Outlaws

I want to win!

2011-08-30T10:24:00.004-05:00

" I knew it was the beginning of the end when they opted out of delivery and brought me home like this"

I am entering a contest over on another blog: wearethatfamily.com Above is my entry. I am so super excited! I usually do not even take time to enter contests, but this one has an AWESOME prize. SO awesome, it has me updating my blog after 2 years :)
Prize is a brand new TEMPUR®-Contour Signature and the TEMPUR Advanced Ergo System®. Matt and I were given a king size mattress 8 years ago when I was pregnant. We were SO thrilled! The second night we had it, I was huge pregnant and dog-sitting a great dane. In the night I felt something very warm in the bed. I slowly woke up and realized the GREAT DANE had peed ALL over the brand new bed :( Well. That was the the beginning of a long, abused life for that mattress. Now 3 kids later, 2 adults turning 30, and pain in our backs. IT IS TIME! I am praying and hoping we can win this baby!!
If we win, I may even get back to blogging regularly! ha!

Halloween

2009-11-03T23:29:00.008-06:00

Sorry it's blurry, but oh so cute!

Adisen didn't wear the wig the 1st night, but tried it the 2nd. Just hilarious!

Thanks for all of your encouraging comments! I am working on a longer blog about our actual move and Houston purpose. But for now here are some Halloween pics.

The night before Halloween, we met at a friends house for some cute pictures of kids in costumes. Then headed over to a Fall Festival at Maddox's preschool. I usually do not like big events, with lots of chaos and germs...but this one was lots of fun. Probably, just having Matt with me made all the difference. Sometimes it is hard taking the kids to things like that, alone. It made for a great family night! They had all the typical church festivals have, but I really loved how creative the Truck or treat area was. Very cute!

Halloween day was very busy filled with running errands most of the day. Matt was leaving that night around 7 for a 2 week tour with the Robbie Seay Band, Bethany Dillon, & Caleb & Will Franklin Chapman!
At 6, I got kids dressed and Matt packed up and we parted ways :(
The kids and I wandered the neighborhood. Maddox was so funny, He kept saying things like " We don't need all this candy, it's just too much sugar for us"
I missed Matt, of course, but really had a fun night with the kids.
But man...the next day...WOW! We went to church, but after my kids were SO crazy! I think with the candy, time change, and Matt leaving, they were just an emotional mess. It was a very rough night and I think they were in bed by 7:30! They have mellowed out lots since then, and since the candy got put away :)
Adisen was Dorothy. Matt's mom made the dress for us! Maddox had planned to be Batman. But at the last minute decided on Spiderman. Thankfully, we have a good stash of dress-up clothes! It worked out great because Maddox's friend Ezra was Batman. So, they were some very adorable super heros! Maddox didn't like to wear his mask because it kept falling over his eyes

No excuses.

2009-11-02T23:10:00.002-06:00

I just gave up :)
I think when we first moved here, I didn't want to blog because I didn't want anyone to know how crappy I felt. Then I just kept putting it off because I can not put the time into it to make it look as awesome as many blogs I read. But again. No excuses. I'm just going to try it again...slowly. Cute or not!
Where do you start once you haven't blogged in 8 months? I will try and not focus on what I haven't blog about. I will try to move forward, with maybe a few random moments from the past few months.
Here we go :)

Wow...

2009-02-22T22:49:00.000-06:00

Time for an update indeed! But it will have to wait another day! I will carve out sometime in the next few days!!
We are moving to Houston, Texas! We have to be out of our Fayetteville house March 10th. There is lots to do! I just had a great weekend with some family! I will get those pictures uploaded too.

Sorry...but this makes me laugh!!

2008-12-15T21:35:00.000-06:00

This is an advertisement for a local dance studio. It keeps cracking Matt and I up :) Let me know if you don't get it.

Now Accepting Two Year Olds!

We are now accepting two-year-olds once they are past 36 months! The class will be Thursday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 beginning in January. Come by and sign up your young dancer today! If you have any questions, click hereto contact us.

I have been changed.

2008-11-06T10:08:00.000-06:00

I have been changed. I'm not really sure how. Nor have I seen some significant evidence today. But the message I heard yesterday is still being spoken in my mind and heart. How could you have sat in Wyatt Baptist Church yesterday and NOT been changed?!?
I WILL NOT just walk away from yesterday and just say "that was nice" "that was a great service" "how amazing"........I want to walk away completely different. How can I not forget this feeling of urgency to LOVE and to LIVE??
How was Jill so graceful in all she did?
I know the same God that Jill knew......and I love Him. But not like Jill did. But I want to. I WILL be changed. I feel like my heart has been completely gutted out. It is painful, yet I feel God's hand, so it's comforting.

I will write more later. My mind is so tired and my heart still very broken. I am going to rest

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADISEN!!!!

