The Hays in Houston

Welcome!

2011-12-05T06:25:00.000-06:00

Hi and welcome! If you are visiting from Parent Life, please visit my new blog here! I started the new blog shortly after the article went to press. Thanks so much and look forward to hearing from you!

Silly Landon

2011-07-07T10:08:00.003-05:00

Landon was looking at my right hand yesterday morning. He then asked to see my other hand. I showed it to him and of course my ring was there. He said, "Mom, I wish there wasn't a ring on your hand." I asked him why and he said, "Cause when I became an adult I would marry you!"

Then we were talking with Cameron about movies. He asked her if she had watched a particular movie on Netflix. She told him no, that she had watched it before Netflix was around. He said, "You mean, in the old days?"

A trendy giveaway from a friend!

2011-06-21T11:05:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine Abbie has started a great new blog, where she does a much better job faithfully blogging than I do! :)
Today she is giving away a cute little headband, which she also graciously shows the blog world how to create on their own.

Here is the link:
http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2011/06/embellished-headband-tutorial-giveaway.html

Go learn a new project and see how fun her blog is!

Thai Shrimp soup

2011-06-21T10:33:00.003-05:00

My friend Linda took me to a Thai place a few months ago, where we experienced a crazy-good shrimp soup. It had been a while since I had tasted it, but I wanted to try to recreate it. It is not exactly the same, but I think it turned out pretty tasty! Enjoy.

Thai Shrimp-Coconut Soup

1 Tbs. curry powder
1 Tbs. garlic
2 Tbs. soy sauce
½ Tbs. fish sauce
½ Tbs. sesame oil
2 cans coconut milk
2 cans broth (beef or chicken)
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 pkg. rice noodles
1 lb. shrimp
1 Tbs. lime juice
Chopped cilantro

Soak rice noodles in cold water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, put remaining items (minus shrimp and cilantro) into a large pot and simmer. Drain noodles after 30 minutes and add to soup. Bring to a boil and add shrimp. Cook for five more minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

VBS 2011

2011-06-21T08:56:00.002-05:00

So many of our friends have recently asked about our story being in LifeWay's VBS material this summer. I am sorry I did not do a better job about letting everyone know! :)

The North American Mission Board sent a team to Houston in 2009 to follow us around for 5 days and capture a bit of our story and ministry. They made a video about our story and the church that can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpYHTXVXYCI

For VBS, they used the same content but dubbed over using a kid's voice. For some reason I can't find that video on YouTube. (and we all know YouTube is all-knowing!)

For the record, Landon is doing well. We just had his yearly check-up in April and he was released for another year of being a normal kiddo! We are so thankful for this.

Edited: here is the link to the actual VBS video:

http://mediasuite.316networks.com/player.php?v=v76s5m98

One Day

2011-05-31T07:38:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday to my sweet little man! My first-born, my only (for now!) son.
Today not only represents the 6th year that we have enjoyed having Landon on this earth, it also represents the ONE day of parenting that Ben and I have experienced without the words "biliary atresia" in the back of our minds. For 24 blessed hours, we cuddled and loved on our little boy with great peace of mind. He made us parents, and we were overwhelmed with love.
It was like a fairy tale, that first day was. Somewhere near 40 people came to the hospital to help us welcome our child into the world. We chose not to find out the gender of our first born, so there was great anticipation, both for us in the operating room, and in the overflowing waiting room.
I will never forget Dr. Haskins holding him up and saying, "It's a boy! And a big one!" And he was, 10 pounds 10 ounces. How could such a large baby have anything in the world going on?
All evening, visitors floated in and out while I floated in and out of sleep. Early the next morning, Landon's pediatrician came to visit us. She told us that his bilirubin was high, but that didn't worry me too much because most babies develop jaundice at some point. I was very jaundiced as a newborn. Ben was a little more worried. That was around 7:30 a.m. She mentioned sending him to Shreveport if necessary, but that hardly seemed reasonable to me. For jaundice? Really? Little did I know, I was about to become a near-expert in all things liver-related, and that there were two kinds of bilirubin. Only one should be elevated in neonatal jaundice, but both of Landon's levels were high.
Dr. Sokunbi came back by around lunch, and his levels still hadn't fallen. This time, I was a little more worried, because she seemed more worried. My mom dropped my little brother off with my grandpa so she could be with us. At about 5 p.m., a team from Christus Schumpert came rushing in with an incubator stretcher. We hadn't even known for sure they were coming, and there they were. My dad was there by then so he could drive Ben over to Shreveport as well. Ben and I both lay on my hospital bed sobbing while they prepared Landon for travel. We had to sign all sorts of forms saying everything from "they might give him a blood transfusion" all the way to "he might die." Talk about the fairy tale turned nightmare.
When Ben and my dad left behind the ambulance, I really thought my heart was going to break in two. I think out of the whole ordeal, that day was the hardest. Being separated from my child and husband, when we should have been all together. As a family. I had a c-section, so my doctor highly advised that I stay until the next morning before heading to Shreveport. That night was fitful for me. I should have been nursing my baby, but instead my arms were empty.
I had told my doctor that I was leaving by 7 am, with or without him, so he better come check on me by then! He was there at 6:30, bless his heart. I am sure there is nothing as difficult as dealing with a mama with a sick baby.
....to be continued

out of the mouths of babes...

2011-04-29T12:22:00.002-05:00

Earlier today Allie was asking me questions about Jesus. She asked how we were going to get up in Heaven with him. I told her that when it was time, he would return to get us and "zoom us up in the sky." Her reply? "Can you ride me on your back, mom?"

Allie at the HLSR this year.

Italian Mini Meat Pies

2011-04-28T19:36:00.005-05:00

We had baseball practice for Landon tonight so I threw something together before hand, then just reheated it when we got home. It actually turned out pretty good (3/4 of the family that had it liked it!) So here goes:

Italian Mini Meat Pies
one pound ground turkey (mine already had Italian seasoning in it, if you can't find that, add about a tablespoon of Italian seasoning)
1/2 onion, chopped
butter
1/2 jar spaghetti sauce- your favorite kind
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper (I only added this to about 1/2 of the mix so the kids' wouldn't be spicy. In their words, they don't do spicy.)
a handful of chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350.
Saute the onions in about a tablespoon of butter until clear. Turn off heat. Add sauce, meat (raw), 1/2 cup bread crumbs, basil, and red pepper, if using. Scoop mixture evenly into muffin pans. (Mine made about 15)

Sprinkle additional bread crumbs on top, and add mushrooms on top as well. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, then check. You want the breadcrumbs to be nice and toasted. Give them a little more time as needed. Once they look nice and crunchy on top, sprinkle with cheese, and pop back in for a few minutes to melt. I also added more fresh basil on mine after cooking.
Enjoy!

Delicious baby!

2011-04-23T11:26:00.006-05:00

This child has stolen my heart. I didn't know it would be possible to love a third child like this, but there is apparently a God-given place in a mother's heart for each of her children! Who knew???
I am soaking in every second with her just *in case* this is our last.

Oh and thanks to my friend Ashley for the wonderful pictures!

The Beautiful, Terrible Cross

2011-04-22T11:24:00.001-05:00

This song beautifully sums up Good Friday. Please take a moment to listen. (Pause the music at the bottom to be able to hear it, or go directly to YouTube to listen.)

Doing Well

2011-04-19T15:21:00.003-05:00

As a stay-at-home mom, I have struggled with feelings of "failing" and being overwhelmed a great deal of the time.

I have really had a hard time putting this into words. As my sweet husband always tells me, I am the one putting the pressure on myself! I recently read a blog post (which I could remember which one) about homeschooling. The author brought to light a thought-provoking fact to me: that as long as there are little children at home all day long, my house will never be perfect! Sounds strange that a stranger made it clear to me.

However, early one morning I had a thought finally come to me concerning WHY I feel this pressure to cook more, clean more, fuss less, teach more, discipline in a better way, have laundry caught up, ..... you get the drift. When I worked OUT of the home, I finished my job at the end of the day and went home. (except when teaching, of course.) But having results there was attainable and noticeable and lasted for at least a few minutes- and right now- I feel as though I am in a constant cycle of re-doing everything I did the last 24 hours! And I know this thought is nothing new... it has been haunting stay-at-home moms forever... But it helped to have it finally formulate in my own mind. I do consider myself somewhat intelliget and probably could have done well in the "outside world" but since I have chosen to walk this path of staying at home with these three (for now!) precious gifts... I need to know that I am doing it well. Because if not, that means my whole parenting life has not been done well.

So what does it mean to "stay-at-home" and do a good job at it? I would love to hear others' thoughts...

