Making Faces

Brainwashed

2011-09-04T18:49:00.002-04:00

We were in the cereal and granola aisle. The boys had their snacks, sitting side-by-side in the cart as I checked out sales on granola bars. Holden asks, "Can we get Reese's Puffs?" I mumble no and something about too much sugar. He then says (verbatim), "But something amazing happens when you eat Reese's Puffs!"
This is why I try to keep my kids away from commercials.

Giveaway!

2011-08-27T20:20:00.001-04:00

Well, not a giveaway from me, but from my friend Maddie over at Thriftary! I'm excited to be entered, but even more excited about all the beautiful things she makes.

Kindergarten Begins

2011-08-22T18:55:00.005-04:00

Holden's first day of Kindergarten went pretty great today!

After a quick shower, he chowed down on a healthy breakfast. It's brain fuel is what it is.
Then we were on our way!

The contents of his first ever school lunch:
Daddy giving Holden a talk about having fun and obeying and how if he was having trouble obeying, he could always ask Jesus to help him.
I intended on just drawing a heart on his hand that he could look at if he was lonely (to which he originally replied, "Mom! I'm not gonna be sad at Kindergarten!"), but after I drew the heart, Holden insisted I also write words.

Holden's hook for his bag and lunchbox.
Holden and his teach, Mrs. Whitley!

Can you spot my boy coloring away at his desk?
While Holden was busy learning, Turner made first day of school cookies with a little help from Mom. Turner got sad once today, around 8:45am, and told me I had to go pick up Holden and bring him back from Kindergarten.

So I'm feeling pretty happy about day one. Holden's first words to me after school were, "It was so fun!" I asked a million questions. I wanted details. With a sheepish hand over a grin, he said he ate his yogurt and Oreos first out of his lunch. He named lots of classmates: Faith, Jordan, Raoul. He said they read a funny book where the teacher turned into a bear. He said the playground was too hot to play on, so he found some shade under a tree that was so cool that he never wanted to leave. I asked him if he sat with friends under the tree. He said, "No, just Jesus. Jesus sat with me."

Faces of Indonesia

2011-08-01T16:47:00.008-04:00

Sweet girls in the city of Batu.

Little girl in the red light district.

These kids were going to graduation.

Drinking out of bags.

Farmer

Christian family.

Auto Mechanics

Anyway

2011-06-10T09:54:00.002-04:00

Written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend your years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

New Friend on the Bridge

2011-06-07T17:56:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day at Lake Waco

2011-05-30T13:01:00.002-04:00

Studying

2011-05-27T13:04:00.000-04:00

Studying 100 verses for our Elevate final with Maegan...
there were more distractions happening than studying.

Feather Extension

2011-05-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

Holden is Five!

2011-05-23T13:05:00.002-04:00

Happy fifth birthday, Holden! Let me tell you a little about yourself at age five...

You are a ball of energy, almost always with a huge smile on your face. Sometimes you and Turner will literally run circles around the kitchen island for considerably long stretches of time. When you feel an emotion, you feel it all the way. Whether it's the joy of laughing at a joke you made up or crying because you don't want Daddy and me to leave for Elevate, you are completely present in the moment.

You've recently developed a love for Peter Pan and Hook, which totally delights your Mommy! You love pizza and tofu, coloring (and have become really good at staying in the lines recently), swimming, church, your family, and Jesus. I will often overhear you from the other room saying to your brother, "I love you, Turner." You have such a sweet heart that truly cares about how other people feel.

And you genuinely loves Jesus. Your prayer each night goes something like this:
"Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Help us fall asleep quickly. I love you, Jesus. Amen."
Then we ask you what else you want to pray for, and you start over, adding a "thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Turner, Phoebe, etc." right after the "help us fall asleep quickly" line. You have also started initiating having a quiet time in the mornings. You bring your Bible to sit next to me. We pray together to ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins, take turns telling God the things we love about Him, read/talk about a Bible story, and pray again. I love that precious time together.

You never did love going to preschool all that much, but you learned so much! You can pretty much sound out any word and spell it phonetically. You were the very first in your class to learn your phone number and address (which I kinda credit to my cool song and rap). You're great at crafts and artwork--you really do have your PopPop's skill!

