Andrew Peterson - Labor of Love

As we are getting closer to Christmas.... I just cannot imagine what Mary and Joseph went through to bring Jesus into the world. This song brings it all into perspective.

Christmas Time

This was a quick picture of us at the "Hanging of the Green" service. I always love this time of year. Ethan really enjoyed the service. Mary and Joseph carried baby Jesus out and put him the in the manger. When the song was over they left him there. He was so confused and asked me " Why are they leaving baby Jesus all by himself?" I had to explain that it was a doll and they were just pretending and telling a story. He probably would have walked up there and sat with baby Jesus if I would have let him. Wow, he has such a sensitive spirit for which I am thankful for!

Hair Cut + Thanksgiving

Ethan decided to give himself a hair cut the other day. He always does so well with his scissors and I would have never thought he would cut his hair. I really thought that was a girl thing!! Well, I got some pictures and then took him outside and buzzed his head. I guess I will have to watch him a little closer next time he uses the scissors.

We went to Amanda's house for Thanksgiving and it wasn't until I got there that I realized I forgot my camera. I was really looking forward in getting some pics of the kids! We had a great time together. Just ate and hung out!!! I did get to have snuggle time with Luke.... he is already growing so fast.

I plan to be posting christmas pics soon......

I am Thankful!

I am Thankful for...

A husband that loves his family and works so hard to provide.

A son that is a joy to me everyday.

A baby growing so fast inside me.

Friends that make life so much fun.

A mom and dad that raised me in a christian home.

A twin sister that understands my thoughts and feelings.

A brother that thinks outside the box and encourages others to do the same.

A sister in law that loves the Lord and loves our redneck family too!

The Cutrer's that always help with the Ethan and our dogs.

Nieces and Nephews that are so special to me.

A job that gives me the opportunity to show God's love.

Jesus that loves me and died for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Luke!

Luke is finally here! He is healthy and the cutest little man! He weighted 8lbs 6oz., 20.5 inches tall. The miracle of birth is so awesome and Amanda did great.

The girls were so excited they could hardly contain it. They wanted to hold him immediately and snuggle. They have already proven that they will be helpful big sisters.

I got to take that kids back to Amanda's house on Thursday. We got things all situated for Luke to come home. I got to take (well chase) them riding bikes, we watched a movie, and then they played outside till after dark. I really do love having time with the girls!

This is Luke right before his bath. It is so neat how in just a couple of days they already look so different. I wish I would have gotten more pictures of him awake. I was just enjoying the moments with him. Amanda and Coley are so patient and calm with him. I am always amazed how God prepares us this time in our lives!!!!

Moving Video

WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTc_FoELt8s

Visiting The Elkins and Baby Shower

We went to the Elkin's a couple of weeks ago. We always have so much fun! We try to cram as much that we can in a weekend. Friday night Amanda did "Make your own pizza night" for the kids. They loved doing their own pizza's.

Saturday we had planned a shower along with some dear friends of hers. We had it at their church and had a brunch with Baptist tea. Her friend Amber made the most awesome Coconut Cake. Baby Luke got many nice things to start his new life!

I got to stay with the girls on Sunday and Monday night so Amanda and Coley could have a couple of nights away. They are so well behaved!! Ethan, Landri, and Paige get along so well. It was a blessing to have some time alone with them. We went to the movies, park, and rode bikes. The last night I turned on some music and the dancer's came out in all of them. It just reminds me of when we were that age.

Nauseous and Tired.

I have been feeling the usual nausea and tired feeling. I am so thankful to be having this little life grow within me, but you always forget about this part. I am ready to get some energy back mainly for John and Ethan's sake! Well....my house too! It looks a little crazy right now. Just taking one day at a time!

Surprise!

We have just found out that we will be expecting our 2nd child in April! I am almost 8 weeks and very excited!

Busy Summer!

We went to mom's for a couple of days. We got to hang out with Tanner and Jessica while we were there. I always take Ethan's 4 wheeler when we go because they have so much land that he can ride around. This was a great pic I got of him with Pepper's hat on! Can you tell he is having a blast?

He helped Pepper mow the back yard!

Then they decided to have a mower vs. 4 wheeler race!

