tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194209915632856842024-03-14T01:31:42.059-04:00Welcome to My WorldLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-30866641341661017832014-02-01T23:55:00.001-05:002014-02-01T23:55:40.148-05:00What is in a name?It never ceases to amaze me how quickly Satan can come up and accuse when you least expect it. As I was rocking Daniel tonight I reminded him that in the morning we get to go to church. I asked him who we talk about at church and he mumbled something that I could not understand and then I said "Do we learn about Jesus?" and he repeated "Jesus".In that very second Satan started to play with my mind and I went thru the index of what we had intentionally tried to teach Daniel about Jesus. When Emma was his age she knew several Bible stories and we were already reading to her from a children's Bible every night when we tucked her in. For a split second I allowed Satan to accuse me of not trying hard enough or being intentional enough with Daniel when it came to our faith. The thought "good grief Lori the best Daniel can do is say Jesus's name" actually went thru my head. And as quickly as Satan had entered to accuse my sweet Jesus stepped in to affirm. <br />
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Instead of accusations filling the room I was reminded just what power there was simply in His name. God gave him the name that is above every name "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."(Philp 2:10-11)I was also reminded that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). If I want to consider the different names that He has I could add that he is the creator, provider, the one who sees me, the eternal God, the great I AM, God with us, the great physician, the everlasting one, the alpha and omega- the beginning and end, the everlasting father, the prince of peace, the Lamb of God, and those are just the ones that came to mind in that moment. <br />
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We have just started our journey with Daniel on introducing him to the God we serve. There will be a lot of Bible stories read, songs with silly motions, many Sunday's at church, and countless moments as we are just doing life to continue to bring Jesus into His world. I am excited about what each of those will teach him and know that they all hold significant weight. However, I hope that I am never so caught up in Bible study that I forgot the power of His name. <br />
<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-78989533658976743552012-11-26T11:21:00.001-05:002012-11-26T11:22:08.114-05:00Merry Christmas<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-19024550357138710842012-09-30T20:31:00.000-04:002012-09-30T20:31:24.451-04:00JamesFor my personal Bible study this summer I focused on the book of James. I had high hopes to memorize the book (which I did not!) but spent some very concentrated time learning about the man who was James, the influence he had on the church, and the inspired words he wrote in the book named after him. I have always liked the book of James for his practical advice. For a book with only 5 chapters it is FULL of some wisdom for this girl who has a hard time taming her tongue. I could read chapter 3 everyday of my life due to my unfiltered tongue! For several months before a huge trail in my life God always had some of wisdom of James playing in my head. For some reason something in James came up every Sunday with the group of high school girls I was leading. I thought it was just because we were in a room full of girls and everyone knows us girls can always use some good reminding about the tongue. However, even though that is true….God had me there for a very specific purpose to help me not only survive a difficult season but hopefully survive it with grace. <br />
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During that season, the Holy Spirit reminded me of some wisdom in James almost daily. The first reminder came in the form of James 1:22. As I was struggling with how I should respond I felt like I could hear God saying “Do you want to be just a hearer of my Word or a doer of my Word? You talk about being a doer but do you REALLY want to do?” The Holy Spirit constantly had to remind me of James 3:9-12. My mouth desperately wanted to speak ill of someone that was involved in my situation. In fact, everyone around me was speaking ill of them. I never ran across anyone that said “you need to show them love.” However, anytime I wanted my tongue to lash out even though what I would have said would have been truth about the person I would remember James 3:9-12 and feel like the Spirit was saying “Is whatever you are about to say worth loosing the opportunity to praise my name since praising and cursing can not come out of the same mouth. They are made in my likeness. Would you like to make that comment about me? What is more important to you right now?”<br />
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All that to say I was very excited when one of my all time favorite teachers (Beth Moore) came out with a study based in James. I am way outside the original difficult season and me and my tongue have come a LONG way but we still have miles to walk together! I really enjoyed this study because I did not know a lot about James other then he was the half brother of Jesus. I had missed a lot the book has to offer because I was not reading it through the Jewish lenses of the author. It is a 7 week study that I picked up off and on all summer. Here are some nuggets that I picked up along the way.<br />
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Week 1:<br />
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This week we talked a lot about who James was. We also learned about his dealing with Paul and the struggles he had to overcome with the Jewish/Gentile debate that raged during that time. I know that I cannot fully appreciate it or even begin to understand what meant for them to allow Gentiles into the fold. <br />
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Week 2:<br />
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This week focused on James 1:1-18. We started out focusing on learning to count it “pure joy when you face troubles of many kinds. Because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so you can be mature and complete not lacking anything.” We move to v.5 and learn if we lack wisdom we should just ask for it. In v. 9-11 we see God’s heart for the poor. Verse 12 brings us back to perseverance and verses 13-15 touches on the progression of sin. And to wrap up the week we focused on v.16-18 and reflected on the good gifts God had given us. <br />
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Week 3:<br />
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This week we focused on James 1:19-2:12. Can I just tell you James 1:19 kicks my butt every time I read it. I do not want to be quick to listen and slow to speak! It goes way against my natural personality I have already mentioned my journey with James 1:22. Here are a few things Beth said that really stood out to me.<br />
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“The self-deception slithers in when we mistake appreciation for application or being touched with being changed.”<br />
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“The Word of God, however, is meant to do more than penetrate. It’s meant to activate.” <br />
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I love the reminder we find in v. 25 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this not forgetting what he has heard but doing it- he will be blessed in all he does.” I know that at times I feel like the Word of God is a yoke and not something that sets me free. The joy of experiencing the freedom that comes in Christ cannot be explained. It does not make sense. However, I am so glad that I have experienced and continue to experience the freedom that can only be found in Him even while saying “no” to some of the standards/attitudes the world tells me I need to have. <br />
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We are then taken to a very real reminder of what religion looks like that our Father accepts in v. 26-27. I was reminded that you do not live the kind of life that that it says “God our Father accepts as pure and faultless” on accident. This walk is only done ON PURPOSE. I love how Beth put it “You accept that far easier ways to live exist but you were born for nothing less. And when we sniff ourselves and smell the world, we run to the One who can wash us.” <br />
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Week 4<br />
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Week 4 was focused on James 2:14-James 3:17. Most of this week you grapple with how faith and works go hand in hand. You look at how faith without works is dead and review some examples (Abraham and Rahab) how faith and action work together. Chapter 3 opens with a word to teachers. I loved this quote from Beth because I know in different seasons of my teaching time I have struggled with this. “God will never call you to sacrifice your intimacy with Him on the altar of your ministry.” We end the week with another look at the tongue and how dangerous it can be if not used and sanctified by God. It is in these verses 3-12 that we find out our tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can corrupt the whole person and praising and cursing cannot come out of the same mouth…salt water and fresh water cannot flow from the same spring! I love the connection we have here with Matt. 12:34 “The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” My prayer for me is that my heart will be so full of Christ that out of the overflow will come only those things that edify the body. I have A LOT of work to do here. I am so thankful for the evidence of growth that I have seen in my life so far with this issue and pray every day that God continues to prune me here. I love the wisdom section of this chapter. Something that was really cool was Jeff and I were just talking the night before I read this about the right way to speak truth/wisdom in someone’s life. God really slowed me down and had me focus on 3:13-18. A great test for me now is to stop and think if my “wisdom” is really the wisdom of Christ or the wisdom of the world is for me to compare it to v. 17-18. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits without favoritism and hypocrisy. I know that I have been guilty of imparting “wisdom” that had none of the above qualities. Forgive me Lord for the many times that I have spoken in Your name and my heart/attitude looked nothing like you. Teach me your wisdom Lord and in the moments I am tempted to use my own- SHUT MY MOUTH!<br />
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Week 5<br />
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This week we covered all of chapter 4. I have a lot of this week underlined in my book so I am just going to share some of my favorite things! <br />
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“Let’s have the guts to ask Him what’s in our hearts and , when he reveals it, die to the self-gratification and live for the greater glory. That’s when the attic door to the throne room of God will fall open and answered prayer will tumble out like boxed up treasures.” (pg. 133) <br />
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“He gives greater grace…” James 4:6<br />
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“He is enough. Let me say that again: He is enough. When you need more, you will have more. When your woes are great, his grace is greater. When our sins are vast, His mercy is deep. We cannot exceed Him. We cannot outrun Him. “(pg. 140)<br />
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“Nothing muffles conviction as effectively as entitlement.” (pg. 144)<br />
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“People who walk in the Spirit judge ‘things’ not people. “ ( pg. 147)<br />
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“Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17<br />
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Week 6<br />
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James chapter 5 is another great reminder that wealth or lack thereof…..does not belong to us. Any wealth I have belongs to God and I am called to be a steward of it. Giving is so much easier to do when you get to a place that you feel like the money you have does not belong to you anyway! James brings up the idea of perseverance again in 5:11. The idea of not giving up just because your prayers were not answered on your time table in the way you wanted. To sit and wait is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but the reward was fellowship that I had never experienced before at the feet of Jesus. <br />
