My Sydney Bear

I haven't updated on Sydney in a while, so here you go. She is 7 1/2 months old! (gasp!) Where does the time go? She is just the sweetest little thing ever. She does everything she can to keep up with her big sister and has been getting better and better at it. She is definitely more mobile than Gracie Claire was at this age. I wouldn't say she is full blown crawling yet, but you can definitely call it a caterpillar crawl. It's pretty cute to watch her make her way around the floor. She loves to cuddle (which I love as well) and when I go to get her up in the morning she wraps her little arms around my neck and squeezes so hard. There is nothing like a baby hug! She doesn't have any teeth yet. I keep thinking that there are some about ready to pop through, but nothing. She is constantly drooling and chewing on her hands or whatever she can get her hands on, but no teeth yet! It's too cute to see her little toothless grin though! She is a thumb sucker, which right now, I love! It's so precious to see her pop that tiny little thumb in her mouth. She didn't start this until around 4 months old and she's not constantly sucking on it. Just when she's getting tired or comforting herself. She laughs at almost everything that Gracie Claire does, which in turn, makes us laugh. Yesterday we were at the park and Sydney thought it was hilarious to watch Gracie Claire swing. Oh to be able to find the humor in every little thing! Something that I'm holding on to right now is the fact that she's a bit of a mommy's girl. When she's happy, she'll pretty much be content with anyone, but when she's upset, not feeling well, or tired, she only wants me. At times this can be a little inconvenient, but I know it's not going to last forever, so I'm trying to cherish the time that she's like this. She is completely perfect and precious! I SO love my Sydney Bear!

Sucking her thumb!

She loves playing on the floor with her sister. If I want a really good smile picture, that's usually the best time to get one!

Yeah, I'm chewing on my fingers. What's up?!

Just chillin'!

Our First Day of School

Gracie Claire started YCW last Thursday. She was completely looking forward to it and loved every second, except for nap time. She is only going one day a week, but I missed her so much for those 5 hours. It was definitely harder on me than on her. But, I'm trying to look at it as an opportunity to get to spend more one on one time with Sydney. Which, I love! We, of course, had to get a new first day of school outfit. It actually only turned out to be a new shirt, but that counts. We also got a new backpack and lunch box (both on clearance--BONUS!!) She had a great day and we love her new teachers. They both seem so sweet. I also love the fact that she's getting more time with kids her age. We're looking forward to a great year at YCW and I can't wait to see how Gracie Claire grows through this experience!!!!

Posing in her new "first day of school" outfit!

I had to include this one. She looks like she's giving attitude, doesn't she?!

Posing in her backpack!

Gracie Claire with her teachers Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Kristen.

Happy Birthday Babe!

Daddy & his girls very early on his birthday.

Paul has recently started doing some sprint triathalons. So, we got him a new bike helmet for one of his presents. As soon as he opened it, Gracie Claire wanted to put hers on too, of course!

Yesterday was Paul's 31st birthday. It was a great day overall. We woke up to Gracie Claire saying, "Happy Birthday to you DADDDDY!!!" We went right in to open up Paul's presents and cards and then presented him with his birthday cake. Gracie Claire and I made it for him the night before. She picked the decorations. Those hard sugar decorations in the shape of Sponge Bob Square Pants. It was hilarious when she pointed at them in the store and was completely positive that those were the perfect things to put on Paul's cake. It was so fun making the cake with her. She was so excited to give it to her Daddy. Later we went to lunch together and loved spending time together. So, in honor of my hubby's birthday, here is a list of the top 31 things that I love about him. (I know somebody has already done this, but I thought that since it was such a great idea, I would steal it!)

31. Paul is the most patient person that I know. This is a God thing, because it was a pre-requisite to marrying me. I can't believe how patient he is w/ me sometimes! I would slap myself!

30. He is a wonderful servant. He would never share this, but he goes up to the church one day a week and does whatever Patty Weaver needs him to do.

29. He is one of the most humble people I know. In everything that he has accomplished, he has always given all of the credit to the Lord.

28. He is SO kind. If you know my hubby, you know this about him. (This is probably one of the reasons he was named "Class Favorite" every year of high school...yes, another thing he wouldn't openly share.)

27. He is romantic. After 6 years of marriage, he still brings me flowers for no particular reason, except that he loves me.

