December Essentials...

Our annual trip to Eckerts for the perfect tree

A visit with Santa

Tree hunting

Our prettiest tree ever

The nativity to remind us what it's all about.

Stockings hung by the chimney with care

The finished product with a goofy, little girl

Lights on the house

Her first gingerbread house

Our 8th anniversary celebration

Lainey's new favorite

My sweet 6 month old with our favorite story

Snow ball fights

Throwing one at mommy while I take the picture

Coming inside to warm up

A Little Bit of Everything

This is likely going to be the most random post I have ever done so I am going with a bullet point format to give you a quick update of our goings on.

*Cooper had his 5 month check up yesterday. He weighs 17 lbs. 11 oz. (85th %) and is 27 1/2 in. long (90th %). We are about to begin rice cereal. Post to come!

*Lainey is learning the fruit of the spirit and can quote each of them from Galations 5:22-23. We do a behavior chart each day where she earns stickers when she shows any of the fruits. Funny thing is she was riding with her daddy today and didn't hesitate to tell him, "no daddy, you must be patient" as he reacted to a driver who cut him off : )

* I nearly lost my mind yesterday after a long day with the kiddos and soothed myself with some retail therapy last night.

* It is November and today we went to the zoo in short sleeves. A glorious 75 degrees!

* Cooper strongly dislikes his car seat. Cries almost every time I put him in it. Makes for some interesting car rides.

* I have given up on trying to have a clean house all the time. It's a losing battle at this point in my life. I'm not sure when or how it happened but I woke up one day to a 3 year old that turned into a tornado! Jamie has instituted a no toy policy in mommy and daddy's bedroom so that we can walk at night.

* Cooper has two of the cutest, little teeth you have ever seen and is becoming an expert roller. Tummy to back and back to tummy.

* I am studying the book of Revelation on Tuesday mornings at our church. It's a Beth Moore study and has been challenging and a little overwhelming. Thankful for the group of ladies studying it with me that I can ask lots of questions. Funny how the message of the Bible is so simple, yet SO complex. I've never heard so many different interpretations of scripture from the various scholars. I would highly recommend the study if you have a chance to take it. It's called Here and Now, Then and There.

* Jamie is hard at work making Cooper a rocking horse for Christmas. Love that man.

* We made a quick trip to Excelsior Springs last weekend for our nephew Aiden's first birthday party. So fun to see Jamie's family. Very rough car ride with little Coop.

Enough of my randomness!

Such a cute tornado isn't she?

Daddy and Cooper having some bonding time The best time of the day My daddy's trees. Such a beautiful sight. Grins.

Snow White and Happy

The most appropriate costume for Cooper. Such a happy little guy...minus the carseat!

Showing Coop how all this stuff works. She loves being a big sis.

In Loving Memory

What a special lady my Great Grandma was. I've been reflecting over the past few days on who she was to me. If someone asked me to describe her, one of my first words would be kind. I can still hear her sweet voice in my head, "I sure do love you." However, the second word I would use is strong or maybe even tough. The picture above shows her kind face and eyes, but along with her gentleness, she was one strong lady. Life was not always easy for her but she faced it with a smile. She was hardworking and wasn't pampered in any way. She loved the Lord and loved her family.

As a little girl, I would stay at her house with my siblings for a few days each summer. I have such great memories of her taking the time to play with us. When we were at her house she was right there beside us playing games, and dress up. Being away from home and away from my parents sometimes made me uneasy. I remember feeling scared one night to fall asleep and she sat beside my bed until I drifted off. I remember looking over at her to make sure she was still there and of course, she was.

I know not many 32 year olds have their great grandmother in their life. I did, and I am so thankful that she was a part of my life as long as she was. I am thankful that Lainey knew her great great grandmother but I can't help but feel sad that she never met little Coop. Some day.

My faith in the Lord is an important part of my life every day but especially in seasons of grief and saying goodbye. How do people do it who have no hope? I know that I will see her again. I know that she is in heaven without that silly old walker she hated. I know that she is in the presence of the Lord. I know that she is reunited with her siblings and family that she loved so dearly. Thank you God that we can know. One more reason to look forward to heaven. What a blessing to have known Helen Mildred Payne.

Makes My Heart Happy

Our first photo shoot with Lainey and Coop. I look at these several times a day and can't help but smile. It is something wonderful to see your kiddos start to love each other. Thank you God for letting me be their mom.

For This Child I Prayed...

and the Lord has heard my cry. Blessed be the name of the Lord! 1 Samuel 1:27

Almost exactly this time last year I was asking the Lord to bless us with another baby. I was learning in my Bible study about boldly going before His throne and making our requests as we are constantly checking our hearts to make sure our motives are right. I remember the day last September that I cried out to the Lord and asked that He would grow our family. My doctor told me it was unlikely that we would get pregnant without medical intervention. We were about to begin the first step in that process when I found out that little Cooper was on his way. What an amazing moment! One of my favorite Bible study teachers, Beth Moore, describes moments when you stop wondering if God is real and you just know without a doubt that He is. This was one of those moments for me. This baby boy I hold in my arms is a gift from above. Such a precious gift. Last week, we had his baby dedication at our church. I treasured the moments as Jamie and I promised to be parents that would teach Cooper about his Creator that loves him so much. My heart is full of gratitude that the Lord has entrusted this sweet boy to Jamie and I. What a gift.

Cooper James 3 1/2 months old

With our pastor, Dr. Doug Munton

First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, IL

A Nearly Perfect Day

This was one of those days that make you love life. An apple orchard, a perfect 78 degrees, pumpkins, a hay ride, my husband, and 2 happy kiddos...pretty close to my idea of perfect.

Once again Jamie's height comes in handy. There were some great apples near the tops of the trees where no one else could reach. But the apple picking duo of Lainey on Daddy's shoulders found some great success!

Cooper was intrigued by the whole process, and loved his afternoon in the baby Bjourn.

Looking for the perfect tree to pick from.

Lainey loved this one that was "just her size" and promptly started eating.

Taking in the moments.