My Halloween Fun

I mentioned yesterday that while JM was at my parents, I got to have a little halloween fun of my own. 

Our friends Dustin & Jessica had a fun little get together of friends on Friday night.  Unfortunately, Micah was out of town, so I was flying solo.  Before I realized he wouldn't be around, I tried and tried to talk him into going to the party with me as Sonny and Cher.  He was less than thrilled, and I'm sure he was secretly happy about not having to be a part of my insanity!  So I went alone as Cher (or an Indian princess, depending on how you viewed my costume).

My friends are all so much fun and we had everything from Ke$ha to Robin Sparkles at our party.

Lindsey, who has awesome curly red hair, went to the party as a beehive.

Lesley, our fabulously hilarious friend found an old Den-mother's shirt at a thrift store and a Boy Scout was born.

I baked some cupcakes to take the the party.  Since we were celebrating halloween, I made (read: found on a blog and printed) mustaches and thought bubbles to "dress up" the cupcakes.  We had a fun time taking photos with them.

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in a long time, so it was a lot of fun to get together and just hang out with friends. 

Happy Halloween-ing

We've had a very fun Halloween weekend around these parts!  John Mark dressed up as a totally awesome robot thanks to my friend Lindsey.

Let me back up and tell you how this funny little costume came about...

John Mark goes to work with me every Tuesday and Thursday morning.  He spends about an hour at me desk, then I walk him across the parking lot to school.  Lindsey works with me (she's a graphic designer, hence the insane craftiness) and always has lots of paper boxes stacked up in her office. 

One day, JM saw the boxes and started taping rubber snakes to the box.  Don't ask where he got snakes at 8AM on a Tuesday morning... people at the office give him all kinds of stuff.  Anyway, he decided that he wanted to be a creepy box for halloween.  What is a creepy box, you ask?  Well, a box with snakes taped to it with him INSIDE the box... as in, me carrying around an almost 50 pound kid in a box.  NO THANKS.

So I asked if he would like to be a robot.  After much begging, pleading, and otherwise negotiating, a "creepy-box" robot was born.

Micah has been out of town for a week, so it was just the boy and me for Halloween this year.  My mom already had plans to watch him overnight for me while I went on a retreat, so he ended up just going to Central High with her.  I came down on Saturday morning and we went out trick-or-treating that evening.

Our first stop was Nanny & Grandad's.  We quickly realized that: a, it was going to be quite a chore getting him in and out of the truck with each stop and b, poor kid couldn't reach around the box to put candy in his own bucket!  He was quite a trooper and went along with getting undressed and dressed at every stop.

Sunday evening, we went out to a Trunk-or-Treat with Micah's sister.  JM and I had a bit of a battle, but in the end I realized that it was probably too warm to make him wear his wire sweat suit.  So we compromised and super-robot was born.

Basically, he put the box on over his superman shirt (and cape) and wore that while getting candy.  Then went as superman for the rest of the time there.  He had a blast jumping in the bounce house, climbing obstacle courses and petting the animals.

I love my little creepy box robot!  We had a fun Halloween and I'm glad we got to spend it with family.  It definitely wasn't the same without Micah around to have fun with!  I also went to a fun halloween party, but that's another post for another day!

getting my (blogger) groove back

I've been in a bit of a blogging funk lately.  There's a lot going on in our world, and I've felt a bit overwhelmed.  Plus, I think I got caught up in feeling like I needed to post something profound or funny each time I post.  But as I have thought back to why I started this blog, it's for myself- to remember what is going on in our world.  Since I haven't really updated the ol' blog since JM's birthday, I'll give a quick recap of where we've been the past two months.

John Mark
*started pre-k in August at the church... this was a drama filled couple of weeks trying to decide at the last minute if I really wanted him in public school 5 days a week or not.  We ended up sticking with the church school for his final year.  He gets to be with his friends and we get our family Fridays together for one last year.  I feel very much at peace with our decision to stay there.

*is unbelievably into superheros and wears something superhero everyday.  Either a t-shirt or a cape.... sometimes even a full costume.  I've had enough mom's tell me to embrace these days because they'll pass soon enough.  As quickly as all the other stages have passed, I've decided to sit back and let this one play it's course. Besides, he gets lots of fun smiles from little old couples at the grocery store!

*has had several playdates with his friend Gwen.  In fact, if I would let him, he'd have a friend at our house everyday!  I love that he has lots of friends and likes spending time with them. 

