I just couldn't pick just one.... His personality stands out in them all. He is such a clown and full of ALL boy energy!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Gray's Very First Day of 3K
I just couldn't pick just one.... His personality stands out in them all. He is such a clown and full of ALL boy energy!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Gray in 3K
He is growing up way too fast and talks as if he is 20!
Some of his recent sayings:
Mom I am the adult today okay?
Just one minute mom (while holding up his pointer finger)
Amen. Let's eat! (after every blessing)
For just a little bit- (it goes behind everything! I will play cars for just a little bit, I will take a nap a little bit, I will eat just a little bit etc..
His favorite question? What you doing?
He loves anything that has to do with cars, airplanes, truck or helicopters but most of all TRAINS!
He loves Thomas but I think now he likes Chuggington better. KoKo and Wilson are his favorites as of yesterday. Wow. It is amazing how much he soaks in!
He still loves his sleep and always has his blue puppy for naps and nighttime and still sucks his little thumb....good thing I have dental connections.
He loves sweets, unlike his brother, and Loves chocolate most of all, also opposite from his brother.
He is a clown of the family and loves to laugh at his own jokes! It is so funny to see. He was eating something and started to call them Mommy Balls. No idea where this came from and he died laughing at himself. Repeating himself saying "these are mommy balls hehehe...."
He is either Very Loud or Quite. No in between. More Very Loud than quite:)
He loves to pester his older brother and still LOVES his mommy. If I am around everyone else is chump change:)
He is loving Sunday school and loves to go over what God made each day. He is stuck on the first 4 days. 1. Light 2. Sky and Water 3. Land 4. Sun, Moon and Stars
I always kid around saying that we had so many people praying for Gray not to have a speech delay, like Griffin, that the Lord heard every prayer and our result??. Much Fruitfulness! The child talks from the time he gets up to the time he goes down. Loving it!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Thrilled about 5k
Griffin has been counting down the days for school to start. When we pulled up for the open house he yelled "Mommy I am back at school!" I have never seen a kid love school so much.
Above him is based on a book called Pete the Cat. His ABA therapist bought him this book two days prior to going to school. We read it several times over a 2day span and when we got to school and a whole board was dedicated to our new favorite book "Pete the Cat in his Rockin School Shoes".
Above him is based on a book called Pete the Cat. His ABA therapist bought him this book two days prior to going to school. We read it several times over a 2day span and when we got to school and a whole board was dedicated to our new favorite book "Pete the Cat in his Rockin School Shoes". 
He is so independent it's scary. Made it easy for drop off but a little sad that he "thinks" he no longer needs me.
At least we are not at the point where he doesn't want to give me kisses:)
Putting his folder up just like all of his classmates.
He came home talking about a little boy in the class. He states that they played blocks and ran out side together. He even went as far as saying he loved this little boy:) So exciting! We can't wait to see him tackle all his 5k goals!Thursday, August 2, 2012
Conversation That Warms My Heart
When I got back from the Philippines it was late Saturday night. John Van picked me up from the airport we stopped and got me a Fast Food Meal. Then headed home so that I could crash!
The boys stayed with Dee and Pops and they were going to drop them off after their Church got out.
When they came in the door they were so excited screaming MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY's Back!
When I sat on the steps. Griffin said "Mommy what did you do at the far away land?"
My response was "I got to clean lots of teeth for people that LOVE JESUS!"
Gray then jumped in and said "Like me mommy?" as he ran to show me the picture of Jesus that he colored in sunday school. My response "Yes Gray just like you."
Griffin then proceeded to tell me that he wants to go to the far away land with me next time.
Oh how I hope my boys will have a heart for missions.... How I hope they love Jesus and will always have a relationship with him!
This by far was my favorite conversation yet! So sweet to see my boys growing and learining more an more about Jesus.
Thank you Jesus Thank you.
The boys stayed with Dee and Pops and they were going to drop them off after their Church got out.
When they came in the door they were so excited screaming MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY's Back!
When I sat on the steps. Griffin said "Mommy what did you do at the far away land?"
My response was "I got to clean lots of teeth for people that LOVE JESUS!"
Gray then jumped in and said "Like me mommy?" as he ran to show me the picture of Jesus that he colored in sunday school. My response "Yes Gray just like you."
Griffin then proceeded to tell me that he wants to go to the far away land with me next time.
Oh how I hope my boys will have a heart for missions.... How I hope they love Jesus and will always have a relationship with him!
This by far was my favorite conversation yet! So sweet to see my boys growing and learining more an more about Jesus.
