To Live Is Christ

I am currently in week 3 of  "To Live Is Christ", an in-depth Bible study written by Beth Moore. I absolutely love the Bible studies Beth writes. I also love to hear her speak. She is an extremely anointed woman of God with a love for the Lord and His Word. I see her as a great inspiration. This is the 4th in-depth study I have done of hers and the 3rd one that I have facilitated.  It is a wonderful way to stay accountable by having a group of ladies you meet with once a week. If you haven't done one before, I greatly encourage you to find one in your area or start one at your church like I did. I want to share with you some quotes from this study that I have found interesting, thought-provoking, and encouraging. I hope they encourage you as well.

• "Let every study of the Word of God increase your love for the divine Author!"
• For our children : "I pray for them to know what to do with bad influences and hope they become the good influences!"
• "Without love for God and His Word, we're just trying to be good."
• "We can wholeheartedly believe in something and be wholeheartedly wrong."
• "We need encouragement: a courage transplant from another believer so we can continue to pursue the abundant life of the Lord Jesus even in the midst of our discouraging circumstances."
• "Prayer is essential because prayer places us in a posture to hear from God."
• "Many prefer to think of generational prejudices as "the way I was raised" rather than a chain of sin they need to break."
• "I must stand on the Word to raise my children. I must have no other standard."
• "Differences will always exist, but division doesn't always have to result."
• "Everything we are and anything we possess as believers in Christ is a gift of grace."
• "Satan cannot do anything to us God cannot use through us!" - Praise the Lord!!!!
•  "Let's learn to pray like the psalmist who said, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (Psalm 119:18) He just may blow our minds."
• "Influence is a gift, a trust. We must be careful how we use it."
• "Every time God delivers us, the point is ultimately to draw us closer to Himself."

....And I am not even finished with week 3. I pray that over the next 7 weeks the Lord continues to speak to my heart. I hope that some of this will speak to your heart as well.

Easton Stories

I am finding less and less time to post. I think about it a lot and want to sit down and write, but I just can't seem to find the time. I have been keeping several stories about Easton in my head trying not to forget them before I wrote them down. I know I won't remember all of them, but here are a few. This may be a long post.

• A few months back out of the blue Easton started counting in Spanish. I am not surprised that he has picked up on that b/c he loves Diego and Dora. He can count to 8 in Spanish. It is precious!
• A while back, Easton was playing with his horses. He had them all lined up on the floor and decided they were hungry. He went and got some cheese nips and gave each horse a cheese nip under their noses. Very thoughtful!
• Easton loves stickers. I don't know many children who don't. His favorite thing to do with them is cover his arms and legs with stickers. We haves lots of pictures of him covered in stickers. The only thing better is if he can convince someone else to join him in the fun. This particular night Papa was the victim. From the looks of the picture above, you can tell Papa didn't mind at all.
• Easton got a game in his kids meal from Wendy's. The game was in a triangular shaped box. He was playing with it and said, "Momma, this is a triangle." I said, "yeah, it is." He has known his shapes ever since he learned to talk. Then he said, "It looks like a roof...and a pizza....and a boat." I was very proud of his imagination and ability to place object shapes in his mind. It is amazing how the minds of little ones work.
• Last Saturday, Mat was watching golf on tv. He asked Easton if he wanted to watch with him. Easton has loved golf ever since we went and played putt putt a long time ago. He even likes to watch it on tv. He and Mat were talking and I wasn't really paying attention and Easton said, "Look momma it is Tiger Woods." I just started laughing. He is learning EARLY.
• Easton has gotten into a really bad habit of yelling when he gets mad. I have tried to teach him he doesn't need or have to do that. Last night, he got mad at Mat over something and yelled at him. I told him he had to tell Daddy that he was sorry for yelling. It took some coercing but he finally opened his mouth to apologize. Except when he opened his mouth, nothing came out. He mouthed, "I'm sorry for yelling" but nothing was heard. Mat and I could not contain our laughter. We tried so hard, but it was too hilarious. It may be one of those things you have to see to appreciate. I soo wish I had that on video.
• I love how Easton remembers everything. He repeats things he has heard us say and knows exactly the right time to say them. Also last night, I started not feeling well. Easton wanted to know what was wrong so I told him that my tummy was hurting. He said, "You need to lay down in the big bed?" I said, "yeah". He said, "You need to go poo poo. It will make you feel better." So precious, my baby boy trying to take care of his momma. He knows what to do if your tummy is hurting. : )
• Being sick with the stomach virus for about 7 or more days really had an impact on Easton. He will still tell me at times if he gets a funny feeling in his stomach or throat, "Momma, I don't want to throw up." It is really sad. Lawson still spits up some from his reflux even though it is much better than it used to be. Last night, Lawson spit up a little and Easton said, "Momma, he threw up. He needs to throw up in the trash can. I threw up in the kitchen. Daddy cleaned it up." Bless his heart. Some things are very traumatic, but he is very sure where you are supposed to throw up.

