Burgers, Bostons, and One Really Big Little Girl!

Well, we are back! Where did we go? Our blog was wrongly assumed to be spam and was temporarily locked. They were able to restore it, however, and we are now free to post. Speaking of freedom, happy late 4th of July to all. This was Jordyn's first experience with fireworks! She loves em'. Almost as much as she loves "Woter MmmmELLown" (Watermelon). We had a blast with Gammy and Buddy (her Boston Terrier). Here are some of those shots.

 

 

So, we humbly remember and thank those who have sacrificed, and are currently doing so, to bring us physical freedom. Some of which, we have made practice of often overlooking and ignoring, though we so also have many that we acknowledge and give thanks for. More than this, we would be remiss not to see the reality of a greater freedom. That is, the one purchased by the spilled blood of Christ. A freedom, not just from the penalty of sin (hell and eternal separation from God), but from the very power of present sin (present hold of sin on our lives). So many look to forward to the former manifestation of this freedom with great expectation, but demonstrate very little emphasis or expectation concerning the latter. They embrace the idea of freedom from the "sting of death", but are lax in the fight against sin and the holding up a banner of personal righteousness. "It is for freedom that Christ set us free". That means now! Let us remember, Christians, that we are commanded to walk in a manner worthy of "God", "the gospel", and "our calling". Not only are we commanded, but we are also equipped. It is not a call to try harder or a quest to gain God's favor through our good deeds. Instead, following the Spirit in order to put to death the deeds of the body is the natural overflow of what has been given to us, and understanding that the only thing that pleases the Father lies in the finished work of His dear Son. James says it is the true test of our faith. So, I would ask you Christians, "what sanctifying work do you see in your life"? I hope we can answer the question, for this is the demonstration of the truer freedom. It is the main reason that we so celebrate the physical one. The one we acknowledge on this day in July is merely the shadow pointing to the substance. Let us not neglect something so crucial to the authenticity of our new identity in Christ. May our lives testify to this understanding. By God's grace, we will.

 

A&C

Big Girl Bed.

Well, with Caleb coming very shortly, we thought it was time to free up crib-space. This would mean, of course, that Jordyn be moved to a different bed. So, that is what happened. A friend of ours (Thanks Jennifer!) found a toddler bed at a yard sale for $5! It was in good condition, except for one small bar that was nearly broken, and it was missing all of the hardware...of course. Other than that, it was a great find. I also found this amazing fabric at Hobby Lobby and made the comforter and two pillows. So, with a little sewing, sanding, some white paint, and multiple frustrating trips to Yeager's to compile hardware that would suffice, this is what we came out with.

Jordyn really loves sleeping in her new "big girl bed". Almost as much as she loves telling people about it. She has done really well. She does really well at night. During the day (naptime), however, she is pretty comical. She proceeded to march around her room with her blanket on her head for nearly an hour the first attempt. All in all, she has transitioned nicely and really loves her new sleep spot.

All-in-all, this was a fun and meaningful project. We were able to save some money and meet the immediate needs of our family with one go.

Bed price new: $100.00
Bedding set new: $80.00.

Bed price to us: $7.00
Bedding price to us: $30.00.

New total: $180.00
Actual total: $37.00

A&C

What a Summer, Already!

Nearly 2 months ago we posted about "being thankful in all things". Since then, much has occurred to be thankful for. In short, it has been the most future-altering, faith-strengthening, heart-encouraging, and memory-making 60 days of our marriage. And it all started with a rainbow.

May 15th we had a spring up shower that left this breath taking rainbow. It only lasted, in any notable intensity, for about 2 minutes. It was a great chance to remind Jordyn of our promising God and His faithfulness to faithless men.

(2Ti 2:13) if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

 

May 31st, we decided to take a trip to the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center to see some critters and have lunch. Jordyn really loved it. There was a fake pond, where you can catch fake fish with a fake fishing pole. She like this the best.

 



June 16th was the day we left for Family of God Camp. (F.O.G) This is a summer camp centered around the whole family. We had nearly 90 children and adults, ranging from 5 months old to 85 years old, go this year. God blessed us sweetly in the weeks and months leading up to the camp, and during the camp. As we were contemplating the "Weight of Glory", here are some of the activities we were able to enjoy.

Last week, Papaw opened the pool and Jordyn got to try out her new floatie with her cousins, Annabelle and Adelyn. They had lots of fun. She is really starting to get the hang of it after watching those "big" girls.

 

 

 



Finally, here are some honorable mention photos of just some of the fun moments and of also some of Jordyn's favorite people in the whole world. Enjoy!



Pretending to go "night night". Very convincing...

Baby Benjamin!

Baby Beau!

Randi, Rissa, and Lauren.

Sad face with Aunt Charley...

AAAAAHHH, with Aunt Charley!!

Mr. David caught a real fish.

Mike and Destiny. (Father and Daughter)

Sweet Lilly!

And again.

What can we say but thank You, Lord? You have been so kind to us.

A&C

Big News!!

There are three big pieces of news to report! Three happenings of importance (not equal importance) have occurred almost simultaneously. Here they are (in no particular order):

#1 - IT'S A BOY!!!

For those of you who are nearest to us, this is old news. But for the sake of documentation and sentimental effect, it is presented as New News.

