life with the carrolls

Band Nerd...grrr

2010-08-22T21:44:00.002-04:00

We were riding in the car coming home from a wonderful meal out. If you have not eaten at Pei Wei- you must ABSOLUTELY google one close to you. It's run by the same company as P.F.Changs, but cheaper. Thanks Pei Wei (pay-way)... or as Dave says, Pee-Wee. Giggles from the backseat.

Radio playing. Kelly Clarkson bustin' a song.

me: "Oh, Aiden! This song is in 6/8 time! 1,2,3,4,5,6,....1,2,3,4,5,6.."

Now, I am trying to have an impromptu learning moment since I am Aiden's piano teacher, after all. No such luck.

Aiden: "BAND NERD!!!!!"

Flat out belly-laughing ensues. I give Dave the evil eye.

Thanks Dave. My kids now think it is HIGH-larious to make fun of their momma, even to my protests that I was a 'cool' kid in band.

Don't laugh.... there are such kids.

And I was one of them. :)

We're having words... sorta

2010-07-26T18:18:00.004-04:00

Just a quick one as I'm waiting for Dave to hurry home to a dinner of leftovers...some how I don't think he'll be too excited. That's why I haven't told him! hahaha. Anywho....

I threw Dax into the bath quickly, dried him and carried the ALMOST 30 lb. 8 month old to his room. You read that correctly. He's 29.5 pounds. Sheesh.

As I'm changing his diaper and whispering sweet nothings to this angel, I start hearing him verbalize. Now, you have to realize that he doesn't just babble all the time. He's very content to just sit and chill.

I just think the babbling is so cute until I really listen.

Dadadadadada...Dadadadada

No he did not just babble that when Dave has barely just changed 5 dirty diapers. (And wet diapers do not constitute as DIRTY. Amen?!?!?!)

I looked at this sweet child and leaned over... "Mamamama..."

He honestly laughed, SHOOK HIS HEAD and continued, "Dadadadada."

He did this TWICE.

Totally not fair.

New life

2010-07-20T21:53:00.005-04:00

It's been one of those days where you have prayed for the Lord to work in your child's life. I was trying desperately to catch up on 2 weeks worth of Bible study in just 3 days. WOW. But the study was great and I have had a solid time meditating on the Word today. And prayer... for God to work in our lives and the lives of our children.

It's been a prayer since they were born; one of salvation but more importantly, a prayer that God would use each boy for His glory and that many people come to know Christ through their lives.

So I was driving home with the 3 young ones after having a quicky meal with Dave (elder meeting tonight... wouldn't be home until late). Drew pips up with a question.

"Mom, what's murder?"

Whoah. Where did you get that one, kid?

Glancing in the rear view mirror, I see that he is reading his children's Bible. Sweet. He was apparently reading the Ten Commandments.

The conversation moves from the definition of murder to the consequences of murder, then to the consequences of sin. I had one of those 'God moments' where I knew that the kids were really taking in this whole spiritual conversation.

We've talked plenty about God and Christ's work on the cross to our kids. But up until this time, they would always answer, "I already did that mom. Long time ago... like when I was 3."

But this was a time where I knew Aiden was thinking. So as we were talking, I asked him if he was ready to pray to Jesus to forgive him of his sins.

He said yes. :)

We decided to wait until dad got home so that he could pray with us.

And that's what we did... right after watching Wipeout.

We told Dave about our conversation in the car and asked Aiden again to share with us about his decision. Kneeling down beside the couch, Aiden prayed.

New life in Him. Coming as a child. A moment anticipated for years.

Family and angels rejoicing. :)

A pic from the birthday party: Aiden praying in front of approx. 100 people. Now we're looking forward to God fulfilling the second part of our prayers for him: that many will come to know HIM through this little boy.

Orlando and back and back again....

2010-07-05T17:55:00.004-04:00

Dave's first week of vacation has come and went. :( boo.... back to work he goes. We've enjoyed our "staycation"- I hate the sound of that word. But in reality, we decided to dump vacation money into his 1997 Honda Civic. That piece of junk really does run quite well but I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the fact that it is paid for and runs well, but HATE the fact that it has no AC (and has not had AC for the last 2 years) and is very, very... ahem... dirty.

So vacation money went to air conditioning. And a new headliner. And soon to be window tint. Apparently Dave thinks that his beat-up car is now worth $4,000.

Doubt it.

But we have visited the parents in Orlando. Twice now. And what do you do in the car ride there and back?

Glad you ask.

We take silly pictures. :)

I'm hot. I know you're asking, "Wow. No wonder Dave fell for her."

Aiden has a glimpse of what he'll look like in his late 20's: Bald and beautiful like his dad. :)

Somehow this is the most disturbing to me.

Hello Grandpa Lowery.

Drew's graduation

2010-06-30T09:55:00.003-04:00

It's really summer and I am such a slacker! Really, we've been running from one thing to another and just loving the break.

BUT: I need to show pics that Drew DID pass kindergarten with straight E's (excellent). WAHOO!!! I never thought this day would come. This year has been crazy.

A pic of the proud parents. :) You can't tell but we were practically sharing one seat. Apparently, every parent wants to see their proud graduate. Who knew?!?!?!

Drew's class. Confession time: I don't know half these kids. This class was crazy and it grated on my anal self. So I spent more time in Aiden's class. Better luck next year....

I did miss Jupiter Christian especially on this day. JCS has such a wonderful graduation ceremony with full cap and gown. (Yes, it costs about $70 some compared to this measly $3 cheap-o cap.) Renaissance has 10 full kindergarten classes which rotate graduation times in a small cafeteria. ***Sigh***

But the deed is done and it is SUMMER!!!! YAY!

Randomness and Haiti

2010-05-21T20:47:00.005-04:00

A little ramblings:

But first-some pics!

Drew is growing bigger and bigger. No longer a squeaky little voice. Almost done with Kindergarten! WAHOO!!!

But he's still our fun-loving middle child. He's his mother's child, what can I say.

Drew with Dax. Dax is now 6 months old and weighs close to 26 lbs. WOW. People ask me how I hold him. Well, I don't. Not for any length of time without sitting down. :) But we get plenty of cuddle time on the floor or in the rocking chair. What a sweet baby.

Dax just started baby food this week and is still getting a hang of it. He definitely prefers 'real' food over the canned baby stuff. (Who wouldn't?!?!)

I was digging through the bib drawer which houses about 50 bibs (no lie) and came across this one. I can't remember which baby this was originally given to, but I believe Heather gifted it to either Jackson, Aiden , or Drew. Love it.

Other news: Dave is heading to Haiti this Sunday night and won't be back until Thursday. He's traveling with 3 other guys from the church to scope out a couple ministries down there. One in which is an orphanage. I think Dave's a little apprehensive since he's never been out of the country. (I laughed just for my family's sake....hahaha!) I expect God to do some great things in the hearts of the men who are going. How can you not be impacted by the sights and sounds (and smells) of a third world nation?

Anyways, prayers are obviously appreciated. :) I look forward to spending some time listening to Dave talk on Thursday night/Friday morning as he digests the trip.

Tomorrow is also another day full of prayer as teams are hitting Port St. Lucie to participate in servant evangelism. I'm expecting God to do some great things tomorrow through the people of the church.

Talk about God doing great things, a friend of mine had one of her friends accept Christ this past Sunday. So neat. This girl has been coming to Financial Peace University and finally attended a service this last weekend. She prayed to receive Christ and has commented that this week has been a week of great peace. AWESOME.

This is the reason why we do what we do: to see people impacted by Christ. LOVE IT!!!

Time to party

2010-05-09T18:04:00.003-04:00

It's over and it was fun!!! I can't believe how many people we had at the house. Had to over 100 crazy Floridians in this heat. One of my friends took pics and I'll try to get them up soon. I need a new version of iphoto or something. So we'll see.

We rented 2 bounce houses, had one HUGE slip 'n slide with tons of soap, and a little slip 'n slide for the little guests. Add some water balloons and shaving cream.... ahhhhh, the life. Plus one youth pastor veteran: Dave Carroll. He is crazy, did ya know?!?!? He even had some of the other men join him on the slip 'n slide.

Just from talking to Dave and my dad, it seemed like the objective was reached: to gather a mess of unchurched and churched together and let God work. Dad had the opportunity to talk to another father about raising children in love. Dave had the chance to talk to several about the Lord too. So neat.

But the coolest thing to me was Aiden's prayer right before we cut the cake. Dave leaned down and asked him in his ear if he would like to pray, and Aiden said yes.

What a prayer from my 7 year old. In the back of my mind, I was hoping he wouldn't say something about how he wished he would get tons of money or something! But he didn't.

He said something to the effect of thanking the Lord for all the people that came and for the opportunity to worship God. So awesome. It was truly a time where everyone was focused as he prayed loudly and unashamedly. Afterwards, the crowd murmured a quiet 'wow' and then broke into applause.

If people left and just had a taste of what God is like through my little boy.... then AWESOME.

On a lighter note, we had plenty of food and goodie bags. I asked God ahead of time to multiply and divide. He did! We had just enough of everything.

Thanks for those who were praying with us. We're looking forward to the next time we can do something like this. :)

Birthday Party

2010-05-07T16:52:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post for people to pray this weekend. We're throwing a HUGE birthday party for Aiden and Drew on Saturday. In the midst of the partying, we're hoping to get to talk with some people about Christ. We've invited both boys' classmates, t-ball team, and also friends from church. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.... about 100 people have rsvp'd already!!!

I'm really excited about the cd's we're giving away. Dave helped each boy write a song. Drew has a little birthday jam and Aiden's takes on more of a country feel. Aiden's song really shares the gospel. Then Dave has a song he's been working on too. He kindly put me in the credits.... um, yeah. I just played keys and had nothing to do with the writing.

