Cohen Bennet

O.K., so I'm a little slow in sharing some absolutely incredible news....... Eric and Mandy Moore, dear friends, have adopted a baby boy!!

Cohen Bennet Moore

He arrived Thursday, March 20th, and they brought him home from the hospital on Saturday. He is gorgeous with those big juicy lips! I agree with one of Mandy's friends, "I just want to take a bite out of those cheeks!" If you don't know Mandy and Eric, I would encourage you to check out their adoption journey and Cohen. :-)

Congrats Moore Family....we are on call if you need us...!

Biloxi, Mississippi

I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a stateside mission trip with Chad and 18 other youth and adults last week! We went to Biloxi, MS to assist the Salvation Army in Katrina restoration. I could not believe the devastation in that area from the storm. One local shared with us that 2000 bodies washed up on the shores of Biloxi and that many of the homes are still uninhabited because of that.

While we were there we helped clear debris from work sites, scraped paint off of one woman's home then only to repaint it, painted a boy's and girl's home that is turning into a women's shelter, and then assisted another lady in her newly built home. Our youth did an incredible job serving, sacrificing, bonding with each other, and making memories.

Something holy happens when you get away from the normal daily activities (youth and adults) and throw yourself into a cause that is great and larger than yourself. I know for some youth and myself, it was a wonderful reminder of how blessed we all are, and that there is such a greater reward internally when we sacrifice our time and talent.

Yes, we was uncomfortable leaving the boys for 5 days, but they were completely loved and cared for. Mom and Ivey came in and had a blast with them. Mom was definitely tired by day 5, but the guys loved her time here. Chad and I also loved knowing that our boys had the chance to pray for our trip and realize through that that life is bigger than our family. We look forward to the day when they will get to travel with us and serve!

Family Night

Today our family took full advantage of the rainy day and rested up! It was great. I think everyone in our family actually fell asleep for awhile...rare, but a blessing. Because we slept so much, we decided to do something completely different. Chad and I had heard a while back of a place here in town that has a "Family Night" at an inflatable, bouncing place. We called and took the guys! They had a blast and all of us got out lots of energy. This just might become a "surprise" night for the guys every so often. If you are in the 'Boro, I would highly recommend it. Next time, we think it will be fun to get multiple families in on it.

MRI Update

I spoke with my doctor's nurse today and she shared the results of the MRI with me. Here's the scoop, my left hip is fully functionable and not hinder in any way. Huge praise!!! The pain I was experiencing was from my lower back. As for that, I do have a herniated disc at L5. That means that part of my disc is bulging out of where it should be, and in return it is shooting pain into my lower left side including hip area. They have referred me to a neurosurgeon for a consultation on March 31st. I would truly covet your prayers as Chad and I discern the next step to take. Thank you all your care and concern!

Just Right

This morning during breakfast Owen and I had the wonderful chance to eat alone, because the rest of the crew was still sleeping. It was such a fun, sweet, opportunity for me to see and hear how he processes information, so let me give you a glimpse of our time together.
Owen: Mommy, What are flying saucers?
Mommy: Well, it's like a frisbee that flys through the sky, but only alot larger.
Owen: Is it pretend?
Mommy: Yes, in the beginning, God created humans, but flying saucers carry aliens, so they are pretend.
Owen: O.K., so God didn't create aliens.
Mommy: No, just humans to live on Earth.
(at this point he grabs his solar system model he has just recently finished painting)
Owen: So, no one lives on all these other planets?
Mommy: No, because Earth is just the right distance from the Sun. Can people live on Mercury or Venus?
Owen: No
Mommy: why?
Owen: They would burn and you could see their bones.
Mommy: What about these? (pointing to all the others)
Owen: They would freeze. So, it's kind of like Goldilocks and the bears' porridge......Mercury and Venus are too hot and all the others are too, super duper cold, but Earth is "just right"

How's that for a breakfast chat! It was just precious to see his little wheels turning as he was understanding it all and connecting it to a story. Again tonight he told Chad the same explanation. I was beaming all day I as realize more and more the importance of taking advantage of those "alone" times with my guys and not rushing throughout my day.

For those of you wondering about the MRI, I will share the next step as soon as I know. :-)

Chinese Proverb

Chinese Proverb:

'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.

Just a little hello! :-)

We had fun bundling up and playing outside today. When we woke up this morning, the yard was blanketed with snow, so our family waited until sunshine and then embraced the crisp, chilly cheek weather. So....here's our hello from the Vinson's. We hope all of you out there are loving life and your family!

MRI

This may come as a shock to some of you, but I'm scheduled for an MRI on my lower back and left hip next Tuesday. The reason I'm sharing this with you all is for you to pray with me. Over the last 6 weeks, I have had two different episodes in that area. Needless to say, it has been discouraging and debilitating for me and how I care for my family. Please pray that the MRI will discover any needs that I need to tend and then for proper care in the coming months. At the moment, a chiropractor has been phenominal in correcting my immediate concerns, and hopefully the MRI will help us determine anything else. I am a bit fearful of the MRI since I've never had one and of the outcome. Please pray for a peace that passes all understanding to fill me and cover my mind. Also pray for the MRI's technican and the accuracy of the event. Thanks! :-)

Happy Birthday, Daddy

32 things we love about daddy,

1. the way he jumps with us on the trampoline

2. wrestling with us after work

3. reading to us during the day and at bedtime

4. dancing crazy

5. his laughter in our home

6. coming home to us each day

7. letting us drive his car (in the drive way)

8. doing laundry

9. helping around the house

10. vaccuuming

11. sweeping

12. taking Owen to go run or work-out with him

13. snuggling with Griffin on the couch

14. great hugger

15. taking time with each one of us

16. how he walks and talks on the phone outside :-)

17. love for relevancy of the Word

18. he loves to read

19. loves to drive

20. enjoys ultimate frisbee

21. Monday lunch with the family

22. he loves the youth kids

23. he answers all our WHY questions

24. his ability to sleep at any moment

25. he makes great smores on the grill

26. he is silly

27. he takes care of all our yard work

28. taught Owen "not to have an attitude" (Owen's exact words)

29. taught Griffin how to throw a football

30. tickles Tate so he'll cackle

31. plans babysitters so we can go out

32. loves us all unconditionally!