*still says so many funny things.  The other night we were all laying in bed and we were talking about how much God loves us.  JM said (so seriously) "God loves me more than you, mommy... and daddy, he loves you more than your mom and mommy he loves you more than your mom.  It's like a... a... great big ball of hearts and love!"  And then got so tickled that he couldn't stop laughing for a solid 5 minutes.

Micah
*is still trucking along with the Middle Schoolers at church.  They keep us busy and we went to Falls Creek with them for a fall retreat a couple of weeks ago.  We've been to a cross country meet and several football games so far.  These kids stay so busy!  It's hard to stay up with them.

*got to baptize a student in "big church" for the first time a few weeks ago.  He baptizes several students every summer at camp, but this was the first time actually at the church.  She is a precious girl who we love SO much and seeing her baptized was amazing.

*started a small group with another couple (and me!) that meets on Sunday evenings.  We love getting to serve in this way and love every person who comes each week.  Micah is gifted at leading small groups and it's so fun to watch him use those gifts.

Stephanie
*went to the Brooks & Dunn concert in August with my good friend Lindsey.  That really deserves it's own post, but let's just say it was AMAZING!  I mean, come on- it's Brooks & Dunn!  The concert was incredible and we had the best time.

*has a new group of 7th grade girls that I'm teaching.  They are so much fun!  I love teaching and spending time with these girls one on one.  It's so fun to watch them grow over the year and see who they become.  I actually had every girl bring her bible to church last week, which was a total first!

*has been running a lot lately.  I'm running the half marathon in Tulsa in a few weeks and have been aiming for a sub-2 hour half... we'll see how that goes!  In fact, I ran 11 miles this morning and my body is telling me it's about time to head to bed.

There's a quick recap to get the blog up-to-date (kind of).  I have pictures to go with a lot of that, but they're on the other computer and I'm too lazy to move to the other computer.  I suppose a picture post is in order soon...

Hopefully I will get in a much better routine of posting now that I've remembered why I'm posting to begin with!

End of Summer

Today is Labor Day.
The day that officially marks the end of summer.

I'm not going to lie-
I've been counting down to this day for about a month now.

This summer has been a hard one,
mentally, physically, emotionally...

But even though this summer was full of ups and downs,
I'm choosing to focus on the ups!

Hopefully now that life has slowed down,
I'll be able to update this little ol' blog more.
I have several recaps to write to close out the summer...

So check back soon to see how summer ended for us!

today

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love... neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow— nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38-39

I'm holding tight to these verses today... to the promise that no matter what tomorrow brings, my God is with me.

"And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us?
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against?"
--Our God, Chris Tomlin

Dear John Mark,

I can't believe that you're a great BIG four-year-old and I'm trying desperately not to burst into tears every time I think about you growing up.  Here's a rundown of your current stats and activities.

Physical Stats:
-Height: 45 1/8", 100%
-Weight: 46 pounds, 96%
-Shoe size: 13.5 or 1
-Shirt size: 5/6
-Pant size: 6 slim

You love:
-your grandparents
-going to bebe & poppy's
-candyland
-yogurt
-scooby-doo
-slushies
-corndogs
-singing silly songs you make up
-EVERYTHING superhero... especially IronMan and Wolverine
-dressing up in your superhero costumes
-the phrases "oh brother" and "haha, very funny"
-girls with curly hair (seriously)
-swimming
-chick-fil-a

You DON'T love:
-peas!
-sitting still
-being called a baby, or even little boy
-taking naps
-staying inside (unless you're watching scooby-doo!)
-spiders, unless they've been captured

Words to describe you:
happy, kind, smart, funny, quick, curious, handsome, TALL, loving, strong, great with adults, easy

Narty-noo, I love you so very much.  These four years have flown by and it feels like yesterday you were brand new.  I thank God for you everyday, and ask Him to keep you safe and strong.  But more than that, I ask that He would start instilling in you now a love for Him and the things of Him.  You are everything I could have ever asked for in a little boy.  I'm so glad God gave me you.

Love,
Mommy

a very pop-py birthday

Because of our intense schedule this summer, I decided to keep John Mark's birthday party low-key and family only (and a couple of close friends).  After looking at my options, I decided to have his party at Pops on Route 66.  It was a great place for a party- minus the 110 degree HEAT we had going on Saturday evening...

