Recognition All Around

It was exciting this week that Kelsie received Rucker Rocks award for the week.  It is basically a good citizenship award that is given to students who are nominated for something he/she did to make Rucker a better place.  So, Kelsie's teacher nominated her because she saw a classmate sitting alone at the playground and went over to ask her to come play.  So sweet!  We went to the assembly on Friday and it was fun to watch the kids get to go on stage and be recognized.  Wayne was also recognized this week at the Town Council meeting for his leadership in Serve Prosper.  He and several other people who lead out in this effort, got a certificate and appreciation from the town.  

The house has been pretty fun to watch this week.  They finished all the brick with the exception of a small space around the master bedroom but it was because they ran out of brick. More was delivered yesterday so hopefully, if it will ever stop raining, they can finish that part next week.  The garage doors are in and they have also completed the stain on the hand railing and starter step as well as the kitchen cabinets and study doors and mouldings.  It looks REALLY good and it is starting to look like a livable space more every day.  All the other door casings and mouldings have been caulked and are ready to paint - I assume this coming week.  I did see today that they were installing the stone around the fireplace so I am excited to sneak over there tomorrow and take some pictures. They also started painting the outside trim - they began in the back and it looks really good.  It's always a little scary when you are picking these things from small swatches.  I always hold my breath and hope we made a good choice - so far so good - I really like the stain color we chose as well.  I hope to post some more pictures - I need to dump them on my computer from my camera first but I promise I will share.

The rest of our week was pretty quiet in the evening for once.  I was completely buried in the Twilight series.  I began book one on Sunday afternoon and finished book 4 last night.  Those books are so addictive and I loved reading them.  I guess it's time to start thinking of my summer reading list, it was pretty ambitious last summer and I didn't finish everything on the list.  This was my last week to teach music, all that's left is leading a song and poem at the 4 year old "graduation" on Tuesday afternoon.  Summer is right around the corner and we will be busy the next few weeks at Kelsie's school with field trips, Field Day, and end of year luau.  I am ssssooooooo ready for summer - sleeping in, staying up late, reading by the pool, being outside at night enjoying the breeze and stars, casual time with friends, cooking out.  I hope you have some fun summer days planned.  I will try and post pics of the house soon. Have a good week.

Mother's Day and other weekend events

Today is Mother's Day and I am a lucky mom - blessed to have Kelsie as my daughter.  She set her alarm and got up this morning to fix breakfast.  Wayne had already gone to church so she did everything on her own.  Blueberry muffins, coffee and grapes laid out on a plate spelling MOM.  So cute and thoughtful, she did this on her own and worked it out with her daddy the night before.  She made me a card at school and one at church along with the flowers and chocolate she gave me on Saturday afternoon.  Tonight, Wayne and Kelsie are cooking dinner and have not allowed me to do any housework!  What a relaxing day it's been. 

My Sunday Mother's Day Breakfast.  The grapes spell MOM - how creative.

Today we went to feed the ducks at Willow Ridge after walking through the house.

 

This weekend started out on Friday night with a surprise for Kelsie and her friend Allie.  They both love Tim Hawkins, a christian comedian they watch on YouTube a lot.  So, we got tickets to see him at Collin County Community Church.  We didn't tell the girls at all but at the beginning of the week they knew we were going to do "something fun" but they didn't know what.  We went to Chili's first for dinner and then we pulled up to the church.  They were stumped and we told them this was the place.  Their faces were WORRIED but we handed them their tickets with Tim Hawkins face on it and they were surprised and excited.  The show was HILARIOUS!  He is sooooo funny - we were all laughing so hard! After it was over, we purchased his new DVD and got his autograph and a quick pic of him with the girls.  So fun - they loved it and so did we. 

Allie and Kelsie with Tim Hawkins.

 

Saturday was a glorious day - nothing planned for once and so we slept in a little and then went to friends house for coffee on the back porch.  The kids played and we got to visit and just chill! Saturday night we went on a date to the Silver Fox.  This was our first time to go there and it was DELICIOUS, such a huge treat.  

