A Southern Hick & A Western Chick

Update on g/f eating

2011-10-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jonathan has now officially been gluten free for 8 days!!
There have been ups and downs, at one point this week Jonathan said, "I am tired of trying new foods." My sweet, picky boy really has been a trooper.
There have been two recent triumphs, hey it is the little things!
Last night for dinner the kids asked for pancakes. Joseph is in charge of pancakes, they always turn out better when he does them, and I pulled out the gluten free box I picked up the other day. The batter had no smell, the pancakes were very dense and I thought there is no way he is going to eat these.
But I cut them up away from the table, poured the syrup on them and presented them with my best face! All 3 kids ate them up and the boys asked for seconds!
Then last night after the kids were in bed I set out to make gluten free Chocolate/zucchini muffins. I do not have a food processor so the zucchini was in bigger chunks than I wanted and pretty noticeable in the dough.
Strike one.
Then I baked them and they didn't rise smoothly (I have heard that is one of the main complaints about gluten free baking).
Strike two.
The kids knew I was going to bake chocolate muffins, so the moment the got up, Jonathan asked, "Are the muffins ready?" I heated them up a little for each of them and they loved them!! Jonathan ate 3. He probably got his veggie servings for the whole day! So I guess what I am saying is I am going to stop deciding what he is and isn't going to eat. we are going to keep trying new foods and get this boy healthy.
We will not know if the change in diet helps him until we go back in for a check up in about a month, but Joseph and I both feel we have noticed some improvement in his hearing. He is asking us to speak up or say things again just louder. He never did that before, which leads us to believe that he is noticing that he can't hear things. I have also been listening for his morning "nasal voice" (he always sounded like he had a cold first thing in the morning) and it seems to be gone.
We are praying for complete healing for out little man.

Here are some pictures of the process...This is what gluten free-dairy free baking ingredients looks like!

Wouldn't even stop eating to cheese for me!

New news about Jonathan

2011-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

We went in first thing this morning for Jonathan's 5 year check up. Everything was going well, growth remaining in his usual percentile, then the Dr. came in and told me Jonathan failed his hearing test.
Woe.
He told me that he had negative ear pressure and there was fluid sitting in there. His ears aren't infected, so what does all this mean? Well, in part it may mean that Jonathan hasn't been hearing clearly for sometime. The Dr. seems to think that Jonathan suffers from allergies and that getting him on the right medicine would clear up the fluid. He prescribed Flonase, but I am uncomfortable giving that to my small 5 year old. There are steroids in it and the possible side effects are horrendous!
So....... I called up my DMIL, the certified herbalist, and she is now on the look out for a natural antihistamine and recommended that I limit or cut out gluten (wheat) all together.
Wow, that is a task, all Jonathan's favorite foods are on the no-no list including cereal, pizza and birthday cake. Gluten-free eating is tough stuff, but if it will help my little guy I am up for trying.

Oh and for my fellow homeschool moms who have been the listening ear to my frustrations regarding Jonathan's struggle to learn his letters. The Dr. said this fluid is holding Jonathan's ears taut possibly making sounds unclear to him. Crazy! Jonathan may not be able to distinguish between the letter sounds. I'll update later after a period of time on his new diet and treatment and let you know if we have made any progress with reading. Until then, please be in prayer for me; I desire to be patient with my little man as he learns and for the family as we make the changes in our diet (I am sure it will be stressful at times). Thanks, friends!

Jonathan

2011-05-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

My first born son, Jonathan David, is a unique little man. He is compliant, caring, affectionate and kind of a loner. Once he befriends someone he is very loyal, he just doesn't really require many friends. He tells me Josiah is his best friend and I think that's great. Jonathan loves devoted attention, like when his siblings are asleep and he gets me all to himself. He'll cuddle up to me for some quality snuggle/reading time or to watch a show, recently his favorite is Ironman the cartoon. I know more about Tony Stark than I want to, but he loves this time. He is the boy that will play for hours building and creating with Legos. If he has two action figures, which he calls his "mans," he can go all day. His attention span is long, except for when it comes to school, then he can't stand to be there for more than 15 minutes or so. His has a fabulous imagination. He is always the hero, never the villain. He loves to explore, always with a sword or gun in his hand and hat on his head. He is a creature of habit. His blue blanket, goes soft side up, long ways over his pillow, under his belly, every time he lays down. He was sick earlier this week and wanted to be held the entirety of his waking hours. Once he was better Joseph had to run an errand and asked Jonathan to go with him, just the two of them. Things like this thrill Jonathan, although he would never object to having Josiah around, he loves one on one time. So he and daddy went to Walmart, looked at tires and tools and Legos. And topped it off with an ice-cream treat. Since his brother and sister were diagnosed lactose intolerance, we haven't had much around. It is his favorite dessert and he didn't have to share it with anyone. He was one happy boy, oh and he is easily pleased, how could I forget that.
he came home and told me, "Mom, I got an ice-cream cone and it was SO big!"

