Wordless Wednesday

*No, I did not put the spaghetti-o in the center of her nose like that. Magic!

This girl has some serious eye lashes!

We love friends

Like I said before, Stacey and Gabbi came by last week for a playdate. Ryleigh loves playing with Gabbi, and it is so fun to watch the girls interact together. Gabbi would go to give Ryleigh a hug, and they would both topple to the ground...so excited to just love on each other! They play so well together. =)


But they are moving to Austin! We are so excited for them and all the fun and new things they are experiencing, as they purchase their first home, Ben begins teaching and coaching, and Stacey and Gabbi get to meet new people...but we are sad too. We have had so much fun playing together, going on walks, meeting for lunch, and just passing each other on the street. Now that they will be gone, I sure wish I had taken advantage of their close proximity before! Ryleigh is going to miss Gabbi, and I will definitely miss Stacey.

I have no doubt that our friendship will continue...especially when I decide to come crash at their place for an Austin weekend. We love you guys, and wish you the best with your move! We will miss you!

She's getting it!

Last week, Stacey and Gabbi came over for a playdate. We laughed together as we guessed how long it would be until our girls would use silverware, and not cover themselves in food every single meal. We both agreed...we had a long time to go.

I might have been wrong! (Shocking, I know...) The next day, Jesse gave her a plastic fork and we watched as she figured it out, almost entirely on her own. Have I mentioned lately that my daughter is a genius??

Dad, what is this?

I'm supposed to stab it?
Ohhh, I think I got something!
I did! I did!

Busy (FUN) weekend!

This weekend was jam-packed of things to do, and fun to be had. So without further adieu, let's get to it!

Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and headed to San Marcus for my annual family reunion. Unfortunately, Jesse had to work, so he was unable to go with us. But, Ryleigh was excited nonetheless. =)
The reunion was inside the pavilion this year, which made all the difference in the world. Actually, people were putting on jackets, because they were cold...unheard of! We would hang out inside, chatting with people for awhile, then go thaw out outside, and come back inside. Haha. The Little family had great attendance, as usual, and we took a good picture of everyone.
Matt and Michelle were going to take Savannah on the train that goes around the entire park. We see them take off running from the building, and jump on the train- determined to get a seat! Ryleigh and I followed, and managed to get the seat right in front of them. So fun! Ryleigh enjoyed riding around, seeing kids playing, ducks swimming in the streams, and pretending to be a big girl, sitting by herself without a car seat.
As always, we have the annual "Oldest and Youngest" picture, and this year it was my Granddad and Ryleigh! Of course we had a hard time getting Ryleigh to sit still, as she is always on the GO, but it turned out cute.
I had to leave early and missed the pinata. Since Ryleigh is the youngest, she got to go first...and needed a little help from all the adults...
Later that night, they all went to eat and Ryleigh was apparently a great source of entertainment for the entire family. Despite the fact that it had been a really long day and was way past her bedtime, she was all smiles and laughs.

So, the reason I left the reunion early, was because my friend Erin was getting married in Austin. The ceremony was very sweet and heartfelt. JT looked nice in his dress uniform, and of course, Erin looked absolutely beautiful.
Since Jesse was stuck working at home, I was once again alone at a wedding. However, Thomas and Lindsey (and Chris for awhile, until Heather got back) let me be the third wheel and hang out with them. Thanks guys!!

Thomas and Lindsey are getting married in November, and I know they are getting anxious and excited...as are we! Looking forward to sharing in y'alls big day soon.
JT's groom cake was unbelievable- biggest groom's cake I have ever seen. It was Kyle Field! I had to take a picture to show Jesse and remember this unbelievable cake! I did not stay long enough to actually taste any cake, but I'm sure it had to be good. I am curious how they went about "cutting" it though...
Thanks again for hanging out and letting me be your third wheel, Lindsey!
Sunday morning, my family headed out to Lake Travis. Uncle Charlie brought his boat, and we rented a partially covered barge and jet ski. The boys arrived early and got all the boats ready, and the rest of us girls showed up and jumped aboard!

