Unexpected start to 2011

Well the year certainly started off differently than we could have imagined. Steve's Dad - LaVerne Wadhams went home to be with Jesus on January 25th. He will be missed and we are so thankful to know that his faith in Jesus assures us of his place in heaven.

Our trip up north was a mix of sadness and joy. Joy to celebrate his life, see family and friends we had not seen in a long time and to be surrounded by so many caring people.

Winter came to Texas cold, icy and snowy at the beginning of February. Emma had 5 snow days in 2 weeks. A couple of days off is fun, but it was time for the kiddos to get back to school.

The extreme cold caused frozen pipes for several that we know, fortunately our broken pipe is in the sprinkler system outside....not in the house. Just found that today, it seemed strange that our back yard continued to be a wet marsh after several days of better warmer TX weather! Bet the girls will have fun helping us dig that up and fix it!

Emma enjoying her snow days!

Norah always ready for the action.

Sam turned 6 months. He continues to be our content little man. Weighing in at a solid 25 lbs. Yes - he is giving us a workout everytime we pick him up. He is currently recovering from his 1st ear infection and another round of breathing treatments. Getting close to his first tooth popping through.
So already there has been much change in our lives in 2011. We have no idea what tomorrow holds, but we know who is in charge of it and it's not us. God continues to bring joy with each day, regardless of the circumstances or challenges that come our way.

2011!

We can't wait to see what God does in 2011! He certainly brought many new experiences and lots of change in 2010. We have grown closer as a family and certainly closer to God through all of it! Here are a few pictures to catch ya up with the kiddos!

The picture that didn't make the cut for the Christmas card!

Emma @ 8 and showing her love for big words - challenge speller @ school!

Sam and Norah (all ready to watch Illini games with daddy!)

12/21 - 1st day of winter in TX - 80 degrees! (Illinois friends - Emma & Norah were remembering the fun we had in the leaves the last few years!)

Future baker? Norah helping with sugar cookies.

The message of JOY continues

I am learning to see more clearly when God is trying to give me a message. Slow learner that I am it takes a few (okay many) times sometimes. So this months virtue of the month at church for the children is JOY (see we are continuing on the lesson of Joy!). And the definition they give the children is "finding a way to be happy even when things don't go your way". How about that! Great virtue to cultivate in adults too!


We have had many joyful things going on in the last month. Here are some pictures to catch you up.



November 18-22 - Steve, Emma and Norah flew to IL for a visit with family and friends in Bloomington and Bettendorf. Norah's first time on a plane! She giggled all the way through take off! They had a blast. Visited with family and tons of friends in Bloomington! Sam and I had a good time in Texas, although there were times the house was a bit too quiet!

December 4th - Our Emma turned 8! Someone pointed out that she is half way to driving. How is that possible? This may have been the first birthday that she and friends were able to play outside. Ya gotta love the Texas weather!

December 4th - Sam hit the 4 month milestone. What a happy content little guy! Currently in 12 month clothes - 23 lbs and 27 1/2 inches. Thankful we bought the infant carrier that goes up to 30 lbs, although not sure my back will be able to handle it!








December 9th - Norah's first (possibly of many!) performances on stage! Her preschool class had a little Christmas concert. She was front and center and having a great time!














Norah has also been spending some time "reading" to Sam.











That's all for now, hope you are able to witness and experience lots of joyful activities this Christmas season!

Joy, joy, joy

We changed the name of our blog to reflect how God is working in our lives. He continues to bring a message of living joy filled - regardless of our circumstances. If you look at the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) wouldn't you know it right after love comes joy! Also, check out the scripture to the left.

Our circumstances are really good, no complaints here, but we could choose to complain if we lingered long enough about stuff, like lack of sleep, sick kids in the middle of the night, temper tantrums, or endless other minor things. So here are some of our recent joyful moments!

First Halloween in TX - 2 batgirls and a startled black cat! The neighbors all get together for a cookout and hand out candy. Funny - if we were in Illinois, the last cookout of the year would likely be Labor Day weekend!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Just a regular morning before school - needed a 3 month picture of Sam!


Oh and we can't forget our 15th Anniversary. Thanks to some wonderful neighbors we had dinner out without children for the first time since Sam was born! It was fantastic.

Kiddo update!

Future Illini player?!The shirts say "I'm a little batty!" Emma is still a big fan of bats and Norah is always willing to join in on the fun!11 weeks old and 19 lbs! Lots of cute baby to love on!
All is well here - just enjoying this crazy full season of life that we are in.

Ouch - shots, shots and more shots

I know you are about to fall over that I would get another post out so quickly! We are trying!!


Norah and Sam both had doctor appointments yesterday. Both had to get immunization shots. Ouch! Norah was so brave and wanted to go first to show Sam that it would be okay. She was rethinking that decision about the time the 2nd needle went in.

So today is a lay around and get our legs feeling better day for Norah. Sam has been fighting a cold and is just not getting over is, so now we have entered the world of using a nebulizer. Never done that before. So far he is doing good with it.

Our little man is 2 months old and weighing in at........17 lbs and 3 oz! Which is the 95% for his age. Norah on the other hand is 31 1/2 lbs and in the 25%! He is not looking very enthusiastic in this picture, but look at those cheeks!




Speaking of cheeks, check out Norah after "applying" some makeup from one of her birthday presents! Future clown or entertainer?!

Where does my joy come from?

Great question to ponder... Is my joy based on my circumstances or my relationship with God. Is it based on the blessings He has provided or on Him? I am learning it is best to find my joy in Him. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10).

So what's been going on with us? What are our current circumstances? Some of which I have to choose to be joyful in and others that are super easy to find joy in.

1) I'm now 40. Funny to be 40 with an infant - he'll keep me young, right?! Thanks to all for the visits, presents, cards, calls, emails, etc to help me celebrate. Joyful is sometimes a choice and sometimes easy on this one!

2) Steve outdid himself for my birthday by flying in 4 of my best girls from IL to celebrate! What a fabulous fun surprise and a wonderful weekend. As the commercial says - "Priceless"!! Don't you love their outrageous disguises!? Can't say enough about the 4 husbands who were single dads for a long weekend to make it possible, as well as my hubby who pulled it all together. Easy to be joyful here!

3) Enjoying my family - Steve continues to love the weather here, even when it was blazing hot, he loved it! (Crazy man I say!) Emma is thriving at school and loving soccer! Norah is our big 4 now!!! She is loving preschool and spunky, silly as ever! Sam's first smiles and coo's this week. He is 2 months old and is well over 15 lbs. Easy to be joyful here!

4) Sleep deprived!! Enough said. This one requires choosing to be joyful in spite of my circumstances and repeating to myself "Sleep is overrated!!"

As for the rest, it is a lot of family time and baby time which is fabulous (minus the sleep deprived part!). Taking care of Sam keeps us close to home and with the weather cooling off, we are starting to get outside more. In fact, Steve and the girls went to a pumpkin patch this weekend to get some pumpkins.

Until next time,

Nancy