Praise God

We had a wonderful weekend. I just had to give God praise this morning for a few major accomplishments. As most of you know, we have been having a good bit of trouble with Allee sleeping through the night lately. When she wakes up, she wakes Aiden up and so the cycle begins. We have had hardly any sleep and it has really taken a toll on me, especially with me being sick! I have shared with several friends and even mentioned to the doctor on Monday who told me we would just have to let her cry it out. I used to do that until we moved and the walls are so thin, Aiden wakes up very easily. She had slept a couple of nights, randomly, last week, so I was thankful for that. But, this morning, I am happy to say that we have had 3 consecutive nights of uninterrupted sleep! WOW! I know that the prayers of my friends and family are paying off. Thanks to all who pray for us.

On another note, I have been feeling much better over the last couple of days, and that is a huge event for me. I can't explain what is feels like to be miserable with eating, not eating, sleeping, not sleeping, you name it. For those of you who go through pregnancy without this experience, I AM SO GLAD you don't have to know what it is like. But for all you others, I know you can relate. But hopefully, we are on the uphill road now and things will be better. Again, thanks for the prayers.

Also, just had to mention that a very special little girl at our church got saved a few weeks ago and we had her baptism yesterday. She was so excited. She is 5 and was smiling the entire time. Her brother, who is Aiden's friend, had a b'day too, so we shared in celebrating the two special occasions yesterday with their family. It was a busy, but wonderful day. I know God has great plans in store for their family!

One more thing, Rick preached an awesome, powerful message yesteray morning. It made me realize that since I have been pregnant, I have used the excuse of being sick and have really slacked on my Bible reading. I read everyday, but not in depth like I like to do. I have been praying for God to help me, but yesterday I really felt the presence of God and I know that things are going to get better. I was able to get up and read before the kids got up this morning, which is a HUGE blessing. I usually get frustrated because just as I get up, they get up and then there is no quiet time. God is so good. He always gives us what we need, when we need it.

New Baby

Yesterday morning, I had the privaledge of helping a friend out by keeping her 11 mo old for a couple of hours until her babysitter was freed from starting her own child at their first day of school. Allee got up and she and the baby played well together. Aiden was still in the bed at the baby's arrival and when he woke up and stumbled into the living room to start his morning ritual of cartoons until he wakes up. I was holding the baby and he didn't say a word or even acknowledge that someone else was in our house. Finally, I said "Aiden, do you notice anything this morning?" He didn't say anything, but did look at the baby. I said, "Do you know who this is?" He had a really blank stare on his face as if to say...am I suppose to know, but instead, with the blank, confused look, he looked at me with the cutest face and said, "Is it our new baby?" I just about died laughing. Wow, wouldn't it be nice if it were that easy to get them here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Today is Rick's 32nd B'day. I just wanted to wish him another happy birthday. We have been together for 12 years (married for almost 8) and it has been very exciting to watch him grow into the Godly man that he has become. He is a wonderful husband, dad, and friend and we all love him very much. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICK!

Piano Lessons

Aiden had his first piano lesson yesterday. He was very excited. He has never met a stranger so when we walked in to meet the teacher she asked his name. He said, "My name is Aiden and I am going to take a piano lesson today." She asked him lots of questions getting a general idea of what all he knows, colors, numbers, ABC's, etc. He gladly answered all of her questions and often added to with unnecessary comments. It will be a very slow process, but we are going to try it out. He was excited to tell his Daddy what all he had learned. When she tried to get him to actually play the notes, quarter notes, which get one beat, he just wanted to continue hitting the same key over and over. He also played the piano to his own little tune while he recited his alphebet to her! Keep us in your prayers.

VBS Again

Again, I ran across this video of Aiden at VBS on stage doing the theme song and motions. I thought he was so cute. He loves to sing! Notice the gum chewing action.

Aiden's Mohawk

I ran across this video when I was looking for some other pics. Did not even realize I had it. Anyway, it brought back a lot of memories. I am not sure how old he was, but I think maybe a little less than two or right at it. Thought I would share.

River Rats

We had the advantage of slipping away to the camper at Pickensville for one night (actually to work) a couple of weekends ago. We (me, rick and the kids) went down on Friday afternoon, so we were able to take the kids to the sand bar to swim for an hour or so. It was so nice. We were the only ones in the water. It was so peaceful and the water was perfect. The kids had a blast! Aiden enjoying the nice cool water.

Allee digging in the mud. Surprised it's not in her mouth!

Our float had escaped and daddy and the kids had to go get it. Allee stuck her tongue out instead of "miling" (smiling).