The Jimenez Family

Child of my heart...

2012-01-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Sweet Amy girl...God knew exactly what He was doing by placing you in our family seven years ago.

He knew we needed to see this precious smile each and every morning...to hear your charming little giggle throughout each and every day!

God knew that you would not waste any time to make your impression into our lives!

Knew your heart for others and love of Him would touch those that know you.

Most importantly, God knew that putting you and I together would be the best way to draw us both closer to HIM!!! And for that, I am eternally grateful!

Amy...

you truly are God's sweet, precious gift to us!!!

We are so thankful for all the joy, laughter, hugs, kisses, songs, prayers, snuggles, and delight you add to our family!!

Happy Birthday, sweet one!

We love you!!!

Emerge & Engage 2012

2012-01-18T15:36:00.003-05:00

The theme for this year's winter retreat was:

Emerge and Engage.

Emerge from the shadows of this world...from the darkness...from complacency.

Engage with those dying around you...the spiritual battle...the great abundant harvest.

It was an amazing weekend. Hard to imagine so much happening in just three short days.

So much preparation...so many prayers...so much anticipation....and then in a blink of an eye...it's over!

And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Acts 2:17

God has been making it evident to Jason and I that these are those sons and daughters. God IS pouring out His Spirit on these students and emboldening them to be great ambassadors of Christ. This weekend we heard story after story of teenagers radically standing up for their faith wherever they are and using ANY opportunity God places in front of them to witness to others. Our students were challenged not to just be crazy and adventurous in life...but in their walk with God as well!

I LOVE these kids.

My heart ached to hear of their passion for the Lord...but then to listen to how the enticement of this world pulls them back and entangles them.

There were many...MANY...late night sessions of heart felt weeping and praying.

There were commitments and decisions made that, I pray, will change the course of their lives.

And of course...there was silliness...and laughter...

and Lecrae...

and "dancing"...

and times of being thankful we have such an amazing group of kids!!!

The last session ended a bit unexpectedly.

Rather than having the worship band come up and send us off with a final farewell...they had all of the youth pastors and their wives stand up.

After a benediction of sorts...they had each youth group gather around their pastor and lay hands on him and his wife.

Then one of our senior guys prayed over us while Jason and I stood there WEEPING!!!

It was such a sweet, intimate time with our students. One that I will treasure for a very, very long time.

It was the perfect way for us to wrap up the weekend as a youth group...standing together to face the challenges that lay ahead!

Appreciated...

2012-01-11T09:23:00.002-05:00

Last week was a crazy week.

Jackson was recovering from his infection and burns.

Hailey got an infection.

And Friday night we were planning for thirty of our youth leaders to come over for dinner.

The kids and I scurried about most of the week...trying to get school done, house cleaned, food made, goodies baked...it was a bit of a harried schedule.

There were several moments where I found myself longing for the comfort of pjs...and a cozy, snuggle in bed. I was tired of the busyness.

Then...on Friday afternoon...the kids told me they had a surprise for me.

They covered my eyes and began telling me that they knew I had been working hard...and was tired.

They led me to the kitchen...and uncovered my eyes...and said,

"Here, Mom, this is for you...because you work so hard...and we love you!"

Sweet kids...they had robbed their piggy banks and given me a very costly tip.

My first reaction was to accept the beautiful card...but return their money to their banks.

But as they stood there...so proud of their giving...so thankful for the opportunity to give...I received their gift.

What a sweet blessing our children are...little messengers from God to encourage us when the going gets tough. Telling us not to grow weary in doing good...and in time...we reap!

I put the money in a place that would serve as a reminder to me on hard days.

A reminder of the budding fruit that is blossoming in their little hearts.
A reminder of the One who began a good work in them...and ME...and His faithfulness to complete it.
A reminder of the good and perfect gifts that come down from the Father of Lights.

Must.Watch.This.

2012-01-09T08:50:00.001-05:00

This is a video Jason showed yesterday in youth group.

You could have heard a pin drop.

It was intense. Thought provoking. Challenging. Convicting.

You.Must.Watch.This.

Matt Chandler The Village Church

Trooper...

2012-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:00

Jackson.

Our crazy, boisterous, silly, tough little guy!

His sweet little face...infectious belly laugh...and growing vocabulary makes every day exciting and fun!

However, his propensity for finding himself in complex situations is starting to become quite painful for him!!

Last week, during one of the more blustery days, we decided to turn the fireplace on to keep the house nice and cozy. The kids are all aware of the rules about the fireplace...but one of those kids...did not quite understand the reason for the rules!!!

Our inquisitive little man...leaned forward to catch a closer glimpse at the inner-workings of the fireplace and did a face plant on the protective glass.

Obviously, with the fireplace on...this glass was immensely hot...and so...quite a nasty burn ensued!

With a double ear infection in the midst of the equation...two antibiotic shots throbbing in his legs...and now a horrible burn covering his face...this little guy put his smile away for about a week...and resigned himself to misery!

A week of wailing, clinging, rubbing, creaming, washing, and cuddling followed.

His charming personality refused to surface...hidden behind a suffering little boy!

But with the healing of his face, came the peeking little smile.

Nothing gets this kid down for too long!

Thankfully, the Lord spared him from a much worse scenario and it is almost behind us now!

Maybe this little lesson of playing with fire...will live infinitely on in his memory and keep him from many more situations of getting burned!!! :-)

Imprint...

2012-01-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

When I was nineteen years old...living in Europe...my roommate and I made a last minute trip to Switzerland. With tour book in hand, we hopped on the train...deciding as we chugged along where our final destination would be.

Most appealing choice?

The Jungfrau.

The third highest mountain of the Bernese Alps. Majestic. Amazing. Breathtaking.

Traveling by a mountain train...we made our way through the glacier to the observatory.

When we stepped outside (being as much bundled as is humanly possible while still leaving enough room to breathe and see)...

...this was the spectacular view.

God's creation completely untouched by mortal man.

Fresh snow and old snow layered on top of each other to create literally a "blank slate".

No indentations by the common passerby.

No snow angels or snowmen.

No footprints, tire tracks or even animal tracks.

Completely blank.

I remember standing there...looking down on the smooth snow and wishing I could use it as my personal playground. Run through it. Play in it. And of course, leave some type of imprint to show that I, Celia Jimenez (Brunenkant at the time) had been here on this date!

The year 2012 is our blank slate.

It stands before us - completely untouched...unblemished.

There might be hurts or sorrows that we carry over from the previous years.

Joy and celebrations that we anticipate in the coming weeks or months.

But for the most part - it has yet to be marked.

It is fresh with no mistakes.

It is holding no regrets for you.

It is open for a year of impact.

Radical, sold-out living for Christ.

What imprint will you leave on 2012?

What imprint will it leave on you?

Oh, For the Joy...

2011-12-27T12:54:00.003-05:00

The sweet chiming bells with our carols are blending...

A glad Merry Christmas they joyfully ring...

While here we are gathered to welcome with rapture...

The birth of our Savior, Redeemer, and King.

Hark! The music of the angels...

Floating onward still we hear...

Blessed music, sweetest chorus
Ever sung to mortal ear.

Merry Christmas 2011!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

2011-12-23T19:14:00.004-05:00

So much to do at Christmas time...so many places to go...people to see...parties to attend...
In the hustle and bustle of stores and shops, Santa and elves, etc...we had a a wonderful night at the Billy Graham Library...hearing beautiful Christmas carols sung by our amazing church choir, watching the nativity unfold before our eyes, and enjoying sweet fellowship with our friends!!!

These two snuggle up with Daddy to listen to the music.

Jackson decided to get a closer spot to the music!

Once again...snuggling with Daddy!

After standing listening to the choir...the kids decided it was definitely time for...

HOT COCOA!!!!

Then onto the nativity. Jackson asked me over and over..."Where is Baby Jesus?"
It was hard to see the little baby snuggled in Mary's arms.

Little tweens sipping their ~~coffee~~ cocoa and chatting about EVERYTHING!!!

Trying to get these two together for a picture was a bit of a challenge...they were just too busy!

Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, may you not lose sight of the miracle and meaning of that Christmas night. With the shepherds and wise men, let us fall down and worship Him.
Billy Graham

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4: 9

Oh, the Glory of it All...

2011-12-20T07:01:00.010-05:00

There are a number of brightly wrapped packages sitting under our Christmas tree at the moment. Come Sunday morning...hopefully not too early...there will be an exciting anticlimactic moment when the paper is strewn here and there across the living room floor and the mystery of the strange looking box or odd shaped present is revealed. Doubtless, there will be some disappointment at the lack of "everything" on the long hoped for list. But there will also be shouts of joy and excitement at that which was hoped for begins to take shape.

Thinking of gifts...I can't help but travel back in time to that scene long ago...much replayed at this time of year. Two weary travelers...one overly taxed donkey...a crowded, noisy, smell infested stable...and one, crudely fashioned feeding trough.

As the Hebrew people eagerly awaited their heralded Messiah...and prophets had long time past emptied their hearts of truths yet to be seen...angels peered over the balcony of heaven and wondered at the mystery of their Creator.

The God of all the heavens and earth...the Mover of mountains and Calmer of seas...the One that spoke light into existence and held the darkness at bay with His presence...wrapped human flesh around His heavenly glory and became man.

To those looking on...to those participating in the unfolding drama...to those who would bow their knee before this babe...it was still a shrouded mystery. Their untrained eyes could not see the image of the cross shadowing the manger scene. They could not see the end from the beginning or possibly know that even this rustic inception of a Savior was the climax of the Father's plan.

A plan that was known from the beginning of time. A redemptive means to rescue those living in darkness. A purpose that defied human logic and reasoning. The power of the cross was able to take this lowly entrance and leave behind a glorious deliverance. What man perceived to be weakness...God used as His greatest strength.

His perfect gift to us is not just the cross...but the lowly manger where the Savior was born. From the beginning...He was redeeming the mundane. He took what was obscure, ordinary, even dirty...and gave it purpose and meaning. From the cradle to the cross, His plan was and always is regeneration...never leaving something in the same state it was prior.