Project 365ish

2010-10-07T11:30:00.005-05:00

I wanted to do this great project where I took (and posted) pictures every day for a year. This was supposed to give me a few months practice before Baby Girl got here so I would be in the habit of taking daily pictures. I have not done such a great job, but I will post what I have and attempt to carry on! I want to capture some of our day-to-day moments instead of just breaking out the camera at
Christmas, birthdays, etc. I am going to backdate the photos to the date they were actually taken. :)
Today's photo: what our school table looks like most of the time. My kids are addicted to crayons and markers, although they are currently on a marker ban. Landon decorated his nightstand with guns and deer, while Allie colored herself green one day while I was in the bathtub. I knew we were in trouble when I heard her tell Landon, "Look Landon, I'm not white anymore, I'm green!"

Because I don't want to forget

2010-10-06T17:50:00.002-05:00

I read recently that women lose brain cells in late pregnancy- well let me tell ya, I believe it! The kids have said some incredibly funny things this week and I can only remember 2 of them! So I will write them down before I forget:

Sunday morning, I asked Landon if he was ready for Kindergarten on Monday. He looked at me in surprise and said, "What? I thought I got off of kindergarten for hunting season!" Oh, what a good Hays he makes!

Monday afternoon we were driving to dinner and Allie was whining. We are trying to get her to tell us in an "unwhiny" voice when something is bothering her. So Ben asked her to tell us her problem. She said immediately, "My pants aren't straight, I don't have a belt on, and you just ran that stop sign!" Oh goodness we laughed and laughed. Which she did not find funny. (on a side note, the stop sign was not run, I guess she expected us to sit there all day!)

Girls' night!

2010-10-02T11:53:00.000-05:00

Saturday night I was in the homeland and my sister was nice enough to get together a group of girls from my previous church together to hang out, eat, and talk. We had a fabulous time! My cousin from out-of-state was also able to join us. I miss these ladies!

The nephew's 1st birthday!

2010-10-01T11:48:00.001-05:00

My sweet little nephew A and my beautiful sister Lindsey. Brother-in-law was not home from work yet. Isn't the baby so adorable?

You must go here...

2010-09-24T21:58:00.004-05:00

I recently re-discovered a blog I had briefly seen a while back. Since I am taking an extended break from Facebook, that gives me permission to peruse more blogs, right? Anyway, as I said, I had looked at this blog before a few months ago and found a very, very good recipe.. Buttered Rosemary Rolls. But then I never went back. Why? I am not sure. But this week I stumbled upon it again and am hooked. Since Monday I have made three of her recipes and have three more ready to go tomorrow night for dinner!
Who is this person taking over my kitchen? The Pioneer Woman. She lives in the middle of nowhere and apparently uses cooking as her therapy, and thank goodness for that!
I have also made Mystery Rolls... now that is a winner and I will be repeating! Creamy bleu cheese and butter all on bread? Yes, please.
I also made this Pasta with tomato cream sauce. It was very good as well, but may need a little tweaking.
Tonight I splurged big time and made these Vanilla scones. Are they good? Well my husband is camping in the backyard with the kids tonight and everytime he comes in, he snatches one. So I guess they are okay. :)

I will give reviews after doing the cooking tomorrow night.. I can't wait! And this gets my mind off the fact I still have seven weeks till this baby girl gets here!

PS If you go to this website, prepare to be addicted AND to buy lots of butter!

camping trip

2010-09-24T12:13:00.000-05:00

Ben took the kiddos backyard camping. This included a night swim, followed by sitting by the fire. Only in Houston!

Baking, and cooking, and frying, and sauteeing...

2010-09-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

Can you tell what my daughter and I have been up to lately? Making lots of yummy things to eat, that's what. It has been really fun teaching her- she can already crack an egg at age 3!
I knew we had been cooking a lot when she told me (10/5) that "eggs, milk, and sugar, they are precious in His sight." Got a few little themes of the house mixed up!

2010-09-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

Allie brought mommy "flowers." They were beautiful!

night with Nikki

2010-09-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

Couldn't choose between these two photos:

Allie with her "hair twin" Nikki. A great friend to the whole family, but especially Mama! :)

Not sure what Landon was doing here, but it sure was funny.

Mrs. Rita

2010-09-16T11:59:00.003-05:00

My kids love their teacher, Mrs. Rita. She is such a sweetheart. Of course, this picture was taken the day Landon told her some not-nice things and had to get in trouble when he got home. But overall, they love her!

(this is the day I officially wanted to start Project 365)

So Glad I Said Yes!

2010-09-15T14:39:00.002-05:00

Nine years ago today, I made one of the best decisions ever- to say "YES!" when Ben asked me to be his wife. I love him so much!

(not my exact ring but close enough!)

Isn't this precious?

2010-09-15T14:31:00.003-05:00

(scroll down to the very bottom of the blog and hit "pause" on the pink music player or you won't be able to hear the kids!)

A few of my favorite things

2010-07-15T14:20:00.007-05:00

I have been wanting to do a post like this for a while- since I started using coupons and shopping at CVS I have used many new products that I may have not tried otherwise- and some of them free or almost free! I know I always hate to drop $5 or more on a item and not know if I will like it, so thought I would share. There are also items on here that are not-so-cheap, but worth the money.

Here are some that I really, really like. Unfortunately, I am not getting paid for my opinions. :(

Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk-
I cannot take credit for this one- my friend Fabia recommended it. But I did have a coupon for it! I think with the $1 coupon I paid about $2 for it and IT WORKS! I put on my hair right after I shower, then blow dry and straighten and it actually helps keep my hair from getting too frizzy. No one knows better than a Texas woman how huge this is! I don't think there is any place more humid than Houston, at least in the US. :)

Comet Bathroom Spray-
I admit this is nothing too exciting because it has to do with one of my least favorite activities, cleaning. But this works really well. In fact, I cleaned our shower this morning and it made it so much fun! Not really, but I did spray our hard-water-covered glass door with it, and after a few minutes all I did was swipe a few times with one of my other favorites (to come), rinse, and Voila! Very clean door.
You can sometimes get a coupon in the Sunday paper, making this about $2.

This brings me to my next item- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Can I get an amen? I have removed everything from crayon marks on our flat, white (ugly) paint to the crusted-on food inside my microwave (I mean, I;m sure I could, if I let the microwave get that dirty. :) ) I get coupons in the mail sometimes for 75 cents off, and they are many times on sale at Target for 1.50, making this a very cheap cleaner! Oh, and I do NOT recommend store brands. This is one item that just hasn't worked as well for me.

Stay tuned for more...
the little ones who formerly put the crayon marks on my paint are about to be home from pre-school!

Do you have any products that you really like?

Hays Baby #3- week 20 already?!?!?!

2010-07-09T12:42:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I had only briefly referenced my pregnancy on the blog... since I do such an amazing job keeping up with it, I wanted to give a better update!

I am due November 22 but most likely the baby will be taken by the 15th. The doctor knows I grow 3-month old babies and doesn't want it to get too big! Who wants to bet this one weighs 10 pounds, 10 ounces along with his/her brother and sister?

Some things about the pregnancy:
*I found out March 24th I was pregnant and was so excited! We had been trying for over a year.
*I calculated my due date (on my own) to be November 22nd, and when I had my first ultrasound, the date was spot-on! This had not happened before!
*I was a bit nauseous in the first trimester, but nothing to complain about.
*I have craved cereal in every pregnancy. With this one, new cravings were Chick-Fil-A (which didn't last long, it was too expensive!) and Taco Bell. Such healthy cravings I have!
*I felt the very first movement (very, very slight) at 14 weeks, which is also when I felt the other 2. At 17 weeks the movement was more defined and now at 20 weeks unmistakable!
*I also love that Ben felt the baby move the exact same time as the others- 20 weeks. (7/7/2010)
*This pregnancy has gone by so much more quickly, probably due to the fact that I have 2 others that need my attention. I'm sure a 2 1/2 week vacation helped, too! :)
*We are probably not going to find out the gender of the baby. Well, we will eventually, but not before the birth. ;)
*I can't wait to meet this new little one!

Australia- finally!

2010-05-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

So we have been back for almost two months already- how can it be? I decided since I had a free day to try and catch up on some more pictures. I am going to backdate them so it doesn't look like I am so behind- but we all know I really did it in July. ;)
This are just a few pictures of the general area around our bed and breakfast- in an area called The Rocks. It is in the area that was first settled in Australia- and let me tell you- it is NOT stroller friendly! It really was beautiful though. Makes me miss it so much looking at the pictures.

