20 things I'll NEVER do...

So - I got this idea from a friend and it was SO fun to read hers - that I thought I'd try it out too! :)

SOOOOO......Here we go!

1) I'll NEVER get a belly button ring! It hurt too bad the first time, and thanks to my 2 c-sections...my belly isn't seen any longer!

2) I'll never wear high heels or be into shoes. I've tried. I don't get it - and I don't see why people are so into them? It's shoes! You walk on them...they get dirty - and who wants to be uncomfortable ALL DAY LONG?

3) I'll never ride on a moped or motorcycle. While it was one of the GREATEST days of my ENTIRE life....despite our accident....I will NEVER get on the back of another motorcycle OR moped!

4) I'll never pay a construction worker the full amount before the work is completed. Yeah - long story...don't go there.

5) I'll never own another mini-van. Sure, it's convenient and sooo nice for traveling...but it's just not me. I felt like a different person behind the wheel. I'll stick to SUV's....I've had one since I was 20...so it's just my thing. TOTALLY don't judge YOU if YOU have a mini-van....you probably hate SUV's and the gas milage is WAY better....just still not a fan.

6) I'll never work at a sales call center. Yes - the money is HARD to beat....but I would DIE if I had to call and ask people to switch from ATT&T to MCI again! I'm getting twitches just thinking about it! I'd rather work in a nursing home wiping bottoms. (ok - maybe that is extreme)

7) I'll never be a Lakers fan. Yes - I'm married to a die-hard one....but there's just SOMETHING about it that I don't like. It's not that I truly care...I really don't....but you will NEVER catch me in Yellow and Purple....it just doesn't go together!

8) I'll never be able to eat anything I want. I hate you if you can. I always have and always will have to count calories and worry about exercising and watching every morsel that comes close to my mouth! In fact - I probably just gained a pound talking about this!

9) I'll never own a bird. YUCK YUCK YUCK! I hate birds. I think they are gross and they are annoying when I try to sleep! They poop while in motion and it's runny. GROSS! I don't understand how they make pets...but to each his own!

10) I'll never have a green thumb. I'm sorry - I just can't seem to get a grasp on loving yard work or keeping things alive! I LOVE how it looks when people have beautiful landscaping and flowers everywhere - but I don't get it! Why would I choose to go out in the heat and pull weeds!? NOT FUN!

11) Play golf. zzzzzzz

12) Watch golf. even bigger zzzzzzzz

13) Relax in the wintertime. I am DEATHLY afraid of the stomach virus....seriously. As in, I lose sleep over it, watch everything I eat all winter (for fear of it coming up again) and clean the trash cans and toilets weekly!

14) Be good at drums. Yeah - no good at all. I even tried to sound check them one time at Crosspoint and failed at that.

15) Wear panty hose. I was SCARRED for life with panty hose in college. I hate them....I can NEVER get them on without running them and I feel claustrophobic when they are on.

16) Go camping. The thought of sleeping outside without air conditioning in a tent and waking up all humid and eaten by bugs grosses me out. Also - whatever would I do without my straightening iron and a good make-up mirror! Perhaps in a nice air-conditioned camper....but who REALLY calls that camping?

17) Cross stitch. I mean...really!?

18) Climb. Everest, telephone pole, tree....forget it. I hate heights and unless my life was in danger - you won't catch me climbing anything.

19) I'll never be a good salsa dancer. My hips do LIE!

20) I'll never stop rubbing my eyebrows! I did it while sucking my thumb as a child - and I STILL do it whenever I'm tired. My mom told me that I'd have to quit when I grew up and got married - but Jon is ok with it - so we're good!

MOVING!

Friends and family....

This blog has fallen by the wayside!

It's hard to keep up with 2 blogs and a twitter and a facebook -

and still find time to do my job and raise 2 kids! :)

Please feel free to follow me over to my "staff" blog at the following

address:

http://xpressway521.blogspot.com/

Potty Training Blues

I have a couple of stories about Kennedy and potty training! :)

I can laugh now - now that she is accident free and doing AWESOME with no diapers! WHOO HOO!

