It was the java

2011-12-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

here is the biggest news...
Matt and his Dad are starting a new business/national franchise in the Birmingham area called

Mosquito Squad

It's kind of a big deal for us :) so please support us and be on the lookout for our new slick truck around town. We begin spraying for the nasty little skeeters in March. Check out our website when you get a chance and sign up for service beginning in March.

http://birmingham-south.mosquitosquad.com

I'm back

2011-12-08T23:34:00.001-08:00

It's been way too long and there are many great things to share with you. Be on the look out for some new posts :)

It's been a long time.....

2011-07-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

I think I am coming back. It's been 6 months and I have realized that I loved reading back through my blog enough to put the effort back into doing it again.

Don't know how to catch up, so I am basically going to start where we are today.

Life has really been nuts for all of us, we have been so busy. We have been able to do a lot of fun stuff this summer and we have pictures to prove it.

I'm going to start off with this picture. This little almost 3 1/2 year old still loves to be rocked and still loves her paci's. Soon, this stage will be over, but for now, please please, look at this little sweetie!

Another major stage

2010-12-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

So I don't forget:

SA and I were driving in the car Monday night after a dinner party with friends. She is really into telling stories, making stories up and sharing them and it is super cute and very funny. So, as we were driving she wanted to hear about the day that she was born out of my tummy. She then tells me after her birth story that she has a baby in her tummy. I explained to her that she did not have a baby in her tummy and she asked me "why". Thus began about 17 more "why's". It took about 5 why's for me to figure out that oh my gosh, my child is asking the "why" questions. So, we are here and they continue and I am having to use my already clouded brain/memory to give her explanations. And I am LOVING it~

Embrace the camera Thursday- December 16

2010-12-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/

I love this age

2010-10-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have often debated in my head over and over, which age has been the best. So far, I like 2 1/2. I am sure that I will do this as she grows through each stage but the two's have been a lot of fun so far. One of the many things she has overcome is the fear of the potty. She woke up one day and decided that she wanted to wear panties from now on and it has gone so great, except one thing.... Pooping. Isn't this a lovely blog post topic? She was so scared to do that and would hold it for up to 8 days at a time. We did have to resort a few times to using an aid to help her because she was in so much pain. The ped said it was all a control thing. So after a few times of having to "help her", she decided to try going on her own. NOW she is fully potty trained. We are so so excited! She has had about 4 total accidents in her bed and doesn't have accidents in her naps or waking periods. She has done so great with potty training and we are very proud of her overcoming her fears of the toilet.

We like to go to this old timey park in Warrior and use their ancient slide and merry go round :)
She is a master climber and slider

One of the things that she attempts to be super good at is technology. She is all about looking at pictures on the computer and my cell phone. AND SHE KNOWS HOW TO GET THERE! Notice her outfit? She is really enjoying her two's, NAKED! When she is inside, at times she flat out refuses to wear clothes. So we allow it most of the time!

Another thing that cracks me up and has since the very beginning is how my child sleeps. She can definitely find a comfy position.. But does this actually look comfortable? It must be because she can work this position for most of the night.

Until next time. May you enjoy your days full of play, sleep and if you have children, the joys of their laughter.

paci

2010-09-29T00:14:00.001-07:00

When you have a two year old, there are just a few things that you wonder if your child will ever grow out of. I have begun to question lately if she will be able to give these two paci's up...The logical part of me knows that she will, but here lately, I do wonder, but mostly, I think it is adorable how much she loves them. The last several nights I have asked her what she is thankful for in which she replies: "I am thankful for my paci's and my blankie"...This girl is for real! Here she is in her most recent loved position. Taking the 2nd paci and lightly brushing her cheek or nose.

And here she is in the old faithful position. Holding her 2nd paci with one hand and with the other, with 1 or 2 fingers massaging it or plucking it like you would a flower petal. Hopefully by her 3rd birthday, we will be able to transition to her only depending on God, her parents and her blankie.

Some fun times, part 2

2010-09-08T19:38:00.001-07:00

This child loves to take a bath...

It's truly some of her most silly times!

The new umbrella that she had to go buy after last week seeing that other kids had their own umbrella's at church.. Oh the peer pressure for this $3.48 find.... :) This was an early evening picture after her bath and she had to go outside for a moment.. Of course, no pants... oooops.

This is her new facial expression.. It's called the "grumpy face".. She can do it on commandSavoring every last drop. She loves the rain and especially when she borrowed Georgia's boots for a week~ Time to buy her some of her own...

Hope your week is full of adventure and giggles like her's has been.. Love to you all!

some fun times, part 1

2010-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

PEAR Pickin,
Our friend Tonya invited us and a few other friends to go pear pickin in Alabaster at one our Lieutenants house. She had a ball, lots of good times seeing how to pull the pear off a tree and how you can also just shake the pears off!
Sarah Avery and Cara DawnRunning around with Brodie

Sweet hugs from each other. They are just a week apart!

Another of God's wonderful little creationsGood times at Dr. Kyatt's office. SA loved getting her teeth cleaned and she especially liked using "mr thirsty". The expression you see on her face is one that I would like to continue to see in the future (hopefully).

And Action~ It's panty party time. This child loves the fact that she is out of diapers and into big girl panties. If this is offensive, please tell me and I will remove this picture.. I just think it is so fun to document these big moves to being a big girl.. She is really proud of herself!

We sure have had some great times around here. It's fun being 2 1/2! stay tuned for part 2...

Embrace the camera Sept. 2

2010-09-02T08:49:00.001-07:00

Embrace my daddy
Daddy Matt and SA
This daddy loves to play and be silly with his daughter.

He is such a fun daddy who doesn't want to miss anything.

He helps her mommy so much by taking great responsibility with his daughter.

Most importantly he teaches her the truth's about God and his goodness.

Embrace the camera Thursday

2010-08-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

Big independent big girl week~
First time polish 5 days straight!

Generation to generation

2010-08-26T08:12:00.001-07:00

Just had to post this picture that Matt's cousin Rebecca took... How totally precious is it.. This is Pop and Mamee, Matt's lovely grandparents. They were out at the lake and Becca snapped this adorable shot.. Oh how we love them!

Avery is one very very loved and blessed child to follow an incredibly godly legacy.

Independence again and again.. and a little running too

2010-08-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, Matt's cousins Becca (below left) and Alli (next to Matt) were visiting from Raleigh. We so love when his family visits. We love to all group up at Matt's grandparents, Pop and Mamee (pictured below) house and enjoy each other. Lately, independence is showing up a lot at our house. In funny ways, scary ways and in some enjoyable ways. The other night I went to check on her before I went to sleep. And when I glanced in her crib, this is what I saw.. Her dipaer laying next to her and her pajamas back on just so.. I laughed to myself at first. Then I just put the diaper back on her while she was asleep. Since this moment, it has happened 3 days in row.. Thankfully, there hasn't been any tee tee accidents. When she does this in the morning, I take her straight to the potty.

During playtime, she has been creating stories for her toys and lining them up, organizing, take care of them and overall playing all by herself. Her favorites right now are her two princesses and prince from her princess castle.