There are a few other events that I want to write about but I will have to save those for later. I love being a momma. I love not knowing what Easton is going to say next. I can be sure it will be entertaining, at least for me if for no one else. These are things I want to remember. The little things that make me smile.

Happy Valentine's Day 08!

2 of the 3 men in my life....

Brothers

Lawson 3 months old

Last Wednesday, Lawson turned 3 months old. Things have been so busy with the kids and everyone being sick that I haven't had time to post about him.  Lawson is a very sweet, happy baby. I am borrowing this idea from my dear friend, Jamey, to document what is happening each month. Thanks James!

My Milestones at 3 months:

I weighed 14 pd 7 oz on my 3 month birthday, but have already gained to 14 pd 15 oz as of yesterday.

I eat around 5 oz every 3 to 4 hours except at night when I sleep for about 5 or 6 hours. 

The doctor changed my formula from Enfamil Gentlease to Similac Sensitive RS and it has almost completely knocked out my reflux problem. That makes me and my mommy very happy because she doesn't have to change our clothes all the time. : ) I don't even take any reflux medicine anymore.

I love to smile. If you talk to me, I will smile at you.

I don't cackle out loud yet, but I make high pitched squeals and coos to show my excitement.

I smile at my brother and my cousins when they try to play with me. Easton is ready for me to be bigger so I can play with him.

I can hold my head up very well.

I love to be held when I am awake AND when I sleep.

My favorite place to nap, other than momma arms, is in the rocking chair. Daddy puts up the leg rest and lays me on the seat backwards on my tummy. It is perfect and so comfy!

I love to lay under my play-gym and bat at the toys and listen to the music. I also like to watch tv with my brother. I think the bright colors are fun to look at.

I have spent the night with my Nana and Papa 3 times.

I have been to Little Rock once.

When I get really upset, sometimes the only thing that will calm me down is the sound of the hair dryer.

I have been a real trooper through all my sickness over the last several weeks. I battled the flu with high fevers close to 104, I developed pneumonia, took my first antibiotic, have an awful cough, and got my first shot of antibiotics. 

I have the most beautiful long eye lashes that I got from my daddy.

My eyes still haven't decided exactly what color they are, but momma is still praying they end up dark brown.

I suck on a passy when I am fussy, but will also chew on my fist if my passy is not around. 

I love to hold on to the shirt of whoever is holding me. Momma had to get her hair cut because I also liked holding onto her long hair and not letting go.

My momma and daddy think I am very handsome. I have a very cute smile, but my pout is equally as cute. 

I have everyone wrapped around my finger right now....just the way I like it!

After the flu....

Well, we had a really rough week last week. I pray we do not have to go through that again for a very long time. I took both boys back to the doctor this morning because they both are still sick. Lawson has a touch of pneumonia now and an ear infection. Easton has fluid on both ears and a stomach ulcer from all the throwing up. The doctor gave both of the them antibiotics, so hopefully they will both start to feel better now. There is absolutely nothing sadder than sick babies.  They are so helpless and pitiful. Dr. Moore said we are definately over the worst of it now and after another week or so, maybe everyone will be back to normal. I don't think I have ever experienced the flu like I did this past week. The actual flu is awful! We will be getting the flu shot next year for sure.  

Easton has periods of feeling better and I can see him acting like his old self. Sunday night, he and Mat made Pirate hats and he went "hunting for treasure." That was the first time since he got sick that he really felt like playing. It was wonderful to see!

I have been working hard to keep Lawson's fever down. When his fever is under control, he will still smile at me through his runny baby nose and heart-breaking coughs. It's amazing how much a smile from him can lift my spirits. His smiles are so genuine and honest. I love him!

Thank you so much for all your prayers. I know it was only with the Lord's strength that we were able to make it through last week. I am glad that we serve an ever-caring and ever-providing Savior.  It  doesn't matter what is going on in my life, He will always be the Lifter of my Head. Praise the Lord!

Flu Prayers

Well, baby Lawson has the flu. There is not anything they can do for him but let it run its course. He is still too young for any flu medicine. Please pray for him that he recovers quickly and it doesn't develop into anything else. It is really scary because he is so small and his fever has gotten really high. Thankfully, I was able to keep it down last night. Easton and Mat are on preventive medicine to try to keep from catching it. Dr. Moore said I probably have it along with my Bronchitis. I am still pretty sick and really ready to be well so I can feel up to taking care of everyone. Easton has had the stomach virus for the past 2 days, but seems to be doing better this morning. Thank you Jesus! We still need and appreciate your prayers. I know that the Lord can heal us all quickly. 

Prayers

After you read this, please stop and say a prayer for me and my little family. I have developed Bronchitis and Easton has the stomach bug as well as something else. I think Mat is not feeling well now and I am praying the baby doesn't get sick. Mat has taken off 2 days to take care of the kids for me. It is hard on everyone. We really need to get well. We appreciate your prayers for quick recovery.