26. He loves to stay healthy. He has always loved to exercise and be active. This is good, because I need extra motivation in this area. ;o)

25. He doesn't complain. I can't think of any time I've ever heard him complain.

24. He loves to laugh. It's one of the things that first attracted me to him.

23. He laughs at my jokes and he can make me laugh. And you have to be really funny to do that.

22. He loves my family. He's always treated and loved them as if they were his own.

21. He loves to do things outdoors. He loves fishing, hunting, and just being outside

20. He is SO smart. He loves to learn and is always researching new things that interest him.

19. He is persistent. When he wants something, he goes after it until he gets it. e.g. He graduated high school in '95 and spent 10 straight years working on his degree. It took him what seemed like forever, but he wanted that degree and he got it in 2005. (While working full time throughout those 10 years, might I add!)

18. He believes in me. He encourages me to become what the Lord wants me to be.

17. He challenges me. He always reminds me to be the Lord's woman in every attitude I take or decision we make. (Yes, sometimes it's hard to hear, but I'm glad he does it!)

16. He loves to travel and see new places. We've been able to travel a lot and have seen SO many awesome places together.

15. He has such a sensitive heart! His sweetness is beyond measure.

14. He knows his weaknesses and he works on them.

13. He is a wonderful provider.

12. He is a wonderful son, brother, and uncle.

11. He is a hard worker. He has always excelled in every job that he has had and has been successful in earning the respect of his superiors.

10. He is the BEST Daddy! He loves our daughters with everything he has! He is the BEST example of the kind of man that I hope and pray the Lord provides for them one day!

9. Gracie Claire and Sydney adore him! There are few things as precious as seeing their faces light up when he walks in the door.

8. He is the BEST husband and my best friend! God gave me more than anything I could have ever imagined when he gave me Paul!

7. He loves me unconditionally. And believe me, there are times that I can be truly unlovable.

6. He is a great man of faith. I've been blessed with a husband whose spiritual gift is faith. What an amazing gift that is to me. He holds strong when I start to doubt. He always reminds me that the Lord will pull through for us, even if it's not what we feel is the right answer. He's never been wrong about that.

5. He shares his faith with anyone that's around him. He has been a true example to so many! There are some that he has witnessed to for years now. What an awesome time it will be when they choose to give their lives to the Lord.

4. He shares the Lord with our daughters. More than anything we hope for them, we want them to grow up to be mighty women of God and Paul shares the Lord with them in various ways everyday.

3. He is our spiritual leader. He is a constant source of encouragement for our family to continue to work on the things we need to work on to become stronger in the Lord as a family.

2. He constantly strives to grow in the Lord! His prayer life constantly becomes stronger and he strives to apply Godly teaching and counsel to his life.

1. He loves the Lord with all he has. There are so many things that are completely attractive about my husband, but this is the most attractive thing. To know that he loves our Lord as much as he does makes me love him more and more every single day! I am a blessed wife and our girls are blessed daughters!

Happy Birthday Babe! I love you SO much!!!!!

Loving the Lord

I love this video! It's just a great reminder of how the Lord fights and struggles for us!! Even when we mess up, fall down, and turn our backs on Him over and over again!

Bath Time Buds

Gracie Claire and Sydney experienced their first bath together. I did hold on to Sydney most of the time, even though she IS sitting up on her own. I'm just leery of her falling backwards and hitting her head. She didn't like sitting in the big, open tub at first. (This was also her first time out of her infant tub.) But, once she figured out how to splash water all over the bathroom, she was great! Gracie Claire was pretty good about sharing her tub space, but I think she was probably thrilled on the inside when we took Sydney out so she could have her play space back. I know I've said it before, but it is SO fun watching the sibling relationship develop!! LOVE IT!!

Mommy, get your arm out of the middle of the picture!

How am I suppose to splash when you won't let go of me?!

Thankfulness

Gracie Claire does not have a hernia! We are so thankful that she did not have to go through a surgery or anything more severe than what it really turned out to be! She has struggled with (get ready, this might be too much info.) bad constipation for probably a year now and her little body is/was really "full." But, we are so thankful that it is something that can be treated at home. Our doctor put her on a daily medication and I had to giver her (OK...more grossness coming) an enema today. That was traumatic enough. Watching her go through painful cramping about did me in. So, I look up to you all who have gone through so much worse. The enema worked well and we start the medication tomorrow. To top it all off, she had her first horrible day of seasonal allergies. My poor baby had a drippy nose, eyes, and bottom. (I know, that's so gross, but I try to find a little humor in everything that God fixes.) She had an exhausting day and fell asleep in my arms tonight (which never happens!) Thank you all for praying for our Gracie Claire. The power of prayer is amazing...even in the littlest of things!