His plan is still in effect today. He takes you and me from our lowly estate and transforms us into vessels of honor for the Master's use. What might seem illogical or without purpose is redeemed for His glory. Nothing is outside of this power...nothing too heinous, nothing too painful, nothing too ordinary. The gift of renewal covers everything.

As you gaze upon the tranquil nativity scene...let your eyes rest for a moment on the humble manger. And allow your heart to take in the glory of it all...

Oh, the glory of it all
Is You came here
For the rescue of us all
That we may live
For the glory of it all
Oh, You are here
With redemption for us all
That we may live
For the glory of it all
For the glory of it all
Oh, the glory of it all

The Nutcracker...

2011-12-17T21:06:00.003-05:00

This afternoon Amy and I went on a journey to The Land of Sweets...to watch...

...the Nutcracker Ballet!!!

One of our sweet high school students is an AMAZING dancer...
we were invited to watch her perform in this beautiful performance!!!

Amy sat completely still watching the stunning dancers glide across the stage...

...and our sweet Allie stole the show with her Toy Doll dance!

Obviously, this is one afternoon that will not soon be forgotten...
there might even be sugar plum fairies visiting her dreams tonight!

Sugar Overload...

2011-12-14T15:27:00.005-05:00

I have a confession to make...

I am ADDICTED to sugar cookies!!!!
Especially, ~~frosted~~ slathered with frosting!!! Yummy!!!

Generally, I try to hold out for most of December...passing up plate after plate of offered delicacies.
But when it comes to sugar cookies...whether offered or not...I eat them!!!

Yesterday, we had a cookie-baking-decorating-eating party!!

Everyone got their own hunk of dough and a plethora of cookie cutters.

Being the cookie connoisseur that I am...I was monitoring the thickness of each cookie...I wanted to make sure it made that nice sinking sensation when bitten into!

Perfect...now onto the decorating!!!

So much to choose from...

Jackson's cookies looked a little sparse...
for every one M&M on the cookie...
there were about ten M&Ms in his mouth!!!

This little princess was quite dainty with her decorating...everything prim and proper!

This poor girl...being too much like her mama...was way more concerned with how they tasted then what they looked like!!!
Yes, they were deeeelish!!! And we did suffer a bit of sugar overload yesterday...

...but not so much that we didn't go back for seconds today!! :-)

Mad Gab...

2011-12-09T15:27:00.008-05:00

Tray Sure Aisle Hand

Do you know what that says? If you have someone read it to you...and you close your eyes it might sound like Treasure Island! That is how you play the game of Mad Gab. You have to sound out a word puzzle to figure out what the phrase is.

I love that game. And usually...I win! :-) After four children...I'm starting to think it is because of the way they learn to talk. These last few months, Jackson has been increasing his vocabulary. Where he used to say words strung together here and there...now he is saying full sentences!

During dinner time, when Jay and I are talking back and forth...he usually adds his little comments to our conversation. His favorite interjection when we are talking is, "No way?!"...even if all I said to Jason was, "It rained today."

The other day, he had just woken up from his nap. He was a still a bit sleepy and so he decided to snuggle with me on the couch for a bit. He took my face in his hands and said,

"bust ma n how wolld"

There is a slight pause...when all his words are circulating through MY vocabulary and trying to find a meaning for what he just said. Like playing Mad Gab.
The only word I could decipher was "world".
At first, I asked him if he was singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands".
Frustrated, he pulled me closer to him and said slightly more loudly,

"yow bust ma n hoe wulld!!!"

With the kiss on the end of it, I realized he was saying,

"You're the best mom in the whole world!"

Ahhhhh....pure sweetness!!!

Tea for two..

2011-12-06T13:10:00.006-05:00

Picture you upon my knee..

Just tea for two...
And two for tea...
Just me for you...
And you for me alone...

Okay...so maybe more than two for tea...more like five hundred plus...

But regardless...Amy and I had a fantastic time at the Christmas tea this last weekend!
She was surrounded by her special friends...laughing, talking, drinking ~~tea~~ hot cocoa and eating yummy treats!

Amy was on her BEST behavior and acted like a little lady at the tea!

And I tried my hardest to act the lady as well!!! :-)
Harder for me with three crazy friends at my table!!!
It was a beautiful afternoon...with gorgeous decorations, sweet delicacies and a thought provoking message!

On the way home, Amy and I stopped by this house in our neighborhood.
We had seen during the week that Santa was supposedly going to show up sometime that afternoon.

This is what we thought they meant by Santa...but the door was open and we saw our neighbors milling around inside...so we invited ourselves in (actually, they invited us in!)

And there was SANTA...all dressed up and with a lap ready to sit on!
I called Jason and had him load up everyone and head on down.
Hailey was the only one brave enough at first...not that she had much choice in the matter...

"Okay, I want a new pacifier, some Gerber puffs, a teething ring...and hm..."

"Nothing more...I'm done!!!"

Even though my kids don't believe in Santa...they still take it very seriously when with him.

This Santa tried to liven things up a bit! :-)

Yes, Santa, he's been a VERY good boy this year! :-)

The neighbors had gone all out!!!
There was food in almost every room of the house. Neighbors were standing around chatting, playing football in the backyard, and just enjoying the festivities!
They truly are the Griswolds of the neighborhood!!!
(Perhaps without the squirrel and Cousin Eddy!)

Tyler James...

2011-11-25T12:20:00.011-05:00

Sweet Tyler...it hardly seems possible that eight years ago you were as small as this...
and now you have become our little man...

...that you were once (for a very short time) an only child...

...and have become a big brother
once...

...twice...

...and now three times over!!!

To think that at one time...you were just starting off learning how to play sports...

...and now...you are in there playing with the "big kids"!!!

That you once were our crazy, wild little guy...

...and have become "cool", calm, and collected! :-)

In eight years, we have seen many changes...growths and challenges...
maturing and becoming more independent...

but in eight years...you have never stopped being our sweet little Ty Ty....

...who will always and forever hold that special spot in our hearts!

We love you and are so very proud of who God is making you to be!!!
Happy Birthday!!!

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Forever Grateful...

2011-11-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

I love Thanksgiving.
I love the food. Love the crowded table. Love the sound of children running around the house.
Love the smells. Love the conversations floating throughout the rooms.
Love the football games in the back round...and the football games in the backyard.
I love the phone chats with family far away.
Love the fellowship around the sink cleaning dirty dishes.
I love Thanksgiving.

But this Thanksgiving had me thinking. About all of the above...but more than that...
Lately, my heart has been consumed with the persecuted church.
They have been in my thoughts, my prayers...and now my holidays!

Amidst the festivities...I thought about what might be happening thousands of miles away...across oceans and rivers and streams.
What we celebrate on Thanksgiving...is longed for and anticipated and prayed for.

The Pilgrims sought religious freedom...a land in which their hopes and dreams would once again become a reality.
It was not an easy venture...many lost their lives in this pursuit of freedom.
But what I enjoy today had to come by that once hard-traveled road.

There is a Bible sitting by my night stand, several down stairs on the book shelf, two or three in Jason's office, one in each child's bedroom.
There are any number of them available to read, study, memorize...devour.
But my sisters and brothers...for fear of losing their lives...have hidden the Word only in their heart.
They have walked not by sight but by faith. They have trusted in a God that has chosen...for the time...to stay the hand of justice.
They are silent in their suffering...but the echo of their faith is reverberated throughout the body of Christ.

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

May this be true of all of us. That we remember and PRAY for those that are in prison...those that are mistreated. For we are all one body.
And above all...that we remain forever grateful for our religious freedom...and the freedom we hold in Christ!

Lord, we know Your heart is broken
By the evil that You see
And You've stayed Your hand of judgment
For You plan to set men free

But the land is still in darkness
And we've fled from what is right
We have failed the silent children
Who will have never seen the light

How long before You drench the barren land?
How long before we see Your righteous hand?
How long before Your name is lifted high?
How long before the weeping turns to songs of joy?

How long, how long
Oh Lord, how long?

But I know a day is coming
When the deaf will hear His voice
When the blind will see their Savior
And the lame will leap for joy

When the widow finds a husband
Who will always love his bride
And the orphan finds a father
Who will never leave her side

How long before Your glory lights the skies?
How long before Your radiance lifts our eyes?
How long before Your fragrance fills the air?
How long before the earth resounds with songs?

Oh, how long, oh Lord? Come soon, oh God
Come soon, oh Lord, we wait for You
We wait for You, come quickly, Lord, oh
Come soon, Lord

Stuart Townend

Watch out, Brady...

2011-11-22T11:25:00.002-05:00

there's a new quarterback in town...

...don't let the smile fool you...

this guy is TOUGH!!!

Creative History...

2011-11-20T15:30:00.001-05:00

Over the last few weeks, we have studied the life of Joseph, the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt, and the exodus of the Israelites.
While studying Joseph...we decided to make our own "shirts" of many colors!

I am either a chicken...or lazy when it comes to crafts...and so we actually didn't "legit" tie-dye. We tumble dyed them...which I think was created just for me!!! :-)

We rubber-banded them and then sprayed them with several colors.

The process was obviously taken very seriously!

The results were beautiful!!!
But as history (and the Bible) tells us...after Joseph died, the position of the Israelites turned from friend to slave in Egypt.

And the evil Egyptian Pharoh made the Israelites work long hours in the harsh sun...

making brick after brick...

after brick...after brick...
But then...

God set His people FREE!!! :-)
Hopefully...out of all this...they learned something!
(More than just how to make tie-dye shirts!)

Speed...I am speed...

2011-11-10T08:15:00.001-05:00

We had been planning to load everyone up after church on Sunday and trek our way down to the beach. But with three out of six family members recovering from sickness...we decided we should stay close to home and have a "staycation"!
On Monday, we headed out to Nascar Speedpark for a day of "speedy" fun!!!

Jackson is still a bit too short to reach the pedals and steering wheel at the same time...but he did have fun trying out all the different cars!

Amy and Daddy zooming around the track!