This is her castle, and they were all sitting down for "tea"

She also has a little frog, and loves for it to sit on biggie frog.. Too cute!Her ideas make me smile a lot And this is the scary part. She is a RUNNER! It has been happening for the last several weeks. I have spanked, lectured, cried and worried over it for about 3 weeks now. Here is one of those moments at Matt's grandparents. He caught her in plenty of time because thankfully, he is way faster than her, and the fact that she was more worried about her backpack at the time.
This is coming back down the hill after one very upset Mommy and Daddy.

Parenting has been very challenging for several months as we work through these independent times. Thankfully, it is the Lord who is revealing to us needed answers..

But these times, make it all worth it.. We were making a dish to take to a friend's house. She is a pro at cracking open eggs. Don't you just love how she got ready for her cooking duties? Visor to keep the hair back and a sucker to enjoy!

Mixing up the spinach.. Good job SA... You are so big!

This is our life right now. Having fun discovering independence and also obeying Mommy and Daddy for it pleases the Lord.

Embrace the camera Thursday

2010-08-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

Doing my best to show her big girls don't need paci's.

A Woodsy Adventure

2010-08-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

A local city adventure with friends, nature and a Gogurt!

We met up with the Thomas family, Sherry, Mark, Lily and Elle at a new park (to us).

I love this pic of SA, Lily and Elle walking. They are so funny, SA was not going to let that gogurt Mrs. Sherry gave her out of her sight. And the momma of the group, Lily wouldn't be without her little stuffed animal, and the leader here is Elle. They were helping SA get up this huge boulder. Such helpers!

Relaxing on the rock! Look at those trees! And how bout those faces? toooo cute!

Happy to have a gogurt

Swinging like monkey's

So much fun. Oh how we loved being outside in the 105 degree heat.. ha! But for real, it is always fun to get together with friends like this and it is funny to see SA interact with kids that have siblings. The three of them are quite a team and they just loved on her and well they babyied her too. wink.

Little Mark was there but we didn't have any pics of him. I think he was off exploring with the other two boys that were there

whew, it is HOT

2010-08-01T21:46:00.001-07:00

Ok, July has been so hot and it's hard to stay outside for long. This makes it challenging for a mommy of a 2 year old who LOVES to be outside. We have had to resort to inside play at all sorts of places the last month. Mcwane center, library, chick fil a, McDonald's, friends houses and pools, Barnes and Noble, and last but not least....our patio. It has a little shade in the afternoon, so at least the sun is not directly on us.. But, the sweat rolls down. August should be some of the same story. But it is fun and I love to do fun things with her.

This is her "cheese face" Here she is on her 2 1/2 year birthday.. Our sweet little growing girl.

Stay cool and active

Friend

2010-07-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

This picture just makes my heart melt! They were in utero at the same time (different tummies :) and have loved each other since they were born! I am so thankful for the friends the Lord has placed in my life! I cherish those friendships and it's such a blessing to be able to lean upon them and vice versa through this earthly journey! I pray that SA and Georgia along with others continue to bless each other and grow in stature and knowledge of the Lord, Jesus Christ!

Reflecting

2010-06-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

on the Lord. I don't know what my life/our life would be like if we didn't have hope in Christ. You have heard me say it before, but my job lets me see into the lives of people. Desperate, hopeless, dependent, angry, and so so much more.. In my life I have slipped so many times, but that hope is there, it's in Christ, my deliverer. We can share the hope in Christ, we can. Let's do it. No homework required.
Freedom, contentment, assurance, joy, purpose, and redemption. Share Him this week. I am going to ask the Lord to give me an opportunity.

Embrace the camera Thursday

2010-06-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Summer time

2010-06-24T12:33:00.001-07:00

We have been fortunate to go to the beach 2 times this month. Once as a girls trip and the 2nd time with Matt, me, SA and Matt's parents, Marty and Debbie. We risked it eventhough our beaches are messed up by the oil, but it was worth the rest, relaxation and precious times as a family. My little one wouldn't look up at all, she didn't want to have a photoshoot

Daddy/daughter fun under the mushroom fountain

She is fearless in the pool, she loves everything there is about it... She doesn't want our help and she is really really beginning to swim, even under water... (Don't worry, Daddy was right there with his with arms to help)

It has been a great few weeks and we have had lots of playdates and good times. Come join us.

Its definitely summer around here.

Beach trip #2

2010-06-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to head out in the morning for our family vacation at THE BEACH.. Matt and I have been looking forward to some time away and also time to spend as a family. SA and I were fortunuate to do a beach trip with some lovely friends a couple of weeks ago. We all had such a great time together and it was a great 1st experience for the little ones.

Chillin!

As we are at the beach, (tomorrow) Mom will find out results of her treatment from the last 8 weeks.. We have been praying for excellent results because we know our Lord God has been giving Mom extra strength these last several months as she has been on chemotherapy.. Would you pray with us that her results are great and that we again can praise The Lord for continued healing of her body. We thank him all the time for strength he has provided for Mom and her incredible outlook on her situation. To God be the glory.

What word would you describe her expression?

2010-05-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

to me it says "delight".... This child is a delight to me from the giver of all good things. And when I look at this expression, I see that I should delight in the word with this same expression... Thank you God for always pricking my heart through this precious child's life, and for DELIGHTING IN ME.
Zephaniah 3:17

WHAT

2010-05-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

What you think..............is how you will live............. Al Mohler

He spoke at our church tonight and really challenged my mind.
to think. to live. for Jesus!

fun comparing

2010-05-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

JULY 2009
Maggie 19 mos, SA 17 mos, Georgia 13mos MAY 2010
Maggie 2.5 years, SA 2.3 years, Georgia 23 mos

We are definitely having fun here. Lots of activity and giggles.

FIRST

2010-05-01T19:33:00.001-07:00

haircut

She was so excited to get her haircut eventhough she didn't understand what was going to happen. Look at that face. She liked being able to look in the mirror and watch her stylist do the work!

She mostly got the ends cut off and evened out

her hair is a little frizzy but the stylist shaid she had plenty of new hair growth and said she had a lot of hair. Seems real thin to me though.

The finished product in the backa picture with the stylist. she was really great with her.
And here she is with her first haircut card with clippings of her hair... sigh........

She is growing up so fast!

Busy buzzzy

2010-04-15T19:01:00.001-07:00

Our Evenings 5-6:30 pm, are usually full of bubble blowing, walks and playing in our yard!

and sometimes we have favorite people come visit us during our evening play time.. and WE LIKE THAT!!!!

Playing outside with KK (Kerri)

One happy little girl~!

And recently we had dinner with Jack and Teri, our friends who have two kiddos: Aimee and Micah. We had lots of fun with them the other night. Teri and I made dinner together and then after we ate, we went to the park that is right next to their house.

Jack hooked up the wagon to his chair and pulled them, they thought that was lots of fun!

We joked and said this was Micah's first date with SA... Isn't he a cutie?

And sometimes you wonder, Oh I hope my child will have a sweet heart, and you pray for them to love with a servant's heart... And well, my eyes welled up when she said "I help Jack".. This is pure sweetness! ummmph I love her

Hope you are all doing well. We are busy as bees but we are having a load of fun.