2008-10-13T18:49:00.001-05:00

We are SO thankful for our sweet daughter!! She is such a joy and fun burst of energy in our life! She really enjoys playing and pretending with her family and friends. She enjoys going to school 2 days a week and dance classes every Tuesday night. Adisen is a natural musician and talks of being "a rockin star" She has always had an awesome singing voice. Matt and I are were so surprised how gifted she is with music already. She loves to talk about God and his creation. She is the BEST big sister to her brother Maddox. We are constantly told how smart he is and I know it has everything to do with all that Adisen teaches him. Adisen loves to draw and write things. We are so proud of her!! She spent her day at school, with homemade cupcakes in tow! I hope she knows how truly loved she is!! Her is a funny story about me picking her up today :)

SO....I thought that I would take all the princess helium balloons(from her party) with me to pick her up. I know she already saw them, but I thought it would make her feel special if I brought them to her school to get her. WELL...I was running a few minutes late and completely forgot to grabbed them when i got out of the car. ( who doesn't notice giant balloons blocking their view right?) Anyways, I forgot them and ran in to get the kids. Well, when we came back out to the car my hands were loaded down! 2 backpacks, 2 lunch boxes, tons of crafts, and the empty cupcake box. So, I opened the passenger door to unload all of the items....forgetting about the balloons. As soon as the door opened...off went the balloons in the wind!!!!!
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? What was meant to be a sweet gesture, ended as a cruel joke :( Adisen was already exhausted and having some allergy issues, so her favorite princess balloons flying away, pushed her over. She started crying and yelling "who left my balloons in the car!" So sad!! My quick wit kicked in and I said (as the balloons were still in view) "HURRY make a wish!!! That's what you do on your real birthday, release your balloons and make a wish!!!" Thru her tears, she said "I wish my balloons would come back." :(

I didn't know weather to laugh or cry. I was sad to see her so sad, but couldn't help but laugh at the irony of it all.

2008-10-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

2008-10-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

Where oh where have I been?

2008-10-13T16:47:00.000-05:00

Who knows? Obviously, I have a hard time updating my blog. Once a certain amount of time passes, it seems almost impossible to blog. I'm sure everyone has given up reading anything about Boston part 2. haha. Maybe some other day!

For now, we will just pick up at the present :)

Matt is working on the road this week with The Robbie Seay Band. We miss him!!
The kids and I had a fantastic weekend!! Adisen really had a birthday party weekend. It started Friday and went until today! What a lucky girl!!
Friday began with our friends from the Little Rock area making the 3 hour drive to spend the weekend with us. I am so thankful for the house we live in. We were able to accommodate everyone, and I would even say everyone was very comfortable! In total, we had 5 of us moms, and then the 10 little ones between us. I don't think I ever got a picture of the kids going to bed. They were so cute! Saturday night all 10 kids were asleep before 9!! It was amazing, because it then gave us girls time to relax and talk. I am so thankful for my friends!!! It really was a special weekend. Adisen made me cry last night. As she was falling asleep, she kept saying "thank you so much getting my friends here. it was the best days ever!!" You could not believe how well all 10 of them behaved all weekend. With kids everywhere, all the time and NO NAPS, they were still awesome!! Saturday is was unceasingly warm, but it still made for a nice day at the pumpkin patch. We had a picnic, rode a hay ride, then picked out pumpkins! Then we came home painted our pumpkins, had a water balloon fight, and hours of outside fun. They ate dinner on the deck, then we did baths in 2 kids at a time. Our bathtub has never seen that kind of action. They were DIRTY!!!! They were then off to bed, to rest and get ready for the party the next day. We go to church on Saturday night usually, so our Sundays are free. So, Adisen's official party was Sunday afternoon. We enjoyed pizza, cake, ice cream, and a giant inflatable jumper! It was such a great fun time with friends...and plus we were able to celebrate our special girl Adisen!
Adisen went to mothers day out today, with homemade cupcakes in tow. She had a great day there too, celebrating with her friends there. She is absolutely exhausted...borderline sick from the fun filled past 4 days. We will surely rest all day tomorrow. Here are some pictures from the good times!! I probably won't share all that I would like to because I know several of my friends feel weird about their childrens pics being online somewhere. I know we all 5 had our cameras going, and I am hoping they have some great pics too. I found myself so busy trying to be a mom and a hostess, so the camera was always an after thought.

Introducing the newest Johnson Family Addition...

2008-08-17T22:08:00.001-05:00

I can not tell you what a joy it is to tell you about this exciting news. My brother Andy and his adorable wife Lisa are now the proud and awesome parents of little Liam. He is 5 months old and just a little doll. He joined our family this past Friday night. I can hardly wait to meet him face to face and give those sweet cheeks a kiss. They live in Washington, so we are planning a family get together to meet this cutie! Adisen, Maddox, and I "met" Liam last night with our web cams. He didn't seem very impressed with us, as he began to cry when he saw us :) But I am just hoping it was because he was very sleepy. We are so thankful and give all the glory to God for the great things HE has done!! We love you Liam and look forward to watching you grow. Your parents are so good, so faithful, so loving, and so fun. Get ready, little buddy, you are going to have a great life!!

you can go here to check out a few cute pics....

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49701&l=b6102&id=602257325

Boston Ramblings...

2008-08-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't put it off any longer!! I don't know why I haven't gone for a visit sooner!! Lori and J have lived there for 2 years and I just made my way up. It was A BLAST!! I am a better person for knowing them. If you want to hear stories of the miracles God still works today, sit and talk with Lori. Or if you are just need a good, pure laugh, sit and visit with this awesome couple. I love you two and consider myself privileged to know you. You two are amazing!!!
So here is the simplest way to give a run down of my time there....

