Goodbye Heezy's

I can't believe the one and only Ryan and Jenny Couch have officially left College Station! We just wanted to say that we will miss you dearly, friends! We love you and have enjoyed every moment spent with you.

It's so fun to reminisce about college days with Ryan and all the first impressions he had of Allen. He thought Allen and Ryan Shipley were completely nuts for some wrong and some other legitimate reasons... Allen and Shipley were always pulling pranks in the dorm and taking up money/other goods to do crazy and unspeakable things. Hearing Ryan Couch talk about the things they did just cracks me up.



Who would have known that we would have become such good friends with jennycarson@hotmail.com after emailing back and forth with her about our Germany mission trip only to have her MARRY Ryan Couch?

You know, we had conversations such like, " Why is this girl wanting to go on our mission trip at the very last minute and how come she never comes to the meetings? She seems a little shady." And then we put you in our group!

This makes me laugh because although Jenny and Ryan will forever be the couple who is SO HARD to get a hold of, shady is certainly not the word that describes you. We found that out the first time we met you and definitely when we were in Germany together. We are so blessed to have met you and to have been there when you met your future husband on the mission trip! So FUN!





I love it that the boys in that dorm room became the best of friends and lived with each other through the rest of college.

I love it that Ryan Couch got the nickname Heezy and now I can call he and Jenny "The Heezy's".

I love it that Jenny will forever be jennycarson@hotmail.com to us.

I love it that sometime in the (near-ish) future there will probably be a little bundle that we can call Baby Heezy and to correspond to that, Daddy and Mommy Heezy. I just wish I could be there to witness that!

I love it that ya'll are so committed to prayer for us and our church.

I love it that the Lord created and has grown a friendship between us in such a special way and developed it in His timing.

I hate it that you're gone, but love that the Lord is leading your way.

We are praying for you, Heezy's!

(pray that we'll find someone to play Settlers of Catan with now!)

A Cut Above

Yes...I got a cut quite above what I was originally thinking. A haircut, that is. I had picked out 4 styles that I liked and was debating all week as to which one I would get. Everyone I showed picked the shortest cut. I pretty much agreed, but was just very scared about chopping off THAT much hair. Well, without further ado, here are the results:

Haircut picture


The NEW Me!

My husband is completely taken with my new 'do. I will be doing pretty much anything around the house and look over to see him staring at me. When I say "What??", he goes on and on about how cute he thinks it is. Yay! Pleasing the hubby is number one on my list. Plus, it seems to be pretty easy to do overall and I like the look of it. Thanks to everyone who voted! :)

A Half Birthday for Beckett

Beckett is now 6 months old! I can't believe that he's halfway to a year. That is just unreal to me.

He's such a sweet baby. He LOVES to be held and to cuddle. I can already tell that touch is his love language. I am so thankful for that. Taylor Joy never wanted to cuddle or be held and she still doesn't, but just says that she wants to be held and then starts wiggling out of your arms after about 2.5 seconds. With Beckett there is a world of difference. He will fall asleep in your arms, he loves to be touched and just breaks out in that big grin when he knows he's being loved on. It's precious.

Some things he's loving this month:

-Getting around! He will literally roll around the living room to get around. Back to stomach to back and all around. He is VERY proud of his new skill! I'm not so thrilled about it...

-Holding his feet and playing with them. They are his favorite toy this month! That makes it pretty easy! Can't drop those!

-Taylor Joy! He giggles at her like none other. It is so precious to see the two of them laughing together. Nothing makes me happier than to see that. What a precious sight!

Here is a picture of Beckett's mohawk...I think he's lost even more hair on the sides since then...




We've also been trying to feed him some solids and he is SO not interested! Any tips to help this process move along? We've tried rice cereal mixed with breastmilk, rice cereal mixed with bananas and rice cereal mixed with apples, also bananas and apples separately. Each time he acts as though I've just fed him poo and tries to figure out a way to get it out of his mouth! He's so funny! He loves to watch us eat and always looks interested until it gets in his mouth. I would love some tips!

Disciplines of a Godly Woman

I must admit that, in my flesh, just reading the title of this book made me want to walk away. Discipline is never an enticing word. Just ask my two year old daughter. Whether we're two or 52, I'm afraid that big word with all the i's will always find us running away.

