Spring Break

We went to Dallas this week and stayed with Nanny, Papa, B and Angel for the week while Allen was gone to do spring break missions. Yep, he went to a border town and BUILT A HOUSE for a family there. Is he amazing or what!

Actually...he told me that the first day everyone was a little leery about building the house because the "regular" construction workers (like those who do this for a living) weren't on the trip this year and everyone was sort of looking to him to lead and he was usually just a "helper" to those guys.

Well, the second day he called and told me they got MORE done than they had ever done in the previous years. It's just a testimony to the Lord that he really doesn't call the equipped but rather equips those that he calls! Praise the Lord! A family there is completely blessed with a sturdy roof over their head now!

Our spring break started off with SNOW! Yep! Spring break...snow...should those two things even be in the same sentence???? I opened the blinds that morning and to my surprise snow was falling and HARD! Crazy! I snatched Taylor Joy out of bed, bundled her up and grabbed the camera. Look closely and you can see snow falling!



In Dallas we mostly just relaxed but did some stuff around town too. Like Tuesday, we went to the Dallas Arboretum where Dallas Blooms was this week and it just so happened that Tuesday was their Toddler Day. Yippee! We had a blast! First, Taylor was greeted by some Children's Hospital helpers who decked her out like a little nurse.



Then, we colored for awhile with markers while I pleaded with Taylor to go dance with the Kindermusik lady who was teaching a little dance to the kids. But, that was a no-go. Coloring was way more fun, apparently.



We headed out to their little petting zoo.



Taylor had a blast!


Can you tell she loved the petting zoo???

Oh, but she hated getting her hands dirty. She was asking for wipes in between petting the animals. What a girly girl. Gee, I wonder where she gets that from...



We had a little picnic lunch and then walked around enjoying the flowers.



This is the closest thing we could get to a family picture.



I like this picture because Beckett and I are making the same face. His is much cuter, of course!



More fun with flowers! This girl LOVES to be outside!






Two worn out kiddos...




What a wonderful week topped off by an AMAZINGLY QUIET car ride home. Beckett slept pretty much the whole time and Taylor Joy was entertained watching Charlotte's Web twice! I listened to a sermon by Carolyn Mahaney about being busy in the home. What a wonderful way to end the week. Hope yours was great too!

Twinkle Little Star Down in Heart

Here is Taylor Joy singing a variety of songs! Here is the translation:

She starts off singing "Down in heart, down in heart" from "I've got the joy joy joy" and then she goes to singing "Twinkle twinkle little star" while she proceeds to stuff cheerios into her mouth. It cracks me up because at first she's almost whispering a soft ballad and then all of the sudden it turns into a rock song! She gets distracted so easily and she goes to humming and dancing after that!

The sounds of Beckett

Here's just a taste of the sounds our precious baby has been making! So talkative! The loud sound is the heater that's in our bathroom. He seriously loves that thing! I think both the sound and the warmth. Anyhow, enjoy! There are more videos to come...especially some of Taylor Joy's wonderful singing! Stay tuned!

These are my newest absolute favorite thing! MMMMmmm! Just looking at the box makes me drool. Seriously if you haven't tried these you should go buy some today! They are yummylicious! They say "lightly cinnamon" but I always try to find the ones that are COATED with cinnamon. Those are the best! I could literally eat a whole box at one sitting. I guess that's okay since they are Wheat Thins? I mean, it must have wheat and whole grains in it, right? I hope that logic works! Tell me if you buy them, try them and like them! And if you ever want to make me smile, just bring me over a box!

More Church!

We just pulled in from church and Taylor Joy started crying saying, "More church, more church!" I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm for our church, Living Hope. Although I know they do wonderful things in the preschool and teach a fruitful lesson every time she is in there, I certainly hope she keeps that same wonderful enthusiasm for the church throughout her life.

This spring our pastor, Butch, has actually been preaching a series called, Ekklesia, which is the greek word for "church" (basically, a group gathered together, not the building) used in the New Testament and calling us to the standard of the church body that the Bible has for us. I encourage you to click on the link to our church, click on Listen Online and start listening to the sermons today!

Oh, and after Taylor Joy stopped saying, "More church!" she went on to say, "More Daddy, more Daddy!" I'm quite sure that her enthusiasm for her daddy will last for the ages...

Don't Forget!

TO VOTE!

If you live in College Station or Bryan, the details are below. For the rest of you, just check your local newspaper or online news! Early voting is the best bet (in my opinion...)