Well, we decided to make the revealing of the sex of the new baby more of a spectacle than before. So, I persuaded Alvin to have a reveal party where everyone found out the sex of the baby at the same time. This required the ultrasound technician to insert the results of the ultrasound into an envelope to be given to the local florist... This florist would, then, blow up balloons (blue for a boy, and pink for a girl) to be released from a box in front of our loved ones. When the box opened, it contained wonderfully blue balloons. His name is Caleb Luke Elliott. Alvin now has a son, Jordyn has a little brother, and our family has officially doubled in size from when it started. We will have to change defenses now from double-teaming Jordyn to straight man-to-man. If we keep this up, we will be forced to drop back into a zone...

 

 

 

 

 

#2 - ALVIN GOT A NEW JOB!

Not much to report here, but it is notable. Alvin will be moving to the Junior High next year to teach 8th grade math/pre-algebra. He is excited, but this will be quite a change of pace from last year. Hopefully God will open up some ministry opportunities for Him with some of the students he has already seen to have influence with. May God receive glory from all of it.




#3 - WE SOLD OUR HOUSE/BOUGHT A NEW ONE!!   

      

In a strange, yet not surprising, turn of events, we sold our house in 3 days. We then had an accepted offer on a new house 3 days later. All so that we can better accommodate another little one. It is in a better location (near new school, nearer Fort Smith, nearer church and friends) and supplies the room we need.

Here is the link to description: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1111-Alex-St-Greenwood-AR-72936/74554909_zpid/


A&C

Giving Thanks In All Things!

More lately than usual, I have realized the supreme blessing of God on our family. Too often, we receive and take from God without so much as an adequate thought of gratitude, let alone proper praise and thanksgiving. This is especially disgraceful having been those who have been given the utmost in grace and mercy in the face of Jesus Christ. It really is a shameful thing to admit, being recipients of such grace. As the people of God, especially, we are meant to be "thanks-givers". Scripture plainly says:

Col. 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, (7) rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Col. 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Eph. 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Phil. 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

With that, here are some due thanks that came to mind this week:

 "Thank you, Mrs. Kim for this awesome chariot. We have used it on many rides already, and look forward to many more. Jordyn absolutely adores going on rides to the park. The coolest thing is, there is room for two!!"

"Thank you, Nana for these stylishly comfy PJs. They are great for a warm summer night, and are also perfect for a hard day of playing with mom"

"Thank you, Aunt Kerry for my terrific puppy slippers. They have become a fun addition to most mornings, though I often mistake them for bunnies."

"Thank you, parvovirus B19 for giving Jordyn Fifths disease (slap-cheeks). For a little over a week we have assumed that Jordyn had really bad allergies and possibly asthma. To our surprise and relief, it was not. Instead it was some silly virus. All the while, we were forced to trust God and rely on Him for Jordyn's safety and future. We too often spurn suffering when it always proves to be the best teacher, and is often the catalyst for so much fruit bearing."



This is how she woke up this morning. I guess "slap cheeks" can also mean "slapped all over the face and head"...
 



We pray that God would expediate sanctification in our lives and yours to be able to truly say with Paul:

Php 4:11-13 ...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Fun In The Sun!!

Today was one of the hotter days of 2014. In fact, it was too hot for Jordyn to play on her slide and swing. She just kept yelling, "Oooottt". I told Alvin that we needed a pool. We are getting one, but Alvin wanted to try to build a sprinkler toy for Jordyn. A quick trip to Yeager's, $15, and 30 minutes later this is what he made.

 

The only thing left to do was put Jordyn through it a few times, and snap a few pictures. Turns out she loved it, but would not go through it without Daddy. We had to quit because she started coughing too much (stinky allergies), but here is what we were able to capture.

 

Looking forward to an exciting summer with my amazing little family!

 

A&C



Current Happenings.

So, we caught a spider this week. Some sort of harmless wolf spider I presume/hope. Jordyn absolutely could not stop looking at it. She studied that spider for an absurd amount of time. In the process, she went through the entire spectrum of emotions. She was pretending to kiss it one minute and, seemingly, mocking it by saying, "die" the very next. (That just happens to be her favorite line from "A Bug's Life") It was really great until she dropped the cage, broke the knob to the door off, and let it escape back into the house... 

 

Here she is bustin' a move to her new favorite movie, "Frozen".

In other news...IT HAS BEGUN. The shift in paradigm that "one must resist the urge to use the bathroom in one's pants, and, instead, one must now use a toilet." I can't imagine how weird and confusing this must have been to learn. What is our strategy? We are shamelessly bribing her with marshmallows...lots and lots of marshmallows. Luckily, she loves them and will do pretty much anything to get them. We have had many successes, and she loves telling people about "pee peeing on the potty like a big girl". So, be sure to ask her when you see her. She is sure to get super excited and make a ridiculous face! Here she is in action.

 So far, life with Jordyn has been the most rewarding and exciting part of my life. It is so amazing to watch her learn what life is and how to do it. It has turned out to be way more fun that I had even anticipated.

"Lord, supply the grace needed to ensure that she knows that mommy and daddy love You. That she might know that any love we have for her flows, first, from a love for You. Protect her heart from the harm that our weaknesses could cause, and use them for good. As she looks now to us to lead her and guide her, please Lord, do not allow us to celebrate, allow, and promote things that are contrary to Your nature and Law. May we not defile, in the least bit, the gift that is our daughter. Amen"

A&C