The one thing that does motivate me toward discipline is the Word. First Timothy 4:7 says, "Train yourself to be godly." The Greek word used for train is "gymnazo," which speaks volumes to me, having been a gymnast when I was younger. My schedule was non-stop when I was training for an upcoming meet. I would run laps before school and my coach would pick me up as soon as school was over and take me to the gym, where I stayed until 9 p.m. I'm pretty sure I did that four times a week. No only the time issue, but also the intensity factor plays into my understanding of what it means to really train yourself. We had coaches that made us sit out if we weren't giving it our all. As soon as we learned a layout, they were pushing for a full, as soon as we had the full, they were on us about doing a double. There wasn't an end in sight!

With that said, we do have the Lord's strength as we train and learn what it means to be disciplined in every aspect of our lives.

I've come to realize that there is a direct correlation between the discipline that's displayed in my life and the fruit that's borne in my life. I also think that we miss out on many blessings when we fail to respond to or initiate discipline in our own lives.

Like training for a gymnastic meet, it's essential to train consistently (daily), sacrificially, with passion and conviction, throwing off everything that hinders our progress. All this while keeping our focus on God and not ourselves. Sounds easy, right?

The areas of discipline are separated into chapters: Gospel, submission, prayer, worship, mind, contentment, propriety, perseverence, church, singleness, marriage, nurturing, good deeds, witness and giving.

One of the most helpful tidbits I drew from this book was in the very last chapter, pertaining to application. The author suggested making two lists from all the disciplines listed above. The first list is where you write down where you are doing well. Make the second list the areas where you need help and then number them in order of importance. Make suggestions as to how you can become more disciplined in those areas, pray and become accountable to somebody so that you can begin to see growth. I wouldn't recommend taking on too many areas at once because if you're like me list one is sparse and list two is pretty hefty. This really is a practical way to begin not only overcoming spiritual laziness in your life, but also in succeeding in your spiritual training and using that to bless the Lord and others around you.

I whole-heartedly recommend this book for study. Yes, there are study questions at the end of each chapter and if you just blow through the book without doing the study, you won't get the most out of this book.

Although it's a wonderful book that I highly recommend, it may not be the most exciting book to read since it goes into detail about all the ways you need to become more disciplined. That's never fun to hear. It's like telling you there's a hard road ahead and saying, "Now, let's get going!" Great! But, don't become overwhelmed! Just take it one chapter at a time and know we serve a God who desires to see us succeed and who is with us every step of the way.

To Cut or Not to Cut

That's the question.

The same question I ask myself every summer when it's smoldering hot in TX and time is at an absolutely minimum (with 2 kids clamoring for my attention).

When your hair is long like mine there are many advantages and disadvantages. The advantages go like this:

• it does look nice when it's done
• I get lots of compliments
• I feel a little younger
• I'm not sure my hair looks good short
• my husband likes it

(okay, these advantages are sounding very vain right about now, except the last one)

Here are the disadvantages of long hair:

• 30 minutes of blowdrying
• lots of maintenance
• lots of hair pulling and eating (by Bubba Tub Beckett)
• its HOT in the summer
• it ends up nasty when you-know-who spits up in it
• it ends up in a ponytail most of the time

Okay, as you can see...many more disadvantages than advantages. But the disadvantages sound much more legit than the advantages.

Here's a picture from Summer 2005 when it was the shortest it's ever been. I didn't particularly like the cut, but it'll give you an idea of me with shorter hair.


So...I need your help! What do you think? Should I cut my hair? I'm not talking about a Katie Holmes bob or anything, just something a little above the shoulders, maybe to the chin. I am itching for a change and a little coolness too. June is the month of hair cutting for me. I only cut my hair twice a year so after I decide that's it for another 6 months. Vote in the sidebar and then submit a comment about how I should get it cut. Like specify which celeb's hair would look good on me or the type of cut you think would look good.

Then I will decide which advice to take. If you win, I'm taking you to the salon with me! Just kidding (unless you want to go!) If you win, you get the honor of winning on my blog! And I'll make some bows for your daughter (if you have one).

Thanks in advance! Don't forget to vote and comment! The more the better!

Taylor Joy & Angel Michelle

I was organizing pictures and came across this video from Spring Break of Angel and Taylor Joy. Allen always calls Angel, my parents' dog, Angel Michelle, so that title is for him. The thing that Taylor Joy and Angel have in common is that they both LOVE to play! Enjoy!