Thank you Jesus Thank you.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Annie
Last Sunday John Van and I took the boys to see Annie. While I was away, Griffin picked out the DVD at Target to take home with him and they watched it the whole two weeks while I was gone. When I got back and heard Annie was at the FLT. I thought this is a must! Both Griffin and Gray walk around the house singing the "Annie" songs. They LOVED it! The cast were ages 18 and under. They were all very talented but Annie was a definite favorite!
Friday, July 13, 2012
July 4th While I Was Away
Jv decided to have a couple of people over for the 4th. He got some really great pictures:) Seems like they all had a great time!!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Banana Peel
It is amazing to see Jesus peel layers I never knew existed?? I am like a ripe banana with many layers. Jesus continues to peel my layers revealing to me the mushy yuckiness that is with in me.
I have a new identity here in the Philippines. Besides being a giant, where no one has your shoe size... I am different here. Sure I don't have my husband, my boys to make me who I am but it's more than that. It is a side of me that I wish I had more of in the states. An almost clarity that is surreal...
Last night we got the pleasure of eating dinner at Charlyn's house. I was greeted by a kiss on the cheek from all, even though I just saw them 3 hours prior along with a excited Hi Ate Amy! Something so simple but something I need to bring home to the states. To greet my husband, family and friends this way every day. How this little bit of effort can show so much!
They fixed my favorite, a dish called Kinilau it consists of my favorites- cucumber, ginger,vinegar, lime, raw tuna and radishes. It is a cold dish which compliments the hot weather here. They also served rice which is served with every meal here. Even McDonalds has rice! No kidding!
Back to the dinner- It was a time that will be stored away forever. One of those movie moments. You know, the kind you have when you know it was sent directly from Jesus himself. It was in slow motion, a golden nugget as my friend Rhett would say. Everyone at that table genuinely loved one another. This group of people I can honestly say LOVE DEEPLY.
I adore this new family of mine. What can I say I love how they love. They minister to a tribe that is so hard to love. A tribe who rarely wants to make themselves better. A tribe that is perfectly fine with living above sewage and would gamble their last penny away and yet these missionaries day in and day out they love as Jesus loves... day in and day out they still have faith.
This year I knew what to expect and I was able to share more. I was able to get real with these new friends of mine. Charlyn has taken in 4 street girls over the years and even a 12 year old niece.(not counting all the street boys that live at the church) And now has a new born baby. How does she do it? She is steadfast and focused. She is truly living in the spirit. She has her days like all of us do. She has asked Jesus "Are you sure these are the people you want me to love?" Yet He reassures her time and time again that she is exactly where Jesus wants her to be.
I got to connect with each of these girls learning about there pasts. Pasts that I could never fathom a deep hurt that I could never feel. Sure I have my struggles but it is so minimal in comparison. A ant on a hill, a needle point, a decimal, a fraction of what they have struggled with. They are strong as an OX, but beautiful and delicate as a butterfly!
Tonight we got to take all 22 to a movie. Twiki, Char's niece, got to see her very first movie. Spider man is what we saw. I was thoroughly impressed. If you are debating on whether or not to see it? Go ! It is a must on Big Screen.
I want to hold onto this clarity and surrender myself daily. When I head back to our culture I want to still hold steadfast to what I have learned to what I have seen.
Every morning Mark, Kel and I wake up and share some deep thoughts and I love this time together. It's not planned , it's not written out it's just us and Jesus. Real, Truth, challenging thoughts that most of us keep inside hidden away because others may judge.
My prayer and focus is to let these layers continue to peel. A relationship with Jesus that is REAL, NAKED and RAW. I have to say that there is something so freeing about being a banana...peeling back to layers to reveal the mush.
Here are a couple of things we have shared from books and a little of our thoughts as well.
"It is what it is, my opinion doesn't matter, and whatever."
"When you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are-you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace."
"Life full of challenges is a soul-forming life."
"If you never face difficult times, you never become strong enough to make a difference in a very cruel world-as Jesus made a difference on behalf of all of us."
On a much lighter note.... I am officially a Philippine! I got initiated last night after dinner. It reminded me of my high school sorority initiation. There is a fruit that you can only get in Davo. Called Durian. It has a very odd smell to it. Mark and Kelly says "it smells like dirty feet." It isn't my favorite but they love that I will eat it with them. So, that is what I do. I ate it last year but this year we not only ate that we also had balut. It is a delicacy here in the Philippines. They all love Durian and Balut.
It is basically a chicken half baked? I know I didn't eat it all and if I saw a picture of this first. I would of never gone through with it. They loved it and I ate two bites and of course shared with my Philippine family. They didn't seem to mind and didn't let it go to waste. I have it all on video. It is very comical. Especially hearing Kel and us talking with our SOUTHERN accent!