Giveaway

2010-04-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Bottomly's are one of the original families that sparked my interest in adopting from Ethiopia. I have mentioned them in the past on my blog. They are truly a beautiful couple with incredible hearts. Well they are adopting again and are having a GIVEWAY on their blog. Check it out, there is not much time.. And if you haven't read their book, it is pretty terrific too!

http://bottomlysandethiopia.blogspot.com/

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hi yall,

Matt here. I thought I might try to blog this beautiful, warm Easter afternoon. This morning before church I told Avery that Jesus was alive today and that he loves us. We were going to church to celebrate Jesus being alive. I can't wait to tell her the depth of what Easter really means and for her to understand it and commit to following Jesus! But before we headed out, we took some Easter dress pictures. I loved taking her pics and believe it or not, I dressed her. I love getting her dressed up like this, but I need alot more practice on fixing her hair ( ponytail and such). Needless to say I was glad for the hat today. So without further ado...here are a few pics!

Not sure why she is sticking out her tongue. Maybe she's imitating her daddy. (I do that when I'm concentrating) Maybe she's concentrating on being so cute...

Blowing you a kiss!

This must be her serious model pose or something.

I got this with my cell phone. Too bad I couldn't get it with the real camera.

WE ARE HERE BUT NOT REALLY HAVING SO MUCH FUN

2010-03-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Baby girl has been sick since Sunday and she still sick today.. But in the midst of sickness she has a few good moments. Bless her little bones, fever and coughing has been her existence for 4 days, along with lots and lots of snuggle time with mommy..(which I love). Prior to the sickness, last Friday before MDO, we dropped her off at Heather's/Georgia to hang out before MDO. Heather was kind enough to offer to keep her so that my Mom didn't drive out to the house to take her to MDO. Sweet friend! ANyways, please look at this cute pic of SA and her little buddy Georgia as they were getting out of the bath. They are some serious cuteness!

MOM

2010-02-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Calling all my prayer warrior friends and family! Please be praying for my Mom. She begins her weekly chemo regimin today. She is looking at a minimum of 6 months in this study. To give you an update, she was approved for a national research study that will provide her with the most up to date meds fighting Renal Carcinoma, as well as have weekly appointments with the team and the Oncologist. They are all very optimistic for this treatment to be successful and we are praying accordingly. With that said, the first "arm" of the study that chosen for her treatment is a combination of Intravaeous and pill chemo..

She will have her intravaeous chemo every other Thursday but will take the pill 5 DAYS a week.. On the Thursday that she is off IV, they will do scans and evaluations, continually checking progress. We are not sure how mom will react to the meds, however the oncologist says there are minimal side effects. Fatigue is the biggest complaint..

Thank you fo praying. Please pray for Mom to have the physical strength to stand strong during the next 6 months and for her body to respond to the medicine in a successful way. Thank you.

Matt's trip to the ENT

2010-02-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

For some strange reason, she has always checked her daddy's ears

and his nose

but the mouth was new tonight!

She is the funniest little girl, and we love her so

and this

2010-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

IS how I found my little one this morning when I opened up her door. I heard her talking from the monitor, so I looked to see if she was sitting up and it looked like she had her hat on, so I immediately went and got the camera.. She cracks me up!

Mom

2010-02-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sarah Avery and her Nanna making a birthday cake for Jesus

So, my mom had her biopsy today of her pelvis. They deadened the area and went in with a long needle to extract from the bone. We are praying for a miracle. She is doing fine, she is taking some pain medicine and should be fairly sore for a couple of days. She meets with the oncologist on Feb 11th, so please of please be praying for all of us.

Thank you

and these couples are the reason why......

2010-01-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

I believe that God started putting Ethiopia on my heart. Matt and I both believe that God has called our family to adoption. Matt was very open to adoption even in our dating when I expressed my desire to adopt one day. Even a neater story is that Matt's mother was an orphan and ward of the state, adopted when she was 6 months old. But that is her story and she can share it with you someday. We started considering adoption and praying casually about it just 2 years ago. Beautifully, God planted Africa on my heart many years ago and when I was reading adoption blogs, I was drawn to a particular couple who adopted their daugther from Ethiopia. Everything about their story drew my heart. They had a biological child and 2 adopted children. After reading their blog for awhile, I found this other couple and instantly started following their story and I even bought a book that they wrote. And thus began the connection to Ethiopia. Over the months as Matt and I have read blogs and watched Gotcha videos, we have seen what a beautiful love story adoption is. Our first and foremost love story is with our Creator who has crafted us in His amazing plan and adopted us as his children. He didn't leave us as orphans. It is with this truth and assurance as His children that we see earthly adoption of children as part of his plan and something that we should be joyfully doing. There are over 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia alone and we are excited to see what God is going to do in our lives with bringing one or two into our family.

We don't know when, how or where right now but we do know that the Lord has given Matt and I a passion for this. Please pray with us as we wait for his leading. And without further ado, please view the videos below to see the couples that first put Ethiopia and her people in my heart!

The first family is the Lehman family:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR-1yN__fZo

The second family is the Bottomly family:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpkT8nWPDPM

Urgent Call for Prayer

2010-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

It is with a heavy heart and even fear right now at this point that I ask for your prayers. Please pray for my Mom, Janie McCallie. In June she had her right kidney removed because there was a cancerous tumor. She had an amazing doctor who removed it swiftly and efficiently. Almost two weeks ago she went in for a follow up screening and had several cat scans. Everything looked great in the liver and organs surrounding it. Then the doctor noticed there was a notch on her hip bone that looked suspicious so they wanted her to have a Petscan which would test tissues and cells and all sorts of things. She got her results today. Doctor told her that there are two spots of cancer that are called "renal carcinoma" that are sitting on her hip bone and one on her pelvis. He told her that she would go to oncology next Thursday to begin treatment and that there was a new chemo medicine that has proven successful. Please, Please be praying for healing and strength for my Mom as she approaches her appointment next week and finds out what the treatment will look like. My Mom is so strong, but she is shocked right now and we just all need your prayers.

praying for a miracle

2010-01-11T21:25:00.001-08:00

God is Good and God is Great

All I have to do is look at this child and see God's faithfulness

UNBELIEVABLE

2010-01-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

I am at work and my Mom just told me that when she and SA were leaving Costco, that SA asked for a hot dog. Mom casually said that I bought her one and took the skin off it and she ate the whole thing. Ok, the whole thing? Mom, Costco hot dogs are foot long. "yeah, she ate the whole thing without bread"..... Oh boy. Tonight she gets fruits and veggies!

Love

2009-12-30T06:42:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love this little child. THANK YOU SWEET LORD for such a precious gift. I am reminded of your kindness everytime I look into her eyes.

These lovely pics were taken by our cousin Bec who is a talented photographer in Raleigh.

We enjoyed some family time with the Mill's over thanksgiving at their friends lake house nestled in a beautiful location.
It was totally freezing and it was difficult to not have chattering teeth during our pics, but Bec managed to get some great shots.
This little one thinks she is supposed to squat when you say "let's take your picture".. It's pretty funny. Anyways, I hope you enjoy them and maybe one of them will be on the upcoming New Years card that we will be sending out.. Look in your mailbox soon.
LOVE

we will be back soon.

