel last year and this year on his birthday! Same park too! I love it!

1 year old 2 years old

In 5 Days!

2011-01-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

I will be running in this

With the help of these

I'll be sure to do a little of this

And 13.1 of this

I've been told the starting line is like this

And this

Can't wait to feel like this

And ultimately this!!

Ha!

No, for real I'm so excited about running this marathon on Sunday! For the last several years we have had several friends run in marathons and we always went to cheer them on. Last year while we were watching we decided that we would run the marathon instead of cheering from the sidelines. It has been a hard 6 months of early morning runs and not sleeping in on Saturdays to run ridiculous miles in horrible weather. We have run in disgusting high heat and humidity and run in freezing temperatures with ice crystals on our clothing. But after every single run I feel FANTASTIC! It is such a high when you are done running and the sense of accomplishment is so great. Through it all God has taught me to trust him that I can actually run distances I never thought I could. A verse in Isaiah comes to mind that encourages me while I'm running.

Isaiah 40:31

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

We'd love to have you come cheer us on!

Confessions

2011-01-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

A few of my blogging friends have this post up so I decided to join in on the fun!

1. I hate cleaning my house. I can live in a messy home for several days before getting tired of it. I clean out of necessity.

2. I sometimes forget I have a dog. I used to forget him at my In-Laws when we visited. I forget to feed him sometimes too. I'm so bad!

3. I have 4 clothing sizes in my closet! Yup, up and down on the scale my whole life. Hate it! Working on it. Sanctification I believe is what it's called.

4. I cook dinner pretty much every night and lunch almost every day. I enjoy it!

5. Because I cook all the time I don't wash dishes after every meal. I let them sleep in the sink over night.

I think that is about as much confession as I can handle right now! What about you?

A New Year

2010-12-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

What will 2011 be for you? Are you starting anything new in your family? Plans on getting healthy? Doing something you've never done before?

There are a few things I have in mind for 2011. On Friday we are driving to Atlanta GA! We are volunteering at the Passion Conference with our great friends Callie and Chris Smith. We are leaving our kiddos at home with family and we will enjoy every minute! We get to serve 20,000 college students reignite their passion for serving God. So we will ring in the New Year in great company!

Our first goal for the year is to run a marathon! We have been training since August to run this race and we have had a few hiccups in our training process. I hurt my back a few days after running 6 mles. Lesh hurt his foot shortly after running a half marathon. My goal is to run a half marathon and Lesh's goal is the full. I am back in running mode and ran 6 miles on Saturday and plan to run 8 this week! Yikes! I pray my body holds up so I can complete the 13.1 miles I need to run!

Eating healthier is always a goal for Lesh and I. It is the story of our lives! Ha! We don't keep anything unhealthy in our home so really the goal would be to have portion control and also to eat less bread.

I would love to wake up and read my Bible every morning too. It is so important that I do this first thing because then I get busy and I neglect my time in the Word.

Hopefully we will start trying for baby Richardson number two in the summer. So as you can see there are many things I would like to accomplish in 2011! The most important of all of these is intimacy with God. My relationship with God is the most important thing. Acts 17:24-28

²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Happy New Year to you!

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

What a blessed Christmas we have had! Christmas Eve we always go to the Candlelight service with my family and then we head over to my cousins. This year we had some kinks in our evening, but it was still great spending time with my extended family. We played games and Lesh and I both won a prize. It was a good time.

Christmas day we woke up and Nathaniel LOVED his gift from Santa. We took a video of him with his new trike! I just loved Christmas this year seeing the awe in his eyes and the excitement. It was priceless! I'll have to get Lesh to post it later. Our Christmas gifts to eachother this year are our wood floors we installed ourselves. I will write about that later this week.

We did some last minute wrapping and then headed over to celebrate Christmas with my In-Loves. We had a great time. Nathaniel got a motorized Thomas train set that glows in the dark from his Nana and Papa. He really raked it in this Christmas with lots of Thomas themed gifts. I pray yours was special too!

Lesh and his dad making pigs in blankets for Breakfast- it's a tradition!

Nathaniel enjoyed riding his new trike! His feet barely reach the pedals but he'll grow into it.