Volunteering as a Family

2011-05-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

A house completely gutted.
Jonathan serving lunch

Our van full of kids and supplies!

Chloe Ruth, 16 1/2 months, was the youngest person to volunteer her time to help the relief aid in Fultondale. Yesterday afternoon, Justin, Gray and Jackson joined our family and we headed over to Fultondale in hopes to be of some value even with all the kids.
Joseph and Justin brought a chainsaw and were trying very hard to convince someone they just wanted to help, they we re not expecting any payment. Apparently many had been going around charging victims for services. Well, the finally found a group of people cutting up a huge fallen tree. Joseph said what would have taken two people nearly two days, the group finished in around two hours.
While our men were working and using their strengths, Gray and I found something that would suit our families very well. We began shuttling supplies to a community called Smithfield. Smithfield had been without power and help since Wednesday. Friday mid morning the first arrival of help and water came to Smithfield and by the end of the day they were well stocked. Most of their supplies came from Fultondale; what a blessing the volunteers at the Fultondale location have been to surrounding communities because they were smoothly run, very efficient and well supplied.
Back to our days events; with our 4 kids loading in the van we packed in full the first trip with supplies and about 60 bagged lunches. We dropped off our load and we continued on with the lunches through the neighborhood. It was awkward to get started, what exactly do you say? Well, we started and Jonathan took over. I smile, just thinking about it. for those of you that do not know my son, Jonathan, is a very shy boy. He does not go out of his way to talk to people and you may or may not get a response from him when you try, his brother Josiah does enough friend-making for both of them. But today, Josiah had fallen asleep in his chair and Jonathan went to work. Within a few short minutes he was sitting with Gray in the passenger seat and yelling out the window, "Do you need lunch? How many?" He got very upset if they weren't hungry and if they walked up to the window and he couldn't take them the sacks he became very disappointed. What a sweet giving spirit. Joseph later commented, "He was in his element, just like you and your dad. He was ministering, he couldn't have been happier." If that's the case, then I guess you have a great legacy, daddy. Thanks for being willing to meet needs and teaching me to do so, that I can in turn teach my children. It was a joy to see Jonathan in action.
The second trip we took out there we were loaded up with a van full of supplies and we had to have another car follow us so we could take it all. We were joking because the way it seems to work with the volunteers is if you do something once and you get familiar with it, you are in charge the next round. I guess that is how things get done, by people taking on tasks. After the second load we had to be done, the kids couldn't handle the car anymore. I called in and gave the next group directions to Smithfield and we headed home. Josiah keeps saying, "The houses are broken, we will fix them." Dream big little fellow, fix it all!
Gray and I were privileged to take our children and be of service. One man said to us that He was overwhelmed with the surrounding communities' involvement and generosity. I know Gray and I just felt so blessed and grateful to have the tornado miss us, that we felt if we could be helpful or our resources could be beneficial we wanted them to be. May God be glorified!! May Christ be preached. May we be willing, empty vessels, ready to do the good works He has prepared for us in advance. Please pray with us.

Tornado Damage and Relief Efforts

2011-04-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on in Fultondale. Springville Road COmmunity Church is partnering with Fultondale First Baptist. Today we showed up with lunch for the workers and saw the devastation for ourselves. We hadn't been over to that side of Fultondale yet and it looks bad. The shelter they set up has turned into a hub for volunteers. Today we took supplies and help organize what they had. There are many families without homes. I met one mom of 4, Regina, that lived in the top floor apartment building that is no longer there. The roof and 1 1/2 sides are gone and they lost everything. We have recently felt led to move all our children to one bedroom to open up a spare room for such a time as this. We have no idea what the Lord will choose to do, but we want to be able to say YES! Here are some photos of the damage.