When you look back at being five, my hope is that you remember not the consistent, daily discipline, but digging in the backyard dirt, swinging high on a swing, cuddling with Mom or Dad during naps, becoming best friends with your brother, building forts with Dad in the dining room, taking weekend trips to San Antonio or Elevate retreats, and making a new home and new friends here in Texas.

I love you so much, with my whole heart, sweet boy.

365.345: Good Friday

2011-04-22T11:49:00.003-04:00

I return from my two-week media fast contemplative and somewhat sober, reflecting on the gravity of Christ's cross.

This is maybe my favorite worship song ever, and so appropriate on this Good Friday. Take ten minutes to reflect on the cross today.

You're loved. Jesus loves you to death. Literally.

365.341: Daniel

2011-04-18T14:07:00.003-04:00

365.338: The Human Cannonball

2011-04-15T13:41:00.005-04:00

Holden's class had a circus day today. He wanted to dress up as a human cannonball, so this is the outfit he put together:
Iron Man costume, bike helmet, elbow pads, and Buzz Lightyear wings. Naturally.
On the way to the circus room, the class paraded down the hallway.

365.335: Treasures

2011-04-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

This is what I found under my pillow tonight. Holden sneaks little treasures with him during his naps (which he takes in my bed). I mean, I must be his mother to overlook the disgusting fact that the spatula is dirty from making eggs in the morning and the shovel is covered in dirt. Gross, but still cute.

365.334: Venturing Home

2011-04-11T12:08:00.004-04:00

What makes traveling three and a half hours home from vacation with two kids better?

Outlet Malls
Discovering adorable, sleepy college towns
Jimmy Johns
and Huge Playgrounds!
We found all three on our stop in San Marcos on the way home from San Antonio.

This is how Turner winks, plays pirates, or looks through a telescope.

365.333: San Antonio Day 2

2011-04-10T11:47:00.004-04:00

Our kids were a bit..."energetic" early in the mornings. Which is normal for us, but quite irritating to other people sleeping in the hotel rooms next to you. This is Cristie attempting to keep them quiet with her awesome story-telling.

There are always playgrounds to be found.

Holden and me at Market Square.

Montgomerys at Market Square.

The whole crew at the Alamo!

Apparently, Turner thought the Alamo was boring.

Sydney's 5th Birthday party at the hotel pool!

365.332: San Antonio Trip

2011-04-09T11:28:00.004-04:00

The bunk beds in our awesome hotel room! See Turner on the bottom bunk?

A bit blurry, but adorable none-the-less.

Night swimming at the hotel pool!

Andrew is so much fun in the pool with the kids!

365.331: Umbrella Parade

2011-04-08T15:58:00.003-04:00

365.330: Sweet Nothings

2011-04-07T15:32:00.000-04:00

I love the sweet gifts by boys bring me while playing outside.

365.329: Media Fast

2011-04-06T11:20:00.002-04:00

Have you ever noticed how much white noise is in your life?

As a teenager, I started turning on music to fall asleep at night. I've never driven more than 10 seconds without the radio on, unless the cell phone's to my ear, that is. Until a couple weeks ago, our TV was on for many hours over the course of a day. And if I'm not being entertained by TV, there is always the infinite internet as a colossal time-waster.

I wonder what would happen if I took all this white noise and mindless entertainment away? Would I be able to hear the quiet, still voice of God more easily? Would I get better quality time with my family? Would I find that there are, in fact, enough hours in the day?

Tomorrow Ryan and I will begin a two-week media fast. No internet (except the occasional email checking for time-sensitive matters), no social media, no TV or movies, no music, newspapers, or magazines.

The timing seems uncanny, as we leave tomorrow for a weekend vacation in San Antonio with two other families. Three hours in the car with no music should make for great conversation! And a hotel room without a television on will be a first, too.

Don't get too stressed, bloggy friends (*read: family in other states). I will be sure to take lots of pictures over the next two weeks, and will fill in the days retrospectively when I get back.

See ya never, interweb.