So if you think of us from 2-5 tomorrow, lift up a prayer that those who don't know Christ will experience the love we have for Jesus.

Restoration :)

2010-04-22T08:52:00.006-04:00

Dave just jetted off to a church planting conference in Orlando yesterday. Exponential. There were so many 'God' details that went into this conference that it just gives me goose bumps to think how cool our God is. :)

After being encouraged to go to this conference, Dave asked for just Wednesday off from work even though Exponential runs about 4 days. He called the conference to ask about a single day ticket- but they were already sold out.

Hold on. I just got one. You'll have to find me to get it. And it's free....

Awesome.

Both Dave and I were praying for God to speak through the conference, plus looking forward to reconnecting with some other pastor friends. Dave said he thoroughly enjoyed the speakers, was encouraged through the teaching, and had opportunities to love on some college and seminary friends.

As he was sneaking out of the last session 15 minutes early, Dave prayed. God, if there is one more person you need me to see today.... it has to happen now.

Rounding the corner.....

There he was.

The church planting director from Cleveland.

We have not spoken with him since we left. Hurt feelings, confusion, dissolution. Dave had long time since felt forgiveness and release from all that went on, but obviously no restoration. And as he walked up to the director, the man turned and was shocked to see Dave.

The two stood there for 45 minutes, talking and sharing. Much of what we assumed to be true, was in fact true. This man had to act on directives in which he had little to no control. And as they were ironing out the past, this man encouraged Dave in leadership.

How awesome God is. HE is not a God of coincidences. HE is a God who controls and governs the timing of the universe. WOW. We're blown away after 2 1/2 years that this opportunity has come up to make a relationship right.

One thing that he said to encourage Dave was that he talked about humility in leading. The fact that we can lead with a limp (sometimes the whole Cleveland experience felt like a mortal blow to the head.... but I digress....) allows room for the Holy Spirit to work. We know that we have to rely on the Lord to provide, guide, and direct. Negative experiences can turn to positive ones if we step back and let God burn away the chaff.

Which HE did. Mega-burn.

He made us trust Him. Financially. Relationally. Spiritually. Psalm 34 will always resonate strongly as that scripture especially was given to me in New Orleans. God is not a God of coincidence.

Love it that He loves us. Dave. Me.

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD;

let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the LORD with me;

let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;

he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his saints,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their cry;

the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,

but the LORD delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones,

not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked;

the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems his servants;

no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

pastors' kids and fun

2010-04-14T22:51:00.003-04:00

Every other Wednesday is a great day of fellowship with the other pastors' wives. We just had lunch and were looking at the babies when I commented about how Dax looks just like Dave and how Bode looks just like Billy. Looking over at Taj, I laughed because he looks like his daddy Dale.

So here's the original shot. Ignore the fact that Dax is still in his pajamas. I am clearly lazy. (In my defense, have you tried to keep a 2 piece outfit on a kid with a big belly? The shirt always rides up.....)

Taj Dax Bode

And now the one of the dads, thanks to Billy's magic touch. Enjoy. And try not to pee on yourself.

Dale Dave Billy

birthday and easter and spring break

2010-04-04T19:09:00.002-04:00

A quick post:

Had a FABULOUS time this morning at Treasure Coast High School where we had around 400-500 people at our launch. WONDERFUL. I was so amazed (although I'm not sure why since I meditated on scripture this week that talked about the power of the Lord-the same power that God demonstrated in raising Christ is the power that He has available to us) to see the turn out. Anyways, Dave said that we had something around 40 people accept Christ between the 2 campuses. Just totally awesome.

I'm not quite sure if the ladies I invited from Publix made it. I didn't have the opportunity to mingle in the crowd as much as I would like. I tried to scan the crowd in between songs without looking like a complete fool, but to no avail.

My birthday (32nd) was Friday and had an absolute perfect day with my men. We ate lunch with friends at the Food Shack-LOVE IT!!!!- and then off to the Jupiter Aquatic Center. Night was spent with some other friends, just fellowshiping and enjoying ourselves. If you ever are in Jupiter, Florida for a vacation or visit, you need to eat at the Food Shack. I'm just saying....

Spring Break: ahhhhh. Time to chill, love on my boys, and frolick in the sun. I love Florida.

Comment on your spring break-ery. What's in store? I'd love to hear. :)

Many blessings to everyone on Easter! Praise the Lord for those whose lives were changed for all eternity.

Launch

2010-03-29T10:20:00.004-04:00

With Easter around the corner, the launch of our second campus is finally here! We had several preview services with the basic intent to get the wrinkles ironed out. And iron we did... :) All in all, I'm excited to see what God is going to do this Sunday.

I was reading this morning in Ephesians about the incomparable power of God. Do we (I) really take advantage of that power so available to me? In light of that, here are a couple of prayer requests:

1. We are doing a community outreach this Saturday as we "CHARGE PSL." Volunteers are blitzing the areas with 9 volt batteries and invite cards. The idea is to bless people with a battery, a free gift from the church, and then invite them to Easter Sunday. We did something similar in Cleveland. Anyways, pray that people will be receptive as we go door to door.

2. Pray for our pastor as he shares the gospel. Pastor Mike has such a way with words and we're blessed to be apart of Calvary. Let's pray for a covering against Satan and that the Lord will have His way.

3. Pray as Dave and Dale lead worship at both campuses. We're loving how God has brought more people to fill two worship teams. YAY!!! We're also enjoying getting to know some of these new people.

4. Our friends, the Garcia family, are having their Easter reach out party. We'll be heading over there on Saturday to help them out. We're praying for doors to open as we "party" with the intention to talk to people about Christ. Bringing me to my next point....

5. Dave and I have been so encouraged by the Garcias that we want to jump in on the action too. :) We've decided to throw a HUGE birthday party for Aiden and Drew with the intention to invite our unbelieving friends. That will happen some time in May. Pray as plans are in the works.

That's it for now! Have a great Easter week and thank the Lord for the blessing of His Son.

Cincinnasti, i mean, Cincinnati

2010-03-18T13:26:00.007-04:00

I FINALLY made it up to Cincinnati after 2 years. I think the last time I was there was when Micah was born, and now I made the return trip for her birthday. :) Too bad it was spent with the throwing up bug, making a very memorable trip. Heather and Craig have a nice bathroom.

My maternal grandmother, June, with my three boys. She came down to Florida just days after I returned from Ohio. You'll have to excuse Drew. He's going through some weird phase of making silly, cross-eyed pictures. :)

Anyways, in Ohio I had the chance to go see some of my dad's side of the family too. This is Micah with Krista's kids: Cecilia and Grady. I enjoyed spending some time talking with Kris and her husband about their recent salvation and baptism. It's so exciting to see family members accept Christ and see them grow spiritually.

The rest of these pictures are from Micah's party. This one is actually after many guests left and she finally wanted to blow out her candles...and again..and again... :) Poor girl didn't feel the best all evening but had more steam in her around bed time.

Grandma Lowery again with Dax. (I had to keep reminding folks that he was barely 4 months old and didn't quite have the neck strength....He just looks SO much bigger than 4 months!)

U. Jeff giving Selah a ride wearing Micah's Dora backpack.

Selah with Craig's dad and brother.

Craig's brother, Neal, and his wife Erin.

Grandma Richards with Dax.

A. Vicki and U. Jeff. Don't ask what he's doing, but apparently she's trying to escape.

Grandpa and Grandma Richards :)

Cousins: Selah and Dax. She's 6 months and he's 4 months. And he is drooling.

Sweet Micah. Happy birthday little girl.

just a quick note...

2010-03-16T10:20:00.002-04:00

I'm running off to school to help watch Aiden's class during lunch. BUT... got great news yesterday. Dax's blood work came back and everything looks great. He's a BIG, HEALTHY boy. :) We're thankful! PTL. I just need to start lifting weights.

testing

2010-03-14T22:32:00.004-04:00

And so I have a big baby. :) 4 months old and officially 22.85 pounds. You can take a look at the picture below and check it out for yourself. I just HAD to have evidence... and I even think this pic is about 2 or 3 weeks old.

Uh, I'm trying hard not to totally grab him wrong, but it just looks awkward anyways!

We went to Dax's 4 month check up and the doctor was a little worried. (REALLY?!?!? NOW? You weren't worried when he was 17 lbs at 2 months but now you're worried.... sheesh...) My mom has been encouraging me to have some blood work drawn up on Dax. So we did. And boy did he scream.

I actually had to take him to Quest Diagnostics the next day because the nurses couldn't get his blood. So we're waiting until tomorrow or Tuesday to get the results. We're looking at his thyroid, growth hormone, some type of syndrome dealing with his kidney or liver... I forget which.

But it's all in the Lord's hands. I'm just a little disappointed because I wanted to start feeding him baby food and to see this next fun stage or development. Not wanting a 50 lb one year old.... um, we're holding off on that for awhile.

So Dax continues on. Sweet baby as he is. What a blessing he is to our family! Everyone should have a baby like him. Too bad they can't! He's mine. :)

spring training: bulldog style

2010-03-02T22:33:00.002-05:00

Aiden and Drew have started t-ball... the first of many seasons, I'm sure. I was a bit apprehensive (an understatement.....) about the boys' involvement because of time constraints of ministry. BUT- it really has been an awesome time for the boys and the Lord has surprised me along the way. I have had opportunities to get to know other parents in the community who are unchurched. Please pray as we have opportunities to with these families in Port St. Lucie.