Yep, the some of many stairs that we had to carry our double stroller (aka pram) up and down many many times. Sometimes I would lug the stroller while Ben lugged a sleeping child. :)

The sign for our B&B is behind the kids.

I believe this was George Street- ran behind our B&B and had lots of cute little shops and restaurants.

This was our last day in Sydney, and let me say I did not have a good attitude about leaving! I was very excited to visit with the family, but oh how I loved this city! Next time we are going to have to plan a longer trip so we can stay here longer!

This is a picture of the top of Sydney Harbor Bridge- we walked across it but did NOT climb to the top!

Ben and the kids on the bridge. We were pretty nervous walking across so they mostly had to stay in the stroller! Looks like Landon may have been having a bit of an attitude as well!

This was cool- a prison in the water, similar to Alcatraz. (viewed from the bridge as well)
We didn't know about it until our last full day, but we will be touring it the next time!

Another view from the bridge. It looks like a church but we learned that many buildings that look like a church are sadly, no longer churches. So I'm not sure what this is. :)

Had to get a picture of this... one lady who was also staying in our B&B told us about it on her last morning- she walked out on the bridge just to get a picture of it!

Day 4- botanical gardens and back to the beach!

2010-05-01T16:13:00.002-05:00

Sydney Aquarium- day 3

2010-05-01T15:59:00.003-05:00

Manly beach- day 2

2010-05-01T15:46:00.002-05:00

Manly beach

The ferry ride to the beach... this is where we are retiring! :)

This is this year's Christmas card picture! ha

Day One- The Wiggles

2010-04-30T01:30:00.005-05:00

A few weeks before we left for our trip, I found out that the Wiggles (who are from Australia) would be in Sydney the day we arrived. I knew it would be a gamble if we would feel up for it, so I didn't buy tickets. But the day we arrived we knew we needed to stay awake so we decided to go. We took a train ride and a "short walk."

(We were told a 5 minute walk, it took us 45!) Anyway, the theme of the show was "A Wiggly Circus" and I must say, Ben and I liked it as much as the kids! It was very well put together. Here is a picture:

Oh, and we also saw this building. Not too important. :)

It is more beautiful in person than I imagined.

I love Australia!

2010-04-30T01:17:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to give a quick update on our trip (and a few pictures, since that's all most of you really care about anyway!).

Can I just start by saying my kids are amazing travellers? They did SOOOO well on the 3 plane rides we had and received lots of compliments from other travellers. On the 15 hour stretch, Landon slept 9 straight hours and Allie slept 10! Then she took a couple of naps after that! Unfortunately Ben and I did not fare that well, but really only had jet lag the first day we arrived. I did read, though, that the week of pregnancy I am in could possibly be the most tiring! Yay for timing! But thank God I did not have any problems on the plane. I envisioned myself puking for 15 hours straight. :)

Here are some pictures from travelling:

My good friend Yessica that we got to visit on our 10 hour layover in LA. I miss her so much! She moved there in September and I haven't seen her since.

Some of my dad's family that also lives near LA. They all met us at Santa Monica Beach, which is quite lovely.

A very depressing sight when travelling!

But it went by relatively quickly.

I am thankful for....

2010-03-12T16:57:00.002-06:00

In my Bible study I just started (Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed- it's awesome!), it asks one way this week I could show my gratefulness. So what better way than to make a list of things I'm thankful for? (and not even at Thanksgiving- gasp!)

1.) My husband- I truly cannot imagine my life without him. He brings me so much happiness and I hope I do the same for him.
2.) My two little blonde-headed bundles of joy. Oh my goodness I love them so much.
3.) My wonderful parents and siblings. I miss being with them as much, but am so glad to go home when I can!
4.) that I am finally doing well navigating our big city and its infamous traffic!
5.) pan de queso- a Brazilian bread that will change your life people! It is amazing, and best of all, I live in a city where I can get all the ingredients and actually made it yesterday! yumm-o!

Okay, I know the list is way short but I hope to incoroporate this practice regularly. Have an awesome weekend!

How I got 2 100 oz bottles of All detergent for $1.48 plus tax

2010-03-10T14:44:00.005-06:00

Now my intent here is not to become a coupon blog (yet anyway!) but I would like to share this deal with you. Several of you have asked how I do my couponing- it can be very tricky getting started- and this is an excellent (although rare) example.

Target has a deal going where you buy two 100-oz bottles of All for 7.99 each and you get a $5 Target card. Well, I had 2 All manufacturer's coupons (1 for $1 and 1 for $2 off; also called MFCs) then right before I went to the store I checked my booklet of Target coupons and found a $1.50 off All! Target's coupon policy lets you "stack" manufacturers coupons with their own coupons.

To make things even better, I had a $5 target gift card already from a previous deal similar to this one. So here is how it breaks down:

Two bottles of All @ 7.99 each = 15.98 - $2 MFC - $1 MFC - $1.50 target coupon - $5 previous gift card= $6.48. Then I got the $5 gift card, bringing my total to a grand $1.48. This detergent should last 2-3 months.

Such an exciting deal! Ben and I are getting on a very strict budget and deals like this make it much more exciting.

If you want extensive lists of coupon match-ups, check out moneysavingmom.com Prepare to become addicted!

Facebook freeeee!

2010-03-10T08:14:00.004-06:00

My husband and I had never observed Lent before. Blame it on growing up Baptist, I guess. Last year, though, I heard a few of my friends from church talking about observing Lent and how meaningful it was to them. Let's get this straight: I am NOT a fan of observing if a person just does it for tradition and has no idea what it means. Instead, it should be a meaning-filled time of reflection.

So I decided to give up Facebook. For six weeks, people! Now I hardly ever get on the computer for FB, but I had it on my phone. So I would check it first thing in the morning (baaad idea). I would check it at stoplights. I would check it while bathing the kids. All in all, I guess it had become an addiction of sorts. So time to break that habit and spend more time with God!

Here are some things I have learned in my journey: (which is about 1/2 way over today, I just realized.)

I am not the most important person on FB! I'm sure you already knew that. But since I did leave my e-mail settings on for messages (just in case someone didn't get the memo I was off and NEEDED to get in touch with me!) I have received ONE message notification in three weeks! ha!

It is okay to not know what is going on EVERY single second of EVERY single day with EVERY single of my 450ish friends. (I would check the exact number, but ya know...)
It is actually quite peacful to be away for a while.

And last but not least, anything I need before my relationship with God is NOT good. Now I am certainly not saying FB is bad. I have been able to keep in touch with family and friends that I never would keep in contact with otherwise. But do I really need to know what that random person I met at youth camp 15 years ago is doing?

So all in all, my fast has been productive and eye-opening. Will I go back and check it after Easter? Probably so, but it will definitely be a different priority in my life. Like a very low one.

So what did my husband give up for Lent, you ask? Coffee!!! Who said the whole house had to suffer for one person's sacrifice? Just kidding, it hasn't been all that bad.

Do you celebrate Lent? If so, what did you give up?

The funny things they say!

2009-12-17T07:44:00.006-06:00

Update 2/6/2010
Landon asked if we could take a spoon to Heaven in case Allie got an attitude! What a selfless young man!

Dec 17, 2009

The kids are really saying some funny and/or profound things lately and I don't want to forget them!

Landon to his babysitter the other night about a picture in his room: "That's Bethany. She's my girlfriend and we're gonna get weddinged one day!"

Allie tells us, "Y'all are wearing me out!" in the most country accent you have ever heard. She is also requesting pink birthday cake for Jesus' birthday party, which is coming up soon!

Landon asked me not too long ago how people got to Heaven before Jesus died on the cross. Try explaining that to a four-year-old. He also cried the first time Ben explained Jesus' death to him. Wow, that kid has a heart.

One thing Ben and I tell the kids is "I love you to Australia and back." Well the other day Landon told me he loved me to Heaven and back. Pretty sweet until I told him "that is such a loooong way!" He said, "Not really, it's only to the sky!" That stinker.

Well naturally I can't think of many examples since I'm taking the time to "write"
them down, but I am hoping to update as more occur!

Updated 1/1/10:
When we were moving Landon's furniture to paint his room, we asked him if he wanted his bed in the same place or if he wanted us to move it. He said, "I want it moved." We asked him where, and without missing a beat, he said, "Into y'alls room." ha!

On the way home from a Rockets basketball game last night, Allie told Ben (who was driving), "Be careful, father!"

Also, after the game, the kids were talking nonstop about Louis Scola. They want to meet him and talk to him.

Bacation!

2009-09-20T21:04:00.002-05:00

give away!