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“Fellowshipping with Christ in our suffering guards it from purposelessness.” (pg. 178)<br />
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“When we cry out, our God hears whether or not He heals. Something greater must be at stake. Something we may not know till we see Him.” (pg. 180<br />
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“If I am going to err, let me err on the side of faith.” (pg. 180)<br />
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“Sometimes beloved it takes more faith to feel forgiven then it does to feel healed.” (pg. 181)<br />
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Week 7 <br />
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The last week was spent telling the about the end of James life and where the church went next. Around AD 62 James was taken into custody and put to death. “With James went the Jewish Christianity of the early days in Jerusalem. The loss of James radically transformed early Christianity. We have a Jewish Messiah, and his earthly heritage is our spiritual birthright.” (pg. 197)<br />
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-60255878180039244842012-07-29T23:23:00.000-04:002012-07-29T23:23:48.402-04:00My surprise trip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jeff and I are so fortunate that both of our parents insist on taking our kiddos for a week every summer. When the kids were at his parents house in June Jeff and I stayed around Atlanta and just enjoyed doing whatever we wanted and waking up on our own without kids! Jeff has been REALLY busy this summer at work so I just assumed the plan would be the same when the kids went to my mom's house. However, my sweet husband had something else up his sleeve! Jeff was not going to tell me until Wednesday, which is the day that I thought I was driving to meet my mom with kids.He ended up telling me Tuesday because when I went to leave for work my car would not start so I was working on getting a rental car which Jeff knew i would not need! He took to me work and told me when I was getting out of the car. I was so excited! I was also thankful I found out a day sooner so I could get all my work done at the office and not feel like I was leaving anything unfinished. On Wednesday Jeff and I took the kids to my mom's house when he got off work and spent the night with them and then got up Thursday morning to start our mountain adventure. He had booked an amazing cabin for us about 20 miles outside of Gatlinburg. It was perfect. We had two decks with a hot tub attached to the deck outside the master bedroom. We were close enough to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that we could get out everyday and stay busy but the cabin was also perfect and far enough way to feel more isolated and not so much in a tourist community. </div>
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We played putt putt, went to Cade's Cove, toured the Titanic exhibit, and rented tubes and rafted down the river. Jeff schooled me at putt putt....it was not even close! We really enjoyed driving around Cade's Cove and even spent some time wandering around an old church and a few old cabins. One of my favorite things we did was look at an old cemetery. I have no idea why but on one of our first dates we spent some time looking at an old cemetery in Jackson. I think it was one of those things that we did because we did not want the date to end but did not know what else to go do! I still rag Jeff about that date because he brought me back past curfew so I ended up getting a call from our RA Director the next day but he did not get in trouble because he was an RA! The Titanic exhibit was cool but not something we would need to do again. <br />We did not tube until the last day and it was very last minuet decision. I do not know what Jeff loved more....tubing down the river or laughing at me as I screamed and acted like we were on some major rapids! Bless his heart....he did not marry me for my adventures spirit! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our middle deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who does not have fun playing putt putt??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs in the cabin. We never could figure out why there was a tub in the room! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our attempt of a self portrait before leaving the cabin to head home. </td></tr>
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It was such a good trip and I love my husband surprised me. He sure does know how to make a girl feel special! It was a perfect blend of activity and downtime and I do not know anything better then some alone time with the one my soul loves!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-47507371396273474682012-07-15T09:34:00.001-04:002012-07-15T09:34:27.645-04:00An update of sortsOnce again I have stayed true to my once every few months blog post! We have been busy living life over here at the McKenzie household. So here a few updates broken down by family member.<br />
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<strong>Daniel:</strong><br />
Daniel is ten and half months old and ALL OVER the place. He is crawling everywhere and pulls up to everything. His favorite places to crawl is into any bathroom to dump the trashcan or to Taco's (our cat) food because he thinks it taste pretty yummy :) He has started eating some real food but still mostly just has baby food and milk. He is taking two sometimes three naps a day and goes down for the night between 7-8 and sleeps most mornings until 6:30-7:30. He is a very content baby and has his daddy's laid back personality. I would say the on thing that defines him right now is he is BUSY. A few of his recent tricks are to wave hi and when asked how big someone loves him he puts one hand in the air as we say "so big" and then he just grins as we clap! <br />
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<strong>Emma Kate:</strong><br />
Emma is such a great big sister. She is so helpful and takes great delight in her little brother. She has had a big summer that started off with her first ever dance recital. She had 12 people come to her recital (8 from out of town) and she was the princess of the ball! She received 6 different bouquets of flowers and a trophy. She was so proud of herself and did a great job. From the recital her and her brother went to MiMi and Paws for a week and Jeff and I had a great week that included date nights and waking up on our own time instead of one of our children's timetables! She also attended a few different camps. Some of them include:<br />
Princess and Fairy Camp at Sweet and Sassy, Day camp at her old school,Girls Just Want to Have Fun Camp at Adventure Kids and hanging out with our babysitter two days a week. She stays busy making up songs, dancing her heart out, creating new crafts, playing barbies, swimming, and watching movies. As much as Daniel has his daddy's personality Emma Kate is definitely my child. <br />
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<strong>Jeff and Lori:</strong><br />
Jeff has had a very busy summer at work. His company won a big bid and they have spent the summer implementing it with the client. He also attended beach camp with his small group guys from NPCC that are going into the 10th grade. We have had a few visitors from Alabaster visit us this summer and we went to Alabaster once to see a group of our old students to perform in a concert. I turned a year older (32), have made a trip to Dallas for work, and started consistently working out and love it! The only other big things we have going on this summer is one more week when both of our kids are going to be gone again this time spending time with my mom and sister. We have already made our date plans! And last but not least we celebrate 10 years of marriage on Aug. 17th!! <br />
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I can not imagine doing life with anyone else and so glad that we get to have all of our adventures together! <br />
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Our summer is quickly coming to an end and in less than a month we will have a Kindergartner on our hands.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-62827730873063477912012-03-18T20:56:00.003-04:002012-03-18T21:01:59.485-04:00Word of God SpeakIn Sept. of 2001 I walked into Lifeway and purchased a Bible. I was used to switching out Bibles every few years so I did not have any reason to believe this one would be any different. Little did I know this particular Bible would be with me for the next 10 years and would be one of the tools that God used to completely transform my mind and my life. This Bible has been my companion for the last 10 years. It was the Bible I had when we got married, served in our first 2 churches, studied with for 5 years of Sunday School lessons and Core Groups, completed 26 Bible studies, moved with me to 3 different states, was my Bible at the birth of both of my children, and was used to help me fall more in love with my Jesus.<br />
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As you can imagine I was very sad when I opened up the Bible one day and this happened:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHn4E_4A8hg/T2U9Zq4PO4I/AAAAAAAAAls/T1x6uvoddak/s1600/Bible+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHn4E_4A8hg/T2U9Zq4PO4I/AAAAAAAAAls/T1x6uvoddak/s320/Bible+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The entire section from Romans 8 on came out in my hand. It causes a little problem when the New Testament is not in one piece! I thought I could still make it work but that part of the Bible kept falling out! I finally came to my senses and started the mourning process (I am only half kidding :) ) I thought about getting my Bible rebinded but after much thought decided it may be better to get a new one without all my study notes so it would make me read it with fresh eyes. I purchased a new Bible a few months ago and started the process of trying to make it "mine". Tonight as I was cleaning up my room I came across my old Bible that I have not seemed to be able to put away yet! Here are a few reasons why:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL1p6d9EGHM/T2U9AT-21EI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ZNjoYo1sTwc/s1600/Bible+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL1p6d9EGHM/T2U9AT-21EI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ZNjoYo1sTwc/s320/Bible+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Emma Kate drew all over the pages one day because she wanted to "write" in the Bible like her mommy did. I was SO MAD at first but as time went by those scribbles were very sweet reminders of the legacy the Word leaves</span>.</span></div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yca1OQm9Zxg/T2U9DgNXCkI/AAAAAAAAAlU/dV4isd8dkm8/s1600/Bible+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yca1OQm9Zxg/T2U9DgNXCkI/AAAAAAAAAlU/dV4isd8dkm8/s320/Bible+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was with this Bible that God taught me in the study of Exodus that sometimes He chooses the wilderness for his children. The Israelites had a shorter route to the promise land but God choose to lead them through the wilderness. Exodus 13:17-18 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, <strong>though that was shorter</strong>. for God said, "If they face war they might change their minds and return to Egypt. So <strong>God led the people around</strong> by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle." It was through that same study that God taught me I could have missed the wilderness but then I would have also missed the parting of the Red Sea. It was just a few chapters over in Exodus 15 that God showed me that could indeed make bitter waters sweet. I wrote a little more about my journey in Exodus here.<a href="http://www.loriwelcometomyworld.blogspot.com/2009/05/want-to-be-more-like-jesus-and-less.html" target="_blank">http://www.loriwelcometomyworld.blogspot.com/2009/05/want-to-be-more-like-jesus-and-less.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-la0FtKMTjrE/T2U9VEM6zxI/AAAAAAAAAlk/fybrmfuVK1k/s1600/Bible+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-la0FtKMTjrE/T2U9VEM6zxI/AAAAAAAAAlk/fybrmfuVK1k/s320/Bible+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also spent a lot of time in Hosea and learned about the relentless pursuit of God. I was confronted with my sin, convicted to deal with "unplowed ground" (Hosea 10:12), and meet the tenderness of God.<br />