Drew: can I just say how I love his ears sticking out like this? Reminds me of my maternal grandfather. Plus, Drew tells us occasionally how he's an elf and helps Santa during Christmas.... HA!
Brothers. :)

dax

2010-02-27T08:22:00.005-05:00

so i'm not so good at keeping up with this..... but i do have a newborn baby. :)

dax mattingly carroll was born on november 5th, 2009. he was 18 days early and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. he is such a sweet, sweet baby!!! we are very blessed. the rest of this is going to be pictures to catch everyone up on this little guy.

32 weeks

2009-10-02T12:37:00.005-04:00

And so the countdown has started, at least in my mind! Technically we have 2 months, a little less than 8 weeks. But with the "official" diagnosis of gestational diabetes, I will probably be induced in about 6 weeks.

Many people, including my own mom, have expressed apologies over the diabetes diagnosis, but it really hasn't phased me. I did have it with Aiden and Drew plus my family history is horrible. Big surprise that I have it again. So I'm watching my sugars, what I eat, and how much weight I gain. (Which btw, is not TOO bad! I feel like I am doing much better than my two previous pregnancies. Yay me!)

So today was day 1 of testing my sugars. I'm wasting time right now because I need to go check my blood in about 30 minutes. :) And then clean.... maybe I'm really procrastinating.

This baby is nicknamed "Big Baby" (check the Celtics player-hahaha) already because he is already measuring at 35 weeks instead of 32. My ultrasound this week showed that he weighs 6 lbs. some ozs. I didn't quite catch the ounces as I was incredulous over the weight. Oh yeah, we're going early. I told my o.b. about Heather's 9 pounder that came 3 weeks early. The doctor wasn't too interested in having the baby's shoulders become an issue. We'll watch to induce early or even a c-section.

AND.... we are playing a little naming game. I have had the hardest time picking a name for this baby. One Saturday morning, as Dave and I laid in bed, we were discussing names when I told him that I liked a certain one but couldn't imagine naming that baby that if he had blonde hair. Everything snowballed until Dave suggested naming the baby off of his hair color. :) We were dying laughing (like we're ever serious) and so that is what we are doing. We've picked 3 different names: one for a blonde, one for a brunette, one for a red head. If there is a discrepancy over the name, the nurses and doctor take a vote. :) And that's the story.

Unless I TOTALLY change my mind and decide whatever I want.

And I can do that. I'm the mom. :)

frogs and force fields

2009-09-14T11:54:00.002-04:00

I just took the kids on a short trip to South Carolina as one of my cousins was married (yay Erica and Matt!!!). Great time with my parents and extended family. :) I'm trying to post a video of Drew breaking it down to some jazz. Very funny as the dancing DOES NOT reflect the type of music, but very Drew-esque nonetheless!

As I was leaving my parents to make the 2 hour trip home last night, the boys and I discovered many a small tree frog in the car. Many, ahem, "guests" travel with us from my parents. Often they are wolf spiders (gross) and now these little frogs. I felt one jump on my foot early on in the trip and shaking my leg soon entailed. :)

So night falls, Drew sleeps. I soon found this frog jumping on my dashboard. I pulled off the road, turned on the lights and tried to trap the frog to release it. I would rather deal with a frog over those wolf spiders (again, gross) but I think I was rather squeamish for Aiden. Here's his advice:

"Mom. You just need to pray. Pray that God will give you a force field against the frog. Just say some words like,

'Dear Jesus. Please give me a force field around me so that the frog can not jump on me.'

That's it mom. Just pray those words."

I am trying to stifle a laugh about my kid who combines Star Wars with theology. :) Awesome.

School Rules

2009-09-04T09:16:00.004-04:00

School has started with plenty of rules. :) Aiden came home on Friday with his folder of work completed from the week. I was a bit taken back at this following picture, asked him about it, and then died laughing.

Apparently the students and the teacher discussed what rules they should have for the class. (I'm used to this method, being a teacher myself, which the teacher eventually simplifies all suggestions to the basic 5 or so.)

Aiden's rule: "No Punching in the wewe."

Otherwise known as "Keep your hands and objects to yourself."

Classic.

June

2009-06-20T21:03:00.002-04:00

AND.... we've moved. Yes, again. This move has been to Port St. Lucie to be closer to our church (THE rockin' Calvary Chapel of PSL) which gives us a shorter commute and more room! Yea for more room.

The house is great, and we are definitely loving the space: about 3 times the size of our townhouse plus a backyard to boot! The boys are enjoying the summer and also the house... have I mentioned the yard? Haha. Fun for all.

I love the grass too and the mowing. Seriously. One of our praise band members owns a lawn mowing company and offered to come by whenever to help out. Very sweet, but I had to let him know that it has been at least 6 years since I mowed my own lawn! I actually joked with him about applying for a position with his company. The smell, the finished product... how can you not love it? :)

Now we just have to finish a couple of things like painting the baby's room and organizing Dave's office. Dave, who usually does a knock-up job at picking paints colors, completely bombed when he chose some random peachy skin color. Uh... no. Back to square one and whenever we have free time next. Maybe in August.

The baby: doing well and kickin'. Well, not kicking as much as the boys did, leading Dave to believe it's a girl. Who knows but God? So I don't want to lean one way or the other until we have that ultrasound... which might be at week 40. I really does feel like the doctors are having some communication issues.

My doctor put a script in for an ultrasound 3 WEEKS AGO. I have called back and told them that I have not received a call from the specialist yet, and then they fax the script again. 3 times. So I head off to the ob/gyn for another visit on Tuesday. Maybe they can get it right.

Besides that, we wait. We're also praying for an opportunity to get the rest of our stuff from Cleveland. I'm trying to be patient but it has been about 2 years!!! It's really the baby stuff and maternity clothes that are killing me. I'm not really fond of throwing more money out the window when I have perfectly good stuff sitting in storage. Currently, I have only 2 pants of maternity clothes that fit me, and then I'm using this stretchy band over my regular clothes to hold me over until I can get my good stuff. Argh. I just don't want to spend money on new maternity clothes. I'd rather buy me a new pair of shoes!

Talking of the baby, I am at week 17 (18 on Tuesday). The wait continues!

Packing... again

2009-05-30T21:27:00.003-04:00

Well, after 1 1/2 years we are moving again. This time it's only 45 minutes north to Port St. Lucie and a much easier move than previous ones as it can be done in stages over a week or so. Dave is spearheading this one up as much as possible since I'm still teaching. Plus, I did most of the packing to Cleveland and then 6 months later to New Orleans. For some reason, I don't feel so bad!

So we started the process today. Dave took apart the beds and moved the frames downstairs along with other larger pieces of furniture. I was washing loads of laundry and doing other household chores. I was a little frustrated when a realtor showed up unexpectedly with a couple that I relatively know. AUGH. I DO NOT like it when people come to my house and it is not in top shape. (Which woman does? I would like to smack some sense in her...)

At least in 1 week I'll be in a house with about 3 times the amount of space we have now. Gotta keep on truckin'.

****Which I must throw this in: I thought we had saved all of our boxes from our New Orleans move. Apparently, Dave was kind enough to give them to some poor soul who needed them AHEM, and now we are back at square one. Can you tell he is the giver between the two of us? And now we're looking for boxes..... again.******

Kindergarten Graduation

2009-05-23T15:01:00.005-04:00

Aiden graduated this Friday from Kindergarten. We had a great time watching both the kindergarten classes and the preschool perform their end-of-the-year programs. So cute.

The funniest part of the day was Aiden's speaking part. Each student came to the microphone to announce what they wanted to be when they grew up. Aiden told us that morning that this was going to happen and when I asked him what he was going to say, he told me that it was a surprise.

And it was. So different from what he has mentioned before.

So this sweet boy stepped to the mic, turned to look at Dave across the auditorium and said,

"Hello everyone. My name is Aiden Carroll and when I grow up I want to be a baseball player for the Red Sox. Third Base. Thank you."

We died laughing.

Dave has been a Yankees fan since Miami didn't have a professional team when he was young. While we watch different games on t.v., Aiden has apparently announced to Dave that he doesn't root for the Yankees, but instead the Red Sox.

Go figure.

Anyways, Dave's mom came up and attended the event with us. :)

Grammy getting a kiss from Aiden.

Drew and his buddy from school.

Drew and Mommy.

Parental units with the graduate. Don't ask why we're all hunched over. I think Dave initiated that one.

Aiden on stage. He's the last one at the top.

Aiden at the first part of the program during the song part. I would have posted pictures of Drew but you would have asked where he was. Good question. We couldn't see him either because of some huge horse of a kid in front of him. Oh, well.

fire alarm

2009-05-01T15:20:00.003-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I've posted and part of that has been intentional as school is closing quickly. Plus, naps are in the agenda too! I really haven't had nausea or vomiting with this pregnancy but I've been extremely tired and had frequent headaches.

So today was quite eventful at school. Our school hosts an Art Festival each year as students from the county's private schools have pieces on display. I took my English classes down, at the request of the Art teacher, so that the students can see some of the displays.

It's such a wonderful festival and very organized too. There aremany activities: a professional sidewalk-chalk artist, upper ele. students performing folk dances, popsicles, and fun for all.

In the midst of all the organized chaos, we hear a distant bell of the fire alarm. That's strange. Usually fire alarms are announced ahead of time to the teachers for preparation.

I lead my class out to the field and we stand there for the 10 minutes.... extra distractions since the festival is going on and all fun had to stop momentarily.

Walking back to my class after the drill is released, I talked to an office worker who said it was probably a preschool student who pulled the alarm.

Um.... I have a preschooler....

5 minutes later, the president of the school came by and confirmed THAT IT WAS INDEED DREW who pulled the alarm!!!! She said it was so funny to see him on the video, testing out the handle, pulling it, and then trying to get it to stop.

