Double J and Double A

Live your life with arms wide open. This is where your book begins... the rest is still unwritten. ~Natasha Bedingfield

8.28.2008

Happy 9th Anniversary Babe!



I wonder what God was thinking
When He created you
I wonder if He knew everything I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me
-----words by Newsong featuring Natalie Grant

8.24.2008

Peaceful morning



Most Sundays after church, we walk to the pond on the church grounds to look for frogs, ducks, geese & fish. I always think it would be a great backdrop for pictures, but don't usually take my camera to church with me.



God's majesty was in full force yesterday...the weather was beautiful, the ducks and geese were friendly, the kids were smiling upon request (at the same time), and I remembered my camera. Not to mention, we had just heard a great message from Pastor Rob.

8.21.2008

Favorite Show

This year, I've become obsessed with the TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8. Big thanks to Heather for turning me onto it.

Every Monday night, Avery and I watch the show together. It makes my life with two kids seem so simple. After watching what they accomplish together, I'm certain we can do anything with our family of four. For example, we're headed to Disney in December and are strongly considering driving the 20 hours. Well, if the Gosselins did it with 8 kids, I'm sure we can handle it with our two.

I like the family even better after reading their website. Although the TLC show doesn't really discuss this, it sounds like they are strong Christians with an undeniable faith in God.

I know that there are days when I feel like I am yelling all day, but boy does Kate really get on Jon! I wonder what she thinks if she watches the shows.

I love that they don't let the size of their family keep them from doing family activities, going to museums, waterparks, vacations, etc. Granted, I'm sure they don't have to cover the cost of much of it due to the hit TV show. But they get out and do fun things together.

I just enjoy how normal they are, even though their life has been on tv for the world to see for the last 4 years.

If you haven't seen it...check it out on TLC, Mondays at 9pm EST(yes, Avery is still awake at 9pm)

8.20.2008

#37

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!



Thanks for being wonderful examples of how to live your life simply, faithfully, and lovingly!

8.15.2008

Morning Phone Call

Jealousy is not a desirable trait. The Bible tells us not to covet what others have. I'm trying really hard!

Moments ago, I received a phone call from Beijing, China. I heard the crowd in the background, the excitement in his voice. They are at the Olympics! Watching Beach Volleyball, no less. Right now!

He had to talk quick...international calls on a cell phone probably aren't cheap, and I could barely hear over all the noise. Near the end, he asked "How are you guys doing?". What a good brother!

I said, "we're a normal family enjoying summer in the Midwest...now go buy some really expensive tickets to watch Michael Phelps make history!".

8.14.2008

Moments of Fear

A second can turn into a lifetime. Your heart is beating out of your chest.

Have you ever not known where your child is?

Your mind works differently as a parent, doesn't it?

Have you ever thought to yourself "even though I am near to my child, what if someone ran past real fast and snatched them up"?

Saturday afternoon, we were at the park. There was a festival going on. I was talking to a classmate. Jon was right behind me with the kids on the playground.

Problem: Jon thought Austin was with me.

It was a matter of seconds, but neither of us knew where Austin was.

I found him standing on the other side of a gathering of people a few feet away, in the middle of the basketball court all by himself. He had tears in his eyes and his little finger in his mouth.

You don't want to panic, but at the same time, horrible thoughts are running through your head. Once found, you scoop them up and hug them with all your might. All of this in a matter of seconds. Seconds that seem to last forever!

8.10.2008

Swing Batter, Batter!



The early beginnings of a baseball star??!!

8.06.2008

Olympics, anyone?

The Olympics begin this week on 8-8-08. I haven't heard much excitement leading up to the Olympics this year, other than all of the political hoopla. That's too bad. The athletes train diligently and without rest for years leading up to these games.

The motto is "One World, One Dream". For a few short weeks, the world comes together to celebrate and compete for the highest dreams of winning a Gold medal. I love to watch the stories unfold of all the different athletes and see how through sports we can momentarily break down the barriers of language, age, and different cultures.

I'm looking forward to watching my favorites: Gymnastics, Beach Volleyball, and Swimming.