<a href="http://www.loriwelcometomyworld.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">http://www.loriwelcometomyworld.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5huAyrlkmhE/T2VBKKKIEhI/AAAAAAAAAmE/pD1suc-1XMA/s1600/Bible+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5huAyrlkmhE/T2VBKKKIEhI/AAAAAAAAAmE/pD1suc-1XMA/s320/Bible+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I spent a good bit of time in Hebrews where just in chapter 1 we learn Jesus<br />
<br />
•Heir of all things (1:2)<br />
•The world was made through Him (1:2)<br />
•He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature (1:3)<br />
•Sustains all things by His powerful Word (1:3)<br />
•Made purification for our sins (1:3)<br />
•Sits at the right hand of God (1:3)<br />
•Is better than the angels (1:4)<br />
•All the angels of God worship Him (1:6)<br />
•He is the Unchangeable One. (1:12)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx6CuxVyInk/T2VA0Hz9qkI/AAAAAAAAAl0/lNHkNUFE760/s1600/Bible+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx6CuxVyInk/T2VA0Hz9qkI/AAAAAAAAAl0/lNHkNUFE760/s320/Bible+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is Ps. 55:18 that He showed me when I really did feel like I was in the middle of a battlefield. He has continued to remind me that "He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me." <br />
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<br />
<i>Bible Studies Completed:</i><br />
<strong>2004</strong><br />
Experiencing the Heart of God- Max Lucado (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
<strong>2005</strong><br />
Patriarchs- Beth Moore (on my own)<br />
Covenant -Kay Arthur (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
Believing God- Beth Moore (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
<strong>2006</strong><br />
Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth)- Kay Arthur (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
<strong>2007</strong>Daniel- Beth Moore (Thursday nights at WWBC)<br />
John- Kay Arthur (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
<strong>2008</strong><br />
He Speaks to Me - Priscilla Shirer( On my own and with Monday morning at WWBC)<br />
No Other Gods- Kelly Minter ( On my own)<br />
Hosea- Kay Arthur (College class at WWBC)<br />
A Women's Heart God's Dwelling Place- Beth Moore (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
Stepping Up- Beth Moore (Monday morning at WWBC)<br />
When Godly People do Ungodly Things- Beth Moore (On my own)<br />
<strong>2009</strong><br />
Esther-Beth Moore (On my Own)<br />
Hebrews1-3- Kay Arthur (Saturday Morning at WWBC)<br />
One in a Million- Priscilla Shirer (On my own)<br />
Proverbs and Principals for Parenting- Stockdale (Monday mornings at SBC in MS)<br />
Haggai- Kay Arthur (on my own)<br />
Zechariah- Kay Arthur (on my own)<br />
<strong>2010</strong><br />
Ruth- Kelly Minter (on my own)<br />
Lord I want to know you- Kay Arthur (on my own)<br />
Faithful, Abundant, and True- Deeper Still Women ( on my own)<br />
<strong>2011</strong><br />
Believing God- Beth Moore (2nd time with someone from work)<br />
Jonah- Priscilla Shirer (Tuesday mornings with FBC Alpharetta)<br />
Ruth- Kelly Minter (2nd time with FBC Alapharetta)<br />
James- Beth Moore ( on my own- went into 2012)<br />
<br />
I could go on and on of why this particular Bible feels like home to me. I have cried many tears over the pages, rejoiced in promises, marveled at the mysterious, and have been downright frustrated when I could not make it say what I wanted :) There have been many changes in my life over the last 10 years but one thing has and will remain the same.....The One who met me in the pages of scripture is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-88182879663842495132012-03-09T22:47:00.000-05:002012-03-09T22:47:37.195-05:00Cancun<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ksRBq6OevE/T1gg9Ku6jFI/AAAAAAAAAi8/S-ovRAvV_qk/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ksRBq6OevE/T1gg9Ku6jFI/AAAAAAAAAi8/S-ovRAvV_qk/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+122.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to Cancun on an all expense paid for trip by my company since I hit a sales goal. The trip was AMAZING and I am so thankful we had the opportunity to get away and do whatever we wanted for 4 days without paying for anything! We left really early Sunday morning and arrived at our hotel around lunch. We ordered in room service and took a nap since we had been up since 4:00AM. That night we had an all company dinner where the person who founded our company spoke. It was so cool to see him live and in person. I love my company and not imagine ever working anywhere else. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Monday:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We had a complete free day. We slept in and then I did my Bible Study on the balcony looking at the beach. Can I just tell you how much I love the beach mixed in with God's Word. We ordered room service for breakfast and then went to the beach with our books! We ate lunch on the beach, took naps, and enjoyed the steam room at the spa. For dinner that night a driver took us into the city and we had a great steak dinner. Once we got back to our hotel we rented a movie and called it a night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Tuesday:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I was so glad that we were going to be in Cancun for Valentine's Day :) We had room service for breakfast and then got ready to swim with the dolphins! I was so excited about this particular excursion because it was something that I never I would get a chance to experience. It was part of a small aquarium so we also got to see some big sea turtles and jelly fish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nSntTJeUOc/T1q6oRyM0XI/AAAAAAAAAjE/P0gQgCi0h8Y/s1600/Copy+of+Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nSntTJeUOc/T1q6oRyM0XI/AAAAAAAAAjE/P0gQgCi0h8Y/s320/Copy+of+Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+100.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTUwUDKRuS8/T1q61gt8nPI/AAAAAAAAAjU/QNkFsCaOs6E/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTUwUDKRuS8/T1q61gt8nPI/AAAAAAAAAjU/QNkFsCaOs6E/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+108.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>There were four different dolphins they used and you broke up in 2 big groups. Each group was in a different pool and you started out with getting to know the dolphins. You get to touch them and they swim around and between you. You also shook their "hands" and gave them a kiss. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ_rwb24hRU/T1q7rCLRCeI/AAAAAAAAAjk/3TcVrIKoWKw/s1600/Jeff+Dolphin+color+picture.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ_rwb24hRU/T1q7rCLRCeI/AAAAAAAAAjk/3TcVrIKoWKw/s320/Jeff+Dolphin+color+picture.tif" width="320" yda="true" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMjexmJxwKs/T1q7W5qkPgI/AAAAAAAAAjc/xXEeTYhzh6U/s1600/Lori+Dolphin+picture.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xMjexmJxwKs/T1q7W5qkPgI/AAAAAAAAAjc/xXEeTYhzh6U/s320/Lori+Dolphin+picture.tif" width="246" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The grand finale was the the dolphins came behind you and each pushed a different foot and "swam" you to the other side of the pool. I was freaking out and decided pretty quickly I did not know if this was a good idea! I pushed through my fear and Jeff said my face was priceless as the dolphins were pushing me because I was so scared! I am glad that we did it but I do not think it is something we will do again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For dinner that night we ended up at a really cool restaurant completely by mistake! I had thought that I had made reservations at one restaurant but ended up at a Mayan themed restaurant. From the front of the building it did not look like a "good" mistake however once inside it was beautiful! They sat us outside at a table that was at the very edge of the bay. They had it decorated for the day so there were Christmas lights strung all outside. It ended up being the best mistake of the trip and a perfect spot for our date! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plHEsaPhRSY/T1q_F0gYYiI/AAAAAAAAAjs/O9BJYcNegdU/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plHEsaPhRSY/T1q_F0gYYiI/AAAAAAAAAjs/O9BJYcNegdU/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+110.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wednesday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This morning started off early with a massage at 8:00. Once I got back to the room it was time for us to go eat breakfast and meet up with the group to go snorkeling. This was the first time that either of us had gone snorkeling and I was not sure what to expect. Each couple was given their own speed boat to get out to the coral reef. Once we arrived close to the coral reef we put on our gear and got in the water. I must admit it did take me a few minuets to figure out how to breath! We swam and swam and swam and swam some more. It was beyond cool to see God's creation under the ocean and reminded me of the vastness of His creation that we are never even made aware exist. Between being out of shape and the big flippers we had on our feet I was worn out by the time we made it back to the boat. I am really glad we picked this excursion and had a lot of fun once I got the hang of breathing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI9NnAEQKt0/T1rKCQObCCI/AAAAAAAAAkM/-aTPKC8WT-A/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FI9NnAEQKt0/T1rKCQObCCI/AAAAAAAAAkM/-aTPKC8WT-A/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+112.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuNoR0I7Ui0/T1rI3wD7QII/AAAAAAAAAj0/Yqzii7BU68M/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuNoR0I7Ui0/T1rI3wD7QII/AAAAAAAAAj0/Yqzii7BU68M/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+111.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIX7RBi-noU/T1rNzNOED4I/AAAAAAAAAks/ZqcsuOIGqHc/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIX7RBi-noU/T1rNzNOED4I/AAAAAAAAAks/ZqcsuOIGqHc/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+113.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once we arrived back at the dock we saw this guy hanging out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">When we looked a little closer on the other side of the dock we saw this little friend.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC5GX6geiwY/T1rOQFq1VcI/AAAAAAAAAk0/g4I5c6XBIAc/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC5GX6geiwY/T1rOQFq1VcI/AAAAAAAAAk0/g4I5c6XBIAc/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+118.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haUGn_R3Pos/T1rOXJWgecI/AAAAAAAAAk8/fGlGJwjxA3k/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haUGn_R3Pos/T1rOXJWgecI/AAAAAAAAAk8/fGlGJwjxA3k/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+119.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wednesday night we had an office dinner at Harry's. It was fun to get hang out with everyone else from my office and celebrate. At the end of dinner they bring cotton candy to everyone's table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJnqirq2r3g/T1rKvcbnISI/AAAAAAAAAkU/0s7HhkGg1Gc/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJnqirq2r3g/T1rKvcbnISI/AAAAAAAAAkU/0s7HhkGg1Gc/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+125.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div>Thursday our flight left around 11:00 so we other then waking up and getting breakfast one last time at the hotel the day consistent of mostly flying home. It was such a fun trip and I loved getting the alone time with Jeff. However, as wonderful as it is to be gone we were both glad to get back to our babies and "real" life. We came home to 2 very spoiled children who really still wanted a few more days with MiMi and Paws :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ10Lrcko4Q/T1rL3sobUEI/AAAAAAAAAkc/yGHwk89yVdQ/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ10Lrcko4Q/T1rL3sobUEI/AAAAAAAAAkc/yGHwk89yVdQ/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+123.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYV_pSFs0SU/T1rMBCpkUII/AAAAAAAAAkk/izg8nf9vZpA/s1600/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYV_pSFs0SU/T1rMBCpkUII/AAAAAAAAAkk/izg8nf9vZpA/s320/Summer+2011-Feb.+2012+121.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Until next time Cancun....thanks for the memories......you were good to us!</div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-65544243549519195072012-03-07T21:53:00.000-05:002012-03-07T21:53:53.764-05:006 monthsSince we are three months into the year with no blog updates I thought I would spend some time trying to catch up! I always have great intentions but then I get home and after I hang out with Jeff and the kids the last thing I want to do is get on the computer! However, I know that I will regret it if I don't document these moments so I am going to try to do better. I have every Monday off work so it was the perfect time to take Daniel for his 6 month check up. I had forgotten that Emma Kate was going to be out of school all week or I might had decided it was not such a good idea! However, by the end of the day I was thankful I had my little helper with me because she is such a great big sister. <br />