Here's the cool thing though: when asked if he did it, he confessed that it was he. Now, I know that It's not a good thing to go around pulling alarms, AND he is a 4 year old, inquisitive boy. But I am so proud that he told the truth and did not lie. We've been working on that at home, making sure that he confesses when he does something wrong.

So here's to the truth-telling rebel..... love you babe.

Plus baby makes 5....

2009-03-24T16:44:00.002-04:00

We're expecting! :) Totally excited and looking forward to adding a new little one to the family. It's been awhile since we're had a baby in the family as Aiden is almost 6 and Drew is almost 5.

Date? We're not positive but sometime in November-ish. I still need to head to the doctor and confirm the date.

PLUS: my twin sister Heather is also pregnant, due in September. I am looking forward to traveling to see the birth of another beautiful niece/nephew. It'll be exciting to have a cousin close to this baby's age. My boys are a bit older than the next cousin in line and are the only grandkids on the other side of the family.

Praise the Lord for a WONDERFUL blessing. Dave and I are praying His promises over this little one that God may use him/her for His glory!

spring break

2009-03-10T15:30:00.005-04:00

Spring break! Love it. I know, I know: a little early. This works out perfectly in my book at least. Last week was minimester where students sign up for a week-long class. The seniors go on their senior trip, the sophomores go on the college tour, others on a mission trip to the D.R., etc.

This year I attended the college tour with the sophomores and had a blast! For the most part, the students were very well behaved (some started a new nickname for me: kitty carroll-figure that one out. i think it sounds like some hooker name and thus, i've discouraged the use of it. we'll see if it continues into the school day..).

We went to PBA, FAU, Southeastern, Rollins,

Stetson, UCF, and UF. Fun, fun.

We took the students to go see Cirque du Soliel. WONDERFUL SHOW. I can not emphasis enough how great this performance was!!! What a twist on the circus and a ballet with a European funky flair. FABULOUS. These kind of shows always make the little girl in me dream of flying through the air.... I could do that. Then my dream is burst upon the reality of my mom-bod. Uh, no. I couldn't do that.

So spring break is now upon me. Time to catch up on my Esther Bible Study (thank you Beth Moore, yet again) and run errands that I normally don't have time to complete. Already I've gone to have my oil changed, ran to the doctor (Aiden and his ears: a recurring enjoyment), grocery shopped, haircuts for the boys before going to grandma's (no shaggy-ness allowed, thank you), laundry, the bank, and Target.

The rest of this week will be a great time for Dave and me to catch up with some friends in North Louisiana. A previous student will be married and a friend is volunteering to fly us out to go to the ceremony. Thank you God for yet another blessing. We are looking forward to spending time with friends and celebrating nuptials!

And the weather will be great: cold. I'll bust out my kelly-green coat. LOVE IT!!! Rockin' the fashion in Vivian. Watch out, fashionistas.

"U" is for underwear

2009-02-13T19:48:00.004-05:00

An interesting day:

Aiden and Drew had a program at school today in which they sang two different songs. The preschool and kindergarten were dressed in hawaiian print shirts with leis adorned.

Cute. Fun. Memorable.

At the end of the school day, I went to pick Drew up first from aftercare only to get a full rundown about how Drew was put into timeout.

OK, shoot. Tell me the details.

Apparently, Drew yelled out to Dave, "Hey, Dad!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!"

Not the most socially acceptable thing to yell out in front of a room full of adults. (Let me preface: neither Dave and I heard the comment even though we were present at the event.) Drew's teacher obviously did not appreciate this bit of news.

Dave and I, however, think this is HILARIOUS as it truly shows the humor in our family. You see, these letter bags are a constant thorn in our flesh. For more than a year, we (Dave and myself) have been filling these weekly bags with objects that start with the letter assigned for that week. We fulfilled this obligation all last year and has continued through this year with Drew in preschool. Unnerving. Annoying.... insert other random adjectives that describe mundane tasks parents are forced to endure.

This week's letter is "U." Dave explained to me how the boys had a discussion about what to put in the "U" bag, leaving the suggestion of 'underwear' a laughter ensuing example.

Only, little did Dave know that Aiden did indeed put underwear in Drew's bag. Can you blame Drew for shouting this observation out to the whole world?

"Hey, Dad!!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!"

Totally deserving of the time-out. Kudos to my 4-year old. That is truly funny.

Dr. Angela Hunt

2009-02-08T10:22:00.003-05:00

On Friday, the Christian teachers in Palm Beach County met for a day of inservice. Honestly, it was quite long and was difficult to sit for most of the day. I did win $25 Lowe's gift card in a drawing, promptly handing it to my husband when I returned home. I know my place.

One of the speakers was Dr. Angela Hunt, author of multiple non-fiction, children's, and fiction books. I was so impressed with her presence and poise as she spoke to a room full of educators. She was funny, yet articulate. Not only did she speak on Plot Structure during a workshop, but she also shared her thoughts on 'calling' vs. 'tasks.'

As Christians, we are 'called' to love the Lord and to serve Him. Our TASKS are the things in which we are currently involved. I am CALLED as a Christian to love the Lord, but my current TASK is a pastor's wife, mother, and teacher. Our TASKS can change, but our CALLING remains the same.

I enjoyed her message with the spattering of humor. Anyone who knows me realizes how humor is one of my valued traits. If you are truly funny-without being crude- then I appreciate you as a person. Aren't you grateful?!?!

Dr. Angela Hunt

Check her out. I heard one of her books was made into a movie for T.V. and was played over Christmas break. I love the fact that a Christian author is successful and is making a difference in the world.

the man i married

2009-02-04T21:03:00.001-05:00

And this is the man I married......

He is TOTALLY crazy. I love it.

dentist

2009-01-31T19:16:00.002-05:00

Clean teeth at the dentist! It constantly amazes me how much quicker the children's side is compared to the adult side. I guess it makes sense as children don't usually need crowns and such.

So this is what we did this Friday afternoon following school. :)

Aiden getting ready to start.

Both boys having their teeth cleaned at the same time. Aiden is on the left and Drew on the right.

I love the fact that the facility has stuff for kids! Aiden was playing some video game waiting for his turn.

Drew dog with his great, big smile. Love it.

snow day

2009-01-26T20:56:00.005-05:00

SNOW DAY!!! This is what we Floridians call snow: shaved ice. The boys had a great time with classmates enjoying the snow. I think they had more fun with their Daddy, personally.

The preparation...

Drew chucking snow at Dave.

Aiden and his daddy.

Dave held Aiden in the hose and had him drenched!!! I was a little slow with camera and only captured the end. Those who know Aiden know that he was not so pleased with the shot of snow to the face!

Drew looking to throw one at Mommy.

Drew chasing Dave.

We had a blast! I'm so thankful Dave has a job where he has some freedom to come and make snow day. By the way, my family in Ohio thinks this is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. They can't believe what they are seeing. Well, seeing is believing. We pay for snow.

:)

2009-01-17T13:24:00.007-05:00

guess who got a camera from christmas money? :) that would be me! so i'm now very excited about taking pictures of the boys again after about 2 years of a very inconsistent camera. enjoy some shots of the past couple days. just randomness....

me and my love trying out the new camera.

the boys at a jcs basketball game. it was so sweet because aiden reached out to hug drew spontaneously. i just had to capture the moment. poor drew was so tired from a day of school and his big brother loved on him. melts my heart!

wasting time at the doctor's office. what a little stinker.

snow pictures to come! the school paid to have snow "brought" in. dave and i both took some time off to watch the kids play in the snow. my cousin from ohio thinks this is absolutely the funniest thing she ever saw. i'll post later this week. love to all! amy

aiden's first time shooting

2009-01-03T14:14:00.003-05:00

dave had an invite from our friends, the garcias, to take aiden shooting for the first time. check out the garcia's blog to see some more pics from the shoot. you can click on jen's blog to the right: growing up garcia.

aiden and ethan giving a thumbs up after a successful shoot.

aiden's very first shot. not too bad! (notice the fro: dave took him for a haircut on the way home! what a great husband i have. )

brian garcia giving aiden the pointers. apparently, aiden took 3 shots on the table and then was allowed to shoot standing up. he did very well! makes me laugh as dave is more of a fisherman instead of a hunter.

drew and i hung out today. just some mommy time at mcdonalds and then some errands. of course, buying a bakugan for a treat helped too!

school starts monday. please be praying as we finish this second half of the school year. we especially need to make some decisions regarding the sell of the house here in jupiter and then move up to port st. lucie.

happy new year! by the way, please email me at daveandamyc@yahoo.com with your addresses as i've lost my address book in the moves. thanks!

the tooth fairy is coming tonight!

2008-12-21T19:35:00.006-05:00

how much does the tooth fairy pay at your house? we'll decide that tonight (dave has some crazy idea to put $1.28 under his pillow. something from a veggie tales movie that the boys laugh about.... ), and i'm sure it won't be close to the $101 aiden is expecting! ha.

looks a little small for it to even cost a $1. i, however, know that this is an important decision to make as each subsequent tooth will demand an equal payment or more. hmmmm, i only remember receiving a quarter for mine.

some friends and i were discussing how squeemish dave and i are in pulling teeth. (we grilled out last night and had corn on the cob, thinking it might fall out then. but it didn't... just bled, further adding to my nausea.) i was about to have a friend hold the boy down when he came running to me after the service and announced that his tooth fell out.

congrats aiden! i feel like i've just arrived into a new stage of life. my oldest is no longer a baby. it's so exciting, but yet sad at the same time. i know, there are so many other things in which to be thankful. maybe it's just that i found a couple baby pictures the other day (as most pics are still in storage in cleveland.... arrrggghhh).

anyway, a new era of loosing teeth. i might still need my friends to uphold and sustain me. dave's family can attest that i am not the best when one of my kids' bust a tooth. unfortunately, we've had many events with drew and his teeth.

and now i'm going to throw up.

tackling form

2008-12-19T13:23:00.002-05:00

woohoo! the last day of school for 2008 has come and gone. the boys had their christmas program this morning. what a wonderful time of angst and joy. angst as i was desperately praying that drew would behave himself, and aiden would not knock down the background. joy as dave and i laughed throughout the whole production. the boys are truly funny when they perform.

aiden gave the kid next to him a 'thumbs up' after they recited their lines.

drew hammed it up for his parents, commenting later, "but mom! i didn't jump! i didn't jump mom!" he did everything BUT jump. i should have counted how many adults made mention of my silly 4 year old, but then i would have been bored after 20....