Weekend Get-A-Way

2011-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I had the pleasure of one another's company child-free this past weekend. Dad and Mom graciously offered to keep the kids while we went on, for a two night stay, to Helen, GA. It was a much needed weekend of relaxation and recooping. Raising 3 munchkins is hard work! Whoodathunk?
We enjoyed Helen very much. A bad storm passed through the Southeastern states Friday evening. We had heavy rains, but it gave way to a cool yet beautiful, although windy, Saturday. We tool the scenic route around town and even stopped to take a photo on the Appalachian Trail. Yeah, we played the tourist and didn't actually hike the trail. Joseph and I both sporting the wind blown look
A "jump" shot and his model pose!
L.O.V.E.

Sweet moments in time

2011-03-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning my second son, Josiah spent over an hour loving on me. No, I did not get to sit down for an hour and cuddle with my son, not with two other children and a house full of things to do. He loved me by spending time with me. Time is my highest ranking Love Language and he loved me well this morning. His, may in fact, be acts of service for that is how he demonstrated his love for me today.
He and I spent an hour doing dishes. Yes, hand washing dishes. My 3 year old ball of energy stayed on task and enjoyed washing dishes with me for an entire hour.
It all started after dinner when I reset the dishwasher to do a second wash on a some dishes that didn't seem to get clean the first round. At bed time Joseph and I realized it was not working...at all. So I had a dishwasher full of unwashed dishes and so was the sink! I told Joseph I would take care of it in the morning, we both really need to get to bed. So after breakfast little bit went down for a nap and I began to go to work. Jonathan went to do "school" on the computer; he's four, it's fun, he learns, good for both of us. Josiah was playing with his trains when he came up and saw me making room for the dirty dishes to stack and clean dishes to dry. Most of the clean ones went to the dishwasher to dry, who knew a broken dishwasher was the perfect drying rack, only those of you who have been where I am!
I started runing the water and he went to get his chair. The boys often bake with me by standing on our chairs to be able to reach, so it was second nature for him to pull up a chair. At this point I thought he is going to run away when he sees there is nothing to eat up here, Josiah is my very good eater. But he didn't, he wanted to help, "I wanna wash," he said with his big Siah smile. "Sure, here's a scrubber. Get soap on it, wipe it down and rinse it," I replied. And he did! Over and over again he did, with some help from momma, I really did want to put away clean dishes. I put a bunch in we cleaned them I put them out to dry and got another handful, we washed those and laid them out and did this repeatedly until they were all done. Siah looked around, "I want to do moren (more)." "That's all there is," I told him. He shrugged his shoulders, I snapped a picture and we went to change our very wet clothes. What a joy to be without a dishwasher this morning.
Joseph, my husband told me he has good memories of dishwasher-less times in his childhood. So maybe the dishwasher isn't a need afterall.

Chloe

2010-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

All pictures get posted to facebook now I almost forgot I had a blog.
These are a few of the women in Chloe's life.
I love that I have friends in all age ranges, the wisdom of those older can only benefit my children all the more. I thank God for these women!

McWane Center with Grandmother and Grandaddy Nov 13

2009-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

Homestead Hollow

2009-12-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

Batman and Ironman!

2009-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patch October 23rd

2009-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Newly Remodeled Kitchen/Dining/Living Room area

2009-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Colorado 2009

2009-07-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Summer Pics

2009-06-04T17:28:00.001-07:00

Painting the Table. Siah's feet prints went on the bench seats and

Jonathan put his hand prints on the top.

The Splash pad in Gardendale, 5 minutes from our house. It is so fun for the boys!

Mother's Day Banquet. May 1st. I was barely 8 weeks prego and you can see the baby bump.

Mom had to give her Beau away because it bothered her allergies so bad,

but Jonathan loved him, until he didn't anymore.

25th Birthday at Stix.

Jonathan didn't know what to think about the Fire.

Our cute lil pool.

They rather slide their trucks down the slide then go down themselves. Whatever, it keeps them occupied outside and in one place for a while.

Mystery Dinner Theatre

2009-05-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Murder at the Dunmore Lodge was preformed April 24, 25. It was so much fun for the youth and myself, I was in charge of directing it this year. I am glad to have it done with, but boy was it fun and funny. I love working with youth!

Josiah's First Birthday Party

2009-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

It was a jungle theme, more specifically monkeys. He is our little monkey!

I'm One

2009-05-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Josiah turned One on Jan. 31st.