Tyler trying to catch up!
Because it is the off season...we basically had the entire park to ourselves.
One of the workers followed us around the park...turning on whatever ride we wanted to go on.
Which meant...unlimited fun!!!

Mommy...obviously ahead of EVERYONE and not letting anyone pass!!

Jason and I took turns watching and cheering with the lil guys!

Seriously, I was born to race!!!
I probably had the most fun out of everyone!

After we had been there for about an hour - two other couples showed up.
Then it was game on! I raced with them around the track and showed my true Jeff-Gordon-like-skills!
It was very hard to climb into the pokey-ole mini-van after this experience!!!

Amy was a little intimidated by all the fast cars...this one was more to her liking!

Future speedster??

All that racing worked up an appetite...we headed to lunch at the food court.
Hailey has been eating more and more solid foods...so we gave her a french fry to try!

Jackson decided to "taste" it first!
Yep, it's good!!!

Yummy!!!

After lunch, the older kids and Jason headed back to the race cars.
Jackson and I were ready for some put-put golf!

Jackson took it quite seriously!

Look at that swing!!
Watch out Phil Mickelson...we got a pro here!

Off to find the ball...

Sometimes the best putter...is your hand!

Hooray!!!

After golf and some more laps on the track, we decided to call it a day! But as we were walking out...Jason remembered that they had laser tag upstairs.
And since we had the place all to ourselves...we ALL played laser tag!!!

Tyler was a little crazy with the laser...no mercy for anyone...even those holding babies!!!

Jackson getting ready...

The family that plays together...stays together!!! :-)
It was a crazy game of tag - boys against girls...although...the girls were at a slight disadvantage...Hailey can't quite aim when she shoots!
It was a super fun day...one that will go down in the books!
And while we weren't sitting on the sand - listening to the crashing waves - smelling the fresh salty air - we still had a great time!

A time to rest...

2011-11-06T15:50:00.005-05:00

On any given afternoon during "rest time" at our house...

you might see an army preparing for battle...

all lined up and ready to fight...

or animals conversing with automobiles...

or cars preparing for the big race...

or taking a necessary pit stop...

or parked at the drive-in ready to catch a show...

Rest time at our house provides limitless opportunities for the imagination to flow!

The Cove...

2011-10-30T15:54:00.007-04:00

Have you ever sat and treasured a moment...hoping that it would sink in and last forever???

Have you ever been so completely surrounded by God's beautiful creation that it takes your breath away???

Have you ever been so quiet, so still, and so peaceful...that you can actually feel your body breathing out a sigh of contentment???

Then you have probably just spent time at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina.
It encapsulates every description of peace...rest...quiet...tranquility.
But beyond that...there is a sense of holiness surrounding the entire facility...almost as if you are standing on holy ground.
A meeting place for God and His people - without distraction - without hindrance.

This weekend, Jason and I joined the pastors and their wives for a retreat up at the Cove.
It was a time of relaxation and rejuvenation (and shopping for the wives! :-).
A time of hilarious game playing till the wee hours of the morning.
A time of endless cups of hot cocoa...delicious frozen yogurt at all hours of the day...and gourmet food eating till there is absolutely no room left in the tummy!!!

It was such a fun weekend...with only one drawback...it was over in the blink of an eye!

Thankfully, the conversations and memories and sweet times of fellowship are treasured away in my heart!!!
Its a bit hard to conjure up the feeling of quietness and tranquility in the midst of this bustling household...but perhaps if I sit real still and plug my ears... :-)

The Miracle Worker...

2011-10-22T06:30:00.001-04:00

Friday morning...bright and early...the two older kids and I bundled up and headed out for our special date! :-)

We went to Panera Bread for a yummy bagel and then headed over to Matthew's Playhouse to see..

...the Miracle Worker!!!
It was phenomenal!
We have been talking about being "deaf" for several weeks...and Tyler actually wrote a paper about a member at our church that is hearing impaired.
The timing of this show seemed to coincide with what we were learning in school.
And it was soooooo good!!!

The kids were riveted from the moment the lights went down to the very end.
All of the actors did an amazing job!!!

Although I can not relate to the hardships that Anne Sullivan faced in her challenging position...I can relate to her determination to do what is right, even when hard.
Several of her quotes brought tears to my eyes...

It's less trouble to feel sorry for her than it is to teach her anything better.

The world is not an easy place for anyone.
But to let her have her way in everything is a lie.
You've got to stand between her and that lie.

 Obedience without understanding is a blindness.

She'll live up to what you demand and no more.

Watching the show with my two precious kids was the highlight of my week.
And the advice I walked away with from dear Miss Sullivan will stay with me forever!

Our lil pumpkins...

2011-10-18T21:39:00.005-04:00

Last week we headed out with our friends for our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.
We decided this year we would peruse the pumpkins, run through the corn maze, take a meander around the grounds...but head to Walmart for the perfect economical pumpkin!!! :-)
(Hey, a pumpkin is a pumpkin, right?)

Jackson didn't get the whole "talk-before-the-pumpkin-patch"...he wanted this one!

Thankfully, having friends there was actually better than picking out a pumpkin!!

The farmers were giving a talk about all the different uses for corn.
Obviously, this was before lunch time...you can see that Jackson was really starting to get hungry!!!

Although we didn't leave with a real pumpkin...I did take these sweet pumpkins home!!!

Daddy had a date night with "just kids" last week and began the carving process...

Messy work!!

Jackson supervised and gave advice were needed.

And now these two sit proudly on our porch...

this one is sadly shrinking before our eyes...it used to say "Welcome"! ;-)

Not on the shopping list...

2011-10-13T12:56:00.004-04:00

Tuesday afternoon we headed out to the store to get a few staple items...

...and in the process decided to get Hailey's ears pierced.
Isn't that on everyone's shopping list?? :-)

Jason and I had decided to do it the week before...but he chickened out...
not wanting to be a part of the process!!!

While I was looking for paper towels and toilet paper...I walked past the jewelry counter and thought, "Hm, Walmart for ear-piercing? What a good deal! Why not!?"

And this was the end result!

It took all of two minutes for her to calm down from her
"ear-piercing" scream...

And now she is our sweet little princess!!! :-)

Fun times with family...

2011-10-12T08:35:00.004-04:00

After a crazy, busy week...Friday night found us all home and ready for some family time!
Uncle Jeremy came over and we all played a rousing game of Disney Bingo.
Then it was off to bed to get ready for ...

Tyler's big football game!!!
This season, Tyler decided to try flag football instead of soccer...and now there is no going back!
Football is all we talk about at home.
Everyone has caught the fever...and the week all rushes toward Saturday mornings!!!

Jason is Tyler's coach...and of course, he takes this VERY seriously!!!

Amy and Hailey are content to snuggle on the sidelines and wait for snack time!

Hailey is getting more and more wiggly as she is gaining her independence!!

After the games, these two celebrated their sweet victories...Tyler in football and Corban in soccer!!!
Then we were headed home to get ready for some special friends coming over to...

celebrate birthdays!!!

Yummy food, fun fellowship, loud and crazy playing, tons of kids running around...

it was a great way to wrap up our weekend!!

This time last year...

2011-10-10T15:36:00.000-04:00

We were at this magical place...

With these magical people...

Having a magical time...

I wish we could magically go back!!!

Every day I'm growing up...

2011-10-07T08:42:00.006-04:00

a little bit more and a little bit more...

Our precious little Hailey Anne is growing up as fast as she possibly can!!!
With three older siblings having fun and being silly...she is aching to get her piece in the action!

She is trying her hardest to get mobile...

and she's almost there!!!

Every day she tries...

and tries...

and tries again!

One of these days, she'll be cruising around the house!!!

And now she sits at the table with us...like a big girl...

eating big-girl food!!!

Everyday she's growing up...a little bit more and a little bit more!!!

Sweet Amy...

2011-10-02T15:13:00.002-04:00

My sweet little Amy is quite unpredictable at times.
There is no telling what will come out of her mouth from one minute to the next.
She definitely keeps us on our toes...and on our knees! :-)
Her brain is always thinking, pondering, questioning, inquiring and concluding.

I don't ever want to forget the funny, astounding things she comes up with.

The other day we were walking along a trail in the early morning.
We were talking about the plants and the flowers (a science lesson in the making)
and all of God's amazing creation.
All of a sudden we saw two deer run across the path into the surrounding trees.
It was over in a flash but it was a beautiful sight to behold.

I told the kids to be quiet just in case we might catch another glimpse of the escaping deer.
Amy was quite for a long time...then she said,
"If we're really quite we might even see an elephant!"

Hm...sorry, I know you're not supposed to laugh when your kids say something serious...
but I couldn't contain myself.
An elephant? In the forest?
(Yes, as a matter of fact, we DO homeschool! :-)

Several days later Amy came downstairs after her "rest-time".
She has been listening to our church's worship CD almost non-stop since we brought it home.
I wouldn't be surprised if she had every word of every song memorized.
We started talking about one of the songs and how awesome it is that it tells us so much about the Lord. It describes over twenty different names for the Lord.
Amy looked at me and said,
"Mom, that is a song you have to sing...you can't just listen to it."
My thoughts exactly! :-)

This past week was a tough one for me. Very draining emotionally, physically and spiritually.
One night I was lying on the bed while the kids were taking showers.
Amy came in and snuggled up to me and said,
"Mom, would you like me to read to you for a little bit out of the Bible?"
Sweet baby girl, read to me the entire first chapter of John.
What a blessing.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3

Contend for the Truth...

2011-09-23T08:35:00.008-04:00

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude 3-4

TRUTH is under attack. Our nation is having trouble defining marriage. Our nation is blurring the lines of our constitutional rights. Our nation is stumbling over offenses that have come by way of the truth. Our nation is watering down any semblance of the truth on which it was founded.

The battle for truth has become a lost art...a vigilant effort for the Crusaders and early church...but history at best. Truth has become a great source for advice or counsel but has been demoted from its rightful place as the foundation and standard for our very lives.