2009-08-17T14:26:00.003-05:00

One of the blogs I love and follow is doing an amazing give-away! Frugal and Fabulous is giving away a pair of Switchflops, which are these really cool flip flops where you can switch out the straps and give them a different look! Head on over and sign up to win a free pair!

sweet

2009-07-30T23:25:00.001-05:00

Today I was telling Landon I would be sad because daddy would be gone to Guatemala. He said, "Well, I'll take care of you!" I asked him in what ways he would take care of me and he answered, "I'll rub your back!" He knows what's important!

"Not my Child" Monday!

2009-07-20T11:41:00.003-05:00

This post is courtesy of MckMama's blog- usually she does a "Not Me Monday," but this, week, it's all about the children! I certainly don't have TONS of content for this post!

Wednesday, my son did not come in while I was praying for the women in our small group and throw a temper tantrum, swatting his hands in the air and saying, "I don't want to leave!" And I certainly did not become very... ahem... disappointed in him.

While taking my two little ones shopping on Saturday, I certainly did not turn around to find my 2 year old daughter eating candy straight off the candy rack in the check out line. (Which I certainly did not have to pay for, after I had just swiped my debit card!) I couldn't punish her, though, even if she did that, because that was honestly the first time she has ever been out of the buggy at check-out!

A few weeks ago, my son was not nursing a baby doll in front of about 15 people at one of our weekly ministries. Wow. Certainly he would not do something so embarassing!

Now it's your turn! Share your funniest stories about your child (or yourself if you do not have children) and feel a great deal of relief in the making! :)

Look for the Rainbow

2009-07-14T19:19:00.003-05:00

Many of you reading this (all 3 of you!) will have already heard this story, but I feel like I need to get it out "on paper" per say before my memory fades. So for that reason, I'm going to describe the moment as vividly as I remember it.

Four years ago, we were spending lots of time at Texas Children's getting the correct diagnosis for Landon. On July 12 of that year (3 days after my sister's wedding), Landon had to have a liver biopsy. It was terrifying- everything about those few weeks was terrifying. He was only 6 weeks old at the time. Leaving my baby on that operating table as sleep-inducing drugs flowed into his IV is not an experience that I can even explain.

The next day, we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting, in his hospital room for the results of the biopsy. Nothing will make the minutes on the clock tick by slower than waiting for doctor's rounds. Especially when something crucial will be revealed.
About 5 p.m. or so the rounding doctor came by and told us matter-of-factly that the biopsy did make Landon "appear to have biliary atresia." Now this is the same doctor, who 2 days before, had walked in and took one look at Landon and said, "this kid doesn't have biliary atresia." So it was easy to be very disappointed in her when she brought the bad news... although it wasn't her fault of course.

Anyway, so by this time we are very, very depressed. I had never seen Ben like that before, and haven't seen him like that since. It was especially disheartening for me because he was usually my rock, telling me that everything would be okay.
My sweet mom was with us for this visit, and she was gazing out the window, holding Landon. She said, "Look, there's a rainbow!" (It rained constantly that summer- adding to our dismal mood!) We were like, "Who cares? Our baby is sick." I remember Ben laying face down on the "bed," which is actually a couch that pulls out into a twin bed for two adults to share. And usually a baby. But anyways. Let's say it was good that we have a close marriage!

Ben pulls himself off the couch after a few minutes and looks out the window, thinking of what the rainbow means in scripture. (See Genesis 9:13-17) He prays for Landon, and prays for God to show him that he has not forgotten us. We had so many people praying for Landon, and things just weren't going the way we thought they should. Ben prays for a sign that God was still there, and at that moment, a second rainbow appears. It was an amazing, humbling moment. I must be honest and admit that I still wasn't all that impressed at the time- if God could make a rainbow appear at will, why wouldn't he heal my baby? But looking back, I see that it was all part of his plan to get us here.

It may not seem like a huge deal, but that was God showing us his love and grace in a moment where we needed it most. Do I have the answer to why babies are sick, and even more tragically, die? No. I won't even pretend. I cry almost every day over some child or another who is having health problems. It just doesn't seem fair, even to me, that my child is doing so well while others are having a horrible time.

But I do know that when things are going badly, it might help to look for the rainbow.

PS I have a picture of the double rainbow that I will post as soon as I get it scanned. For some reason, I can't find the digital images from that month.

Orange you Excited???

2009-05-31T21:05:00.005-05:00

This weekend we celebrated Landon's fourth birthday! We are so excited for the blessing of excellent health and lots of fun this past year! He is getting so big and loves life.
We had an "orange" birthday party for him... this was his request for months! When I'd ask him what kind of cake he wanted, he'd answer, "An orange cake with an orange truck on it." So that is what he got!
We had a great time with some family that traveled in from Houston, as well as new friends in Houston.
Here's the cake:

Landon being silly. Imagine that!

With one of his numerous cousins:

Sunday, his actual birthday, we went to Bass Pro Shop after church. Landon "deerly" loves this place!

We are so lucky to have such a great guy in our lives.

The children are...

2009-05-06T22:52:00.005-05:00

Landon is...
...almost 4! So hard to believe that this TALL boy is the same one who made his debut at 10 pounds, 10 ounces almost 4 years ago.

...playing T-ball. He loves it one game, won't play the next! (one game, he hit the ball, then went and sat in a chair and closed his eyes, saying, "I don't want it!"

...OBSESSED with the Rodeo. Ask anybody who has been around us in the past 2 months, and they will tell you. Everything is a bucking bull. Including the chair he sat on while doing a developmental assessment. It "bucked" him off more than once! He also got a HUGE goose egg last week from jumping off the deck. While mommy and daddy were gone. Thanks, Nicky and Mitzi, for taking care of him!

...FUNNY! He told our good friend Danae the other day to come in to his mommy and daddy's room- their door closed and locked. Ahem.

... so sweet. Yesterday morning while we were eating breakfast, he came around the table to me and hugged me and starting singing, "My favorite mommy, my favorite mommy," over and over again! It brought tears to my eyes. I told him that was my favorite song and he had to sing it to me everyday for the rest of my life!

Allie is...

... TWO! And I'm sure the neighbors know it by the fits she throws sometimes! Don't know where she gets that from.

...so feminine, and a tom-boy at the same time! She loves to have her toenails painted and then loves to plow over her brother like a bulldozer!

...talkative. When she decided to start talking, there was no going back! She loves to talk all the time, and I love hearing her sweet little voice. I love how she says, "uh-huh." It's hard to explain in writing, but it is just precious! I also love when I lay down with her for her nap and she wraps her arms around my neck and says, "Don't leave me!" Sometimes I don't.

...also funny. She told her Sunday school teacher the other day, "I like to move it!" Still cracks me up thinking about it.

... beautiful. Sometimes I just stare at her, and think, "She really is gorgeous." No bias here! :) Oh, and in case you were looking for the newest beauty tip, it is to cover your face with spaghetti sauce. Improves one's looks everytime!

Landon's visit to the "liver doc"

2009-04-15T19:50:00.005-05:00

(Pictures from Landon's ultrasound. I did not have the presence of mind to take pictures during the doctor's appointment; more on that later.)

Wow, can I just say that God is good. Looking back over the last almost-four years, I can honestly say I didn't see things working out this well. I don't know exactly what I expected, but not for our time inside TCH as patients to come down to 30 minutes a year! For those of you who don't know/remember, from the time Landon was born until almost 1.5 years, we spent a LOT of time in the hospital with him.
So here is the short of it: Landon has NEVER had normal liver function tests (LFTs) except for his bilirubin. Well, due to a lot of prayer and skillful doctors, his labs from last week are NORMAL!!!! I cannot tell you how good this does a mother's heart. Only one number (GGT for those of you who know the specifics) was out of range by 5 points, but compared to what it has been, it is amazing!
Thank you God for a great report. The doc's words were the same as last year: "See you in a year!" Biliary atresia is still a nasty disease; Landon is definitely the exception and not the rule. So we are keeping the other families we know in prayer that aren't having such an easy time.
Speaking of, since most kiddos who have BA eventually have a liver transplant, Ben and I are very much into organ donation awareness. April is Organ Donation Awareness Month and so we went to an event today to get TMC employees to sign up to be donors. Ben actually signed up the president of TMC! Anyway, Landon got to wear a shirt as a "future potential recipient." We got to hear stories from donor families, and let me tell you that is emotional. They are such selfless people who use their pain to bring joy to others.
Here is Landon playing with a friend who already had a liver transplant as a baby:

Side note: The actual doctor's visit last week is a blur to me because Allison was an absolute TERROR. And I am not exaggerating. Horrible. Embarrassing. Screaming. Throwing toys across the room. Don't let the cuteness fool you, that child has a mean streak in her! But we love her to pieces just the same. But hence, the reason for no photos of Landon with his awesome doctor!

