Trip to Houston...

Passion held two conferences in Atlanta and one in Houston this year.  This is awesome because that many more students were able to hear the Word of God proclaimed, but also because I got to spend several days with my best friend and her family!

Briana and I have been spoiled in the past several months getting to see each other so much - I have tried to soak up every second with her as I know our chances of seeing each other are typically few and far between.  We are VERY thankful for FaceTime :)

This was Emma's first time to fly...and as an ACTIVE 21 month old with chronic ear infections, I was not quite sure how it would go.  Overall, though, she did amazingly well!  There were  a few shaky (aka...incredibly loud) moments...but it didn't scare us away from trying again :)

Lots of dress up took place :)

The girls had a spend the night party the first night.  They really did surprisingly well once they went to sleep!

Unfortunately, we ended up in Texas Children's Hospital's urgent care one afternoon with sweet Emma.  Poor baby has had such a rough go with her ears and respiratory infections.  This was the first time that a breathing treatment was necessary, and it scared this mama half to death.  Thankfully one treatment was all she needed and we were back to playing!

These two love each other so much and it warms my heart!

Emma's first Passion experience.

We had a blast and cannot wait to go back soon to meet their sweet little boy who will be here before we know it! 

January...

For the past several years, Graham and I have spent the beginning of the year at Passion in Atlanta.  I think I put this in my last post as well, but Graham serves as a Team Lead for Passion each year.  It is an incredible joy and blessing to be a part of such an amazing event each year.  Sitting in an arena with over 10,000 college students worshiping Jesus is an experience unlike any other.  The Lord has truly blessed us by allowing us to be a part of this. 

I got to see a dear college friend of mine while I was in Atlanta!  She just got engaged so it was perfect time to celebrate this sweet time in her life!!

Love this man.  So, so proud of him!

 

Graham and I were hit with the dreaded stomach bug this month.  It is truly the WORST.  By the grace of God, our children did not catch it.  I have never been more thankful for a backyard for the kids to play in!

 

I have looked forward to this day since we moved in - we finally got our gas logs!  I LOVE a good fire in the fireplace on a cold day so I was thrilled to get these logs installed and working!

Graham picked Watson up from MDO one day and took him on a surprise trip to the mall to ride the carousel and eat ice cream.  This little boy was in heaven!!

 

The kids.  Could not love them more!  I count it such a blessing that I get to stay home with them every day.  It's not easy...and there are days that I feel I am on the crazy train...but even in the struggles and hard times, I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

Watson loves to watch his morning cartoons on the couch with a blanket every morning.  The mornings I let him eat his breakfast on the couch are his favorite!

This one.  Too much to handle :)

No shirt, Fireman hat, Full Moon tattoo.  He's ready for the day!

Uncle Rey holding down the fort.  Have I mentioned how much I love living so close to my sister and her family??  Such a blessing!

Watson is all in to his Preschool workbook.  He loves to learn...as long as he doesn't realize that's what he's doing :)  If I every say "Let's work on your numbers/letters/etc." He shuts down.  If I say "Let's play with your special book!" he is all about it!

This month was the women's retreat for our church.  It was a much needed 24 hours away...studying God's Word, resting, and refueling for every day life.  I had a blast...but was happy to get home to these rugrats too :)

20 months...

Emma, you are a JOY.  I say it in almost every post...but I can never say it enough! 

Your smile gets me every time.

And your eyes own your Daddy.

You are funny, and you know it :)  I love watching you crack yourself up!

You are talking more and more every day.  You love to talk about everyone in our family.  Mommy, Daddy, "Sasson", Abby, Gus Gus, Poppa...those are your current favorites.  We are working on saying everyone's name, though! 

 

My non-routine child has officially begun a bedtime routine that MUST be followed!  You want to read the Bible, say prayers, sing a song, then go to bed.  You love to cuddle during that time and I love EVERY second of it. 

You adore your brother and model everything that he says and does. 

You love to eat...breakfast and snacks are your favorite.  I can always calm you down when you are upset by offering a snack :)

You, my dear, are BEAUTIFUL!

Christmas in Oklahoma...

We spent the week of Christmas in Oklahoma this year.  It was a great trip!  We had just been up in Oklahoma in November and had lots of time with Graham's friends, so this trip we were able to focus solely on spending time with family...which we loved!