Simplify.

We had an awesome challenge at church yesterday to simplify our lives. Just about all the clutter that fills our life both physically and otherwise. This is something my dad often told me growing up as well and I love it! Simplify. So on top of cleaning out my car, the garage and purging our lives of all the clothes, dvd's, and just crap that fills up our house (and I dont consider myself a pack rat and I'm not a knick-knacky person either but still we have so much we could get rid of!...)...anyway, we are also trying to clean out our time, focus and emotions. "Seek FIRST HIS kingdom..." Which is so hard to do truly and authentically I think, but in our daily struggle to be more like Him and honor Him in our daily living...the process begins, which is ongoing, of "simplifying" the DVR timers, our weekend calendar, bank accounts, the pressures and expectations we put on ourselves and others and just our crazy, busy thoughts and lives in general. Anyway, wish us luck! :)
**Baby is good. 37 weeks and counting! Reese pics and update soon!

Our little princess

So as the day and time approach quickly here at the end (I am 35 weeks yesterday) we are getting so excited to meet this new little member of our family. I want Reese to have siblings and I have always wanted a big family. But also as we get closer, I find myself with the mixed emotion of being sad at the reality that we will go have this baby and at that moment, things will change and we won't have Reese by herself anymore. I'm not worried about my love for the new baby or anything, but just sad that it’s not just gonna be “Reeseie” anymore. and wondering how that dynamic is going to work out. She is just so sweet and cute and fun and a joy to us and we have loved loved loved her personality and just love being able to give so much to her and spend so much time with her…I know those things we love about her won’t change and that pretty much everyone in the world has gone through this moment if you’ve had more than one child. I know that once the baby is here, I’ll love it so much and won’t be able to imagine life without it…at least, that’s how I always felt when one of these guys was born. But, it is still a feeling I am struggling with a little here. We are praying daily for the Lord to bless and sustain our individual relationships with Reese after the baby and to allow her to feel loved, special and steady...not overwhelmed or upset by the change in her little life. So anyway, anyone with advice for me, please share! :)

32 weeks and counting...

Sorry for overloading you with 2 posts in one day!(below)
I am 32 weeks today. Everything is checking out good at the doctors appointments. Feeling good, just huge, sore and tired :) We are still taking our Bradley class and it's going well, I am feeling more and more confident and excited about our choice to labor and deliver naturally. Reese doesn't totally comprehend everything but is very sweet and thinks the "bo baby" (what she calls the baby) is going to come out and play with her in her room! So, we would appreciate your prayers for these last weeks and the labor/delivery. We are very excited!
**Im not a huge fan of belly shots (mainly because I look huge) but here are a few. The first one is at 22 weeks, the bottom one is tonight at 32 weeks--and yes, Im already in my pj's and my hair is puffy--I know.)

San Antonio...

Last weekend we had the pleasure of visiting our dear dear friends, Rosey and Jimmy, in San Antonio. Some of our best college friends and we have stayed that way for almost 10 years now!! We are turning 30, having kids, and taking crappy vacations together and love them so much and miss having them close by! They are very gracious and always allow us to drag them out for mexican food when we are there and this time, they took us to a super fun place called La Fogata. If you are in San Antonio, try it! And I finally got my churro that I have been waiting like 4 years for! On the way back, we stopped in Waco at a place called Health Camp...we try to make that a tradition...also a great place to try if you ever happen to be in Waco. (O'steens-am I right?? :) ) It is a great greasy burger and shake place! Here's a few pics from the weekend.

Thankful.