House news - the house is coming along.  I was so disappointed all week because there didn't appear to be a lot of work going on except Friday and Saturday they got busy bricking but still did not finish yet.  I think they only have about 2 days though and it's been tough to complete because of all the rainy weather we have had.  Well, today we went over to walk through because we hadn't been through since last Sunday.  We were SHOCKED to see they did do a lot.  The walls are textured, most of the mouldings and doors/framing are in, and cabinets and built ins are there.  It is looking so good - I was so excited to see the kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets.  Here are a few pics.

The outside brick is coming along.

Kitchen cabinets

Family room mantle over fireplace (will be stone surround) and crown.

Study doors and mouldings.

I will keep you updated on the house progress.  We are 2 months away so a lot has to come together and it should be very fun to watch.  Hope you have a good week!!

National Day of Prayer

This morning a group of people from the Town of Prosper gathered in recognition of The National Day of Prayer.  It was the first gathering in Prosper like this and it was a sweet time of prayer and community.  Warren Samuel spoke briefly and various leaders and ministers in town prayed for people in our community, our kids, town officials, and our nation.  There were 2 things I noticed this morning.  One was that we declared our NEED for God as we raise our children, as our community grows, and for wisdom and guidance in our country.  Another, and more important, an admission and recognition that it's not about us in this life - it's all about God and His purposes, His glory, His agenda, His kingdom.  How refreshing!  In a world where it tends to be all about where we live, where we work, what we accomplish and even what our church looks like or whatever measure you choose to measure "success," we needed a word that it's all ABOUT God and FOR God. What a great way to start the day (and I'm not a morning person) to be with people in our town coming together and saying we love God, we need God and we want our lives to be about God.  

On a political note, it's sad that President Obama is not choosing to recognize this day - to take a little time out to pray for wisdom over all the problems in our country and world.  I know people say he prays privately and I can't judge that, but I think there is a red flag when you have a day set aside for prayer and you refuse to come together with others and ask God to give you wisdom, acknowledging and agreeing together that you need God.  He certainly had time to fill out the NCAA basketball bracket - could we take time to have a prayer time on National Day of Prayer?  Just a thought - I'm not usually political on this blog, I just found that very odd. 

Quick House Update

On Friday, the started bricking and finishing the sheetrock process (tape and float?) - whatever it's called, they filled in the seams of the sheetrock and made the pretty rounded corners.  It rained so much on Saturday, they obviously did nothing.  Monday they completed even more brick and now have about 1/3 up all way around the house including now the porch and the little wall in front of the driveway.  Today they were cleaning and taking away all the trash from the sheetrock process - it was a HUGE mess!!!  I hope they will finish the brick this week but with rain off and on, we will have to wait and see.  Here are some pics taken with my phone.

Back porch 

Kelsie got in a mess picking up a white ball of "stuff" which then got all over her - it wasn't dry. 

Inside, looking from the living area to front door.  Starting to look like a house.

Lots to Share

I have tons of stuff to tell you and pictures to go with it so here we go, grab your favorite snack or beverage and get comfy - this is likely to be a long one.

Easter Weekend - We had a great Easter weekend spent with meaningful worship, great fellowship and good family time.  We started Easter weekend on Friday with Kelsie only having a half day of school so we were able to all go to lunch together with some families from our Life Connection group.  Friday night we had a worship time at First Prosper, it was a simple and very meaningful service, filled with scripture and the reality of what Christ did for us.  Kelsie even got teary eyed at the end and said she was sad that her sin made Jesus have to die.  It was just a good time of focus and reflection.   Saturday started with festivities for the kids at church - an easter egg hunt for the little ones and Kelsie went early to help out but between us, I think she really wanted to hunt eggs and used that as an excuse. (No, she really loves to help out the little kids and they LOVE her) .  After the little ones finished, there was a hot dog cookout and the Prosper Fire Department came so the kids could see the fire truck then the AmazinGrace for the bigger kids.  That was a BLAST.  They were broken up into teams, paired with a driver and given instructions.  They had to get clues and race all around Prosper where they would read a portion of the Easter story, complete the activity, get a souvenir and a clue that would lead them to the next place.  Kelsie's team was in a close first and second most of the race until close to the end - they guessed a wrong clue and went to the wrong place which put them in 6th place - still pretty good.  They had such a great time though and got to read the Easter story too.  Sunday was a GREAT day of corporate worship - what more can I say but the Spirit was there and Jesus name was lifted high.  Sunday afternoon we had a yummy lunch (all of our traditional favorite dishes) and after lunch we dyed eggs together and just hung out together as a family.  It was so nice to have the whole afternoon.  Here are some pics from Easter:

Kelsie and Allie made this cake and decorated on Saturday after the AmazinGrace.  