365.328: Honeysuckle Days

2011-04-05T13:53:00.005-04:00

When I opened the backdoor this afternoon,

the sweet smell of new honeysuckle in bloom wafted over me.
Utter delight.
And oh so much fun for the boys to try and get a
taste of the elusive "honey" on their tongues!

The excitement.

Choosing just the right bloom.

The triumph of the perfect pick.

T's honeysuckle.

And Holden's.

Taste the sweetness.

And if you get part of the flower in your mouth,
spit it out!

365.327: T-Swizzle

2011-04-04T13:31:00.002-04:00

Have I mentioned that my music obsession of 2011 has been
Taylor Swift's new album, Speak Now?
It's ah-mazing. I love almost every single song.
Last night, Taylor won Entertainer of the Year on the ACM's, and rightfully so.
Watch this performance earlier in the night.
Adorable.

365.320: New Glasses

2011-03-28T11:30:00.001-04:00

365.319: Slice of Life

2011-03-27T23:11:00.005-04:00

No matter how busy life gets, I am inevitably drawn back to iHeartFaces on a regular basis.
I just can't stay away.
This week's contest theme is "Slice of Life."
This shot couldn't be any truer (is that a word?) of life these days:
PB&J's in the backyard for lunch.

365.318: I Shot a Baby

2011-03-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

"I shot a baby this morning," I loudly announced to my friend in the hall during a break in Elevate. I meant that I had photographed a friend's baby, but the two dudes walking past us at just the right time were momentarily confused.
Anyways, this is Jackson, the beautiful six-month-old boy of the couple we co-lead our Life Group with. You may remember his ridiculously adorable sister Chloe from this post. I took the pictures Thursday morning, but just edited them today.

365.315: From God, For the One Feeling Burnt Out, Exhausted, Fearful, and Hopeless

2011-03-23T11:20:00.002-04:00

"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
'Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.'

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.
The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
where desert jackals once lived.

...Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness."

Isaiah 35:1-7, 10

365.313: The Invisible Woman

2011-03-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

My bi-monthly perspective shift.

365.304: Indo Team Meeting

2011-03-12T10:45:00.005-05:00

We had our first Indonesia team meeting tonight, which was a blast! I mean, we each brought a Mexican dish to share, so how could that be bad? I made this:

But that is not my beautiful photo. It is from this blog, where you will also see the recipe. I also added black beans, and highly recommend it. But I think that next time I probably wouldn't spend the time cutting fresh corn off the cob and steaming it, since the corn isn't the star of the dish. The cilantro and cumin lime vinaigrette really make the dish for me.

Anywho, team meeting was great. Meet our team:
From L to R: Erin and Charles Halley, the team leaders; behind them is Chris and Kelley Stone (and that is their daughter Mercy, front and center); Kathryn Mitchell; Ryan and myself; Ruth and Mike Sabin; and Sean Conroy behind them. The only ones missing are Keith and Annabeth Morgan, and their 8-year-old son, Jace, who you can see on the right hand side of this picture. Actually, Kathryn is the only one who wasn't on out college station trip! Crazy!

I kinda like this candid snapshot from when I was setting up the shot with a timer:

I would love for you to be praying for this group we'll spend two weeks with in June!

365.303: Cards

2011-03-10T10:29:00.004-05:00

I spent ten hours today making cards. Here are just a few.

Blank inside:

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Click here to see all my cards, in more detail.

365.298: Encouraging B

2011-03-05T11:13:00.004-05:00

B is Turner's bear that he sleep/sucks his thumb with every time he sleeps.

Every. Single. Time.

B also gets carried around the house and occasionally in the car, so you can imagine he gets gross pretty quickly. As B was laying haphazardly on the kitchen floor this morning, Holden reached up for the bowl of pancake batter on the counter, flipping the whisk in the air, and splattering B.

So it was time for a bath.

Turner was pretty upset that B had to go in the washing machine, so I told him that B was going to take a fun bath and play with the bubbles, and that he would be swimming and having fun. This logic appeased Turner enough to consent, but Turner wouldn't leave his side. He pulled a chair next to the washing machine and there he stayed for 45 minutes, all the while saying things like,

"Hey B!
You having fun in there B?
You can do it, B!
I love you, B!"