Ryleigh and Savannah looked cute in their super big life jackets, all lathered in sunscreen. When I say lathered in sunscreen...I mean lathered in sunscreen. Ryleigh is so pale, I just knew she was going to fry out there. Luckily, she did not! Her little face began to turn pink towards the end of the day (just from being warm), but she did not burn. Success!

Ryleigh kept climbing into the driver's seat of the barge- either by herself, or on Uncle Rick's lap. She wanted to steer...scary to think of her behind the wheel already.
The newlyweds, Micah and Sarah, on the jet ski. This picture was taken pretty early on in the day, and before Micah busted his head open. Yes, it would not be a family get-together without drama. Poor Micah, he knocked his head on the corner of the boat's windshield and split it right open. Four or five staples later, a frustrated Micah still came back and ate lunch with everyone, despite the fact he was hurting pretty good. So sorry for the bad luck, Micah!
Ryleigh loved floating in the lake. I had no doubt she would like the water, but I was nervous about just letting her float in her life jacket. So, I brought the floatie, and Ryleigh would just lay back, completely chilling out.
Julie thought it would be fun to try to kill me and throw me off the jet ski...I warned her, "if I go, you are going too!" We did not actually fall off, and I was even brave enough to drive. I don't know why machines like that make me so nervous, but they do. I was proud of my attempt to hang on tight to Julie and then to drive myself.
I also went tubing behind Uncle Charlie's boat. Jake and I were having a competition to see who could last the longest, and I think we tied. It was a lot of fun. However, it is now Wednesday, and my body is still sore and recovering from holding on to the tube! Yes, I'm officially old.

All in all, it was a very fun weekend. Ryleigh and I were both exhausted Sunday night when we got home, and fell asleep very quickly. It was worth it for the hang out time with family, and lots of laughs shared.

SHOUT OUT!

I have to send a nice big CONGRATULATIONS to my sister, Sarah! I just heard she was offered her first teaching job, starting in a few weeks! Wahoo! Most of you know that finding that first job can be the hardest, and she has had some rotten luck with several school districts. This job came from out-of-the-blue, and landed in her lap. Who says God is not in control??

Congrats, Sarah, and I can't wait to see how you touch the lives of those Kindergardeners.

P.S. You should start your own blog, so you can share stories with us! Hint, hint...

P.P.S Susan, I'm still waiting on you to start your blog too!!

New ride

We finally did it! We have been talking about doing something different with our car situation for awhile, and have been researching options for a few months. Last weekend, we made a decision. We bought a scooter! And it happened very quickly. Scooters in Houston are flying off the shelves, per se.

We have to give major props to Amy and Andrew who actually found the scooter for us on Craigslist. Jesse and I had gone to their house last week and tried out their two scooters, learned more about the ups and downs of scootering, insurance, etc. They actually told us about this scooter, but said the lady who owned had since sold it. Yeah she did- she sold it to a family who then sold it to us! Same scooter! Small world, or what?

It is a 2008, Vitacci Retro with just over 300 miles on it. And it is cool.



We had it sitting in our garage for a few days waiting to buy helmets, but now Jesse has been driving it every day to work. It gets up to about 55 mph, so we will not be riding it on any highways or anything- just back and forth to work, and little errands around here. It gets approximately 100 miles to the gallon, and costs $6 to fill up. Niiiiicce.

We have not decided if we are going to sell the Altima yet. We're holding on to it for now to make sure this new situation is going to work for us, and confirm we are ready to be a one-car family. I think it will work, but I am anxious to see how the weather will play into our plan. Only time will tell.

The scooter, still nameless, will also bring some more "fun" into our lives. How much more fun will it be running little errands on a scooter? Or going on date nights, wrapping my arms around Jesse? Originally, I wanted to learn how to drive it so I too could run errands on it and what not. Well, then I actually tried and "laid it over" shortly after leaving our driveway. Haha. (I'm laughing now...not so much then.) The whole handlebar/gas/brake concept must be too much for me. Who knows, maybe I'll try again later, but for now, I'm just enjoying being a passenger.

