The hole

Two weeks ago, our youth group had their Christmas party. Like almost every other day this season, we had a million things to do before the actual party including seeing our dear friends Sally, Landry, and their baby Charlotte (who, by the way, are HOME now!- Praise the Lord!) We were running way behind by the time we actually got back from the two hour trip and were rushing to get something on the stove to bring for the party. We knew the kids were bringing sweets, so we decided to bring meatballs and cider (great combination, right?!) Anyways, I told Jeff to just go up to the church to start setting up and I would bring everything with me. The meatballs were done, the baby was screaming and we had about 5 minutes to spare. So, I grabbed the pot off the stove and put it (and the baby) in the car and headed to the church. Well, we get there and I call for Jeff to come help me get everything out( i mean, i got it all in the car, HE can unload it!) He goes to get the pot and guess what?! IT'S STUCK TO THE SEAT-well, not just the seat, but also stuck to the jacket that I put it on. So, Jeff does a couple of hard tugs and FINALLY the pot comes off, but unfortunately, with the pot comes my jacket (stuck to  the pan) and half of our passenger seat. Yes, there's a HUGE pot sized hole in our seat.

Now, I have to brag on my husband for a second, because I was ready for him to lay it on me. "Why did you put a HOT pan on the seat?" "What were you thinking?!" "Do you know how much money this is going to cost!?" But, nope! He said none of that. He simply shrugged his shoulders and said we needed to get it fixed. That's it?! ha. He's so patient. Nothing phases him really-not even a hole in the car.  His patience reminds me daily to be slow to anger, a lesson I need to learn many times over.
He hasn't brought it up since....I on the other hand remind him daily that I BURNED A HOLE IN OUR CAR-WHO DOES THAT?! HA.

Anyways, we took it to get fixed this morning so I don't have to ride in the back seat anymore-which I don't really mind because I have beautiful company back there-a.k.a Lyla:) . And just in case this ever happens to you, it's a couple hundred dollar mistake -oops! So, that was my day...how was yours?:)

CRAZY

Sometimes I get a little down about missing out on stuff back home. This past weekend, for example. My sister had her first wedding shower and our family had their Christmas party-and we weren't able to be there. While I am so thankful we get to visit as often as we do, I can't help but want more sometimes. Confession: I get kinda jealous over those people who live so close to their parents (who have free babysitting right at their finger tips-ha!) and can see their families whenever they want.

BUT, I have to remember why we are here! We moved here two and a half years ago and it is so amazing to see how much God is doing here in this little town of Quitman. One of the biggest blessings this year has been seeing what God is doing in the apartment complex of Quail Run. Can I share with you what GOD is doing?

  Every week, we get the privilege to take our students to this apartment complex called Quail Run. There we tell a story from the bible, sing songs, play games and have a snack. And every week, kids ranging from diapers to junior high show up to hear about Jesus. This past week was our last of the year and we wanted to do something special-We decided to bring a birthday cake for Jesus to have after we told the Christmas story and then we opened presents. (yes, presents! -each student in our youth group made one, two or some even three shoe boxes filled with toys, crayons, coloring books, pencils, stickers, etc) That seriously could have been my Christmas present right there-seeing those precious babies open what may be the only gift they get this season. The excitement in the room could not be matched. To see them get excited over candy,soap, and all the other things we packed in those boxes really is a testament to how unappreciative we all can be at times-always wanting BIGGER, BETTER...MORE! They were so satisfied and so excited over SIMPLE things! Things that we have everyday and take for granted. We didn't have to go overseas to find them-they live in our community.  We all know people who we can reach, but the question is will we? When I get down and out about not having the life I WANT, I have to remember, that God has called each of us to live OUTSIDE of our comfort. This life ISN'T ABOUT ME! IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!

(Marsha Odom made the cake-you are just too good girl!)

I miss my family (more than they know) but THANK YOU JESUS for using us here.

"I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who's calling out to me..
And even though the world may think 
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy 
To choose this world over eternity"
-Mercy Me


Sidenote: 
To my best friend who is a missionary in Africa
Lindsey, bare with my post. You and Nathan have sacrificed more than anyone I know. I know you don't judge me when I get sad about missing home, but I cannot help but think of you each and every time and the impact you are making for the kingdom. You miss holidays, you miss birthdays, you miss a lot more than I do. Thank you for what you do. I love you so!

5 Months

I am a little behind on my updates and blogging in general. A lot has been going on and we have been extra busy!

Last week, Lyla turned 5 months old. We actually went to her 4 month appointment ( a little late) last week. Lyla weighs 11 lbs. We have been a little concerned about her weight, but the doctor assured us that even though she is in the 5th percentile on her weight and height (her head was in like the 50th perentile-ha!) she is completely healthy! However, she advised us to up the dosage on her feeding, so we have added Gerber Gentle Ease to her diet along with me still nursing her. No solids yet except for the oatmeal cereal we add to her bottle occasionally. I was NOT happy about having to supplement, but if it means she will be more satisfied, then so be it:)

(Right after her 4 month shots)

Lyla is definitely showing her personality more everyday. One of the biggest changes this month is her need to put everything in her mouth. She can hold things now and thinks that if it's in her hand, it should be in her mouth. She has also gotten into a habit of grabbing and pulling. (people's hair, earrings, plants, Diggs' hair! You name it, if it is in her reach, she will grab and pull!

We still havent seen any teeth yet, but she still chomps on her little hands as if one will break through any day now.

Another big change this month is the adjustment from her newborn napper (basinet type bed) into her BIG GIRL crib! Some nights look like this:

Other nights look like this...

We are still adjusting. :)

She is definitely paying more attention to certain things...like the television. -She loves Full House :)

Since Christmas is quickly approaching, she will actually sit in my lap and watch Christmas shows with me:) I love that!

Our little girl is such a blessing and couldn't be more perfect to us! 

Happy 5 months Lyla Rae!