But unfortunately...the attack hits closer to home. This week alone...we received several phone calls and became involved in several situations in which truth had become obsolete. Families floundering, lives destroyed, children hurting...because truth had been abandoned.

Jude appeals to the body of Christ to CONTEND for the truth. To contend involves a struggle. It will mean perchance a confrontation. And possibly it will be a battle against anything that presents itself contrary.

Apathy has crept subtly into our homes and taken us captive. Our desire to please others and keep the peace has kept us from being vigilant. We have distorted our mission as believers and become confused on what our calling is. Afraid to step on toes or rock the boat...we have become the meek tolerater and idle spectator. We have been disturbed by those who speak out against sin and labeled them as "judgmental" or "self-righteous". Yes, the depart from truth is bothersome to us also...but not enough to stir us from our sleepy complacency.

And all the while...certain people...have crept in unnoticed to our homes. To our churches. To our circle of friends. They have perverted the grace of our God and denied Him as our ONLY Master and Lord. They have promoted the philosophies of this world. And they have squashed the backbone of our truth.

This truth came to us at a high cost. One Man sacrificed His life to be the author, the perfecter, and sustainer of truth. He stood up to the wisdom of this world...to the fallacies of philosophy...and the hypocrisy of religion. He held His ground. He contended for TRUTH. He battled toe to toe. And eventually...walked Calvary's path...to give us this truth.

The carnage around us is evidence enough. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Now is the time for the body of Christ to rise up. We are called to be the ambassadors of truth. To have those hard, uncomfortable conversations. To be the instigator of healing. To abandon our fear of rejection and speak up when the time comes. To be the voice that speaks the loudest.

To contend for the TRUTH!

Treasured Memories...

2011-09-13T20:09:00.013-04:00

Several times over the last week I have sat down to sort through the pictures, memories, thoughts, conversations...to try and put some sort of words to our sweet time in Arizona.
But it has been impossible to accomplish without several tears and LOTS of reminiscing!

Our time in Tucson was amazing.
On paper...three weeks felt like a LONG time to be away from home.
In reality, it FLEW by!

The kids had a blast with their "new best friends" aka...cousins!

Being so far away from family...the kids soaked up every minute they were able to spend with their cousins.

They played, and played, and played...and PLAYED!
It didn't matter what they did, where they were, how HOT it was outside...all of that was secondary to being together!

This trip was also the grand introduction of our two newest additions!!!
Our family has doubled in size since our last time in Arizona!

Sweet little Hailey won everyone over in a heartbeat.
She was always found snuggled up in someone's arms!

And Jackson...

Mr Personality had everyone laughing the entire trip!

I was able to see family members that I have not seen since moving to North Carolina.
The days were not long enough to fit in all the conversations, stories, tears, laughter, hugs and card games...that needed catching up on!

One of the most special memories I will treasure forever was watching my children bond with my grandmother. They were both so little when we moved away and their memory of her was hazy at best. But as she sat watching Amy color and gave her pointers and encouragement (my grandmother is a very talented artist!)...or play a rousing game of WAR with Tyler (my grandmother is very competitive about EVERY game she plays!)...I knew that she would be well remembered by both of them.

We are so blessed to have so much family in Tucson.
While there...we usually were driving here and there trying to make the most out of the trip and see everyone we can.
Most nights were booked with family dinners...

or lunches...

Yes, we generally fill one whole section of a restaurant.
Yes, we are very loud and sometimes messy.
Yes, it takes a long time to get our food.
But yes, we have a really good time!!! :-)

We wrapped up our time in Tucson with a sweet time of prayer.
Separately, each of our parents spent time praying over our family...for our marriage, our parenting, our ministry, our future, etc.
It is such a blessing to have godly, Christ-centered parents that truly love and honor the Lord.
Jason and I were enveloped with their love while we were there and truly encouraged by their support in coming back to Charlotte.

We are not sure when we will see them again face to face...
but our memories of our time in Tucson will be treasured forever!!

Back to my roots...

2011-08-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

Tucson, AZ

The desert.

I'm here...safe and sound...with all four children by my side.

At some points yesterday, I was doubtful...not that we'd actually get here...but just in what state we'd be in! :-)

Friday was spent sorting, and resorting...packing and repacking. Going back and forth on how many suitcases I could actually expect Tyler and Amy to drag around with them at the airport...we had several practice "walking-with-the-suitcase" drills!

Saturday morning dawned and everyone hustled about the house getting ready to go.

Daddy took us all the way to the gate and amidst tears and hugs we left him in Charlotte to board the plane.

I have to admit...if it were not for my faithful friends diligently praying for me and my sweet family eagerly awaiting me...we might not have made it here! :-)

We had the expected craziness of trying to get four children settled into their seats, open their snacks, find the missing toys under the seats, clean up the spill, etc.

It wasn't until the second flight that things got a little hairy.

We barely made our connecting flight in Dallas...rushed through a line to grab some lunch and hurried onto the plane.

Once we were at our cruising altitude I quickly realized that the DVD player was below us...not under our seat...but in the stroller that was safely packed below the PLANE!!!

Oops!

But if you know me...I don't usually just have one "oops"...it usually ends up being a cluster or so!

Sure enough, about ten minutes into the flight...Jackson was happily playing with his playdoh...when all of a sudden the contents of his stomach emptied out all over himself, little Hailey, and myself. Unfortuately, the baby Bjorn was just not enough of a helper...and I had to hand off Hailey to a complete stranger in order to calm Jackson down and attempt at a clean-up. Wouldn't you know, my sweet carefree baby started screaming as soon as she was passed off to the passenger in seat 23D!!!

Oh well...all of that is behind us now! We are happily tucked into my parents house and enjoying every minute of being here! Yes, my children are still adjusting to the time difference...yes, they all woke up this morning around FOUR AM - but the week is brimming full with cousins arriving, aunts and uncles and grandmas visiting. And sweet fellowship with some very special friends...

After church today we headed to my childhood haunt, Peter Piper Pizza with our dear friends, the Lewis'.

The kids have very vague memories of Carson and Katlyn but after a few rounds of ski ball were talking like good ole buddies!

Tammy and I have been friends for a long time. Shared lots of laughs, tears, frustrations, heartache, and most importantly...growing in the Lord together. She has always been a friend that exhorts, admonishes, encourages, and leads by example. We spent several hours today sitting in the exact same spot...and catching up on all the time we've lost.

And now...I'm off to bed...hoping and praying that the early risers will stay burried under the covers at least until the sun comes up!!!

Girls just wanna have fun...

2011-08-16T07:41:00.005-04:00

What do you get when you put three girly-girls together for the day??

All things pink, sparkly, shiny and FUN!!!

Amy had her two sweet friends, Darcy and Sophie, over for the day last week.
Tyler was quick to make his exit with his friend Jack...having no desire to be in a house full of girls!!!

After playing "house", dolls, Barbies, and "princesses"...the girls came down asking to put on make-up.

Amy quickly turned into the designated "make-up artist" and was telling the other girls how to apply eye shadow, lip gloss, etc.
To hear her talking...you would think she is an expert on all things glamor!
(Believe me...she does not get ANY of that from me!!!)
Most of the things she said weren't exactly true...you don't really brush your eyelashes...or put blush on your eye lids...but she acted like she knew exactly what she was doing...the other girls just followed her example and even asked her for beauty tips!
I was biting my lip the entire time...trying to keep the giggles concealed!

I decided to step in for the nail polish application!
This little one was too funny...she looked at me in all seriousness and asked why in the world girls just want ONE color on their fingernails...when really you could have TEN different colors! :-)
We compromised with two different colors...as there were two other girls patiently waiting for their pretty nails!

After getting all "dolled-up" and taking pictures the girls were quick to run outside and jump on the trampoline..."drying their nails" apparently!?

It was such a fun day with such fun, sweet girls! I am so thankful and blessed that Amy can share in this with her friends!!

And I am so thankful to have such a sweet little girl who shares it with me!!!

Gone with the wind...

2011-08-12T08:46:00.002-04:00

Just as we sat down to eat dinner last night...a crazy wind, rain, hail storm cycled through our backyard. The kids watched the backyard toys get tossed here and there and began to get a little bit worried about the trampoline. I assured them that the trampoline wouldn't be picked up by the wind...it was too heavy and the wind wasn't strong enough to pick it up.
Not five minutes later...we watched the wind pick it up and slam it against our neighbors house!!!!

We all rushed to the window to check to make sure it hadn't shattered any of their glass windows or doors. It was really hard to see through the rain...so Jason had to brave the elements and make sure everyone was okay.

Thankfully...no one was hurt.
Unfortunately...it did break their outside lamp, their screen door
and put several large holes in their siding!

And sadly...there will be no more children jumping on our trampoline!
The wind was strong enough to snap the medal frame clear through.
So jumping in knee deep gully washers will have to be our new past time!

Vaca at the beach...

2011-08-11T14:34:00.007-04:00

Once the calvary arrived (aka Jason) the Jimenez Family vacation TRULY began!
Everything seemed a little bit easier...not quite as many catastrophes...and there were a lot more smiles!!!

Amy has always wanted a hair wrap...like the big girls...so we promised that this trip to the beach she could get one!
(I was just thankful it wasn't a tattoo she was asking for! :-)

I tried to pay close attention as the woman wrapped Amy's hair...I seriously doubted it could be that hard to do at home. But...I got a little distracted and pretty soon it looked like this...

... super cute...but too complicated for this mommy to figure out!

Baby girl...you gotta grow some more hair before you can get one!!!

What would a vacation be without a few treats here and there!
This is my favorite one of them all...

...hot and fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts!!!

The last day at the beach we were able to hang out with our friends, the Bruces.
The boys were so excited to spend time with their best buds!

Total beach bums! These two were in the water the ENTIRE day!!!

So while the vacation itself was far from restful, calm, and relaxing...
it was jam-packed with smiles, sunshine, sand, and sweet family time!!!

A few firsts...

