Nothing Says I love you...

.....like a dozen red roses. My bebe brought me these home yesterday after going to the grocery store for me. He waved them out of the car window while driving down our street (just like pretty woman). It was hilarious, but made me feel so special. I love my bebe! He knows how to steal my heart. This is a beautiful reminder of his love for me. I am blessed! Smell the sweet aroma.

Texas Christian Homecoming Weekend

Me and Johnnie (In high school I was known as his girlfriend... I'm not sure how that got started)
Beckie's Family of three... soon to be four
My Senior Class 1998

The Juniors (excluding me and Zac..haha)

This past Friday and Saturday I visited my old high school. It had been ten years since I have seen most of my old friends. I graduated from this small christian school with a class of 14. I felt so blessed to be able to return to a school where I had no regrets and could be thankful for being raised in a good christian environment. God redeemed most of my early education years in this school. Being a cheerleader and president of the student counsel really boosted my self confidence. I also graduated Valedictorian. After being taken out of public school to be homeschooled because of my poor reading skills, being top of my class was a huge accomplishment for me. Seeing everyone was so great! People had not changed much. Personalities were the same and everyone seemed to pick up right where things left off. We were like one big happy family at a reunion just trying to figure out where everyone was living and what everyone was up to. It was a blast despite the loss of a football game. Can't wait for years to come.

Pumpkin Patch

Carlee liked holding the pumpkins and loving on them.She picked up a heavy pumpkin. It took everything she had, including her facial expression to get that thing off the ground.
Our cute little scarecrow. Carlee's cheerleader pose. She is a mini me in the making.

Zachary liked throwing the pumpkins.There is a sweet smile under those pumpkins We had a fun time at the Pumpkin Patch at Faith United Methodist Church today. It happened to be their fall festival, so Carlee got to enjoy jumping in the bounce house while I shopped. We had a great time eating pizza at Double Dave's before seeing the pumpkins. It's almost impossible to get a good picture of them together anymore or us as a whole family. Zachary was saying "cheese" the whole time we were there, but never looking at the camera. However, we did get a few great shots. The weather was ideal even though it was pretty sunny. I love that Fall is here and the cooler months are on their way.

Loved

I love the days when I get lost in the Lord. You know the times when nothing else matters, but Him. You have no schedules to attend to, no body to please, or nothing distracting you from Him. You've gotten to a place where you recognize that all you need is Him and if you don't have time with Him then your world begins to cave in and your unsatisfied.
Well, my time with Him became so real today that I have to share. I had a breakthrough moment with my Lord today that I felt like I saw myself through His eyes. I went on a run with my IPod and listened to the music as it stirred my heart. This run was like none other because it was seriously a run. As the song by Matthew West played "More," I was overwhelmed with tears and amazed with just how much God loves me. I love the part of the song that says "he loves me even when I am undone." That was me at this moment- completely and utterly undone because of the love of God. This week, I've been thinking about how He created me to be loved (read this from, "the Shack") and for no other reason. I don't have to love Him, but I do. He created me to be loved.... because of his love He created ME, so that He could love ME. Wow! How selfless?! How amazing?! What kind of God is like this?! Reminds me of I John 4:19, "We love because He first loved us." How can I love if I don't understand His love for me? I remember when God asked me to love an unlovable cashier at the grocery store (that was 3 years ago) and now to this day we are friends. I listen to her as she tells me her story. She is hurting and lost, but needs someone to love her and I am that someone through Christ who brings a smile to her face and shares the love of Jesus. LOVE is Powerful and contagious!
Back to my run, it stopped after a few more songs had played and I sat to just be. I closed my eyes and then felt as if Jesus, himself was right there holding me, touching me, breathing for me and I was caught speechless and in awe of the One who loves me and calls me His own. I am His child.....His. Had I forgotten who I belonged to? To be with Him, to gaze at His face, to feel His embrace.... Why do I ever leave and try to do it on my own? All I know is my time with Him today was life changing and I want more. He changed my heart just by reminding me of who He is and was and will always be. There is none like Him!
May He invade your life and get you to a place where you recognize that all you are is loved by Him and nothing else matters.