Two Year Old Sunday School Class

2009-05-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Brayden

Lucy Girl

Jonathan's class has a few more kids in it usually, but these are is good friends. We joke about he and Lucy (sitting next to him) being betrothed. We get the pleasure of keeping them during church every other month.

Adam and Amy

2009-01-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Adam and Amy went to a Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by a friend fo theirs. Don't they look fantastic!

Legos and a gun!

2008-12-26T16:27:00.001-08:00

Jonathan's first Lego castle!

Sweet boys playing together

Josiah knocked it down

Bang, Bang!

Christmas!!

2008-12-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

New tools! Jonathan wants to work like daddy.

My precious gift!

Christmas goodies!

Christmas morning at our house. Jonathan woke up first, Joseph and I went in to get him and Josiah was awake in his bed too. Jonathan got up and as he headed out the door turned around looked and us and said "I want toys." It all starts young, huh? I actually think he meant the ones he got the day before, but it was funny.

I started a tradition last year of putting cups in Jonathan's stocking. He liked the "cars" cups and the fake snow in the other one.

Elmo-head...like a Mr. Potato Head. He dresses up like a chicken, pig and elephant and makes comments like "Elmophant, that's funny."

Springville Road

2008-12-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Springville Road is the name of the praise band that Joseph leads at our church. They have recently been expanding and doing a few outside shows for various activities. Our church held a Fall Festival and they provided the music.

Holiday Pictures

2008-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Playing in the leaves!

2008-12-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Ride the Horsie Down to Town

2008-09-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Daddy in Gatlinburg late July.

Ga-gas

2008-09-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Jonathan learned about goggles this summer at the pool. He loves to wear them. He interpreted goggles to mean anything you put over your eyes. Glasses, sunglasses, and goggles are all incorporated into the one phrase "ga-gas."

Brothers

2008-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

The boys have always liked each other, but now they are really starting to interact. Jonathan loves "babying" Josiah (giving him toys, etc.). He also wants him to play ball, but Josiah is not so good at this most of the time he just gets hit in the head. He doesn't mind it though, because his favorite boy in the whole world his paying attention to him. My personal favorite is the mocking bird at the table. Jonathan makes a noise and Josiah copies him, they do it pretty regularly and they laugh and laugh. Josiah rarely cries, but when he does I think it throws Jonathan for a loop and he does not like it. Usually Jonathan's response is putting a finger over Josiah's mouth and saying, "stop." I have no idea where he ever hears the word stop. haa haa

Cloth Bottom Boys
In Tennessee at the Summer Youth Retreat in July

Amelia

2008-09-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

I was able to attend a dear friend's Wedding while in Arizona in July.

Amelia was married to Alex on Saturday, July 12.

I was also able to catch up with Donna Madsen, the frist women to mentor me.

We met before I could even drive in highschool.

The Moon and stars

2008-09-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

Jonathan really noticed the moon for the first time Sunday night. We were on our way home from evening service and he was repeating one word over and over again and pointing up out of the car. Finially I realized he was saying moon. Joseph told him they would look at the moon when we got home. So I got Josiah into bed and he and Jonathan stayed outside for a few minutes. Joseph pointed to the moon and told Jonathan, "That's the moon. God made the moon and God made Jonathan." After a few moments of silence Jonathan looked at Joseph then motioned to the moon in the way he does when he wants to touch something he can't. Then dropped his arm, still staring and said, "wow." Then last night it was the stars. It was cloudy so there were only a few visible, but he found them in the sky and then we told him that God made them too. He is learning about God as creator in Sunday School and Puggles (the youngest awana group). It is amazing to watch him learn. "Oh Lord, please call Him to Yourself"

Josiah loves Grandma Rene

2008-09-07T14:54:00.001-07:00

Josiah and I visited Arizona mid July and these are pictures of him and his beloved Grandma.

Josiah is 5 1/2 months here.

Josiah's Mohawk

2008-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Josiah's newborn hair all fell out except for a thick portion right down the middle. On two occasions we gelled it up.

Graduation

2008-05-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jessica singing "In Christ Alone"

Sarah, Jessica and I
Katie is in the middle with the long blonde hair.
Typical Sarah pose

We had three senior girls graduate from our Youth Group. I have had the pleasure of discipling Jessica, Sarah is younger sister to some of my best friends, and Joseph's cousin Katie.

My Mother's Day Present

2008-05-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

Pictures continued

2008-05-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Joseph gave me pictures of the boys for Mother's Day. They did great. Aren't they beautiful?!?