<br />
The doctor said Daniel was doing great. He is in the 10% of height and weight (but sticking to his normal growth) and the 90% in head circumference. Poor baby has a big head but he gets it honest :) The only thing that was a little off was the doctor wanted us to go get hip x-rays because there were some creases on his back legs that did not match up. She said more then likely it was not a big deal but she wanted to get it checked out just in case. The x-rays were not going to happen until 2:00 so it was a perfect opportunity for us to go meet daddy for lunch.We recieved the results of the x-rays the same day and everything is fine...he just has mis matched creases! I was so proud of Daniel because he was way off his eating schedule but was a real trooper all day especially considering he had 5 shots! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---xlxpcK4uw/T1gZ3tFbgrI/AAAAAAAAAis/ajie65HY8o0/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---xlxpcK4uw/T1gZ3tFbgrI/AAAAAAAAAis/ajie65HY8o0/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Emma is always such the big helper and has to be reminded at times that she is not the mommy! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjfvM6E6ZVk/T1gaMX0m3XI/AAAAAAAAAi0/T5OQWpzPuCE/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjfvM6E6ZVk/T1gaMX0m3XI/AAAAAAAAAi0/T5OQWpzPuCE/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong>Some things that Daniel is doing at 6 months:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sits up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Laughs (the most at Emma)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Nurses 5 times a day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Eats a fruit at lunch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Eats a fruit and veggie at dinner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Loves his exersaucer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Starting to reach when he wants something or someone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Puts EVERYTHING in his mouth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Is VERY laid back</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wears Size 2 diapers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wears some 3-6 months clothes but mostly 6 months</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sleeps until around 5:00 and then needs to be fed but will go back to sleep until 7:00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Loves pulling hair</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Loves Taco (our cat)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Completely stolen his mommy's heart :) </div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-53775778708474227972011-12-31T11:37:00.019-05:002012-01-01T13:31:53.181-05:002011 in Review<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2011 was a great year for our family. We welcomed baby Daniel, started Pre-school, and bought a new house! I can not even begin to write how incredibly blessed I have felt this year and the contentment that we have had as a family. It has just been an overall great year. The year started out with us living in an apartment and trying to survive the first trimester of pregnancy! We also experienced first hand the ice storm that hit Atlanta. The entire city shut down for almost a week. Both of our offices closed for 3 days and you literally could not leave your house. By mid week I was beyond stir crazy so I tried to walk to my car only to realize there was no way I could even walk in our parking lot! In February we decided Atlanta was for sure the place we were going to call home so we started the process of looking for houses. I do not remember a single thing we did in March other then continue to survive my pregnancy and I started to get REALLY busy at work! </div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ad6OKYH3eQ/Tv_M-YoU_hI/AAAAAAAAAiU/-Q7uf882HPM/s1600/100_3361.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ad6OKYH3eQ/Tv_M-YoU_hI/AAAAAAAAAiU/-Q7uf882HPM/s320/100_3361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692493826155150866" /></a>In April we had 3 Easter Egg hunts (1 at Emma's school, 1 at our apartments, and 1 at my brother's country club). She was not a very good egg finder because she would let the other kids just pick them up if she thought they were going for the same one.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aecoaUUGz8/Tv_MXbEINUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/8DAFYi4xR4k/s1600/100_3375.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aecoaUUGz8/Tv_MXbEINUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/8DAFYi4xR4k/s320/100_3375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692493156793726274" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5M6aYqTGyU/Tv_MWqLLC5I/AAAAAAAAAiA/5yNxXX_A7Cc/s1600/100_3382.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5M6aYqTGyU/Tv_MWqLLC5I/AAAAAAAAAiA/5yNxXX_A7Cc/s320/100_3382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692493143669934994" /></a>In April we made a trip to TN to celebrate my sister's 18th birthday. I love the below picture of Emma Kate.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDChi4eeuw/Tv_MWf2F6aI/AAAAAAAAAhw/DjHtRcBUq_U/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDChi4eeuw/Tv_MWf2F6aI/AAAAAAAAAhw/DjHtRcBUq_U/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692493140897163682" /></a>In May we celebrated Mother's Day at the Melting Pot which is a true gift of love from Jeff. We used to eat there a lot then Jeff got sick one time after and now can barely mention the place without feeling sick again! He did a great job sitting through Emma Kate and I enjoying our fondue :)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4dvXmll0wg/Tv_L2jI_p0I/AAAAAAAAAhk/DFuHFnsQTFw/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4dvXmll0wg/Tv_L2jI_p0I/AAAAAAAAAhk/DFuHFnsQTFw/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492592025937730" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We also took another trip to TN to celebrate Jenny's graduation.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAwfui-NGKw/Tv_L2s0H84I/AAAAAAAAAhU/3MGLJlZM6uM/s1600/100_3411.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAwfui-NGKw/Tv_L2s0H84I/AAAAAAAAAhU/3MGLJlZM6uM/s320/100_3411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492594622755714" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJWcpmqsKh8/Tv_L2TH2rHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/i1VQDPjsoDI/s1600/100_3416.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJWcpmqsKh8/Tv_L2TH2rHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/i1VQDPjsoDI/s320/100_3416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492587726187634" /></a>In June we finally were able to move into our new home. It was a short sale and was touch and go for a few months on if we were going to get it or not. Two weeks after we moved in I caught our kitchen on fire! We spent the rest of the month with cleaning crews in our new home and replacing all of our appliances. In the end, it worked out to our advantage because we were able to do a lot of work to the house that we wanted to do it just happened on a much quicker time table then expected! We LOVE our home and I am so thankful to have a place of our own again. I also turned 31 this month and we had a fun date weekend attending the U2 concert in Nashville with some friends. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBFoqKU3Nh4/Tv_Lblh6NOI/AAAAAAAAAg8/W3pU31-H7S8/s1600/100_0027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBFoqKU3Nh4/Tv_Lblh6NOI/AAAAAAAAAg8/W3pU31-H7S8/s320/100_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492128810841314" /></a>We had so much fun this summer playing outside and swimming in our neighborhood pool. It is an AWESOME pool with a water-park slide. By the end of the summer Emma was starting to swim by herself and LOVED to go down the slide by herself as long as we were at the bottom to catch her.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gbfO9fHreQ/Tv_LbonsD9I/AAAAAAAAAg0/9WvGUs2fVVk/s1600/100_0033.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gbfO9fHreQ/Tv_LbonsD9I/AAAAAAAAAg0/9WvGUs2fVVk/s320/100_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492129640386514" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B41rh_uRp_c/Tv_LbQbGy7I/AAAAAAAAAgo/gOPs9wPzppA/s1600/100_0152.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B41rh_uRp_c/Tv_LbQbGy7I/AAAAAAAAAgo/gOPs9wPzppA/s320/100_0152.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492123145161650" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xBCkd7DPSE/Tv_LbK6PDYI/AAAAAAAAAgc/b0ZJ2NQFsWM/s1600/100_0005.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xBCkd7DPSE/Tv_LbK6PDYI/AAAAAAAAAgc/b0ZJ2NQFsWM/s320/100_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692492121665113474" /></a> July continued with lots of swimming, I had my work baby shower, Emma attended a baby and me class, and I went to NYC for work. It was such a fun trip. While I was there I also went to see Wicked. I stayed on Park Avenue and so much fun exploring the city for a couple of days.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYUdUjxhYZA/Tv_HkMBeL0I/AAAAAAAAAdM/ttGfgv8RObc/s1600/100_0044.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYUdUjxhYZA/Tv_HkMBeL0I/AAAAAAAAAdM/ttGfgv8RObc/s320/100_0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487878536212290" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> My feet looked this most of the summer.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ7u-2OtUiM/Tv_Hj0_pTiI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Hw3lj6YQbUo/s1600/100_0068.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ7u-2OtUiM/Tv_Hj0_pTiI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Hw3lj6YQbUo/s320/100_0068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487872354536994" /></a>August was a big month for the McKenzie family. Emma Kate started Pre-School and LOVES it. At her parent/teacher conference her teacher raved about her. I was most proud of the fact that her teacher said she was a great friend and is always willing to help her peers out and is very encouraging to them.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MQd9X6BYQk/Tv_HRDrPG9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/SxOhPMFNgM0/s1600/100_0127.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MQd9X6BYQk/Tv_HRDrPG9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/SxOhPMFNgM0/s320/100_0127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487549877951442" /></a>We also did some more swimming and I hit what we call "contest" at my office. Part of hitting "contest" includes an all expense paid for trip to Cancun that Jeff and I will enjoy the week of Valentine's Day!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS4lN9g5aY4/Tv_HROW66dI/AAAAAAAAAco/Jo512uGi2vI/s1600/100_0147.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS4lN9g5aY4/Tv_HROW66dI/AAAAAAAAAco/Jo512uGi2vI/s320/100_0147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487552745531858" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAEVHC9HS8o/Tv_HQD_fh9I/AAAAAAAAAcc/L2gGjSK2rBU/s1600/100_0159.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAEVHC9HS8o/Tv_HQD_fh9I/AAAAAAAAAcc/L2gGjSK2rBU/s320/100_0159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487532783044562" /></a>We ended the month of Aug. (Aug. 31st) welcoming Daniel Edward McKenzie into the world!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpYmMrq2EwU/Tv_HPxWfnQI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PKd2MeUuAx4/s1600/100_0198.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpYmMrq2EwU/Tv_HPxWfnQI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PKd2MeUuAx4/s320/100_0198.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487527779245314" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eza5_ouYGdY/Tv_G_OLw-UI/AAAAAAAAAcE/I_SqyUIyi-4/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eza5_ouYGdY/Tv_G_OLw-UI/AAAAAAAAAcE/I_SqyUIyi-4/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487243461097794" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWcWhVpkQLI/Tv_G-U2lmcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/ccsD7f_hOkk/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWcWhVpkQLI/Tv_G-U2lmcI/AAAAAAAAAb4/ccsD7f_hOkk/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487228071451074" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The month of Sept. was busying just loving on Daniel and playing at a local park.