T-Ball

These are pictures from Brody's first T-Ball Practice. He had the best time!!!!

Nashville Adventure

These are some pictures of our Nashville trip back in February. Bryan attended a conference at the Opryland Hotel, and we were blessed to be able to go with him. Brody and I hardly left the hotel. There are so many things to do and see. We were also able to see some great friends that we have not seen in way too long. It was so special to be able to see them and spend some time with them.

The Duh Moments of God

I know. Two blog posts in one week. I was thinking of waiting to post this until next week, but wanted to go ahead and share this.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you stop and look up to heaven and say, "Ok, I've got it now." I had one of those about a week ago. I called it my Duh moment of God.
For those that do not know, I am working on my Master's of Education degree, so that I can someday be a teacher preferably a special needs teacher. In order to do this, I also have to take a few Praxis tests. Six to be exact. I have taken 3, but I still have 3 to go. I had kind of been dragging my feet about taking the last 3 tests. I had all sorts of excuses from I don't graduate till December, so I have time; to the test is just too expensive.
Well, about a week ago, my boss came back to my office with a catalogue for resources for special needs individuals. I get random catalogues at work, but I thought that my boss may have received this; knows I want to work with special needs kids, and then gave it to me. I thanked her, and then I began to look at it. I flipped it over and saw that it was addressed to me at my work. Now, I have never made a search with myself related to my work and special needs individuals. To go one step further, when I worked with special needs kids in Mississippi, I never received any catalogues regarding special needs resources. I really feel that this was one of those moments that God brought me back to what I am working towards. You see, I was using all those excuses plus I have gotten very comfortable in my job. I like my job, and it is a good job to have for the moment. But, God has a bigger plan for me, and receiving that catalogue just further told me what His plan is.
Later that day I was telling my mom what happened, and she said that that morning on her way to work she prayed that God would grant me a teaching job if it was His will. She said that normally she prays that He gives me a teaching job, but that day she prayed differently. I do not think that that prayer was a coincidence.
Steven Curtis Chapman has a song called the "Miracle of the Moment”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rResKXjKqjQ The chorus says:
“So breathe it in and breathe it out
Listen to your heartbeat
There is a wonder in the here and now
It’s there in front of you
And I don’t want you to miss
The miracle of the moment”
So, I could have just passed this moment by, and not really thought anything about it, but thank God I didn’t because I would have missed the “Miracle of the Moment”

One Word

So, if you are like me, then you may not be into keeping New Year's Resolutions. I always say that I make internal suggestions to myself, but not really resolutions. About a week ago I was listening to K-Love, and they were talking about My One Word (www.myoneword.org). Instead of making a bunch of resolutions that you may or may not keep, you decide the type of person that you would like to be at the end of the year. You find characteristics of this person, and then you pick one word to describe this person that you want to be at the end of the year. You find books and scripture about this word to help you for the year.
I have chosen the word GENTLE. At times I tend snap at my husband or son for no reason. I may be thinking about something else or not feeling well, but it is my intent to be a gentler person at the end of the year.
Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (NIV). The Message says is like this, "Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them to see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute."

Brody's songs of choice

I love my kid. But, one of the things that I most love about my kid is the fact that when he sings songs, they are all about the Bible. Let me rephrase, when he makes up songs they are all typically about the Bible. We have had the following songs sung at our house in the last month: "The Table of the Lord"; "The Lord of the Christ"; "The Soul of my God"; and "The Heaven of my God". And, he always says where they come from like a random chapter and verse. Now, these are just random book/chapter and verses that he has heard in Sunday School, but I love it. It shows me that even though sometimes it would be really easy to skip Sunday School when we are running a little late, he is most definantly getting a lot out of it. And, in turn, I am getting a lot out of it as well. Thank you to all of the wonderful Sunday School teachers out there.

Brody's Favorite Songs

I wanted to post this, so that I don't forget what Brody's favorite songs were when he was almost 3 years old. To date his favorite songs are: Chuck Berry's Johnny be Goode, Welcome to the Jungle, Cupid Shuffle and Callin Baton Rouge.

Potting Training

Well, my goal was to have Brody potty trained by the time he was 3 years old. His birthday is Jan. 31st, and he is potty trained. I am so excited. He has done a great job and we are so pround of him.

Christmas Fun

We had a great time during our Christmas Break. I hope that you enjoy the pictures. Have a wonderful New Year!!!!

Brodyisms

This is really just a blog for me to keep up with what all Brody has been saying lately. Grandparents will probably enjoy this one.

~This Christmas he has not wanted to even look at any toys, but what does he want: an Emmy, a football commentator, an apartment building and a teeth whitener.
~He told me that birds fly Santa's sleigh. He said this like duh mom don't you know.
~He loves Sunday School. He picks up random books and says, "what is this children? it is the best book of all."
~He told me that he loved me more than boogers.
~Probably one of my favorites: In one of his nightime prayers he prayed, "Dear heavenly Father be with the Drake and the other bulldogs (imagine him very loudly screaming this next part with arms raised in the air) GO BULLDOGS. In Jesus name, Amen.
~I asked him last night what he wanted Santa to bring him, and he said I don't want him to come in my room.


~He is now a little over 3 feet tall. He loves to play school. He told me he was in the football grade.
~Loves to color and play with playdough.
~He is big helper, and loves to help out.
~

Family Pictures

I know long time no blogging. I really don't have an excuse. Attach are some pictures from our family photo session that my best friend took. Hope you enjoy.

Fun in Memphis

We had a great time with my mom and dad at Mud Island. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.