This is an amazing house that has all their lights set to an FM radio station. We drove last night and saw it. Truly AMAZING!!

Oh What Fun it is to Ride!

2010-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Last week we took Nathaniel on a hay ride to see Christmas lights and we had a great time! Nathaniel enjoyed picking the hay and throwing it overboard. He especially loved the trains all lit up on peoples front lawns. We had a great time with the Caraway family too! I love Christmas! There are so many fun things to do! We have many more events to do and can't wait to tell you about them!

Christmas In My Home!

2010-12-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to decorate for Christmas!! It is so much fun to pull all out the bling covered ornaments, trees, and garlands. I haven't put up my tree yet though because we are installing our own wood floors! Yahoo! WE have been wanting new floors and we finally did it! Anyways, that is for another day and another post.

Here is what Christmas is looking like so far in my house!

I have all my mugs out so that we can drink hot chocolate anytime!

I found this at the Nutcracker Market several years ago. I love it!

I don't have a fireplace so this is where I hang our stockings!

This is what I use to hold my Christmas cards. This was my first one last week! It is much more full now!

What does Christmas look like in your home?

22 Months

2010-12-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel turned 22 months last week, the day after Thanksgiving. He is such a hoot and is always making us laugh. There are so many new things he does and I can't believe that in just 2 months he will be two!
Here are some things Nathaniel does at 22 Months.

-Says well over 50 words and many new phrases- "I love you," "I love mama/dada," "Come on!" "No more," "I like..." "Oh man" and so many more!

-His eating has changed a little. He usually grazes and then one meal a day he pigs out. It's pretty amazing what he can eat! He eats every kind of food we offer him and I'm so thankful that he isn't a picky eater!

-He has hiked his leg over the railing in his crib, but hasn't tried to get out yet!

-He can almost brush his teeth on his own, but needs a little help.

-He has 12 teeth and more coming in! His teeth are slow in coming in.

-He likes to brush his own hair, but it usually looks messy, but very cute!

- He can partly take off his shirt and can totally pull his diaper off himself. He always has to wear botoms of some kind at all times or he will pull off the diaper. One day I came in at nap because he wasn't falling asleep. He had taken his diaper off and peed all in his crib. Glad he didn't do number 2!

-He loves to give hugs- not just side hugs, full on bear hugs sometimes tackling the poor little girl or boy. He is touchy feely and loves to touch people all the time. He enjoys holding hands and giving kisses. It is too precious!

-He can use the Iphone and Ipad like a pro! He is his father's son!

-I'm not sure how much he weighs or his height, but I think he is either right under or at 30lbs.

I am enjoying seeing his personality blossom! He is a blessing in our lives!

Katy Christmas Tree Lighting

2010-12-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

My friends Wendy and Miranda invited me to the Katy Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Katy Heritage Park. They had crafts and games for the kids to play as well as many school and church choirs perform Christmas songs. Santa made a visit too!

All three of us gals have boys pretty close in age. We love to get them together when we can. Wendy's daughter Carly loves to be around them too and Maddie is Cooper and Chloe's older sis that helps out a bunch! The kids had a blast playing and dancing on one of the porches at the park. It's really starting to feel like Christmas time!

Gobble Gobble!

2010-11-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great time celebrating the day of thankfulness with our families! Lots of turkey, potatoes, and tamales too! We spent lunch with Lesh's family and dinner with mine. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures with my family, but we enjoyed our time together!

Nathaniel running around with Bennett's Lacrosse stick.

My cousin Alekza and I

Me and Breanna

Bryan playing with Nathaniel

Me and Bennett

I hope you all enjoyed your time with family!

Mr. and Mrs. Glen Taft

2010-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

My sweet Sister-in-Love Breanna is now Mrs. Glen Taft!! God did an amazing thing by bringing these two together. God blessed this day by doing so many beautiful things. He provided rain early in the morning and then brought the sunshine out just in time for the wedding. He also brought all family and friends safely to the wedding. He provided all the details to fall into place to make Breanna's dream wedding to come true! When God has a plan in mind, nothing can stop His plan. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful day, a sincere and intimate wedding, a beautiful bride and a handsome groom!!

