YOU'VE GOTTA TRY THIS!!! THURSDAYS

I am always looking for fun new things to do...whether it be a new organizing trick, recipe, fun activity for the kids, or even a new book to read (and so on...).

This is where you come in...I thought it would be fun to do this every Thursday and post something I think you've gotta try! In return, in the comment section you post something you think everyone else has gotta try. You can either do this by leaving your idea in the comments section, or post a blog entry on your own page and then write the link in my comments section. Make sense?? (I don't think I need to say this but I will...let's keep it G-Rated!!!)

Who knows, maybe this will get all of you "lurkers" to comment also!! I know EVERYONE has at least one cool thing they do that others want to know about!!

Okay, here's mine...

So I discovered this thing called Google Reader (www.google.com/reader). It is like an email inbox for all of the blogs (and other sites) you read and want to keep up with. Everytime the site you want to read is updated, google reader lets you know. This is great for many reasons! If you are like me, you want to read the blogs of all of the people you love you don't have to go through your "blogroll" every day! You just check the ones you know have been updated. It saves soo much time!! If you go to the website, they will explain what to do and it is really simple. Just enter the site's name under "add a subscription" and google reader will do the rest!! How cool is that??

Now it's your turn!! What is your "YOU'VE GOTTA TRY THIS!!"??

What am I going to do with myself??

BOTH KIDS ARE NAPPING...AT THE SAME TIME!!! I just don't know what to do with myself. The painters just left (we had a little leaking problem when we were in Texas), Kenny just left to do some studying, and I am listening to a little Coldplay. I know that if I lay down to nap they will wake up so perhaps I will just enjoy a little quiet time for myself!! This is so exciting!!

Hodgepodge

This post has about 5 different topics, so "Hodgepodge" was the best I could come up with!! ENJOY!

Before we left Texas, Kenny and I took Kennan to his first movie theater movie. We saw Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (or as Kennan says, The Pirates who do Nothing, while waving his pointer finger at you). He definitely understood the general plot of the movie, but the jokes and side conversations were a little over his head. We had a really fun time and the popcorn was yummy!!

At the movies

Kennan has had so much fun playing with his friends and getting reacquainted with his toys. We had Hannah over to play on Sunday and then a big play group on Monday. I am so grateful for the community we live in. We are really ready to move back to Texas, but will definitely miss all of the friends we have here. Reading with Hannah
Future Preacher's Kids-Yes, they are reading the Bible!! Kennan was telling Hannah about David and Goliath
Brayden started on solids when we were in Texas. We started off with rice cereal, which she doesn't seem to be a big fan of. So, once we got back to NJ I went to the grocery store and bought some sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and apples. Kennan and I had fun yesterday making Brayden her baby food while she was napping. Kennan also taste tested the food, which he thought was fun! I made my own baby food for Kennan, but had already forgotten how, so I looked online for some ideas. (I found a website called Wholesome Baby Food if anyone else out there is interested in making their own.) It was really fun and super easy!! She tried the sweet potatoes last night and wasn't too big of a fan. We'll try again tonight!!!

LOVE this face!!!

I know I have mentioned before how much Brayden LOVES her big brother and how funny she thinks he is. Well, last night she was in her jumperoo and he stood in front of her bouncing up and down. She thought it was hilarious...I think these pictures say it all!!

We made it!

We're home!! Yesterday's flight was great...the kids were angels and our flight acually took off and landed earlier than scheduled!!

Kennan has had a blast getting reaquanted with his toys, books, and other belongings. Brayden slept in her big girl bed (the crib...instead of the bassinet) last night. Since their beds are in the same room now, I have been a little anxious about how bed time will go. But, both kids were awake when we laid them down and fell asleep with no problem! They each woke up a few times in the middle of the night, but not at the same times or because of the other one. So, here's to hoping it continues to go this well!!

Kenny and I have been reorganizing, due to the fact that we came home with A LOT of new things and didn't have very much room to begin with. Pictures to come soon!

The ABC's of our time in Texas

About 36 days ago, we came to the great state of Texas.
But, now it is time to return to NJ. Our time in Texas was full of
Cold weather, yummy
Dinners,
Eventful gatherings, and
Friends and Family.
Going to stockshows, movies, and the zoo are
Happy memories to remember.
I will miss the mornings when we
Just stayed in our pajamas and
Kennan had tea parties with
Lala. We will also miss the
Mexican food that is impossible to find in
New Jersey.
Opening presents was fun and now we have to find
Places to put everything. We hope for a
Quick trip home and perhaps a little
Rest before the start of our last
Semester in NJ.
Texas has been an
Unforgettable
Vacation.
We are
eXcited to sleep in our own beds...
Yippee!!!
Zee you soon NJ!

Brayden's Baptism

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

On Sunday we had Brayden baptized. It was such a special time for Brayden, our family, and friends. As her parents, Kenny and I are challenged to teach her in the ways of the Lord and to raise her knowing Jesus Christ. What an awesome repsonsibility! We are thankful for the friends and family who came to church to support us.

Brayden and her great grandparents

With Uncle Bill and Tally (they flew in from LA for the day!)