Unsupervised

"Uh-Oh" is what Zachary says to the mess he made in mommy and daddy's room while being unsupervised for 10 minutes. Carlee was playing on the computer and didn't even notice until I brought it to her attention and then she chimed in, "Mess, I love messes."
I love this picture with his little mischievous smile.
Fortunately, Greg was home to help me clean it up. I laughed about it and handled the situation with ease. It really does boggle my mind that he can even lift the top off the paper shredder and go to town. Greg and I did not even hear a thing and didn't catch him until he came into the living room with shreds of paper in his hands. What are we going to do with this boy?!..... Love him like always.

Waitress Carlee at your service

About two weeks ago, I asked Carlee to start helping me set the table before dinner. Tonight, she did not have to be asked she joined me in the kitchen as soon as she saw me heating up our food and helped out. She decided that wrapping a dish towel around her body would make her look more the part. So Greg and I started to call her our waitress. She got a kick out of it and helped fill glasses with water, put our silverware at our places along with our napkins and plates.
Looking a little bored and tired on the job.... don't you think. It's amazing how our dinner experience has changed since I have gotten Carlee involved. I have also started putting all the food on the table and letting her decide how much of this or that she wants too. Amazingly, she tries most everything and seems to eat better. I could not be more thrilled about this whole process. I don't know why it took me so long to clue in to get her to help me, but fortunately it changed and will forever be different around here during dinnertime. Even Zachary seems to be able to stay in his seat longer. Praise you Jesus!

Things you just can't help...

like when your son drives around a pink baby doll stroller and thinks its the best thing ever.
I guess somethings just don't matter as long as he's having fun. I think in the long run it will just make him that much sweeter and stronger.

Stuck

Zachary loves to climb up and down on the step stool in the bathroom. However on this particular day his shirt got stuck on the door to the cabinet and he got upset. Greg and I decide to take pictures of the whole episode because it was so funny. Can't quite figure it out...
Not too happy about it anymore...

Poor guy, I guess we better help.

Third Day, Jars of Clay, Switchfoot Concert

Last night, we dropped the kids off with grandparents and went out to eat at Chili's with some friends. We celebrated birthdays and enjoyed a great meal together. Then we went over to the Berry Center to hear some LOUD music. Seriously, I think the concert sounded better with my ears plugged. We had fun even though. I can't remember the last time I went to a concert. Here's my favorite band of the night, Third Day. I think I like then because I could actually understand the words they were saying and probably because I know most of their songs. However, Jars of Clay was incredible too and sent me down memory lane. Switchfoot was entertaining as well. It really was a great concert!
Afterwards, we walked over to see my brother preform their halftime show. They were doing it at the end of the game which ended up being around 11pm. I was so glad I got to see him in his element. Peter is a Senior and the captain of the drumline this year. I'm so proud of him!!
We even sneaked down onto the field to say hi to him before we left. I would like to say Happy Birthday to my 18 year old brother, who is now driving! You are a handsome young man, who is very mature. You have a fun personality, that is easy to love. You are so gifted and disciplined. I know God has great things ahead for you. "Plans to prosper you and give you a hope and a future." Enjoy your Senior year and all the accomplishments God has helped you acheive thus far. I love you!

What a fun evening and to think that we even got to sleep in. Thanks mom and dad and Ed and Randle for all your help. I feel so blessed!!

Last Swimming Day for the Summer

Carlee spent most of the time outside of the water since it was so cold. I just love this picture with her hair down. She's not looking so little to me anymore.
Daddy and Zachary at the dragon slide. Next year he'll be able to do it all by himself.
Last tan for the Summer. hahaha
It's hard to imagine our swimming days are over for this year. We had a great time despite the water being freezing cold. It only took me 20 minutes to get used to it. It sure was a beautiful day!