The wedding day started with the alarm clock going off at 5am, after only 4 hours of sleep! I was out late with Breanna the night before tieing up some lose ends. I drove up to Ashelynn Manor and arrived at 6:30 to get our hair and make-up done. We are all ready and dressed by 9:30. The photographer got some pictures done and then we were ushered into the chapel bride's room. We had a sweet time of prayer with Breanna, the bride's maids and my wonderful Mom-in-Love Candace.

Breanna could see all who arrived through a mirrored window where she could see out and no one could see in. So sweet! Then the ceremony began!

All the family was ushered in, the groom and his entourage entered, and then the mother's lit the tapers for the unity candle.

The it was our turn (the bride's maids) to walk the isle. As I started to walk away Nathaniel began to cry- he was the ring bearer! His uncle Bryan had to carry him a fourth of the way down the isle, but then Nathaniel calmed down, walked the isle until he recognized Breanna's aunt Vanessa. He handed her his pillow and kept walking to his daddy's arms in the front row. It was too cute!

The wedding party stood on the steps and looked back at the doors of the chapel waiting for the music to climax for the doors to swing open.

Then the doors opened and there she was!! Absolutely glowing from head to toe, Breanna held her daddy's arms and they walked the isle. Breanna just beamed staring at Glen and Glen smiling and awe in his eyes. Tears in her mother's eyes and in mine too. What a beautiful moment!!

Her two youngest brother's read scripture and then one of the highlights of the ceremony- Breanna sang the most beautiful song called "He's always been faithful" by Sarah Groves. It was her anthem to God and her way of praising Him with her gift that he gave her. She brought me and everyone else to tears. What a precious moment!!

The pastor gave a very original sermonette filled with practical advice to the couple and to her family and friends. I greatly appreciated his point of view.

Then Bryan the oldest of the younger 3 boys sang a song called, "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath. He played the guitar while the paino and a string duet accompanied him. It was so beautiful and Bryan sang it so well and made Breanna cry. I cried too.

The rest of the ceremony was fairly traditional except for the vows. Something special was added by the pastor. After the line- "till death do us part" He had them add the line- "I will never divorce you." Wow, what agreat line to add!!

He pronounced them husband and wife! And they shared a special marriage kiss!! He hadn't kissed her in several months! Glen is such a man of integrity.

The reception was a blast and we all had fun eating, dancing and taking lots of pictures. The reception hall was decorated so beautifully!

Breanna and Glen left under a shower of rose petals and hopped on the tailgate of her brother's truck and rode off into the sunset!

It truly was a blessed day!

Getting hair and makeup done!

Flower girls Carly and Leelah waiting to get hair done.

Hair done! No makeup!

Bryce and Marshall with their sister.

Breanna and her mom

Candace, Me, Carrie, Breanna and Lindsey

Going to the chapel and I'm gonna get married!

The grand entrance!

Bryan singing.

Breanna singing!

Mr. and Mrs. Glen Taft!

One of Breanna's bridal portraits

First dance

Me and my boy the ring bearer!

My friend Wendy and her sweet girl Carly!

Sweet Heart table sign

My friends Stephanie and Wendy

My mom, my brother Aaron and my sister-in-love Zenia

Bryan and Alekza who also is my cousin!

Bryce and his girlfriend Sonya

All of Breanna's brothers

Me and my man!

Me and Alekza

Father and Daughter danced to "Cinderella" by Stephen C. Chapman

Glen and his mom Sue.

Carly, Leelah, and Nathaniel dancing

Nathanile was so tired he fell asleep in cousin Heather's arms!

The crowd having a ball!

The guys doing "The Jerk"

Breanna and her former roomies!

Nathaniel sleeping in his uncle's arms!

Breanna saying her good-bye's.

Send off!

Mr. and Mrs. Taft off to the Smokey Mountains!!

Bachelorette Night Out!

2010-11-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

Breanna and Glen are getting married in just 4 days! On her last weekend as a single lady we had a Bride/Bridesmaid's weekend and we had a blast! The girls came over to my house for the weekend. I kicked Lesh out (not really, he had a guys weekend planned )and Nathaniel stayed with his Nana.

We started out our evening with dinner at La Finca and then drove into Fulshear to enjoy a candy/dessert shop called Sweet Tooth. I made Breanna a sign she had to wear around her neck and she wore a tiara and carried a tissue paper bouquet I made. I also made the bridesmaid's mums with the word bridesmaid across it. We wore these the entire night.

