Future Fighter Pilot

Joshua got to check out a real F-16 this past weekend. Our friend, Eddie, was nice enough to take him to see the jets on the flightline, let Joshua try on his gear, and get him in the cockpit of an F-16. Joshua had so much fun learning about how all the parts of the jet worked.

What does this switch do? Oops...did you need that one?

Flashback Friday

May 17, 2000
Andy and Laura meet in Denver, CO at an REO Speedwagon,
STYX, Eddie Money concert, and then go dancing
with friends at PolyEsthers. Yeah, baby!

Easter Week

The kids got some fun balloons while we were out to eat with friends.
(Brooke-flower, Joshua-football player, Ella-Little Mermaid)


Mommy, Ella, and Brooke tried to keep warm in the cold winds at Joshua's t-ball practice.
Joshua's runnin' the bases.


The kids got to do another Easter egg hunt at our Mom's club Spring Fling.
We also made fun ducks out of folded paper plates and used hand cut-outs for tail feathers.

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!

What a week!

We started the month of April off with a bang. What a fun week!

On Tuesday, Joshua had his first swimming lesson.
We're training for the 2024 Olympics.

On Wednesday, we had an Easter egg hunt at the park with our playgroup. Mmm, candy.

On Thursday, we went to a local homeschool event at a park.
The kids got to learn about "stop, drop, & roll" from the fire chief
and then crawl through a little house with pretend smoke.

Thursday evening, Joshua had his first T-ball practice. Go Hogs!

March Madness

March was a wonderful month for us. Early in the month my mom, dad, and neice, Maggie, came to visit from Austin, TX while Andy was out of town. The kids had a great time playing together. We went to see the lions at MGM Grand, ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, and visited the M&M's store...all in one day!We also celebrated Ella's 3rd birthday party this month. Her best present was a new 'big girl' pink bike. She also got a princess helmet and basket from her Nana, Papa, and cousin Maggie.The kids and I celebrated the beginning of Spring by making some mosaic flowers with ripped up pieces of construction paper and with a little dressing up.

What a diva!

I Will Praise You in This Storm

I'm writing this post with a heavy heart, but I feel it's necessary to share this. Most of you have heard the news by now. Last week at about 7 weeks of pregnancy, I miscarried again. We were blessed to see our baby and its heartbeat on an ultrasound before the miscarriage. Anyone who says that it's not a life at this stage or any stage after conception is fooling themselves, but I won't go there right now.
We've been so blessed with friends and family praying for us, bringing us meals, helping with childcare during my doctor visits, and calling or stopping by to check on us. I'm really overwhelmed with all the support we've been given and all the people God has put into our lives to lift us up during this difficult time.
I know God has a plan and that plan is perfect, but in my humanness, I want to make my plan fit into His and have control of my life. It's hard during these times to trust in Him, but all week I could feel Him saying to me "I know the plans I have for you." I know He's with me and holding me now. He's the same loving God, no matter where I stand or what I'm going through. So I'm going to trust Him with all of my children, those I'm blessed to have with me and those who are with Him. I know we're going to be ok, because we have the Lord, and He gives us hope and a peace that "surpasses all understanding." Without Him, we have nothing.

I felt compelled a few weeks ago to post a song on Facebook for anyone who was going through a hard time, which I'm sure is not a coincidence that now I need to hear it. I'll share the lyrics with you and here's the youtube video I posted if you would like to hear it too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2rLXr3cEU

Praise You in This Storm -- Casting Crowns
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Joshua Called It

This has been a crazy, but exciting week. Andy had to work late every night this week (so it's wonderful that he has a 3-day weekend to spend with us). On Wednesday night, while Andy was still working, the kids and I were eating dinner, when Joshua said, "I think this one's going to be a boy, Mommy."
"What, Joshua?"
"You know, the baby...in your belly. I think it's going to be a boy."
"You mean if God blesses us with another baby, you think it's going to be a boy?"
"Yeah...or a girl. But I think a boy."
"Ooookaaay"
That night, after Andy got home and the kids were in bed, I told him what Joshua said a dinner.
"TAKE A TEST!" said Andy.
"I already took one a couple of days ago and it was negative. I don't want to waste another test yet."
"TAKE A TEST!"
"Ok, I'll take a test."
And, of course, it was positive :) YAY!!!! Won't it be cool if it's a boy too! I haven't been to the doctor yet, but I figured out that I'm due September 21st, right between Brooke's birthday (Sept 15) and Joshua's (Sept 27). Our anniversary is also on Sept 29, so this is a big month for our family. It might have something to do with Andy having vacation time during the holidays every year :)
I am a little nervous about everything, because our last pregnancy did end in a miscarriage at 12 weeks. But as soon as we found out we were pregnant again, Andy told me he has total peace about this. He just knows that it'll be ok. I've been fervently praying that God will give me peace as well with whatever happens and that I'll trust in His perfect will and plan. So I ask that you keep us in your prayers too, because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer...

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (Jesus speaking) John 14:13-14

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (Jesus speaking) John 15:7

.............................................................

Our other excitement this week came from the Steelers' big win tonight against the Ravens, which means "Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl...Here we go..." Will that song ever get out of my head again? Definitely not for the next 2 weeks. Here we go...