"My soul waits for the Lord; He is my help and my shield. For my heart is GLAD in Him!..."
Psalm 33:20-21a

I think one of the neatest things a person can hear is their child praying. Prayer has been something I have been studying, hearing about in church, convicted about the past month or so. So many times, almost all the time, I struggle to solve things myself, fix things myself, I struggle with controlling every aspect of things happening in my life, good or bad, I struggle with remembering daily that this place is not my home, I struggle with self-pity and contentment, I struggle with feeling isolated and alone sometimes. I have been reminded many times as of late that I am in no way in control, that no matter what happens in my life my God is a GOOD God, a God that forgives, a God that is faithful. The past few months have really highlighted my “life verse”, James 1:2-4, for me and just recently has the Lord been gracious enough to allow a light to click on in my head. Pray. Pray without ceasing. I think prayer is such a general term and something we throw around so easily without understanding it. I have for the first time in a long time, truly been on my knees faithfully praying, trying to turn my focus from “me, poor me” to “God. What an amazing God. What an amazing creation, what infinite power, goodness, justice, and holiness!” It has been amazing and emotional and has shown me my Savior in a deep way. And back to the beginning comment…Reese has also been included in this with me and we have been praying together, not just at bedtime, but in the mornings before school, in the car, everywhere and she has responded in this truly amazing way. Her attitude has been different, the way she is relating to us…Hearing her sweet little voice saying “I love you Jesus” is very humbling. So, as I sit here crying, in renewed knowledge of my sin and my need for my Savior…I am thankful that He would save a wretch like me and continues to work in me…

“Count it ALL JOY my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds. For the testing of your faith develops perseverance. And let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…”
James 1:2-4

Color Splash

So I've found a new way to waste time on my iPhone. It's an app called Color Splash and you can take photos and make them part black & white and part color. For whatever reason I think it's really cool. Kate doesn't really get it. But here are a couple of photos I "color splashed" anyway.

First Trip to the ER

Well to celebrate Valentine's Day and our 6th wedding anniversary Kate and I took our daughter on a date to two emergency rooms. Last night at dinner Reese got a very funny look on her face like she was dizzy and about to puke. Then she tells us that her head hurts (which she's never done before) and starts acting funny. And being the good parents that we are we rush her over to the Cooks Children's urgent care that's about 3 minutes from our apartment. We fill out the book of forms to check in and after sitting in the waiting room for 15 minutes Reese's dinner shoots out of her mouth and onto the floor. Now I forgot to mention that earlier in the day she had fallen off of our overstuffed chair in the living room and hit the back of her head (this info will be important in a second).

After seeing her undigested macaroni and having a family clean up session in the bathroom, Reese's head seems to stop hurting. But again we as concerned parents decide to stay and have her checked out by a doctor. So they check her and three of the symptoms of a concussion are change in disposition, vomiting and fever. Of course Reese is batting 1,000 on this and we recall that she hit her head earlier in the day. But she maybe fell 12 inches onto carpet. Well long story short (too late) the doc at the first place scares the crap out of us and says that they need to send our daughter downtown because head injuries can go downhill quick. They have to send an ambulance (that takes 40 minutes to get there), I have to follow behind it in the car, they give Reese an IV, hook her up to a heart rate monitor, she gets a CT scan, the hospital tells my mom that we're coming on Care Flight, on and on it goes.

When it was all said and done we discover that she has some sort of stomach virus that's going around and there is absolutely no head injury of any kind. Reese gets a teddy bear from her ride with the Teddy Bear team (that's what they call the Cooks transports), she gets a rainbow popsicle at midnight, and a new shirt to wear home because her other one contains the remnants of her dinner.

All of this story to say that it was a hectic, stressful night. But we are so thankful that our little girl is ok and we're interested to see how much the teddy bear and popsicle cost. :)

Need I say more.

MLK Day

I would just like to take a moment to thank Martin Luther King Jr. for giving me this opportunity to have a much-needed day off! Gaylord Entertainment decided this year to observe as a company MLK Day as a paid holiday and all I have to say to that is a big, fat YEA!!! So I am enjoying signing up for Facebook(yes, Skip finally drug me into it), catching up on 24, taking a glorious afternoon nap, reading, taking Reeseie to the park...It's a great day!

(And yes, I do also realize that he was a very significant historical figure that did some pretty cool things :) )

Finally...

