Family and tasting new treats...

Eating Blue Bell with my MeeMaw... This stuff is gooooood....
Hanging out with my dad and Uncle Mitch...
I love my Great Granpa Tobe.
I love my MeeMaw!!

So happy when I'm with my family....
My PawPaw lets me hold the remote....
Eating my first banana fudgesickle...
This tastes like a banana, but for some reason it's colder than a banana...
Hmmm I think I like this...
My new carseat.

Here are some pics of our weekend. We also went to Lubbock today and did some much needed shopping.Griffin enjoyed riding in his new carseat. He liked being able to look out the window and watch his baby Einstein and Praise Baby dvd's while we drove. (Thanks Brooke and Blake for giving us Hudson and Haddon's old dvd player! We finally got to use it!) Griffin did really well shopping all day with us. He loved walking all over the new Barnes N Noble Lubbock has and pulling books off the shelves. He also liked riding the escaltor in Barnes N Noble and looking down at all the people.
We decided it was time to try McDonald's new Frappe. We loved them. Tyler even said they may be better than Starbuck's frappachino. They were pretty delicious. So we had a fun Memorial Day spending it together in Lubbock.
Thank you to our troops and all military for all that you do. Thank you to all the families of soldiers that have been taken from them, and for your sacrifice. We are deeply grateful. We love our country and are so thankful, as BJ Brookes (our associate pastor) prayed on Sunday morning, that we live somewhere where we do not have to live in fear when we worship Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, for the United States of America. May it always remain a place of freedom and opportunity.

Grandparents & banana fudge pops

We went to Denver City, TX this past weekend to visit Tyler's mom and dad, grandpa, and brother & his gf. We had a great time as always visiting everyone out in the country. Griffin ate his first fudge pop-banana kind and his first (well second since my dad gave him some when he was 3 months old) Blue Bell ice cream. Pictures to come...

Travel

So I am about to be traveling A LOT. Not just any kind of traveling though. It will be traveling with a 1 yr old traveling. And not just any traveling with a 1 yr old traveling, it will be traveling with a 1 yr old by myself traveling. So, I could use any advice, help, tips, etc on this kind of traveling by anyone who has experienced it. I am a little nervous. I haven't traveled with Griffin on an airplane since he was 8 months old in the pre-crawling & pre-walking stage.
Please share any wisdom on this, I beg of you......

Glee pt. 2

I received a voice mail from sweet friend yesterday that I haven't talked to in a good while. She expressed to me gratitude for blogging about the tv show Glee and confronting it's agenda and ideas it celebrates. I was so taken aback by her words that I quietly cried to myself on the way home from Walmart as I listened. I couldn't believe that someone was actually encouraged and convicted by the post. AND THEY WERE GRATEFUL for it! She said she had read the Glee post and it started causing her to think about the show and whether or not it was really a show she and her friends should spend their time watching. Should they be putting those things into their minds and promoting a show that like that? She also said she had met with some of her friends and they discussed Glee and it's shortcomings.
All this to say, I give praise to the Lord for using my blog to bring glory to Him. I thank Him for giving me that Glee post to share and for using it in someones life for their good and His great glory. For that is truly what I want.
Honestly, I was seriously a little nervous about posting that post on Glee, because I knew the things I said in it were very counter-cultural, not politically correct, and would step on toes, especially to any unbelieving people who may read it. Then I felt guilty for worrying about what others would think and for being afraid.
I should point out, as a worshiper of Christ, the things that do not glorify him. I should be courageous enough to post something online that will challenge people to live holy lives. I should love God so much that I cannot help but take a stand for Him and the purity He calls us to. For real pleasure does not come from others opinions or a tv show. Everlasting joy and pleasure come from delighting in God and making much of Christ. HE is all satisfying and can and will fill your heart with unimaginable joy, peace, and love.
Thank you, Megan, for sharing with me how God is working in the tv watching area of your life. You have encouraged me to live up to my own convictions and to not be afraid to take a stand for Christ and holiness on the internet and always.
I miss you!

Jumping

We got to go to a "Meet the baby" party today out at our friends, Lonnie and Cindy's. The baby was their sweet grandbaby boy, Everett, who is 3 months old. We also got to visit with his parents, Matt & Lauren and just have a great time catching up with them and getting to know Everett. Griffin LOVED Everett!!! I think he was trying to give me a hint that he wants a baby brother or sister. :) He hugged him, played with his feet, and gave him a sweet pat on his tummy.
Cindy took Griffin out to their trampoline and so I got on the trampoline with him and we had so much fun jumping. I think Griffin will def want a trampoline.

Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes

Ok so I do not like Sloppy Joes. Never have. I think it's because it's a cafeteria food that we had at school growing up and well they just seem too sloppy and mushy to me. Anyways, I ran across this recipe in my latest Southern Living magazine and of course I love when they have a picture of it beside the recipe showing how tasty looking it is. The pictures always catch my eye. So I read the recipe and it seemed easy enough and it wasn't just ordinary sloppy joes. Recipes that call for things I already have in my house and always do have in my house always catch my eye as well. So I made them tonight. I was super excited to try them out and they were delicious! I made steamed fresh broccoli to go with it, but you can make whatever side you'd like of course.
So here is the recipes my friends. I hope you feel motivated to make them. I think you'll find them quite tasty too. Happy cooking!

Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes (I LEFT THIS OUT, I DON'T LIKE CANNED TOMATOES)
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped pickled jalapeno peppers (optional) (I made it with these, I was glad I did)
1 Tbsp. liquid from pickled jalapeno peppers (optional) (made it will this this too ;)
1 package frozen garlic Texas toast
1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1. Brown beef in large skillet-drain. Return to skillet. Stir in tomatoes, next 3 ingredients, and if desired, jalapeno peppers and liquid. Cover and cook 10 mins.
2. Meanwhile, prepare toast according to package directions. Serve beef mixture over Texas toast; sprinkle with cheese.

ps. This isn't the most healthy meal, but since I served it with fresh steamed broccoli I figured it was half healthy :) Let me know how you and your family liked it if you make it!

Loving me some Griffin

I love my baby darling....
I love my Momma...hug for her..


not sure why he made this face...

grass. yes! I love grass as long as it's not pricking me...

crawling up the steps

You gotta be fast when watching bubbles...
playing with my bubble blower..

Took G outside yesterday to get some fresh air after being sick the last few days. He loves being outside for sure. We watched bubbles, practiced crawling up steps, and I enjoyed taking his picture since I haven't in awhile. He has changed even since his birthday.

Another baby???

I love posts like this one that has a title that fools you into thinking the person of that blog may be pregnant again. So I decided to do it. :) No, no prego here, guys, just thinking about it. Last night I was up with Griffin oh I'd say at least 4 times if not more. We rocked, we went in the living room and tried to sleep in the recliner, we laid down on the couch when the recliner wasn't cutting it, we drank some milk, changed a diaper, gave some tylenol, and rocked and soothed some more. Poor little guy. I know Griffin is sick when he doesn't sleep well, because Griffin always sleeps well (for this I am TRULY TRULY grateful). So as I was laid back in the recliner @ 4 am, my mind drifted off into the land of pregnancy planning-our pregancy planning. Do I want another baby a year from now? How did I make it those two months Griffin nursed 3 times a night? Why didn't God just wire babies to not need nurishment in the middle of night, why didn't He just wire them to sleep all night instantly??? I know all you mothers out there are thinking, "YES! That would have been A-mazing!) Well we can ask why all day and it stills remains that He DIDN'T. And that is ok, of course. He has been giving momma's strength and energy in the wee hours of the morning to take of their babies since the beginning. I think about Mary and what it must have been like to hear Jesus crying to be feed at 3 am, and getting to take care of the Savior of the world! The strength she needed to do so was coming from the very baby she was taking care of! How marvelous! Aren't we so very thankful, Ladies, that God strengthens us during the hardest times, during the times when we think there is no way I can do this anymore, and He picks us up out of out cozy beds and pushes us down the hall to do our duty.
Anyways, I am rambling here.
I think a another baby will be just wonderful whenever God wants us to have another. I think my heart is more eager than my love for sleeping all night. And hey hopefully the next baby will start sleeping through the night at 8 weeks too, so who can't do something for 2 months? And if it's longer I trust that God knows what He's doing and He will teach me and grow me nearer to Him through that circumstance.
SO here's to sleeping in recliners while holding our babies (well almost sleeping :) )
Goodnight!

Glee

So I randomly saw the cast of Glee on Oprah a couple of weeks ago, apparently this Glee show is making it big since they made it on Oprah. I had heard of Glee before but never knew too much about it. Then I learned that it's a tv show/musical show. We never had a "Glee" club at my high school so forgive me for not knowing what Glee was. Now I know what glee club is and what the tv show Glee is all about-SEX-premarital sex. (Don't get me wrong, sex in and of itself is not bad, but sex outside of marriage is) The teacher on the show also, in some weird way, has an emotional adulterous relationship with his co-worker.
I decided to get the season 1 Vol. 1 (for some reason they are using volumes) on Netflix. I was eagerly awaiting for it to come, so I could check it out. Popped in it yesterday and boy have I been disgusted! Never have I ever been more disgusted at a tv show than I have been at Glee. (I would apologize to all you Glee fans out there, but don't think I should. You should be explaining to all of us why in the world you're a fan) OK, that was harsh, yes I know, but seriously, Glee is the most liberal, sex-saturated tv show I have watched. Granted I don't watch many tv shows, and yes I do watch Dancing with The Stars and yes, there is sexual dancing and skimpy wardrobe on DWTS, but they don't openly talk about and exploit teenagers on there (ok maybe Pamela Anderson went over the top this season).
Anyways, I will admit it, however, that I LOVE hearing those kids sing on Glee and dance too when it's not all sexual and such. They are awesome singers. But is it worth putting all that other sinful behavior in my mind for the joy of hearing some nice singing a few times?
I wonder can it get any more impure? Can it get any more degrading? Probably so. I am afraid of what this new season is like if the first one is what it is.
I feel bad for all those teenagers/college students who are watching Glee that do not have the wisdom nor maturity to filter all that stuff, and who are forming a worldview from Glee. God, help them and please do not use Glee for harm. Please convict the writers of Glee, well the producers and everyone involved in making it of the things that do not glorify You.
It's so hard to stand up for what is truly right and pure nowadays. Give us courage to. Give us a desire for purity.