***********

is it sad that i look forward to exam week?

what's not to love? half days, students quiet as they desperately scribble down vague answers, half days, christmas joy, half days.... did i mention half days?

2 whole weeks of relaxation and trying to keep the boys entertained. oh, i almost forgot about the highlight of our week: drew's behavior on wednesday.

drew had a COMPLETELY horrible day on wednesday, but i can't help but feel mildly responsible. i mean, he did inherit my sin nature, especially my lack of patience and frustration that ensues from people's erratic behavior. let me explain:

we didn't arrive home until 10 p.m. on tuesday after band practice. i was SO frustrated from the night, really frustrated at myself for my decreasing skill on the piano. with my piano in storage in cleveland, i don't come close to practicing... EVER. a bit frustrating to me as my dear, wonderful husband continues to take easy worship songs and mess with them to make new, "cooler" arrangements. thus, my frustration increases.

crashing in bed at 10:00, i knew the next day was going to be a little rough. WE WILL BE ON TIME FOR SCHOOL. i am a teacher after all.

so here's the run-down:

1. drew bit a kid who wouldn't give him a ball. frustration. i can relate. he had a little talking from the principal and the nurse.... daddy would deal with him later that night.

2. i picked drew up from aftercare to find out that he had a rough time at lunch... or really HE was the one who was rough. he pushed and was all around nasty.

3. treasure box. he took 2 treasures ***aghast**** and therefore, received none. drew was NOT pleased.

4. after school. he tackled a birthday girl, nonetheless, on the playground because he didn't want her to have the swing. (i was somewhat tempted to ask the childcare worker if his form was ok on the tackle.... already thinking about a future in football or MMA. i digress.)

so let's just say that drew had a nice, long nap at home. daddy had his discipline moment and then a much better week. drew did have to apologize to about 10 people the next day, but i would say it was a successful end to a very tough day.

i love you little man. one day we will laugh hysterically over the things you did as a kid.

thanksgiving, christmas and such

2008-12-13T10:38:00.004-05:00

i love making gingerbread houses with the boys. unfortunately, i'm not martha stewart (or dave's mom: she's a fantastic cook and decorator!) and therefore result to the gingerbread kits! ha. we have fun every year making one. this year's focused more on slapping the house together, taking the quick picture with my computer, and then tearing into it.

the kids were hungry, what can i say?

although, this year's house was bit of a disappointment. it tasted like trash, cardboard more specifically. dave and i both commented on the lack of taste... really only a hint of cinnamon at the very end.

thanksgiving: we had a FABULOUS time with my side of the family and a short visit with dave's maternal grandparents. my sisters were each in town with their growing families (excluding julie's eamon). i loved seeing my nieces and nephew. we even exchanged gifts between all the cousins. the boys received a Wii from my parents, a total blast. (they are playing it as i'm writing now!)

*** side note: i was throwing out spelling words to the boys the other day. aiden was practicing his school words and i was making up easy word for drew. i asked drew how to spell "we."

he said, "w...i...i."

uh.... what a brilliant kid i have!!! haha. ****

back to the family. lisa now has 2 kids: jackson is 2 and ryan, my new niece, is 3 months.

ryan is a content baby and rarely cries unless jackson bites her. :) the boys had fun with jackson, romping around and ...being boys.

heather has micah, another niece, who is 7 months. it was truly funny to see how micah would react to me. she would normally become squirmy and reach for heather if other would hold her. not with her aunt amy! :) craig commented several times how genetics work in my favor. that little girl would just look at me and snuggle in. so sweet.

i was passing craig and micah several times on sunday morning as i was getting ready for church. i didn't notice until craig commented how micah would cry for me every time i passed her. i can't help it... i love it. i'm living vicariously through my sister until God blesses us with another baby!

as we gear up into the christmas season, we are praying that God continues to be a blessing to you and your family. if you are in the area, join us on Christmas Eve at Calvary Chapel Port St. Lucie. looking forward to celebrating Christ with the church and family. have a great Christmas!

stalker mom

2008-11-13T16:55:00.005-05:00

i'm officially a stalker mom, defender of the defenseless (AKA: my boys). dave previously wrote about the all-new craze of bakugan toys. our boys have two: 1 each.

well, yesterday i picked the kids up from school and discovered that aiden had snuck a bakugan to school, trading it for another. only he didn't trade his.... he traded drew's.

i was not a happy camper. aiden defended himself by saying, "but mom! i got one in return!!!" let me explain: earlier this week dave had to detail the concept of trading. trading means giving and then RECEIVING a toy in return.

so off i march to school with the boys in tow. super mom to rescue drew's traded toy. have we mentioned how the manufacturer is making a LOAD off of these toys? every store is sold out, hence why the boys only have one bakugan each. some of these kids at school have 10+. it's completely crazy.

the child aiden traded with was still in aftercare, but no bakugan in sight. he had already traded it with another boy. ARGGGHHHH.

my two (count them: one, two...) planning periods were eaten up trying to unravel the trade. but i prevailed. :) (are you surprised?)

drew has his toy. aiden learned a lesson. mom is tired.

**** gum update****

i have officially caught #50. about 10 students are in the process of paying still. some have payment plans. :) what a great way to save for Christmas. i could kiss the administrator who came up with this rule, but then that would be gross.

what did you just say?!?!?!

2008-11-05T16:47:00.002-05:00

the comic timing on drew is just incredible. i'm sitting at the computer, checking my facebook, and heard the funniest thing out of him. as the boys grabbed a snack to tide them over until dave arrives home, drew announces, "pop tarts! be healthy!!!"

is he really praying that God will change the molecular structure of his sugar-induced pop tart?

so funny. all this with newly shaved heads.

shhhh. don't tell my mom. she just told my sister she couldn't wait to see how long the boys' hair was! uhhhhh..... hope everyone loves our Christmas picture we'll take at Thanksgiving!

Oh were oh were have normal toys gone? Oh where oh where could they be?

2008-11-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

Alright, for some reason I'm thinking about toys during my lunch break... My boys are into some new toys... Bakugans & Tech Deck Dudes. Yeah, you read it right... The Bakugan is a transforming toy that turns from some ninja character into a small ping pong size ball that can be shot from various proprietary firing mechanisms, much like a nerf ball... Transformers, old news. Ninja Turtles, a thing of the past. Spiderman, sometimes.... Football, occassionally. Bakagan... all the rage. Did I mention each toy comes with a trading card? A genius move combining Nerf like fun, Action Figure fun, & The Pokemon trading card thing = mega sales. I'll get my boys one or two just to boost their self esteem at school. For all you out there who think a bakugan is evil, I watched the smurfs & I became a pastor :).

sarah palin

2008-10-31T22:44:00.004-04:00

here's a funny story from our trip to delaware.

we arrived in baltimore around 9-ish, waiting to deplane. as we were the last passengers off the plane, i decided to take my time collecting out carry-ons and had yet to pick up drew's car seat plane-side. i was trying not to become agitated with the service we were receiving when all of the sudden, some male flight attendant starting running at me screaming, "SARAH PALIN!!!!! AHHHH!!!" at the top of his lungs, mind you.

now, i have previously received a couple of comments from some parents about how i resemble sarah palin (especially when i wear my glasses). one parent even gave me a 'fist bump' telling me to rock it out! funny.

anyways, dave said he was a little startled with some man freaking out and hugging me in the terminal. i think he realized he had nothing to worry about when this stranger started lifting my hair and describing how i would look more like gov. palin if i had my hair up. enough said.

what do you think? we've toyed with the idea of putting me in a suit for halloween. :)

sarah and optimus prime. you didn't know such existed in south florida.

i might need to learn to tease my hair a little more.....

halloween and the sugar rush....