Candace and Lindsey are Breanna's roomies

I found this cross at Celebrations at our church and thought it was perfect for the bride!

Here we are at Sweet Tooth picking out a delicious dessert!

This was Javier the 18 yr. old young man who served us. He asked us why we weren't out partying at clubs and we told him we weren't those kind of girls. He then said, "So what, are you going to go home after this and watch Life Time movies?" HA!!! He nailed us!! We went back home to watch wedding themed movies! LOL!!!

Here is Breanna playing with a candy filled golf club.

This was a YUMMY peanut butter shake!!

This was a marital bliss bar. It was 50% his and 50% hers. Isn't this funny!!

Javier treating us right! We jammed to his Taylor Swift music playing in the store.

She is his favorite singer

We headed home and gave Breanna her choice of wedding themed movies to watch.

She chose The Proposal and 27 Dresses.

We did our toes and nails.

Before we left Sweet Tooth we bought our favorite childhood candy. Breanna's was Pop Rocks!! She was so loud! Ha!

Candace and Lindsey's was NERDS.

Mine of course was FUN DIP!!

We stayed up late talking and the next morning we got up and made a great homemade breakfast!

Sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits and pancakes!

Lindsey brought over her fancy grape juice that she got at a vineyard in California.

It was very tasty and sweet!

This was a bottle dress!

After breakfast we shopped till we dropped at the Sugar Plum Market and then we had lunch at McCallister's. Breanna got this shirt made at the Market!

After lunch we headed to Breanna and Glen's future home! They have a lot of work to do with unpacking and cleaning, but I know she will make it into a beautiful home!

On the way home we stopped and took pictures at the famous Wharton Teepee Motel! It's is a funny sight to see on the side of the road.

We shopped some more when we got back into town and then we were all exhausted!! We had a fabulous time Breanna! We did miss Carrie, the maid of honor who couldn't be with us. Can't wait to blog about the wedding!!

Halloween Catch Up!

2010-11-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year we headed over to my In-Love's house where my parents joined us too. We took Nathaniel to just a few houses where Nathaniel would say, "Twi, Twe" (How he says Trick or Treat.) It was super cute to watch him carry around his pumpkin with the candy inside. He was very careful not to drop it or let go of it! We ate beef stew which is a family tradition on Halloween and I made caramel apples that were delicious! We had a great time as a family spending time together.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Last year the Cummings family, Caraway family and our family went to the pumpkin patch to take all our kids for pictures. We decided to have a take 2! All our little ones were born within a month or two of eachother. There definately was a big difference in activity level from the kids last year to this year. Last year the kids sat for pictures and this year, not so much!!

These are the kiddos last year!!

These are the kiddos this year!! See, this is the best group photo we got!! Nathaniel still has the same smile.

Here are just some fun pics of them in action since they really didn't sit still for very long!

Dewberry Farm 2010

2010-10-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today my Mom-in-Love and I took Nathaniel out to Dewberry Farm with a group I'm involved in called Moms@Second. We had a great time!

Nathaniel is obssessed wih school busses so when he saw this wood cut-out he was so excited! He made a fuss when he had to walk away from it.

He was so upset because he wanted to go in with the chickens. Gross!

Ha, ha! Nathaniel didn't like the hay at all! Can you tell?

It was a great day and he is STILL asleep!!!

Go Speed Racer!

2010-10-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel is such a busy body! He is full of energy and all boy! Recently friends of our gave us a car for Nathaniel to play with and boy does he love it! He rides in it all the time and puts all his other vehicles inside it. It is pretty funny to watch him play.

Nathaniel enjoyed eating the beef stew I made the other night he wanted to wear it! He is so silly!

Nathaniel loves to play outside with his toys and this day was no different other than he was only wearing his diaper!

Busy boy!!

20 Months Old

2010-09-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

It kills me that in only 4 months Nathaniel will be turning 2! Craziness!! I took Nathaniel to take pictures by a fabulous photographer name Lerin. She has taken his 9 month, 12 month and now 20 month's pictures and she does a fantasic job!!