Josiah's Dedication

2008-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

We dedicated Josiah Adam to the Lord on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day celebration

2008-05-22T16:18:00.001-07:00

Joseph and I got together with Clara's family for Mother's Day. We were there to celebrate Memaw.

My Sweet Boys

2008-05-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Josiah over the last couple of months. Josiah loves his big brother. He even puts up with Jonathan crawling all over his head just to play with/near him.

Hee Haw

2008-05-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

Our youth group recently put on a dinner theatre. It's theme was Hee Haw.

Introducing Little Man

2008-03-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

Most of you know Adam means man so I have begun calling him "Little Man" for his middle name.

He started smiling in his 4th week. He started cooing the beginning of week 6. He now tries to find his mommy and his daddy when he hears our voices. He rolls his eyes around and there might be a slight head movement in our direction. He definitely moves him legs when he hears us. It is so much fun.

I have to point out the hair. Whereas Jonathan's hair did a rooster tail at the crown, Josiah has a definite Mohawk. His hair is thick like his momma's and is very easily styled, but it does the mohawk thing on its own.

He is growing so fast, I think he is bigger than Jonathan was at this age. He has no dimples, sorry everyone. He is is own little person.

Oh and one more thing, he is just as sqirmy now as he was the entire 9 months inside!! (He just might have Restless Leg Syndrome like his Papa! haha)

Patel Wedding

2008-03-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to attend an authentic Indian Hindu wedding this past Sunday. Joseph's co-worker was married Sunday at 11:00. It was a very interesting experience. The ceremony itself was done in Sanscript. We were not the only ones who could not understand what was said. I had a chance to wear my Sari (spelling unknown, Indian dress) that I bought while in India with my dad, during spring break my senior year of high school.

We are praying for the salvation of the newly married couple.

Jonathan and spagetti

2008-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

We let Jonathan eat all by himself for the first time on Tuesday night. I kept saying, "He needs help," but with Joseph's encouragement I left him alone and he did great. He is a neat eater as it is anyway, but this is the messiest he got during his meal of spagetti. He didn't get it on the walls or on the floor! He sure is cute, huh?

Latest Update

2008-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

I just e-mailed an update to a friend and thought it would be good to post it.
Today I ate what I wanted for lunch, when I wanted it and with both hands!! Jonathan spends Thursday afternoons (well, beginning at around 11) with the Dumas'. Since I have all afternoon with just Josiah I am getting caught up on a few things and I will nap with the baby later. It is so nice.
Jonathan is a wonderful big brother; we are still working on the concept of "careful". He loves to kiss his baby, although sometimes he rests his hand on Josiah's stomach as he bends over! At least he is trying. He is very helpful when it comes to the baby. It amazes me at 18 months all that he can do (when he decides he will). We have seen some anxiety emotionally; he falls apart when we tell him not to do something regarding Josiah. He also has begun to throw himself on the floor. I usually ignore him at those times, unless it is out of defiance. Usually it is because he has been told no and he throws the fit instead of continuing to do whatever it is we have told him not to do. So we are choosing our battles. I could spank him all day long if I didn't. He is not a strong willed child so I try to be careful about spanking, but when he deserves them he sure gets them!

Three months later...

2008-03-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

I have a moment...
We have a son...
Here's Josiah Adam!

Our Getaway

2007-12-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Joseph and I took the third weekend of November, left Jonathan with my parents in Gadsden, and headed up to Mentone. The colors were spectacular and we really enjoyed staying at the Bed and Breakfast. Here are a few pictures of the area and us.

Pirate Party

2007-11-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Our friend's, the Stovall's, have an annual Pumpkin Carving Party and this year the theme was Pirates. So we dressed up. We spent very little, so what you see we either found around the house or I put together using some cloth I had lying around.

This is everyone who came and dressed up.

This is Hank and Joseph.

Jeremy and Gina Hitt

Hank and Katherine Kuykendall

Hoedown

2007-11-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

November 15-16 our church held a Missions Conference. Saturday evening we had a church-wide fellowship. Joseph won for best dressed Cowboy. He and his dad, John both carried real guns!

Jonathan's hat didn't quite fit his head, it is hanging around his neck. In this picture he is pointing out his brother, Josiah, by touching mommy's tummy. (Not really his hand just happened to be there, he is clueless to the fact that he is going to have a brother.)

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-19T12:15:00.001-07:00

It is the first "Fall" thing we do each year and every year it is still hot. At least his bright red cheeks make for good pictures. We had a good time, despite the heat.