Wahoo for fun! And thanks again Amy and Andrew for all your help and advice!! Can't wait to go ridin' with ya! =)

The nursery

I have had the pleasure of working in the nursery at church this summer. I have been assigned to the baby room, which holds babies from 6-weeks-old until they start crawling. Needless to say, we have quite the variety! I have loved getting to hold little babies again, give bottles, rock and sing to little baby boys, and even listen to their little cries.

We had 6 adults assigned to the room, which normally equals out to about 2 babies per adult- no big deal. Babies sit in swings or exersaucers, lay on their tummies and giggle at you. But this Sunday, those cute little cries erupted. No joke. We had 17 babies (after we finally had to call the parents of one...we started with 18!). We ended up pulling in 3 extra adult help because literally, all of the babies were crying. I don't know if there was something with a full moon or what, but that was a lot of crying. It started out with just one or two babies, and then one by one the rest of them decided to join in. Even those babies who never cry, are always happy, joined in.

I guess that is what babies do, and I had forgotten that side of little ones. The uncontrollable, mommy-only-soothed cry that has the power to shake you to the core. Not fun.

But, to end on a positive note, it certainly puts Ryleigh's "rough days" in perspective. I know I have said this before, but I'll say it again; I am glad to be on this side of the fence. Newborns are sweet and cuddly and soft and immobile, but they are a hand full!

Date night

Friday night Jesse and I decided to have some hang out time alone. First time in awhile, actually. And it was nice. =)

We went to eat at BJ's Restaurant and Brewery. Jesse wanted to try the Santa Fe eggrolls or something, which have black beans in them, and you will be proud to know that I tried them- and liked them! (I hate beans, for all you who may not know my weird quirks. I love green beans, but that is as close to a "bean" as you will see me get.) So this was quite an accomplishment. Dinner was very good, and we were impressed.

Afterwards, we went around to a few shops looking at things, and decided we were over it. Jesse suggested we go fishing at the golf course, which sounded nice and relaxing. We had to move lakes a few times after no bites, but finally went to a location where we made a bet. Jesse bet me that if I did not catch a fish after 10 casts, he would buy me dessert. On his first cast, he caught a bass. A few casts later, he caught another. And then another. Meanwhile, I was on my 9th cast with not even a nibble. I made him switch poles with me, determined that mine was unlucky. Two casts later, I caught one!! And Jesse said mine was the biggest! However, it was the 11th cast...and he owed me dessert! Haha.

After the sun went down, we went a few more places and then headed back to pick up Ryleigh. It was a fun night, and I enjoyed hanging out and laughing with my husband.

4th of July Celebration

We had a really nice of 4th of July. We spent most of the day being lazy (though we did squeeze in a workout) and just enjoying hanging out as a family. Our church, Faithbridge, was having a huge community-wide celebration and concert. We thought it sounded fun, and we knew a lot of our friends would be there, so we thought we would try it out.

When I say we were BLOWN AWAY with this event, it is an understatement. We parked at the high school and were shuttled over in large, air-conditioned buses. I think I heard them say they had over 16 buses, ready to shuttle people back and forth.

We arrived at the church campus, and were handed picnic blanket with the Faithbridge logo on it; one per family, to keep! There were concessions for snow cones, funnel cakes, water and soft drinks...all for free. Yeah, did I mention this whole event was free?

We found our friends, Hayden & Lauren and Thomas & Lindsey, and added our blanket to theirs. The weather was so nice! It was not humid and actually had a nice breeze, so sitting outside, with friends, was quite the relaxing atmosphere, despite the fact there were thousands of people everywhere.

Nathan and Christy Nockels (formerly Watermark) gave a concert while we were waiting for the sun to set. I never get tired of listening to them. Ever.

Here is a run-down of the rest of the night, via pictures.
Ryleigh in her 4th of July outfit from Great Aunt Kathy. Thanks Aunt Kathy!
Hayley and Ryleigh kept sharing (and stealing) each others stuff. First it was the straw. Then a sippy cup. Once they received these (free) light up necklaces, they were really having fun with their little game!
Hayden, Lauren, Hayley, and Little Girl #2 Austin.
Jesse, me, and Ryleigh. I'm sitting at a very awkward angle here, trying to make sure no one can see up my skirt!! Haha. And Jesse, though smiling slightly, is still trying to hide behind us. Only a few more months babe, and those teeth are going to be shining brightly through your beautiful, perfect smile!
Lindsey and Lyric. Lyric is going to be Lindsey's flowergirl in a few months; she is quite the cutie, and sweet as can be.