At 20 months Nathaniel does a little more than he did last month! Everything is the same except he talks a lot more than he did! Can't wait for the sentences to start pouring out!

Something Blue

2010-09-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Today I hosted a bridal shower for my lovely Sister-in-Love Breanna. The three other bridesmaids help host as well and boy did we have a blast! I totally stole the theme from one of my favorite blogs, Hostess with the Mostess. I had a fabulously fun time planning it and decorating the house. I'm a little tired of making poms, but they looked great! Breanna was truly blessed by every one's generosity. We prayed together and played together too! We made cocktail rings and had a fun photo shoot session too!

The bridesmaids and the bride! I can't remember who took this picture but boy they are FIRED!!

I had a fun time making these poms!

The table spread

Breanna's wedding shoes

Cinnamon cupcakes

Pastry Puffs

This is the best wedding cookie ever! It is a getaway car with cans on the back!

These took me forever to make but so worth it!

This my veil, tiara, and my sash I wore on my wedding day. I had Breanna wear my tiara during the shower. It was sweet!

PHOTO BOOTH FUN!!!!!

Breanna getting ready to open her gifts!

The shower was a blast and we ended it with a sweet prayer for Breanna's and Glen's future life together. Many Blessing!!

A Wedding To Go To!

2010-09-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Sister-In-Love got engaged last month and is getting married in November. I am SO EXCITED for her and thankful that God has brought her along side a man who loves the Lord and is truly seeking His will for both of their lives.

Breanna absolutely is head over heals in love with this man! His name is Glenn and is a good ole' guy. He is very traditional and conservative which is a great complement to her personality too.

Lesh took their engagement photos last Sunday and here is just one sneak peak. I am praying that they continue to seek the Lord with all of their heart and keep God in the center of their marriage. When you have a commitment to the Lord, your commitment to your spouse is cemented.

Breanna and Glenn, I love you both and know God has your lives in His hands, which is the best place to be!

Obedience

2010-09-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

John 14:21

Nathaniel is now 19 months and has been participating in time out. Why, you ask? We were eating popcorn and I was letting him get the popcorn out of the bag himself and he kept trying to grab the bag away from me and I told him no and that mommy needed to hold the bag so that it wouldn't spill. After I told him no, he yanked the bag hard and took it from me and as I went to grab it back from him, he looked at me and dumped the whole bag of popcorn onto the floor. Of course he made a big mess and on to time out he went.

After the time out was over I hugged him and explained to him why it was important he obey and then he gave me a kiss on the cheek. That was the sweetest thing ever!

Then later I opened my Bible up and God showed me a few verses on obedience and I thought oh!! That whole discipline thing with Nathaniel was God's way of flipping the mirror on me! Hmm, Lord, you are so creative in teaching us lessons.

I was having a rough day with my thoughts about food and not wanting to obey Him. God was trying to hold the popcorn bag for me and I essentially yanked it from his hands and dumped it all over the floor. After my time out in God's word he showed me that he loved me no matter what and that it is so much better when we obey.

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Psalm 119:33-35

It says when we obey and allow him to direct us we will find delight! His word brings me endless delight, not the food in my pantry or in my fridge.

I think the next time I discipline Nathaniel I'll be looking to see how God could be using it for me too.

Youtube Video Contest

2010-08-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, I entered a Youtube Video contest to win a free iPad. If you've got the time, please help me out by viewing my video a time or three!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYj7vd6G1mM

Thanks!
Lesh

A Long Journey

2010-08-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5

A few posts ago I mentioned God giving me a spiritual makeover and helping me to realize the cause of my being overweight. I have taken a few steps to help with losing the weight. I joined WW and also marathon training group. That's right... I am currently training to run a half marathon! I train 4 days a week and do weight lifting 2 days a week.

Lesh and I have several friends who have completed marathons and we have gone to their races to cheer them on and have enjoyed it so much. Lesh ran the last five miles of the full marathon with our friend Garth and it inspired him to train for the race this year. So I decided I would train for the half. Crazy!!

If you have never gone to a marathon as a spectator/cheerleader I urge you to go! It is an amazing atmosphere and inspiring seeing all those thousands of people pushing thier bodies past their physical limit. I remember seeing people crying as they crossed the finish line. Wow.