2009-12-19T17:57:00.001-08:00

Matt is staying at his parents house because he is very sick and contageous. Sarah Avery and I are camping out at my parents for a few days so that we can get gifts bought, wrapped and goodies made. It's going to be a very busy few days and we are SO looking forward to Christmas with our little girl. Hopefully her daddy will feel better by Christmas Eve. Please say a prayer for Matt.

new giveaway

2009-12-10T11:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a giveaway that is going on with a family's blog that I read most every week. I love reading her blog.

http://www.mycrazyadoption.com/

If you click on this then you will see that she has a giveaway going on that you can join in on.. Check it out and maybe learn a little about adoption along the way!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read our blog. This week was a lot of fun. We took a 9 hour car drive to Northern North Carolina to a place called Hyco Lake. Matt's Aunt and Uncle stay at this lake house quite a bit because their friend own it and lend it out to them. This year was fun for all of Matt's family to get together and enjoy the fellowship of family and fishing. We left at 7:30 pm and drove all through the night so that SA would sleep for most of the drive. The plan worked out fairly well. We left at 3:30 am coming home and she slept most all of the way home. SOOOO, easy trip for us on our first long drive vacation.
We spent one evening praying over Matt's grandparents and their health. It was a special time for all of us to reflect upon how Good God is and the incredible godly people the two of them have been. Matt's grandfather's life song is basically evangelism. What an example of God's love they are!!!
SA played with her cousin Corban and really enjoyed playing ping pong, and other fun things. Matt got out on the boat a few times. One day we just drove around looking at the pretty country hills and houses.
A lovely time had by all, but I sure did miss my family.

Corban (cousin) and Sarah Avery on Thanksgiving Day

Matt all fired up over the first couple of quarters of the Auburn and Alabama game
Matt's beautiful cousins
Allison and Rebecca

Mimi and Pops
Mammee and Pop (Matt's wonderful and sweet Grandparents)
Uncle Ricky, Uncle David, Aunt Annette, Mammee, Allison and Lila

The side view of the house looking onto the lake. SO so soso pretty

what is next for the Lange's?

2009-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

So, we pray

God is in Control

2009-11-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

" O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. "

Psalm 10: 17, 18

We pray

ORPHAN, PERSECUTION

2009-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

These words don't sound very lovely do they? What if you were an orphan? What if you were being persecuted and no one cared or prayed for you? This month of November is the month to celebrate adoption and I say celebrate because I have heard that it is one of the most beautiful ways to understand the Love of God. I think I do kind of understand because I know that I was adopted. BY GOD. He loved me so much that he chose to take me into his family regardless if I was his own blood. Thank you Lord. Thank you.
(10,000 lives were spared from abortion during the 40 days of life, some of those babies will need to be adopted). Thank you God for your love for us!

Persecuted is another word that we don't wrap our minds around much at all here in Alabama. Well November 8th is not only a day to pray for and give to orphans, it is also the day when we should grieve and pray for the persecuted church. Scripture tells us that we will be persecuted for our faith. There are many many believers in our world that are being tortured and persecuted because they chose The Way. To love The Master. To have faith in the ONE true God. To go against all the false gods. Do you know their stories or who they are? Do you think about them?

Please Please Please pray for 147 million orphans that need food, shelter, a loving family and most of all, the knowledge and faith in the One True God.

And Please please please pray for those believers that are suffering for Christ.

This weekend and all month our hearts should be overflowing with thankfulness for all the we have.. BUT we should be restless in our lives to pray and be concerned for all of God's children throughout our world.

IF you want to know how to give to Orphan ministries or if you need resources on the persecuted church, please let me know.. Leave me a comment.

Girlfriends just........

2009-11-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

GOTTA HAVE FUN!

Hope your week is going well!

oh BOY

2009-10-30T19:19:00.001-07:00

Sarah Avery loves the Boys....

See this darling little fella? Well, his name is Tyler and he is one of SA's friends from MDO. I debated whether or not to post this, and then decided that I want to. So, here ya go:

This handsome little guy pursued my daughter today at MDO by holding her sweet little hand... you heard me right. What a sweet little friend. The teachers told Amy (Tyler's mom) that "he made the first move"... hahhahaaaa..This is such a sweet little age when they are learning who their little buddies are.

You are a sweet friend Tyler!

Amazima

2009-10-28T20:53:00.001-07:00

20 years old, mother of 14. Oh how I know the Lord must be rejoicing and singing over her.

Through the Holy Spirit, Katie's witness is shaking my heart up.

Orphan Sunday, November 8th. Pray for the 147 million orphans around our world.

How can you be involved? Pray for orphans to have food, shelter and and God's love demonstrated to them. Give $ to ministries that are feeding orphans, or give $ to a family who is adopting an orphan. OR if you are able, adopt.

(weren't we all orphans?) "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14: 18

"we who have been rescued will desire to rescue others. We who have received the good news will desire to build families where the gospel can be demonstrated and relayed". ~Justin Taylor

goodness

2009-10-25T20:49:00.001-07:00

How good is this? Seriously, How good is God to give me the most incredible little amazing child. She is beyond sweet and full of all kinds of love. She has all her little friends all tucked into her at this moment.. She is holding on to baby monkey (he has a paci, just like her), phx zoo monkey(thanks Kayla), baby (thanks Elle), baby kitty and tiny monkey... Yes, she loves monkeys.
Anyways, today I have thought a lot about how good the Lord is. I won't forget. I am so thankful for my salvation and the peace that He brings my soul.

We are back

2009-10-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Me and my little girl...

Will post pictures and write a brief summary of our trip to Colorado and Arizona soon. SA and are both feeling the effects of three different time zones in 1 week.

whoa

2009-10-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well here lately I have been reading a few blogs that have been breaking my heart. I believeThe Lord has led me to these blogs to minister to a heart that has desires that only He knows how to comfort. Only He knows how to show me that there is hope in those desires. These desires are not necessarily pretty or easy or even what many feel called to be part of, but my Jesus put them in there and He knows specifically how to show me that He has a way of ministering to me in the midst of the time I wait to see and experience how he will bring them out in my life and my family. When I meet someone who is living out what I believe God called me to do, it just mushes inside to my core and brings out a beautiful thought life of "one day I think this will be me and I trust the Lord to bring it"....

It's ok if you don't understand specifically what I am talking about, but I would like to share a portion of her blog with you. I have been running to her blog everyday to see what the Lord is doing in her.. Oh my how I just stand in awe of an amazing God who is using one 20 year old lady in ways that baffle me and bring me to my knees knowing that He who is faithful will complete the work in me.

"My dear children, I am with you. I watch closely as you struggle for holiness. Often, you are uncertain of your spiritual condition. You strive to serve but feel conflicted by the times in which you are serving. There are some things that all humanity deals with regardless of where in history they are placed. First, there will always be a difference between the world’s path and heaven’s path. These two paths, while they can run along side each other for increments, will always separate. Ultimately, each man will have to choose. Every man, to a greater or lesser degree, will have to contend with choosing first good over evil and then he will have to make another choice and that is the choice of choosing My plan for his life over his own plan for his life. After that, the choices become even more studied in that the man must choose My plan in each day, in each task and even in each moment. You may say, dear apostle, that this is a difficult call for a man, to study his actions in each day. You may say, this is asking a lot. You are right. I, Jesus, am asking a lot of you. I ask for your full commitment and I do so without apology. Dearest apostles, if you give me your full commitment, there is no limit to what I can do. Look at your life. You have said yes to me on many days. Examine what I have done with your yes answers. Consider what I am building with the commitments of so many children of God who are willing to be directed by the Saviour, their King. I am building a structure of love. I am building a structure through which many are returning. Truly, your hearts, open and filled with My love, call out to others. You provide for Me a welcome to those who feel separated. If they can be taken into your heart for even a brief moment and experience Me, with My love, then they will have the courage to both approach Me directly and to accept Me directly. Please, do not count the sacrifices when you consider your service. Do not count the loss of worldly respect. Count only the souls who are comforted and consoled. Count the repentance and healing of so many who have been restored to unity with heaven. Count the humility that I have bestowed on you, dear apostle, since you began to learn about true holiness. I am your King. I can give you anything. I choose to give you peace and holiness. I choose to make of you a resolute servant. Accept My will in your life and you will then be able to accept all of the graces heaven has stored up for you. "Message from Anne, lay apostle

lots going on here

2009-09-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

She wants to sit in the chair by herself and rock it while she reads her book at bedtime. She wants to do it all by herself.