And you get a really cool sticker!

Early voting places and times

Early voting in the March 4 Democratic and Republican primaries begins on Tuesday and will continue through the weekend until Feb. 29. Any Brazos County voter with a current voter registration may cast an early ballot. No reason needs to be given.

Any registered voter may vote in either primary, but not both. Should there be a runoff in either party, voters who vast a ballot in one party's March 4 primary may not vote in the other party's runoff.

Hours for early voting are:

• Tuesday through Friday-- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday -- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Sunday -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Monday through Feb. 29 -- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters may cast a ballot at any of the five Brazos County early polling places:

• Brazos County Courthouse, 300 E. 26th St., Suite 108, in downtown Bryan.

• Arena Hall, North Earl Rudder Freeway at Tabor Road in Bryan.

• Galilee Baptist Church, 804 N. Logan St. in Bryan.

• Brazos Valley Bank, 430 Texas 6 S. in College Station.

• The Memorial Student Center on the campus of Texas A&M University.

Happy 2 Months, Beckett!

Beckett Cole is now TWO MONTHS OLD!

I actually feel like he is older than that...maybe just because he's so big, but he's also 9 weeks old tomorrow. On Monday he weighed 14 POUNDS! I just couldn't believe it. I said to the nurse, "No he DOESN'T weigh 14 lbs.!" and she thought I was seriously doubting her weighing skills. I was just so shocked!

He honestly has the sweetest personality. He is smiling, cooing and talking like nobody's business. He loves his mama. And I love that he loves me so much. It literally takes me picking him up to make him stop crying and saying anything to him to make him smile. He absolutely melts my heart.

I never knew what all the fuss over baby boys was about (since I adore little girls!) but this baby boy is so cuddly and sweet and I now understand the sweet bond between a baby boy and his mama. Not that it's better in anyway, just completely different...I love them both SO much!

Here are some pictures to keep the grandparents happy!

A Valentine's Helper (and Recipe!)

I made some Valentine's shortbread cookies and I had a wonderful helper by my side...the one and only Miss Taylor Joy.

First, we had to put on our aprons...she was insistent on that. I didn't mind since mine is pink! Just like my mixer and Taylor Joy's! Sweet Erin Whitley brought over a matching pink mixer for Taylor Joy. She adores it!

After we made the dough (it was pink, by the way) I thought Taylor might have fun holding it and shaping it like playdoh so she sat down in her seat, smooshed it once and then shoved the whole thing in her mouth! So much for that! Then she started saying, "More playdohs, more playdohs!" I couldn't help but laugh.

Anyhow, they turned out nicely and they taste good too! Here's the recipe. It's super easy!


Valentine Shortbread Hearts

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon red food color
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening
Sprinkles/icing for deco if desired

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, powdered sugar, almond extract and food color in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in flour and almonds.

2. Press dough into heart shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Cool on cookie sheet 25 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to serving platter.

4. Place baking chips and shortening in microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on Medium-High (70%) about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Drizzle over shortbread.

5. Use sprinkles if you want and then I used some icing to write names on them and things like, "Be Mine", "I Love You", etc.

Taylor Joyisms

Today Taylor Joy has started to say, "Hey Dude!" to everyone and everything in our house, including Beckett. I don't even know where she heard that from...who says that? She also calls him "Buddy Boy" sometimes, which I just think is hilarious.

The cutest thing she has done with Beckett was yesterday when she saw him spitting up and yelled, "SPIT UP! BURP RAG!" and ran to get a burp rag and then ever so gently wiped his lips for the tiniest bit of spit up. After that she held his hand and said, "Pray." That sweet little girl wanted to pray with him! So we said a little prayer of thanks for buddy boy.

Her favorite thing to do with Beckett is to share with him and once she has shared one thing and I tell her, "Oh Taylor, how sweet!" she goes and gets a million other things to share with him until he is surrounded with her sweetness!

They sure are livin' up to their precious little shirts...

Valentine Cutie

Our little Valentine LOVES the camera, that's for sure!

I set her on the window seat and she just started posing like she knew just what to do! What a little cutie! I love the one with her head down like she's so demure and shy...mmm hmmm...she can't fool anyone with that!

Oh, I sure do love this little girl!

Reflections on having a second child...

Here are my "reflections" to date about having a second child. I would love to hear any other advice/tips other moms have as well. Please feel free to comment.