Asking For Your Prayers

Gracie Claire woke up this morning saying, "My belly, my belly." Paul checked and there is a puffy area that looks something like a hernia in her lower abdomen. It's tender and she says it hurts when we touch it. We're going to the doctor in a couple of hours and are praying that this is nothing and that God would completely take care of it. Please pray for Gracie Claire and the doctor. We would really appreciate it. I will try to update as soon as I can.

Bible Study and the "Big Potty"

Sort of a weird title, I know. But, these are the two things that are on my mind this week!

The new semester of Ladies Bible Class started this week and I'm super excited! I'm taking Beth Moore's Daniel study and the first session was great! What she had to say in the very first video was so applicable to my life. It's so amazing how God puts you right where you need to be, isn't it?! I'm also excited about it because over the last couple of semesters, I've taken the mothering Bible studies, which have been great, but I was ready to dive into something new and different.

Other big news in our house is that Gracie Claire is potty trained!!!! (During the day...the night time is still a little too long to stay dry, but that's getting better too.) We've been working on it for the past couple of months, and she has finally realized exactly what she needs to do. She's doing great and it is such a big bonus for us. Every time she peeps in the potty, she yells, with the proudest voice, "YEAAAAAAA!" Yea for the "big potty and Elmo panties!"

Cuteness

100 Things

So, I've seen a couple of people do the list of 100 things about themselves (which was SO fun to read) and I was curious to see if I could come up with 100 things about me. Here goes:

1. I am left handed.
2. So are my mom and sister.
3. My sister and I cry a lot when we laugh.
4. I love to laugh until I cry.
5. You have to be really funny to make me laugh that hard.
6. I hate vacuuming.
7. I love to have clean floors.
8. I am very double jointed.
9. I can bring my arms over my head both ways while holding my hands together. (Does that even make sense?)
10. I am a silly person.
11. I have to know you really well and feel comfortable with you to show you my silly side.
12. I have a weird sense of humor.
13. I love the game Balderdash.
14. I have a weird fascination with words.
15. I love word finds.
16. When I look at a word, I usually say it backwards in my head.
17. I'm really good at spelling and saying words backward.
18. I love the computer.
19. I love taking pictures and editing them on the computer.
20. My favorite things to take pictures of are my girls.
21. I love being a mom.
22. It's the best job I've ever had.
23. I feel so blessed to stay at home with my girls.
24. I loved teaching.
25. I loved the students and the teachers I worked with.
26. I hope to go back to teaching one day.
27. One of my favorite foods is sushi.
28. Paul took me to eat sushi for the first time when we were dating.
29. We've been married for 6 years.
30. Paul is my best friend!
31. I love him more everyday!
32. I am a control freak.
33. It's hard for me to be a "helper" rather than a "leader." I'm working on this.
34. I've always loved TV.
35. The Cosby Show is my all-time favorite show.
36. I can still quote lines as I'm watching reruns.
37. My favorite movies are "Singin' In the Rain" and "The Princess Bride."
38. Paul and I have gotten to travel a lot.
39. We've been to lots of places outside of the US.
40. I like to fish.
41. I don't like worming the hook.
42. It makes me gag to see the worm guts squish out.
43. I love Vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic.
44. We don't buy soft drinks to keep at home.
45. I was born in Iowa in a town called Keokuk.
46. I lived there until I was in the 4th grade.
47. We moved to a town in Missouri called Moberly.
48. We lived there until I was in the 8th grade. We've lived here ever since.
49. I loved being pregnant.
50. I was so blessed to never get sick.
51. I love changing my hair.
52. I don't like getting ready in the morning.
53. I don't like wearing make-up.
54. I love shoes.
55. I've passed this love on to Gracie Claire.
56. Growing up, we had a pet ferret named Charlotte.
57. She was actually my brother's, but we all loved and cuddled her.
58. She is buried in my parent's backyard.
59. I am not a pet person.
60. Paul and I had a dog once.
61. She was a lab mix and her name was Lexi.
62. She moved to Abilene to live on a prisoner ranch.
63. I don't miss her.
64. I hate talking on the phone.
65. I'm not very good at returning phone calls in a timely manner.
66. Paul got me a new car for Christmas one year.
67. I didn't know anything about it.
68. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
69. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday.
70. I love to sing.
71. Worship is my favorite part of church.
72. We are searching for "our place" at church.
73. I crack my knuckles.
74. It's a habit that sometimes gets on my nerves.
75. I am horrible at making myself workout.
76. Once I start, I'm pretty good at being consistent.
77. I am in a workout slump right now.
78. I love the ocean.
79. I love to snorkel.
80. I'd rather be cold than hot.
81. I sweat a lot.
82. Even when I'm cold.
83. I've been diagnosed with hyperhydrosis. Seriously.
84. No anti-perspirant, not even prescription, can make me stop sweating.
85. I'm OK with that. It's pretty funny actually.
86. I've had surgery on my face.
87. I had to have a cyst, the size of a big marble, removed from my cheek.
88. The scar is in my smile line, so it's not really noticeable.
89. I would like to go hunting and shoot a big buck someday with Paul.
90. It would totally make his day.
91. I am the oldest.
92. I have a brother named Caleb and a sister named Gracie.
93. I will be 29 on November 8.
94. Paul and I will have been together for 9 years in March.
95. I am obsessed with my handwriting.
96. I used to rewrite all of my notes to make them neater when I was in highschool.
97. I've gotten a little less obsessive about it since then.
98. My Dad called me Manda Bether growing up.
99. My middle name is Beth.
100. I'm glad I'm done. I'm tired of typing. :o)