The week before the party was super busy- Micah was out of town and I was swamped at work getting the children's ministry ready to send 215 kids to camp on Monday.  Friday morning, I was wandering around hobby lobby totally uninspired for the birthday party... thankfully, I have amazing friends who are super creative!  The party ended up being perfect! 

Here's a quick recap in pictures of the big day!

Fun straws/toppers

Fun party hats

Fun party favors

Fun friends

Fun presents

Unfortunately, my photographing friend's camera died before we could get pictures of cake- but they were cupcakes and they were cute, trust me.

Thanks Lindsey for making me look good with all your awesome party favor designs!  Thanks Jamie for the fabulous pictures!  Thanks Sissy Bird for the awesome invitations!  Thanks Lisa for the super cute "4" shirt!  And thanks to everyone who came and sweated to make John Mark's day super special.  We love all of you!

4 years old

Seriously- how in the world is my baby FOUR?
It's not even right!



I'm too tired to write anything coherent tonight, so I'll leave you with a year of John Mark in pictures, starting with his birthday last year.

July 2009- third birthday

August 2009- first day of preschool

September 2009- playing soccer

October 2009- Halloween costume

 November 2009- Indian at CLC thanksgiving feast

December 2009- Christmas Eve

January 2010- being silly!

February 2010- Mr. Potato Head for Daddy's valentine

March 2010-  Medieval Fair Corndog

April 2010- Easter Egg Hunt at school

May 2010- Mallory's Wedding

June 2010- King of the Beach

July 2010- tilt-a-whirl with mommy

take my life

Here am I, all of me.
Take my life, it's all for Thee.

These words were sung six years ago on my wedding day as I prayed for the first time with my new husband.  At that moment, I didn't know much about the road ahead.  I didn't know what our life together would bring.  But I knew that I loved the man in front of me and that he loved me.  I also knew that more than he loved me, he loved the Lord.  As I knelt beside him, I prayed fervently that our life would be ever surrendered to Him.

Over the past six years, life hasn't always been what I expected.  I have struggled, crying out to the Lord in the darkness.  I have been overwhelmed by His goodness, crying tears of joy.  My love has come through fire, with renewed strength and commitment.  My faith has grown and matured as I have learned to truly surrender. 

I don't know what tomorrow holds; I have no clue where our journey will lead us.  But those things I was certain of six years ago- that I have a man who loves me and loves the Lord more- I am more certain of today.

Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

home

I've been feeling nostalgic lately.  Maybe it's the fact that parents of friends from back home are selling their homes and moving to town... or maybe it's all the country music I've been listening to... maybe it's the fact that one of my favorite great-aunts passed away this week... or maybe it's just the heat.  Whatever it is, I feel like my heart and mind have been flooded with a longing to hold onto precious memories from my past.


I've sat down to write this post several times since Friday and I don't seem to have the words.  It's like the emotion is too thick for words.  So I'll try again another day.  But for tonight, I'll leave you with words to a song that has echoed in my mind all weekend long.

"The house that I was raised in still looks the same
The room I used to dream in of how I’d somehow change the world
Some things I’ve done better, some things its hard to say
But when I look in this old mirror and remember all my yesterdays
When I say my prayers, when all of my somedays
Lead me to somewhere...

The only thing that has me standing here is grace."
--Addison Road

summer... so far

I've done a terrible job of updating my blog this summer... so here is a quick picture recap of our summer this far.

Weddings were attended.

Camp was awesome.

Birthdays were celebrated.

with dancing (obviously)...

Zoos were visited.

Babies were played with.

Volleyball was played.

Children were buried in sand.

and we've only made it through June...
there's two more months of awesome left!

birthday week

Last Saturday was my birthday.
29 years old.
My husband found it hilarious to tell everyone I was 30...
so then no one would believe me when I said I was 29.
He's so funny...

In honor of my birthday
(and not having anything exciting to say)
I will tell you 29 things about me.