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6YhN5LECW8/Tv_G-Eoh2NI/AAAAAAAAAbs/xc_i0ZPv_pA/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6YhN5LECW8/Tv_G-Eoh2NI/AAAAAAAAAbs/xc_i0ZPv_pA/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692487223717517522" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xea6XQHeOPs/Tv_Gr2XZA8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/rWYZaaOWbq4/s1600/100_0286.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xea6XQHeOPs/Tv_Gr2XZA8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/rWYZaaOWbq4/s320/100_0286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692486910649893826" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkkVOHSDMGM/Tv_Gq8hyuKI/AAAAAAAAAbU/M0XuyQUAQD8/s1600/100_0291.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkkVOHSDMGM/Tv_Gq8hyuKI/AAAAAAAAAbU/M0XuyQUAQD8/s320/100_0291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692486895124265122" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXIZs5W23ko/Tv_Gq5qzPOI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5FCIxJFaJEo/s1600/100_0305.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXIZs5W23ko/Tv_Gq5qzPOI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5FCIxJFaJEo/s320/100_0305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692486894356741346" /></a>October was another busy month that started with Emma Kate turning 5 years old! I have no idea how my first baby is 5. She is a true delight and keeps me and her daddy laughing and on our toes every day. I am so thankful for her. The below picture is her with one of her best friends Tia.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKuH0e173oU/Tv87K-qE0DI/AAAAAAAAAa8/0-0GrOZgOTA/s1600/100_0319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OKuH0e173oU/Tv87K-qE0DI/AAAAAAAAAa8/0-0GrOZgOTA/s320/100_0319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692333513823801394" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb7RPUhfSbw/Tv87KeLiIKI/AAAAAAAAAaw/LW7lFW0fN6A/s1600/100_0341.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb7RPUhfSbw/Tv87KeLiIKI/AAAAAAAAAaw/LW7lFW0fN6A/s320/100_0341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692333505105764514" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I also took doughnuts to her school on her actual birthday and read a story to her class.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVihFVGFWog/Tv87KJoQ4cI/AAAAAAAAAak/4l2hGBr-0dc/s1600/100_0365.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVihFVGFWog/Tv87KJoQ4cI/AAAAAAAAAak/4l2hGBr-0dc/s320/100_0365.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692333499589124546" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CQjbqHOyGo/Tv865hgXysI/AAAAAAAAAaU/cABhMjQXmik/s1600/100_0461.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CQjbqHOyGo/Tv865hgXysI/AAAAAAAAAaU/cABhMjQXmik/s320/100_0461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692333213940697794" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMXzvTn7Vk/Tv864172ZfI/AAAAAAAAAaA/4SIRNoilXLk/s1600/100_0513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvMXzvTn7Vk/Tv864172ZfI/AAAAAAAAAaA/4SIRNoilXLk/s320/100_0513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692333202244789746" /></a>In November we made our first trip to MS with Daniel so he could meet his great grandmother. On the way there we broke up the trip and stayed at the Enloe's one night. We celebrated Thanksgiving with my oldest brother and his family and the week after that I started back to work. <div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN2EgBjbKi4/Tv86ocEO-VI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/qDQo3OoctlA/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN2EgBjbKi4/Tv86ocEO-VI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/qDQo3OoctlA/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692332920422725970" /></a>December was busy with all the normal Christmas festivities that I already wrote about on the post below. We had my family Christmas in Atlanta during the 2nd weekend which ended with a trip to the ER for Daniel. We attended both of our work Christmas parties. We had Emma's school Christmas program which was the talk of our house all month :) Christmas weekend MiMi and Paws came to stay with us to celebrate with us Christmas morning.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5m0C4kEufw/Tv86nzbEpcI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Qzsxc_rEGng/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5m0C4kEufw/Tv86nzbEpcI/AAAAAAAAAZo/Qzsxc_rEGng/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692332909512664514" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Our first Christmas as a family of 4<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-950NuJye36c/Tv86ntOtf3I/AAAAAAAAAZc/H976oNNSZP4/s1600/100_0600.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-950NuJye36c/Tv86ntOtf3I/AAAAAAAAAZc/H976oNNSZP4/s320/100_0600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692332907850202994" /></a>We are so excited about what 2012 has in store for our family. In this current season I feel beyond blessed and honestly can not think of one thing I would change. </div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-45708093077688944752011-12-26T09:25:00.018-05:002011-12-26T10:36:58.566-05:00December in picturesWe celebrated Christmas with my family Dec. 9th-11th. Michael and his family came in Friday night and stayed at our house. We woke up Saturday and I cooked breakfast and then we went out to do some last minuet shopping. We picked up pizza for lunch and then headed to my oldest brother's house to meet up with the rest of the gang. <div><br /></div><div>My siblings and mom. I am so thankful I have these guys to share life with. 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:JA;font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPYq9UT54Kc/TviJAGkJN4I/AAAAAAAAAY8/KUFxQ86WVnM/s1600/100_0556.JPG"><span style="mso-bidi- text-decoration:none;text-underline:nonefont-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:windowtext;">This year my mom decided to give each kid a target gift card so we went to Target and help the kids picked out the toys they wanted from Nana. It was fun because they got to shop with the rest of their cousins and Nana got to spend time with each of them. Emma Kate picked out a big bathtub for her dolls, a kitchen set that had a coffee maker, <span><span>a mixer, and a blender, and so</span></span>me Barbie’s. Daniel decided he wanted a car set and a new toy for his car seat.</span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgCW10S2sys/TviI_SV0bjI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Z6RXVooYs6c/s1600/100_0549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgCW10S2sys/TviI_SV0bjI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Z6RXVooYs6c/s320/100_0549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448750019112498" /></a>Jeff won this amazing sweater during dirty Santa and LOVED it! He had a tacky Christmas sweater party to attend with the youth a few weeks later.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QzjFStIzl4/TviI-hbGxVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Nmu3Hzapr2A/s1600/100_0568.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QzjFStIzl4/TviI-hbGxVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Nmu3Hzapr2A/s320/100_0568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448736887948626" /></a><div>The Thursday night before Daniel started coming down with a bad cold....thanks to his sister. By Saturday night it had gotten a lot worse so after we left my brothers we headed to the emergency room to make sure he was ok and his oxygen levels were where they needed to be. Thankfully after a chest x-ray we found out it was indeed just a cold and we went home with a little bit more of a peaceful mind but poor baby was sick for a good week after that visit. Look at how pitful those eyes look. It broke this mommy's heart. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrTBo2U4Yww/TviI-RAgZjI/AAAAAAAAAYY/wbjW2BVXyNw/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrTBo2U4Yww/TviI-RAgZjI/AAAAAAAAAYY/wbjW2BVXyNw/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448732481414706" /></a>The following weekend Jeff and I had my work Christmas party. It was at a hotel in Dunwoody. It was fun but by that time I had caught what the kids had so I did not feel good at all.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNRpNDo_nbA/TviIcKqu2UI/AAAAAAAAAYM/R24fP5HU3eg/s1600/100_0586.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNRpNDo_nbA/TviIcKqu2UI/AAAAAAAAAYM/R24fP5HU3eg/s320/100_0586.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448146663921986" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span>Starting to feel better.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pITBe68bOkU/TviIb7mZHNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Pt2w9Uz_QRM/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pITBe68bOkU/TviIb7mZHNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Pt2w9Uz_QRM/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448142619188434" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span>Morning Glory hair</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOx_KtSRezE/TviIbblu_TI/AAAAAAAAAX0/IqaEDgMByIw/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOx_KtSRezE/TviIbblu_TI/AAAAAAAAAX0/IqaEDgMByIw/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448134026493234" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span></span>Santa baby<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNk0v74laDI/TviIbSxyeBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/N5KcVQmozCY/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNk0v74laDI/TviIbSxyeBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/N5KcVQmozCY/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690448131661133842" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>Emma LOVES her little brother<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Sz8tDB9yfo/TviH3uzlphI/AAAAAAAAAXc/2nWJHxCMRF0/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Sz8tDB9yfo/TviH3uzlphI/AAAAAAAAAXc/2nWJHxCMRF0/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690447520709584402" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>Emma at her school Christmas program.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUMsaHsQ5Uo/TviH2ovsQQI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/QTqdtvNpT8s/s1600/100_0573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUMsaHsQ5Uo/TviH2ovsQQI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/QTqdtvNpT8s/s320/100_0573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690447501902758146" /></a>The last day of school was Grinch day in her class. Thankfully my sister was here so she could fix the Cindy Lou hair :)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJELFmro18w/TviH2SMOKAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/c9CgMiFDNqw/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJELFmro18w/TviH2SMOKAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/c9CgMiFDNqw/s320/IMG_0357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690447495848404994" /></a>December was FULL of family Christmas celebrations, both of our work parties, school plays, and me getting adjusted to being back at work. We were so thankful my sister was on Christmas break. She came and watched the kids for us for 2 weeks so our nanny does not start until the first week of January. We are looking forward to taking this last week of December putting our house back together and gearing up for 2012. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day post coming soon!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-48460086932329576102011-11-07T11:46:00.005-05:002011-11-07T12:07:38.752-05:00A new thing.I am sitting on my couch watching my sweet 9 week old sleep in his swing with my Bible open to my right and some hot chocolate to my left. In this moment I am exceeding grateful for my God and the journey he has had my family walk over the last 3 years. I remember 3 years ago not being able to fathom any good coming out of our situation. I looked around me and all I could see was destruction. Destruction of our home, our family, the student ministry God had entrusted us with, friendships, the lifestyle we knew, the security I felt, and the church I called home. The first night I found out my world had changed I drove to Atlanta to stay with my brother and his family. I barely remember the 3 hour drive. I remember being so thankful to God that Emma Kate slept the whole way (even though it was not her normal sleep time), and we arrived there safely even though I had not slept in 28 hours.