Here are few pictures from Christmas...

Jack's back...and so are we!

With the return of our beloved Jack Bauer last night, Skip and I felt it was time to return to the land of the “blogging” living. The new year has brought many new exciting things…cold weather, a new slew of resolutions, vacation time kicking in at work, 24 and Lost….
But to backtrack a little, our holiday times were wonderful although fast. We spent Christmas Eve with Skip’s family and Christmas Day with mine. Reese cleaned up this year as you will see from pics coming soon (as soon as I replace the batteries in the camera). Then we slid into the new year with a bang, with a New Year’s Eve consisting of pizza, pajamas, and my favorite couch.

As of tomorrow, I will be 23 weeks along, pregnancy wise…We had a second sonogram last Thursday and everything checked out well. The first one showed some inflammation in the baby’s kidney’s but this time it all looked fine, which was an answer to prayer. I am feeling stretchier and bigger this time around so I am a little scared about 15 more weeks from now, but one day at a time. I am getting very excited!!!
Well, pics to come. I'll get them up tonight. Hope everyone had a great start to 2009!

Question of the day to ponder (brought up by my weekend activity of doing dishes and laundry): What the heck happens to 1) tops to Tupperware?? and 2) socks. I swear there is a hole in the dryer that sucks out the matches to socks.

Ummm, nothing clever comes to mind...

...Two blogs in one day, I know. Obviously I am very busy at work today :)
Just wanted to catch up on some pics! Life is good. I am still feeling sick but T-2 had a good checkup this week! Reese has now decided however, that it is a "boy baby." :) We got to go to the Coldplay concert this past week and it was awesome as always! We are looking forward to Thanksgiving food (my fav) and taking some time away from things for family, friends and setting aside time to specifically pray and be thankful for all the things we are continually blessed with! We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

...Look at the sweet, glitttery face! Our little fairy princess!

Her first "trick or treat." With her best friend Miller (Fergus the train)

...showing off her one piece of candy she was allowed to eat :)

Forgot to turn the pic before loading. Sorry!

...Hangin with the Stewart's and our dear friends the Womacks.

Travis is back from Iraq and we are so thankful for his safety!

...Playing in the hay maze at the pumpkin festival

... At the Great Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum

With GiGi at the Butterfly Flutterby...sporting her antenna! :)

Riding the pony at the Butterfly Flutterby

Talking to myself

So, in response to myself and my last blog...
Church on Sunday was very convicting for me. It was one comment that really reminded me of something. During the prayer, we prayed that God alone would satisfy and consume us.
That was it. Small words that meant alot to me considering my recent addiction :) I was very convicted about that certain book / movie that I previously called an "obsession". I truly want and struggle daily to be satisfied in my God and Savior ALONE. I struggle against the things of the world that fight for my time and emotions. I could go on and on, BUT, I want to be careful not to go too far the other way either. I do not think books, movies, music are wrong. I think being truly consumed by it, and using it to fill and satisfy, is. So anyway, just some thoughts I am thinking today. Think what you will about it. I know people have differing opinions on Harry Potter and tv and all that stuff...but hopefully the one thing we can agree on as Christians is that we all struggle to be more like Christ, to live our lives in a manner that would glorify Him, and that none of us will reach that standard this side of heaven. So I guess in closing...enjoy Twilight :) (because it's awesome!!)....but remember what, who, and where our true loyalty, worship and affections lie.

Obsession.

Obsession. Check out the definition in Webster’s. This word defines the last week of my life. I have been waiting to start a certain book until I felt better, but with the movie coming out this weekend, I felt I couldn’t wait any longer. Yes. That’s right. I’m talking Twilight. My original intent was to casually read Book One this week so I would be done in time for the movie. Started reading and couldn’t put it down! Literally. I have read 4 books in 6 days. There might be soundtracks, magazine covers and DVRing Entertainment Tonight involved. It reminds me of the first time I read the Harry Potter books. So exciting and something new. I am pretty much dreaming about vampires :)…although I have assured Skip he has nothing to worry about! I don’t actually think in real life I will meet a vampire any time soon…although I wouldn’t mind meeting Rob Pattinson.(the vampire character in the movie) :)
So to those of you I have already pulled into my obsession with me, congratulations and I cant wait for the movie! And to those of you not yet on the bandwagon, hop on!!