Aidan's Announcement

2007-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

We would like you all to visit Adam's (Bethany's brother) website. Our nephew Aidan has important news to share with everyone!

Baby Brother-now with pictures

2007-09-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

We found out last Wednesday that Jonathan will be big brother to Josiah Adam come February. We are thrilled to know that we are expecting our second son. We hope there will be plenty of time for a girl, for now I am enjoying saying my boys as always, Joseph included.

Norris Wedding

2007-09-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I were both in our friends' Wedding last Saturday. Justin and Gray Norris were married September 8th. Grandmother Clara brought Jonathan to the reception.

First Birthday Party: GIFTS

2007-08-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Jonathan loved to receive his gifts, he got so excited about each one. He got a lot of musical gifts and he plays them all the time at home!!

First Birthday Party: CAKE

2007-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Jonathan's Birthday Saturday, August 18. Grandma Rene (Bethany's paternal grandmother), Memaw (Joseph's maternal grandmother), Vaughn and Kathy, John and Clara, Hannah, Philip and Nathan were there with Joseph and I to celebrate. We had a great time. It took Jonathan a little time to get going on his cake and he still didn't make that big of a mess when he finally ate it. He was so cute. Oh, he hid his head in daddy's shoulder when we all starting singing Happy Birthday. Overall I say he LOVED the attention!

Jonathan is One!

2007-08-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Grandma Rene

2007-08-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Jonathan was sad to see Grandma Rene go after staying with us a few days at the end of her visit to Alabama.

ALL DONE!

2007-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, while at the beach, we went to Big Kahuna's Water Park and Jonathan had so much fun!! He loved the water. He played so hard that he crashed in the afternoon for a couple of hours. Good thing we were warned to bring the pack in play!

Jonathan goes to the Beach

2007-07-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Jonathan had a great time with the

youth group at the beach last week.
This is his first time to the beach!

I think he was a little confused as to why
the water kept coming and going!!

"Did you see that too, mom??"

Family picture...you can see the new
baby making a bump of an appearance
if you look closely!

Jonathan loves the water!

2007-07-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Whether it be a pool, the bathtub, a faucet, or a fountain, you can bet that Jonathan will get excited over it and want to put his hands and feet in it.

1st Haircut 10 months old

2007-07-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

It was just a trim and I saved every hair!

The Bottle

2007-07-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Jonathan has done very well transitioning from

breatfeeding to drinking soy milk in his bottle.

He just holds his bottle in a very untraditional way!!

9 months old today!

2007-05-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Our little boy is getting older. It won't be long until
we celebrate his first birthday. I am still trying to
make every day count, I love watching him learn
to do all the new things he is doing. We gave his
hair a trim around the neck and ears the 17th.
Here are his 9 month pictures.

Waving "bye-bye"

Riding in His Wagon

Our Niece

2007-05-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the first picture of the family of four.

With the most recent addition of Kate,

our first niece! Joseph think she looks like

Amy's side of the family. She looks a lot like Aidan,

her older brother.

She is beautiful! There is no question about that!

Stolen from Adam's Blog- "Monkey Cousins"

2007-05-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

See the resemblance??

Playing Outside

2007-05-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Boys and their toys!
Jonathan like most guys, loves being outside.

This is his red wagon, daddy just put it together
for him the afternoon this was taken.

Jonathan loved the Park, this is his first time
in a swing all by himself. Check out that hair!

This picture was taken at Church. The little girl
is Lucy Kuykendall. She is a very laid back baby
as well so he likes playing with her.

Mildred Marceta Charles Van Liew 2-27-1907 ~ 4-11-2007

2007-04-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Mildred Marceta Charles Van Liew of Phoenix, AZ, 100, was born in Grand Haven, Michigan on February 27, 1907, the third of 12 children. Mildred grew up in the Fremont, Michigan area and graduated from high school there. She married George C. Van Liew on June 14, 1928, and they birthed four sons, the first of whom died in infancy. With their remaining three sons, they moved to Arizona in 1947, purchasing a grocery store in Mesa, Arizona where they served until 1952 when they founded Van's Mobile Homes, aka Van's RV Trailer Co., now in the Sun City area. Mildred was a vital part of the business until the late 1980's when she retired. Son George C. Van Liew, Jr. is deceased, son David A. Van Liew resides in Seattle, Washington, and son Paul E. Van Liew resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Mildred is also survived by two brothers, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Palmcroft Baptist Church, 15825 North 35th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona, Friday evening April 20, 2007, 6:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. Funeral Services will also be held at Palmcroft Baptist Church, Saturday morning, April 21, 2007, 10:30 A.M. According to Mildred's desire, in lieu of flowers, please forward any memorial gifts to Harvest Foundation, P.O. Box 2670, Phoenix, Arizona 85002. The Van Liew Family is proudly being served by Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ.