2008-10-31T22:31:00.004-04:00

well, apparently candy does not effect the rest of my family like it does me. i am wide awake, regardless of the stressful week as the boys (all 3 of them) are snoozing after a hard night of candy gathering. mmmmmm, milky way.... snickers.... reese's.... my favorite! as i munch i might as well blog.

here's some pics, courtesy of photo booth on the computer. still saving for a new digital camera.

obviously, you can see where the kids get their craziness. the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!!

drew: the storm trooper from star wars.

aiden as optimus prime (transformer).

i really tried hard to have the kids dress up as something funny. my personal fav was ketchup and mustard. no go. well, aiden seriously was mulling this choice over as he LOVES ketchup. drew, on the other hand, quickly vetoed mom's choice. storm trooper and optimus prime it was.

we had fun. we went to church in the farms and let the kids run wild at the fall fest. they are now in their beds, dreaming sweet dreams of candy.....

delaware

2008-10-27T17:38:00.002-04:00

just a little note that we are still alive and had a GREAT time in delaware. our friends, herb and leslie heinrichs, are an amazing family with two wonderful girls. i haven't seen our boys thoroughly enjoy other kids like this trip. i don't think we had one time where they were fighting, in fact quite the opposite! apparently, aiden and makayla are getting married.... ha. :)

hopefully i can upload some pictures. leslie took some on her camera and might email them to me. (i need a camera! next thing on my gum list after the kids' christmas presents.)

i have some funny stories i'll write about later. just wanted to mention what a blessing good friends are to us. :) thanks herb and leslie! so much fun.

a smorgasbord of stuff

2008-10-21T18:25:00.003-04:00

i am very tired of being sick. ugh. dave and i both are on the Z-pack, hopefully some relief will come soon. this cold thing is not like regular colds. it has knocked me flat on my rear from the get-go.

on a more positive note, we'll be flying out to delaware thursday and won't be back until sunday. we have some college friends that are blessing us with some tickets to see them! fun times in store. i know dave is excited to spend some time fishing, plus we'll enjoy a fall festival. this will be the first time in awhile to go on "vacation" without bumming off the parents! (not that i don't love the beach, the mountains, or our family....)

have i mentioned that the boys are doing a PHENOMENAL job at school? aiden is reading well and drew is loving his class. i really think drew could be reading soon. don't want to push him, having him recoil from my reading efforts, but i might start sneaking in some reading without him knowing it. for instance, aiden was doing his bi-weekly reading homework and i pointed out the word "fox" to drew. he read it and several others on the page. fantastic. :) tons of applause and kudos to my pre-k little boy.

also, dave has recounted a couple of conversations he has witnessed with the boys concerning God. apparently, they were in wal-mart and (very loudly) had the following conversation with their daddy:

boys: "dad... is God rich????"

dave: "uh, yes... He is."

other customers start snickering and laughing...

boys: "so rich He could buy all these toys?!?!?"

and so it goes. gotta love 4 and 5 year old boys trying to figure out God.

wordle.net

2008-10-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

wordle's interpretation of my blog. wordle.net check it out. just a little fun.

6 things about my kids

2008-10-16T21:45:00.003-04:00

just for fun: i've been tagged by a friend to list 6 things about each of my children.

aiden:

1. nickname: the A-train :)

2. super-strong that sometimes i worry about other children more than him

3. can count by 5's!!! so proud.

4. walks just like his daddy

5. wants to be a 'drum-pastor' (worship leader?!?!)

6. loves his brother, drewby, and ernie the elephant

drew:

1. nickname: drew-dog, drewby

2. crazy, just like his mom

3. has an amazing sense of comic timing

4. leads with his teeth; too bad they don't last

5. blankie: 'nough said

6. has officially left the momma's boy stage to favor daddy :)

thursday

2008-10-16T21:09:00.003-04:00

i'm sitting here, waiting for dave to come home from church. God has really done some amazing things this week and brought us to our knees. you have to know that dave's been sick for about a week with his allergies/sinus infection thing, we've battled pink-eye, aiden has double ear-infections and now on his 2nd antibiotic, and i've just started the whole cold-sinus thing. what a pain.

HOWEVER: i've felt that i've needed to post after such a rough last week. sunday was an absolute, amazing worship service at calvary chapel. dave led out in a prayer experience and we saw many people on their knees before the Lord. pastor mike preached through philippians 4, talking about rejoicing in the Lord and the peace through prayer.

here's the kicker. i've had a harder time this school year finding that 'right' time to spend away with Him. last year was so easy as i had first period off. i came in, settled myself, and dove into the Word. enough said. this year, not quite so easy as i have a different schedule. excuses, excuses.... lack of consistent quite time.

so as God spoke to me this Sunday, i realized how much i was still worrying over things and not bringing them before Him. i have made a consistent effort to try to spend some time at night these past few days alone in a quiet time. tuesday night was one of those nights where dave was at band practice and, as i am not playing this week, i was at home. i confessed plainly how i have just known that God is God and therefore, i have lacked the ASKING part of prayer. you know, the part that most people do but apparently i have not. i worry.

i climbed into bed, fully relaxed as i just unloaded on my Heavenly Father. dave came home not too long after and woke me up. he then told me how he went to the mailbox, retrieved the mail, and was astounded by God. we received a gift in the mail allowing us to drastically catch up on some things we needed.

now i know finances are somethings that people just don't like discussing. it's just not a secret that we've been through quite a year. enough said. we are very thankful for the jobs God has provided, but we know that it might take us a long time to get out of the hole we've currently fond ourselves.

but isn't our God good? He constantly proves Himself over and over to us, specifically me. have i not learned the lesson to trust in the Lord, the provider of all good things? i look back on the past years and see how God has guided and given, all what we've needed.

even through this week of sickness, rejoice with us on how our God is truly a good God. He knows exactly what we need, but yet wants us to ask and then trust. thank you Lord. :)

it's been awhile :)

2008-10-10T21:33:00.003-04:00

what a week. it definitely has been awhile since i've posted as school has overwhelmed me. this week has been trying, for sure.

started monday morning discovering that a former student committed suicide. I taught her 5 years ago while i was pregnant with aiden. sweet, outgoing girl who truly loved the Lord. i currently teach her sister at JCS. the student body is struggling as this is completely senseless. i know suicide is horrific, but this girl was one who you never would have expected to have issues. please pray for the clark family that they can continue to trust the Lord through this time.

this has opened up obvious opportunities to talk with students about Christ. pray that i would take advantage of times in and out of class and yet, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting. i know that i can't always have answers especially during such a difficult time.

compounding the incident, i am so aware of students in my class and their spiritual apathy or lack of hunger for the word. more often than not, i am torn emotionally because i feel like most just 'don't get it.' dave and i have spent the better part of tonight talking about ministry to youth, being there to help guide and direct. however, they still have to make choices. it just kills me when i know they are making wrong choices and living in blatant sin.

this is my week. plus, i'm in the middle of grading about 30 tests, 30 fantasy stories, and 30 literary reviews. in addition to, i have to write 2 test. oh... it's gonna be a fun weekend!

to say the least: i'm looking forward to worship this sunday. how can one not love a Lord who forgives? One who has redeemed. blessed be His name

don't we all love doctors

2008-09-29T20:06:00.001-04:00

without going into too much detail: i love doctors. i know many people diss on them, but i personally had a bird's eye view on why they make money.

and i'm glad they do.

i just wish that i was a doctor too.

hey.... that rhymes.

Oh My Canes!

2008-09-28T22:10:00.003-04:00

Just checking in to lament the last second loss of the team (Miami Hurricanes) that have my heart sunk into the abyss of sporting sorrow. I don't understand. I did everything right: wore my #2 Greg "Super" Cooper jersey on Thursday, spent time with God, and even went to catch the 4th quarter of the game at Duffy's since it was on Espn2 & I don't have cable. And to boot, my entire family was there as I was using it as propaganda to sway the 2 youngsters God has placed in my care to become life long cane fans. Somebody help me out, what did I do wrong? Fans of "The Turds" (Gators Fans) need not post, I don't want to hear from you because teams that can only beat us once per quarter century need not speak... at all. I still love my team AND thankfully my family is still Hurricane savvy.

cell phone

2008-09-19T15:15:00.004-04:00

dave was supposed to blog this little episode, but i know how busy he is this past month!

a new parenting situation occured in our home a few days ago. before school, aiden looked at dave innocently and said, " dad?"

"yes, aiden"

"when can i have a cell phone?"

aghast, dave responded, "what?!?!"

"yeah, a cell phone. all the kids at treasure times (the aftercare at school) have one."

***explosive laughter from dave***

our sweet, precious five-year old just asked about A CELL PHONE. what has this world come too?

i talked with aiden the next day questioning this interchange between him and his father. he said, "yeah, mom. i want a cell phone."

"no sweetie. you won't get one until you're older."

"like when i'm 6?"

(muffled laughter... i hope our kids won't be scarred from the fact their parents laugh at them all the time.)

"no.... MAYBE when you're 12. and that would only be one of those phones where you can only call your mom!"

aiden thought for a moment and with a smile on his face replied, "uh, how about when i'm 10?!?!"

smart kid.

but..... no. :)

taking a breath...

2008-09-15T16:55:00.003-04:00

finally, a breather. we've been running, both dave and myself. dave has fervently been working on small groups this past week. (if you didn't know, dave is also the small groups pastor at calvary chapel.) calvary connection day was sunday, pushing people to "connect" into a small group. pastor mike and dave team-taught this sunday for a powerful message about discipleship and character building. :) made my heart proud to be a part of a great church body and staff.

on the other hand, i am trying to prepare my classes so i can travel north to orlando at a moment's notice. lisa is expecting a baby this friday, if she doesn't go earlier. my new niece, ryan addison, should arrive on the 19th! i'm totally pumped for another girl in the family. the grandkids number at 3 boys and (soon-to-be) 2 girls.

side note: gum is doing very well. :) i've caught a total of 19 kids: 12 have paid. hahaha. makes me laugh.

tuesday

2008-09-09T17:23:00.003-04:00

man! i'm tired. i feel like i'm a first year teacher all over again with the work hours i am putting in. such is the life with new curriculum (or really a new year in a new grade). tonight is our parent/teacher orientation so i figured i'll relax a bit on the internet before i head over.

i even overheard dave telling a friend that he hasn't seen me work this hard in a LONG time. :) so it's true. i've even logged weekend hours..... multiple weeks in a row. ouch. the joys of teaching.....

gum update: i've collected on 6 kids ($60 for me) and another 7 to come in. that's right: i'm up to 13 kids so far. now i'm starting to ponder if i should put the money down on a new camera. it's so hard. kinda like if you pay $$$ for a car. once you save up, it's hard to spend.

plus, i've been suckered into helping sponsor the junior class. apparently, this is the hardest year as they need to fundraise for the prom and other events that are happening. WONDERFUL. it's a GOOD thing i like those kids!!!!!

gotta run. keep chewin' out there.

hurricane

2008-09-04T19:04:00.003-04:00

well, looks like we've missed hannah, but ike is acomin'. dave is currently out buying plywood as we are in the middle of the "cone of death." i usually laugh, but i am too tired. (it doesn't help that i'm trying to fight off a little scratchy throat and who-knows-what-else from my dear students. i actually went to bed last night at 7:30 p.m. wonderful.)

we'll see if we evacuate to the north or south. we usually wait to see how the storm looks. fortunately, dave's parents are in miami and mine are in orlando. i'm not big on weathering a storm in our wood-frame townhouse. our saving grace is that our place is in the middle of 5 homes. unfortunately, i have a job and don't have the luxury to hang at the parents' place until i feel free to come home. i love electricity: not so much the nastiness of sweating it out.

other than that, we're doing well. dave has had a couple big weeks with church stuff. we should be rocking it out on sunday to some kirk franklin and jonathan stockstill. come join us in port st. lucie if you are around! we're kicking off our small groups this week with connection sunday, too.