1) The first story takes place at Dillons Grocery Store in KS. We were in a hurry, trying to get lunch meat for our sub sandwiches. I had a basket full of groceries when Kennedy told me she had to go potty! YAY! we dropped the groceries with mom, and ran for the bathroom! :) No accident! Back in the aisle, finishing up our shopping, I turned around to see Kennedy literally SQUATTING! WHAT? I dropped the groceries, scooped her up and took off running! The whole time I'm saying..."Hold it!", "No accidents!", and then "Squeeze your cheeks together!"....I looked at her face (stricken with fear as I'm running her and shouting orders), and both hands were up on her face squeezing as hard as she could! HAHAHA! Apparently I hadn't shared with her that her behind is also called "cheeks".... :)

2) The second story took place while my sister and I were getting pedicures. We decided to take Kennedy with us for a "girls trip". She got her fingernails painted purple and was having a great time. The manicurist was SO nice and told her that she could sit on my lap, take her shoes off, and stick her toes in the water. How FUN! :)

She was so excited. She took off her shoes and stuck her toes in. It wasn't 2 minutes later when I suddenly felt very warm all over. I looked down to discover that Kennedy had peed ALL OVER me! :) Fun times.

Thankful to report - Kennedy has been accident free since Tuesday! She's doing great!!! :)

Memories

One of my favorite memories of Christmas as a child was meeting up with our church and caroling around Haven. My favorite stop was the house of Mary Bridgeman who always made us popcorn balls. YUMM! I love this time of year...the carols, the smell in the air, the decorations in and out of stores.

We are working hard on starting Christmas traditions with Jaxen and Kennedy. Teaching them first that it's Jesus' Birthday...and because God gave His son Jesus as a gift for US on this day part of the celebration is that we give gifts to them! Kennedy TOTALLY gets it! We are having a party for Jesus complete with hats and cake! :) She might be a TAD bit confused when He doesn't "show up" in the flesh - but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

We're also teaching her about Santa...and what fun that can be....doing Gingerbread houses, looking at Christmas lights, opening Christmas Eve PJ's and leaving Reindeer dust on the sidewalk so that Santa doesn't miss our house! :)

Love my kids, love my family....

Random Ramblings mostly for Grandma! :)

1) Jaxen is walking everywhere...into everything...and thinks he gets to do whatever Kennedy does.  He has a lot to learn.  HA!

2) Sometimes I see my brother Wes in Jaxen.  It's weird...I don't know whether to hug him - or get a curling iron out.  (long story)

3) For my 30th birthday I received 3 little prickly hairs on my chinny chin chin...WHAT THE HECK?  

4) Kennedy held up my bra the other day and said "Mommy wearing boobies today?"...hmmm let me think on that one.

5) My job is going great.  I am learning to lead...it's hard.  It would be EASY if I didn't have people to deal with...oh wait....that's the point! :)

6) Last Sunday we had about 60 kids in Xpressway (Our children's program)....we were missing approx. 18 regulars.  YIKES!  YAAAAY!

7) Working out 6 days a week...feels like another PT job.  I got a trainer - and she likes to see me suffer.  

8) We leave for the beach in just over a week....I can't wait to get away and relax.  

9) God has given me 2 new friends who are AMAZING!!!  It's like He knew EXACTLY what I needed - and brought these 2 women to my life!  Love my "old" friends too!

10) Jaxen is obsessed with pulling Kennedy's hair.  

11) We are BLESSED with a WONDERFUL school for the kids to go to.  They LOVE it - and the teachers are awesome.  I'm excited to see what this year will bring.  They go 2 days a week.  If we stay here - our kids will probably continue their education there through high school.  

12) Not planning on staying here Grandma.  :)  Some exciting things in the works!!!

13) Headed to Vail, CO in 3 weeks with one of my best friends and my 2 sisters!!!!  Can't wait!

14) I no longer drink soda of any kind.  Diet or Regular.  Only Water and Green Tea.  mmm....I feel sooo much better!