1. I hate corn. (we went to a cook-out tonight and I was in charge of bringing corn.  When I got to Crest, I realized that I had NO CLUE how to buy fresh corn...)
2. I don't hate the taste of corn... it's a texture thing.
3. I love peas.
4. Yes, I realize that corn and peas are very similar.
5. Sometimes I wonder if I still hate corn based solely on principle.
6. I love to read and usually have 2 or 3 half-read books laying around the house.
7. I typically only finish fiction books.  I love to read non-fiction, I just have a problem finishing them.
8. My hair is STRAIGHT... my friends have always had fun, beachy-wavy hair... I have tried everything to make that happen.  It never works.
9. Therefore, my hair is in a pony-tail 99% of the time.
10. I love to listen to songs on repeat.
11. I love how that causes my life to have a soundtrack.  Songs I love can take me back to any place and time...
12. Currently, Faithfully from the Glee finale is on repeat.
13. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes... not so much.
14. I LOVE magazines... I get 4 different magazines every month...
15. I love blogs.  Reading blogs is one of my favorite things to do.
16. Some of my very best friends are in high school.
17. I love routine.
18. For example, I have to start my computer and open things in the same order everyday.  If the tabs at the bottom of the screen aren't in the right order, I have to close them all and start over...
19. I really love cooking.
20. I do NOT love baking- that requires too much precision and patience.
21. I love personalities and find them fascinating.  In another life I would have loved to have been a people-analyzer...
22. I have a complex and think everyone hates me when they first meet me. (insecurity, much?)
23. I don't know if I want to have another child.
24. I really want a baby girl.
25. I'm really confused... :)
26. The song "revelation song" makes me cry and want to fall to my knees every time I hear it.
27. I love spider solitaire... and will play the same game over and over until I win.
28. I REALLY hate losing...
29. It drives me crazy this list doesn't end on an even multiple of 5... Oh well, I'm 29 not 30. :)

HOME!

We made it home yesterday afternoon from a wonderful week of camp with 200-something middle school students.  After some real food (read: vegetables and meat that isn't processed!) and a long nap, plus lots of snuggling with my boy, I've been able to process my thoughts from the week.  Here they are...


1. The speaker this week was our good friend Chris.  He shoots straight, isn't flowery and gave some amazing truth to these students.  I was reminded that students will take what you give them- and they're capable of handling so much more than people give them credit for.

2. Sometimes people make mistakes... we are an imperfect people doing our best to serve a perfect God.  I was encouraged by the improvements in things and the humble spirit and willingness to grow I saw.  I think far too often I want to focus on the mistakes made by people.  God reminded me that I'm far from perfect and I'd like a little grace from the people in my life, so I should probably give the same.

3. Winning isn't everything. :o) I'm a little on the competitive side... and to go from leading a team last year that not only won everything, but loved to talk and have discussions during group times to a team that came in a whole lot closer to last and weren't as willing to talk wasn't easy.  But I loved each of them and was happy to see some of them seeking more of the Lord.

4. Hard questions require hard answers.  One girl in my group had a TON of questions- difficult questions.  I realized as I was talking to her that I don't have all the answers and I found myself praying the Lord would give me wisdom and words to say.  Several times I found myself saying "I know that was God because I would NOT have ever thought of that on my own."  It's refreshing to lean on Him and not myself.

5. God moves when His people pray.  On Monday night, I was so heavily burdened for two girls I love so, so dearly.  I stood at the back of the room, begging God to move in their lives.  On Thursday night, the final night, I saw one of them get up and walk to her leader.  I'm crying now just thinking about it... later that night, the other came and found me and we had a great conversation.  I'm not saying my prayers alone made these things happen, because I'm sure I wasn't the only one praying... but man, God is good!!

6. I have an amazing husband who loves these students so, so much.  I know his prayers for this week were to see God move, to have these students confronted with some hard stuff.  His heart is so sincere and seeing him at a big event like this, knowing he gave it all he had but that ultimately, he has given it to the Lord makes me fall more in love with him.  He's the best.

7. I love the church.  Not just MY church, CHRIST'S church.  One of the sermons was about being saved into community- that we are created to be a part of a body of believers.  I am blessed to be a part of my church... but I want to always be certain that I'm not going to church for me.  I want to exhaust myself and love the church the way Christ loves me.  Whew... those were challenging words!

8. We have awesome high school students.  Seeing 30ish of them come to camp for a week and pour their lives into these middle schoolers was incredible.  I loved seeing them worship, hearing their hearts for the Lord.  Plus they're just really cool.

I've tried to think of 2 more to make this an even 10, but nothing is coming to me... it was a great week and I'm glad I was a part of it.  Yeah, I missed my bed and good food, I missed John Mark and friends that weren't there... but it was worth every second to see what God did.  Because that's who deserves all the glory- not Micah or me or the sponsors, not camp WOW or the church or the students, not the speaker or the band- it was all the Lord.  Without Him, we would have just been a bunch of tired and sweaty people running around for nothing.  But isn't that all of life, really- apart from Him, we can do nothing of any lasting value.