Faith

I don't know how people walk through life without knowing our Lord. I seriously could not make it without Him. There are things that happen in life that are whispers from the Father reminding us that He is in control, and no matter what the outcome, He will still be there. Things that build my faith. I need those nudges often. Reminders to remember that when we fall, our Lord will be right there to pick us up. What a completely precious gift that is! Thank you Lord for peace, patience, and compassion. Thank you for picking us up when we fall!

Family Pictures

We found a great photographer who is SO reasonable! Thought I'd share some of the pictures with you!

Gracie Claire Happenings...

Gracie Claire is in the stage of being SO fun, but at the same time, very trying. She is definitely declaring her independence and I am definitely declaring that I am thankful for these times of patience building...at least I try to be. Her sweetness and hilariousness (is that a word?) completely outweigh everything else. She has lately been saying things that we have no idea where she got them from. She has a tricycle that she loves to push herself around on. (She's not riding yet. There was an unfortunate tumble when she first got it, but that's another story.) She loves getting on it and pretending she is leaving. She'll go get her purple, plastic purse, her keys, phone, and sunglasses and say, "Bye guys!" I'll ask her, "Where are you going?" She'll get on her bike and tell me, "I'm going to eat pizza!" That is her usual answer. The other day, she looked at Paul and me and said, "I want to ride my bike, ya'll!" YA'LL! Where in the world did that come from? She also loves repeating everything we say! Unfortunately I'm a backseat driver...I know, so annoying. The other day while on the highway, some crazy person cut someone off in front of us, and I yell, "WATCH IT!" Of course, GC yells, "WATCH IT!" from the backseat. Oh brother! My dad calls my brother, Paul, and Nkere "bud." It's kind of his term of endearment for them. Gracie Claire has heard him do this and has started putting her arm around us (as much as possible) and saying, "Hey Bud!" I love it! She is SO much fun!

She has also become quite the little "fashionista." She loves pulling clothes out of drawers, hers or ours, and trying them on, and then usually taking them right off again.

Wearing Daddy's hat, shoes, & socks.

Using goggles for an accessory is a must!

More accessorizing w/ Mommy's glasses.

She picked this shirt and her sandals. Notice her sandals are on backwards.

Sister GC...Her nun look using one of Daddy's t-shirts.

More accessorizing w/ her Elmo leash (yes, I believe in using whatever works to keep your child attached to you,) her lovely hat, one sock, and some Elmo panties that she has put on over her diaper. We're working on the potty issues!

She got into my clothes for this look!

Our Summer So Far

Instead of writing a big, long post, to make-up for my absence, I'll let the pictures explain!

Sweet Sam

Caleb and Sandra welcomed sweet Samuel Luke into the world on Friday! We are so excited that he is finally here! Sandra did a great job through all of the labor and Sam came within 12 hours from start to finish! He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20.5 in. long. We are so excited to have our precious nephew and cousin here! Caleb and Sandra are going to be great parents and we can't wait to watch Sam as he grows!

Samuel Luke

What a beautiful family!

My Reunion

So, I graduated from good 'ol Haltom High 10 years ago. When I was in high school, I loved every part of it. I had great friends, was involved in lots of extra-curricular activities, and just had fun while I learned from great teachers! I have to say though, that I don't miss any part of it! It was a great time in my life, but I look at what I've been blessed with now and can't imagine yearning for anything else...even if I was in the best shape of my life at the ripe old age of 18! ;o) Being at the reunion was fun to catch up with old friends, but spending time with my awesome husband and sweet girls and walking through life's experiences with them takes the cake!