Sunday: I fly in to Boston around noon. The only sleep I had was whatever I got on my 4 hour flight. My 10 year reunion was the night before and after I cleaned that up and packed...it was time to catch my 530 am flight. AH! This was a nice day just relaxing with L and J. We got some yummy pizza and caught up on a few things. I was starting to feel disoriented from lack of sleep, so I got to bed early. I was so glad to be there.

Monday: Oh this day!! Once we got around, J, Lori and I made it into the city for lunchtime. After driving around in circles for awhile, we finally "happened" Matt's hotel. So, we grabbed Matt and Kory and walked a few blocks to grab some great Mexican food. I was already loving this day. I was completely surrounded by some of my greatest friends that I LOVE SO MUCH. After lunch, all 5 of us loaded up for a city tour. It was a rainy day, so that's why we opted for the car ride. I can not tell you how much I really enjoyed the few hours we drove ( many blocks over and over and over) thru the city. I laughed so much and loved every second. Thank God that he protected us, because although I was laughing, I was a little nervous about a few traffic maneuvers we did. Later that night we had a fun dinner and walk around the city. I stayed with Matt that night at the Hyatt. We really had a good time hanging out with the kids. I feel so different without the kids. I miss them SO, but it is so rejuvenating to be alone and "free".

Tuesday: I enjoyed a nice, rainy walk early this morning. I love city life. (not the driving part) I felt like I was in a dream. I walked several blocks, twirling my umbrella, taking it all in. I felt like I was in slow motion as the world around me rushed past, everyone with a place to be. It was peaceful and something I rarely do anymore, unless I'm pushing 75 extra pounds around in a stroller!
Lori picked me up around noon, while Matt headed off to work. Lori and I wandered around with not a care in the world. It was fun, until around 530 and I realized not only did we need to leave at 6 to make it to the show....but I hadn't washed Matt's laundry like I had promised :\
SO, I crammed it all in and washed it...but didn't really have time to dry it. I felt and still do feel bad about it. I loaded the car up with semi-damp clothes and attempted to air dry them on the way.(via windows down and J's fast driving) It was all good til the rain started :)
The show was awesome. It was Hana Pestle, Blues Traveler, Collective Soul, and LIVE. I love to watch Matt work. He knows so much and is so good at it. The guys in LIVE absolutely love him and it makes me proud :) I hope J and L enjoyed the show. It is fun to sit on the stage and be able to watch the crowd. This crowd was the best!
After the show, we squeezed the extra water out of Matt's laundry and called it a night! I was sad to tell him by, by knew it was only a few days before I'd see him again. Thanks to Kory for hanging out with us. He always makes me laugh :)

This is getting really long, so I think I will finish it up tomorrow...
to be continued.. here are a few pics to leave you with.

Back from Boston :(

2008-08-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

Normally, I am so excited to return home. This trip was very different. I have been up since 2 am, so I will update sometime this weekend. I had a busy day of flying and driving, so it is off to bed for me! Can't wait to tell you about my trip and share pictures. It was the best trip!! I am sad it ended so soon :(

Busy times.

2008-08-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd just drop by to say things are busy! I have been planning this week for months and knew it would be overwhelming, but a few unexpected things made for a little more stress. But we are making it!

My 10 year high school reunion is this weekend. I'm in charge of decorations and this and that. I wanted to be a class officer in hs because I thought it was cool, not thinking that 10 years later, I'd be in a whirlwind of planning for a reunion. I am really excited, but sad Matt won't be there. So, after I help clean up sometime after midnight Saturday, I will head over to the airport in Little Rock to catch a 540am flight to Boston. There are some weeks, I hardly change out of my PJ's never mind even leave the house. Then other weeks, I try to do as much as you can squeeze into a week, minus sleep. haha

So the unexpected things we have had this week is......SICKNESS!

Ugh! Poor Adisen had Broncitis 2 weeks ago, Matt pneumonia, then Maddox pneumonia also, back to Adisen with some crazy fever/headache virus. As for me, I managed to only have a mild cold. But taking care of sick kiddos is a job, 2 sick kids is tiring!

Thankfully, Maddox is feeling better and finishes his 5 day antibiotic tomorrow! Matt is totally better! And Adisen is doing great!Doesn't it seem weird to have pneumonia in July? My kids are well because we canceled our weekend plans and stayed in the bed and watch movies. My plan of "staying busy until Matt comes home" kinda backfired. Here is a run down of the past 2 weeks. Went to Dallas for a week, OK for a night to see Matt, came home to a house full of company, went to Kansas City to see Matt, then spent a day wandering around there, came home to company again that stayed a week (FUN!!) They left Friday and we were expecting LOTS of company for 2 days the next morning. BUT at that point both kids were in the DR office with crazy high fevers, so that's where the resting came in.

WHOA! I know my mom is probably ashamed at my errors in writing, but it's easier to type and not concern myself with run on sentences and such!

Also, about Boston... I was planning on surprising Matt for his birthday. He has a few days off on Boston on his birthday. The surprise was ruined, but I am still going. I am going to spend time with my childhood friend Lori. I am SO SO excited! I can not believe it, but I haven't seen her in 6 years!! The kids are staying in Fayetteville. Matts parents from Texas are coming up to hang out with them!

Thanks for sticking with me. I think my phone has rang 5 times while I have tried to type this. So, gotta go keep getting things done!

