The After Party

We all were pretty tired after the party, so since it was such a gorgeous day, we decided to sit out in our backyard and just relax...this was after much needed LONG naps from the kids.

Paul gets the credit for this one. I've been trying to get a pic of Jordan standing for WEEKS. It never fails that as soon I get my camera out, she is down. I forgot to mention earlier that my mother-in-law saw her take about 7 steps when they were here...we don't believe her as we have only seen her topple over after about 2. Haha ;)

Party Time

We decided to take full advantage of the gorgeous Alabama sunshine and had Micah's birthday party outside. We went with the sports theme, thinking they'd play all the sports possible outside, but instead, the "BIG BOY" pool was a hit. Ha. Micah was so excited to have all his good friends together at the same time. He constantly talks about each of these boys and we are blessed to know and love their parents too ;) I have a feeling we are in trouble with this 3 year old boys group-watch out girls!!

I figured since it was all about sports, that for the party favors I'd do my best to fill it with things that remind me of the baseball park :)

Boo for Tubes (and Tornadoes)

Phew! What a crazy last few weeks this has been. While our family was here, we found out that Jordan was going to have to get tubes put in her little ears :( Not what we wanted to hear, but she's been battling ear infections for about 7 months, so it was time. A few days after our family left, we headed to the hospital to get the tubes placed. We had to be there at 5:30am but it was the quickest surgery ever. I basically kissed Jordan goodbye, sat in the waiting room about 10 minutes, and then was called to go back to see her again. We were home by 7:45am. Jordan was a trooper and did awesome. We already had a good girl, but now we are hoping these tubes make her extra sweet and pain-free.

Before taken back for surgery...
...right after I got to see her.

Once we got home, our only instructions were to try keep cotton balls in her ears all day. I kinda laughed thinking, "Yeah, right. There is no way my stubborn girl will keep those in her ears." The nurse must have seen my grin, because she told me not to worry if she pulled them out but just to watch for drainage. Well, to my surprise, little missy kept those suckers in all day long.

Later on Micah said, "Hey Mommy. Look at me." Not wanting to be left out, he had found found my extra stash of cotton balls and tucked some in his ears :)

The night before Jordan's surgery was the scary evening when the tornadoes swept across Alabama (and other states) killing hundreds and completely destroying many others homes and possessions. It was the worst tornadoes in the history of Alabama and my heart breaks for those so affected by the storms. By God's grace we were spared and had no damage at all. The big tornado hit a few miles north of us, and several smaller tornadoes hit south of us. There is so much cleanup and rebuilding to be done and I am praying that everyone affected will see the sovereignty of God and cling to His greatness during this difficult time.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Man of Sorrows

(by Philip P. Bliss and Mandi Mapes)

Man of Sorrows! what a name

For the Son of God, who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;

Spotless Lamb of God was He;

"Full atonement!" can it be?

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Hallelujah, He has saved us

Sin and death, shall reign no more

Christ has made a way for sinners

Hallelujah, what a Savior

Lifted up was He to die;

"It is finished!" was His cry;

Now in Heav'n exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew His song we'll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

HAPPY EASTER! Hope you were able to reflect on the mighty Savior we do have!

Egg Hunt

Since family was in town, we all attempted our first Easter egg hunt with the two oldest cousins. It was a success as the boys loved it and we enjoyed watching them run around. Micah noticed that this was something different that he hadn't done before because he said, "Mom, what's this called?" Too funny and such fun memories :)

Secret Church

A few years ago our pastor started something called "Secret Church" which takes place twice a year. The purpose behind it is to first study the word, and secondly to highlight and pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Basically, he takes a Friday night from 6pm-12am and does an in depth study on a particular Biblical topic. It started out with about 1,000 people but has grown tremendously over the years. This past time, thanks to Lifeway, it was simulcasted to over 50,000 people worldwide. The topic was "Crucifixion, Salvation, and the Glory of God", which was perfect since it was held on Good Friday. It was just amazing as it made me reflect on what Christ has done for me! As a Mom of two, it is really hard to find childcare for that length of time (especially when you are nursing one of them), so I was really excited when our good friends offered to watch the kids so I could also attend. They also watched my two nephews (and wouldn't take a dime), which was such a blessing for all of us. Thanks Josh and Jessica!!! Anyway, I highly recommend attending or simulcasting the next Secret Church if possible. You can even simulcast it in your own home :) I think the tentative date is November 4th and you can get more info on secretchurch.org. And don't let the length of time scare you away-there are breaks and it is so good that it just flies by. Promise.

Water Boys

These two just couldn't get enough of the sun and baby pool. (However, my 3 year old informed me that I am not allowed to call it a "baby" pool. It's a BIG BOY pool. Oops! Ha.)