2011-08-02T20:37:00.006-04:00

This week we had planned on taking a family vacation down to the beach. Some gracious friends are allowing us to stay at their condo for however long we want/need it. Since we are heading out to Arizona at the end of this month...Jason couldn't take a full week and so we had planned on leaving after work on Wednesday night. I had the brilliant idea that...since the condo was available...why not leave early with the kids and Jason just come on Wednesday. Okay...so the idea was flawed from inception...I am one person...with four kids...and a boatload of beach equipment...a tub of food...a bucket of sheets and towels...a pack-n-play. But I really didn't think about it too in-depth...just loaded up the kids and made the trek down to the beach. This was definitely a first for me...

First time at the beach!!!

Jackson had never experienced the beach before. He fed off of the excitement around him and asked about the beach for the last week or so. But nothing prepared him for the fun he had today!!

Throwing mud back into the water...it just would not stay put!

First sand castle at the beach!!

First friend at the beach!
Tyler made a new friend within MINUTES of unloading all our paraphernalia.
And what a friend...Flynn was Tyler's buddy for the rest of the day...and even taught him how to boogie board!

First nap at the beach...
This sweet little girl was SO good all day long!
She was so content to listen to the waves...watch the people passing by...and doze off every once and awhile.

Insert FIRST catastrophe of the day...after this nice little nap...I realized I had packed everything EXCEPT Hailey's bottle. What to do? We left all our stuff...and headed back to the condo to grab the bottle. Needless to say...the kids were not too excited about this interruption! Oh well...

First "sandy" snack at the beach...
Jackson didn't seem to mind the extra crunch covering his pretzels!

First lunch time at the beach...
This tent was such a lifesaver for the two little ones! It kept them out of the direct sun and a little bit cooler!

Insert SECOND catastrophe of the day...as we were packing up to leave the beach (amidst crying baby, whining toddler, sun burnt children) this tent became my ENEMY!!
For the life of me, I could NOT get it to fold up. No matter what I tried...it refused to cooperate and instead caused sand to fly in all my neighbors faces!
I finally had to give up...and my little hero, Tyler, had to carry it out to the car as best as possible. It was not easy!

It just got worse after that...

As we were walking out to the car...Tyler lost control of the tent and it hit some nearby beach combers! Oops! I ran to get it and the stroller tipped over with both babies in it! Double OOPS!!!
At this point, I was seriously doubting my capability of getting everyone safely to the car...and honestly...I was already looking up the tent on amazon.com in my brain...because it was getting LEFT AT THE BEACH!!!

Thankfully...we all got home safely and sandy! After getting everyone bathed and tucked into naps...I headed back outside to tackle the beast of the tent. It was not going to defeat me!!!
It took me forty-five minutes...but I FINALLY got it back into its little case! Yes!!! Victory!!!

Insert final and WORSE catastrophe of the day...
Refreshed after naps, we headed out to Target to pick up a few things.
Jackson had been fussy...but I chalked it up to him just being tired.
We had barely been in Target two minutes and Jackson threw up ALL over the floor!!!
I informed an employee and then rushed home.
Poor guy was super overheated. Once he cooled off and chugged down some juice he was back to hopping around like crazy!!! In fact, after recovering he was so hyper and crazy that the person staying in the condo below us came upstairs and complained about the noise...insert embarrassing moment of the day!!!

A few firsts at the beach...good and bad!
Thankfully, my wonderful, amazing, strong, capable, caring husband is joining me tomorrow!!!
And hopefully, I can sit back and relax once he gets here! ;-)

Jackson...

2011-07-27T21:50:00.006-04:00

Who would have thought that one of life's biggest surprises...
would turn out to be God's sweetest gift of joy for our family???

Jackson Phillip Jimenez...
TWO years old...
adventurer...
dancer...
singer...
performer...

You are the epitome of all that is fun and exciting
vivacious and lively...
all in a small, compact little body.

You are always full of laughter and giggles...

Your joy is contagious...
your smile is effervescent...

At times you are the brute force behind a "daddy" tackle...
or the fists behind a mumbled "wanna a piece of me?"...

but you are always the sweetness behind the endless kisses and hugs...

the instigator of the spontaneous laughter at the dinner table...

and the reason we bought the carpet cleaner...
(ha ha...not quite got the potty training yet!)

In your short two years...
you have managed to wrap every single member in our family...
around your spunky little self...
and we absolutely LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday, little man!

Debt Crisis...

2011-07-23T08:16:00.000-04:00

If you know my husband...or have just met him and spoken to him for longer than five minutes...chances are you know how he feels about politics! It is impossible to have a conversation with him...without several hot topics coming into play. Obviously, top on the list at the moment is the debt crisis.
If you know me...you know that I am not an expert on politics. I would probably fail all those random tests that Fox News reporters take to the streets and ask random citizens. If Jason really knew how LITTLE I know...well...enough said!

But...with all this talk about debt and the crisis surrounding our nation...it made me stop and look around at all the blessings heaped up and piled around us!

I am so blessed to live in a nation that (at the moment) allows me the freedom to read the precious words of God! And to gather together with fellow believers and enter into corporate worship!

I am overwhelmed with the blessing of marriage. How good and pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
I am so thankful that my husband is a man that seeks hard after God and makes it his aim to please Him. That he leads our family in all diligence and is the spiritual and physical provider of our home! That he seeks to honor God in the decisions and direction of our family!
I am so grateful that he takes time, after a long and weary day, to spend time with each of our kids and make them feel loved, accepted and treasured! And before tucking them in each night...shares with them from the Word of God.

I am so blessed to have four beautiful, amazing children. As I watch their personalities develop and their characters blossom...I am so grateful that Jason and I are not alone in our parenting. I am so thankful that the Lord has a plan for each of their lives and will not be thwarted in accomplishing it!

I am thankful that they are (for the most part) content to play with each other, help each other, listen to each other...and love each other!
I am so richly blessed by the extended family God has given to us. Our parents...on both sides...are amazing examples of God's grace and love. There is not a day that goes by that our thoughts do not veer off towards them. Missing them, loving them, praying for them...blessed by them. Our lives would not be what they are today with the four of them!!!

I am so blessed by the friendships God has given to us here in Charlotte. Without our family close by, there is a greater need for sweet fellowship and kinship! I am blessed by those around me that encourage me and exhort me in the Word. By those that walk alongside of me in the adventure of parenting. And those that have graciously been a part of my childrens lives! God has been so good to us!!!

While I agree that the debt in America is overwhelming and there needs to be a resolution for it...I am also overwhelmed by the goodness of God and His many blessings in our lives!!!

I adore You
I will come With shouts of joy into Your presence Faithful God my heart is overwhelmed by You...
Hillsong United

And when it rains on your parade...

2011-07-22T07:50:00.002-04:00

look up rather than down...
Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
GK Chesterton

We were on our way out the door the other day to run some errands...
but as we headed out the door the heavens opened up and diluged on our little house!
Rather then getting wet running to and fro from the house to the van and the van to the store...

we decided to just get WET by jumping around in the rain!

Tyler took some convincing that this was actually a fun past time!

Amy jumped right in!

And of course...Jackson needs no prompting to do ANYTHING! :-)

Someday soon...little Miss Hailey will be dancing right along with them!
But for now is content to stay dry and comfy!

Building, creating, and PLAYING...

2011-07-14T07:43:00.008-04:00

Although I am from the desert...when it is over 100° outside I start to melt!

So last week we abandoned the pool..and headed to Discovery Place.

Creating a fort out of pipes, poles, netting and Velcro is fun...but when your friends come along...it so so much MORE fun!!!
Our good friends, the Gotts, came out and spent the day with us! (Or rather...spent the day helping me with my FOUR children!!! :-)

Amy figured out rather quickly that the boys needed an architect more than an extra pair of hands!

They spent quite a long time getting the exact combination to keep the fort standing up!

Jackson did some creating of his own...on a much smaller level!
He too had some difficulty in getting his tower to stand up!

Then it was off to more exciting adventures!!!

The Gotts showed us a hidden exhibit that we had missed on our previous trips.
"Think it Up" has now become our FAVORITE spot at DP!
There is a place to design and create your own footwear, a foil masterpiece center (all things made out of foil), air tubes that shoot out every little piece of paper placed in it, and several other fun centers.

We spent so much time making foil roses, swords,

...and even a hair bow!

Now I hope they remember that the foil at home is OFF LIMITS! :-)

Jackson was FASCINATED with the air tubes.
He would put the paper into the tubes and it would vacuum them up and then shoot them out like snow.
I had a hard time ripping up paper to keep his supply stocked! :-)

After a very insightful 3D movie about bugs (ick!) the kids wanted to head over to the "animal and poop" section (in their own words).

The kids were really upset about the different animals that had to die in order for us to look at their fur.
Hm...future activists??? :-)

Not quite ready to call it quits...we headed over to the aquarium and checked out the fish!

Notice...they are all swimming AWAY from the small child banging on the glass!!

This sweet little girl was content to snuggle up in her stroller and nap the day away!

The kids imaginations were thoroughly stretched and challenged and sparked.
It is such an adventure to watch how they will respond to the different exhibits and centers.
Hopefully it will inspire and encourage them to keep playing those make-believe games and dreaming up those crazy inventions!
And of course...they are already begging to go back for another visit!!!

Good times, sunshine and summertime...

2011-07-07T08:56:00.011-04:00

Are we already in JULY???
June was a flurry of playdates, swimming, camp, visits from Grammie and Poppy, and VBS.

While Jason and I were at camp, my parents were on the homefront taking care of four sweet kiddos! They learned rather quickly how crazy life can be for this mama!!

But they kept the kids busy...going swimming, to the park, to the toy store, and the Charlotte Nature Museum!

Of course...these are the "cutest-bugs" around!!

I would never squash this bug!!

My dad also drove the kids up to camp for a day to visit us.
They had so much fun hanging out with the big kids and running around with Mommy and Daddy!

Amy had so much fun...she didn't want to go home!

Right after camp...we headed straight into VBS!!