Missing Matt

2008-07-29T00:11:00.000-05:00

I was able to catch up with Matt for a few hours in Kansas City, MO this past SAturday. Amber and Madi went the kids and I. It was a fun weekend, even though it was busy and HOT. I will post pictures soon. My sisinlaw, niece, nephew and mom are here this week. WE are SO excited!! Anyway, I loved seeing Matt, but it made me miss him more. AND he is very sick. :( I think Matt has only been sick 2 or 3 times since we have been married 6 years!! He went to the dr and had a chest xray....again :(

So he has pneumonia and is hopefully on his way to being better. Pray for him though, because there isn't time for resting on a tour bus. I am sad I haven't been able to take care of him.

My Hubby :)

2008-07-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

Matt has his own blog. So go check it out, if you would like to get a full 360 view of the Outlaw family. He is in a different state everyday, so he tries to keep everyone updated with what is going on. He has some cool pics of his latest tattoos. You can see them at www.mattoutlaw.blogspot.com

And for those of you that have already asked or wondered. I know he needs some pictures of me on his blog, BUT I am so self conscious of when I see pictures of me. In fact, there are very few. So I will try to work on that!

2008-07-10T23:28:00.000-05:00

Little Old, Little new

2008-07-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

So today The Mo's (AMO & EMO) finished "Cowgirl/boy dance camp". I tried to take pictures today, but Maddox refused to wearing anything except his Cars shirt. I couldn't even get him to stop running around to get a good picture. I think the dance teacher had a few costumes left over from Princess camp, so today Adisen was a little of both. I am glad she had such a fun, sweet time. They learned a dance, took cute pictures, and did fun crafts. Adisen was even in yesterdays AR Democrat Newspaper! She is just a sweet girl. I can not believe how much she is growing up. She understands SO much and I have noticed a difference lately in how we communicate. Sometimes I feel like I am talking to a much older child.

Better Late then never...April Seattle/Canada pics

2008-07-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

Matt and I on the ferry ride back to Port Angeles.

Lisa and I just arriving in Victoria BC.

Andy and I enjoying lunch on the ferry.

Silly Maddox

2008-07-10T02:19:00.000-05:00

Today we had to run into Office Max. Maddox asked what we were doing and I told him getting something laminated. After we finished, we left and got in the car. And he started crying. (he hadn't had his nap) I asked him what was wrong. He said " we forgot our lemonadid" (lemonade)

He thought we went there to get drinks!

haha

Where to begin?

2008-07-10T01:47:00.000-05:00

I am ashamed! You see what happens is a few days pass after I blog, and many things happen where I think "I should update that on the blog". BUT then too much happens and it is too overwhelming to me. So, I keep putting it off!

Anyway, the biggest change right now is.... Through much prayer, we decided for Matt to quit his job at Guitar Center and work full time for LIVE (again) There are so many things I wish I could say (overwhelming AH) We see a much bigger picture than just the next few months he is with LIVE. In the fall, Matt will work on a regular basis for The Robbie Seay Band. I can't tell you how excited we are about this opportunity. He has worked with them for several shows and has enjoyed it so much. They are awesome guys, living the love of Christ. We have loved every second we have lived in NWA, but we know that God has something else in store for the Outlaw family! We are excited (and a tiny bit nervous) about God working in our life right now. Change is coming :) Might not be completely comfortable, but we are ready! By that I mean, a move to Houston might be in the works. No offense to the Houston folks, but it might not be comfortable to me. It's hot and it's not really on the way to anywhere. So, it seems like people would be less likely to come see us. But if God leads...we will go.

Enough of that. I will let you know when we know!

This blog will be full of randomness because I am so behind. Side note about Matt working for LIVE...he has been gone for 2 weeks and will not return until August 19 or so. Yes, it is tough!

Adisen is dealing with it ok. She is able to discuss what she is feeling very easily. She draws alot about being sad. But we talk and she understands why he is gone and what he is doing. Maddox now....just pray. He is really having a hard time with Matt being gone. I did not see this coming at all. I knew he would miss him, but he is extreme! Very angry, not able to express his thoughts, wetting the bed, and just having a bad attitude all around :( It is hard on me. It is hard to follow through with discipline and needed spankings with him because I know he is sad. But he still has unacceptable behavior that must be dealt with. We did have a GREAT week right before he left. He had already worked his last day at GC and spent the last week home with us. It was such a special time. He is such a great daddy!

The kids and I are going to Texas for several days. We leave Friday and will probably wander home Thursday. My sweet niece turns 1 and my brother turns 31! I am glad we can go celebrate with them.

I go to an exercise class at Fellowship twice a week. I LOVE IT!! I don't think I have shed any weight, but there is always hope. I have cut out soda and increased my water intake. I don't know how long it may last, but I am proud of myself for now.

This is a bit of a rough blog, but I appreciate the encouragement Christina! Thanks.

Tomorrow I will try to post some pics of the kids dance camp they have been going to!

Catch up!

2008-05-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

This is 2 of Adisen's closest friends. They live in Little Rock. She misses them SOO much. They have been friends since day one of their lives!

Isn't he so cute!

Here are some pics from several weeks ago. Several random, but some from a day where we met Matt for a nice picnic. There are also some from a VERY cold day at a drive thru zoo!

I know, I know...