We have also been doing a lot of swimming. We have been blessed to have different friends invite us over to swim. Ethan is getting more confident in the water. My friend Amanda was catching him while he was going off the diving board!

Ethan's Bike

Ethan had been wanting a bike for a while. When we went to the beach he rode Landri's pink bike all the time. We decided to finally get him one and he is a pro! We have rode around the neighborhood. I took him to unidad park and he loved it. I felt a little safer with him riding there because I didn't have to worry about cars driving by. He may just be the next "Lance!"

Will Dress Like a Cow 4 Food

My precious niece stayed with us a couple of days. We found out this morning about Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a & they wanted to dress up! Ethan was shy here and didn't want his picture taken.

Then the COW came out and he was ready to be photogenic! We got free food and had a fun time!

Beach Vacation

We had a great vacation. We stayed at Drifters Resort, in Rockport, TX. We spent alot of time on the beach just hanging out. The first day we went to Port Aransas. The beach was covered in seaweed and then we noticed tons of little crabs in the seaweed. The kids (John, Coley, Paige, Landri, and Ethan :)) thought it was so awesome. Amanda and I - not so much. Can you imagine swimming and knowing those little crab are all over the place just ready to pinch a toe.

We also got to go on a dolphin encounter boat in which we all enjoyed. Ethan got to see a couple of dolphin up close.

We always find time in the evening to walk along the shore and look for hermit crabs.

We are suntanned and happy that we got to have some time away as a family.

Update- The Good, Bad, and Ugly

We had a BUSY week!! We had VBS all week at church. It was cool this year because 3yrs to 6th grade all participated. Ethan, Thyme and Cole had such an awesome time. We are learning lots of neat songs and bible verses. I also got the stomach bug mid way through the week, but felt better by Friday evening.

I had Saturday off so John and I decided to take a day trip to Enchanted Rock (between Llano and Fredericksburg). It was hot but there was some wind that help keep us cool. We always walk up the BIG rock then walk down and go through a cave. John really wanted to take Ethan. We had both been through multiple times so we knew it well. He did great and loved climbing all over the rocks! We got some neat pictures of us in the cave. Yes, we are sweaty, dirty, and look dorky with all our lights and cave gear on.

We walked back down the rock and had a nice picnic lunch. I know I say this all the time, but I just love being with my family! I love exploring and showing Ethan that he can do new things!

On a more serious note. On our way home from Llano on Hwy 71 (about 25 min from Llano and 25 min from Brady) we came upon a motorcycle wreck. We were not the first one to stop but pulled over to help. John and I had to do CPR on a woman in which she did not live. John also stayed and tended to the man for over an hour until the helicopter came and took him to Austin. John (I know) was such a comfort to him as were the others there. Due to the nature of the resuscitation (even though I used a mask), I will need to get some blood tests done. I feel confident that God had the plan for us to be there in that place at that time. I pray he will protect my body. I also pray he will be with the family that lost there mother, sister, or friend and also for the man recovering.

Birthday Dinner

We got to have an evening out with some close friends. I turned 30 today! Wow! We ate at the Blue Agave. Is was great food. John and Ethan also surprised me with a new (smaller) camera! I was so excited. It will be perfect for me to take to the park, lake, and just stick in my pocket. So get ready to have some picture over load.

Celebrating 30 years

We all met at Amanda & Coley's to celebrate our 30th birthday together. We went to the lake on Saturday and let the kids swim. Ethan didn't even want to get in the water at first, but by the end of the weekend was jumping in to me. I got to water ski and actually got up the first time. I also talked mom into skiing and she showed us all up! We got to go eat at my favorite restaurant The Gristmill in Gruene on Saturday night.

Ethan absolutely loved the boat. He wanted to help Coley drive it wherever we went.

This picture is my favorite. He found some goggles in the boat and put them on. He never intended to put his head in the water, he just thought they were cool to wear around. We had a blast just hanging with our family.

Home

John and I have been saving money back to get some landscaping done. We had some bushes that died in the front and back. We also had some cactus that were not kid friendly that we got rid of. Steele Landscaping did an awesome job. I am now learning a lot more about plants and how to care for them. I am excited about how the plants will grow and look even better.