Wedding Weekend

This past weekend we headed to Texas for Patrick and Noel's wedding. We drove down on Friday night. Saturday morning Mike went with they guys to play paintball while Dad, Mom, Brody, and I went shopping for my birthday. Then Mom, Audria, and I went to a lingerie shower that Ann threw for Noel. Saturday night we hung out with Caleb, Audria, and Angela while everyone was at the rehersal dinner. Sunday we went to church, had lunch with the family, and then went to the wedding! Monday morning we drove back to Kansas. It was a busy weekend...but fun to get to spend time with family and friends :) Here are a few pictures from this weekend.
Collin and Brody trying to play together.

Namaw gave Brody a bath before the wedding.

The wedding was outdoors (brrrr). Noel got cold during the wedding and Patrick gave her his suit coat.

Ann, Staci, Megan, Audria, and Brody

Patrick was excited to meet Brody for the first time. He's been in China ever since Brody was born. Patrick and Noel will be going back to China for another semester.

Noel and Patrick on the dance floor.

Me and Mike with Tyler, Ann, Caleb, & Audria.

"Can I take Namaw back to KS with me? Please?!?!?"

To be fair

Since I bragged on Whirley Pop's customer service...I feel that I need to be fair and brag on the Magic Bullet. The first time I used "Brody's" Christmas present to make milkshakes, tabs broke off of the mugs that you use with the Magic Bullet. I was so disappointed! Monday I called them and informed them about the problem. Yesterday I received in the mail 2 mugs and 1 tall blending cup to replace the ones that the tabs broke off of! I was happy about the prompt service...I'm just a little tentative to be too excited because I'm afraid it won't be long before the tabs break again and I'm calling them back. We'll see....

Since I'm in the bragging mood...I'm gonna brag on myself for a minute :) I have lost all the baby weight and a few pounds extra! I still have some loose skin on my tummy...but if you remember what I looked like at 9 months pregnant you'll understand why it may take a while for that skin to pop back (if it ever does!) Well yesterday I decided to try on my prom dress from high school just for fun (yes...I still have it. I'm not sure why?) It actually fit! The chest was pretty tight (understandably so!) and you could see a little of my tummy when I relaxed...but I was shocked that I could zip it up! Maybe some time I'll have Mike take my picture in it and we can compare how I look now as opposed to 10 years ago! Yikes...it's been 10 YEARS!

Special Day

Thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday! This was my first birthday with Brody here. It gave me a new perspective. My parents called me at 5:50 am (I was born at 5:45...guess it took them a few minutes to clear their throats) to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. Every year they tell me about when I was born and about how little I was and what a joy I was/am to them. It took on a new, special meaning this year.

I had a pretty good day yesterday (besides having to go to a funeral). Mike beat me home from work and had flowers on the table and dinner in the oven! We had fried chicken, mashed potatoes (the way I like them), fried okra, garlic cheese biscuits, red velvet cake, and ice cream. We ate HEALTHY last night! lol After dinner we watched a dvd that I got in the mail from Caleb & Audria. It was a video that they made along with Dad, Mom, Tyler, & Ann wishing me happy birthday. It was so sweet! (yes...I cried). Caleb & Audria also sent a shirt for Brody...but that's for another post ;)

I just had a random memory...when I was in elementary school it was a BIG deal when it was your birthday because you got to read the lunch menu over the announcements! I always felt bad for Caleb because his birthday was in the summer. I'm not sure if they did something special for summer birthdays or not?

The littlest things

Sometimes it's the littlest things that make you fall in love with your husband all over again. I don't think I even told Mike how what he did affected me...

Yesterday morning I was a little nervous about getting to work safely. What made me ever more nervous was the fact that Mike had left his phone at work on Friday. We don't have a landline...so that meant I had no way of contacting him if something went wrong! Before I left, I asked him who I should call if I get stuck. He said, "Ummm...." then there was complete silence for at least a minute! I figured he'd just fallen back asleep (remember it's 4:15 am). So I headed out of the bedroom and he said, "Wait! I was just praying. You're not gonna get stuck." It made me feel a little better that he was praying for me...but I decided in my head that if I got stuck I'd call Chris & Teri. They wouldn't hate me forever if I woke them up that early and Chris has 4wd if I needed to be pulled out.

After the 7 minutes that it took me to get from our garage to the road in front of our house...I didn't have much trouble at all. In fact, the highway was totally clear! I emailed Mike when I got to work to let him know I arrived safely. He emailed back and said, "I'm glad you made it! I actually got up and watched you get as far on the dirt road as I could see. I noticed you were moving really good, so I figured that portion must be fairly clear."