2008-04-27T03:31:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile. I spent days getting ready for our fun trip. I left Wed afternoon for Texas. Spent that night in Denton with my brother Jeremy and his adorable family. Then drove to Austin Thursday. I flew out Fri morning to where I am now...Washington :)
The kids are having fun in Texas. Adisen loves telling me about their daily events. Today she picked strawberries and went to a drive-threw zoo! MAddox seems to having a hard time. I expected this because the past few weeks, he followed me everywhere. Even when I took a shower, he would be sitting in the bathroom waiting for me. It makes me sad to think of him crying for me, but this trip is good for all of us.
I have had a blast with Andy and Lisa. Today consisted of a morning 1 hour massage, shopping, and an evening dinner fund raiser. It was AWESOME!! It was for a foster care christian agency that partners with the state. It was absolutely life changing! The church should be responsible for these precious orphans. What a fantastic night that has really impacted me to do more for the thousands of sweet children who are in need of love, safety, and restoration.
Tomorrow after church, we will catch the ferry over to Victoria Canada, to hang out with MAtt for the night. We will all return Monday. Matt and I will fly Tues night to Texas to get our little sweeties.
I don't have any pics, but I just wanted to update on my wonderful time here in the beautiful Northwest!

Matt is super!

2008-04-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Matt is going on the road for a few days to work for a band that I absolutely love!! I even have one of their songs as my ring on my cell phone.

The Robbie Seay Band is SO amazing. The latest album is SO inspiring. It is the one album I think everyone must hear. The words for songs on that cd are truly God- inspired and are life changing. Matt and I have truly been blessed by all of these songs. We love them ALL, but I think Love Wins, Song of Hope, Rise, and Shine Your Light on us are my top 4.

I could never describe to you how much the words of this music have provoked thoughts and pushed me toward God and loving people more. I just love it! It makes me want to go out and change the world in a super way.

So, pray for us this week while Matt is traveling with them and go buy the cd "Give Yourself Away" by the Robbie Seay Band :)

Seattle!!

2008-04-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

Moments ago, I booked a flight to Seattle. I am really excited!! Matt will be in Canada with LIVE in 3 weeks. He will be a few hours from Seattle. My brother and sisinlaw live outside of Seattle, WA. They have so many exciting things going on in their life. SO, I just wanted to run up there for a weekend and see them. It has been about 2 years, since my last visit to that area. Everyone should go at least once! So beautiful!!

Anyway, last night this idea came to mind and I am so thankful God let the plan work out so fast. Here is the plan...

Thursday April 24: drive from Fayetteville, AR to Austin, TX to drop the kiddos off at the in-laws.

Friday 25: Fly out of Austin (alone) to Seattle to hang out with Andy and Lisa :)

Sun 27: we will drive then take a ferry to Victoria, BC to meet Matt

Mon 28: drive back to Tacoma

Tues 29: fly out late that afternoon back to get kids

The flight couldn't have been better! Straight shots, great times, and cheap!

Yea!!

one more thing......

2008-03-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

I wanted to add one more thing about Maddox that I find funny. He loves his food COLD. Everything cold. He even cries if he catches me cooking meat. "Please don't make it hot, I like it cold!" Many times he puts his plate in the fridge, to bring down the temp to cold. On cold days, I make them some nice hot chocolate. Adisen and Maddox would always get in an argument over the hot chocolate. He would always request "cold, hot chocolate". Adisen would correct him and say "that's just chocolate milk , Bubbie." But oh no, to him, it was cold hot chocolate!!

A nice week :)

2008-03-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

We had a great friend from Little Rock stay with us over the Easter weekend. When he packed up to drive home Monday, he graciously agreed to take a little Outlaw with him to deliver her to my parents . (also in the area)

Thanks Kory :) you are a super friend!

So, Monday evening began a nice bonding time with Maddox. He has had a great few days playing with any toy he wanted! He has even slept in Adisen's bed and rearranged all of her stuff!! Last night, Matt and Maddox went out for haircuts. Tonight, we ate spaghetti and went outside to enjoy the beauty!

Since I have had this special time to spend with only Maddox, I will share some things about him.

Maddox is a sweet and gentle child. Yet, all boy! He has a bit of a stubborn side. He loves to please his daddy and make him proud. He LOVES to help. At church, he is very disappointed if he isn't able to help set up chairs and hold the door for the load in crew. He is a gentlemen, opening the door for me every chance he gets.

He loves to play with cars and to put them in a straight line. He plays great alone, but really LOVES "his best friend", Adisen. Maddox loves talking about being a boy, too. Many days he list all the important boys in his life.

He is really starting to draw pictures that we can recognize what it is. He likes to read, but gets bored very fast.

He makes me smile so many times in my day. His voice is so extremely sweet. So, even the simplest things sound adorable. This past week he has been saying the last word of a phrase that was just said and laughs SOOOO hard. Even when it isn't funny!!

for example:::

me: I'm going to put the bread in the oven.

Maddox: OVEN!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!

His favorite things to do are play the drums and drive his big green truck. His biggest accomplishment these days is becoming a master of the POTTY!!!! We are SOO proud of this underwear wearing boy. Last week, he had a day where he wore underwear all day. I put the diapers up and never looked back!! He has been sleeping in them and he even wore them all day while we were out! There are many more things I could say about this sweet child, but I must go to bed. The pictures above are from tonight. Enjoy :)

Found my memory stick!!

2008-03-22T10:48:00.001-05:00

Here are a few random pics from the past few weeks. The first is from my dad's 60th surprise birthday party!! The kids loved helping! Poor Afton fell asleep and wasn't able to sit in Paw's lap to help blow out the candles.