So since I have been watching what I'm eating, running and trying to give my overeating urges to God, I have lost 17 lbs.! I know that God has been my rock and my comfort. I am learning to lean on him to comfort me and not food. I am by no means perfect and never will be. My whole life I have used food to make me feel better. How many of us when we have a bad day crave chocolate? Ice cream? Why do you think "Comfort Food" has that name? In my case I've overdone it on comfort food.

I'm excited to share this LONG journey with you for a couple of reasons. One is that you can help hold me accoutable. Two because I believe we should share the great things that God does in our lives to encourage others who may be going through the same journey. It will take me over a year most likely to get to my "healthy" weight and I know I will only achieve that goal if I continue to allow God to help me through this journey.

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? It is plain hard work. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying it's a lot of work. Have you seen Biggest Loser? Yikes! You have to exercise lots of will power which I call "God Power." And you have to physically push your body into uncomfortable situations. I do have to say that I thoroughly love the feeling I get after I finish running. I get a great sense of accomplishment and I praise God for helping me get through the run.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 139:14.
I praise you because I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Do you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? No matter if you are overweight or don't think of yourself as beautiful, You are God's creation and ALL His works are wonderful! When I'm having a bad day I say this verse to myself in the mirror to help me remember that I am a daughter of the Most High.

I plan on continuing to share my journey with you and if you think about it say a prayer for me that I will continue to let God have control and that I would seek him for all of my comfort.

Thanks so much!!

Always, Sometimes, Never

2010-08-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

3 of my blogger friends had this as their title so I decided to join the game!

I ALWAYS

kiss my husband before he leaves for work

snuggle with my baby boy when he wakes up

wear my hair in a bun to go to sleep

I SOMETIMES

go back for seconds

don't wear makeup to the grocery store

a little afraid of being alone

I NEVER

turn down ice cream

enjoy doing laundry

been to Disney...I know so sad!

Love you Friends!

18 Months Old!

2010-07-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

One and a half years old! Nathaniel is a mess! He is a comedian and loves to be the center of attention. He can get a crowd's attention in no time and have them laughing in seconds. This baby boy has stolen my heart! Nathaniel is also very active and climbs on everthing and runs. Because he is such a dare devil he is always falling. Right now he has a big bump on his forehead from falling not once, but twice and hit the same spot. The second time he fell he looked like he had a unicorn's horn sticking out of his head! My pediatrician said it meant he was all boy! I'm not looking forward to all the future hurts that come from being an active boy.

At 18 months Nathaniel can-
-Sleeps 12 hours at night and takes a 2 hour nap during the day
-Eats 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, feeds himself
-walks and runs like crazy
-Says many words, mama, dada, checkers, crackers, duck, dog, car, truck, bye-bye, more, nana, apple and several others I can't think of right now! Of course this is not all said super clearly.
-Climbs on the sofa on his own
-Climbs in and out of the tub even our garden tub
-Gives hugs, blows kisses, waves, and sometimes bites. Ouch!!
-LOVES pictures
-Makes funny faces on demand
-Can drink from an open faced cup
-Still has a paci for sleeping, but I'm gonna take it away as soon as my Chinese girls leave. Not excited about this!

There is so much more, but these are the highlights.

Here are Nathaniel's stats at 18 months

Height: 32 1/2 inches long 55%

Weight: 26lbs. 12 oz. 60%

More fun with Kelly and Elaine!

2010-07-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wow has time flown by! We have been having such a great time with our Chinese girls. We have gone shopping until our feet feel like they are going to fall off, we have baked and cooked together, swam, and shared lots of laughter. We went country dancing at a Hoe down and the girls humored me by allowing me to put their hair in pigtails. They are dolls! On Tuesday evening the girls also cooked for us a traditional Chinese meal that was delicious! Then we went to the Chocolate bar where my girls ate a lot of ice cream. When I say a lot I'm not exaggerating. Elaine went back for a second large serving of french silk. Here are some pictures of our past week.

Kelly and Elaine- Our Students from China!