Thankfully...I didn't do too bad with my "moves" for music...and I had a super fun time with the preschoolers! I'm even thinking of going on tour...and taking them as back up dancers!
Ha...just kidding!!! :-)

Jason spent the entire week trying to drum up money for the boys' offering so as to avoid a pie in the face. He had many tactics...the shirt slogan was his most effective! :-)

And it worked!
He was spared the whip cream...while our poor Children's Ministry Director got a pie in the face...rather forcefully!!!

All the kids had a BLAST at VBS this year. They loved the music, the drama, the games...and of course they had fabulous teachers! So blessed to be a part of such a dynamic body of Christ!!!

The day after VBS ended...we all trekked down to Georgia to see my family!

I have two sets of uncles that live down in Toccoa...and my cousin, Cheri, and her three kids flew in from Washington for the week.

Sweet little Amanda was there for Hailey whenever she made even a peep! Needless to say, this baby got spoiled!!!
We had fun celebrating some summer birthdays...

eating yummy food...

and LOTS of swimming!!!

Then we headed to Toccoa Falls Bible College...where my Uncle Fred is a professor.
The falls are actually on the college campus and are absolutely BREATHTAKING!!

But of course...the kids just wanted to climb on all the rocks!
(And give their poor mama a heart attack!!!)

Trying to keep Jackson off the rocks was impossible!

Amanda and Caitlyn...

Tyler and Amy had a super fun time playing with their "new" cousin Ian!
(He's only new because they had actually never met him before!!! :-)

When we got back from Georgia...it was time for FOURTH OF JULY!!!

We searched our closets for anything close to red, white, and blue...then headed to meet some friends for the parade!

Once we found our shady spot...the kids got the signs ready and waited for the first float to roll by. (I think they might have been a little more excited about the candy that was thrown from the floats as they rolled by!! :-)

God Bless the USA!!!

Our friend, Miss Jenny, provided the signs...and made sure it was in the right order!

Jackson just tried to look "cool"...hoping it would garner extra candy!

And now we are half-way through our summer...

We have yet to sign up for the summer reading program at the library...gasp!
And we definitely have not touched our summer folders that I so laboriously put together for "down-time"!
But we are enjoying good times, sunshine and summertime!!!

Love 3 - 2011

2011-06-27T21:07:00.001-04:00

Fresh mountain air.
Quiet breeze rustling through the trees.
Birds chirping.
Ahhh...summer camp!!

Actually, this last week it was...kids screaming and laughing, gaga balls flying, bees stinging, lake jumping, and of course...more kids screaming and laughing!!!

What would a high school summer be without church camp?

Climbing the "Iceberg" in record time...

Crazy Minute-to-Win It competitions...

Rock wall climbing...

Rope swinging...

Actually taking the "Leap of Faith"...

Craft time...

A little team competition...

Trying DESPERATELY not to tip the canoe over...

"Experiencing" camp food...

Making sure all ninety students are accounted for at all times...

And...just being...crazy!!!

Camp is always such a highlight to our summer. It jump starts the students in their summer Bible reading. Leaders emerge. Friendships are made and become stronger. Convictions are solidified. Hearts are softened.

Camp is also a time for Jason and I to just LOVE on our students. To hold them while they are weeping. Pray for their difficult circumstances. Laugh at our attempts to be "cool". Throw our hands up in the air together in worship. And dance like crazy during the "Happy" song!

All of those are fun and exciting...but truly...the "meat and potatoes" of camp is the Word of God!

Our theme for this summer was LOVE 3 - Love God, Love the Word, and Love Others. Jason, and several other pastors, did an amazing job challenging the students with the Truth. Over and over again...during each session...we watched as the Word penetrated the hearts of our students. Dividing between soul and spirit...joint and marrow. There was no sin too "trivial" or "small"...anything in life that had become a distraction to whole-hearted devotion to God was called out. God spoke His Word and our students responded to Him!!

And now that we have come down from our mountain...we are praying that His Word will produce fruits of righteousness in their lives. That they will stand strong when the apathy sets in...the complacent tide starts to turn. We are praying that His Word will go down deep in their hearts and regenerate their lives!

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from who you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

II Timothy 3:14-15

Just "Millin" Around...

2011-06-20T15:27:00.000-04:00

Last week we met our sweet friends, the Robinsons, for a WHOLE day at Concord Mills mall.
Yes, an entire day at the mall with six children!
And we all had a super fun time!!!

We started off at the Lego store...and stayed there for a LONG time!
Tyler built some new Lego guys...while the girls "built" doll-houses on the computers.

Jackson followed everyone around...pretending to be a "big kid"!

Then we headed over to the picnic tables to eat our lunch...and Miss Juli got her "baby-fix"!

Next up, The Bass Pro Shop...
The kids were amazed at the HUGE fish tank!
And the fish swimming around were quite unusual...
obviously we stayed here for quite some time as well!

While we were there, we tried out the Family Summer Camp in the back of the store.
The kids practiced casting their fishing rods, shooting BB guns, and archery.

This was Tyler's FIRST (and last :-) time shooting a gun!
He took it very seriously!

Jackson spent his time charming ANYONE that would look his way!

Such a cutie!

Micah and Amy waiting patiently for their turn!

Watch out...Amy is definitely a crack-shot with the bow and arrow!
She hit a bulls-eye each time!!!

With all that hard work...of course it was time for ice cream!
Who knew we could have so much fun...at the MALL! :-)

Happy Father's Day...

2011-06-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

Daddy...
We love you!
You are the best!
You are strong!
You make good chocolate-chip pancakes!
You are very smart!
You laugh a lot!
We love you!
Your kids...
Tyler, Amy, Jackson, & Hailey

-dictated by the Jimenez children-

You are loved...

2011-06-14T08:00:00.004-04:00

Little Hailey Anne...

I do not know what the future will hold for you...
But one thing I know for sure...
YOU ARE LOVED!!!

From the moment you were born...

You were in your Daddy's arms...

Brothers and sister fighting over who gets "a turn" with you...

Laugh with you..

Talk with you...(or at you)

And DEFINITELY kiss on you...

Even when you are fast asleep...you are loved!

Our precious, sweet little girl...

May you ever know how much you are loved...
by us and by your heavenly Father!!

for I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness..
Psalm 26:3

Messy Night 2011...

2011-06-10T19:10:00.007-04:00

What kind of mother lets her daughter walk around
with a bag of flour..."dusting" everyone she sees?

Or allows her son to squirt his sister (and anyone who gets close enough!!!)
with bbq sauce?

The type of mother that looks like THIS after "Messy Night 2011"!!!

If you drove past Calvary Church on Wednesday night...with the windows down...you would have caught the very strong aroma of over seventy high school students covered in MESS! :-)
Mustard, vinegar, kool-aid, mayonnaise, syrup, eggs...the list goes on and on.

Freshman and Juniors

vs

Seniors and Sophomores...

Let the games begin!
We played Hoopla and Capture the Flag...but really we just PLAYED!!! :-)

I'm not really sure who won...
but my poor husband definitely got "loved" on by his students!!!

But the fun didn't end there...a local fire truck came out and "hosed" us off!

Obviously, this was my FAVORITE part of the night!
I felt like I was five years old...it was so fun running around in the water and splashing in the puddles! I'm sure you can tell by the picture that I was singing at the top of my lungs!! :-)

Amy wasn't too sure about the water...

or her crazy momma!

So, while it might not be your average "family-night" outing...
we did have a blast!!
And we even managed to get our Christmas card picture done early this year...
we just need to photo-shop Jackson and Hailey in!!! :-)

Forever Reign...

2011-06-08T08:58:00.002-04:00

You are good, You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love
On display for all to see
You are light, You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wondering
You are joy, You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life
In You death has lost its sting

You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here
In your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Oh, I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

-Hillsong United-

Y'all Ready for This...

2011-06-07T10:49:00.006-04:00

VBS is my FAVORITE week of the summer. Yes, we have to get everyone up super early, deal with a few tantrums, walk around in a haze for the first few hours, frantically rush to church, come home exhausted and hot...and then start it all over again bright and early the next day. But really, I honestly LOVE it!
In years past, I have had the pleasure of heading up the preschool kids during VBS. Unfortunately, this year I find myself a little overwhelmed with my own personal responsibilities...and I needed a smaller role during the week of VBS. So....this year...I will be doing the music for the preschoolers.
Easy task...right? Just lead them in some songs...run around the room...and have fun! Sounds like a blast.
Well...not exactly. If you do music...you have to stand on the stage and lead the entire group of kids (and leaders) in the motions for each song.
Lets just remember who this is...this is CELIA Jimenez! Not Jason...who makes everything he does look cool - even if he doesn't know what he's doing...could qualify as a boy-beat-band member! Not Amy...who has more rhythm in her pinky than I have in my entire body. Not Jackson...who just by bouncing up and down looks as cute as all get out. (I purposefully left out Tyler because apparently...he inherited more of my genes in this area!)
No...this is Celia. When I dance (or rather TRY to dance) it looks more like contrived movements that almost look painful. I do not possess that natural ability to just "move" to the music. On top of that...doing actual planned out movements is beyond my brain capacity. Its hard enough for me to remember the words of the song, sing them, and remember to breath! Add movements and your liable to find me in a heap - front and center on the stage!
But alas...I had my first practice yesterday. And let me tell you...these songs are FUN! I watched the others move effortlessly around the room - putting feeling behind each motion. It looked so easy. I want to do it just like they did it. I watched the video thinking to myself, "These are kids doing this...how hard can it be?" And so...I plunged in!
Well...after taking the video home and practicing all evening last night (complete with "encouraging" comments from my ever-supportive husband) and again practicing ALL morning I think I am FINALLY getting it down.
I was starting to get a little confident in my movements and putting a little kick into my step. By the end of the morning, I told the kids to watch me and see if I was getting everything right.
This is how the conversation went after the song:

ME: So how did I do??

TYLER: You got all the motions right.

ME: Really???

TYLER: Yeah, but Mom...you can't dance like that on stage.

ME: Why not?

TYLER: Uh, because, Mom...everyone will laugh at you!!!