Jesse, Ryleigh, and I went right up near the stage for the concert. No to sound obsessive, or put Christy up on a pedestal, but man, that girl can sing. It never ceases to amaze me how crystal clear her voice is; without recording or voice-overs. She is naturally blessed with a beautiful voice, and I just love to listen to her. I feel so blessed that her brother works for our church so we get the privilege of sharing worship with them from time to time.
I just love this picture of my man and my baby. We were having a great time, if you can't tell by Ryleigh's smile...
and then Ryleigh decided she wanted on "Mama's" shoulders. Didn't work quite so well...
so she settled for a hug from Mama.
Before the fireworks display began, kids were running everywhere, playing with donated Frisbees, balls, you name it. If we put Ryleigh down for even half a second, she was literally on the run, trying to keep up with the big kids.

*Side note: Can you see the "Too Cute" written across her bottom? It was too cute!

Once it got dark, a nearby-stationed army group conducted the presentation of flags, while each military unit's song played. Then, a few kids from the church led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Christy sang the National Anthem. I love watching Jesse during these times- the pride he has in our nation and those who serve it is amazing and something he is very passionate about.
After a countdown, the fireworks show began. I heard that it costs approximately $1000 per minute for a fireworks show of this size- ours lasted almost 20 minutes. And the entire thing was donated by HEB (along with all the concession snacks I mentioned earlier). Wow. God is so good.
Ryleigh had started to get tired, but she watched every minute of the fireworks.
Hayden and Hayley had fun watching the fireworks too.
(Lindsey, I took a picture of you and Thomas during the fireworks because you guys looked so cute, but my flash did not reach far enough and you can barely see you guys!)

Once the show was over, we assumed there would be a mad dash for the buses and major traffic jam. They were so organized though!! They lined people up into 16 lines, and just kept moving. We were on the first bus round (and no, we did not run to the buses) and never had to wait. Exiting the school parking lot was more of the same- zero wait time.

All in all, we were more than impressed. It was a fun, family-friendly event we got to share with friends, with amazing music, awesome fireworks, and a special celebration of our nation's freedom. We will definitely make this an annual tradition.

Busted...AGAIN!

I heard the rustling in the room next door, snuck in with camera in hand...
and CAUGHT YA! Again...
Once you realized you were not in trouble, you thought you were quite hilarious, and kept laughing at yourself, running back and forth, trampling over your mess.
You make me laugh, baby girl. You make me laugh. =)

Surprise!

Early last week my sister, Susan, called me with good news: she and her boyfriend, Brent, were coming to Houston! They live in Minnesota, and though we occasionally get to see Susan (not nearly enough!), we have not seen Brent in a few years. So, needless to say, I was very excited to hear they were coming for the holiday weekend. Not only that, but no one else in the family knew! Micah and Sarah were coming in town for a friend's wedding so literally our entire family was going to be together for the first time ever...and no one else knew but me!! (I'll admit, I felt pretty cool to be part of the surprise.)

So, the plan was that I was going to pick them up from the airport and then we would randomly walk into Mom's office and surprise her. However, first I needed to learn where her office had just moved. So, the diversion plan was for me to meet mom for lunch first (so I could learn how to get there with good reason), then go pick them up, and head right back to the office. Well, that morning Mom let me know that they were only going to have to work half-day, so she wanted to alter our plan...she did not know that messed up the whole surprise plan!! I finally cancelled lunch and told her we would do it another day. I could tell she was disappointed. I went to the airport and picked up Brent and Sus and instead, we headed to Mom and Dad's house, hoping she would be there. We snuck in the front door to find Mom dead asleep on the couch. We woke her up...and her initially scared, then confused, then excited looks were priceless.
I had to get back to work, but I hear they pulled surprises on everyone else in the family that night too: first Julie, then Dad, then Sarah. Everyone was pretty shocked and excited to see them.