The Morning After

Well, I am feeling many things this morning. Disappointment, fear, uncertainty. I could truly go off about the outcome of last night. Un-educated voters, the fact that no one can actually tell me in words what “change” he is bringing, the fact that the media and pop culture directed so many peoples votes, the fact that Obama will not allow the media to even speak his middle name, the fact that people have already been arrested for assassination plots against him, what is going to happen regarding terrorism, the fact that his moral compass is completely broken. The man now running our country scares the crap out of me. But at this point, it is done. God is in control. Regardless of my opinions, our ultimate, supreme ruler is Christ anyway. He is aware of who is now our authority as far as government goes. I will continue to be faithful to pray every day for God’s protection and favor on this country of ours even though we do not deserve it. And I will trust that His sovereign wisdom is greater than I can understand. I will continue to love this country, love freedom, support the troops, sing the national anthem, pledge allegiance to the flag, and remember 9/11. As out of control and worried as I feel, I will take comfort in the God of the Universe. The entire Universe. As in, the Universe that is bigger than the United States.

Vote!

I am leaving work to go VOTE!! Remember to vote and PRAY for our Nation today! God is in control people!

--Ok. I know. Blogging 2 days in a row. I just feel like I need to share Part 1 of the story I told yesterday. The so sweet moment that ended up in the blog yesterday was preempted by this one: All day Saturday Reese was whining, throwing fits, being 2…My husband, who has many virtues, one of the strongest I consider to be patience, was losing it. (As was I) And you all know it takes a lot to make him lose his cool—unless it is a church softball game :) Anyway, so at 8:00 that night, which is her bedtime, we pack Reeseie up and head to Mimi’s. We drop her off to play in a desperate moment, and for one precious hour, go sit at On the Border and have chips and queso. I don’t think we said a word the whole time :) It was wonderful. Im sure our waiter wondered if we were fighting or something since we weren’t talking and I know we looked a little disheveled. Me in my stretchy workout pants, hair in a ponytail, no makeup…And these times are really few and far between right now because of Skip's football schedule and me feeling so bad 24/7! Oh well. But you know what, these many imperfect moments in our life is what made the moment in the blog from yesterday so much sweeter and makes us "real". Just had to share. I thought it was only fair you see both sides of the story :)

Now, Go Vote!

True Love and Sleeping In

So. On this, the Monday following Daylight Savings Sunday, I write to you to say…I miss sleeping in! This is the third year that we in no way get to sleep in as our daughter got up at 5:30, (so 4:30 time change wise). I was not about to get the day going that early so I moseyed on into her room and climbed in bed with her. She laid there awake for probably an hour, but God was good in the midst of my exhaustion and it was the sweetest hour ever! We were both curled up on our sides facing each other, and Reese had her “wankie, soodie.” Which for those of you that don’t speak Reese is her blankie and soothie (pacifier). Anyway, we laid there looking at each other, and both of our eyes eventually started to close. Then I felt her scoot closer to me and put her forehead against mine and she put her little hand on my cheek. Then she moved it and put it right on the middle of my chest and was kindof patting me. All this with her eyes closed. I was so tired I felt like crying (I have to admit), but laying there with her was the sweetest thing ever! Moments that will be etched in my mind forever and that mean way more than an hour of sleep. Having her has taught me so much about what it really means to be a mother, unconditional love (and I mean unconditional)…Sometimes I know I haven’t done the right thing with her or I raise my voice when I shouldn’t have and I ask her to forgive me and tell her I love her so much. She doesn’t remember those things…Eventually she will grow up and experience being hurt, having her trust in someone broken, mean people. One of my prayers for her is that she experiences love as Christ intended it more than the harsh effects of a non-believing world. I think that innocent, unconditional, close your eyes and put your hand on your mommy’s cheek kind of love is rare and one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced! And only through a child.