Ah, yes...well...if you are feeling a little stressed during VBS and you need some comic relief...don't worry! I'll be there to help you out! And for all of you who only get to see me through the blog...I will tell you now...there will NOT be any videos posted on this blog of me embarrassing my family!!! :-)

Barbershop Jimenez...

2011-06-05T16:22:00.007-04:00

It's HOT outside! Summertime has officially begun...
so that means its time for...
a new haircut!

Jackson's hair is growing so fast...we decided it was time for Daddy to take over the job!

Jackson is used to holding a lollipop and watching TV while getting a haircut...
so I tried my best to entertain him!

For the most part, he was very still...

it helped that Daddy had a firm grip on his face!!!

Look at all that HAIR!!!

Tyler is already an old pro!

The finished look...such cuties!!!

Just for fun...here's a pic of Tyler's FIRST home-haircut!

Yes, all my children look ALIKE!!! :-)

End of the year...

2011-06-04T06:47:00.000-04:00

This past week, one of our friends hosted an "end-of-the-year" party for several homeschooling families. I told the kids that we would celebrate their end of the year...we still have some school to finish! :-)
First, we all headed to the pool to cool off and splash around. With nine kids to keep an eye out for...it was a little crazy! But super fun!

After, we headed back for a HUGE yummy lunch. There were all sorts of fruit, sandwiches, juice, veggies...and of course CHIPS! :-) Everything was beautifully prepared and laid out for us...and the mommies did not have to lift a finger! SO nice!

Then we had some MORE play time!

The older kids made a special craft...ceramic magnets.

And the younger kids...THOUGHT they were making a special craft!

Then...my favorite...make-your-own-sundaes!!! Double yum!!!

We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!!! :-)
Although it does not officially mark the end of the year for us...it was a good prelude to it!

Idenity...

2011-06-02T15:32:00.005-04:00

Once I crossed over from the "mom-of-three" to "mom-of-four" ...I heard a barrage of different comments. The most common and often heard is "Wow, you really have your hands full!" But some of the others have been "You are a super mom"...or "You are amazing"...and even "You really are a saint". These are all meant with the best of intentions...but unfortunately...more often than not...they are not true. I am NOT a super mom...I fall very short of being amazing...and I am not a saint - that is - on my own.
While my parents were here, I had a long talk with my dad about the nature of these comments and the danger it is to my ever creeping pride. How easy it would be for me to bask in the glory of what people think of me (or don't really KNOW of me! :-). To allow myself to be swept away by the fact that just having four children makes me great. But when I look back at the Cross and see all that lies beneath it...all the grime and the mire that I laid down there and CONTINUE to lay down there...I come face to face with the truth.
My claim to greatness...my lasting significance can only be the blood of Jesus. When I become distracted by the identity of wife...mother...pastor's wife...friend...daughter I often become distracted by the pressure to "keep up". If people think I'm amazing...well, gosh...then I want to actually prove that I AM amazing! If people think I'm a super mom...then any time that facade is threatened..I panic. When there are situations or circumstances that show me for who I really am...I make excuses for my ill-behavior or impatience. Slowly, those identities slip through my fingers and I am no longer able to control what those around me think of me. Left alone with myself I come face to face with the truth.
The only identity I have that will never be threatened is that of redeemed...saved...washed...regenerated. Those become my true identity. Having nothing to do with me at all...but the One who saved me. And once I am secure in that identity, I can be okay with the comments that come and go. And more often, the judgment that comes and goes.
Having that identity allows me to move around in the ROLES that God has placed me in freely. To move in and out of different areas of my life and not cling to them to form who I become. As one stage ends and another phase begins...those roles change and transform into something new. But my identity is firm.

O the blood, Crimson love
Price of life’s demand
Shameful sin, placed on Him
The Hope of every man

O the blood of Jesus washes me
O the blood of Jesus shed for me
What a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory...

Another Saturday Night...

2011-05-22T16:15:00.008-04:00

We were all a little perplexed this weekend without Daddy around...(he was off with some high school students enjoying a white-water rafting trip)

Saturday night found me crawling up the walls from being cooped up inside for too long...

so we headed out to yummy Five Guys for some burgers and fries.
We had hoped that the fountains at Blakeney would cool us off...
but apparently they were off for the night...

so we improvised with fudgesicles and sprinklers!

Jackson was too impatient to finish his fudgesicle...he wanted to run through the sprinklers!

He came back several times for a couple of licks before it completely melted!

Amy's "water-dance"!

Um...someone had a problem keeping his trunks up!!!

But that didn't slow him down!!!

J + C...

2011-05-19T20:34:00.000-04:00

ten years ago...

we said "i do" for the rest of our lives...
in times of rejoicing and excitement...
in times of anguish and sorrow...
for the good times and bad...
for the happy and sad...

when life hit us so hard and we had no where else to turn...
when no one else was around to pick us back up...
when we had no idea that anything could be more precious...
when we had no idea that anything could be harder...

accepting blessings and gifts from the Lord with open hands...
and returning them back to Him with praise in our hearts...
accepting trials and frustrations with questions on our minds...
and once again - returning them back to Him with praise in our hearts...

learning to lean on each other and grow from our mistakes...
learning to trust in each other as God's chosen help-mate...

ten years can feel like such a long time...

but i pray that its only just begun!!!!

Simply Strawberry-licious...

2011-05-16T17:28:00.003-04:00

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina...in the morning!! Unless...you get to pick fresh, ripe - BEAUTIFUL - strawberries! Being from the desert, this has become a huge treat that I look forward to each spring. And this year, we were able to share it with my parents!

And their off...ready to get some yummy strawberries!

Jackson needed a little help from Grammie...

Okay, he really needed A LOT of help from Grammie! :-)

He was quite content with his ten strawberries.

More experienced "pickers"!!!

After all that hard work - a nice cool slushy hit the spot!
It also hid the fact that Jackson tasted almost every strawberry he picked!
Some of those poor berries didn't quite make it into the box.

Content to let others do the hard work!

Afterwards we headed to Olive Garden for our overdue Mother's Day lunch. It was a little crazy...forks flying everywhere, noodles on the floor, crying babies at every elbow...but we had a good time!

And so far...this is our best attempt at a family picture.
We'll keep trying! :-)

Stepping Out...

2011-05-13T22:01:00.008-04:00

With Grammie and Poppy here...we were brave enough to take our little family out on the town! We needed the extra hands and help as we are still getting used to being a family of six!

The first part of our fun little trip was to hop on the train and head uptown. The kids have never been on a train and were super excited about the adventure!

We had the train all to ourselves for awhile.

The kids had a hard time decided which seat they wanted!

It was all I could do to keep Jackson IN a seat!

Grammie and Poppy!!!

Once we got uptown...it was time to re"FUEL"...ha ha!

Little Hailey got quite the attention while we were there.

Then it was on to Discovery Place.

I'm not sure who had more fun...Daddy, Tyler, Amy, Jackson, Grammie or Poppy!

Everyone played and played and played!

So much to do...so little time!

It was a gorgeous spring day so after Discovery Place we walked around and enjoyed uptown.

Our first little outing as a "little" family!

Our so called life...

2011-05-07T09:23:00.015-04:00

Feeding, burping, changing, cuddling, rocking, bathing. And then it starts all over again!

We are attempting to get back into the "rhythm" of having a newborn. The more time that slips by between children...the less you remember about each stage of their life.

Thankfully, there is google at hand and plenty of websites to tell you that you are doing it "wrong", "right" - or somewhere in between!!! :-)

Once Jackson realized that this baby was here to stay...he quickly turned on the charm! Lavishing her with hugs, kisses, tugs on the arm...pokes in the eyes..."big-brother" kind of love!

Thankfully, Grammie and Poppy are here for TWO weeks to help normalize the chaos! Puzzle time, trips to the park, plenty of books to read, stories to tell, crafts to make...the older kids have been pretty distracted!

And of course, they are here to try out the trampoline!!!

Its also been nice to have two pairs of extra arms to love on little Hailey. She has been a bit fussy this last week...so a fresh set of arms (and ears!) have been a GODsend!!!

Sometimes...she just wants someone to take a quick little nap with her! Grammie is happy to oblige!

We are learning to adapt...learning to let things go (well, really I'm the one that needs to learn that) and learning that the pace of life slows WAY down when there's a new one setting the tone.

Cinco de Mayo...

2011-05-05T21:00:00.004-04:00

On this day...every year...we celebrate YOU!

Super Daddy...

Amazing Husband...

Loyal Friend...

Godly Pastor...

...the list goes on and on!

God knew exactly what He was doing when He fashioned you.

You never cease to amaze me with your thirst for His Word,

Passion for your family,

Devotion to His ministry,

and discipline to keep them all in balance!

In thirty-two years, you have accomplished and achieved so very much.

And yet...you count it all loss for the sake of knowing Christ!

You are my inspiration, my example, and my very very best friend!

I love you, Jay!

Happy Birthday!!! :-)

She's HERE!!!

2011-04-27T14:47:00.008-04:00

Our precious little bundle from heaven is finally here and safely home!!! Hailey Anne Jimenez was born on Saturday, April 23rd around 5pm!!! She was 8.5lbs and 20.5inches long. And quite the little cutie pie!!!

Friday night, the kids and I headed to church for the Good Friday service. Jason and Jackson stayed home in the efforts to get over a nasty cold. While at church, I joked with the kids that we were going to have to climb up and down the four flights of stairs several times after church...in order to get this baby out! This was met with very little enthusiasm...so we nixed the idea.

Late that night and early Saturday morning I started to feel the beginning twinges of labor. Having only gone into labor one time (out of the three) I was hesitant to even put a label on what I was feeling. There was no way I was going to get everyone out of bed and head out to the hospital...only to discover that I was experiencing false labor pains!!!

But as the sun started coming up, my pains started getting closer together and more intense. Of course...before waking anyone up I decided there were things around the house that needed doing before actually heading to the hospital. An hour or so later...I finally woke up Jason and told him..."WE NEED TO GO!" By this time, the contractions were about two minutes apart. I was so hopeful we'd get to the hospital and Hailey would just pop right out!!!