2009-04-15T19:41:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness, so it has been soooo long since I blogged, I don't even know if I can catch up!
But I'll try. On March 20th, we closed on our new house! Thanks to some great friends and some super-hard-working movers, we got the bulk of the stuff in the next day. Ben's brother and one of his friends came over the next day and finished it up. Man, we have a lot of JUNK! Hopefully, that amount has decreased by my pruning!
Anyway, the next weekend we went home for a flying visit. I had breakfast with one of my BFFs and sister (don't mess with the girls at the Golden Corral Breakfast Buffet!), plus we saw my parents, my grandparents, and Ben's family, and our friends Jason and Mandy! Yes, it was insanely quick but fun.
---------------------------------------------------
So I just decided I'm going to do several different entries to catch up; too many things that are totally different from one another and just can't all be lumped into one.

Babies Don't Keep

2009-03-07T19:27:00.002-06:00

I ran across this poem on the another blog and thought it was worth sharing:

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

~Ruth Hulburt Hamilton.

So true. It's hard to remember when my babies looked like this:

and this:

But they'll always be my babies!

NMM

2009-02-09T19:00:00.003-06:00

It seems that all my blog entries lately are not me Mondays. Maybe that should tell me something about myself? Hm....
Check out MckMama's blog for the rules and regulations, and then have a blast making your own!

Anyway, I did not get on the computer after dinner tonight just to do my NMM post. (Well, MckMama is giving away a prize for this!) No, no, no.

My daughter is not running around here with no clothes on- it's not the best way to potty train! (at least it's worth a try, right?)

I did not go into Sam's today for a few things and spend $150. Man, I am glad I have more self control than that!

I did not fall asleep this afternoon reading the book I am supposed to be reading for church. I mean, come on, I am the pastor's wife after all!

I did not take to my son's head with #2 guard and go right down the middle. Seriously. I did NOT scalp him. Man, I'm glad I'm a better hair dresser than that!

Well people have a great week and I promise I'll post more pictures soon!

Another Manic Not-Me Monday

2009-02-02T00:26:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not do many things this week!

I did not become awe-struck this week while meeting Miss Texas at the hospital where I volunteer. I mean, she is just a person, right? (Oh, and when my dad looked at the pic of us, he said, "I can't tell which one is Miss Texas. Wasn't that so sweet?)

I did not have to run to the grocery store last minute before my parents arrived this weekend, conveniently leaving most of the house cleaning to my hubby. And he is not a wonderful man and did not do it willingly!

My son, within five minutes of my parents' arriving, did NOT say to my mom, "Shut up! That's what mommy said to daddy!" Oh, my. Maybe once?!?! I would never be disrespectful to my husband. In all seriousness, gonna work on that one.

Well, it's midnight and can't think of much else, although I'm sure there are many more things that I am proud to say I DID NOT DO this week! Join the fun, you won't regret it!

Not Me Monday!

2009-01-26T15:00:00.005-06:00

Check out MckMama's blog for some great free therapy every Monday! Okay, here is my list for this week!

I did not go to CVS 8 times this week trying to find a particular item that I could get for free. No, coupon shopping does not make me that crazy!

I did not stay up until 1:30 a.m. talking to my cousin on the phone Saturday night. And then, I certainly did not stay up until 3, just reading. Nope, that would not be good for getting up to go to church Sunday morning.

I did not eat six spring rolls when my father-in-law took us to eat Vietnamese food. Of course I have more will power than that!

I did not sign my children up for preschool one day a week. I never need a break. OH YES I DID and YES I DO! :)

I did not decide to give away FREE etsy stuff to people who comment on my blog. Read the post below if you decide not to believe me!

have a great week and see you next Monday!

Free Stuff for Reading my Blog!

2009-01-22T21:23:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I'm trying to get started on Etsy. So, if you are reading my blog and leave me a comment before next Wednesday (January 28th), I will send you something for free! It will be either a hand-made greeting card or a magnet! This way, I can spread my shop name (www.benandkelli01.etsy.com), and a little happiness as well. :)

After Wednesday, I'll briefly post my e-mail address so you can send me your mailing address. How does that sound? Have a great day-

Not Me Monday!

2009-01-19T07:36:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Wow, it's been a while since I have participated, so time for some confessions! :)
MckMama hosts a blog carnival each and every week for us imperfect moms to tell all! You really should head over and check it out... she is a true blessing!

I did not pop out of bed this morning and come straight to do "Not Me Monday." Nope, not that excited about it!

I have not let my children stay up until 11:00 or later some nights because of the holidays. Because the holidays are over, and we are back on a strict schedule. ;) And last night was not one of those nights, because they were in bed by 8:00. ha!

Last night, I did NOT feed my children (and my nieces!) chocolate for dinner- brownies and ice cream to be exact- at the Chocolate Bar. Nope, I am much more responsible parent than that. Hey, if I did do it, it's because it was my daughter's birthday.

We did not take our son out in public yesterday wearing a shirt he had "decorated" with a pen during church. And added more "decorations" during lunch. I always inspect my children before taking them out!

My house does not look like a tornado hit it because I don't get tired of picking the same toys up over and over and over and over and over again. Nope, I tirelessly pick them up 57 times a day so my house always looks like a model home!

I'm Nine!

2009-01-18T14:00:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to Allie!

Today is our beautiful daughter Allison's birthday. She is two. But don't try to tell her that! Ask her, and she'll say, "NINE!" in the cutest little voice. I have no idea where she picked that up, but it is adorable! The funny thing is, our friend Bethany used to say the exact same thing at this age. And of course Allie wouldn't remember that- she was not even one yet!

We had a fun party with her back in our hometown yesterday, and tonight we're having her pictures taken. Then, we're hitting The Chocolate Bar for dessert first! Yummy. Our nieces are also visiting with us, so it's shaping up to be a fun day, after spending the morning at our great church.

No matter how old you turn this year, celebrate life!

Some Pictures of Allie at her birth- oh, what a great day!

Allie's first birthday. Pictures of yesterday coming soon!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-01-05T18:14:00.008-06:00

Wow, I cannot believe it has been an entire month since I last blogged! What a whirlwind it has been, too.

Dec. 19th-21st, my sister Lindsey and her hubby Alan came to visit us. We took Alan to a wonderful restaurant for his Christmas present, and also Santa came to visit us while they were here:

Dec. 21st-28th, we visited both of our families in East Texas. It was a very relaxing time of fellowship- well, minus the stomach bug that wiped out about 25 members of my family. It was an interesting Christmas, with everyone comparing bodily functions. :)

At Pop's and Mimi's house:

At Uncle Joe and Debo's house:

Dec. 24th, our new nephew was born. He deserves his own post, so look for that later!

Dec. 29th was our 7th (!) anniversary and we went to a Rockets game- Ben's first NBA game ever. It was very fun, and we discovered a great new restaurant as well!

Dec. 30th- my cousin Tasha and her four kids came to visit us for a few days.

Dec. 31st- my friend Mandy came to visit for a few days as well; we had a New Year's Party at our house

Jan. 1st- Tasha and the kiddos had to leave early b/c her kiddos got sick. Very sad.
Mandy, Fabia, and I went to eat lunch, then Mandy and I spent the rest of the day shopping.

Jan. 3rd- Mandy left to go back home.

So much fun! Now back to real life.
I hope that your holiday season was spent enjoying your family and friends, and celebrating Christ's birth.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

2008-12-29T18:42:00.007-06:00

Today is our 7th anniversary, and I could not be happier with the man God blessed me with.
He is, among many things:
...patient with me. And believe me, I need a patient man!
...loving to me and our kids. I love watching him take care of them!
...an awesome friend. I've had bouts of loneliness since we've moved to Houston, and he always listens to me when I need him!
...a great pastor! If I had to pick anyone to listen to preach every Sunday for the rest of my life, it would be him.

He wrote a song for our wedding called "Hand in Hand." The chorus says:
"Hand in hand, together, in triumph or in pain;
Hand in hand together, 'cause this is our God's plan;
No matter what the journey holds, today we both begin.
Hand in Hand together, faithful to the end."

As a young, naieve 21 year old, I couldn't imagine the triumphs, and especially not the pain we would encounter in just 7 years. But I am thankful to say, that we have come out stronger, and still Hand in Hand.

Just for fun, here is a picture of our wedding day. I love you, babe!

One of my items was featured on Etsy!