The Love of Jesus

2007-04-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went through the McDonald's drive threw. I ordered my cheeseburger and went to pay and instead of paying I received this card and a "Have a good day" from the employee. "We just wanted to show you the love of Jesus in a practical way," is the inscription and as you can see it is a card for Gardendale's First Baptist Church.

I have mixed feelings about it. Oh I am grateful to the lady who paid for my lunch, she went out of her way to show kindess, but as Joseph says, "We are here to promote Jesus, not a church." He says a tract is more appropriate, people around here for the most part believe that Jesus loves them, or have heard it enough that one more time doesn't make much of a difference. What really makes the difference is what Jesus did on the cross to show how much He loved us. He carried our sins to the cross and defeated sin and death, He is the only one who could and He did. It is out of the overflow of joy that I serve. I understand why the lady in front of me did what she did and maybe she hopes that the person who received the card for her church, will go there and find out more, but why take that chance, why not tell a person then and there?

But then again, how many of us tell anybody anything? Something is better than nothing. We need to be gripped by the thing closet to God's heart, the slaughter of His Son on the cross. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19 How important is this to our Lord? These were some of Jesus' last recorded words, that how important.

Aidan

2007-04-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Vaughn "Aidan" Van Liew, Amy Van Liew

My nephew was 1 on March 31 and I just got
some pictures from my brother.

Happy Easter

2007-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

He is Risen!! He is Riesen indeed.

We had a wonderful Easter and we hope y'all did too!

We had a very convicting message at church and got

to witness 2 of our dear friends being baptized.

Then we went to Joseph's parents for great food and

even better fellowship. We are full to the brim and

spilling over. Here are two pictures of us yesterday

at Church. Love to everyone!

Piano Man

2007-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Beggining early

Almost 2 1/2 months (below)

Daddy teaches him where to put his hands!

Now he can hit the notes on his own!
He loves to play pretty songs for us, especially
with Daddy and Uncle Timothy holding him!

Our Little Guy

2007-03-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

The days are geting warmer!! Look at those legs!!

Jonathan let us play with him!

He didn't even try to get the sun glasses off his head!
His cute little "yoda" ears kept my glasses on his head.

Zucchini Bubbles

2007-03-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Zucchini is a new favorite of Jonathan's. Although,
I think he may enjoy the mess more than the taste!

My Family

2007-03-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

The George Van Liew family

5 Generations to celebrate Grandma Van's 100th!

Vaughn and Kathy, Adam, Amy and Aidan and us!

Papa with his grandsons

We spent a week with the Van Liew's in February.
Jonathan was 6 months and his cousin, Aidan, was almost 11 months.

Update Update!!

2007-03-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to access the internet, sorry!
Here are a few pictures to update everyone!

Jonathan is teething!
Everything goes into his mouth!
Especially his pigs!

Nap Pals

2007-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Grand-daddy loves to take his naps with Jonathan. Grand-daddy rocks himself to sleep then Jonathan follows shortly after! Jonathan likes that little spot on Grand-daddy, he just curls up and is very content even if he doesn't sleep.

Going to church with Leo!

2007-01-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Jonathan carried our Bibles into Church for us , I think Leo helped him. (Leo is his favorite toy, that I mentioned in a previous blog)

Great Grandma Van

2007-01-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last week we were informed that my Great Grandmother was very possibly on deaths door. Our family members were encouraged to say their good-byes. Since she is in Phoenix, my good-bye had to be done over the phone. I have never enjoyed talking on the phone about important things, I would much rather be face to face or write it all down. So, Joseph and I prayed and I made the phone call. I told her I loved her and that I was so thankful for the godly heritage she has passed down. That was about all I could get out and I was very disappointed. So I determined to write her a letter, whether or not she lived to receive it, I would feel better about writing all the things about her that were so important to me. This is what I said...