*by the way, Angel is definitely playing with Taylor and is in no way vicious or ferocious*

On the Phone

Taylor just picked up the "phone" in her kitchen and said,

"Hello?"
"Yes..."
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Yes..."
"I'm just cookin'"
"Yes..."
"Mommy's just cookin' too"

So sweet! I wonder who she thought she was talking to... Probably Daddy!

Taylor Tot Turns Two!

Say that 10 times fast!

Happy Birthday Taylor Joy!

Taylor Joy,

You are more precious than I ever imagined you would be.
You have more spunk, curiosity and joy than anyone I've ever met.
You challenge me daily to become a better mother to you and your brother.
I love it that you live and breathe enthusiasm with everything you do and say.
I love it that the room just lights up when that big smile of yours breaks out.
I love it that my world is brighter place with you in it.
And you've only been in this world for 2 years...
What a treasure you are and will be.


Some funny conversations we've had this month:

We went to the VandeVanter's one night and while the boys were outside playing, Taylor went to the potty inside. When Allen came inside I wanted Taylor to tell Allen about going to the potty.

Me: Taylor, do you have something to tell Daddy?
Taylor: Ummm... (long pause) Happy Easter!

Ha! Okay!


One day she was playing with her brush and she told me, "Mommy, brush hair, mommy! Real messy!" Oh, great. As if I need critiques from my two year old!

We'll be walking along and she things like, "We're just walking, mommy." in her sweet little voice.

She has a favorite blankie that her aunt B gave her that she sleeps with every night and carries around the house with her. Before bed time we go to find the blankie and bring it to bed with us. Several nights when I asked she would say, "Blankie's in the dishwasher!" That blankie has to be washed very often and I'm pretty sure the dishwasher just won't cut it!

She is at such a funny age where everything she says is just stinkin' cute or hilarious.

Do you have any special memories with my Taylor Joy? Has she blessed you lately? Share your comments here. I want her to be able to look back and see how the Lord has used her all her life when she is old enough to appreciate it.

A Dedicated 5 Monther!

This post has a two-fold purpose. First, Beckett is 5 months old today! I can't believe I'm typing that. Not just because these 5 months have absolutely FLOWN by, but also because I was determined to make him stay a little baby for a long time! Now, I know he's still little, but my plan...it's just not working! Any tips, anyone???


Okay, there are a few things he's loving this month:

• Watching us eat (yes, I think he's getting ready!)
• Playing with toys...everything goes STRAIGHT to the mouth! He has gotten so good at holding them!
• Watching his big sister...he just cracks up at her. There aren't many times he laughs harder than when she is up in his face laughing!
• The new swing in the backyard (actually Taylor's)

One thing he's not liking so much is his new tooth! While he is normally the happiest baby, once that tooth popped through he has been quite a bit fussier than his norm. He's been waking up more too!


Did I mention he has the longest eyelashes ever!




The second reason for this post is that Beckett Cole was dedicated at church on Sunday morning. Every time I dedicate a child I feel like Hannah who dedicated Samuel to the Lord in 1 Samuel.

"As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.
And he worshiped the LORD there."

There is something so special about dedicating your child to the Lord, knowing that the whole church not only stands behind you, but is also willing to step up to the front lines and shepherd and instruct our children. I absolutely love having a community of believers come alongside us to help us in one of the greatest blessings and most trying (at times). It is such an encouragement to my heart. Here are some pictures from the dedication: (the B's are above: Aunt B and Beckett)



My fam...

Aloha-palooza

Taylor Joy's Birthday Luau was Saturday and it was so much fun! What started out as a little get together ended up being much bigger than I expected. I really wanted to use her birthday as a reason to get together with family and friends (who also happen to love Taylor Joy) and then invited a few of her friends as well.

It was something I would LOVE to do again. As a matter of fact, I think we should have a luau every year, whether it's Taylor's birthday or not! Don't get me wrong, she had a blast too! Here are some pictures from the par-tay!

Here are all the kiddos eating hot dogs. I had great plans to cook elaborate shish kabobs and all the fixings and Tuesday night (I think) woke up at 3 am thinking/planning/worrying about how I was going to get it all done. I realized right then that I had to do something different rather than be stressed about a little 2 year old's birthday party. So hot dogs and sausage links it was! They turned out great! But, sometimes it takes that happening for me to realize that it's NOT about me being the "hostess with the mostest" or giving the best party ever, it's completely about celebrating our daughter and fellowship with those who love her. I made sure all her babysitters were invited too, to let them know how much we appreciate them! Can I tell you that we have yet to PAY for someone to keep our children? That's how much everyone loves miss Taylor Joy! (and Beckett of course!)