The Balut has arrived.
Balut pictutre. Kel, Me, Bing Bing, and Twiki
More Balut .
Char and Caleb 2mo.
Lumpia a lot like egg rolls but better.
Pancit a very yummy Philippine dish!
Char and Gabi
More Buco juice!
Ian who's ministry is to help street kids.
Kel and I. We love the Buco juice!!
Twiki just about to head in the movies for the first time.
I have a new identity here in the Philippines. Besides being a giant, where no one has your shoe size... I am different here. Sure I don't have my husband, my boys to make me who I am but it's more than that. It is a side of me that I wish I had more of in the states. An almost clarity that is surreal...
Last night we got the pleasure of eating dinner at Charlyn's house. I was greeted by a kiss on the cheek from all, even though I just saw them 3 hours prior along with a excited Hi Ate Amy! Something so simple but something I need to bring home to the states. To greet my husband, family and friends this way every day. How this little bit of effort can show so much!
They fixed my favorite, a dish called Kinilau it consists of my favorites- cucumber, ginger,vinegar, lime, raw tuna and radishes. It is a cold dish which compliments the hot weather here. They also served rice which is served with every meal here. Even McDonalds has rice! No kidding!
Back to the dinner- It was a time that will be stored away forever. One of those movie moments. You know, the kind you have when you know it was sent directly from Jesus himself. It was in slow motion, a golden nugget as my friend Rhett would say. Everyone at that table genuinely loved one another. This group of people I can honestly say LOVE DEEPLY.
I adore this new family of mine. What can I say I love how they love. They minister to a tribe that is so hard to love. A tribe who rarely wants to make themselves better. A tribe that is perfectly fine with living above sewage and would gamble their last penny away and yet these missionaries day in and day out they love as Jesus loves... day in and day out they still have faith.
This year I knew what to expect and I was able to share more. I was able to get real with these new friends of mine. Charlyn has taken in 4 street girls over the years and even a 12 year old niece.(not counting all the street boys that live at the church) And now has a new born baby. How does she do it? She is steadfast and focused. She is truly living in the spirit. She has her days like all of us do. She has asked Jesus "Are you sure these are the people you want me to love?" Yet He reassures her time and time again that she is exactly where Jesus wants her to be.
I got to connect with each of these girls learning about there pasts. Pasts that I could never fathom a deep hurt that I could never feel. Sure I have my struggles but it is so minimal in comparison. A ant on a hill, a needle point, a decimal, a fraction of what they have struggled with. They are strong as an OX, but beautiful and delicate as a butterfly!
Tonight we got to take all 22 to a movie. Twiki, Char's niece, got to see her very first movie. Spider man is what we saw. I was thoroughly impressed. If you are debating on whether or not to see it? Go ! It is a must on Big Screen.
I want to hold onto this clarity and surrender myself daily. When I head back to our culture I want to still hold steadfast to what I have learned to what I have seen.
Every morning Mark, Kel and I wake up and share some deep thoughts and I love this time together. It's not planned , it's not written out it's just us and Jesus. Real, Truth, challenging thoughts that most of us keep inside hidden away because others may judge.
My prayer and focus is to let these layers continue to peel. A relationship with Jesus that is REAL, NAKED and RAW. I have to say that there is something so freeing about being a banana...peeling back to layers to reveal the mush.
Here are a couple of things we have shared from books and a little of our thoughts as well.
"It is what it is, my opinion doesn't matter, and whatever."
"When you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are-you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace."
"Life full of challenges is a soul-forming life."
"If you never face difficult times, you never become strong enough to make a difference in a very cruel world-as Jesus made a difference on behalf of all of us."
On a much lighter note.... I am officially a Philippine! I got initiated last night after dinner. It reminded me of my high school sorority initiation. There is a fruit that you can only get in Davo. Called Durian. It has a very odd smell to it. Mark and Kelly says "it smells like dirty feet." It isn't my favorite but they love that I will eat it with them. So, that is what I do. I ate it last year but this year we not only ate that we also had balut. It is a delicacy here in the Philippines. They all love Durian and Balut.
It is basically a chicken half baked? I know I didn't eat it all and if I saw a picture of this first. I would of never gone through with it. They loved it and I ate two bites and of course shared with my Philippine family. They didn't seem to mind and didn't let it go to waste. I have it all on video. It is very comical. Especially hearing Kel and us talking with our SOUTHERN accent!
Here are a couple other pictures from the week...
The Balut has arrived.