Next is an Outlaw sandwich :)

Last week, I was able to be in the delivery room of my great friend Tara. This was the next day. Crazy how she just gave birth and still looks way better then me! The last is from church last week. We had our Easter Egg hun then. Matt flew in from New Jersey to catch the very end!

This goes out to Uncle ANdy and Aunt Lisa...

2008-03-22T10:17:00.001-05:00

So, this video is about a month old, but so funny. Adisen LOVES to sing!! She has several songs she wants to listen to over and OVER. One of which is "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin. Here is a video of her singing it. Matt and I are very impressed with her singing at this young age. She always sings the exact note and can even sing somewhat difficult songs. Somedays she even sings everything...like "may I please have a drink" THEn, there is a video of Bubbie. He also loves to sing, but hasn't quite developed his singing. It is SO cute to us. We are thankful our kids love singing about the Lord.

2008-03-18T23:26:00.000-05:00

I can not find my cable for my camera, nor my memory stick. So, I thought I would just say a few things and add pics later. We have really enjoyed the beautiful weather lately. Even today, where we were under a flood warning the entire day. It did not stop raining one second today!!

Last Thursday, I started a fun adventure. I left Fayetteville at 11pm. Drove to Jacksonville to drop my children off at 2am. I changed and drove to Benton to be by the side of my best friend from college. She was in the hospital having a baby!! I walked in her hospital room at 4am, with not a wink of sleep. I tried to be a great friend and help her in any way! I sat by her side until 3 the next afternoon, when her 3rd child finally decided to make an entrance. I was so thankful Kenny and Tara asked me to stay in the room. It was so amazing. God is so incredible!! They had a little,or not so little boy named Maddox :) He weighed 8lbs 9.6oz. I talked to Tara tonight and everything is going well. He even slept through the night last night!

I hung out at the hospital until 6pm, when I felt like the lack of sleep was about to make me pass out! I went to my parents and slept for 14 hours! I was able to have dinner Sat night with some friends. So it was a great, tiring weekend. Matt flew in Sun afternoon. So all 4 of us took a nice afternoon nap!

I will post some pics from the weekend as soon as I can. I also have some great pics from last week. The kids and I stayed outside all day. We even ate our lunches outside many days.

i love a kids perspective.

2008-03-09T17:37:00.000-05:00

This is just one of the many random ways God blesses my life each day with laughter.

This morning Maddox was sitting beside me as I helped Adisen get dressed for church. He started laughing uncontrollably with the purest laugh. Saying this "Hahahaha you're wearing sock pants. SOCK PANTS!!" Of coursed she was bothered and kept saying "They are called TIGHTS, Bubbie TIGHTS!!"

Maybe little things amuse me too much. But I just found it hilarious that he called tights, sockpants. There are many things that he has created his own word for......and I LOVE it!!

Kids say the funniest things...

2008-03-06T11:48:00.000-06:00

I was checking my email this morning, while the kids were eating in the other room. This is our conversation....

Maddox: (SCREAM!!!)

me: Bubbie, are you ok?

Maddox: Sissy is pushing me!!

me: Adisen, are you pushing Bubbie?

Adisen: I'm not suppose to be.

I know discipline should be taking serious most of the time. But her tone of voice was so humorous to me as she loudly stated " I'm not suppose to be". It just reminded me how much my relationship with Christ is similar. I behave so much like a little child. I know immediately when I am wrong, yet still continue doing what I know is wrong. I really struggle with being productive with my time. I know it's ok to zone out for a few minutes away from the choas of staying home, but sometimes I zone out way too long and get nothing done. If you have little ones, you know you can't have too much down time or they will pass you by destroying the house! Then instead of daily household tasks, you end up cleaning up a tub of 300 blocks or the newspaper they decided to shred. Oh the joy:)

Another Snow Day!

2008-03-04T22:20:00.000-06:00

We had a nice day in the snow today. The kids just love it!! Maddox spent a big part of the day saying "Go away Sun, stop melting the snow!" But despite his pleas ,by the afternoon it was gone. I was excited to get to use some snow bibs I had bought for him at a yard sale. I wasn't sure if another snow would come, but I knew I could consign them for more even if he didn't wear them. I was so disappointed, but Matt had to work all day. So it was just the 3 of us. Or the 4 of us, if you include the sad excuse for a snowman. In my mind, it was so much easier to make huge round balls of snow. In reality, he is no taller then my 3 year old. But it was fun regardless. The next few weeks will be rough on us. Matt is working for LIVE the next 2 weekends on top of his Guitar Center job. He is working long hours at GC, to make up for when he is gone. Thursday he will work all day and fly out at 6. He works Fri, Sat, & Sun shows, catches the red eye @1:30am to return back to GC Mon morning. Insane, I know! Next weekend same thing! Pray things will be smooth for us.

It was close to lunch time. Somebody was eating all the snowman noses. (Emo's right hand)

So sleepy.

2008-02-29T07:39:00.000-06:00

I usually put off posting because I love pictures. I always feel the need to put a new pic up, but I guess I need to overcome that!

Sometimes when I read other peoples blogs, I tend to keep clicking to another blog. For example, I love to read several of my friends blogs. But they have friends or links that I wander over to and enjoy reading too. I say that to say I wandered to a blog the other day of a wonderful lady who had just lost her godly husband of 20 years, father of their 6 children. She said this in her blog.