2008-12-05T07:30:00.003-06:00

My Item that was featured on Etsy.

ETSY!

2008-12-01T14:54:00.003-06:00

Have you seen this website? It is amazing! Tons of handmade items that are so CUTE!

And now... my stuff is on there, too! I have been in a crafting frenzy for a while now, and decided maybe I could make a little cash while having fun. It is stressful sometimes being a stay at home mom with a college degree- I know it is what I am supposed to be doing for this season, but I am excited about the potential of a little income.

Check it out! Buy something! lol
www.benandkelli01.etsy.com

Not Me Monday!

2008-12-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

It's been a few weeks since I posted this, and believe me, I've been missing it!
Check out MckMama's blog for more info if you haven't already tried this free therapy!
I did not eat WAY too much at Thanksgiving, as I am sure none of you did, either! :)

I did NOT sleep in at my parent's house while visiting and let my mom take care of my kids until I woke up. Nope, never.

My husband did NOT take my daughter out in public wearing her Cinderella princess dress-up high heels. He knows better than that! And he surely did not take her out 4 days later wearing only a sweater and tights.

I did NOT keep the sheets on my son's bed after his diaper leaked because I was just too tired to change them. No, I washed them the minute he woke up!

And I certainly and most assuredly did NOT sleep on the balcony of my parent's house with my sister, cousin, my son and my cousin's 3 sons. No, that would be too dangerous and just plain weird. And we wouldn't have stayed out there if it perhaps started raining. But definitely it would have been fun had we done it! This picture proves NOTHING!

--------------------------------------------------------------
Etsy:
Have you seen this website? It is amazing! Tons of handmade items that are so CUTE!

And now... my stuff is on there, too! I have been in a crafting frenzy for a while now, and decided maybe I could make a little cash while having fun. It is stressful sometimes being a stay at home mom with a college degree- I know it is what I am supposed to be doing for this season, but I am excited about the potential of a little income.

Check it out! Buy something! lol
www.benandkelli01.etsy.com

Allie's words

2008-11-29T18:02:00.004-06:00

These are the words Allie is saying as of now. Many of them are brand-new, including her phrase today: Look at Me! (always a girl, right?)

This is more of a list for myself, but thought some of you would enjoy hearing her words as well! She is also saying: (with her pronunication first, then the actual word!)

Mama (at least 1 million times a day!)
Daddy (a close second at 900 thousand times)
Landon (she loves her brother and looks for him when he is missing from the room!)
dog
ditty (kitty)
beh (a dual word: bear, which is her favorite DVD; also "bread")
I want out! (of her high chair, bed, carseat, etc.)
NOOOOOO!!!
bebe (baby, maybe this should actually be in first place!)
babble (another dual word: means Bible and apple)
want MILK!
Mimi
Pop
Anni (our friend Anna)
Ian
donkey (random, right?)
book
Pooh (another favorite DVD)
I stuck!
MINE!
Night Night
poon (spoon)
cookie
Nanny (candy, another favorite phrase)
oose (juice)
nana (banana)

I know there are more, so I will update as I think of (read: hear her say them!)
Have a great day.

Meatless Mondays

2008-11-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

In order to help out a family in our area, Ben (husband/pastor) challenged our church to give up one dinner a few weeks ago, and eat only rice for that meal. It was a two-fold challenge: to eat a meal that much of the rest of the world considers normal, as well as to save money to donate to this family.
Now for those of you who know me, I enjoy cooking. A lot. (yes, I'm weird) And I love to eat even more. So just making and eating rice? Hmmm..
But this night was amazing. Really, truly humbling. As my husband said on his blog, we ate pretty early and were both starving (well, not really) less than an hour later. And, we both had two bowls of rice. Many people in this world only get one, if that.
So we decided as a family to designate Mondays as "Meatless Mondays." I will cook a simple meal, without meat of course, for our family when possible on Mondays. We would really like to be able to give more to the poor, both in our city and around the world, and this is one small way we can do this. God has a tremendous heart for the poor, and we are praying to have the same.
Here are some of the benefits that we have thought can come about by giving up meat only once a week:
* The main reason, which is to save money to give away
* To be able to identify with others who eat very simply
* To teach our children that Americans live in excess, and we can do with less
* To be a little healthier: giving up meat once a week can only be good for us
* To have more time with my family that evening, with much less cooking preparation and clean up time.

I would love to hear of more ideas of how you are giving back this holiday season.

Allie...

2008-11-19T19:09:00.004-06:00

went tee-tee on the potty today!
Yay yay! For those of you who don't appreciate a good potty story, you may as well just browse somewhere else! :)

She was running around saying, "Potty! Potty!" She has done this before and I sit her up there and.... nothing.

But today, she did it! Landon and I made such a hoopla about it that she probably freaked out and thought she did something wrong. I mean Landon was seriously screaming, in the high pitched way that Landon screams, "Allie went tee tee on the potty! Allie went tee tee on the potty!"

Then, what was really funny, was I asked Landon if he wanted to call Daddy and tell him. He said, "Yeah!" I asked what he was going to tell him. He said, "That I want to go to Lindsey and Alan's house!" (my sis and her hubby) Oh, well. I called and broke the news myself.

Sorry, Sam's Club. You may soon be losing $35 a month from the Hays family on diapers.

Ben and Landon's Deer

2008-11-04T08:00:00.005-06:00

Ben and Landon went hunting this past weekend- a Hays family tradition- with his dad and brother.
His brother Steven shot a deer in the morning hunt:

Then, Ben and Landon got one in the evening hunt:

(That's Pepaw, Ben's dad, in the photo above. Landon just adores him! As a matter of fact, so do I!)

It was a great weekend of "male bonding" for the men and Allie and I had a girls' weekend with Steven's wife Phyllis and their daughters Lauren and Cayla.
For $30 (the cost of a hunting license), we have our meat for the year! Yay Ben and Landon!

Treasure Your Children

2008-10-29T15:17:00.002-05:00

For a couple of weeks now, I have had something on my heart and just haven't shared it yet. It stems from my volunteering at Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center, as well as my involvement on an online forum for parents of children with liver disease, and also personal friends dealing with sick children, infertility and infant loss.

My plea is for the parents of small children who read my blog: Treasure your children. Take time to enjoy them, and love them, and get to know them. Their childhood passes too quickly and I know that this cliche, but this season is so short.

I was volunteering a few weeks ago and doing a craft with one of my favorite little girls. She was just having so much fun and then the nurse called her back. She started crying and screaming because she knew what was coming (she is only 2 1/2, but already wise to the hospital ritual). A lab draw, maybe, or chemotherapy. Something that would hurt. I had to turn away so her mom and dad wouldn't see the tears in my eyes.

I also mentioned my online support group. In the last month, one baby died at only 11months, waiting for a liver transplant. There are a few others that are barely clinging to life. If you have a child, give them a kiss as you thank God for another day.

We have a personal friend whose daughter is waiting for a transplant. The baby is so precious, I could just hold her all day! But she is sick, and she needs a transplant, fast. It breaks my heart to look at her, and her sweet mother, who has endured so much these first 11 months of motherhood.

If you have a healthy child(ren), please be thankful that part of your life doesn't entail sitting in a hospital all day, waiting for news that may not be good. I am speaking to myself here. Although Landon is technically sick, he is in a very healthy period of his life and I tell myself all the time to enjoy this time, even when he is driving me crazy. Is this always easy? By no means, no. But I am trying to become more mindful of how I react to both he and Allie, and truly learn what it means to treasure them.

If you have an ill child, or are struggling with infertility, or have lost a child, may you find the grace and strength you need to get through this trial. All of these issues are definitely dear to my heart and I would love to pray for you. Just leave me a comment or e-mail me.

I'll close with words from God:
Psalms 127:3
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Not Me Monday

2008-10-20T07:58:00.004-05:00

Once again, here is my list of things that I am much too good to do, in response to MckMama's Not Me Monday!

1) I did not realize that after skipping a week of Not Me Monday, that I need this therapy! A lot!

2) This one goes for me and hubby- we did NOT bring up an ice chest with milk and granola bars to our room one night so we could appease the kids the next morning without getting up. Even if it was our one day to sleep late together in like, 6 months, that would just be silly! (seems that creative ways for me to get to sleep late are becoming a theme here!)

3) My friend Yessica and I did not walk around the gala we volunteered at, looking to see if the guests had left any of the yummy chocolate bars that were served as favors on the tables. And even if we had, we wouldn't have walked out of there with around 6 bars each. And that VERY DARK chocolate does not taste really, really good!