- Two babies means I'm outnumbered and I'm pretty sure I could use a second set of arms. Why is it that both babies think they need to cry at the same time or they both need to be held at the same time? I agree with Mindi Greene when she told me one day that moms should be given additional arms when a new little one is born and they could just fall off at some point during their second year of life. But, I'm pretty sure Mindi needs about 10 arms with all her kiddos!

- All babies are certainly different. I remember when Taylor Joy was born coercing her to take the pacifier. She caught on pretty easily and enjoyed it. We enjoyed the silence. When other moms would talk about their baby not liking the pacifier I thought maybe they just hadn't been diligent enough with it. Not so. As diligent as I have been Beckett he still isn't a fan of the plug. He enjoys the funny-looking hospital one sometimes, but other times acts like he just tasted a sour pickle or like he's going to gag. Not just that, but many other things have reminded us that babies are certainly individuals.

- Child # 1 should have a good grasp on entertaining herself. When it comes time to feed the new baby this is key. If you are soon welcoming your second child into the world, you could encourage this by having playtime in her room at certain times in the day where she stays in there until you come get her. Taylor isn't horrible at this but I feel like we could have been way more prepared.

- Child # 1 will want to be your big helper, especially in regards to the new baby. Think of ways and create ways for her to help. It will make whatever you are doing take longer and the job may not get done perfectly, but she will feel like she has helped and begin to learn how things are done. After she has helped let her know what a blessing it is to you and how much you appreciate her. Some things Taylor helps with are: going to get diapers or wipes, putting the diaper away, putting things in the hamper or trashcan, getting a blanket or burp rag, helping to burp the baby, getting his pacifier, etc.

- I often have to remind myself that a clean house and gourmet dinner just aren't a possibility these days. I need to nap when they nap because most of the time I'm exhausted from having a broken up night of rest in addition to them wearing me out during the day. It makes me sad sometimes (because I absolutely LOVE it when my house is clean), but I know that this phase won't last forever. Soon Taylor Joy will be helping me cook and do things around the house and I have an amazing husband who endures (really, enjoys!) mac and cheese dinners and leftovers many nights.

- When both kiddos are crying and I'm doing what I can to the best of my ability it really helps to just start singing. Seriously. They at least both stop crying for a second and then it gives me a peaceful state of mind to deal with them. A favorite this week is "Holy Holy Holy", a wonderful hymn with powerful words.


Okay, I know this post is getting long. I'm proud of you if you made it this far. I'm sure if you made it this far you are either a mommy or a mommy-to-be! I know I did this when Taylor Joy was born, but I want to do it again now that I have more perspective with two children. Here are some products that I totally recommend. Some have changed from when Taylor Joy was born and some are definitely still my favorite. Moms feel free to comment on your favorites...I really want to hear and I know other do too!

Here they are in no particular order:

OxiClean Spray - to get out poop stains, spit up stains and breast milk stains. Gets the job done. This is probably the only product that is MUST have. The others go in the "really nice to have" category.

Ultimate Crib Sheet - we now have two and Taylor Joy still uses hers. I have it attached to her toddler bed even though it doesn't fit as perfectly as the crib. This is key for middle of the night leaks. I can't tell you how much time this has saved me.

Huggies Supreme diapers for the first few weeks- they have a little cutout for the umbilical cord. It's wonderful! Instead of having to fold it down or have it rub on the stump, you're good to go. How thoughtful. Thanks, Huggies.

Super Sling - I have to give props to Rachel who made my sling for me. Not only is it so hip, but Beckett loves it in there. When he is fussy and I've tried everything else, popping him in that sling does wonders. The baby Bjorn also has a similar effect, it's just not as hip.

Nursing cover - Rachel makes these too! I love mine and especially loved it when he was first born and we were having all sorts of family and visitors at our house. I didn't have to leave the room to nurse or feel ackward trying to cover myself with a little blanket. It worked wonderfully for that and if I ever leave the house and have to nurse it will be perfect.

Womb sounds bear - Beckett seems to love this thing. I'm sure it reminds him of the womb and of my heartbeat. It stays on for 30 minutes and then cuts off while he's already asleep. It's really soft too and has velcro to attach to the crib.

Miracle blanket - This is really cool. Taylor Joy always wiggled out of a swaddle but this is pretty much like a straight jacket. I would absolutely hate it, but babies seem to love it. Beckett does. It often calms him down when he's fussy and he sleeps on his back in it without startling himself and waking up.