I don't know why it affected me so...but the fact that he got up out of a warm bed at 4:15 in the morning to watch me drive down a dirt road made me feel loved and protected.
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Because a post isn't very good without pictures...here's some pics of Brody from this morning at work. He still isn't feeling well so I'm gonna see if I can get into the dr. soon.



Because I know you are wondering but don't want to ask...yes...he was poopin' in this picture ;)

Snow Day

It started snowing yesterday morning. It snowed off and on all day and into the night. When we woke up this morning there was over 6 inches of snow on the ground with drifts at 2 feet! One of the elders called to tell us they had cancelled church for today (I think this is the first time they've done that since we've lived here). After Brody ate breakfast we got dressed in our snow gear and headed outside. We picked the perfect time to go outside today. The sun shone for about an hour...and that was when we were outside! It wasn't too cold and the snow looked beautiful! Here are some pictures

The view out our dining room window this morning.

Brody's ready to go play in the snow!
Mike and Brody
Trevor doesn't really like the snow. It was too deep for him to follow us across the yard!
Remington, on the other hand, LOVES the snow!!!Staci & Brody
Brody tried sucking his thumb thru his mittens.We didn't get to stay outside too long because Brody started to get sleepy.

I took Brody to the house for a nap. Remington wasn't ready to go inside yet.After Brody fell asleep, Mike and I went back outside to play in the snow :) It was a dry snow so we weren't able to make a snowman. If we lived in TX this snowfall would've kept us home for several days! Not here. The road crews are too good. In otherwords...we'll still have to go to work tomorrow :(

It's HERE!!!!

We finally got a crib so I guess it's official...we're gonna keep Brody :) After a nightmare of trying to order a log crib from a builder in Montana...we got our money back from him the middle of December (we'd ordered the crib in APRIL!) Just before Christmas we met a man in the mall, Bill, who was displaying his log furniture. It was gorgeous! We asked him if he'd ever built a log crib and he said no, but he was always up for a challenge! We gave him a copy of the current crib safety standards and a picture of the crib we were originally gonna buy from MT. He started on the crib on January 2nd and it was finished this past Thursday!!! It turned out perfect (and much cheaper than the one in MT)! Bill makes lots of furniture for VERY reasonable prices. Let me know if you'd like his number! I'm guessing we'll have him make us nightstands and a dresser in the near future.

Here are some pictures of Brody hangin' out in his new bed.

Customer Service

If you purchase something and it malfunctions or breaks how many calls does it usually take to get the company to remedy the problem? Many times they never fix it and you end up with a bad attitude and a broken product.

I found the exception!!! Tyler and Ann bought me a Whirley Pop popcorn maker for Christmas. I was sooooo excited because my old one was REALLY old! I don't remember if it belonged to my great-aunt Sharon or whether she just gave it to my Dad...but after MANY years of use Dad gave it to us. We used it for 7 years and the bottom was so bad that it didn't sit flat on the stovetop! It was time for a new one...so I was very excited when I got one from Tyler and Ann!

The first time I used it the wire stirrer stopped turning the popcorn halfway thru the batch of popcorn! This is a little panicky at the time because you're suddenly afraid you're gonna burn all the popcorn! Mike messed around with it and told me he thought he fixed it. After a few more panicky batches we realized that it was a factory defect.

Monday night I emailed Whirley Pop customer service and told them about my defective popcorn popper. I figured it'd take several emails and calls, maybe a receipt from Tyler and Ann, and then they'd tell me to send the defective lid to them for replacement. I was SHOCKED when I received the following email on Tuesday morning:

Hi, I do apologize for this inconvenience to you. I will be sending you a complete new lid assembly to you. Please dispose of the defective lid, but do keep the pan. You should receive your lid within the next 5 to 7 business days.

Thank you.

Natalie Frew
Customer Service
Wabash Valley Farms
800/270-2705
www.popcornpopper.com

WOW! Now that's taking care of your customers!!!

The Heart

It was cold and icy...but we made it to the conference on Friday night and Saturday. It was such a good conference! We felt sooooo blessed to learn what we did while we're still at the beginning of our parenting years.