Holden even got in on the encouraging for a bit, and showed Turner that he could open the lid to check on him.

365.296 It's A Good Morning

2011-03-03T17:32:00.002-05:00

Look who got a Funny Face Pancake with Mom and Dad after his brother went to preschool!
Can you believe this dude can polish off about 90% of that thing?

365.295: Note to Self: Never Forget This

2011-03-02T11:09:00.002-05:00

365.294: Holden Makes Dinner

2011-03-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, so he didn't exactly make dinner alone, but he sure was a big help! (Pictures from my phone.)

365.293: Jump

2011-02-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

At our friends' house this afternoon.
The boys love nothing more than jumping on their trampoline--and I love nothing more than the great naps they take after an hour on the trampoline!

365.291: Haircut Before & After

2011-02-26T11:23:00.002-05:00

Haircuts have always been rather traumatic for Turner. I've only taken him to a salon once (to a close friend who is a stylist), where he screamed every bit as loud as he does at home.
This evening I just needed to trim up his bushy Kerri Strug mop. He started out doing better than ever--squirmy, but not sobbing. But as soon as the hairs started falling down his shirts, itching his neck, and getting in his mouth, he basically gave up on life.

Before:

After:

*I do think it's just a little funny that his cheesy fake smile looks very similar to his sob.

365.290: Sbidrman

2011-02-25T16:24:00.000-05:00

These are the kinds of things Holden draws to pass the time in the car. (He sounded this out completely on his own--I think it's pretty good for a four-year-old!)

365.289: Lowlights

2011-02-24T17:07:00.003-05:00

I don't mean lowlights like the worst parts of my day, but the dark parts of my hair. :) I love super dark hair, but wanted to be subtle. So I just put two (almost) black panels behind my ears. You can't really tell in pictures, but look at the tips--I swear there's black in there.

365.288: Elevate Promo

2011-02-23T17:40:00.001-05:00

Elevate wants YOU!
I think everyone in the whole world should come do Elevate in Waco for a year. I'm joking...kind of. Here's a promo they made for the website and to show Sunday morning in church. There is a particularly charming couple talking around the one-minute mark!

Elevate Promo from Antioch Community Church on Vimeo.

365.287: Austin with Nonna!

2011-02-22T16:45:00.001-05:00

We had such a great time traveling to Austin yesterday with Ryan's mom! (She's visiting us in Waco for a couple days-FUN!)

Holden passed out on the morning drive to Austin.

Nonna and her first grandchild!

This gelato at Dolce Finale was so amazing!

The boys each chose two flavors:
Holden got chocolate coconut and cotton candy,
and Turner chose banana and mixed berry.

Aaaaand Turner took his turn with a nap on the way home!

365.286: Little Climber

2011-02-21T11:04:00.002-05:00

As we were loading up the car this morning, I looked out the door to see Turner here:

365.285: Sleepy

2011-02-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

I had to wake Holden up from his nap today (Thank you, Jesus, that both my boys still nap) to go to a birthday party. He was sleeping in my bed, and I told him to go into his room to get his shoes on. After he didn't come out for awhile, I went into his room to find this:

365.284: Playdoh Stars

2011-02-19T10:38:00.003-05:00

Holden is so crafty these days. This morning he went into the kitchen and got out all of these supplies on his own. When I came in to check on him, he had created this "R" from Playdoh star cut-outs.
Aside: Holden is in a stage where he tells everyone his full name, Ryan Holden McCormick. He has even introduced himself to new friends next door as Ryan, so that is what they call him all the time. And he writes the double name on his papers in school, too. We never thought about teaching him how to spell Ryan, so he just took it upon himself to sound it out phonetically:

365.283: Mail

2011-02-18T17:03:00.001-05:00

So excited to get a letter from Caleb Deuel in the mail!

365.282: Costumes

2011-02-17T10:25:00.002-05:00

Ryan got the boys costumes for Valentines Day (which I thought was a genius idea for boys).
So here is Cowboy Turner... ...and Knight Holden.