15) Jon is and forever will be the love of my life.  He is an amazing creation and gift to me.  (You already know this...but it was worth saying again)  

Step by Step

Well - Jaxen has taken off.  I TOTALLY called it (that it would happen the week after we left Kansas) because that's how these things go! :)

He is toddling around the little play places and from room to room!  Lots of bumps and bruises with all the falls - but he is up to about 15 steps at a time.  Kennedy thinks it's hilarious! She is IN FOR IT when he starts running around.  :)

We are officially home from a great vacation and into our normal routine.  Didn't take too long! We had a great time being away.  It was exactly what we needed...minus the 21 hour drive each way! We are so grateful to everyone who took time out to come and see us - or hang out.  We know everyone is busy and that a lot of trips to Haven - and so forth were made.  THANK YOU for making our trip so WONDERFUL!  

Looking forward...

Next week we are heading to Kansas to see my family.  I can't tell you how excited I am to go home! :)  I always look forward to this time.  It gives me a calming sense of peace as I see the water tower and make the turn onto Haven/Buhler Road.  It's like suddenly - everything is "OK"....life is not hard anymore.  

It's always a hard time for Jon and I.  I go through this incredible roller coaster of emotions.  I always start dreaming of moving back and living near my family.  I start searching for IT jobs - and brainstorming how we can make it work...making contacts with several people who can "hook us up" with work.  Even though I know this is where God has us now - it is still so hard to live far away.  I dream of going on walks with my mom, shopping with my sister, coffee with my brother, and lunches with my grandparents.  I have 2 of the closest friends ever that still live there - and still to this day - no one can make me laugh like those 2! :)  

It has nothing to do with hating where we are at - we love it here....but it has everything to do with the overwhelming sense of sadness as we pull away, knowing we won't see them for many months.  I always tell myself not to cry...and then the lump comes.  It's so big I can't swallow - and tears pour like rain.  I'm already trying to prepare myself for this bitter sweet visit.  (I'm sure Jon is too!)  :)  

Can't wait to see you guys!  

Helping me mother

Kennedy is into helping with EVERYTHING.  She loves to tell Jaxen "no-no" - and to be a Good boy and OBEY...ha!  At least we are getting through to her right?!  

Well - I am constantly saying - "Let me be the mommy"....

so today - Jaxen was hitting his toy on the TV...and Kennedy said "HURRY MOM...Hit his hand!"...

HA!  Perhaps we need to have a clarification between hitting and spanking....  :)

"Ted"

Lately we've been praying that we would have eyes like Jesus. That we would be able to see people for WHO they are...not how they are dressed - or how they act - or what they do....but for the creatures that God created them to be. This has given us an ENTIRE new outlook on people...it's been an insane ride. 
It's so easy as humans to make friends that are so much LIKE us - everyone wants to be a part of the "in" crowd - and be invited to things - and feel accepted....but that doesn't always happen! The problem with this is that Jesus didn't model that for us in any way, shape or form. Instead of staying close to his disciples and being surrounded by them 24/7 - He would break away from them and go out to meet others. The disciples would have never reached out to the ones that Jesus did...and in fact questioned Him on several occasions! THIS is the model that we are supposed to follow! Christ didn't see these people as sinners - or poor - or the ones who weren't dressed properly...he didn't look to be friends with the guy who was the funny one - or the girl who had all the talent. Instead he found the individuals whom no one else would befriend - and loved on them. This is the mindset that Jon and I are TRYING to adopt. In and through that goal - we have been able to find friendships in the strangest places! People who we would have never dreamed we would befriend - or people that are easily over looked. In return - we've been sooo blessed by meeting some of the neatest people and developing relationships that are growing! 

Today - Jon came home from work and told me that he took time out today to talk to this guy at work. He's kind of the "dork" of the office - and whenever he talks - people usually snicker and roll their eyes. First of all - that breaks my heart in a million pieces. Jon asked him if he had kids today...and the guy proceeded to tell him that he had 2 boys about 16 months apart. Immediately Jon could relate to him b/c of how close in age our kids are. (You have no idea how many relationships this has helped us find common ground in) Jon was telling him that our kids are at the age where they are so needy and they've started "fighting" (which we won't allow) over toys and things. 
"Ted" told Jon that he didn't have to worry about fighting with his 2 kids. Jon was a little excited by this and was hoping the guy would say that "In a year - they'd be best friends". Instead this guy (who has been ignored by ALL in the office) proceeded to tell Jon that his son had almost drowned a year ago. He went on to say that his son was unable to take care of himself in any way. He's unable to even move his head or raise his eyebrow. This guy - (who has been ignored by ALL in the office) has been carrying around this heavy burden. It has just been a year ago that this happened. See - this guy just moved his family here from Oklahoma, has no friends, just started a new job, and leaves his wife every day with one special needs child and one "normal-functioning" child - to fight traffic and sit behind a desk...only to be laughed at and made fun of. Gosh - I don't know about you - but I can't stand the thought. My eyes fill up with tears and my heart breaks for this man. 
All it took was Jon taking his eyes off of himself and his problems - and his every day stress - and taking time to listen to this guy. Jon was able to stop what He was doing - stop trying to get ahead - and just STOP and listen. He was able to share some scripture with him - and did so without being apologetic. "Ted" was completely moved by these actions...and perhaps - if only for today - he can go home FULL...and be able to serve his wife and kids - even if only for today. 
I hope that we ALL take these precious opportunities....I hope that God puts people in your path that you can just stop and listen too....that you can take time to get to know....that you can GET OUT of your comfort zone and be a little uncomfortable with! It makes me shudder to think about how many opportunities I've missed out on...just because I was too busy and too selfish to notice.

Jaxen's 1!

Looking back a year ago today...was a very different time!  First of all...I had just had a c-section...and was recovering in the Hospital.  Secondly - I had a beautiful baby boy named JAXEN! :)  Crazy!  Also on this day - the CELTICS were winning the championship (GO PAUL PIERCE) .   (Sorry Jon)

I can't believe Jaxen is 1 already.  With your first child - it seems like the longest year of your life!  You are pushing them to hold their bottles - then trying to get them to crawl and then pushing them to walk....but with your second...it's completely different!  Suddenly time can't slow down - and life starts flying by without you feeling it!  

Also this day a year ago...our house had been sitting on the market for 5 months.  We KNEW we were moving - but didn't know when or how...and we were VERY unsettled in our current state of life.  Funny part is - that on this day at about 4pm - we got a call from our realtor that our house had gone under contract!....We KNEW God had just the right timing - and we called for a 45 day closing - which would allow us to move by August 1st.  

We had so many unanswered questions - the hows and why's were HUGE and the not knowing KILLED ME!  I remember calling my mom and Danielle - and crying to them about how this was NOT fair....how could a man (Jon's boss) play with our lives!?  What were we supposed to be doing - and how was it going to happen!?  Where would the money for the move come - and how could we afford our car - etc.  So many questions - no answers.  

I am thankful - looking back - for the time we went through.  It made us stronger - we knew we were on the same team.  Suddenly - we didn't need anyone else - it was just about us and the good of our family.  It was an amazing time of growth.  We are thankful for giving us 2 healthy kids...they bring us so much Joy.  (As I'm writing this - they are BOTH screaming their heads off and crying)...so I keep telling myself that they bring us mostly joy.  :)  

I know we have many more memories to make and fun to have as they grow.  We are also so thankful that God moved us to Charlotte.  What an incredible feeling to be right smack dab in God's will for us!  We feel like we were brought here to be a part of Crosspoint (which I've said over and over) - but each new day and new story and new life changed reminds us of that.  

It's been a great year!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAXEN....and many many more!  

Bout of sickness

Well -this week has been awful. :) I agree with a good friend who said..."I'd like a Do-Over please?" The kids and I have all been sick. Super sick. Horrible viral sinus stuff! Both kids had ear infections as well....that makes for an interesting day. 2 sick toddlers and 1 sick Mommy=no fun! :) All mom's can agree having sick kids is the pits! To top it off - Jon had MAJOR meetings at work this week. He had to leave the house at 6:30am - and didn't get home until 8pm. Whew! There were a couple of days where I didn't know if I was going to make it. Couldn't even climb the stairs b/c of dizziness and fever! :(

We got Kennedy some medicine - and well...found out it didn't quite agree with her body...in the middle of the mall yesterday. :) We were finally feeling better - and so we decided to try to get out of the house. There was a guy who was doing Consumer Report Research which paid you $20 to do a short survey!! (of course I signed Jon and I up!) $40 to do a 10 minute survey each...sweet! That could be a dinner out! First of all - the guy doing the survey was VERY SLOW...and I don't mean - UN-FAST. I mean slow. It was sad. He didn't know how to spell...or read. :( I felt so sorry for him - but it did end up taking longer than 10 minutes. I signed something saying I wouldn't talk about the survey...but let's just say I failed...and it had to do with tasting chocolate. HA! (Maybe I am the slow one?)...so I only got $5...still...that's 5 large Tea's at McDonalds!

When I came back Jon and the kids weren't there. Of course - my nature thought the worst...what if they left me!? HA! I had been SUPER sick and snotty all week.... :) Maybe he thought I could use a good walk home ... by myself!? I waited for a while - walked around...they were nowhere! Finally, I started checking bathrooms...and of course - had to check the mens! Ugh. They were in one of them....and as Jon was coming out, I saw that Kennedy was only in her diaper. :) Ahhh....turns out she exploded in the kids play area. EWWWWWWWW. All over her clothes....dripping down her legs....oh man. What a diaper for Jon to get! HA! (oops) It was ALL over the bathroom floor, all over the garbage can, all over the changing table. We can't even begin to explain the LOOKS we got as we exited the mall with a naked child. haha! It's happened 2 more times since then....but in our house...thankfully!

We are getting our carpets cleaned Monday...and calling the Dr. for a different medicine Monday. :)

On another note...Grandma...my tomatoes are starting to bloom! (Is that what you call it?) they are green - and about the size of a large cherry tomato! ;) can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!! Random...I know this.

A wise man once told me....

Just because you're supposedly "good" at something...doesn't mean it's your time to do it.

I mean...just because you are funny...doesn't mean you are "meant" to be a comedian.

Just because you can speak in front of people - doesn't mean that you are supposed to be an orator.

Just because I can teach my children a lesson about sharing - doesn't mean I'm supposed to be a teacher.

Just because I can carry a tune...doesn't mean I'm supposed to be a singer.

I can't tell you how free that made me feel! I am so thankful for his wise advice! He also told me that God takes where we are weak...and uses it to make us strong - so that when we are done...the only thing people can say is "Look what God has done!" .... That is EXCITING TO ME!!! I am not a Children's ministry expert...or even knowledgeable in any form or fashion! I have no experience (besides the past few months...and no fancy degree to hang in my office...ahem...my living room) ;)

This is all trial and error for me! I pray that God will lead me and give me wisdom in the decisions I make regarding the ministry....and that when all is said and done....people will exclaim..."Come and SEE what the Lord is DOING at Crosspoint!"

Top Ten Updates

1) Kennedy will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to be like Jon or I - except go potty on the big girl potty.... (PS - Jon goes on the "Big Boy" potty)

2) Yesterday I caught Kennedy with my syringe in the bathroom - trying to squirt water into her mouth. (I've been doing this every time I eat anything since my wisdom teeth came out)

3) Kennedy is starting to talk up a STORM...she's always jabbering - and it actually makes sense! I LOVE talking with my little girl! She is so sweet.

4) Jaxen is too cute to discipline. (Come on...you've all been there)

5) When I DO...force myself....he usually looks at me and laughs...or gets his little heart broken. (Which is also SOO cute b/c his lip comes out so far) HA!

6) I'm having baby fever...but doing nothing about it...just sayin' (We're not done...if God allows)

7) I have the best husband known to man. I'm serious about this...he's too good to be true...still. And he doesn't have to try hard. It comes naturally to him. I appreciate his character - and for being 1 step ahead of just being "good". I can not name even 1 girl he thinks is pretty (even movie stars)...b/c he knows that it's doing nothing to edify me by pointing out pretty girls!!! I love this about him..even though I don't think it would make me jealous - it gives satan NOTHING to play with my mind over...EVER.

8) I love my job...love it. I couldn't ask for a better gig right now...the paycheck is just a bonus used to pay my childcare and cell phone....but I'd do it for free! (if I had free childcare and unlimited cellphone plan) HA!

9) Jaxen is into EVERYTHING...and I mean EVERYTHING. When he starts walking...I am in trouble...seriously getting nervous about this. (Hense #6 and waiting)

10) It's almost officially summer...and we have some pretty exciting stuff coming down the pike...HURRY up and get here!!!!! Most of it consists of seeing YOU! (if you're reading this from out of town!) :)

In case you're wondering....

In case you're wondering WHY I do what I do...why I love talking about my church and why I LOVE my job...

please read the following...
This was written by our Pastor (Jimmy Wade)....

How can you NOT be a part of something like this?!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Burden

I have such a burden for my church and for my community. I want our church to know the joy of following Christ as a way of lfe. I want them to know what it means to radically submit their lives to Him in complete abandon and surrender. I want them to realize that our church is a body that isn't complete unless everyone finds their place of service on Sunday mornings throughout every ministry. I want them to long for Sundays and not dare miss our worship gatherings because they know Christ is there. I want our church to see the vision of filling every seat in Ardrey Kell, not because we want to be big but because we want to make a dent in the vast seventy-five percent of people who don't attend church. I want them to feel the burden that Jesus has for our community and see it through his eyes and sense the lostness and hopelessness that pervades much of our city! I want our church to find ways to tell their friends to "come and see" because they know they won't be ashamed to bring them to Crosspoint! I want them to see themselves as Christ's hands and feet in this community and give of themselves because they have so much to give and they can share of the world's goods because they know they have more than they need. I want our church to love this community, not because it offers them so much but because we can offer it so much! I want our church to love the unloveable, to touch the untouchable, to give to the ungrateful, to forgive the unforgiveable, to do whatever Jesus would do no matter who it is! I dream of this, I long for this, I pray for this, I believe in this. May God make it so!

Wisdom Teeth

Well - this week - we flew my mom out to watch our kids while we did Drive-In, Drive and while I got out my wisdom teeth! Talk about having the BEST BABYSITTER EVER! Kennedy and Jaxen love Mom-mom and they have had a great time. It was so comforting to know they were in good hands! :)

So - yesterday I went in and had 4 teeth pulled...only - 1 was impacted...and that is not fun. Pain pills are good. HAHA - apparently I tried to update my status on facebook - and instead left some nonsense message to a friend instead! HAHA...

I was completely knocked out - and so far I'm doing great! I can tell when my meds start to wear off - but mostly I just feel like I got into a bar fight with Chuck Norris - and lost. :)

So far - no swelling...which is great. The Doctor said that the swelling will come today or tomorrow - if at all....so I'm waiting! :) (Maybe I could blame my double chin on swelling?) hmm... :)

I do have a nasty bruise on my arm from my IV. Yowsers! It is black..and the size of a half dollar! Mom has been a great help...changing out my gauze, making sure I'm eating jello and taking care of the kids... now - if only they would move here.

Anyone reading this can please help us pursuade them that this is God's plan for their lives. Audrey and Chris are moving here once Audrey graduates....so.....they need to come with them! :) We've got it all figured out. Trust me. :) We've got an "in" for dad at Fed Ex...and 20 piano students for mom at $44 an hour! HELLO? That's amazing! :)

Anyway - Day 1 went ok with my wisdom Teeth. I would definiately say the C-section was more pain....definiately....but I got a baby out of that ordeal! :)

Here's all I got out of this ordeal.....a cute headband.