Dr. Tedd Tripp, author of Shepherding a Child's Heart, was the speaker. He didn't focus on "quick fix" parenting techniques. Rather he taught us that we need to shepherd our child's heart rather than just his behaviors. It's hard work and takes lots of time....but isn't it worth it? What is our goal as parents? Is it to raise children that are obedient and well-mannered or to raise children that have a desire to glorify Christ in all they do? Mike and I both left feeling like we have a lot to work on in our own spiritual life before we can be examples to Brody.

Honestly...there's so much we learned that my mind is swimming trying to think of how to write it on here and I know that it would be impossible. Feel free to email me if you want to talk about it further.

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Yesterday Brody turned FIVE months old! Can you believe it? It's gone by sooooo fast! I can't believe that it was 5 months ago that we were at the hospital seeing him for the first time. He has brought so much joy to our lives. Even in those moments where he's crying and we don't know why....we are still thankful that God has blessed us with him. Not a day goes by where I don't look at him and praise God. I find it hard to fathom that anyone could have a child and still believe that God doesn't exist! They are truly miracles!

We took some cute pictures yesterday...but of course they're on the home computer. I'll post some if I have time when I get home today.

Brrrr!!!

It's cold here today! On my way into work there were light snow flurries falling and the temperature was 15 degrees with a windchill of 2 degrees. Brrrrrr!!! They're forecasting yucky weather all weekend. We'll see what actually rolls in (you know how weather men like to hype things up so that people will watch). We're supposed to go to a parenting conference tonight and tomorrow morning. I hope we get to go! Tedd Tripp (author of Shepherding a Child's Heart) is the speaker and we've really been looking forward to it.

On the Brody front...he's now able to enjoy rice cereal, sweet potatoes, and carrots! Yesterday he had a diaper that displayed all the different foods (it was hyper colored!). I'll spare you the picture that I took of it (I emailed it to Mike so that he wouldn't miss any of Brody's milestones! lol) Instead...I'll share the picture during
And after:

Rejoice!

I know I've told you before about the numerous stars that I see when I leave for work at 4:30 am. The stars in the country are amazing! This morning I saw a falling star as I was driving to work. Immediately a verse sprang to mind:

"The Heavens delcare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psalm 19:1

It made me think..."How do I plan to glorify my savior today?" How about you? Will you complain about the weather, gas prices, war, politics, work (or how early you have to get up for work! lol), children, family...or instead will you rejoice? Rejoice in the fact that God has shown mercy on you, a sinner, and saved you thru the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

In every thing we can find a reason to rejoice. Brody woke up crying at 3 am....I rejoice that I have a child to love and care for. I had to wake up at 3:45 am to get ready for work...I rejoice that I have a job to go to (especially one that allows me to bring Brody with me!). The Democrats prevailed in the last elections...I rejoice that God is in control and can be comforted in the fact that nothing has happened that he has not allowed. Mike spent all evening at a church council meeting...I rejoice that I have a husband that loves Christ. I could go on and on. Instead of focusing on what's gone wrong this morning...what are you rejoicing in today?

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:4-7

Work Funnies

Here are a few pictures with Brody at work.

This picture is of Brody playing in the car exersaucer that someone donated to my office! He has fun in it!

Here's a work story that I can't help but sharing (this may just be funny to those of you that are new moms). There were 3 men working out in the weight room this morning. One of the guys has a new baby in his house. As they were working out one of the other guys asked him if he was doing his Kegel exercises! {In a side note...most people don't realize that we can hear their conversations from our office. I usually block the talk out so I can get work done...but this conversation was hard to block out!} I was in the office laughing so hard tears were coming down my face. The new dad replied, "No. I remember that term from childbirth classes. Is that something I'm supposed to be doing?" LOL!!! I couldn't help myself. I holler out to them, "I don't think it's possible for MEN to do Kegel exercises!" They went on trying to remember what Kegels were. I definitely wasn't going out there to explain it to them!

Brody on the move

Brody rolled over front to back today! He's been so close for weeks and he's finally figured it out! I missed it the first time he did it. I laid him on the changing pad on the floor and went into the kitchen to get some baby food ready. When I looked back at him he was on his tummy! I didn't think he'd do it again for me...but he did it 4 more times before I finally decided to get the camera out! Now I'll really have to keep an eye on him. He can really move now!

Christmas in Texas

Where to begin?!?!? This is going to be a LONG post..so you may want to read it over several trips to the John rather than just one (if you have a laptop and read blogs while you use the John.) We had a wonderful time in Texas over Christmas. We drove down the 22nd after work. As soon as we got there (meaning Mom snatched Brody out of the car and started walking off) we headed down to Ron & Jan's. Matt & Julie & family were there and were anxious to see Brody! Caleb & Audria stopped by to see us on their way home from seeing ICE at the Gaylord.