They are so creative and it was yummy.

Kelsie and Baby Keeli, she is so good with little ones!

Some of our eggs - can you tell Kelsie and I like pink.

Sharpie Party - The Monday after Easter, we had a sharpie party at the new house.  We started in the driveway with a prayer asking God to bless our time in this house.  Armed with the word and some sharpies, we headed in to write God's word, personal blessings and messages on the studs of the walls.  It's neat to know what's behind the walls are messages of love, hope and blessing.  Here are some pics of that night, there were too many to post here but it will give you the general idea:

Todd and Melissa writing in the breakfast area.

This message is on the back porch - they're talking poker!

I thought this was neat - Wayne wrote this on the post by the door he will enter in from his garage (the house has split garages, 2 car on one side and 1 car on the other).

I liked this one - Valinda (our pastor's wife) wrote this on the framing around the master bathtub.  

Kelsie and Jarrett writing on the studs in the master bathroom.

I really liked this - some of the kids wrote this all the way up the stairs.  I will always remember this walking up and down these stairs.

Loved this - Kelsie wrote this in her room.

Loved this!

This gives you an idea of what was left all over the house.  Some wrote the scriptures out and there were these big black references all over - I loved looking around and seeing these bold statements all over the house.  

Roughrider Game - On Sunday afternoon (the 19th), Kelsie got to participate with the other district honor choirs in singing the National Anthem before the roughrider game.  They had to be there to rehearse pretty early, but they got to see the facilities and meet some of the players - Kelsie got an autograph on the hat they gave them.  After they sang, we stayed for the game and since it was Prosper night, lots of Kelsie's friends were there and so we spent much of our time at the playground area.  The ballpark is a great place to spend Sunday afternoon and we had a blast.  Here are some pics of the group rehearsing.  

The field from our seats.

The group rehearsing on the field.

Good looking Prosper choirs.

Serve Prosper - This is an initiative our church began as we partner with community leaders, other organizations like Rotary and other churches in town to clean up areas of Prosper that need assistance getting their properties up to code.  Last Saturday was our second time out and we were in the downtown area.  I did not take my camera but Mrs. Patrick (a local photographer) took some great pics and they are on the Serve Prosper site (a link in the sidebar) if you want to see them.  Kelsie and I worked on a team cleaning 4 houses - all owned by an older man and some of the areas were overgrown with weeds, garbage, old sheds, dog houses, etc so we got to do lots of demo, which was fun.  It is absolutely amazing what can be accomplished when so many people are working together.  When we first walked up to the houses we thought it would take ALL day but we were finished by 2:00.  A guy from our church cooked, chopped and served briskets which were so delicious!  It was much needed after all that work.  Kelsie had a treat after working so hard and got to go over to a friends and swim.  I personally thought it would be too cold with the wind but they did not seem to mind at all and swam for hours.  A good day topped off with dinner at the Riley household (where Kelsie was swimming)! 

TAKS Week - This week was TAKS week at school for Kelsie - she had Math and Reading tests this week.  When I picked her up the first day of the test and asked her how TAKS was, she said "like being in jail."  Apparently, both days they finished at 11 and just had to sit there and read or whatever all day.  Also, she was bummed because the field trip they were supposed to go on Wednesday to the Dallas Museum has been postponed because of swine flu.  I think they needed a day out of the classroom!  

House Update - We had our frame stage walk through last Friday with our builder to check the location of outlets, light switches, fixtures, etc.  There were only a few minor things to change but it was great to walk through with him as he explained everything about what's being done with the house.  They were scheduled to install insulation, sheetrock and brick this week but because of all the rain, they have not been able to brick yet.  They did complete the insulation and started with the sheetrock.  We walked through last night and having the walls up really changes it, making it look more and more like a house.  It's been fun watching the progress.  We are still on track for July, we are hoping early July as our builder said he thought that was attainable.  Let's hope the rain doesn't delay it.  I will keep you posted.