Saturday was the first time we have all gotten together to hang out as a family. Brent and Micah had never met face to face (until Thursday). Saturday afternoon the boys went to play golf and the girls did some shopping and ate appetizers and dessert at PF Changs. (On a side note: I LOVE this place! It might be one of my new favorites.) That evening we were supposed to all have family dinner and then hang out and 'get to know each other' better. The boys had a slight rain delay at the golf course, so the evening was pushed later than anticipated, but it was still fun nevertheless. Conversation flowed and much laughter was shared. I'm so thankful for this positive experience; I think we all needed it.

To Susan and Brent: thank you for coming down to surprise everyone. It was a fun weekend and we look forward to seeing you both again soon!

1 Peter 4: 7-11

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use what gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as if speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

I was reading tonight, and just had to share. I'm sure I have read this passage before, probably several times, but tonight it hit home. It is getting late, but I wanted to put my thoughts out there, and share my heart. I must admit, when I read this passage I felt immediate conviction. I thought of my husband, and though he is sleeping soundly in our bed, I wanted to wake him and apologize. No, this passage is not speaking in terms of wives treatment of their husbands, but strictly speaking to Christians regarding their treatment of everyone. Regardless, I felt the conviction related specifically to my husband.

"...be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." How often do I jump on Jesse for little things that do not matter? I allow my emotions to get the best of me and rarely stop to pray (much less allow myself time to clear my mind or control my self) before 'attacking' him for one reason or another?

"...love each other deeply..." Please do not misunderstand me here. You know I love my husband deeply. I know I love my husband deeply. And Jesse knows I love him deeply. But do I show him that? Daily? In a 'deep' manner? Somehow I have become calloused, even to him, and cannot show deep, uninhibited love for him. He knows I love him, but do I act on my love in a way that speaks volumes to him and others of my deep love for him?

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." This one spoke volumes, especially related to my husband. When I think of the word hospitality, I think of inviting over friends or family, planning a nice meal, and serving my guests. I do not think the same of my husband. Why does he not deserve the same offer of hospitality, here comes the kicker, without my grumbling? Why can I serve others and expect no response, and expect him to thank me and think I'm so wonderful for what I do? Why can I not just offer kindness and hospitality without grumbling?

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others..." God has given me a very organized and methodical brain. He has given me the tendency to clean and attempt to be a neat freak. He has shown me that keeping my life in order makes me a happier (and nicer) person. So again I ask, why do I expect to receive kudos for using my gifts to serve my family? I know that these tendencies make me who I am, and if God has given me the ability and desire to keep a clean (not always clean, but you know what I mean) house, and do the dishes, and put away the laundry, shouldn't I embrace the fact that I am using my God-given gifts and talents to serve my family, rather than be bitter that no one else "helps" in these areas?

"...faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." Oh man. If God can faithfully provide me His grace over and over for all my mistakes, which we all know occur way too often, then why is it so much harder for me to give Jesse grace when he upsets me? Why am I deserving of God's grace, but Jesse is not deserving of Melody's grace?

After all of that, I was feeling pretty down. Where was my answer? Or, I should say answers, considering all of the thoughts racing through my head. But as I continued to read, I found it.

"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised..." That is it. Of course, as a human, I am going to struggle with these areas. I am going to have a hard time serving my husband and my family, without grumble, and without expectation of earthly kudos or reward. I will get worn down and bitter. I cannot do it. So I MUST ask for strength that only God can provide. Strength to persevere when I have had a rough day and don't feel like doing the dishes. Strength to love my husband in action, not just words. Strength to reach out in love and hospitality, without expecting anything in return. And I do all this, not so that I can be praised, but so that others will see Him through me and give HIM the praise and glory, knowing that it is ONLY because of HIM that I can have the strength to give, in service, in hospitality, and in love.

Tonight, I'm saying an extra big prayer. A prayer for renewed strength that I know only He can give. For all of you wives and moms out there; I'm praying it for you too.