Her Pops brought over a new book for her that Mimi bought.. It's called "goodnight moon" to go along with her obsession of the moon.. This child loves the moon!

We went to the little farm at Oak Mountain with some friends. She had a great time touching the animals..The goats wouldn't stay off her and she was ok with it.. Didn't bother her one bit.

Just a picture to make you smile..

Independence

2009-09-22T20:41:00.001-07:00

What is that? I tried out a little test run yesterday on "tee tee in the potty" and she went 2 for 2... You heard it! She loved it, laughed and even danced with Momma when she was done. The 10 times we have tried since, have been non-eventful! smile. She is 19mos, knows when she has gone #2, but aside from that, I do believe that is really all she understands at this point.. We are going to keep showing her and letting her sit on "her potty chair" when we can, and hopefully in a month or so, she might understand it more..

Aside from that, this little baby is a little GIRL now.. Her new thing this week is "hold it" and "do it".... This means that SHE wants to hold and do everything herself. SO cute!

I am starting to gain energy and recover from my multi-illness. The steroids, antibiotics and cough syrup have helped.. Please pray with us that no one else gets really sick in the house..

Hope you have a great week! Love from Birmingham!

I'm a big kid now!

2009-09-17T20:14:00.001-07:00

This is a big deal to us... She is eating
a 1/2 sandwhich with the crust on it
sometimes. This particular day she was eating a pimento cheese sandwhich. YAY!

Big girl

"momma do you like see food?"

Showing off her skills of eating her veggie straws as well as sporting the juice from her orange on her shirt.

1st day of school (mother's day out)

2009-09-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

This is SA's 2nd season of Mother's Day out. It's from 9am -1pm a couple days a week. Last September when she started, she was 8 mos old and it's so sad for me to think about in a way but this time she was 19 mos when she began. She is growing up so fast. I am so thankful that I put her in this program at my church because it has really been great for her to be around other children since she pretty much is always with me, Matt, Mom/Dad or Debbie. We had a great summer having many different play dates with other kids, so she kept up with her time with other children. But this fall she begins a much more intentional learning period in her life. SO, with that said, we will call it "school".. OH, and btw,
her teachers this year have been teaching together for 17
years at my church. I think they might know what they
are doing!

Her favorite duck

I was at work, so it was Debbie's day to keep her and she took her into school. I was lucky and got to leave work for an hour to see her on her 1st day.. Happy girl!

The story on the hat: She was at home with Matt prior to leaving for her 1st day of school and put her summer hat on. When it was time to leave, she didn't want to part with the hat, nor did she want to part from it when she got to school. SO, I just let her wear it! why not...

smile!!!

2009-09-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Matt sent this picture to me this morning. He titled it "little miss sunshine"... That is some good bed head baby!

new potential film

2009-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this information on one of my friends blogs (thanks April).

I am posting this website because of the topic that it addresses, abortion. There is a potential new movie coming out on this topic in America. At this point, I really have no opinion, but WOW...

There is therefore, now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

http://www.bloodmoneyfilm.com/

what's going on here

2009-08-31T19:45:00.001-07:00

All sorts of things going on here. 1st, she got on this chair in her room all by herself with her book and my cell phone in tow. How? Please take a look at her feet. She put those sandals on herself, and over her fotted pajamas. Paci in her mouth, texting and reading.. WOW.. What a kid!

This is a really fun age.. Lovin it!

This is what she looked like shortly after the chair incident. Looks like somebody got hot and then had a rollover accident

our silly girl

2009-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

She is all about wearing glasses and hats these past few days.

more patio

2009-08-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

almost done. All we have to do is paint it.

Birthday fun with her cousin

2009-08-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

Drew and SA on his 1st birthday.
Drew is Andy's son.
SA definitely had fun checking out his new wagon

Giving the birthday boy a kiss

Thinking

2009-08-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

"Being unwanted,
unloved, uncared for,
forgotten by everybody,
I think that is a much greater hunger,
a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."
~Mother Teresa

"she's not a baby anymore"

2009-08-17T19:29:00.001-07:00

18 Month check-up and shots

This little monkey is still growing
the same way she has all along. We
are so very thankful for a great report of her mental/physical development. Dr. Amy felt her head and said "her soft spot is gone, she isn't a baby anymore". aooooooohhhhhhh.

So here are her stats:

31.75 inches long 50%

21.50 lbs. 10%

speaking over 50 words and putting some of them together..Such as "bye bye water, big truck, rain , wet"
Yay!!! Oh, and she runs

Here is her sweet Doctor and SA liked her today but probably won't any longer because I think she will remember that she gets shots from now on.. She called her "octor" How cute is that?

She didn't like the shots today and spent the whole ride home and all the way through lunch telling me that she had an owie and hurt. owie, hurt. hurt momma, owie.. and this was in a sweet little whiney voice.. Needless to say, she had a great nap!

CEL E BRATE good times, come on!

2009-08-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

My girl Kerri had a birthday yesterday and we had a fun time celebrating her. In this picture is Heidi, Kerri, Cheley and Celeste.
La Reunion Coffee Cafe, Helena.
Very good times talking and listening to music..

Love LOVE LUV this girl ~~~ and this one too!

God has put some incredible girls in my life who have helped point me to the Lord, walk through trials with, pick me up when I have been face down on the ground, and live life to the full with. If you are that friend to me, THANK YOU!

Jn: 15:12-15

He is so sweeet to us.

some BIG girl stuff

2009-08-10T19:50:00.001-07:00

Yep, she has discovered her belly button Looking for Dada to come home

She has mastered stacking the blocks!

LOVES to read her books.. Please notice how cute her little feet are all propped up so her

knees bend to hold the book.. She does this all the time

Learning how to place her rings on the pole by size.. She does not have it mastered~

Also, if you look at her little desk, that is the desk that Matt's parents re-did

for her. It was Debbie's as a child and then Matt used it too when he was her age.

They did some art work on it with her name. Cute!
Her newest thing is "Draw". This child loves to draw

A Full day

2009-07-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

We had some visitors today and it was FUN.. My cool friend Sherry brought Elle over to play with SA and they had a great time together. After they played awhile and had their snacks, we took off to go shopping at a new store where we could all save even more money on our bargain shopping trips. Thanks for coming over and hanging out Elle, see ya soon! Sherry, I had fun with you tooooo.

aawww, what pretty little face. They both wanted to sit on the bench. They are about 3 months apart. Sweetness

Then, my friend Cheley called and said they were going to be out our way and wanted to stop by. How awesome is that? Love, love, luv Cheley, and here she is bringing the kiddos out! Her two older boys were at VBS.