365.281: First Page of a New Journal

2011-02-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

Started a new journal this morning--one Ryan got me for Valentines Day. Complete with a brand new set of nice colored pencils. Fresh breath of inspiration.

365.280: Date Night Tips

2011-02-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

I like a lot of what Mark Driscoll (pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle) has to say, but I especially love what he has to say to husbands and fathers. For instance, here are 25 tips for dating after marriage.

Parents, if you can’t afford a sitter, is there a way to set up a rotation with three other families to take turns each week watching kids for date night?
Husbands, when is your date night? Your wife needs it. You do, too. Grace and I have enjoyed Friday date nights for about 20 years.
Husbands, don’t waste every date night at a movie where you can’t talk. Use the time to visit with your wife, draw her out, and study her like you do the Bible.
Husbands, plan out your date nights. Ask you wife in advance what sounds good, see what your options are, and make a plan. She’ll be thankful.
Date night killers: no plan, selfishness, laziness, letting technology keep interrupting, and doing the same old predictable thing.
Time with other couples now and then is OK, but if most date nights involve other people, there is likely an intimacy disconnect in the marriage.
Dads, moms who stay home all day with the kids need to get dressed up, taken out, and have some adult conversation with their husbuddy.
Husbands, what can you do to find some creative ways to make date night fun and endearing even on a tight budget?
Husbands, what can you start doing days or hours before date night to build the expectation of connection with your wife? Flowers, cards, calls, texts?
When life gets crazy, the kids are sick, etc. is there any way to sneak in a bit of a date night at home with say a soak in the tub together, glass of wine etc. after the kids go to sleep?
Sometimes sending the kids out to someone’s house and having a date night at home can be cheap and fun if planned right.
Men, you don’t pursue a woman to marry her and stop pursuing her. You pursue a woman to marry her and pursue her with more passion and creativity than ever. How’s it going husbands?
Men, you don’t need to understand women. You will be doing better than most men to understand just one woman. Date nights are to ask inviting questions, listen, and learn about her. It’s also a night to open up and let her do the same.
Men, if you don’t date your wife, someone else may eventually volunteer for the job.
Ladies, sometimes it’s a great gift to go into your husband’s world for a date night by doing something like putting on a jersey going to a game and eating a hot dog. His love language may just be hot dog.
Men: find a shirt with buttons, try two eyebrows instead of one, find a breath mint or 20, show up with a gift, don’t ogle other women, and go to a restaurant that does not have a spork.
Sometimes the best date night is date breakfast, date lunch, or surprise pick up your spouse from work for an hour at a hotel.
For some they are bored games, but if your spouse likes board games, date night could be a nice spot, a beverage of choice and time to play and chat.
Sometimes takeout is fun and a drive to somewhere more private to turn it into a picnic or adventure.
A nice relaxing candlelight massage is always a good date night, especially if your spouse is high touch.
Every once and a while you just have to have a redneck date night and go bowling, play pool, or throw darts. If nothing else, enjoy people watching.
Plan in advance for some big events like concerts, comedians, Cirque show, etc. Who is coming to town? What would be fun?
Men, take your wife shopping. Yes, shopping at a place that does not also sell carburetors or fishing supplies. Patiently help her pick things out, watch her try them on, flatter her with comments, and spend some money.
Sometimes it’s fun to go on an old memorable date again, or retrace a first date, relive the memory, and recollect what God has done since then.
A few times a year, a couple needs an overnight date, even if it’s a night away with a discount room on Priceline, dinner out, and time to chill.

365.279: Best V-Day Card Ever

2011-02-14T19:44:00.001-05:00

Please just feast your eyes on the amazing card Ryan got me for Valentines Day this year. I couldn't stop laughing. (And for those of you who read this and don't know me all that well, this was totally a joke.)
Ryan's inscription says:
"Amen! Sorry for the let down: I'm no Edward or Jake. Love you, Ryan"
Amazing.

Our night out got canceled because Turner has what looks most like scarlet fever. Yes, scarlet fever. What is this, the 1800s? So he and Holden brought me flowers, chocolates, a movie, and sushi. It ended up being a great night in with the boys I love.