Okay moms, jump in! What does it for your baby? What things can you not live without? I want some comments from those wise mommies out there!

31 Years...

Whoa! 31 Years! Congrats, Mom and Dad! It's been a long time together and I am so proud of ya'll for the example that you've been for Allen and me and a watching world.

Mom, you told me on my wedding day that your love for Dad grows deeper every year you are together and that my love for Allen could only grow stronger. I have certainly found your statement to be true and can't imagine the love you have for Dad after all these years!

I hope ya'll have a wonderful day celebrating your love!

Happy 31st Anniversary!

We LOVE you!

I'm so bad...

Sorry guys. I've been such a bad blogger lately. I have plenty of reason, but still...forgive me?

I've been pretty busy these last few weeks, but nonetheless managed to take some pictures of the cuties.

Here are some pictures from Christmas: some pre-Beckett and of course some Beckett ones as well. Enjoy!

I hope to post more once this little guy moves to his own room and leaves ours (where the computer is!).



I actually have a minute now so I want to update on Taylor Joy, who is almost 20 months! Wow!

Taylor Joy is absolutely in LOVE and in AWE of her brother Beckett. I think her life goal is to be able to hold him, so we try to accommodate that every now and then by "helping" her to hold him. I am pretty convinced that even in her rough moments with him that her motives are pure. The main reasons she gets in trouble with him are when she kisses him too hard or tries to pick him up.

All in all she has done so wonderfully with him. Please continue to pray for her as it IS still a hard time for her. She's learning to play by herself and entertain herself. She's learning how to be gentle with Beckett. She's learning that life isn't all about her and we want her to succeed. Desperately.

Taylor Funnies:

One day Allen said "Taylor Joy!" and she replied, "DUTY!" The main reason it was so funny was that we never taught her that. I think I told her that once awhile ago but I'm thinking somebody else MUST have taught her that but we have no idea who! So anyways, she definitely knows her name and she is proud of it!

She is a total clean freak. Every time she's eating in her high chair she asks for a "nappin" (napkin) anytime any little thing gets on her hands, face or tray. She also shouts out "OH NO!" in the most dramatic little voice. It makes us laugh every time because it's absolutely as if the world must stop because a crumb fell.

When we tell Taylor Joy that she's the best sister or something is the best, she replies, "Best EVER!" We found this out by saying she was the best sister one day and later found out she learned it from Nanny who told her during tea parties that her tea was the "best EVER!"

Okay, that's it! Enjoy! I have to go now for real!

Beckett Slideshow

Here's a slideshow of pics from Beckett's first week of life.

First Pictures

Beckett's Hospital Pictures

Our New Arrival

Our precious Beckett Cole has arrived! He graced us with his presence this weekend and we are now home and all doing wonderfully. Here are his stats:

Beckett Cole Duty
December 15, 2007
8 lbs, 15 oz.
21 inches
12:08 p.m.

When he came out I was not only shocked to see how big he was, but also that he has dark brown hair! Crazy! You'd think I would be used to being surprised in the delivery room by now!

He is just perfect. He is such a wonderful, laid-back baby and Taylor Joy absolutely adores him. She loves to share her things with him, put his paci in and give him kisses. She loves her baby "Bett-it".

Please pray for me especially this week that I can make Taylor feel special and let her know how loved she is despite the decrease in attention she'll be receiving from me. Pray for her that she will feel just as loved and that she will delight in being my little helper.

The Lord has blessed us immensely in increasing our "quiver" and growing our family. Thanks to everyone who has called and stopped by to congratulate us. What an amazing church family we have.

Coming soon: More pictures and the birth story...

Is this the week?

Baby Beckett, only you and the Lord know...is this the week you will join our family?

What do you think???

I hope so! I don't think I could get any larger!

Beckett's Room

As requested by many, here are the pictures of Beckett's room. We went with a farm animals theme and my mom bought him the cute curtains, wall hangings, lamp, etc. and I made the bumper and dust ruffle to match.



I also stenciled the walls, it seems ages ago.



The full size bed that's in here is probably going to go after he starts sleeping in here and we'll move in the changing table and rocking chair (provided Taylor Joy will give them up!)

Feminine Appeal

That's right, folks! It's book review time!

I recently finished Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney, which came highly recommended from both Ashley Kinnard and Kelli Williams. I really enjoyed it! I actually blew right through it. After reading Heaven it seemed like such a short read. As a matter of fact, I've already finished another book by Noel Piper, Treasuring God in Your Traditions, which will be the next book review (hopefully in the next 12 days or else it could be Jan!).