I say kids, because Cheley and Marty are doing Respid Foster parenting and this little cutie has been with them all week.. Such a sweetie. Cheley has an enormous heart and I am sooo soooooo proud of her for being used by God to minister to little kiddos.

Here is her son Eli on SA's little rocking chair and he had a good time sitting on it. Isn't he cute?

Now on to the projects of the day.. We are having an

extension put on to our patio and the work began

TODAY.. SA was having a blast looking out the door

watching the big machinery tear up the ground. She

also was loving seeing her Uncle Andy who is the

Foreman on the job! :) She was calling Uncle Andy

"DeeDAY" today. Yah, I don't know.

A picture of it before

And now a work in progress

WHAT A DAY.. Lots of fun and

activity over here. Whew, now I

am going to bed...

oh Mrs. Heather

2009-07-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

If I could have understood what SA was trying to tell

me about her day with Mrs. Heather and Georgia, I am

sure it would have been something like this:

"Momma, Mrs. Heather is so sweet, she rocked me

and sang to me before she layed me down for my

naps.

Momma, Mrs. Heather is really silly, I mean, Look at

me in this picture. We had so much fun, she let me

try on all these head bands and she said "ooooh

Sarah Avery don't you just look so pretty, try these

glasses on cuz I know your momma would love those.
seriously, look at how fun this is"

Momma, Mrs. Heather is very kind, she loved on me

and took care of me all day even when she was tired

and Georgia didn't feel so hot, we still all still had a

good day.

OOoooooh, Momma, I didn't really wanna leave

because I was having so much fun. When can I go back?"

WE LOVE YOU MRS. HEATHER and thank You and Georgia

for taking care of SA and playing on Wednesday.

"outside"

2009-07-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

My little one decided it was time to go "ouside" after the rain. So, here we go!
She loved splashing Look at the curls in her hair

Playing on the wet slide

MUCH FUN.. Come play with us!

Covenant

2009-07-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

I, DeDe, receive you Matt, as a gift from God,
I joyfully receive you to be my partner in life,
to have and to care for from this day forward,
in times of sorrow and in times of happiness, in
times of poverty and in times of properity, in
times of sickness and in times of well-being,
to love and to enjoy, till death makes us
separate again. I pledge my love to you this day.

That is what I said to Matt on July 8th, 2006.
We just celebrated our 3rd year of marriage
and as I reflect back on that pledge, God still
brings to mind that it is more than just a pledge,
it is a covenant. It is THE only human covenant relationship. When I think about that, I am humbled
by God's goodness. Humbled because we have
both messed up on several occasions and He has
been faithful to send the Holy Spirit to rescue us.
Thank you to the Lord Jesus who
knows our needs and provides beautifully the spouse
that we have and will remain in covenant with.

Anniversary stay: Ross Bridge Resort, 3 years in a row! Love it!
Look at those beautiful roses that Matt had delivered to our hotel Room.

Self portrait, and the only one we took

The view from our room and the

same view on our wedding night, I

might add

SA hung out with us in the afternoon

We had a great time in the pool!

paci dependency

2009-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

She asked for her paci while she was in her playroom and I told her that she could have it when she went down for her nap.. To her credit, her teeth are coming in and her mouth hurts, but...Next thing I knew I heard her doing something in her room, grabbed the camera and this is what I found!

Moving her blanket out of the way to get to the closest paci.

Whoooop, there it is!ahhhhhh, happy

ok, a few more funny and cute pics

2009-07-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

She is all about doing everything herself these days. so, check out those shoes! I told her that it was time to go take her morning nap, and this is what she did!

Doodle time! Concentrating really good. Just cute as can be in the morning, wish I was.. hahahaa

Having fun with Momma and Dadda at Ross Bridge resort's pool. I crashed their

anniversary party! :)

pool bubbles are fun

Her favorite part about the pool was the "no entry" pool. Being able to walk in herself

and gradually get deeper and deeper.. Fun

She helped me bring in the groceries, except she brought them into the living room. ha

Matt put this diaper on her head and she liked it so she wore it for quite awhile

this is how I found her waking up from her nap.. .look what is laying next to her!... She gets this honestly

And showing off nonetheless... Funny girl

1st lake visit

2009-07-09T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hey ya'll, we made it, let's see what this lake stuff is all about!

Matt's brother Andy and his wife Carol have a place at the lake and so does his mother in-law Regina. They invited us all up for the 4th and we had a really fantastic time with everyone. It was probably one of the best days I have had in a long time. Here is the run down on everyone that was there: Andy, Carol, Drew, Regina and her mother, Marty, Debbie, Matt, me, SA and Heidi. They cooked a delicious lunch and Andy is like the master at smoking meat. WOW, yum!

SA and her cousin Drew (Doo)Pops

she really liked sitting on this chair at Regina's.

Uncle Andy showing her the ropes. (She wasn't too sure about it all at this point)

Getting more comfortableBam, I think she's got it!I love this face. She is frustrated with not being able to unlatch her life vest.Whew, tired and hungry! Lake timeLoving it!

The fun of water vessels Matt too.

Relaxing

My camera battery died and I was unable to get pictures the rest of the day, but..... Andy towed out his old dock and put it in the middle of their slew area and tied it up. That night we all watched an incredible fireworks show put on by him and his friends. Here is the fun part. We were in the boat out on the water watching it. SA kept saying "birthday" everytime they shot them off. So SOOOOO fun. Loved this day.

More new experiences that are stressing Momma out!

2009-07-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

So my friend Heidi was watching SA one day two weeks ago and during nap time was watching her on the monitor play in her crib.. Heidi looked over at the monitor and saw her straddling the top bar of her bed and ran in there after her. She was half way over the bed. So that day, the bumper pads were removed. Then the other day I am talking with a friend and was in her room and she didn't want to come out of her bed so I just let her stay in her bed as I talked on the phone. Low and behold if the baby doesn't get her little body all wrapped up on the pole doing a baby pull up in the corner to the point she was on top of the crib.. SO, I am sorry, but I told her no and put her back in the bed and ran to get my camera.. Here is what I was able to document on film. It's not as good as it was prior to that, but boy howdy it is enough to stress me out.. Seriously, I am NOT prepared for this stage in the game. She is 17 mos and I like the crib for her, but apparently she has other ideas... ON to toddler bed shopping. Oh well. It's still fun..

"hey Momma, I have some new moves"

"hmm, let me see how I am going to do this "How about those teeth finally coming in~
"check this out"

New experiences

2009-07-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Heido! Liking the tigers

She played with the big kids at the water fountain

Happy baby.. loved looking at the ...... Pink Flamingos. She thought these Flamingos were the best thing ever.. She kept

walking back to them even after we tried to block her, she broke through. Funny..

Flamingos, who would have thought?

Hanging out on Dada's shoulders

a new do

2009-07-06T14:08:00.001-07:00

Our lovely friend Heidi has been keeping SA on the days that my Mom normally keeps her
due to her most recent surgery. Heidi has long hair and has some talent with new styles.
With that said, she had a little fun on SA and I think it is SO Sooooo cute... Check it out!
Thanks Heidi for having fun with her and taking good care of her.

BUT doesn't she look so much older? I think she looks like the most adorable 3 year old.

outside play with Dada and Momma

2009-07-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

She has grown fond of the water hose.. She is filling up her pool here First time running through the sprinkler.. Do you remember doing that as a kid? We
had the best time doing this with her.. She was a little apprehensive

She likes sitting in her pool on hot days!