<br /><br />I remember being in their guest bedroom that night with my mind racing and my Bible open. I looked up every verse on divorce I could find! I wrote in my prayer journal begging God to protect Emma and the students at WWBC. I remember the Holy Spirit reminding me of my favorite name of God which is El Roi The God who sees. It was 3:00am and I knew I needed to sleep but every time my eyes closed they went places they did not need to go and my mind raced. I told God how much I needed His Word. I told God I was going to close my eyes but I believed even in my sleep His Word could minster to me. It <strong>must </strong>minister to me or I did not think I would survive. I closed my eyes with my hand on the Bible and had the best 3 hours of sleep I have ever had. I woke up and searched scripture again. I was desperate to find my way out but still be in God’s will. What I studied over the next few hours would be the glue I needed to stay in a marriage that was broken and with my limited vision beyond repair. It was in those hours I read about the “exception clause” and how God stated he put it there because people had hard stubborn hearts. I read how God hated divorce. I was comforted by the verses on justice and consequences for sins , and moved by a covenant keeping God who never lets me go. The Holy Spirit reminded me of things I learned when I studied covenant in the Saturday morning Bible study I attended. It only took one person to uphold a covenant. If I wanted to be like Jesus (and not hard hearted) then I would keep my covenant as Christ keeps His with me regardless of my sin.<br /><br />I would love to tell you that because God had confirmed in me His desire for me to stay in my marriage that it was easy to do so. However, it was not. It was one of the hardest things I had to do. Not because I did not love my husband or believe in him but because it required me lay down my pride. My family’s situation was announced from the pulpit and our life was on display for all to see. I knew from the very beginning that there much more at stake then just the survival of my marriage.It was <strong>HARD.</strong> It was <strong>HUMILIATING</strong>. It was <strong>UNFAIR</strong>. It was <strong>UGLY</strong>. It was <strong>DEVASTATING</strong>. I wish I could say that I handled it with grace but I did not. I struggled. I struggled with my own sin of pride. I struggled with God and why He would ask us to walk down this path. I questioned MANY DAYS if I should stay. However, our God was so faithful and tender to me. It has been 3 years and we have had some speed bumps along the way but God has done an <strong>INCREDIBLE</strong> work in our lives and in our marriage.<br /><br />I have the privilege right now of walking beside several women who are currently walking down the path I had to walk. It has been an honor to see God redeem my hurt by allowing it to minister to them. I have been reminded several times how far we have come and how much God has healed because they will ask me how I felt about something and I honestly cannot remember. In my journal from those early days I wrote “God I know that you said you can bring beauty from ashes. Right now I only see a bunch of stinking ashes set on fire by hell itself. I am trusting you and believing that I will see beauty and that I indeed will experience Psalm 126:6 “He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” God has been so gracious to us and has redeemed our mistakes. I am thankful that we serve a God who never lets us go. He has given me immeasurable more than I can ask or imagine. I only asked for survival and at the time thought I was asking a lot! He not only gave me that but allowed me to experience Him in a new way, restored my marriage to something better than it has ever been, and gave me firsthand knowledge of His grace that is sufficient. We have been singing a song the last few Sunday's at church that I love...here are a few words:<br /><br />"Kneeling on this battleground<br />seeing how much you have done<br />Scars and struggles along the way<br />But we can say never once did we walk alone."<br /><br /><br />God is currently doing a new thing in our family. I will not write about the former season anymore on this blog unless I feel God strongly urging me to.<br />The old no longer defines us.<br />The chapter is closed.<br />What was intended for harm God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done (Gen. 50:20).<br /><br />God has written the story. May He receive all glory and honor for the ending.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-69397789360029427532011-10-14T21:33:00.004-04:002011-10-14T22:23:13.616-04:00Daniel Edward McKenzie<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6bJT1EGNBU/TpjtYIfxMRI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fTIyOEadzq0/s1600/Summer%2Bof%2B2011%2B181.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663537530271772946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6bJT1EGNBU/TpjtYIfxMRI/AAAAAAAAAVE/fTIyOEadzq0/s320/Summer%2Bof%2B2011%2B181.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeFuYw5h1Bs/TpjtFUJEgfI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3GrlJ9hw4RY/s1600/Summer%2Bof%2B2011%2B157.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663537206980280818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeFuYw5h1Bs/TpjtFUJEgfI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3GrlJ9hw4RY/s320/Summer%2Bof%2B2011%2B157.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>This post is only 6 weeks past due but I have a new man in my life that is keeping me very busy! On Wednesday Aug. 31st at noon on the dot weighing 7lbs and 1 oz Daniel Edward McKenzie entered into our world. He has been a complete joy and very laid back just like his daddy. On Tuesday Aug. 30th I was on my way to work and started having pretty hard and active contractions. I decided to go ahead and go in so I could check off my to do list because I knew if it was indeed time that I would not be back in the office for 13 weeks. I timed my contractions all day and left work around 4:30. I had talked to my mom earlier that day and she decided to go ahead and come to Atlanta because she was pretty sure that I was going to be going to the hospital and indeed she was right! </div><br /><br /><div>At 3:00 in the morning I woke Jeff up and told him it was time to call the doctor. I spoke to the midwife and she told me to go ahead and come in to get the party started! We went upstairs to tell my mom and Emma Kate woke up and was SO EXCITED! We prayed together for the safety of mommy and baby Daniel and headed to Northside. We got to the hospital and settled around 4:00 and I received my epidural around 8:00. Once I got the good stuff Jeff and I just hung out and tried to rest. My mom took Emma to school and then headed to the hospital. She said Emma Kate was so excited and told EVERYBODY she saw that her baby brother was coming today. </div><br /><br /><div>At around 10:00 I started feeling some tingling during my contractions and it did not take long for the "tingling" to turn into full blown pain. They gave me more meds (PRAISE THE LORD!) and checked me again around 11:30. When she went to check me she said "Oh my....I see a head full of black hair. I think you are only going to have to push one time." Those words were music were to my ears and she was right....I pushed ONE TIME and Daniel Edward McKenzie joined our world.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the last 6 weeks we have fallen more and more in love with the new addition in our family. Daniel has his daddy's laid back personality and is spoiled rotten. He nurses around every 3 hours during the day and has started to sleep 5-6 hour stretches at night. He wakes up between 3:45-5:00 for his middle of the night feeding. I know that those middle of the night feeding do not last forever but it sure feels like right now!!</div><br /><br /><div>When we went for Daniel's 4 week check up he weighed 10 lbs! The doctor said he was perfect and he is in the 50% of weight and height. I am so thankful to have a healthy baby boy.</div><br /><br /><div>Emma Kate is a great big sister. She LOVES "baby Daniel". She has to come into our room every morning and give him hugs and kisses before she leaves for school. She also reassures him that she will be back soon. When we pick her up she says " Oh baby Daniel you are so glad to see your sister aren't you? Did you cry for me baby Daniel? Were you so sad that sister was not with you today? " </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jeff is a great daddy and I love watching him take care of our children. They have no idea how lucky they are to have daddy who loves them, plays with them, and loves their mommy. Jeff is the perfect balance to our family.<br /></div><br /><div>I am praying Daniel 2:14 "Daniel spoke with wisdom and tact." over my sweet little man and can't wait to see what God has in store for him.</div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-39376678118626181552011-09-11T10:30:00.002-04:002011-09-11T10:51:17.888-04:00Remembering....Today 10 years ago....I was asleep in my home when I was woken up by a blaring TV. It was Tuesday which meant that my dad, who was sick with Alzheimer's, was going to be leaving to go to Cracker Barrel with our pastor and a deacon from our church. It was not uncommon for my dad to turn to the TV up REALLY loud because he did not know how to work the remote. I ran downstairs grabbed it from his hands and went to turn it down. As I turned around and glimpsed at the TV I saw the smoke and realized that my dad was not having issues with the remote...he wanted to hear what was going on. I sat in the living with room with my dad, pastor, and deacon and watched in horror as the first tower was being hit. I remember the serious look on the three grown men faces as they watched. My dad and the deacon had both served in military so they watched with different eyes. I also remember looking at my dad and wandering how much he was comprehending and for the first time being thankful that he might not be completely understanding what he was watching.<br /><br />The men stayed and watched the news for a little longer and then decided they were going to head out to breakfast. As they were walking to the car the 2nd tower was hit and I ran outside to let them know. They all came back to the house and we sat in front of the TV for the next 2 hours as we continued to watch that awful day unfold. The thing that I remember most about that day is standing in my living room watching the chaos and the uncertainty all around me but the Spirit speaking very clearly to me and saying " This did not take me by surprise. It looks like chaos but I am still in control."<br /><br />I am thankful today for the many acts of bravery that we saw. I will watch and read all the stories to honor the men and women who lost their lives. I will pray for the families who lost a loved one and the sweet children who lost a parent that day. I am thankful for the men and women and who have fought and who are currently fighting to keep this country safe. I am thankful for my brother who is currently oversees and the sacrifices that his family make every day. I am thankful to be an American.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-17061203949878620922011-08-15T20:49:00.008-04:002011-08-20T09:30:33.293-04:001st Day of GA Pre-K<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kpatag6n8Hk/TknqX6Y-kfI/AAAAAAAAAUw/0cHfj1IWpKM/s1600/100_0127.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641297704790168050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kpatag6n8Hk/TknqX6Y-kfI/AAAAAAAAAUw/0cHfj1IWpKM/s320/100_0127.JPG" /></a> We have officially ventured in the world of having a child in "real school". Emma Kate started GA Pre-K on Monday and has LOVED IT! She was so excited for the few weeks leading up to "big school". She is going to the same church/school that she is in last year. Her classroom is just right next door to the one she spent all last year in. The only difference is they are in "real school" from 8:00-2:30 everyday. The week leading up to her first day the kids spent 30 minuets a day in their new classroom and with their new teachers. I was very thankful they did this because it helped Emma get geared up for her big transition. She woke up bright and early her first day and picked out our her outfit. She then came to my bathroom to put on some pink glittery lip gloss because every girl needs to be fancy for their first day of anything!