One Year - Monday (the 27th) was the one year anniversary of our first Sunday at FBC Prosper.  Wow!  What a year.  When I look back on all God has done, it's amazing.  God has been so good to us, even when I was doubtful many times about the whole thing.  When I was stressed about the sale of our house - God sold it just at the right time before the market really crashed.  When I was concerned about Kelsie leaving her best friend and her school - God gave her a GREAT teacher at Rucker and she has made friends and adapted so well.  When I was starting to get discouraged about finding a house in Prosper - God showed favor on us by giving us the great deal on the house we are building (looking at prices initially, I never thought we would EVER be able to have something new).  When I was sad about leaving my friends and starting over again - God put us in this amazing Life Connection group that has grown and turned into this great big loving family.  When I was concerned Wayne would be bored in his job because it's a much smaller church and ministry - God has continued to give him vision for things like Serve Prosper, things outside the "programs" of the church which is how he has always wanted to do ministry.  When I was discouraged about the changes from a big church to a much smaller one - God has shown me over and over that where His Spirit is, those things don't matter, people don't need to be impressed - He draws people to Himself.  I really could go on and on with the list but the bottom line is that God called us here and He has shown Himself faithful in the whole process.  There have been moments of doubt, stress and tears but looking back over the entire year, we are so blessed at what God is doing here and that we get to be a part of it.  I hope you are in a place where you are serving God where He has called you.  Have a blessed weekend and I hope to post more often as we have tons of stuff coming up in the month of May.  

Serve Prosper

Hey all - Easter was great and I will post about that along with some pics soon.  We also had a sharpie party last night at the new house and I will explain and post pics of that too.  But, this post is about Serve Prosper.  There is a new promo video up for the next event - which is April 25th - and it's hilarious.  The road kill collector is played by our student minister...enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BONIx2VWBKg

Happy Easter Weekend

We started our Easter celebration last Sunday night with a demonstration of a traditional Seder meal (Passover meal).  We celebrate this Easter with a Good Friday service and then a fun event called AmazinGrace (patterned after the Amazing Race) for the kids tomorrow afternoon (I hope to post pictures tomorrow) and then Easter worship service on Sunday.  I look forward to our worship and celebration times this weekend and pray that the most unbelievable and unimaginable thing God did for us, by laying down His son's life as a once and for all sacrifice for sin, not be taken for granted but that it changes us - keeps changing us to be more passionate to live for God's kingdom and purposes.  I know I have a tendency to get accustom to living with this miracle and taking it for granted in my life, but then I am jolted into a new awareness and I need that!  I hope this Easter season is that for you.  If you are a long time believer, may the Holy Spirit awaken your spirit to more of His purposes for you in His kingdom and if you are not a believer, may the Holy Spirit call you and that you will answer.

House news - the house is coming along quickly. In this past week, the house has been completely framed, the windows have been installed and yesterday the roof decking and outside walls were going up.  It is starting to actually look like a house now.  I hope to take some pictures this weekend and post them so you can see the progress.  More soon. 

This Week

This week has been topsy turvy for our family.  We started the week out with our normal schedule but on Wednesday morning Wayne had to go to Waco for his dad's surgery so he left extremely early to be there by 7 a.m. and then Kelsie woke up early throwing up at 6 a.m.  YUK!!  She hates to throw up but luckily only did that once but felt miserable and nauseated all day with fever so she pretty much stayed in bed and watched TV.  Thursday and Friday she kept getting better but progress was slow and she was pretty lethargic from not eating anything but applesauce and jello.  My little 3 and 4 year olds had their Spring Training program Thursday night and Kelsie was able to make it to that and sit in the sound booth with Wayne.  The kids did great and they were super cute in their baseball attire!  