Playing hard

2009-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Georgia came over to play and boy did they have a good time. Despite the door repairman making lots of noise and letting flies in all day, these girls played till their hearts contenet.

Before we knew it, they had been playing for 3 hours. WOW

They both pushed each other on the car!

SOO pretty
SOO pretty

Tuckered out after the play date

Come play with us sometime!

someone to honor

2009-06-24T20:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Dadda day! Well that is what we taught SA to say. It was so cute hearing her say

"dadda day" throughout the day.. This is such a fun age where they repeat what you say..
It was a great day celebrating and honoring our Dad's. We are so very thankful for all 3 of you~

Here she is with Pops. (Matt's Dad) And Papa (my Dad)

Nanna and Papa

Here she is with her Dadda. Look at her eyes, she was struggling right before church to get a nap, but it didn't work out with timing.. Awwww.

Sweet Dadda

Well lookie there.. She did get her nap in! During a little ride on the Bye bye buggy at Sunday school.... SOOO SOO FUNNY!

whew

2009-06-24T20:25:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot going on in our lives!
First we celebrated Georgia Marie's 1st Birthday! Look at that cutie. 3 little ladies at play ~ Georgia, Maggie and SA . All three trying to have their turn at Georgia's new "ride".

OUCH!

2009-06-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sarah Avery is doing well, aside from lots of pain from teething several teeth at the same time. She is 16 months old now and currently has 3 visible teeth with 3 barely showing. Because she is teething this late, most all of her first teeth will come around the same time. OUCH! She has had many restless naps, afternoons and evenings. She was crying so hard the other night we had to bring her into our room to try and settle her down. Here is a picture of one sweet dadda and his little girl! She fell asleep in his arms and I took her back to the crib.

What about you?

2009-05-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

I need to pray much much more!

Today my heart has hurt for the Beam family and God has prompted to pray for people I don't even know.

This prompting to me is evidence that God is VERY REAL and his Spirit is within me. This reminder/evidence is so precious to me at this very moment.

What evidence have you recently experienced that you see God in?

a grand ole' time

2009-05-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

Our getaway began in the 1800's, wellllll kind of! Our vacation spot was The Grand Hotel, Pt. Clear, AL (on the Mobile bay) and it opened up in the 1800's.

DeDe and I took a couple days off of work and we really enjoyed just being together alone with no agenda. The hotel was used as a hospital during the civil war, a training camp in WWII, has been destroyed by fire and has been renovated several times over the last 100 years. Ironically, this hotel, despite it's eventful past has been a long standing tradition in vacation spots for many families in the south and beyond. One of the first things about the property was the gorgeous grounds filled up with big Oak trees, fountains, color, flowers and greenary. It had a marina, along with a small private beach, pier and backyard a plenty. We stayed in the main building which is the oldest and most original part of the whole resort, unaware that there were three weddings planned nearby the same weekend. We were treated to "high tea" and cookies at 4pm each day and sat around the center of the hotel speaking with people.

We took advantage of the great weather while laying out at the wonderful pool, visited fairhope on a few occasions for food and shopping, met a few intriguing locals, and even ate at a gas station that had no sign out front. But I think the best part of it all was just being together, laughing and relaxing.

Despite the amazing time, we missed our little 15mos old and next time she will be going with us!

So here are a few shots of our getaway. Matt

Below is a pedal cart called a "surrey".. This thing required some serious foot power but lots of fun and complimentary from the hotel.

Summer Fun

2009-05-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Me and my Dada playing on my slide. We like to be outside in the early evenings when he gets home from work..

This is me in my play room and this is what I do.. Play hard and play harder.

Here is me with my girlfriend Georgia in my fun froggy swimming pool. I am just chillin waiting

on that water to fill up my froggy.

We were so ready for the water, but didn't know how cold it was going to be. This is me out at the park with my girlfriend Maggie. She had her cool glasses on so my Mommy thought I should have mine on and I don't like them that much. Maggie kept hers on the whole time.

And here is me and Maggie swinging High up in the sky. We had a great day at the park.

Shall I

2009-05-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

I am wondering if I should continue to post? I think that several people read the blog because I had requests when I made it private that people wanted access. I am however confused because I normally get 1 comment or so on each post so I don't know if anyone is really reading...

Please let me know what you think.. I care to know.

15 month check-up

2009-05-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, we love Dr. Amy. She is on top of Sarah Avery's care and is really smart. With that said, here is the update on the little munchkin. I am not bragging, really, I just want you to know where she is in her development.

She got a healthy report. Praise God, her ears are clear and no more infection. From now on when we see drainage we are supposed to call Dr. Amy and she will call in drops for her ears.. No more antibiotics.

I counted today and she knows approximately 18 words well! Dr. Amy wanted her to know about 4. She is pointing and responding to directions well and can even tell me what she wants
by pointing. That is very helpful.

Her physique is somewhat average. She is 30" tall which puts her in the 40%. Her head circumfrence is 45% and her weight is 20.3 lbs which puts her at 10%. She predicted that she will continue a longer skinny look. She was pleased with her nutrition.

She got two shots and screamed her head off. Supposedly from 18 mos on to 3 years of age, the kiddos don't like their Dr. much because they remember everything from 15 mos on. That is kinda sad, isn't it? I told SA to give Dr. Amy a hug because it might be the last time she is sweet to her until she is about 3. Dr. Amy thought that was funny.

That is all. We are thankful for this little bundle of goodness from an AMAZING CREATOR GOD.

LOTS

2009-05-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since a post. I am going to just throw in some pictures and think about writing more later another day.. Here are some funny pictures over the last month. Enjoy. My little baby is now 15 months old.

My Mom found her like this after a nap last week. How did she do that?

She loves pickles! This cracked the grandma's up so they took this picture.

Dadda's new game. Put letters all over her head!
Her new game! Squeez herself and everything else in this little box.

Pre Easter

Easter Sunday

her and Drew

Botanical Gardens

2009-04-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Rolling on the prickly grass, tickle tickle

Just pure sweetness!

This was our first trip to the botanical gardens...Our group was my mom DeDe, Heidi (my mom's friend from Colorado), Mrs. Heather and my buddy Georgia. Playing with her is a lot of fun and I am looking forward to when we grow up a little more.. Next time we need to have a few more kids with us! I'm working on running here, running where they have to come catch me.
I have lots of fun with Mrs. Heather, she loves to make me laugh, she may have been singing one of her silly songs.

My mom said I needed a diaper change...but I don't like to participate most of the time...So, I wriggled out of my momma's grasp and if you will look past Georgia on the right side....yep that's my bum. Everyone thought it was so funny that I was in a public place with no pants on they decided to let me run "free" for a few minutes. BUT, Isn't Georgia so cute?

Left bum cheek

Knee chunk

Frugality

2009-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am doing my best to be as frugal as I can be. I am starting to see that it is making a difference. The one way that I am saving a ton of money is in our grocery shopping. I am using lots and lots of coupons and arranging my buys based on what is on sale for the week and trying to make meals out of those items.. Now, this is time consuming and using brain power which mine is not that strong anymore.. hahahaaaaa.. I will show you what I bought this week and show you what I paid:

$107.89 dollars of groceries.

sausage, butters, eggs, lots of frozen veggies, soups, dressings, baby food, baby washcloths, cresent rolls, bread rolls, bugles chips, fresh mozzerella, nuts and almonds and YObaby yougurt..