Back to the task at hand. Feminine Appeal focuses on Titus 2, which says:

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Here's a quote from Elisabeth Elliot regarding mentoring:

"It is doubtful that the Apostle Paul had in mind Bible classes or seminars or books when he spoke of teaching younger women. He meant the simple things, the everyday example, the willingness to take time from one's own concerns to pray with the anxious mother, to walk with her the way of the cross - with it's tremendous demands of patience, selflessness and lovingkindness - and to show her, in the ordinariness of Monday through Saturday, how to keep a quiet heart.

These lessons will come perhaps most convincingly through rocking a baby, doing some mending, cooking a supper or cleaning a refrigerator. Through such an example, one young woman - single or married, Christian or not - may glimpse the mystery of charity and the glory of womanhood."

I've had the privilege of mentoring several college and married girls and I feel like I have grown and been blessed all the more for it! I treasure those girls and have had the honor of seeing them grow into biblical womanhood and what it means to be a wife and mother, possibly way before they will ever be a wife or mom. They LOVE playing with Taylor Joy, bathing her, and putting her to bed and it blesses me to watch how much she loves them. They step in for me at HOPE group and take care of her so I don't have to. They are getting it. They are going to be much more prepared for motherhood than I ever was because they are learning about sacrifice and selflessness NOW.

They are also learning about training children. Allen and I are far from pros, but we admit that and attempt to teach, train and correct in a way that is biblical. These girls witness it firsthand and are able to see the full picture of motherhood if we allow them into our lives.

Here's a quote from Charles Bridges:

"Far better that children should cry under healthful correction, than that parents should afterward cry under the bitter fruit to themselves and children, of neglected discipline."

"He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Prov. 13:24

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Prov. 29:25
(fearing our children, by giving into them)

Our thoughts should be always for our children. In other words, in every schedule, plan, activity, we should ask, "how will this affect their souls?" and let that guide us. After all, salvation is the end goal we have for our children.

"I seldom feel like and adventurer - standing in this kitchen, pouring cereal into bowls, refilling them, handing out paper towels when the inevitable cry comes: "Uh oh. I spilled." But sometimes at night the thought will strike me: There are three small people here, breathing sweetly in their beds, whose lives are for the moment in our hands. I might as well be at the controls of a moon shoot, the mission is so grave and vast."

Sometimes I feel the same way. I wonder how doing dishes (the same dishes) everyday could possibly be God's plan for me. But then I look down and see that little face watching me, asking to "hep" and I hand her a spoon to put away, thank her and see her beautiful smiling face looking back at me. I feel so blessed to train her, to spend everyday with her.

The book goes into much more detail on Titus 2, like planning, husbands, self-control, submission, purity, kindness, etc., but I haven't the time or energy to go into it. Just buy the book and read it! It's wonderful. I can fully recommend this book from beginning to end. Oh, and there's a study guide in the back if you wanted to make a small group study of it, which I may do in the future if anyone is interested.

Happy reading everyone! Let me know if you read it, have read it, what you think of it!

Giving Thanks

It's past that time, but oh well. I want to give thanks for the amazing couple of days we spent with our families. I had special permission from my doctor to travel with the understanding that I would "relax and let everyone else take care of me." Sure, I think I can handle that...that was the amazing part. Our families are always taking care of us, 9 months pregnant or not!





I'm thankful for our Taylor Joy, who blessed so many people just by being there. She certainly brings so much joy to our families. She actually initiated the prayer on Thanksgiving and the holding of hands. It blesses my heart to see that she understands and enjoys all the things that our taught in our home.



"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deut. 11:18-19


This verse from Deuteronomy sticks out in my head about a million times a day when I feel frustrated that Taylor Joy isn't getting it and need some encouragement. But then in the moments when she does, it is a sweet blessing indeed. I see that the Lord is working in ways that are beyond my vision.

I'm thankful that the Lord has blessed my womb once again and is knitting together a precious baby boy in there as I type. I know He loves that baby way more than I possibly could and I know that His plans for Beckett are perfect. For that I am thankful.