But, all that being said…next year, seriously, I am hiring someone to spend the night with my kids so I can SLEEP IN!! :) I'm for real. Any volunteers? I will pay cash.

T-2

As you might remember, before we knew that Reese was Reese, we called her “baby T”…a term of endearment really. Well, now we are excited to say that we have begun the adventure of “T-2” :) …
That’s right. Here we go again! Finding out about this baby was somewhat of a surprise, as we wanted to wait a little longer so we would be out of the apartment and back into a house by the time the baby was born. But, after a few weeks of freaking out a little, we are super excited!! We know God is in complete control of our lives and has had this baby planned and planned for us specifically since the beginning of time, which amazes me!
So…I am 12 weeks, due May 13th. May is a good baby birthing time :) Reese doesn’t really get it I don’t think, but if you ask her where the baby is, she will say mommy’s tummy. And if you ask if she wants a brother or a sister she will say “sheeshter” :) So sweet! We are planning on not finding out again so I guess she will have to wait until May to find out!
We are thrilled and would love your prayers for a healthy pregnancy, healthy delivery, and healthy baby!
--Stay tuned for Halloween pics next week!

Psalm 139: 13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well!”

Weekend update...

-So the past few weekends I have been partying it up :) On the 10th, I went to So You Think You Can Dance – Live! With sweet friends, Jen, Jenn, Meredith and Maggie. In case you didn’t know, this is a summer show by the producers of American Idol except dancing instead of singing! It is awesome! If you haven’t watched it, start this year!
-Last weekend we took Reese to the Butterfly Flutterby in Grapevine….she had wings on and looked so dang cute. They had little tiny ponies and she kept yelling “pony, pony” so we paid the $5 and let her ride the pony. She freaked out! Cried, freaked, wanted off the pony…so that wasn’t quite as successful as we thought it would be.
-This weekend I went to Jason Mraz with my friends from work Jenna and Amy. He was great, love him. Except he didn’t even sing the rocket song or You and I Both Know, which to me are two of his bigger songs…but he did make sure however, that he put Obama’s face in the background of a stained glass window up on the screen during one of his songs…
-Jason was Thursday night, Friday night was….High School Musical 3!!! That’s right. I was there on opening night with my friend Misty with every other 10 year old in the metroplex. And yes, it was worth it. I am so sad they are over. And I don’t care what you say…I love them, I own them on DVD, and I like Zac Efron. So there. :)
-Saturday we hung with the Stewarts and our dear friend Travis who we rarely get to see due to the fact he was in Iraq and now lives far away in Lufkin. Anyway, fun times were had by all at the kids carnival we went to and during the rousing political discussion that ensued. Check out Andrea’s blog and see her thoughts about it :) …

So now, back at work. It’s Monday. Yea.

Pics Part Deux...

Ok...so new pics were much needed on the blog. Stick with it...there are a bunch! Probably 3 posts worth in 1 !! :) Have fun...We have been having lots of fun lately and things are good! God is so good and faithful in our lives through this beautiful little girl, our families and friends!

New fav...spaghetti!

...at Luke's cool water party...

Reese and Owen...

Ready for school with Elmo backpack...

...we moved her to a big girl bed :(

who doesn't want to wear princess socks with their jellies????

She wanted every bow she owns in her hair at the same time...

Matty's birthday celebration!--Skip and Matt have been best friends for forever now and our familes are "family" to each other...Matt and Andrea and now sweet baby Luke are a constant in our lives and we love them dearly...And we love eating sopapillas with them at Uncle Julio's.

Girls night for restaurant week at Craft! This is a yearly tradition I share with these sweet girls!

THE END--YOU MADE IT!! :)