The reunion was fun though, so here are a few pics! GO BUFFS! (The buffalo was our mascot, just in case you needed an explanation...:o)

Paul and Me

Trupti, Laura, Angela, and Me

This was my group of girls through most of highschool.

Angela, Brooke, Me, and Laura

Sarah and Me

Sarah and I played basketball together and years later I met and taught with her sister Brooke who became and still is one of my bestest friends. Two of the funnest girls ever!

The Wedding

Last weekend we went to my cousin Elizabeth's wedding in Oklahoma City. It was our first long car ride with Sydney, and I have to say that she did pretty well. Gracie Claire and Sydney both did great the whole day, and it was an exhausting day. This was the first time that most of my mom's side of the family got to meet Sydney in person (they all live in IL.) So, that was fun! It's so fun to show off your babies! My dad performed the wedding, and if you've ever been to one of his weddings, you know that it's always great! The reception was fun too! Paul and I actually got to dance a couple of times, because we had so many people to look after the girls for us. It almost felt like a date! (I'm finding that we definitely need to be making time for more of those, or I just feel burnt out...we're working on it!) All of that said, we had a great time seeing family! Congrats Mike and Elizabeth!

Paul & Me Dancing

Gracie Claire, My Dad, My Sister Gracie, and Me

Gracie, Elizabeth, & Me

My Dad & Me

This picture is probably my favorite. I love the relationship that Paul has with our girls!

Gracie Claire dancing with her cousin Liam. She had a blast on the dance floor!

Blue Steel? ;o)

Sydney got some dancing in too!

The Fam

Smiles

I just love my sweet girls' smiles!

Playtime

Sydney's 3 months old! I'm really making an effort to take in every single moment and am enjoying every single stage that she goes through. How can 3 months go by so fast?!

Concentrating hard during tummy time!

Dancing With the Stars

YEA!! For our anniversary, Paul got us tickets to the "Dancing With the Stars" tour! How fun is that?! He is so good at coming up with the greatest things to do for special occasions! He knew I would absolutely love to go to this show! How blessed am I to have a husband like him! (And, yes, I felt this way even before he told me about the show! :o) He's the best!

Can you tell I'm excited?! I just realized I ended every sentence with an exclamation point! HA!

The Queen

I've just finished reading Esther and loved the courage that she showed for her people as well as her faith in God's sovereignty. I continue to see God's sovereignty in our lives over and over again. I wonder what God has in his plans for me and my family, and more importantly how I would act "in such a time as this." (4:14) I would hope that I would have the faith and courage of Esther.

Mayfest

We went to Mayfest on Sunday and loved watching Gracie Claire take it all in! Having kids is just the best!

Gracie Claire's first ride on a carousel. She giggled the entire time (and then cried when she was made to get off.)

Sydney had a good time too! She snoozed in the Baby Bjorn with Daddy!

Gracie Claire's absolute favorite part of Mayfest was the pony ride. Again, she giggled the entire ride and then cried when she was made to get off. During the two minute ride, she decided that the pony belonged to her. This girl cracks me up with her love of horses.

Bluebonnets, Chicken Hats, & Purple Toes

I will apologize ahead of time for this being a very random blog.

Bluebonnets

This past weekend we went up to Paul's mom's. They live in a little "Germantown" north of Denton called Muenster, and every year we go up for Germanfest. As we were leaving to come back home, we stopped in front of Paul's mom's gate where she had tossed some bluebonnet seed. There was a pretty good little patch, big enough to get some pictures of the girls. Our mistake...waiting until right as we were leaving. The girls were exhausted and every picture we took, pretty much looked like this!

Chicken Hats

Along with Germanfest comes Polka bands (yeah, I know...weird.) Along with Polka bands comes, "The Chicken Dance." People walk around Germanfest with chicken hats on their heads (yeah, I know...even weirder!) Anyways, one of the things that Paul's mom likes to do is stand at her gate and cheer on the people that take part in the bike rally, which is one of the activities that comes along with Germanfest. Usually, she wears a chicken hat while doing this. This year though, Gracie Claire and Parker, our nephew, wore the chicken hats. I have to say that Gracie Claire is the first person I've ever seen that still looks adorable, even while wearing a chicken hat.

Purple Toes

As I was painting my toes last week, Gracie Claire became really intrigued with the whole process. Obviously she wanted her little toes painted too. Amazingly, she sat really still while I painted! She loves showing those cute little purple toes to anybody who will look!