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<br /></u></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raC6L1dZyVA/TknpuuAe-LI/AAAAAAAAAUg/WZQeCe4Z1Rc/s1600/100_0132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641296997091571890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raC6L1dZyVA/TknpuuAe-LI/AAAAAAAAAUg/WZQeCe4Z1Rc/s320/100_0132.JPG" /></a> I love the above picture of Jeff walking into her school. He is such a great daddy.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGJFEsy-GP8/TknpuYv4M7I/AAAAAAAAAUY/Sy2iMciTqaw/s1600/100_0137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641296991384777650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGJFEsy-GP8/TknpuYv4M7I/AAAAAAAAAUY/Sy2iMciTqaw/s320/100_0137.JPG" /></a> Waiting outside her class for the doors to open.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HwIBYDEKcU/TknpuVzt_wI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Q2sDr9TgSKs/s1600/100_0139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641296990595579650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HwIBYDEKcU/TknpuVzt_wI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Q2sDr9TgSKs/s320/100_0139.JPG" /></a> Our big girl gearing up for her first day.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wCasOR0J9c/TknpuP4H9DI/AAAAAAAAAUI/BwhvpWfheEQ/s1600/100_0142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641296989003445298" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8wCasOR0J9c/TknpuP4H9DI/AAAAAAAAAUI/BwhvpWfheEQ/s320/100_0142.JPG" /></a> Emma Kate and her teacher Ms. Lindsey. We are so excited that Emma has Ms. Lindsey. She seems really sweet and I am sure it is going to be a great year. I am looking forward to watching Emma Kate continue to grow in wisdom and statue this year and watch anxiously to see what all God has in store for her and for her mommy!
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<br />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-816973313936601942011-07-24T03:14:00.014-04:002011-07-31T14:31:33.426-04:00Home Sweet Home<div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjuR2co75s/TjWZNNRfJpI/AAAAAAAAATQ/65U6eFqK4Kc/s1600/100_0027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjuR2co75s/TjWZNNRfJpI/AAAAAAAAATQ/65U6eFqK4Kc/s320/100_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578960904398482" /></a><br /><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>101</o:Words> <o:characters>576</o:Characters> <o:company>Westwood Baptist Church</o:Company> <o:lines>4</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> 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<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">As I mentioned in the June post Jeff and I moved into our new home the first weekend in June. We have spent the last month doing some renovations after the fire and now have everything complete minus some boxes left in the guest room! The house is 4 bedrooms with 2 and half bathrooms and is close to 2400 square feet. We have a great fenced in backyard and love the neighborhood pool. We have already spent a good bit of time with one of our neighbors and look forward to getting to know the couple across the street. They are around our age and have the cutest little 2 year old girl and are currently expecting their 2nd. We are hoping for a boy for a playmate for Daniel!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div><div><br /></div><div>Emma Kate's room</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTQVR8l4bE/TjWZM8g33FI/AAAAAAAAATI/is_NC-uk3uo/s1600/100_0029.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TTQVR8l4bE/TjWZM8g33FI/AAAAAAAAATI/is_NC-uk3uo/s320/100_0029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578956405529682" /></a></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>16</o:Words> <o:characters>96</o:Characters> <o:company>Westwood Baptist Church</o:Company> <o:lines>1</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>111</o:CharactersWithSpaces> 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style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">This is our formal dining room which we are turning into an office. The transition is going slower then we had planned because of the fire. But hopefully we will buy office furniture soon and this empty room will turn into my home office! It is right when you enter our front door. When we moved in this room had carpet in it and we switched it out with hardwood.</span></span></p></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRXRspTubdA/TjWZMiflZHI/AAAAAAAAATA/1SmhlJN5N04/s1600/100_0017.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRXRspTubdA/TjWZMiflZHI/AAAAAAAAATA/1SmhlJN5N04/s320/100_0017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578949420803186" /></a>The kitchen was my least favorite room and was so bad it made us almost walk away from the house. However, we changed out the flooring to hardwood and are in the process of switching out the appliances from white to stainless so it has definitely grown on me since we have done a few upgrades. The only thing we have left to do in here now is get a stainless steel refrigerator which we think we will get as our Christmas present to each other. You know you are old when you Christmas gifts start to include appliances :) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdz9BtKM1w/TjWZMlAHhdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/gvJBHZ_54YQ/s1600/100_0018.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLdz9BtKM1w/TjWZMlAHhdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/gvJBHZ_54YQ/s320/100_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578950094128594" /></a>This is a picture of our living room looking in from our kitchen<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5bcylvIkhWg/TjWYy2UwenI/AAAAAAAAASo/FLHvltrM59Y/s1600/100_0021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5bcylvIkhWg/TjWYy2UwenI/AAAAAAAAASo/FLHvltrM59Y/s320/100_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578508067502706" /></a>Here is the other side of our living room. We have decided to only have a TV in the playroom upstairs and so far I have loved it! I don't spend nearly as much wasted time in front of the TV anymore and we have a clear divison between adult and kid space!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmG-q1eFkhw/TjWYyhbIdQI/AAAAAAAAASg/pKLZax33yfg/s1600/100_0022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmG-q1eFkhw/TjWYyhbIdQI/AAAAAAAAASg/pKLZax33yfg/s320/100_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578502457095426" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70JtdFuC7o/TjWYyTkVIZI/AAAAAAAAASQ/hpWLvbiB76k/s1600/100_0024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70JtdFuC7o/TjWYyTkVIZI/AAAAAAAAASQ/hpWLvbiB76k/s320/100_0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635578498737578386" /></a>We are so thankful to have a "home" again and look forward to making lots of fun memories with our family of 4!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-43403827207077422432011-07-23T11:17:00.003-04:002011-07-23T11:43:46.969-04:004th of July Weekend = U2 concert!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlryJ6BKRO0/TirsKsXxYSI/AAAAAAAAARA/8YUir3jLIlQ/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlryJ6BKRO0/TirsKsXxYSI/AAAAAAAAARA/8YUir3jLIlQ/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632573952433938722" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_Ez5SxZJ5k/TirmLsdOqGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/KWrmlJG9rHw/s1600/U2%2BConcert.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_Ez5SxZJ5k/TirmLsdOqGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/KWrmlJG9rHw/s320/U2%2BConcert.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632567372566931554" /></a><div>Jeff is a HUGE U2 fan so we were very excited when we learned they would be Nashville in July. He has seen them live several times but I have never had the chance to go with him. I am not a big music fan but I was very excited about getting to experience the concert with Jeff since he had been like a kid waiting for Christmas as we counted down the days. We bought tickets the same day they went on sale and my man looked forward to that concert for close to 10 months. What we did not know at the time was that I would be 32 weeks pregnant and it would feel like it was 150 degrees outside! Even though I felt HUGE and it was VERY HOT we had such a fun time. We meet some college friends (see above picture) for dinner at Cheesecake Factory before the concert and had so much fun hanging out with them and catching up with everyone. My favorite part of the whole concert was just watching Jeff get so excited every time they would play certain songs and seeing the permanent grin on his face for the 2 hours they played. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next day we went to hang out with our best friends Dan and Emily King. Emily and I took the kids to the pool while Jeff and Dan hit the lake. I do not have any pictures because we had not bought our new camera yet :( Around 8:00 Emily and I went hunting for the boys because we had not heard from them and was worried they might have had some boat issues. As we were pulling up to the dock the boys were pulling in. Good news was they did not have boat issues they were just having to much fun knee boarding and jumping off cliffs. I told Jeff there were some things in life he did not need to give me full disclosure on and the fact that he was cliff jumping was one of them ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning we took our time getting up and packing and then headed back home. It was such a fun long weekend spent hanging out with friends and enjoying the summer. </div><div><br /></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-32805271901648729992011-07-17T16:54:00.002-04:002011-07-17T17:34:01.637-04:00JuneWell it looks like I am still only going to be updating the blog once a month! Despite my best intentions life just gets in the way of me being able to sit down in front of the computer. This month started out with a bang....or should I say boom :)<div><br /></div><div>We moved into our house the first weekend in June. We have been so thankful for God's provision and His perfect timing in bringing us to this house. We LOVE it! It is the perfect house for our growing family. We moved in and had to wait a week before the gas was turned on. We spent the first week taking cold showers and eating out! The gas was turned on on a Thursday but I did not get a chance to cook my first meal until Sunday night. Jeff was at church leading his 9th grade guys small group and I thought I would be a great wife and have dinner on the table for him when he got home. Instead what happened was I had some fire trucks in our driveway waiting for him when he got home! </div><div><br /></div><div>As I was preheating the oven I started to smell something that just did not seem right. I have never owned a gas stove so I thought it could be normal but called a few people to check just in case. Everyone seemed to think it was fine and more then likely was just the oven cleaner burning off. However, when the oven finished preheating and I opened it to put our food in....flames were coming up from the bottom and the top of the stove was black! I grabbed Emma and my phone and called 911 for the firemen to get here! Thankfully, there was only minor damage which mainly consisted of our stove being completely burnt and a section of our carpet with a black burn hole on it. The worst part was the MESS that was created from what the firemen used to put out the fire. We had dust EVERYWHERE! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have never been so thankful for homeowners insurance in my life. We had a cleaning company come out that specializes in fire damage and they spent a week at my house cleaning. In the long run it was such a blessing because they pick every single item up and personally clean it. My house or the things in it will never be that clean again! Because of the hole in my carpet insurance also paid for the replacement of it. We decided to take the opportunity to go from carpet to hardwood so we paid the difference and went ahead and got hardwood all throughout our bottom floor. We also got the opportunity to get a new stove so we started the process of changing all the appliance to stainless steel. At this point the only thing we have left to switch out now is our refrigerator. The kitchen fire caused a lot of little inconveniences in our world for around a month but in the long run we got to make changes to the house that we love and would have never done so soon! </div><div><br /></div><div>This month we also had 2 different sets of friends come visit us from Alabaster. I was still without a stove so we could not cook for them (trust me they were not sad about that :) ) but we had a lot of fun anyway. We went to the pool and just had fun hanging out at the house. At the end of the month Jeff spent close to a week in Florida with NorthPoint Student Ministry hanging out with his small group guys. Emma Kate and I really missed him but was glad he had the chance to go. They took like 1300 students which is something I can not even begin to imagine! </div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff also received a promotion at work this month! The best part of his new role is he now will work normal hours and NO MORE WEEKENDS! We are super excited to get our weekends back and have already planned 2 different parties with friends at our house in July since Jeff will be here! </div><div><br /></div><div>Coming soon....July update :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-88981271254321636682011-05-01T11:05:00.004-04:002011-05-07T10:24:57.355-04:00Lots going on in the month of MayI am now 23 weeks pregnant and still feeling pretty good! I have lost 6 lbs but feel like I am going to catch up the next few visits because I am hungry ALL THE TIME! This past weekend we went to Lebanon for my sister's 18th birthday and go back in a few weeks to watch her graduate. We also have an official contract on a house here in Atlanta! We started the process in March but since it is a short sell it took until now to get everything in place. We had the inspection done on Friday and will close on the house the 27th of this month. The house is going to be perfect for our growing family. It has 4 bedrooms and a loft upstairs that we will use a playroom. We are in the process of buying new bedroom and living room furniture so I have had a lot of fun shopping lately! In all the excitement God's goodness over my little family has not been lost on me for a second. This past year the verse "abundantly more then I can ask or imagine" I have seen played out in my life. When I am still long enough to reflect on what the Lord has walked us thru I am blown away but His goodness and faithfulness to me. <div><br /></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-7346226480292542682011-04-17T20:30:00.002-04:002011-04-17T20:41:05.407-04:00We are having a......<strong>BOY!!!!!</strong> <strong></strong>We had the big doctor's appointment on Friday and found out this sweet little baby that God is currently knitting together in my womb is a BOY! We are so excited to add a little boy to our family and a bit overwhelmed about all the new things we need to get since everything we had for Emma Kate is very much girl! Emma has warmed up to the idea of having a brother and has even told me a few times that she really did not care what the baby was and is just ready to be a big sister. I think she is ok with the idea of a boy because while we were still in the doctor's office she told me " It is ok mommy you can always give me a girl with the next baby!" The doctor said everything looks great with the baby and he is measuring 10oz. I have lost a total of 6 pounds and some days look really pregnant and some days you can not tell at all. It is the strangest thing! I am officially 20 weeks and 2 days and the due date has held steady at Sept. 3rd. I love being pregnant and am so thankful for the opportunity that I have to carry this little boy of mine. I am praying that even now God plants a love for Him so deep in his heart and even from a very young age he will be mighty warrior for the kingdom.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-2185484679792208022011-03-26T21:30:00.002-04:002011-03-26T23:05:10.862-04:00Creation Story told my Emma Kate<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOQwItE7fRObx6MVLKQaHOUN3uJn3gbXMXu7H33v9G0PDHz1NU72Yrs9aVLfeEW-JNJPUCxaPrBV7ADNucPA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-70372640557792487962011-03-26T21:23:00.001-04:002011-03-26T21:30:29.450-04:00Emma telling us about the Tower of Babel<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5nGt5o4cg3YZerYaC3V3lxFpQ4xgHbrs3zkBFLDSnUDC00ong1oPXmBtehwNpF5pCYCh1Podcq73y13orJg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-62231501564434835942011-02-26T10:50:00.005-05:002011-02-28T14:38:38.269-05:00Crazy little thing called loveOver the last few weeks I have been reflecting on God's goodness not only to me personally but the goodness He has displayed in my marriage. The small audience that reads my blog for the most part are my personal friends.They know my story because they walked beside me/us a little over 2 years ago when infidelity rocked my marriage. They then helped me pack up my house and say goodbye to a life I loved and friends that I still miss. They stood next me as I made new friends in MS and started to build a life there. We lived there for almost a year and I can honestly say I am so thankful for the friendships that we made there. We had rebuilt our life and were about to buy a house when I found out that trust had breached again, this time just in the form of conversations but still breached. My friends stood beside me again and offered me a place to stay and safe haven to explore my feeling and thoughts. I moved to Atlanta without my husband and started the process of figuring out what life would look like as a 30 year old single mom.<br /><br /><br /><br />In April of 2010 if you would have asked me if there was any way my life would look like it does now and that I would have the <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">peace </span>that I do I would have laughed in your face. I not only know that my God can do BIG THINGS I have seen Him do BIG things but even still to heal my heart seemed out of the question. However, that is exactly what He has done. I will even go as far to say that not only has God moved mountains in my marriage He has healed my marriage.<br /><br />The funny thing about healing is I can't tell you the exact time that God started the process of healing in fact it was just over the last few weeks that I have realized what a great place our marriage is in. I have even had the privilege of walking beside a close personal friend as infidelity rocked her marriage and tonight get to go sit beside a friend of friend and share life with her as she has just started the journey of sorting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> her life when everything that made sense before is on longer sensible. God has used those 2 instances to show me how far Jeff and I have come. Never in a million years would I have felt like I would be ready to share wisdom with another woman who now is walking in my shoes down a path she never thought she would explore. I have prayed that God guards my heart from the old yucky feelings that can surface if I allow them. So far HE has been faithful and not only has protected me but more then anything in those conversations instilled in me a peace that continues to tell me " You see Lori, I do and I have made all things new in your marriage."<br /><br />Choosing marriage is not an easy choice when trust has been broken. I read the Bible many times over trying to find my way out. Even though I knew staying in my marriage was the right thing to do and that God would honor the obedience it was HARD. However, I am so thankful that I chose marriage. I can not imagine my life without Jeff. Even though the past 2.5 years has been filled with many many many hard things.......even though we still grieve the things that were lost, we grieve them together. When we walked down the aisle 8 years ago we never imagined we would be where we are today but knowing what I know now.....I still say "I do".<br /><br />I do choose to walk this life with my husband even when it is messy.<br />I do choose to remain faithful to my commitment to my covenant marriage.<br />I do choose to remember that love keeps no record of wrongs. <br />I do choose my husband. I choose our life. I choose to trust in the covenant maker.<br /><br />"They are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matt. 19:6Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-84967055355176991282011-02-11T20:17:00.002-05:002011-02-11T20:31:21.032-05:0011 weeksEven though I am still feeling pretty yucky we have had a fun week at the McKenzie house. On Thursday we got to see Baby McKenzie for the first time. There is nothing like seeing your baby for the first time and seeing that heart beat! Our technician was FABULOUS and was so good with Emma. Emma was more excited then anyone to see " my baby butther or sister". The technician gave Emma the first picture and wrote "hi Emma" on top and told her the baby was talking to her. Emma proudly took it to school and showed all of her friends. She has held pretty tightly to that picture over the last 24 hours. We could see the baby kicking around in my belly and Emma was very concerned that it was hurting mommy! <div><br /></div><div><b>Some of my favorite Emma sayings over the last weeks have been:</b></div><div>"Mommy how is God making that baby in your tummy since He lives in your heart? That is a long way for his arms to reach?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Something I was watching on TV made me cry and Emma came up to me and said " Mommy repeat after me....this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it."</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was rocking her to sleep one night she said, " Mommy I wish you would not have married daddy.You know why mommy....because I want to marry him when I grow up."</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff and I both had today off and had such a fun date day. He took me out for our Valentine Day lunch date, we watched a movie, took a nap, and just enjoyed spending the day together. We have a fun double date planned tomorrow night with some friends and will be attending Married Life Live at NorthPoint. Everything NorthPoint does is always so good and fun so I am very excited about another date with my husband tomorrow! </div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-12937107574403932802011-01-15T19:26:00.002-05:002011-01-15T19:54:50.277-05:00Feeling YuckyI am now around 7 weeks pregnant and am experiencing the pains of the first trimester. Overall I am just really really really tired. I feel nausea most of the day and just overall feel BLAH. I feel really sorry for my husband because my hormones are raging and I am really sweet one second and not so much the next!<br /><br />Emma Kate continues to love the idea of being a big sister and is pretty sure that we are having a girl. She still thinks we are naming the baby Sara Lindsey Sara McKenzie and rubs my belly constantly. She often pretends that she has a baby in her belly and ask me ALL THE TIME when we will we go to the hospital. We get to go to our first doctor's appointment on Tuesday and we all 3 are very excited about getting to hear the baby's heartbeat and see the baby for the first time.<br /><br />I am counting down the weeks until this first trimester is over but at the same time trying to remain thankful for all the aches and pains. I know what a high privilege it is to carry a child in my womb. It is one of the reasons I love being a woman.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519420991563285684.post-29085970240196190682011-01-10T22:32:00.005-05:002011-01-10T22:41:58.151-05:00Snow Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRXA6JWqI/AAAAAAAAAQI/NOBq4nDjkTc/s1600/100_3366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRXA6JWqI/AAAAAAAAAQI/NOBq4nDjkTc/s320/100_3366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560768358230088354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRR6QtjGI/AAAAAAAAAQA/huShpcPM40k/s1600/100_3365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRR6QtjGI/AAAAAAAAAQA/huShpcPM40k/s320/100_3365.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560768270546340962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRLCnzTLI/AAAAAAAAAP4/emfNnxft1KE/s1600/100_3364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRLCnzTLI/AAAAAAAAAP4/emfNnxft1KE/s320/100_3364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560768152531586226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRFhhdXdI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HkjUmBs9jVo/s1600/100_3360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OsonOP4i6po/TSvRFhhdXdI/AAAAAAAAAPw/HkjUmBs9jVo/s320/100_3360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560768057747267026" /></a><br />Atlanta saw 6 inches of snow today which closed Emma's school and both of our offices. It proved to be a fun day of playing in the snow, making strawberry cupcakes and strawberry cookies, cuddling on the couch watching some movies, and now ending the day watching the National Championship game. Jeff and I also spent some time today making an offer on a house here in Atlanta! Looking/buying a house has made Atlanta seem a little more like home. We have not been able to officially make the offer due to the weather but look forward to moving forward with the offer once we can get out again. Emma's school is already closed for tomorrow and there is a good chance that Jeff will get to be home with us again. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10600702931476487901noreply@blogger.com0