I paid: $52.10 out of my pocket. I had $23.00 worth of coupons to give and by buying the items on sale there was a $33 dollars in savings..

Now what can I do with it? I am going to make an egg casserole. I am going to make a pasta dish that will use the mozerella and some of the veggies and of course my pasta from last sale..Along with the breads that I bought. I am going to make a pizza out of the other pillsbury bread I got.

Matt uses dressing like crazy because he dips all his veggies in it for his lunch.. The fun about buying like this is that I have a stockpile of other groceries that will complement my buys today.. Yay!!!

A few of my friends have asked how I am saving the money and this is how.. My lovely friend Sherry Thomas has trained me into the art of coupons with shopping.. I have always used coupons but now there is a hard core strategy.

Busted

2009-03-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when they are old enough to grab things off counters. This happened at light speed this afternoon when I went to the restroom! everything was out of my wallet, everything!

We are beginning teething season at the Lange household. It is finally here and I didn't even notice until my friend Heather pointed out her two little bulges this morning. SA did fine most

of the day but the evening ended in some trying times for the little one. But this is just part of it

and we are relieved that she DOES HAVE TEETH. She will be 14 mos when those little bugars make their appearance. Dr. Amy says that by 18mos all children have all their first teeth, so she is in for it in the next 4 mos. Please pray for her because she has a fresh new ear infection and if tonight was only a hint of what is to come, she needs your prayers.

Biter bisquit ~ trying anything to help give her some relief. Now that is a baby in need of a clean-up!

A few new things

2009-03-23T20:19:00.001-07:00

She loves to share and gets very happy when you eat it.

A sure sign of Spring! She looks adorable in these little flippies and even walked decently in them. Her foot looks big in this picture but she is still in a size 3 with room to grow.

Like Dadda, like daughter! Weird positions!

SOME new things

2009-03-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Just a few things here: Happy Birthday Papa, we love you bunches eventhough her face looks unhappy.

A few things to notice:

Hair. Bufont, whispy and wavy. Bows are out of the question with her at this present time. Every time she goes down for a nap or for bed, there is NO TELLING what her hair will look like when she wakes up. It is buck wild.

Body: She is a big girl. She is walking very prissy. She swings her bottom and sashays all over the house while insisting on carrying at least one item in her hand. She always has one hand with her fingers pointed to the ground. She is a dainty little walker.. BUT watch out because she is into climbing. Pictures soon to come of the places we are beginning to find her.

Leisure time: She is all about text messaging. Not for real but sometimes even calls people and no, she hasn't called 9-1-1 yet. She enjoys reading her books. All day! This last week she realized that there were things hanging on the wall and items sitting on shelves. Hilarious. She wakes up and the first things she does is point to picture on the wall and says "HEY". She also likes looking at the babies/kids on the refrigerator.

Time change: whatever! The baby had no understanding of a time change and some of these pics where she has no pants on were taken at nap time when her body refused a nap until about 4 pm. Thankfully we are back on track and it is Thursday.. She is back to sleep at 7p now.

hope you enjoy. luv

such moments

2009-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Kellen did a photo shoot with the 3 of us. We both realize that we will never have these moments back with Sarah Avery and wanted to capture her sweet little self while she was still a little wobbly and we weren't chasing her down. ha. It was very early on a Saturday morning in downtown Leeds. I hope you enjoy. Here are a few to wet your whistle. Now I have to decide which ones to print.

INTRODUCING

2009-02-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

"The Walker"

Sarah Avery has been taking a few steps throughout the day and got up to taking 7 steps. She didn't seem too interested in moving around on her feet so much, and I am not the one to try and encourage her in this process. My theory is that she will walk when she is ready! I guess I think that way with most things. ha! Well she woke up on the 24th and I believe she thought "today is the day I will start walking". She is now walking all the time. It is soooo cute and funny. I, of course I am at another sad point in our little girls life where I realize that the little baby is quickly fading away. It's quite sad. I have mixed emotions with many things as I see her acomplish her little stages, but I love her so much and am excited that she has soared through development. We are so thankful for her and the incredible little gal that she is. I mean listen to that sweet little personality on the video.

This morning I prayed as I was feeding her the morning bottle that those little feet would be beautiful one day as she brings the Good News to the lost.

STAY TUNED, Next comes chasing her down!

on to new heights

2009-02-19T18:24:00.000-08:00

SA has now figured out how to climb so we are watching her go on to new heights.

In this picture you will see that she is quite comfortable squatting on her little chair

and has no fear of standing in this chair trying to maneuver a way over to get on top

of her door toy behind it. Needless to say, playtime has to pretty much be monitored

most all of the time now.

Love

2009-02-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Here are my Love's on Valentines day! So cute!

We are sending out our love to all of you.

Our friend Heather made this little shirt for her, how cute is it? She is so fun and talented. Thanks Heather.

SA pictures

2009-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

family photos

2009-02-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

So thankful

2009-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is her in her room waiting on surgery

She is always trying to figure out what is going on

This is her afterwards, what a sweet little time with her. Her face is swollen here.

Thank you everyone who has prayed for SA's surgery today and for her well being. We arrived at Children's South at 6am and to our surprise were MANY other little babies waiting for their name to be called. Thankfully, they put us in to a room rather quickly. We went over medical history and forms and such and then before we knew it, they were taking her back. Both Matt and I were doing ok until we had to give her to the nurse and WHEW was that hard. Pretty soon after Dr. Hill came into our room and told us that she did great and he ended up removing her Adenoids since they were enlarged. I had mentioned to the nurse prior to the surgery that she snored and also had a runny nose... So, they evidently needed to come out. So, he left after telling us a few care instructions.. Then what seemed like an hour went by and finally they brought us our little sweet angel.. She was VERY UPSET and had this look on her face that we had never seen and I thought I was going to lose it right then, but she was crying so hard that I just tried to hold it together and just comforted her.. She refused juice, took some formula and fell asleep on my shoulder. She slept on the way home and all the way until Noon. Woke up with a smile and wanted to eat. Then wanted to play.. That is our girl! She is back with a little tiredness, but back. We will just continue to hope and pray that the surgery will take care of all of the concerns we have had since October. She is still a little swollen but hasn't made any complaints. She is such a champ.

Here are a few pics of her this morning

easy like Sunday morning

2009-01-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

Fun in the Hallway

OUCH!!!!!!!!!

We went for a stroll

some new things

2009-01-25T15:26:00.001-08:00

<<< Do you see her head popping through? This is her new thing to do with her exersaucer

These are her new favorite toy.. my sunglasses

<< Her new face

Awwww I love these moments

Things that make us laugh but shouldn't

2009-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Notice to your left in the background is a very disgruntled almost 1 year old who has learned how to express herself. This is what she does now in some circumstances where she wants to be "heard". Daddy got her started on goldfish and gives them to her as she waits on her meal to be served. Well tonight, she didn't want her meal, she just wanted her goldfish. Look at that face!

Now, below is what happens when you give her goldfish. And furthermore, this picture was taken immediately after her screaming fit.

SA is serious about her books right now. This is what she went through to get to one of them!

There are certain things that we don't want her to touch, blinds being one of them. These are NO NO.

But she looked so cute under the curtains we just had to snap this.