Saturday morning (today), Kelsie woke up feeling 100% well!  YAY!  Our life connection group were scheduled to go and play Bingo at Victoria Gardens Nursing Home this afternoon.  We had a great time playing with the little ladies and they enjoyed getting their prizes.  We paired each child with a resident and they helped them hear the calls of letter and number.  It was funny to hear their conversations and play bingo.  After that, we came home and got ready for the daddy/daughter dance at school.  Kelsie looked so pretty in her new dress and shoes.  She is growing up fast.  Wayne bought her a pretty wrist corsage.  After the dance, we went to dinner with the Alfords at La Hacienda Ranch - yum!  A fun night and we were so glad Kelsie was well to enjoy it - she was worried earlier in the week that she wouldn't feel like it.  They had a good time and laughed a lot.  

House News - they are almost finished framing.  They have made a lot of progress this week. It's exciting to see it change every day.  There are some pics below of the house and of Kelsie and Wayne before the dance.  

This week's thankful list - 1. Kelsie is well and was able to go to bingo and the dance today and that we did not get sick.  2. Watching our kids minister at the nursing home - it was so sweet how willing they were to pass out cookies, help the ladies in their wheelchairs to the prize table, repeat letters and numbers so they could play and just generally love on these ladies.   3. Wayne's safe travels to and from Waco as he went to be with his dad for surgery - that the surgery went well and seems to be successful so far.  4. The bad weather in the area bypassed us - I don't think I could've handled any other drama this week.  5.  The beautiful weather we had on Friday. Wayne and I sat on the porch for hours just reading and soaking up the sun. We are looking forward to celebrating the week of Easter.  I hope you have a time set aside to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Christ and remember that it is His sacrifice that allows us to stand before the Father.  Thank you God!!! 

Kelsie in front of the house.

Coconut Juice - really?  Does anyone drink that or was in Pina Colada Friday?

Kelsie and Wayne before the Daddy/Daughter dance.

Kelsie growing up fast!!! Can we stop time?

House Progress

The house is coming along and we are starting to see some progress.  We still have a few decisions to make but they should be finalized by the end of the week.  Today was the beginning of framing - very exciting.  Kelsie was home sick with the stomach bug but she was ready to get out for a second so we made a trip to Sonic for a powerade slush and to drive by the house.  The last pic was the one from today, they had framed the front part of the downstairs. Exciting! Sharing the progression with you....

Stage 1 - sold sign on the lot.

Stage 2 - Port-o-potty has arrived - meaning the lot is functional to be worked on.

Stage 3 - Forms are laid for foundation and sidewalk.

Foundation, sidewalk and driveway are finished!

The beginning of framing - today.  

Spring Break, 2nd Half

Here are some pics from Tapatio Springs, which is located outside San Antonio in Boerne.  It's a quaint little town and a very quiet golf resort.  The area has been in a drought so a lot of the streams were dried up but Wayne and Greg said the golf course was in good shape and they really enjoyed playing.  We also played tennis, swam at the pool and enjoyed all the wildlife - especially deer.  Enjoy!

Cute girls - they took this of themselves at Rainforest Cafe.

The porcupine we saw as we were driving the golf cart trails one evening.  It waddled away pretty quickly but Wayne got a pic of it's backside.  

The view from our balcony (I think hole 9)

A cool picture Kelsie took of the shadows on the golf course as we drove around one night.

Wayne and Greg on the most challenging hole.

Kelsie and Allie standing outside the entrance to the Cave Without A Name.

Lunch in Boerne at Little Gretel.  Funny story - they moved 3 times to get away from the bees that wanted their Dr. Peppers.  

After trying a variety of solutions, they gave up on Dr. Pepper and drank water.

Spring Break Pictures- Day 1 & 2

I finally got some of my pictures downloaded to the new Mac.  So, here is part of day 1 and day 2 of our Spring Break.  This cold, nasty weather makes me wish for those sunshine days while we were there.  It seems like this trip was months ago when it was really just last week.  

Kelsie and Allie playing at the park in downtown San Antonio while we waited for the guys to meet us for IMAX and dinner.

The girls shopping at the Market Square.

Market Square

Dinner at Casa Rio - a great night to sit outside by the River!  

Day 2 - The Alamo (and it's St. Patrick's Day, can't you tell from the green?)

Wax Museum - Kelsie on Oprah!

Kelsie and Allie at Wax Museum.

Making Wax Hands at the wax museum.  

The BIG tire at Ripley's Believe it or Not.  This place has weird stuff but we all loved it!

The tallest man (Ripley's Believe it or Not)