Balut pictutre. Kel, Me, Bing Bing, and Twiki
More Balut .
Char and Caleb 2mo.
Lumpia a lot like egg rolls but better.
Pancit a very yummy Philippine dish!
Char and Gabi
More Buco juice!
Ian who's ministry is to help street kids.
Kel and I. We love the Buco juice!!
Twiki just about to head in the movies for the first time.Monday, July 2, 2012
Back Home
So, here is what's happening back home. It is still the same..... a house full of ALL Boys! Gray fell and got a pretty good shiner and still going 90 miles a minute along with a big smile on his face. I have to say I love having boys!!!Friday, June 29, 2012
Ready
Yesterday morning we were able to get ALL the supplies we needed. I forgot my safety glasses and turns out they had that as well!
When we got back we set up the Dental chair. Then the Dental unit. The power was not enough to get it started. We talked to Gadgil and Charlyn the missionaries that live here and we set out to find a generator. With a couple of bumps in the road we found one and will pick it up on our way in. Our first day today will consist of fillings for the missionaries.
Today we were able to do fillings on Charlyn and also Sweet a nurse who helps with the medical clinics at Charlyn's house 3 days a week. The dental unit works with the generator but in the middle we had to go and find another one. We will finally have it down by tomorrow hopefully.
The first part of the morning we will continue to do fillings and then in the afternoon we will Mark and Kelly will do extractions on the Badjao tribe in the morning while I start the cleanings on the missionaries. I still haven't tried out my powered scaler but if all else fails I do have my manual scalers.
We are able to ride in the back of Gadgil's truck. Kel and Jake Jake.
Caleb the newest addition!
Our new dental chair it's made out of plastic but it looks like card board.
Kel, Charlyn and I having Gatorade in a bottle. YUM..
We are off for a relaxing dinner and Kel and I got to run this morning and take a nice swim. So thankful that we were able to fit it in. Here are a couple of pictures thus far.
When we got back we set up the Dental chair. Then the Dental unit. The power was not enough to get it started. We talked to Gadgil and Charlyn the missionaries that live here and we set out to find a generator. With a couple of bumps in the road we found one and will pick it up on our way in. Our first day today will consist of fillings for the missionaries.
Today we were able to do fillings on Charlyn and also Sweet a nurse who helps with the medical clinics at Charlyn's house 3 days a week. The dental unit works with the generator but in the middle we had to go and find another one. We will finally have it down by tomorrow hopefully.
The first part of the morning we will continue to do fillings and then in the afternoon we will Mark and Kelly will do extractions on the Badjao tribe in the morning while I start the cleanings on the missionaries. I still haven't tried out my powered scaler but if all else fails I do have my manual scalers.
We are able to ride in the back of Gadgil's truck. Kel and Jake Jake.
Caleb the newest addition!
Our new dental chair it's made out of plastic but it looks like card board.
Kel, Charlyn and I having Gatorade in a bottle. YUM..We are off for a relaxing dinner and Kel and I got to run this morning and take a nice swim. So thankful that we were able to fit it in. Here are a couple of pictures thus far.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Hey Everyone!
We have just arrived to our final destination! We left out Monday around 10:25 am and it is 6:13 on Wednesday. The time here is 12 hours ahead. We had a great stay in Manilla and headed to Davao today where we will now sleep and head out to buy the dental supplies in the morning. Kelly, Mark and I hope to start our clinic in the afternoon. We are going to actually do some fillings this time. I am very interested to see what we have to work with. Mark, the dentist, actually sent a dental chair about 6 months ago. As most of you know this is huge compared to last year.
For the next two days I am going to assist Mark. Then we he will do extractions for a couple of days while I get to take over the unit and chair to sit for the cleanings! Last year I stood the whole time. We have taken the dental mission up several levels just with in a years time.
Off to bed need some major sleep! Please pray that my titan (powered scaler) works. We should know tomorrow. I got a email from John Van and they seem to be well. Love from the Philippines!
We have just arrived to our final destination! We left out Monday around 10:25 am and it is 6:13 on Wednesday. The time here is 12 hours ahead. We had a great stay in Manilla and headed to Davao today where we will now sleep and head out to buy the dental supplies in the morning. Kelly, Mark and I hope to start our clinic in the afternoon. We are going to actually do some fillings this time. I am very interested to see what we have to work with. Mark, the dentist, actually sent a dental chair about 6 months ago. As most of you know this is huge compared to last year.
For the next two days I am going to assist Mark. Then we he will do extractions for a couple of days while I get to take over the unit and chair to sit for the cleanings! Last year I stood the whole time. We have taken the dental mission up several levels just with in a years time.