4.) I did not give my children about 4 pkgs of fruit snacks, each, so they would be good while hubby and I were talking to the agent about building our house. Nope, my children just sat there extremely well behaved on their own, loving every minute of discussing mortgages and floor plans.

If you haven't tried making a list like this and reading others, it really isn't all that fun. So don't try it! ;)

This needs no explanation....

2008-10-14T22:57:00.004-05:00

.... or does it?
They did it on their own, I promise!
-------------------------------------------------------------
I want to update on Church in the Center , but eleven o'clock-ness is preventing brain clarity. I'll write more soon, I promise. (2 promises in a very short post!)
Have a great week.

Not Me Monday, take 2

2008-10-05T22:23:00.003-05:00

Okay, time for another round of things I did NOT do this week! Isn't this therapeutic? You really should try it!

First of all, I did NOT stay up a little later than I planned, just to see if MckMama started her contest early (again!) so I could go ahead and post tonight. Nope, not me.

I truly did NOT put back a $1 Christmas ornament my son broke accidentally at Hobby Lobby because I was tired and perhaps a bit crabby. And because the cashiers seemed even more tired and definitely crabbier. Nope, that would be something an irresponsible parent would do.

I did not make homemade popcorn almost every night this week for hubby and me to eat (after the kids were in bed!), since I did not just discover a great new method thanks to my friend Fabia and Alton Brown! Nope, too much junk!

Something Landon did NOT do: Say, "you have to be careful, babe," when I slammed on my brakes in traffic today- (always fun driving through a Houston Texans game on your way to church!) Landon has NOT heard me say that to Ben when I think he gets too close to other drivers. Nope, that is so not kind of me!

Allie did NOT pick up dog poop out of the yard and throw it at me. Nope, she's a girly girl!

I did not bust my rear falling out of a lawn chair (possibly it broke?) last night. Don't ask my sister, I wasn't talking on the phone to her when it happened!

And lastly, last night I did NOT NOT NOT make brownies using black beans instead of oil and eggs. YUCK! And I certainly would not feed them, unwittingly, to my husband and his best friend. Nope, that's cruel. But just in case you want to know about these, ask, and I'll tell you about someone else that did do it!

One thing I did do, though, is have a great Sunday worshipping in our brand new church! And maybe have to ask forgiveness for the ornament I didn't put back.
Have a great Monday, y'all!

Preview Sunday

2008-09-29T21:11:00.002-05:00

Wow! It is amazing to see God work around us, and Him letting us join him!
Yesterday was our "Preview Service"... leading up to our "Launch Service" on October 5th. It was a great day and I'm so excited my parents and father-in-law got to come.
I should have some pictures soon. My friend Yessica was so sweet and took tons of shots of the whole service for us.
So, if you live in the Houston area, join us next week as we offically kick off our brand-new church in the Medical Center. We'd love to have you join us in our quest for Relevant Truth, Authentic Relationships, and Compassionate Service.

PS The preaching is great, even if I'm a little biased! ;)

sweet baby words

2008-09-28T20:41:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I was putting Landon to bed amidst sobbing (his, not mine!) in a melt down. It was Preview Sunday* and he had NO nap. I asked him why he was crying.
He answered, in a little whiny voice, "My eyes were sad and then they cried." Oh, he almost made Mama cry!

*check back tomorrow for an update on this, I'm going to bed! And yes, it's 8:45 p.m.

Not Me Monday!

2008-09-28T20:27:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I am following this blog that I love (praying for her unborn precious baby and love her writing style!) and the author is starting a new contest called "Not Me Monday" where one can quite therapeutically relay events that she did NOT do that past week. Does that make sense? So here goes... my first Not Me Monday (Sunday!)

1.) I certainly did not take Tylenol PM one night just so I could sleep late the next morning while my kids were at my parents. Nope, that is irresponsible. And if I HAD done it, it probably would have only allowed me to sleep until 8 a.m. anyway. So I am glad I did NOT do that!

2.) I did NOT look the other way when my dog relieved himself, and I ain't talking peeing here, in a neighbor's yard. Nope, once again, irresponsible.

3.) I did not go out in public in a hideous red vest, even if it were to be for a volunteering banquet and that is our uniform. And over my dead body I did certainly did not go with my husband dressed exactly the same way. How nerdy is that?

4.)I did not completely enjoy my week off with my children at their grandparents/aunt and uncle's house. Nope, I was pining away all day when I didn't have to clean poopy diapers, break up fights between a one and three-year-old and certainly was not happy to go to the grocery store alone!

5.) And with the above said, I did NOT race my husband out to the driveway when they got back and argue over whom got the kids first! :)

Because really, I did miss 'em!

We are Great... post-Ike, that is

2008-09-23T14:26:00.004-05:00

I just realized, because some of my friends asked, how we did during Hurricane Ike, that I had never posted about it. We had some really minute water damage in our kitchen, but absolutely nothing compared to what others are going through. We only lost power for maybe 12 hours, and weren't even here for that. Please continue to keep the people in this area in your prayers. There are people who still don't have electricity and it is HOT. Last week was really cool but we're now back to typical Houston weather.
And worse than no electricity, many people in Galveston, etc. lost their entire homes and everything in them.
If you feel led to help, click here to go to a website hosted by one of our sponsor churches, Clear Creek Community Church. They are really being the hands and feet of Jesus during the aftermath and would love your help.
Also, during our Preview Sunday, all of our offerings will be given to Hurricane Relief efforts. I don't think we can really even fathom how long it is going to take, or how much money it will cost, to get everything back to normal.
I know it has hit me how everything you called home can be gone in an instant. Take time today to thank God for what you have.

Bittersweet

2008-09-23T14:21:00.002-05:00

So the kids are with my parents/ sister for the entire week! Talk about bittersweet... the house is so quiet... I miss them but at the same time am trying to enjoy it while it lasts!
Ben and I enjoyed an ENTIRE day together yesterday... sleeping in, shopping, watching a movie and then going to a great dinner downtown (via MetroRail, no less!) and enjoying some great live music. It was great to get to focus on each other for a complete 24 hours.
Today is back to work, getting ready for our previously-planned and post-poned Preview Service. (how is that for alliteration?) I am able to help Ben a lot this week as we prepare for this exciting day!
But I am starting to miss the kids... I need some snuggling! So if you see me and I look a little weepy- just let me kiss your kids or something!

Sweet kiddies

2008-09-16T23:06:00.005-05:00

Check out the great pics our friend Meg took of the kids! Thanks, Meg!

She Said Yes!

2008-09-15T19:31:00.003-05:00

Seven years ago, almost to the hour, Ben proposed to me. It was one of the most fun, surreal nights of my life. I kinda suspected something was up and bought a new outfit for the occasion.
He took me to dinner at Olive Garden (my favorite at the time), and we ordered a meal to split. Well, when he didn't even eat half of his half, I knew that he has nervous about something! Those of you who know Ben know that he eats all of his food, then licks the plate clean!
Anyway, then we drove back to the church where we were serving at the time and he sent me on an errand so he could set up. When I came back into the sanctuary, he led me to the altar and had roses sitting there, and a card. He told me to open the card, which said, "Congratulations, You're Engaged!" (guess he was pretty sure of the answer!)
Then he got down and one knee and asked me to be his wife. It was the most beautiful proposal. I'm so glad I said yes!

Our First Sunday as a new church!

2008-09-07T21:52:00.004-05:00

Today was a very exciting day for the Church in the Center. We had our very first worship service in our new meeting space! It was a great time of bonding together as a core group and renewing our vision for our church to be a ministry to the Texas Medical Center.
It was absolutely the most incredible/strangest feeling walking out of church and immediately seeing Texas Children's Hospital about one block away, which of course is where this whole journey began for us. We are finally here!
Ben and I went on a date tonight (thanks to Andrew and Fabia!) and we were just saying we couldn't believe that we actually were beginning what began as just a thought almost two years ago exactly.
We thank God for this incredible culmination of two years of prayer, hard work, excitement, nervousness, moving, faith, doubt, and most of all, his hand of mercy upon us!

funny story

2008-09-02T13:04:00.002-05:00

Today I was in Wal-Mart with my kiddos and on the baby doll aisle. (I think I like looking at that stuff as much as my baby girl!)
Anyway, I was scanning the price tags of everything and three of the yellow tags on one shelf said "BA baby." BA is how we liver moms refer to Biliary Atresia (Landon's disease).
I got this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, then glanced up at the product. It was a Baby Alive doll! I felt sooo stupid for even thinking biliary atresia, but at the same time, that is what BA stands for, for me anyway!
Just thought I would share yet another way liver disease has infiltrated my thinking!