365.278: New Neighbors!

2011-02-13T22:36:00.006-05:00

We are so excited to have these four sweet boys living next door now!

Their grandma (who also goes to Antioch) has always been our next-door-neighbor, and now the kids and their mom will be staying with her! Holden played in the backyard for hours this afternoon building forts out of sticks, playing war, and climbing trees and fences. Childhood as it should be.
These four boys are not only a blast to be around, but are polite, respectful, and kind to each other. Thank you, God, for blessing us with friend next door!

365.277: Turner is Currently...

2011-02-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

...in THIS phase.

It seems like just yesterday we were going through this mischievous phase with Holden. I was kind of holding my breath that Turner may skip it entirely. But alas, Turner is consistently getting into everything, climbing onto counter tops and stoves, and dumping out full bottles of powder (this was actually his second bottle this week, the first occurring in the middle of the night in their bedroom).

365.276: Preschool Valentines Party

2011-02-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

I got to go to Holden's Valentines Party at preschool this morning, which was just so much fun. The kids decorated flower pots by making hearts with their fingerprints, made a jello sundae with sprinkles, and played Valentines Bingo. I had a blast getting to do this with Holden and just see him interact with friends I barely know in a room that is so foreign to me, but a second home to him. It's the first step of my first baby becoming his own independent person.
At the end of the party, the kids swapped Valentines and treats. This is Holden with the envelope he made and all his loot!

365.275: Paninis!

2011-02-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

I love that Holden loves paninis as much as me! Our favorite is chicken, spinach, and lots of melty cheese. Mmmm... Only made better by ants on a log!

365.274: Tangled

2011-02-09T17:13:00.002-05:00

We got to take the boys to see Tangled on Ryan's day off! It was really cute--a little intense for young children--but cute. Turner started to get in on this picture, but was wigged out by the huge faces on the poster.

365.273: Big Changes

2011-02-08T17:55:00.000-05:00

It is so hard to believe that we have been in Waco for almost 8 months now! Although we miss our friends and family in Atlanta, it has been such a sweet time for our family. The discipleship training school at Antioch Community Church (called Elevate) that Ryan and I are in has been life-changing in the best way possible. We attend class two nights a week to worship, listen to guest speakers from around the world, and simply dive in to what the Bible says about being a follower of Jesus. It’s amazing!

As you know, the reason we moved and began school was to train to become missionaries to Portugal, and minister to missionaries on the field at a retreat center called the Haven. God gave us this vision in October 2009, and we’ve been moving toward it ever since. It’s been our hearts’ desire to simply obey God one day at a time, holding our future with open hands. Life gets pretty simple when you reduce it down to simply praying and obeying.

In the last couple weeks, the time has come to make a final decision about whether we will be a part of the Portugal team right now or not. We began meeting with various Antioch staff members and the people who are currently in Portugal (through Skype). We also started asking God (for the first time since October 2009) if this was still what He wanted for our lives and if now were the right time. Once I started asking, I was surprised by the excitement He gave me for the possibility of staying in Waco. After about a week of seeking His will, I felt pretty confirmed that He had other plans for us than Portugal right now. I found out later that Ryan had been feeling the same thing for about three weeks! We had a meeting with some of the leadership over pastoral care for Antioch, and both they and the team in Portugal were all getting the same direction from God—that now is not the time for the McCormicks to head to Portugal. Although it is sad to part with a long-term vision, we feel so confirmed that staying in Waco is what is best for our family right now. From the beginning, Ryan and I have said that if the possibility of the Haven was just the incentive to get us to uproot our family and move to Texas, then we were ok with that. And it’s still true: we wouldn’t change our journey for the world.

So now we’re looking forward to our trip to Indonesia at the end of Elevate in June. (More on that to come soon!) Holden will be starting Kindergarten in the fall, and Turner is currently trying so hard to learn how to use the potty! Come visit us in Waco anytime—we love to have visitors! And we would love to hear about what God is doing in your life, too!