"I can not even describe how much I loved this man...thankfully, he knew I loved him. Today, take a moment to tell your husband or wife how you truly feel about them. You may have another 40 years with your spouse or you may have a few. Take advantage of the time you do have together so that you live with NO regrets."

It really spoke to me that day. Hope it does the same for you.

Please remember Matt and I today, if you haven't given up on checking this blog for updates :) We are leaving in an hour to drive 3 hours to lead a group of students in Worship for the weekend. We have been very excited preparing this weekend. Unfortunately, we were still preparing this morning at 4:00am when we went to bed. Then at 6:15am, our children who don't get up usually before 8:30, were jumping in our bed. Jumping in our bed, as if someone had just given them a shot of caffeine laced with coffee beans and some energy boast!!! To make matters worse....I am running a low fever with a TERRiblE sore throat. I have had to do discipline this morning with finger snaps and clapping. :( It's hard to get little ones to listen to you when you are weak and not talking.

So please pray that as we drive, and when we arrive we will somehow feel refreshed and energized. Please pray that I can keep my sore throat to myself and sing thru it! Thankfully our kids are going to grandparents, but we really want to be feeling 100% physically, mentally, and spiritually for the students.

Thanks so much! Have a great weekend!

What's been going on??

2008-02-06T15:19:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry to overload you with pictures, but I decided it was time to catch up. We are really enjoying living up here in Northwest Arkansas. It has definitely an adjustment not having family so close. Adisen misses her "granny" SOOOO much. There is not a day that passes that she doesn't ask for her! I love spending time with Amo and Emo. They are at such a fun age, where they say so many great things.

Here is an example:

I had gotten ready for church Sunday morning, as I walked out of my bedroom, Maddox said: "You are soooooo pretty mommy" ( he has the sweetest voice)

It was so sweet and I thanked him.

Later that night, I was laying down with him and ask him if I was still pretty. Maddox said " No....

not in those pajamas"

I love their honesty.

Matt is working at Guitar Center as an Operations Manager. He is so good at his job and is realy loving it. We love the hours! He is still working for LIVE part time. He even went to South Africa for a Nelson Mandela event. He is leading worship at our church plant and doing a wonderful job!

I spend my time organizing and maintaining our home and playing with the kids.(and obviously not blogging!) I attend a "Body and Soul" aerobic class at a church in Rogers and LOVE IT!!

I am going to upload a few videos in the next few days and some pics of the inside of our house. I will give you a few days to catch up :)

SNOW!!!

2008-02-06T15:12:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday, we had a nice little snow. We had so much fun playing outside! This first picture is the view outside our front door. We are so blessed to have found such an awesome rent house!

sorry I squeeze months of pictures into 1 blog

2008-02-06T14:43:00.000-06:00

Maddox turned 3 on Jan 2! It is hard to believe. We happen to be in Little Rock on Jan 1, so we had his party there at Chuck E Cheese.
He asked for a "blue monkey cake", so that's exactly what he got! (thanks mom)
After the party, we made our drive back to NWA. The kids were exhausted!

still continuing...

2008-02-06T13:29:00.001-06:00

The kids decorated a "haunted" Christmas house. We laughed because our family loves clearance....so my mom found this great house from Halloween for cheap. She made her own frosting and the kids put fun candy around it. They loved it!!

Hanging with our cousins. I think Baby Aftons feet are barely in the pic!
Adisen and Aunt Lisa reading.
Matt and I went to a New Years Eve wedding. It was SO beautiful and tons of fun.
They supplied us with fun New Years hats, as we danced the night away :)

Swinging out in the back yard.

   We borrowed Santas sleigh. We had the cutest reindeer ever!
   Christmas 2007
  My family came to visit for Christmas. It was so special!! We even went ice skating...kid free!
   The kids learned how to drive! They help take the trash out with this truck because our driveway is so long!!

   We have practiced piano.....
   and drums!!

   And played outside LOTS!!

continued....

2008-02-06T13:11:00.002-06:00

A tree fell on/toward our house on October 17th. This picture is after the tree had been cut off the house. Thankfully, our renters had just moved out 2 weeks before.
We moved our things from our Little Rock apartment to a tiny storage room.
Then a few weeks later, moved to this awesome house in Northwest Arkansas.

We played with our friends on Halloween. Apparently, every girl wants to be a princess! And Maddox is the dragon that protects them.

Sorry for my procrastination!!

2008-02-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

Here is a not so quick overview of the past few months.

In October, Adisen turned 4!!!

how quickly things change...