Dearest Grandma Van,
I am so very thankful that God chose to give me a great grandmother like you. Mom and I were talking about you the other night and I realized it was you who first introduced me to sharing my faith. When we lived in Grandpa George's old green house down the street from you when I was in fifth grade, I went to Backyard Bible Clubs with you and Mrs. Singer. Thank you for watering that desire in my heart. The desire to see the lost come to know Christ is still very strong in my life and in the life of my husband, Joseph as well.
So I really meant it when I said I am thankful for the godly heritage you have given your children and their children and their children, so we can in turn pass it on to our children.
I wanted you to know that Jonathan David has been dedicated to the Lord and we pray first for his salvation and second that he will be a godly man of integrity who does great things for the Lord.
Selfishly, I wish that I could introduce you to Jonathan in February, but the better thing is to go to meet the Lord. What a glorious homecoming that will be! A long life, well lived! The Lord God will definitely say to you, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Your life has produced many ripples, like a rock thrown into water, you may never know how many other lives your 100 years of service have touched, but I am eternally grateful that I am counted among those lives. The godly counsel and wisdom you have gained you never kept to yourself and I thank God, that He prompted you to share it with others.
I love you so very much; I pray that it was evident in my life. Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God (and will continue to for all my days) upon every remembrance of you."

I sent it out the very next day and God has chosen to sustain her life thus far. So I know she will be able to read the words of my heart. I still have mixed feelings wanting to see her and wanting her to go ahead and be with the Lord. I am glad I don't have that decision to make, it is so good to be able to put all our trust in the Lord.

This week's updates

2007-01-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

If you don't know Jonathan means a "gracious gift of God" and Joseph and I agree that he has been graciously entrusted to us for a time. With each passing day our little boy grows older. I have to admit there are times in the middle of the night I am not as enthralled with our son as I am with the many smiles and coos I receive throughout the day. We pray for him regularly that God would choose to call our first born to Himself and that he would grow up to be a righteous man of integrity. Praise God that it isn't up to us as parents to get him to Heaven, but we do have a responsibility to the Lord and to Jonathan. Please pray that we would have wisdom, patience and selfless attitudes.
I'll put the latest pictures of Jonathan on when I have a chance. He now holds his head up very well so he has a little more freedom in his play time. He is also arching his back and trying hard to roll from his back to his stomach, but this is a relatively new trick so it may take him a while. His favorite game is for Joseph or I to hold him facing us, he then puts his arms around our necks opens his mouth really wide and eats whatever of our facial features he can get in his mouth (I think that the cheek bone is his number one target!!). He talks almost non stop. His favorite toy is a Baby Enestein Lion with bold colored paws for teething, he talks to it quite frequently as well. I sneak in to his room at night still sometimes to watch him sleep and I still can't believe that I am a mom and that the sweet boy dreaming is my beautiful baby boy!

Dedication

2007-01-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

Joseph and I dedicated Jonathan, to the Lord in front of our church body on December 24th, along with Vaughn and Kathy Van Liew, John and Clara Dumas and Margaret Wallace (Memaw-Joseph's mother's mother).

Also attending were Joseph's siblings: Timothy, Hannah, Philip, and Nathan and two of his aunts: Emily Helms and Rachel Lockhart.

Cereal!!

2007-01-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

Our boy is getting bigger. December 19th he was 4 months and he began eating Oatmeal.

Uncle Tim

2007-01-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

October 19th, Timothy's (and Hannah's) Birthday. The celebration was just too much for Timothy and Jonathan.

Aunt Hannah

2007-01-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is Jonathan and his Antie Hannie (Joseph's sister Hannah). He always has someone to play with it when we visit with Joseph's family.

Christmas Day

2006-12-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Jonathan's First Christmas

Jonathan and Grandmother!

2006-11-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Grandmother Clara loves Jonathan David and Jonathan loves grandmother!!
Jonathan is carrying on a conversation with grandmother."Are you taking another picture of me?"

Our angel

2006-11-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

He is such a good baby. Isn't he precious as he sleeps?

Swinging

2006-11-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

Jonathan enjoys being in his swing and mommy doesn't mind being able to cook dinner with two hands!!

Jonathan David

2006-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

What a happy boy!
He loves to smile! Such a big boy!!

Jonathan

2006-11-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Jonathan David and his mommy!

Jonathan @ 2 mos

2006-10-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

First Entry

2006-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

Joseph and I have finally established a site that y'all can easily get to. We hope to update it regularly with pictures of Jonathan David so y'all can see how he grows.