365.271: Phoebe

2011-02-06T17:18:00.002-05:00

After I washed Phoebe today (with Garnier Fructis--is that bad for dogs??),
I indulged her by allowing her to wrap up in a cozy blanket.
So now no one can say that I'm not sweet to this dog! :)

365.269: Snow!

2011-02-04T12:33:00.004-05:00

We walked out the doors of Elevate last night to a wintry wonderland! It was so beautiful--falling pretty hard and sticking easily, since it's been below 20 degrees for days. We woke the boys up at 10:30 and took them to the front porch to check out the beautiful front yard, but they were too sleepy to care.
But this morning at 7am they were super excited! We went straight outside to play, even before breakfast.

365.268: Maegan Shoot

2011-02-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

I got to take pictures today of my friend Maegan (who I know I mention all the time). It's for the beginning of a makeup/photography project that God has put on my heart. More on that to come later, along with more pics from our shoot.
But here's a sneak peek:

We were also potty training with T today. He was showing off his big boy undies to anyone and everyone!

365.267: Time With Jesus

2011-02-02T11:32:00.002-05:00

365.265: Juicing!

2011-02-01T11:06:00.003-05:00

This is Maegan. And her juice.
We gave our juicer a run for its money with a batch of pineapple, peach, and pear juice, and another batch of tomato, carrot, and spinach. Which may or may not have been a little too heavy on the spinach--ick.

365.263: The Last of the Leaves

2011-01-30T11:16:00.005-05:00

Still raking leaves. At the very end of January.

365.259: Lest I Forget

2011-01-26T11:52:00.003-05:00

365.258: Buzz Lightyear

2011-01-25T15:51:00.003-05:00

365.257:This Is My City

2011-01-24T17:08:00.004-05:00

365.256: Turner is Three

2011-01-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

We had the party last night, but today was Turner's actual birthday. We had birthday waffles before church...

...and then in the evening we got to skype with my family, who had sent him birthday packages stuffed with presents. Presents like these wings, which he has not taken off except to sleep, leave the house, or momentarily share with Holden since he opened them.

i
Holden gave Turner a pack of Toy Story underwear to inspire him with potty training.

I can't believe it's been three years since this:

365.255: Turner's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-01-22T22:44:00.005-05:00

Turner's 3rd birthday party--a Toy Story theme--was today! We had over the families in our Lifegroup, and the Bissons and Montgomerys. I really love all these people so much!

I was super ambitious this year, making my own fondant icing to create a 3-tiered cake. I even got to use the spray icing (kind of like airbrushing) and a paintbrush for the pearl yellow color on the stars.

Turner sniffing the cake before the party began--he could barely keep his hands off of it! In fact, he ate 90% of the "3" there on the bottom shortly after this picture was taken.

Sweet Chloe couldn't come to the party, so she brought Turner a gift in the afternoon.

So excited to get his cake on!

Cowboy Woody.

My sweet friends, Cristie and Susan!

Anna and Holden.

Turner playing some serious tunes on the harmonica that Sydney and Aaron Bisson gave him. His eyes are closed here because he was feelin' the music, man.

Ryan drew and painted this Pizza Planet sign for the kitchen!

Present time!

The sitters, Meghan and Emily. When they arrived to the party, Turner ran to them with arms open, yelling, "Guys!!" They hugged. My heart melted.

365.251: Waco Nights

2011-01-18T15:42:00.003-05:00

365.250: Cowgirl Holly

2011-01-17T16:03:00.003-05:00

We have had a blast with our friends Holly and Katie being in town this past weekend. Tonight, on their last night here in Waco, we went to Cavender's Boot City, where Holly was fully outfitted as a legit cowgirl. For real, she got boots, jeans, a belt, a buckle, a shirt, and of course, a cowboy hat. Amazing.

Turner just had to try on a pair, too.

365.248: How He Sleeps

2011-01-15T11:33:00.003-05:00

365.247: Spring Wreath

2011-01-14T16:06:00.003-05:00

I love a cool wreath on the front door.

Cool.

Not your grandma's wreath.

Right now I have this wreath, made completely of shaved pieces of wood rolled up to look like flowers. Which I love.

But now I am thinking of something a little brighter and happier for spring.