BTW: i'm up to 11 students caught with gum. 3 have paid....

procrastination

2008-09-01T10:17:00.003-04:00

i am truly procrastinating. i need to write two tests for tomorrow, but i've done everything but write! i've started laundry, checked my facebook, unloaded the dishwasher, checked the weather channel, and now i'm on blogger.

so bare with me as i'm putting off the inevitable....

in case if you are wondering: yes, we are glad we're out of new orleans. could you imagine if this storm happened last year? it was already difficult to move 3 times in one year and so we're thankful that we didn't have to evacuate in the middle of our 6 month stint at seminary.

however, we're trying to keep up with some friends who are still there. as far as we know, all are safely out of the way of this hurricane. some even went to a farm in middle LA! that's a bit funny to me.

also: pictures might be slow coming on this blog. i officially announce that my camera is broken. stinks. i'm trying to decide if i can send it off to be fixed or if i should break down and buy a new one. i'm leaning towards using my gum money (if my students ever pay up... oh, but they will) however, i was looking forward to using that money for some new shoes. :) ahhhhh, don't you love nine west?!?!?

sounds like my dryer stopped. and yes.... i'm still procrastinating....

$70 coming my way

2008-08-29T17:47:00.003-04:00

just a little post about my seven gun-chewers... that's right. 7 students in 8 days. i'm rockin' and rollin'.

technically, only 1 has paid so far. but don't you worry, i will prevail. i'm looking forward to a little shopping spree soon.

and this officially starts a new label: gum money. will update as the year progresses.

amy

Dave-O-Rama has arrived!

2008-08-22T21:41:00.005-04:00

Yo,

I've been a complete slacker not contributing to my own family's blogity blog. Sooooo. Here I go (again on my own, going down the only road I've ever know, like a drifter I was born... {sorry the song just popped in my head}) It is a good song though... very 80's glam pop. ANYWAY (I ain't waistin' no more time... whoops, there's that song again).

I thought I'd brag on my beautiful wife, she just finished teaching her first classes of the school year- she is doing such a great job & already racking up the GUM MONEY. I love when high schoolers chew gum in her class, it means we don't have to budget extra money toward fun, so if you chew in her class... HERE'S TO YOU MR & MRS REALLY HIGH-DOLLAR CHEWER, the price per slice of gum would go down drastically if you chew-baka the gum after school hours! Give your molars a rest & the hard earned money your mommy gave ya this mornin' man.

Also props to our boys who both received great conduct marks the first few days of class. Peace in the middle east, all the way to Tampa Bay, So I'll Shout, Shout, Let it all out to my rockin' family. OUT.

school

2008-08-22T18:03:00.004-04:00

so we made it through the first week. most people take pictures of their kids in the morning before the first day. but we're above that... or really i was out of the house before they were awake. so here's a photo AFTER school. they're smiling! school is kicking in and they love it.

i am TIRED and probably will head towards school tomorrow, yes- on a saturday, to write some tests and lesson plan. ahhhh, the work of a teacher never fails.

my classes overall are great. i really enjoy some of the class dynamics this year. :) hope it stays that way!!! dave and i prayed together the night before, settling my nerves. i think i had so many things running through my mind.

the 2008-2009 school year: praying it's a good one!

a little gift

2008-08-19T20:38:00.003-04:00

i have such a great husband. :) look what the boys came home with after a run to publix. (note the mug/vase as all of my vases are still in cleveland. oh well, making the best out of what we got.)

a little story: dave used to shower bouquets on me through our dating and engagement times. however, he started slowing down with the surprise gifts after i forgot to put some in a vase. in my defense, i was REALLY busy at the time and was not home often. anyways, he just thought i didn't appreciate them anymore.

but i do. even simple carnations: flowers on a budget! plus it makes it more special as my little men walk through the door, give me kisses, and tell me they love me. dave is truly bringing up little men. i hope they treat their future spouses just like the way their daddy treats me. simply wonderful!

micah pics

2008-08-19T20:25:00.006-04:00

i finally uploaded these pics from heather and micah's visit. it's been a bit crazy as school starts tomorrow, and tropical storm fay has come and gone. enjoy the pics!

micah was asleep when i first saw her in the airport. what a sweet baby!

drew especially loved micah. he is pushing her in the swing (she loved it too!).

the boys cuddling with their cousin. aiden was a little shy and made silly faces (hence why he was cut out of most of the picture). but drew gave plenty of kisses! she obviously loved being pampered.

aiden is still making the silly face! they are so crazy.... but their mine! :)

camp life

2008-08-15T20:44:00.002-04:00

dave and aiden went to a preteen camp this week as dave was the camp pastor. we figured aiden was the most apt to sit through a message. then again, he is the most obedient carroll boy at this moment.... that helped the decision too. poor drew, he's going through his terrible twos at, um, four.

i asked dave how aiden sat through the messages. so cute: apparently, dave was speaking and aiden would raise his hand (as if in school) periodically though the message. my little boy.

dave allowed aiden to drive the civic all over the campground. of course, dave was at the wheel with aiden on his lap, but i get a little chuckle to imagining this buzzed head peering over the wheel.

AND.... aiden made the scoring run during his first kickball game. ahhhhhhhh..... a proud moment. (i'm not competitive, am i?!?!?!)

during this absence of the campers, drew and i had good bonding time for the most part. i found out that he still gets incredibly emotional when he misses his nap. anywho. a little ditty: during a bath, i asked drew if he was making any friends at the school's daycare. he said that there was this "cute girl named T** but she's not like the silly girls on tv."

i said with raised brow, "oh, really?!?!"

drew replied,"yes. you know those girls that are all 'wiggly'."

i guess he doesn't like dancers. sorry hannah montana. i thought drew was a good match for you. too bad.

cincin-nasti

2008-08-12T13:35:00.002-04:00

a good 'ole trip from cincin-nasti to west palm does a body good! heather's trip was stellar and we had loads of fun. it was quite funny that her first comment as we're walking through the airport parking garage was, "wow, it's hot here."

um.... if you can call overcast and slightly drizzling at 85 degrees "hot". i was secretly thinking that she should just wait until the florida sun was blazing down on her body a little later. thank goodness monday afternoon did not disappoint. it was hotter.

heather's baby, micah, was beautiful and looks just like her until she throws you a what-in-the-world-are-you-doing-idiot look. then she looks like her daddy. pictures to come at a later post.

considering that heather had 4 hours of sleep friday night, we had a GREAT saturday and lounged around for most of the evening. sunday was church, sunday night- girls gymnastics (the most important part of the olympics which any girl in her right mind would agree. dave highly disagrees, but then again-he's not a girl.), monday was puttering around jupiter, and tuesday she flew out.

she came, she went. too fast.

we did have some chuckles along the way.

drew could not remember micah's name and arbitrarily called her "jackson" or even just "him". poor kid loves babies but can't think past his boy cousin for the life of him. even if the baby has earrings.

the boys definitely don't remember spitting up all over me, but they reel back at the slightest bit of baby slobber. if only they knew what they put me through. aiden was the worst. he actually physically starts to gag and we quickly have to shoo him away.

i think we had a total of 10-12 people point out that we look alike. uh, yes... we're twins.

i love the fact that no matter who is visiting who, coffee is always made first thing in the morning. that always adds to the visit. my friend, julie holley, also appreciates this little bit of glory in the morning. that's why she's a friend. anywho.....

the first morning as we're laying in bed (dave was moved to the couch. thanks dave! such a sweetie. then again, usually craig moves for me too. what great guys.), drew came into snuggle early in the morning and heather had grabbed micah from an early rising. such sweet bliss to have some kiddos cuddling with us. drew kissed on micah who apparently LOVES to be pampered. that's my girl. :) she also loves baby massages. she truly knows how to be loved!

a great visit loving on family. more to come.

aiden reads jane austen.....