I'm amazingly blessed to have the husband I have. He has always led me, protected me and cared for me, but seeing him as a father has made my love for him grow deeper than imaginable. He spends time with me and Taylor that he doesn't have. He will drop studying the second Taylor comes over and asks him to read. He will drop practically anything to help me get things done around the house. He is especially thoughtful now that I need all the rest I can get, watching Taylor while I lay down for a nap. I don't know the "ways" of other husbands, but I am pretty sure Allen surpasses them. It's guaranteed that Allen will lead our family in "Family Worship" everyday. It's my favorite time of the day. He's investing in the spiritual growth of his family. For that and for him, I am truly thankful.



I'm thankful to the Lord, of course, who has blessed me with all these things. But most importantly, and thinking about the songs we sang at church this weekend, I'm thankful that...

"into His marvelous light I'm running
out of darkness out of shame
by the cross
you are the truth
you are the life
you are the way"

Check this out!

My friend Misti just sent this to me with her family in it and I just had to do it for ours. This is HILARIOUS! Please, do it for your family and then send it to me, or post it in the comments. The first time I saw it I nearly peed my pants! Taylor Joy's head just bobs around on that big body! SO FUNNY!


Elf Yourself

Happy Half Birthday, Taylor Joy!

Here's wishing our little pumpkin a Happy Half Birthday! One and a half years old!

In a sense it seems like it's been longer than that and I can't remember life without her, but in another sense it has all flashed before my eyes and I feel like I gave birth to that little redhead just months ago.

I am cherishing every moment, realizing in the of an blink of an eye she will be talking in full sentences, reading books, ready for kindergarten, into her teenage years and then walking down the aisle.

I want every moment to last.

I want every day to count.

I love this precious girl more than words could say. It is a joy and honor to be her mother.

Happy 1 1/2 years, Taylor Joy! You are so incredibly loved!

Bible Says So

During our "Family Worship" times we have been singing a hymn and also "Jesus Loves Me" as Taylor Joy's hymn. Although she used to just sing, "Jesus Jesus Jesus" lately she has been singing, "Bible says so" although I have no idea where she got "says" since we always sing "Bible tells me so." Anyway, here is a random moment with her singing her "hymn." Enjoy!

Heaven

I have *finally* finished the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I was really pumped about reading it in the beginning, but about halfway through I felt like I was reading just to check it off the list. It is extremely comprehensive (500 pages comprehensive...) and touches on things like:

"What will our bodies be like?"

"Will we eat and drink on the New Earth?"

"What will our daily lives be like?"

"How will we relate to each other?"

"Will Heaven ever be boring?"

and on and on and on...

I must admit it was definitely on the long-winded side.

Nonetheless, I appreciate his desire to educate on the subject of Heaven. Almost no other books are out there on the subject and he did much research and study of the scriptures to come to his conclusions.

The first thing he MUST address is "Can you know if you're going to Heaven?" Of course this is essential. If we believe the things that Jesus did, confess and repent of our sins, the Bible says "he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). It's not about anything that we DO, it cannot be attained, it's all about Christ's sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8-9).

He also talks about the difference between heaven now and the New Earth. For instance, the person who dies today goes to what Alcorn refers to as the "intermediate heaven" and after Christ returns He will restore the New Earth, which is the place where all of His people will reside eternally. I knew that Revelation talked about the new heavens and the new earth and us residing on it, but I had never really put two and two together that those with Christ now are at "temporary" heaven, awaiting the day when Jesus will return to Earth and restore it with His own people.

It helped me to read what he had to say about restoration in general and in the context of the New Earth. God made Adam, Eve and this entire world and said that it was "very good." What makes us think the the New Earth (Heaven) will be a place of floating around on clouds and playing harps? That is the silliest imagery and yet it is what many people continue to picture in their heads when they think of Heaven. If He talks about creating a NEW earth (see above scripture), why would it be all that different than what He created from the get go when there was no sin in this world? A quote from Albert Wolters sums it up well:

"Redemption means restoration - that is, the return to goodness of an originally unscathed creation and not merely the addition of something supracreational...The restoration affects the whole of creational life and not merely some limited area within it."

After laying the foundation, he goes on to the second part of the book, which to me was the most interesting... "Questions and Answers about Heaven."

This is the section that went in into fairly detailed accounts of what heaven (the New Earth) may be like. Since there aren't too many scriptures about heaven, he used other scriptures to basically draw conclusions from. I understand why he had to do that, but I am also having to take what he said (especially in this section) with a grain of salt since they are just conclusions made by a human being (and he makes this statement too). Some things I found interesting:

- Will we all appear the same age? Since the prime age is our 20's we should all be 20 somethings in heaven, right? Will there be no children? He uses Isaiah 11:6-9 (which is likely referring to the New Earth) to say children may well grow up on the New Earth into their prime age. He also suggests that in heaven we'll be ageless. So, we'll see people as we remember them. I'll see my parents as older and they will see me as younger, etc.