2007-10-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

OK. Try to keep up with my random string of thoughts and run on sentences...
The kids and I returned last night from a wonderful week in the great state of TExas. It was filled!! We were constantly on the run, but we accomplished much. I had 2 wonderful nights in an awesome hotel...kid free! I caught up with Matt in Houston and Dallas. I was able to see 2 shows and really have lots of fun. The kids were even able to go to their 1st rock and roll show! They loved it. It was hard to keep Maddox from running on the stage to play the drums. He loved being back stage. Matts parents from Austin watched the kids a couple days (thank you!) so I was even able to squeeze in a massage for me! I was so thankful for the rest and relaxation!!We ended the week visiting my brother and sisterinlaw in Denton. We really enjoyed spending time with Ari and Afton.(my nephew and niece) They are really growing!
So that was a really short version of our week. And now the choas begins!!
Matt flies in tomorrow and on Wednesday he will start his NEW JOB!!!! He is officially the Operational Manager for the Guitar Center in Fayetteville,AR.
I know. wow! So our schedule is as follows....Insane. Matt will be working 4 hours away, as the 2 toddlers and I attempt to pack and move. If you have ever moved with toddlers, you probably laughed at that (krista!!) We have MANY unanswered questions. Please pray with us during this quick and crazy transition. Matt will have 2 more shows with LIVE next weekend (oct18-21) and is being thrown into a new job. We also have a now empty house that we are selling, but needs some TLC. We are moving next week out of our apartment, which must be cleaned. And we don't have a place to move it to. Our "to-do" list has just grown enormous!! We are excited that God has provided this job. His timing is always perfect!! Matt and I have felt that we really needed to be together. We are thankful for the LIVE job. The perks almost out weigh the negative parts. But it is time.
I will try to update. I probably left out something important, but my mind is racing alittle.

update

2007-09-22T04:05:00.000-05:00

it seriously takes no time to type a few sentences and upload a few pics, yet i never make time to do it.

Here are a few random things from the kids lately.

A few days ago, I was trying to encourage the kids to clean up the toys scattered around the house. We were about to head out the door and it makes things harder to come back to a mess of toys in the floor. Adisen obeyed and cleaned up all the toys. Emo loves to open the door. So, he stayed at the door, not wanting to miss his chance to open it. I was trying to finish getting dressed. As we were leaving, I was praising Adisen for helping and obeying so well. And this was her response after I told her thank you for cleaning up........"Thanks for nothing, Bubbie"
It was a rude thing to say, but I must say it made me laugh for a second.

My parents have a 4 wheeler down in Arkadelphia that Emo loves to hitch a ride on. I don't know why, but he calls it a 5th wheeler. It cracks me up.

EMO has FINALLY started showing some interest in "the potty." I am very excited and alittle hopeful. ALITTLE

why is it so hard to keep up??

2007-08-25T02:23:00.000-05:00

This really isn't hard. A few minutes, at night, a few thoughts. I don't know why I put it off.
Anyway, lots of things have happened. Matt has come and gone. And will be home again Sunday! The kids and I are headed to Northwest AR for the weekend. I am honored to attend a wedding on Sunday of some dear friends.
My friend Tara and her family have spent the past 2 nights with us. We really had a blast!! It began wednesday night with a night with the WIGGLES!! (thanks tata and grandpa dave!!)
SOrry for the random thoughts, but it is 2:26am and I can not put this off any longer!!
Tonight Adisen and I had a girls night. A night filled with shopping, ice cream, movie rental, and the long awaited haircut!! It has taking me months and many attempts, but she finally got it cut. I am so proud.
enjoy.

ZOO pics

2007-08-05T01:22:00.000-05:00

We had such a wonderful time hanging out with our dear friends. I still have yet to find the word to describe it. I guess it was as fun as it could be when 7 kids...9 at one time....were together in one house for a long period of time. I really enjoyed getting to visit with Amber, Michelle, and April. Here are a few pictures from the Tulsa zoo. I am sorry that there are few pictures that are really that good....it's hard to get them to look. We took 7 kids 3years and under to the zoo.

Hot summer days

2007-08-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

For those of you not in the south or for those of you who haven't been outdoors in 3 months.......it is hot. The kids and I somehow made our way up to Northwest Arkansas for a few days.We are spending some sweet time with our good friends. Today we went to the Tulsa zoo. We saw few animals, walked many steps, sweated who knows how much, constantly said one of 7 kids names......yet still had an enjoyable day. I will post some of the few pictures I actually took, when we get home. Hope all is well. We are really looking forward to Matt coming home in just a few more days!!!

Adisen-ism

2007-07-31T13:28:00.000-05:00

Here is a conversation from me and Adisen....

Adisen: Can I have some milk, please?
Amanda: sure.
( I get the milk out of the fridge, pour it, and put it back.)
Adisen: (grabbing the cup) Say thank you mommy.
Amanda: No, you say thank you for me getting you the milk.
Adisen: No, you say thank you to the refridgerator for it giving it to you.

After this, we had to explain that as great as manners are, it is not always neccesary to use them with all objects.

Finally!

2007-07-26T23:10:00.000-05:00

I can not believe I have put off this blog for SO long. I decided I had to start tonight. I really wanted a place where our family and friends could keep up with us. Daily things happen that I wish to share, so hopefully I can share alittle every few days. So stay posted!
Matt comes home in just over a week!! We are so excited. Thankfully I was able to catch up with him in Orlando last weekend. It was spontaneous and SO fun!!
The kids and I have been swimming the past few days. It is alittle tough keeping up with them in the water...but fun. I really need to work out too.
Today, I made strawberry muffins for breakfast. Adisen being the somewhat "difficult" child, asked "can you pick out all the strawberries, I don't like them." My non patient response was "eat them or don't....I don't care." SO, about 15 minutes later she came and asked for more. I asked her" I thought you didn't like them" She said" I didn't like them as muffins, but I decided to call them cupcakes and I like those." Isn't she hilarious. She is such a picky eater....opposite of her brother.

Here is a picture of a tent I bought cheap at a Target in Orlando. Maddox loves it so much, he has slept it in the past 2 nights.