2008-08-07T13:49:00.003-04:00

2 more days until heather arrives! the countdown continues.....

exciting news is about my dear aiden trace: he is reading as of this week! the funny part is this was a goal of mine for the summer. ask me how many times i've REALLY sat down and worked with him.... that would be a big, fat ZERO. (now dave claims that he has, but we all know that's not the truth!!)

as of 2 weeks ago, i took the boys to the library to receive their official library cards. hey, i am a teacher and figure that's the least i can do for my children. anywho- we love to read dr. seuss books together (who doesn't?) and drew borrowed "Hop on Pop." gotta love it. aiden took so well to it that he read the whole book out loud with just a few helps from mom, the teacher.

so great. right before kindergarten, my oldest can officially say he is a beginning reader. we're practicing every day, twice a day. i'll admit that i'm looking for the praise from the kindergarten teacher! ha. maybe even some denari from her check since i've done her job. either that or she can trade me places and teach the high schoolers. let's face it: 1 child out of her class is already reading.

now just to work on drew......

wednesday

2008-08-06T15:05:00.003-04:00

3 more days!!! the countdown continues....

i stopped by the school to drop off some bulletin boarders. i'm starting to get excited about the year. it's been a great summer though. sleeping in, doing whatever i want, uh.... is it too early to look forward to christmas break?

off to walmart we go. i spent $79 on school supplies. is that a lot? i was actually thinking it would be closer to $100, so i was pretty impressed. i'm missing 2 little things so i'm currently giving my inner self a high five for completing that task 2 weeks before school starts. i know i rock.

now if i can just hide the school stuff for awhile. the boys last year ripped into the supplies and i had to shoo them away continually. it's pretty bad.

did i mention my biggest reason why i'm excited for school? i lose weight. that's right: dropping dress sizes. staying home increase the waste line and going to work drops it.

so i'm looking forward to being skinny and dumping some knowledge into those high schoolers.

tuesday

2008-08-05T13:41:00.002-04:00

the countdown begins until heather comes to visit: 4 more days! heather and her daughter, micah, are traveling from cincinnati to jupiter. i'm pumped to see my niece for the first time since her birth. too bad i didn't get them direct flights.... oops. anywho. at least we have a flight! i received a voucher when i was bumped from a flight back in march, resulting in a FREE visit from heather! :)

i haven't posted since this weekend as this weekend was very busy. we had a rally at church saturday night and then church on sunday. this was the first week back in the facility after CRAP literally flowed into the building. it was nice not having to set everything up but.... very difficult to get out of the house by 6:30 a.m. i have had a wonderful summer sleeping in to 9-10, so waking up this early has been the pits. :) i have a headache today from trying to go to sleep earlier last night. of course, i didn't go to sleep but tossed and turned until the wee hours of the morning. it didn't help that drew climbed into bed to cuddle with his mommy at 4 a.m.

movin' on....

monday went pretty well until i took the boys with me to the dentist. i literally was in the office from 2:45 - 5:30. the boys were pretty good except for the first 15 minutes in the waiting room and another 15 minute stretch occurring right around 5 p.m. i was not a happy camper, but i did get to meet the pediatric dentist who i now feel like we're on a first name basis. (well- we should be after 3 hours of looking at each other.) did i say that i was there for me, not the boys?

needless to say, i did not get the cleaning i thought i was going to receive but only x-rays and another appointment for cleaning and... other things. :) i sheepishly walked over to dave to let him know about my cavity and some other work needed to close some gaps between the teeth , only to find out that he needs WAY more work than me! hahahaha. 1 point for amy. minus points for dave as his work will cost us roughly 8 times more than mine!!!!

so happy tuesday to all. the aleve is starting to kick in.....

cleveland flashback

2008-08-02T13:00:00.000-04:00

here's some pics from cleveland (1 1/2 years ago. i can't believe it's been that long!) . we really enjoyed our time there and LOVED the snow. i personally loved wearing scarfs with my rockin' nine west jacket. dave also bought me a jacket on sale from ann taylor (brown with the fur). it's not hard to love that man!!!

this picture was at EASTER!!! look at the snow. i remember sweating it out in the humid florida air, hiding easter eggs, and constantly reminding myself (as my hair was fro-ing) that i was serving Jesus. cleveland was a different story. who knew that it could snow 6 inches over the easter weekend?!?! not these "flor-idiots".
this was the first playtime in the snow. i was warm and cozy in the apartment!
drew's face the day we moved in. he jumped into the snow, grabbing the white stuff with his bare hands. he didn't do that again!!! sweet boy.

aiden and his love for snow angels! good times.....

new hats

2008-07-31T08:52:00.004-04:00

here are the kids sporting new hats from grandma loralee. thanks grandma! of course, they go with the whole UM theme of yesterday's party (check the previous post). the boys think they are the coolest.

on a side note: here's a little taste of what i've been hearing around the house. dave taught them the important things in life.

"Jesus love the little children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, black and pink......

YOU STINK!!!!!"

and then a chorus of giggles and snorts.

birthday with the fam

2008-07-31T08:17:00.007-04:00

can you guess the theme of the party? rockin'the "U"

teaching them young......

dave and his ghetto attitude (notice the 31.....)

one of the SEVERAL birthday cards they each made daddy. this is drew's. it says: "daddy, i love you very, very much." (supposedly- it could also say, "you are the the best daddy in the whole wide world."))

aiden's card: "happy birthday daddy."

dave's cake of choice is not really a cake. had a hard time telling the boys that it is really a cookie, not a cake.

daddy and his boys! dave crashed early in aiden's bed, too. i heard him snoring early evening. a good sign: belly full and heart satisfied. :) he loves his boys.

drummer boys

2008-07-30T10:40:00.003-04:00

the perks of having a worship leader for your dad: you can play the instruments when you want! guess what instrument the boys are LOVIN'?!?!?! inside, i'm groaning........

sneak peek

2008-07-30T10:33:00.004-04:00

coming home in the car often leaves two tired boys! we have good laughs at these two crazies. these are after an afternoon at grams' house. notice the video aiden is clutching. thanks for the video and fun, grams!

here's drew with his blanket. this still reminds me of his baby days.....

aiden's photography

2008-07-28T11:14:00.004-04:00

as my kids can dive into my purse occasionally, i find new pictures on my camera. here's some of aiden's latest. (at least there is a subject in each frame! he's getting better. it used to consist of the ceiling and floor....)

the trash can: look at that angle! i'm proud.... what can i say?

my purse: note to self, zip it up.

a little hint of aiden's mischievous nature and unique sense of humor. he was quite proud of himself.

pics from janell's shower

2008-07-28T11:00:00.010-04:00

the carroll women: me, janell, susan, and rosie. dave and his brother,dan, both lived with grams (rosie) during college and subsequently met their wives. we joke about it being "rosie's finishing school: come live here, get a degree, and find a wife."

my new sister: janell. i wish i took a picture of her shoes! she definitely has great taste and fun shoes. this year has been a year of discovery for me and shoes. i know, it's taken awhile but why would i care about heels when you are chasing around 2 toddlers?

happy birthday to dave :)

2008-07-27T22:29:00.003-04:00

well, not quite yet.... wednesday to be exact. i'm toiling over what to make him for dinner. suggestions? leave a comment with some ideas.

on another note: we did go down to west palm to drop the kiddos off at grams. dave and i went to see batman (wanting to see it on imax but it was sold out) and opted for just the regular screen. it was definitely a darker movie and not so cut and dry as spiderman. it is also more evident how little gore and suspense we watch. (i hid my eyes through several parts.) garbage in, garbage out. in any case, i think i was more intrigued with this film being heath ledger's last.

this weekend was a blast with so much activity. i'll post pics tomorrow when i have more time. janell's shower and some of the boys, of course. have i mentioned they are two CRAZY kids?

one last praise: looking forward to getting into the church building again. amen, anyone? :)

baldies

2008-07-25T11:29:00.002-04:00

i recently came back from Student Life Camp (a blast) as i helped chaperone the youth from calvary. what a wonderful time in worship with chris tomlin and louie giglio.

anyways, i was enjoying an afternoon with the students as i received a text from dave with a particular picture. my kids are bald. they look like miniature daves. what could i do but laugh?!?!?

apparently, drew begged his dave to have a "cool haircut like his daddy". and so the shaving began.....

rockin' the PSL

2008-07-24T18:57:00.004-04:00

for those who have been out of the loop, dave is the current worship pastor at calvary chapel port st. lucie. we are LOVING it. (i would link their website if i knew how.... i still have to mess with some stuff.) i've been pleasantly surprised with psl. the area is really booming and there's new construction all over the place. plus, the housing market is CHEAP and i'm looking forward to moving into a house with a yard.

God has really allowed this past year to be a year of growth and stretching. it hasn't been the most fun and often has been lonely. but God is faithful. what a mighty God we serve. looking back- i couldn't have imagined God landing us here. He has truly protected us. i look back and see how God continued to direct me to Psalm 34 over this past year. take a look at it and see what promises God gives to those who trust in Him.

anyways, we love the people on staff and their wives. the other pastors are humble men whom God has graciously blessed. the church is currently meeting at a school as reconstruction is being completed in the old facility. (crap flooded the facility: literally.) even in this move, the church continues to grow and thrive.

if you are in the port st. lucie area, come and join us. we have a blast and dig deep into God's Word. the current series is on the book of Philippines (my personal fav).

don't forget to check out Ps. 34.

new dress and shoes

2008-07-24T15:04:00.005-04:00

so i had my new shopping buddy (aka: Dave) come to marshalls with me. now to let you know.... i hate marshalls. you can include tj max and ross in with marshalls too. i get so worn out searching and searching for clothes that fit correctly. i would rather go to a store that i know i LOVE and just buy stuff on sale. for instance: i love ann taylor loft. wonderful store. clothes look great and are cheap when on the sale rack. i digress

i always here how great these stores are from my mother-in-law and now my new sister-in-law (janell! welcome to the family!!!). so i'm in hunt for a new dress for janell's bridal shower.

here's my new dress for $15, a steal, and new shoes from macy's. i'm slowly learning.....

bloggity blog

2008-07-24T14:28:00.000-04:00

so here we go. i've been a secret stalker for several months-reading this blog and that. i've been encouraged spiritually by several blogs, which i'm sure that i'll link here. quite amazing christians in their own walks with Christ. anyways, i thought this would be a great spot to load pics of the kids and give updates on our family.