2010-07-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about hosting our two lovely girls from China! Kelly and Elaine will be staying with us for about 3 weeks and we have been having a great time! They came in on Friday mid-day and seemed to feel comfortable with us right away. They absolutely adore Nathaniel and have fun playing with Checkers too. On Friday we took them to my aunt's wedding rehearsal where they helped decorate the bubble jars to pass out after the reception. On Saturday morning we took them jog/walking and it was super hot! They walked under an umbrella. It was very cute. Then we all came home rested a bit before we all headed to the wedding. On Sunday they enjoyed church watching the Big VBS show and were thrilled to recieve a free poster of the Superheroes. After church we witnessed 2 dear friend's children get baptized. I am so thankful that our students were able to witness this. I briefly explained what it meant so they could understand what they were doing. We had lunch with 2 other host families at subway which they seemed to enjoy the cookies more since they ate them before thier sandwich! Ha! We went swimming before the rain and then ventured out to the Galleria where Elaine purchased an ITouch. She is crazy about it. Tonight my sister-in-love and I taught them how to latin dance with a video dvd. It was a blast to watch them attempt to move and dance. We laughed our heads off together. So fun! That is all for now and I'll keep updating the blog with more fun with Kelly and Elaine.

A Spiritual Makeover and July Happenings

2010-07-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

I have been so behind in my blogging! I have been busy taking care of myself. God has been doing a spiritual makeover in me and it hasn't been the easiest thing to go through, but I am thankful for the changes he is bringing about in my life.

I'm learning to carry my own backpack, so to speak, and learning why I have spent most of my life overweight. I have joined Weight Watchers and am joining a local running group to start training for the Houston half marathon. I'm super excited to see what God has in store for my and Lesh's life. He too is training, but for the FULL marathon. I may change my mind later and train for the full, we shall see! I have lost a total of 13lbs that I have worked hard to shed. I have a long way to go but with WW, the running group, a great support group of friends, and of course God I hope to finally conquer the extra weight I've been carrying around for years! Just like Jeremiah 32:17 says, Nothing is too hard for our God! I know that his great power will help me to overcome.

Now on to the fun! Nathaniel is an absolute hoot! He is such a character! He is charming and a big flirt with the ladies! Today at church he was watching people come into church and he would give the men serious looks, but the second a lady walked through the door he would put on a smile and throw his hand up to wave. He also tries to get girl's attention in public places. He is something else!

Nathaniel loves to play in the laundry basket and read his books.

Nathaniel loves to eat his snacks at his picnic table that my mom got for him.

He especially loves this puppy and will carry him all around the house.

On Friday we had some friends over to watch the Riff Trax for The Lord of the Rings. What are Riff Trax? It is an audio file that you down load from their website and they have hundreds of them. Basically you play the audio at the same time as the movie and it makes hilarious commentary about the characters, the storyline and so on. It is so funny and makes the movie 10 times better! We told everyone we were doing a meat and potatoes night so everyone brought food to go along with the theme of the movie.

These are mashed potato cupcakes my friend Mindee made!

They are actually vanilla cupcakes with caramel sauce on top with a square of laffy taffy on top to look like butter. Aren't they great?! Quite tastey too!

Meatloaf!

These were actually sugar cookies with cinnamon and sugar.

These were rolls made with potato flour and were yummy!

Cheesey mashed potatoes!

And of course our fancy ales!

Yesterday we celebrated my Sister-in-Love's birthday and had a blast!

Whew! That was the longest post I have ever written! I told you I was way behind! I'll try not to go so long next time. Blessings!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent our day with family. We had some great BBQ and Nathaniel got to see his first fireworks ever! Last year he was still a teeny baby. I actually thought he would be terrified of the loud noises, but he actually LOVED them! He kept clapping after each one and saying. "more." I was so glad he enjoyed it so much! He went to bed late, but he did sleep in a bit today so I'm thankful for the extra sleep!

I am so blessed to have family that lives in town and we get to spend lots of fun times together. All of Lesh's brothers had their significant others with them and it just gave me a slight glimpse into the future when they all grow up and get married. What a wild house it will be then! We had some great quality time in prayer thanking God for our Nation and our freedom to celebrate Christ. We are truly free when we give our lives to Jesus the One and Only.

John 8:31,32 "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

These are the fireworks that our family put on last night. The neighbors across the street also did fireworks too so we had a great show!