Some lovely ladies...



So much for posing, we know what's on Taylor's mind!



Well, I guess if you're making me pose...



Starting to dig in...



Finger lickin' good...



Wow! This is incredible!



I'm on a sugar high now, mom! No nap today!



Beckett got decked out too! Here he is with Mima and Gpa:



Just chillin' after the party...



Doing a little cooking in my new *gourmet kitchen...



Thanks Mima and Gpa! I LOVE it!



*this kitchen is seriously nicer than mine. Stainless steel appliances, decorative molding and tile backsplash...the burners even light up and make noises. The microwave and phone are interactive. This is one of those gifts that only grandparents could give!

Vote for Jason!

It looks like he's REALLY gonna need our help after tonight! He did awful! And his phone lines are totally open! Ahhh! So much for my fun concert!
Tonight Jason Castro will compete to be in the Top 3 Finalists of American Idol. He's an amazing singer and I want to see him sing in person on Thursday night at A&M.

Ya'll he's gonna have a concert at A&M on Thursday night if he makes it to the Final 3!!!

Let's help him so we can see him! How cool would that be? I would love to be watching American Idol, knowing I was there (since they'll show a segment on his return home and his concert). So get out there and vote vote vote for Jason Castro!

Party on the Potty!

Do you see this completed chart? Do you know what that means?



To me, it means:

• Only ONE baby in diapers!
  
• Less (I almost put "no more") nasty diapers to change
• An extra $40 a month
• We won't own stock in Boudreux's Butt Paste anymore (or less at least)
• No more trying to think of ways to get out of changing a poopy (aka getting Allen to change it)
  

To Taylor Joy it means:

• Wearing pretty panties
• "Flipping it!" (flushing the toilet)
• Washing her hands and making silly faces in the mirror
• Getting a star sticker

Ya'll, Taylor is POTTY TRAINED!

Yippee! We are so proud of her for catching on so quickly. It's funny because at first when we would put her on the potty and she would go, I must have said something like, "See, it's not so bad!" because now she says that every time! So funny! Yeah, it's not bad at all, it's wonderful! I'm so thankful that it was an easy process!

Taylor Joy is now 23 months old...I can't believe she will be 2 soon!

She is such a blessing to us. She always wants to be with us (saying, "Hold you!") and holding our hands. Almost every time she asks me to hold her, I drop what I am doing because I know that a few years from now she won't be asking me to hold her and I want to take advantage of this time with her. I want to treasure everyday.

Some of the precious and hilarious conversations we've had this month are:

Me: Taylor, what color is this leaf?
Taylor: LELLO!
Me: No, the leaf is green.
Taylor: I know.

Taylor (at bathtime) and she toots.
Allen: Oh, Taylor! What do you say when you toot?
Taylor: More! More tooting!
Me: (laughing from Beckett's room)

Anytime we are eating and Allen or I have finished our plate, Taylor says, "Nudder one, nudder one!" or she says, "Big one!", wanting us to eat a big something or another. So much for moderation when Taylor is around!

Taylor has really picked up pronouns this month, saying things like, "I doing it!", "I eating it!". It's really very precious that everything she says is said with so much enthusiasm.

Another things she does is share her most treasured items. For instance, her nanny gave her a bunch of candy eggs for Easter and she has been able to have one egg after she eats a good dinner. Well, every time I have given her a candy egg she has generously shared half of her candy with me, even though candy is her most favorite thing! Seeing her share with such a cheerful heart reminds me and teaches me that the Lord loves a cheerful giver and is so willing to bless us when we give back to Him, just as I wanted to give Taylor more candy after she had given so much to me! Thank you, Taylor, for teaching me such a valuable lesson!

The last story (I promise!). Yesterday she got scared about something and she wanted me to hold her. She said, "Scared, mommy." I told her she didn't need to be scared and was about to ask her why and she said, "Have Jesus!" I was so proud of her to have such confidence in Jesus that she knew He is the one who wipes away our tears and is always by our side.

Now...for your viewing pleasure: