God Loves Me

I had the privilege of sitting in my dad's Disciple I class this morning for Sunday School. We were discussing the book of 1 Corinthians. It was so much fun to hear other's opinions and perspectives on the same scripture, but in the middle of it all I heard something else. It was God reminding me that He loves me. A thought so simple, but so important to remember. You see we were trying to figure out why Paul was so confident when he was talking to the church in Corinth, when my dad brought it back to the point Paul was trying to make. It was then that God reminded me of His GREAT Love! All the little things in our lives don't matter: what I wear, how much money I make, how good of a job I do, ect. I worry about all the little things in life, who is right and who is wrong, but in the end - it doesn't matter. God wants us to know that He loves us, so he cares about the things we care about. I love Kylie with all my heart and long for her to know that she is loved and cared for. Therefore, I will sing, dance, play, and look goofy in public all for her to know that she is loved. God cares about me more than I care about Kylie, and in the same way he hears my prayers about the little worries I have in my life because he cares.

The last week has been absolutely crazy. Tre and I took the teens to Nashville for TNT @ TNU. It was an AMAZING trip!! We were in constant motion attempting to watch our teens perform at all of their events. I, being only one person, was unable to watch every teen at every event. But when I saw them, I was so proud! They have grown so much this year and it was fun to watch them knowing that their heart was performing for the ONE who mattered most.


This weekend, Tre and I drove to Charlotte, NC to watch my dad graduate from seminary. Riding in a car for 10 hours while Kylie had a slight temperature was not very enjoyable. However, to watch my dad receive his "hood" and degree made every mile worth it! Kylie earned brownie points beyond her comprehension as she smiled and played with my parents every day. It has been nice to visit and relax with them.

As I look back over the past week, my life has been a whirlwind. However, I am so thankful for the truth that I was reminded of this morning. God loves me. He loves me through my weaknesses and strengths; he loves me through it all. The best news is that He loves you too!

A New Step!

Kylie continues to move around the house! We have begun chasing her and telling her no when she gets into things that she doesn't need to be in. Today she began another milestone . . standing up. She has been leaning on things, but today she figured out how to pull herself up. Since then, she has done it several times. Here is a video of her new skill!!

Spring

So even though the pollen here is crazy and has completely covered my car, I am in love with Spring! The weather is absolutely perfect . . not too hot, but not too cold. I have enjoyed several afternoons in the new park and walking in my neighborhood.

We had a wonderful Easter weekend here in beautiful Clearwater. Again, the weather was perfect and we started the day with a breakfast in front of our church! We had a wonderful time at church celebrating our risen Savior. My favorite were the cardboard testimonies. Melissa, one of our teens who is in remission, walked across the stage for the first time to share how God has transformed her life. I'm not sure if there was a dry eye in the room. We spent the afternoon with half of Tre's extended family! It was a great time to eat and visit. Of course, the highlight was the egg hunt. Kylie wasn't quite sure of everything, but once she could put an egg in her mouth she was content.

We leave you with a glimpse of Kylie's first dance moves!

9 month check up

It's still crazy to think that we have a 9 month old! Wow, how the time has flown by! Yesterday, we took Kylie to the doctor for her regular check up. She is now 27 inches long and weighs 14lbs 4oz. She didn't have any shots, but a toe prick to examine her blood. Even though she is still petite, all looked healthy. Now that she is 9 months old, we can start transitioning her into 3 main meals a day with some smaller snacks in between. We can introduce a sippy cup with water or juice and continue to introduce new foods. Yesterday I made her applesauce, which I thought tasted pretty good. However, by the looks of Kylie's face, I think she disagreed. It usually takes a few tries of something new before she likes it.

It has been spring break in Pinellas County, so we have been busy with the teens this week. We have been on picnics, delivered flowers to some of our precious church members, played Frisbee golf (among other games), ect. It's been a great week! Hope you are enjoying this spring sunshine as much as I am!

Happy 9 Months!

Kylie is 9 months old today!! She is still petite in size, but growing in personality!! She loves to eat (wonder where she gets that from) and play!! She is scooting all over the house and loves to follow Marley around. It's hard to imagine that we'll be celebrating her first birthday in just a few months!

Eating a Lemon!

Part of being a parent, is allowing your children to have a wide variety of experiences, right? Check out our video of her first taste of lemon. Don't worry we don't plan on giving her anymore.

They are worth it!!

I found out this morning when I was giving blood that mine goes to help save babies!! I am O+ but the nurse told me I am also CVC- (I think that's what it was called), which basically means my blood is able to be used for babies. If you know me well, you know that I don't handle stories about blood, infections, or other gross topics very well. I easily get light headed and grossed out. However, when the opportunity came for Tre and I to give blood in return for a free ticket to Walt Disney World, we decided to go for it. While we were there in January, we realized that giving blood is not as scary as we thought it would be. For me, I just can't look at the bag or needle, and I just focus on sipping a coke and eating my snacks. The nurses are great about keeping the conversation going and making me laugh. So if it has been awhile since you gave, I encourage you to look up a blood bank in your area and give. Every time you give, you save three lives . . which is pretty awesome!!

While I am motivated to blog, I thought I would update you on our wonderful life in Clearwater. Serving the Lord is tough when everyday feels like spring! The sun is shining but it's not too hot, which is perfect! Tonight, the Ladies from the church are eating dinner on the beach while the sun sets, I know rough.

Kylie continues to grow up, but not out. She is getting longer and more mobile. We have started saying no as she reaches for cords, Marley's ball, and other things that don't belong in her mouth. Fortunately for us she doesn't move fast, but has great determination to go wherever she wants. She says da da when she is happy, and sometimes it sounds like ma ma when she is crying. Her appetite continues to increase and she enjoys all the veges we have been giving her! We feel blessed to have a beautiful, healthy little girl who enriches our life daily.

Kylie's friend Reaghan.