- Will we drink coffee in heaven? Alcorn writes, "God made coffee. Coffee grows on Earth, which God made for mankind, put under our management and filled with resources for our use...realizing that caffeine addiction or anything else unhealthy simply won't exist on the New Earth - why wouldn't it be part of the resurrected Earth?" He also uses 1 Tim. 6:17 and 1 Tim. 4:4-5 to base his assumption on. This is great news, although I'm not so sure we will actually need it or remember it there.

- Will we know everything? "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Cor. 13:12). That's not to say we will know everything and be omniscient as only God is, but that we will understand without error or misconception and know in a deeper way than we did before.

The third section just summed up (a bit repetitively I must say) the book and how we should live in light of what we know.

I feel like I now have a better grasp on what to expect in Heaven and certainly more to look forward to! I am excited to see all the things we will experience and know that our limited imagination can't possibly contain all the Lord has for us for eternity! How exciting!

Lord, help me to live in light of eternity. Constantly focus my heart and mind on eternal things and help me to spur others to do the same.

Here's my recommendation: don't read the whole thing. Look over the 46 chapter titles and pick and choose the topics that you need help understanding and/or think are interesting. You will certainly overcommit yourself if you decide to read the whole thing.

Here are some questions readers asked after reading the book and his answers.

Tummy Time!

Well, here's the newest tummy pic. As I mentioned in the last post, I have really "blossomed" lately, as you can tell! Even though I haven't gained as much and my tummy isn't as big as with Taylor Joy, I really feel HUGE! This baby is heavy and he's really a mover and shaker. Plus, I have Taylor Joy, who bless her heart, wants to be crawling on top of me and "up" as she says with me holding her 24/7. She's going to have to learn how to share mommy *very* soon!

At the last appointment as they were checking Beckett's fluids she casually mentioned seeing a "scrotum". OKAY! Thanks! That's very good to know. All last week Allen and I were trying to come up with a girl name just in case.

He was about 5 1/2 lbs. last week, so if you do the math, this baby could end up being a 10 pounder! Oh my!

On another note, Beckett's amniotic fluid is very low, like on the minimum of what is acceptable, so please pray for that to increase. Otherwise, they may have to induce before the due date, which we really don't care to do. I would just like him to come in his natural timing rather than force him out!

We saw his sweet face and his mouth was opening and closing, probably swallowing all the fluids! He is really precious, I can just tell!

I can't wait to meet you my sweet baby boy!

Celebration of 40,000 Visitors!

After blogging for about a year now, we have hit 40,000! Wow! That seems really incredible to me! With the exception of my husband, who doesn't read the blog, the rest of the Duty's are glad to have served you with (hopefully) interesting writings, updates, pictures, videos and the like to make you want to come back and visit!

I would like to hear which things you like best...and then I can cater to our audience better. Not that I will actually have time in about 6 weeks (Beckett), but I will certainly try.

A Beckett update will be coming shortly. I want to take a picture of my ridiculously growing belly so you can see it as well. I feel like I have really "blossomed" lately!

Anyhow, just wanted to thank everyone who is dedicated to the Duty Chronicles and let you know we love to share our family and life with the rest of the blogging world. Keep on reading!

Trunk or Treat

Last night was Trunk or Treat and our little Raggedy Ann ran us ragged! She had so much fun running around from booth to booth and she kept a running inventory on her "goodies," constantly looking in her bag. She played the bean bag toss, football toss, duck pond, cake walk, you name it! Allen and I were a last minute 70's guy and doctor!

Taylor Joy refused to wear her hat, which was really cute, but she didn't really need it so much because of her red hair. She looked precious anyway!



Our wonderful youth were working the booths and helping Taylor Joy to win their games. She and Daddy played many games together, too!



"Chelle" and "Jayee" helped Taylor Joy around and Michelle, of course, fed the girl cupcakes. No wonder she loves her so much!

A Fun Week to Come!

The Bri-den-stines are com-ming to town!!! (imagine that I'm singing that to the tune of a famous Christmas song)

The excitement is mounting. The guest bedroom (er...Beckett's room) is ready to go. The schedule is all planned out in an Excel spreadsheet (Allen). And the fridge is full.