Saturday morning we got up early so that we could get to the mall to get a picture of Brody with Santa Claus. The paper said he would be there all mall hours and the mall opened at 7 am. We arrived at 8:30 and found this:

So we ran some errands and came back to get the much sought after picture with Santa.

I know...Brody's not looking at the camera...but at least he wasn't crying!

After Santa, we went to Ann's parent's house for lunch. GG and Sissie went with us too. We had fun talking with Ann's parents and grandmas. I also got a precious picture of Brody.

Ok...so that was 2 pics. I couldn't decide which one I like best ;) After lunch we went to Tyler and Ann's to see their new apartment.

Sunday we went to church and Caleb & Audria came over to Dad & Mom's house for lunch.

Then Brody had his first taste of baby cereal. I expected him to spit it out...but I was wrong. He gobbled it up and wanted more! I guess he's ready for baby food. (Yesterday I made some sweet potato baby food with the Magic Bullet that my parents got us for Christmas! It tastes much better than the stuff in the jars!)

Christmas Eve Brody left some special treats out for Santa.

Christmas morning we hung out with Dad & Mom until Caleb, Audria, Tyler, Ann, GG, & Sissie got there. We had lunch and then opened presents.

Daddy Steve & Brody enjoy the calm before the storm on Christmas morning.

Back: Caleb, Mike, Tyler, Front: Audria, Staci, Ann

After we opened gifts, Ron & Jan...and their whole family came over for a Christmas dinner. It was exciting because we FINALLY got to meet Jon's girlfriend, Cindy!!!

Here's everyone (except for Matt). Sadly...this is the only day we got to see Julie and her kids. They all got sick later in the week :(

Tuesday after Christmas we headed south to see Dad's side of the family. We had Christmas dinner this year at Sharon & Sheila's house! It was yummy!!! It was so good (or we were having so much fun with Brody) that we forgot to take a group shot! Ugh. I'm sure Mike's not complaining. I had to laugh at Jon's reply to Mike on Christmas. Mike was complaining about more picture taking and Jon said, "You married into the wrong family if you don't like having your picture taken!" lol. Paula told Dad that he takes more pictures in a month than she takes in an entire year! What can I say? We like to preserve the memories...and digital cameras have only helped :) All that to say...I can't believe we didn't get a group shot! Here's the best I have: Sharon, Daddy Ken, Grandmommy, Cindy, Ginger, Staci, Brody, & Bryan (with his back to us)

Grandmommy had a cold...but she REALLY wanted to hold Brody. So she put on her winter gloves and a face mask! lol. I think Brody really enjoyed it. While we were at Daddy Ken and Grandmommy's house, Caleb and Mike invented a new game with a quarter. Audria and I couldn't believe that they played a game with a quarter for over an HOUR!!!Wednesday, Mike and Caleb went to the shooting range...but since Dad didn't go with them I don't have any pictures ;) That night Dad, Mom, Mike, Brody and I went to dinner with Caleb & Audria at Spring Creek BBQ. Brody was facinated by the fans on the ceiling and talked to them during the whole dinner!

Thursday I had lunch with Megan and Juli Beth. It's an annual tradition that we have. We've been friends since elementary school (or earlier) and it's wonderful to get together and talk. We're always able to pick up right where we left off. It's great b/c we all have blogs so it's easier to keep up with what's going on in each others lives!Thursday night Mark, Angela, Caleb, Audria, Tyler, & Ann came over for dinner and the Mavs game. Billy & Paula and family stopped by for a visit and we just had to get a group shot. This was the fun shot :)Friday we had lunch with GG and Sissie

Then Friday night Dad & Mom babysat Brody so that Mike and I could go on a DATE!!! It was so fun to get to go to a sit down restaurant! We made sure to follow the "don't get home before the babysitter gets the kids go bed" rule ;)

Saturday we went to the Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas to see the exhibit Body World It was a very cool exhibit that's hard to describe without sounding gross. It was an excellent A & P lesson! Saturday night Mike and Dad went to Mark's team's basketball game (they won the tourney!)

Sunday morning we headed back to KS. It was a busy but very fun week! We're excited to go back again later this month for Patrick & Noel's wedding! Be sure and post a comment and let me know if you actually made it to the end of this incredibly long post! lol