Drive...not to be confused with Drive-In

Well - in the words of our lovely pastors wife and friend...I have been to 2 drive-in's in the past week - but haven't seen a movie at either one! :)

Our church staff and spouses (including Allen - HA) went to a conference at North Point Church in Atlanta, Georgia. It was hosted by Andy Stanley...who basically in the man...
I can't tell you what a life changing experience it was for Jon and I. WOW...Jon had never experienced anything even close to this - and was moved and his heart was tugged and pulled and stretched. It was so neat to watch. I think Jon has always been passionate about our church THROUGH my passion...if that makes sense? Kind of like - I think Elvis is pretty great - but only b/c Jon has fed that to me. ?? So on a much better and bigger scale...Jon saw the Vision for Crosspoint! So that was a huge blessing for me. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing.
The next thing was that I was able to start dreaming. Just dreaming about what could be in the kids ministry, in the worship, in small group life. It made me realize that we need to cast the Vision of our church ministries - not the needs for volunteers. It makes me want to invest in others so that they can be better - and raise up leaders who could take my place at any time. I realized that I am hindering growth in the kids ministry every time I try to do things all by myself. I realized that some of my best ideas are risks and can come from even the smallest volunteer on the "food chain".

I am so excited and completely passionate about this church. I am 100% behind what Jimmy and Patty have given their lives to. Our vision is: Love God. Love Others. Serve the World. I saw so many things that Andy Stanley was telling us to do - that Jimmy and Patty are already DOING! It was so comforting to see that they are living out what they talk about.
I pray that as we come back - we can excite and energize our tired volunteers and raise up new ones. I pray that we come back knowing that God will work in this church - not just hoping.
Here are some pictures. By the way - their kids ministry was off the hook. I can't even describe it. :) Whoo hoo! :) Exciting things to come

Drive -In

Well - last weekend was a huge event for Crosspoint Kids Ministy! We launched the new set and official curriculum for "the Drive-In". The Drive in is the environment for our K-5th graders on Sunday mornings! It is where they experience small group life for the first time - rockin' worship, and a Bible story that comes to life. Gone are the days of sitting around a Sunday School table (these things are fine) but our methods have changed...not the message!!! We want our kids to come away with 3 things by the time they enter middle school:

Wisdom: I need to make the wise choice
Trust: I can trust God no matter what
Friendship: I need to treat others the way I want to be treated!

Those are our 3 bottom lines - but encaptured in that are 36 virtues and 150 Bible Stories!!!

I am so excited that we have pulled this off in 2 months of working on it! WOW! What great volunteers I have! So blessed! There is soo much farther I want to go - but all in good time! :)
We celebrated by having a drive-in movie and lesson as well as concession stand style food such as
hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, twizzlers and sodas. It was a fun day had by all! We had a great turnout of parents and potential volunteers and we're praying that they catch the vision of children's ministry and the impact they can have in a child's life.

Here are some pictures to highlight the event! :)

Thinking of having kids?

Thinking of Having Kids?

Do this 11-step program first!

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the newspaper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who.already
are parents and berate them about their
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breast
feeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall
behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you
will have all the answers.

Lesson 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living
room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12
pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound)
Playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go
to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag,
until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and
watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard
and be productive)
Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful
and together.

Lesson 4
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all
summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How
does that look?

Lesson 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang
out. Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it
out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like
that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the
back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with
your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can
find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice).
If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more
than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out
of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you
can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side..
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the
swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street, Barney, Disney,
the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney
channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking
What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly.(Important:
no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional
crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape
in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready
to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually
tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy'
tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation
with an adult while there is a child in the room.

New words

Jaxen can say 2 words REALLY well. They are
Ball and Uh-Oh.
It is HILARIOUS....he gets the funniest expression and gravels his voice and says
"Uh-oh"...lips pursed as much as possible.
We will try to get it on video soon! :)

On another note. Kennedy is a PEEING machine! I want her to toilet train SOO bad! She has NO INTEREST whatsoever! She is leaking out of diapers left and right - and I am constantly cleaning up PEE! ICK.... Can I force this? No juice unless you pee in the big girl potty? No Dora unless you pee in the big girl potty? HELP!

It's been a while!

I'll do a quick re-cap of the last 2 weeks! :)

We painted....the downstairs bathroom - as well as a little table and chairs we got for Jaxen and Kennedy. :)

We celebrated Jon turning 32!!!