Yes, that means the Bridenstine's will be here very soon!

We've been counting down the days and now we are down to four. Yippee!

We can't wait for your arrival, Will and Janette!

There will be lots of fun to be had, fellowship unlike any since last Christmas, much card playing (fatties get ready!), and many more memories to made, I'm sure.

We LOVE you!

Baby Beckett...or will it be Baby Becca???

Well, come December we may be fully surprised at what pops out of me! I'm totally fine with that.

Today at the doctor visit we did an ultrasound and that baby gave us no clear indication that he was a boy and he (or she I suppose) was completely uncooperative. This would be all fine and good if he had given us absolute proof at any of the other ultrasounds, but that's just not the case. We had thought we saw boy "parts" twice and then they disappeared suddenly and we were never able to even get a picture. At the beginning of this pregnancy I said I would like to know the gender "if the baby cooperates." I guess he or she wants to be a surprise!

My gut instinct still says boy, but I can't say I would be all that surprised if a sweet little girl popped out!

We have yet to think of any girl names we both like so that would definitely be a challenge. I have stenciled "Beckett" in block letters on his wall, so we were kidding saying we could just paint over half of it and name her Becca, if it's a girl.

I'll be going back in 2 weeks because the doctor was a little concerned about low fluid levels and says I need to rest more. That is SO easy for someone else to say! Please come hang out with my one year old for a day and see that it's near impossible! But I am definitely going to try...

Can you believe this kiddo is 3 1/2 to 4 lbs! Crazy! Since there weren't any good sonogram pics I was forced to find this picture of a 31 week old fetus. His head is also down which is a good sign. The doctor says he couldn't probably flip that much before birth to be breech. That makes me happy.

Well, that's all I know. I will update more as I find out myself!

I'm Sorry!

Just wanted to say sorry for not updating our blog very often lately. I haven't necessarily been "busy", but just spending my time in other ways. I know some of you check it everyday, hoping for an update or new picture of Taylor Joy (mom!), so I just wanted to let you know that it's coming! SOON!

I've been working on Beckett's room and it's turning out very cute, but I've been making bumpers, dust ruffles, cute things for the walls, etc. I'm thisclose to being through and I will post a picture of that too.

We're going to the doctor tomorrow and will get another peek at Beckett, so I will update if anything is new. I'm almost in the single digits, 9 weeks to go! It's crazy how fast it's gone, but I am definitely starting to feel big, out of breath and like I'm hauling around a bowling ball in my tummy...a very wiggly bowling ball.

Anyhow, just wanted to say don't give up on the Duty Chronicles. We're here to serve you with Duty updates very soon!

Duty Funnies

I didn't really think much of it until I started describing it to someone at church last night. And I laughed out loud picturing it in my head just now.

This past week has been poop-filled. Yes, Taylor Joy has had a bad case of the runs. Poor thing.

One morning in particular I hadn't heard her at all and then finally decided to go get her. She was laying there, happy as can be in a pool of poop. She just looked up and smiled at me. I almost fainted from the stench.

I told Taylor to stay right there and then literally RAN to get Allen. He was, of course, covered in shaving cream. It seems he's always covered in shaving cream when something frantic happens.

He came to the rescue while I got the shower going, etc. Praise Jesus for husbands who take care of that kind of thing. I literally was about to pass out. I couldn't take it.

Our friends from Dallas came in town and pulled into our driveway just in time to see the whole spectacle.

Allen opening the garage door, carrying all the poop filled sheets, blankets, nighties, with his face covered in shave cream, one mission in mind:

Spray the poo soiled items down with the hose while breathing in as little as possible, with no regard for anything or anyone around him.

There were neighbors outside, probably kids playing, cars driving by...that didn't distract Allen from his task.

It just makes me realize how funny life is with a baby. Things change drastically. Life is no longer life as you knew it. It funnier, messier, sweeter, harder, crazier, more hectic and frustrating, more precious and beautiful and certainly more worthwhile.

I hope this doesn't deter any young couples from starting a family. I really can't describe to you the blessing that this child is in our life. She's the sweetest thing. Just hearing her say, "wub u mommy" makes everything else fade away and my heart melts in a way it never could before children. I love those moments. And they happen much more often than the blowouts.

Taylor Joy is much better and has had the best time with her friend "Ry-ree" (Ryleigh) here this weekend. I'll have to post some pictures of them later...