Ready to swim

Griffin went swimming last week, didn't take my camera outside, but here's the before swimming pose.

Also, I have a sty in my eye.
This is no lie.
I wish it would die.
Please pray it goes away soon.
It's making me feel a little gloom.
Thanks so much,
I appreciate you so,
now I have to go.

(sorry, it just started turning into a poem so I just went with it) :)

I love walking and hugging my dad

Griffin loves to hug Tyler. He will lay his little head down on his shoulder and just squeeze him. It's so sweet. He also currently loves, I mean LOVES walking!!! He walks all day long. He will skip sitting and playing with his toys and walk the whole time he's awake. He can't get enough of it. It's like he's addicted to it or something. So we do a lot of walking nowadays and it had been so much fun. I have enjoyed watching Griffin learn to walk. First just hanging on to my both my hands, then gradually letting go of one and holding on to the other, then one day being brave enough to let go of both. It's so neat. He's a walking machine now.

My 2nd Mother's Day

Last year was my first Mother's Day and it was very special because my mom was here with me, since Griffin had been born only a week prior. I love thinking back on that time and it has come to mind quite often lately because it was this time last year that it happened. I think every May I will ponder on the May of 2009.

But this year has been special because I am not as sleep deprived and have been able to really think about it more. And today was Griffin's baby dedication which has made this Mother's Day even more special to me. I have really treasured being a mom today. I hope I will treasure it every day though, and I hope you will too, if you are a mother.

So to all you mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day from my heart to yours. :)

Griffin's 1 year pictures + family pictures+CristyCross= AMAZING FUN

We had our pictures taken this evening by our lovely friend Cristy Cross and had such a fun adventure. Cristy has such a fun job! I wish I could be her assistant sometimes so I could go around with her on all her picture taking adventures. :) If you are looking for a photographer for ANYTHING, I would recommend you pick her. She's not only good at what she does, but she makes the moment special and fun. I cannot wait to see all of the other shots she got of us.

Thanks, Cristy, for taking our pictures. :)

Check out her blog here.

Griffin's party #2

With my Poppa and Nonnie. (thats a carrot in my dad's mouth, btw)
With my mom. If it wasn't for her the party wouldn't have been what it was. Thanks Mom! You are always in my heart!!!
All is perfect in the world when my dad's holding me...
with my dad...Thanks dad for driving 1o hrs to come to Griffin's party! You're the best!
My sweet friend, Kelly, who is expecting a baby girl, McKenzie, in June. So excited!!!
Griffin's friend, Peyton, Kelly's son. What a cutie!
Griffin's friend, Ben, swinging..
My mom with some of our "Clovis mom's" and friends...Lauren, Jan, Logan, and Lea :)
the aftermath....
Griffin with his friend Kamryn. He loves her so much!
Family of three


Father-in-law with son-in-law

The two best mom's in the world! Thanks for helping me so much!

Here are some more pics from Griffin's party. Thank you, everyone that came to celebrate with us! It really meant so much to us and we will remember that day forever.

A bible for Mommy too

My mom and dad got Griffin this bible for his birthday. The Jesus Storybook Bible. Tyler and I have been wanting to get it for Griffin for awhile now. So I started reading it the other night and was captivated. I probably could have sat there are read the entire thing if not for Tyler finishing his sermon and wanting to talk. Sally Lloyd- Jones writes beautifully and causes you to think about what the bibles says in a simple and very understandable way, hince the fact that it is written for KIDS. Lets be honest, sometimes children's books are the best. I just could not believe how amazing her writing was. Tyler and I started reading it to Griffin last night. We will use it as our family worship time bible. We read, sang Amazing Grace, and then prayed together. If you do not already have a family worship time, I would encourage you to start. It is one of my favorite times of the day and I hope God will use it to teach Griffin great and marvelous truths about Himself.

Get this sweet bible for your children, you will love it and so will they.

Griffin's Owl Bday party

My mom made this shirt for Griffin. It had a little owl on the front. Thanks Mom, it was the cutest!
opening gifts with the help of my friend, Kamryn


inspecting this thing mom gave me
not sure about this...
checking out the pine cone owls with my Papa
my new swing that MeeMaw and PawPaw gave me
owl cookies
Hello there! I am one of the owls that hung from the tree. WHooo Whooo....
We hung the pine cone owls from the tree


decorations (Lee & Beth Wilson, if you read this, I stole this idea from from you guys-the branches with the pictures, hope y'all don't mind!) :)
party favor bags with a cookie and and owl book
owl candy


The weather was perfect. The cakes were perfect. Family and friends were perfect. The day was perfect.