By the way, these "BA" babies were the most expensive ones I saw! How fitting...

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad (Pops and Mimi!)

2008-08-27T18:40:00.004-05:00

Today is my parents' 34th Wedding Anniversary. I feel so blessed to have parents who are still married and have raised us to love God.
Thanks for being a great example to us, Mom and Dad. Love you!

More company

2008-08-22T15:08:00.003-05:00

Okay, so here are more of our pics! Top left is of my parents, Caleb, and the kids at the Health Museum, where we visited an exhibit "Grossology." Caleb loved it. Enough said.

The next pic (which I think is really cool) is my cousin Tasha's three boys, Bryan, Dylan, and Joel. We were in Galveston. The next is a picture of her gorgeous daughter, Olivia.

Then is a picture of my cousin Nola from South Carolina with the kids. She was in Houston for work and we had such a good time hanging out for the first time in 4 1/2 years!

Last but not least are Lindsey and Alan (my sister and brother-in-law) at the fireworks for Fourth of July. I think Lindsey should get frequent-driver miles as she is the one who appeared most at our house this summer! Don't go back to work, Lindsey!

I didn't get any pictures when Mandy visited with her three boys. :( But we had such a good time as well.

I guess life here in Houston will settle down to normal now, whatever that is!

Company, company, company

2008-08-22T14:58:00.011-05:00

Over the past month or so, we have had TONS of company! I have enjoyed it so much, and know that it is over for a while now that school is starting. :(

Thought I would share some of the pictures from over the weeks: top left is Landon with my cousins Peyton and Emilyat the Hays family's first Astros Game! (Emily is 2 days older than Landon!). They were visiting with their parents, Stephen and Holly. (Stephen is my uncle, but we won't tell! :) )

Second pic is Landon with Cameron, one of our former youth and now a very good friend. Happy 21st birthday this week, Cameron!

Next is Allison, with my college friend Nicole's daughter, Allison. Yes, they are both Allison! So cute. Mine is Allison Danielle and hers is Allison Noelle, which was almost our Allison's name! Wow, that was a mouthful!

Then, Landon is shown with Nicole's son Zethan. They had such a good time together!

The last picture is of my cousin Mitchell. We went and saw his family in Galveston, and then they visited us in Houston! (yes, that is Caleb buried in the sand behind him! My mom did that!)

I'll have to add more pics on another blog because I couldn't put all of them on one post!

suckers for sweets!

2008-08-07T10:21:00.004-05:00

Just to show you how much my kids love sweets, here are some pics of them actually sucking through the gum wrappers to get to the flavor! Came up with that idea all on their own, I'm sure!

When I caught them doing it, I took the gum away, but then gave it back for a few pics! Decided I needed to capture the moment, and not stress about it!

The Fruit of the Spirit: Love

2008-07-31T18:02:00.005-05:00

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.- Galatians 5:22

At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I am going to begin a (hopefully!) weekly Bible study on my blog. I am starting it specifically for some girls I, along with my friend Kristina, discipled at Emmanuel (our old church), but anyone is more than welcome to participate!

Here is the format: I am going to take a fruit of the Spirit each week and get YOU to study that particular fruit. That way, we can each learn what God wants us to learn! When you have completed the study for the week, post your responses as a comment. That way, we can all learn from each other! Then, at the end of the week, I will comment on everyone's responses and add some thoughts of my own.

So here we go for the first week:
Go to crosswalk.com and look at the top right corner. Enter the word "love" (Or whatever the topic of the week is) in the search engine where it says "Search the Bible." I used the New International version, and got 496 results! After this, choose ONE verse and then, go to your own Bible and read the entire chapter that includes that verse. For example, the first that came up is Genesis 20:13, so I would go to my Bible and read Genesis chapter 20. BUT since there are 496 results, each of you choose your own!

Then, comment on this post (you don't have to be a blogger to do this, just check the name/URL option and type in your name) and answer these questions:

1)Was the love talked about in the chapter you chose speaking of God's love towards man, man's love towards God, or man's love towards another person? Briefly summarize what the chapter is about, since we're all reading different ones!

2) What can we learn about love from this chapter?

3) What have you learned from this chapter that you need to apply to your life, concerning love, or anything else God wants you to learn?

Since this is the first week, I will do an example under the comments section. Try to have your responses in by next Thursday (August 7) and by then, the next topic should be posted! I am so excited about this! E-mail me if you have any questions!

Random Child thoughts and actions

2008-07-30T14:15:00.000-05:00

I love having children- they really do say and do the cutest things. For example, one day Landon and Ben were talking about God. Landon said, "Where is God? I want to go to his house. I want to hold him and hug him and give him five!" That just melted my heart. And it made me think- how badly do I want to go to God's house (in this instance, I'm talking about Heaven, not church), and how happy am I in my current home (earth)?

Allie is getting her own personality, as well. She just loves her baby dolls and.... her toothbrush! That's right. She will carry that thing around as long as we let her, and screams when we take it away. So she has one we let her carry, and one we brush her teeth with. Now that is not to say she doesn't get the good one, and Landon's, and mine, and Ben's whenever she has a free chance. She will drag Landon's stool around just so she can reach up on the counter! So if your toothbrush goes missing, check the Hays house!

I would love to hear cute things about your kids, or kids you know, say/do!

July 18th: a bittersweet day

2008-07-18T00:00:00.007-05:00

July 18th. This day always brings mixed emotions for me, and undoubtedly I will cry, at some point, on this day. You see, today is the anniversary (3rd this year) of Landon's life-saving surgery that he had at teensy, tiny seven weeks old.

At seven weeks old I handed him over to a nurse I had never met before, kissed my precious baby good-bye, and walked out into the waiting room- where I would sit, stand, talk with the 30 friends and family members that travelled to be with us on that day, cry, and even laugh a little. Mostly, though, I stared at the photograph of Landon I had carried with me. I still have it, and it is wrinkled from my carrying it around all day- nine hours to be exact. Nine hours. It was within these hours that our life's course was determined, I feel. If Landon had not had biliary atresia, we probably would have been released from the care of Texas Children's, and Houston would by now be a faint memory of Landon's first year.

But he did. Sometimes I want to scream, "God, you could have chosen a different way to get us here! We would have obeyed whether Landon was sick or not!"

But, where would our connection be? (although my grandmother received excellent care at MD Anderson, I never actually had visited the Texas Medical Center before Landon was a patient) It makes so much more sense for us when explaining why we came when we tell them how we fell in love with Houston, because of the great care Landon received here.

So, yes, today is a bittersweet day. Bitter because I remember the heart-wrenching grief I felt as a new mother, trusting our wonderful surgeon, Dr. Wesson. But it is also sweet, because it enabled me to have the adorable, fun-loving little boy that I have today.

Thank you God, for modern medical technology.

I love my son.

**The first picture is the one I carried around all day with me. The second is Landon now! Praise God

Friends

2008-07-13T22:32:00.013-05:00

We are so blessed to have great friends in our lives. Here are some pictures of Landon and Allie with the children of our good friends Ronny and Kristina. The baby is Emily and the toddler is Bethany. We were so happy to spend time with them this week at camp.

We miss all our friends from back home!

Beach Bums

2008-07-04T09:42:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, we went to Galveston to pick up my sister, Lindsey, and her hubby, Alan from a cruise (jealousy inserted here!) While we were waiting for them to arrive, we took the kiddos to the beach. They LOVED it. We had so much fun just playing in the water and sand for hours. Landon and Allison were laughing the whole time (until Allie fell asleep in my arms!)

I love living only an hour from the beach. It reminds me, above all other of God's creations, of his magnitude and greatness. Can't wait to go again!

What reminds you of God's greatness? I would love feedback!

**Thanks to Daddy for the great pictures!

God's ways, not ours

2008-07-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

So I have finally decided to join the world of bloggers. Hey, I was an English teacher for a while, so why not write? I also figured now is the time to start... new city, new church, new life, new blog.
So far I am loving Houston. Not loving that I miss my family terribly, but I know that we should be here. Period. God is opening some amazing doors for our church and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us.
Before the move, I started the study "Experiencing God." It is an excellent study, and today I read something I wanted to share. Henry Blackaby states, "Human reasoning will not give you God's perspective." So simple, yet I forget it so easily.

EVERYTHING in the medical center is SO expensive... but God knows that
There are so many people to reach, so few of us... but God knows that
I, personally, am scared to death... but God knows that

In His infinite mercy and grace, God has chosen us to be here at this time. It may not make sense humanly speaking (2 country folks in Houston!), but God's perspective is so different than mine. It is my prayer that my persepective becomes more like his.