Off to bed need some major sleep! Please pray that my titan (powered scaler) works. We should know tomorrow. I got a email from John Van and they seem to be well. Love from the Philippines!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Suffocation &Friendship
It is Friday morning. Thoughts are running through my head. Last year this time I was in the Philippines. Doing exactly what God was calling me to do. Experiencing things, feelings, emotions, and physical limitations that I had never encountered before.
I leave Sunday fly out Monday and will arrive to my second family in the Philippines Tuesday. A family that was clearly brought together solely by our Heavenly Father. It is a whole different place clear across the other side of the world! I love this new family of mine. They teach me so much more than I ever expected! They truly know the meaning of how to live and WALK in the spirit!
I am sitting like a child on the edge of the seat waiting to feel that feeling I felt last summer. The suffocation of Jesus' presence. LITERALLY.... SUFFOCATION. I really struggled when I got back last year. I was warned by my two roomies/besties on the trip that I would come back a changed person. I knew this.... but thought I would be able to some how control it? WRONG. I couldn't help but yearn for that suffocation. I couldn't help but want my boys and husband to experience that feeling.
The hours and days are near and this year it will be different. Not in a bad way or good way but just different. I have changed dramatically in my walk. Mostly from where the Lord has me. What I have experienced as a mom and wife. I have encountered new friendships that the Lord has BOLDLY placed before me for council. Which I love because he knows every hair on my head and knows when I need something tangible.. A true wake up call or knock on the head. I can see him now saying "My dear Amy. Oh how I love you so...here is another rock solid friendship that will help you along your walk with me." I love that Jesus knows this about me. That he knows my weaknesses, he knows my strengths. My weaknesses is letting go of my control and trusting fully in him. My strengths I am discovering as I grow by his side.
It's funny how I can let go and trust him fully to fly clear across the other side of the world to share him with others but yet I can't trust him with the things here in my very own house! With the very human beings in my house?? Crazy Right?
As I fly off to this beautiful place where I receive my suffocation of the Spirit. Will you pray that I will seek out God's will for this particular struggle in my life? That I will let go of this control that I think I have and rely solely on Jesus alone?
Dear Jesus,
Thank you Jesus for placing such good friends in my life to lift me up and encourage me daily. Thank you for your living word. No matter how many times I read it, it speaks directly to me and each time mean something different during each passing season you have place before me. I can't wait to see what you show me this time, as you have called me on this adventure once again. I am willing and open to what you have for me. It's in your Holy and Perfect name, Amen.
I leave Sunday fly out Monday and will arrive to my second family in the Philippines Tuesday. A family that was clearly brought together solely by our Heavenly Father. It is a whole different place clear across the other side of the world! I love this new family of mine. They teach me so much more than I ever expected! They truly know the meaning of how to live and WALK in the spirit!
I am sitting like a child on the edge of the seat waiting to feel that feeling I felt last summer. The suffocation of Jesus' presence. LITERALLY.... SUFFOCATION. I really struggled when I got back last year. I was warned by my two roomies/besties on the trip that I would come back a changed person. I knew this.... but thought I would be able to some how control it? WRONG. I couldn't help but yearn for that suffocation. I couldn't help but want my boys and husband to experience that feeling.
The hours and days are near and this year it will be different. Not in a bad way or good way but just different. I have changed dramatically in my walk. Mostly from where the Lord has me. What I have experienced as a mom and wife. I have encountered new friendships that the Lord has BOLDLY placed before me for council. Which I love because he knows every hair on my head and knows when I need something tangible.. A true wake up call or knock on the head. I can see him now saying "My dear Amy. Oh how I love you so...here is another rock solid friendship that will help you along your walk with me." I love that Jesus knows this about me. That he knows my weaknesses, he knows my strengths. My weaknesses is letting go of my control and trusting fully in him. My strengths I am discovering as I grow by his side.
It's funny how I can let go and trust him fully to fly clear across the other side of the world to share him with others but yet I can't trust him with the things here in my very own house! With the very human beings in my house?? Crazy Right?
As I fly off to this beautiful place where I receive my suffocation of the Spirit. Will you pray that I will seek out God's will for this particular struggle in my life? That I will let go of this control that I think I have and rely solely on Jesus alone?
Dear Jesus,
Thank you Jesus for placing such good friends in my life to lift me up and encourage me daily. Thank you for your living word. No matter how many times I read it, it speaks directly to me and each time mean something different during each passing season you have place before me. I can't wait to see what you show me this time, as you have called me on this adventure once again. I am willing and open to what you have for me. It's in your Holy and Perfect name, Amen.
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