Also on Sunday, Kenny delivered the sermon as another part of his process toward ordination. He did a wonderful job, of course! It means that we are one step closer to the goal!

Daddy's Home! Daddy's Home! and other news

This is somewhat old news, but Kenny was gone for a week. He went back to NJ to write papers and I stayed in TX with the kids. Well, he got back on Tuesday evening and Kennan was so excited to see him! We made a sign on Tuesday afternoon and Kennan couldn't wait to hold it at the airport for daddy to see.
Brayden couldn't wait to see daddy either!

I know the kids are way excited to have Kenny home, but I am too!!! I really missed him and am looking forward to the next week and half that we have to relax before the semester starts up again. This is crazy...Kenny graduates 4 months from yesterday. How awesome is that?!?! With that being said, we are in the process of looking for jobs. If you think about it, prayers are appreciated in this area. We are hoping Kenny gets a job as an associate pastor or a solo pastor at a church in Texas. How's that for being specific in prayer? I know that we will go where Kenny feels God calling him, we are just hoping God wants us in Texas!!!

In other news...Kennan pooped on the potty for the first time Monday. It was quite exciting but hasn't happened since. We promised him the first time he went that he would get a Hot Wheels race track, and every time after he would get a new car for his race track. So, Kenny brought the race track back from NJ with him and some cars. Kennan loves the race track but I guess he doesn't want any more cars, because he refuses to go on the potty. We obviously aren't in full swing potty training, it was somewhat of a fluke that he went on the potty. I plan to go full force when we get back to NJ. Here he is with the beloved race track.

Brayden is working on sitting up. I think she really likes it and does a pretty good job for a few minutes. It's when she tries to lean over and grab her feet that she gets into a little trouble and topples over. She also loves laying on her back and trying to grab at her feet. Makes me remember the days when I was that flexible!!

What do you think??

I've been wanting to do this for a while...Here are 2 pics...one of Kennan at 5 months and one of Brayden at 5 months. Time for audience participation!! Do they look alike?? Or completely different??

Kennan Joshua

Brayden Lynn

Funny story...So Kennan walked into the bathroom after my dad had been in there. My dad (Pops) asked Kennan when he was going to start going to the bathroom on the potty. Kennan looked at his wrist (as if he had a watch on) and said "In about 2 hours". Too cute!! I wish it was that easy!!!

Brayden Lynn

This post is quite delayed, as I meant to write it on her 5 month birthday. Better late than never right?? Our little girl brings so much joy to our lives. She is a giggler and a smiler, which really brightens our days!! She adores her big brother and can't wait until she can run around with him. Here are a few more things she is doing at 5 months:

*Brayden can roll from back to tummy.

*She has 1 tooth!! Her bottom right tooth has just popped through!

*She loves to grab onto her toys and shove them in her mouth.

*Brayden loves to play with the ball Kennan got her as well as the ducks that you see behind her in the picture.

*We are working on sitting up by herself. She can sit unassisted for about 15 seconds before she topples over.

I just posted a ton of pictures and expect a lot of comments. 39 people read this blog yesterday and there is not one comment on my last post. There is a problem here people!!! Alright, on to the pictures...

Kennan and Lala making Grumpy's birthday cake Blowing out the candles!

On Tuesday night, some high school buddies came over to visit. I have known Jarod, Beth, and Jill since 7th grade. That's a long time and they are such great friends. Jill just got back from her honeymoon in Jamaica...that's whay she is about 5 shades darker than the rest of us!Jarod thought Brayden needed a new look...bib on the head. (You made the blog!!!)

Last weekend we went to Abilene and had a great time! We saw all of our church friends and ate lots of yummy food! Kenny preached a wonderful sermon and Brayden got to meet lots of new people. Kennan with Ben
Brayden with Ben and Carly

We got to stay in our old house which was really fun! It only had one bed, so Kennan had to sleep on a pallet on the floor. He slept just fine, and this is how we found him one night. This kid cracks me up!!
Kennan and Drew licking the brownie batter. YUM!

On Saturday morning, Brayden and I met Christi and Jackson at Cracker Barrel. We had a really yummy breakfast and before we left, I asked this man and his daughter to take our picture. As he was giving me my camera back, he picked up our bill off the table. I said, no that's ours. He said, I know...Merry Christmas!! And they walked off. Complete strangers paid our bill!! It was so nice and makes me want to move back to Texas so bad!! I am pretty sure no one in NJ would do that for us!! Anyway, we had a really nice visit with Christi and Jackson.

Brayden is 6 days older than Jackson!
On Monday, we drove to Stephenville for the Erath County Stock Show. My cousin's daughter was showing her lamb and we thought Kennan would love to see all the animals. I had a picture of Kendall with her lamb, Slippers, but can't find it now.

On Wednesday, we went to the FW zoo with Mandy, Rob, Emma, and 3 of the kids they babysit. Wednesdays are half price days, so that was great! To top it off, we had BEAUTIFUL weather and there was no one there!!

Kennan and Emma
Check out that wingspan!
Brayden was excited about the zoo!!

Kenny went back to NJ on Tuesday. He has a few papers to write and works much better when we aren't around! He will be back next week and then we will all go back on the 26th. Well, that's our update!!