On our way out the door...one last pic of a family of FIVE! :-)

On arriving at the hospital, the doctor immediately broke my water and predicted a baby within the next several hours. Well...several actually stretched into nine...little Hailey was stuck...face up...and had no inclination of coming out! But at long last...

...I finally got to hold my sweet little angel!

Daddy giving her the first bottle!

Proud big brother!

Over-joyed big sister!!

And alas...there will be no picture of Jackson holding Hailey. He had eyes only for Mommy and wanted absolutely nothing to do with the bundle of pink in everyone's arms!

Our first pic as a family of SIX!!!!

Now we are all home and adjusting to life with a newborn.

And praising God for His sweet little addition to our family!!

Date Night...

2011-04-13T12:19:00.005-04:00

Saturday night was Father-Daughter Date Night at our church. It was talked about for WEEKS in our house...and there was much anticipation as the night drew closer. Amy deliberated over which dress to wear, what jewelry to accessorize with, and what shade of nail polish matched her dress. Everything had to be perfect for a night out with Daddy!!! Once at church she picked out a table with all of her sweet friends and their dads! I only wish I could have been there to hear the fun conversations!

One of Amy's best friends - Sophie.

I think the girls got a hold of the camera for some funny pics! :-)

She was all excitement when she got home. Time alone with Daddy is a treasure no matter what the occasion...but getting dressed up and pretty makes it all the more fun!

The boys were a little put out that the didn't get to "date-Daddy" (as Tyler put it.)

So several of us got together for a yummy Yoforia-Date.

No thoughts for pretty and sweet...these boys were absolutely silly and hyped up on sugar.

Potty Training Update...

2011-04-12T07:37:00.000-04:00

I know you have all been waiting with baited breath to see how potty-training has been going...of course, if you live anywhere near me you have already heard (or seen) how this past week has gone! :-) We started off last Monday with everything you could POSSIBLY need to potty-train...or so I thought. We had numerous pairs of underwear..."chonies" in our house...wipes, treats, a carpet cleaner at the ready, two AMAZING helpers, and gallons of juice! We even had fun new Mickey Mouse sippy cups. I was ready!! I got up early on Monday morning and fortified my weakening resolve with the Word of God and was convinced that no matter what the situation...I was ready - physically and emotionally!!! Ha ha ha...

Actually, Monday - was a relatively easy day. Jackson was intrigued with the idea and ran to the toilet every five minutes. There were very few accidents and by the end of the day I was convinced that this had been the right thing to do at the right time.

But now...we are a week into this venture. Yes, I have lost my patience. Yes, I have cried. Yes, I have doubted myself OVER and OVER again...in fact, you might have received a phone call, text or email this week from me...seeking advice on whether or not I really am crazy!!!!

Our "Three-Day-Potty-Training" method has turned into a relaxed week or so of potty training! He went through church without an accident and we've allowed him out in public (in chonies...no pull-ups!). He is dry during naptime and most of the night. So now...we are just trying to work out the occasional kinks here and there!

All in all...this little guy has handled this week like a champ. There is change on the horizon for all of us...and none of us adapt that quickly or smoothly to it. But eventually change becomes normal and diapers a thing of the past! Hopefully...right???

Catch up...

2011-04-03T15:33:00.016-04:00

The final count-down has begun in the Jimenez household...we are all waiting and anticipating sweet little Hailey's arrival!!! Just a few more weeks and we make the jump from a family of five to a family of SIX!!! (for some reason that number just seems to much bigger than its predecessor!!!)

Change seems to be the theme around the house...in fact, Tyler commented on how crazy it has been lately over here. The first big change...Tyler lost his FIRST tooth!!! He is the last of his friends (and Amy's friends as well!) to hold onto his baby teeth! :-) When we went to the dentist last, he made mention of a wiggler down in front...and Tyler was on that sucker for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, it took several more weeks, apples, and some chewy candy to dislodge that stubborn tooth. But now...minus one tooth...Tyler is one happy guy!

Several weekends ago, the kids and I waddled (okay, I waddled...they walked) over to First Baptist to help with the Easter baskets for With Love From Jesus.

The kids had a BLAST packing baskets for homeless children, hospitalized children, and just those in need.

Tyler was my little helper with organizing and finishing the baskets.

Amy wanted to pack each basket full of toys and goodies!

Some of our highschool girls came out and helped pack baskets as well.

I was surprised at Amy and Tyler's response to the task. They put so much thought and care into each one...and with nothing to gain for themselves! They've asked each weekend since then if we could go back...and hopefully we'll have one last Saturday to spend packing baskets!!!

With Hailey getting ready to take over the "nursery" (I use that word very loosely!!!) Jackson has been booted from the crib...

And into his "big-boy" bed!

He is Mr Macho this week...getting to sleep underneath his big brother and having the freedom to get in and OUT whenever he so chooses. :-)

Another big change...someone graciously passed on their beloved trampoline to our very excited family!

With the sun shining and warming up their backs, the kids (all kids...meaning - mine and every neighborhood kid in the area!) have been jumping as much as possible!

If Hailey waits too long to come...I might have to get out there myself!

Sadly, this change was not welcomed in any way, shape, or form!!!

This used to be the bumper of Jason's car. Unfortunately, it met with a rod iron fence on a dark, rainy afternoon. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS HURT in the slightest and a new, shiny bumper will soon take its place!!! But cars take awhile to get fixed...and so...we will be hunkered down in our house for the next week. Being ambitious (and slightly crazy)...I decided it would be the PERFECT time to potty-train Jackson. I can hear all of the well-rehearsed arguments...but hopefully, by the end of this week we will be diaper free! (And there will be no stains or spots on the carpet!!)

So now I am officially caught up! :-)

Soap Box Preacher

2011-03-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has performed and until He has accomplished the intent of His heart; in the latter days you will understand this.

Repent! Repent! Repent!

Jeremiah 30:24

Blogging Hiatus...

2011-03-07T08:08:00.016-05:00

Time keeps slipping through my fingers without a moments hesitation. One day turns into a week...one week turns into two...and now here we are...in March! I have not been faithful to blog lately - every time I sit down to - something else (or rather someone else)is needing attention!! I have also been slack about taking the camera along to every function or activity...so although there might be lots of "blog-worthy" fun going on...there are very little pictures to document it! (Which makes for a very boring blog sometimes! :-)

So where have we been?? What have we been up to??

Well, back in February...

We had our fair share of sickness!!!

Ear infections (twice), the flu, and the stomach bug visited the Jimenez household. There was plenty of time for cuddling and snuggling and watching TV on the couch.

Between sicknesses and freezing days...

We had several spring-time days - spending as much time outside as we possibly could!!

And of course, several youth group functions packed into our month!!!

We got a "puppy"...aka Jackson!

He fetches whatever is in reach!

And manages to find every single crumb on the floor possible!!

Jason and I had a weekend away in Birmingham, AL with several other youth pastors and their wives. We were treated to a "night-out" at The Club.

It was at the top of Birmingham and looked down on all the lights...so pretty!!!

We were blessed with a visit from my parents...and the kids were also able to see Uncle Matthew!!!

And of course, I am growing as big as a barn...praying this little one is getting healthy and strong!

And we finally settled on a name for this precious, little girl...

So that's what you missed! :-) Hopefully, I'll do a little better about staying up to date!

Romantic Dinner...for five??

2011-02-15T07:59:00.011-05:00

Okay, so maybe not quite a "romantic" dinner...but a super FUN day - full of surprises and LOVE!!!

First off, the kids and I made cookies to take to Daddy at work to share with all of his "friends"! It is always quite the production walking into the quiet church office with three loud, crazy, children. Needless to say, we cause a stir and productivity comes to a screeching halt! But we brought treats...so it made it all better! :-)

Two of our most FAVORITE pastors at church!!!

Then it was off to the dollar store to get all the necessary supplies to transform our home into "Ristorante Jimenez"!!

We had such a fun afternoon preparing for Daddy to come home...

...and when he did walk in the door it was with many gifts in hand.

Without even knowing what was on the menu, Jason had brought salad and bread sticks from Olive Garden (which honestly compliment ANY meal!!!).

Roses for Mommy, rose for Amy, and chocolates for the boys!

Without delay our reservation was called - Jimenez - party of five!!!

After dinner, we played a "get-close" game with spaghetti noodles and Fruit Loops.

Of course, we had to demonstrate how its done first!

The boys struggled with this particular fruit loop for awhile!

The girls clearly had the lead!

(Notice the small child trying desperately to get the fruit loop OFF my noodle!!!)

Jackson could care less about the game...he just wanted all the fruit loops that failed to make it on the noodles!!!

Game over...girls won...but everyone gets dessert!

Yummy heart brownies ala mode!!!

So maybe no romance...but a wonderful day of fun and family time!!!

My Valentines...

2011-02-14T07:42:00.005-05:00

How deep the Father's love for us...

How vast beyond all measure...

That He should give His only Son...

To make a wretch His treasure...

Celebrating all His good gifts of love today!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Godspell...

2011-02-12T07:56:00.003-05:00

Not only do we have the pleasure of attending our OWN children's soccer games, choir performances, etc...but we have an entire youth group of students that send out invites to THEIR games, competitions, performances, and graduations.

Jason and I are only two people...so it is impossible for us to attend EVERY single one...and sometimes our students are a little shy to include us...but we try to go whenever is possible. This past Thursday night, I went to go see Godspell at Covenant Day School.

I'm not sure the theology was exact...but the performance was stellar and the cast was hysterical!!! Our sweet little, Melody, was a shining star all night and it was exciting to she her true colors come out!

Sitting in the theater, waiting for the performance to start, I was once again at Desert Christian High School awaiting the curtains to open and put on the show of a lifetime. Musical theater was HUGE at our school...rivaling most all of the sports programs. Those brief moments (that felt like forever in school) when we donned the costumes of ages past and transformed our characters into those written by pen - will forever be etched in my memories!

It was such a fun night...for Melody's performance and for my own trip down memory lane. And for the life of me...I cannot get a single one of those songs from Godspell out of my mind!!! :-)