Just look at this amazing fabric wreath I found on Alisa Burke's blog. (No, I don't know her--but her blog is so inspiring!) Get the tutorial here.

365.246: Ask Anything

2011-01-13T11:53:00.002-05:00

In the book of John, Jesus is talking to Philip and says:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

Uhhh...WHAT?!?! I mean, first off believers will do greater works than Jesus did? But Jesus healed like almost every single sick person he encountered. And he raised. the. dead.
Beyond that, I can ask for anything in Jesus' name and He will do it?!

What if we really believed the Bible is true? What if we conducted our lives out of the belief that what Jesus said is true? Man, we could make the hurting people in this world so happy!

365.244: He Loves Sleep

2011-01-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

365.241: The Six Second Kiss

2011-01-08T10:19:00.003-05:00

Ryan had me read this article on the Resurgence website this morning, and I really like it.

Go ahead and read it. It's short.

...I'll wait....

Wasn't that inspiring? We kissed this morning (right after I ran to the bathroom to brush my teeth first) but I ended up laughing halfway through because I was flashing back to the playground in 5th grade when I would get dared to kiss my boyfriend Patrick for a certain number of seconds. I realized I was counting seconds in my head just like I did back then.

But tomorrow I'm going to try again--and make it a really good kiss this time!

365.236: A New Trick

2011-01-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

At dinner tonight Turner says, "Look at dith, Mommy!" He was crossing his eyes and giving me a thumbs up. I could not stop laughing. The picture doesn't really capture the full cross. Turner just relished the fact that he was making his whole family crack up.

365.234: Happy

2011-01-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

{Twenty of them.}

365.233: NYE

2010-12-31T17:29:00.002-05:00

Ever since Holden was 7 months old, my parents have always had the kids on New Years Eve. It was their tradition--one that was especially awesome for Ryan and me! Needless to say, we missed them like crazy this year. I was at a bit of a loss on what to actually do on NYE when you're at home, but it turned out really fun! In the afternoon we went to the zoo with our friends the Bissons, then out to a really fancy dinner at Cici's pizza. Turner was pretty wiped out from the day so he went to bed early, but Holden got the special treat of staying up late like an adult. We worked on an "grown-up puzzle" and snacked on yogurt-covered pretzels. (I had also bought sushi and brie and other fun snacks, but we were all too full from dinner!)

This is a shot of Holden carrying on the Turner family tradition of banging pots and pans to ring in the new year. (Actually, I guess it is a Clark family tradition, because my mom and her siblings did this when they were growing up just like my siblings and I did.) It wasn't quite midnight (9pm was the latest we could handle), but the tradition lives on.

365.232: The Highlights Reel

2010-12-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

I've feel like I've been extra contemplative this year about the last 365 days. With kids it always seems like so much happens in a year, but this year has been especially huge for the McCormick family. In review...

A year ago I was just learning to use my new camera that Ryan had gotten me for Christmas. Not that I'm anywhere close to a pro yet, but I've learned so much this past year!
We started the year with a trip to Savannah to see our friends Holly and Katie who live in this house on Skidaway Island State Park:
In February, we started upgrading our house in Woodstock to put it on the market.
We took a trip to Birmingham to see Ryan's cousin Kate get married to John (who the boys now call Uncle John) -- Holden got to be the ringbearer!
Our house sold in April, at which point we moved in with my parents for a few weeks, as Ryan's job didn't transfer until later.
In May we got to go on a family vacation to Florida, celebrating a big birthday for my mom! Then met up with the Stanleys for a few more days on the sand.
The rest of may was spent doing more amazing things like celebrating Ryan's and Holden's and my birthdays, visiting Newnan for an escape at a b&b and Ryan's cousin Alex's birthday party, seeing a play with my sister at the center for puppetry arts, taking a day trip to Rock City, and going to my cousin Carmen's wedding.
June felt full of goodbyes. We were commissioned by our church (One Church) as official missionaries, and also commissioned by Fellowship Bible Church (my parents' church where I grew up).
And then we hit the road for the big move! Waco started slow for me, up until the whirlwind of Elevate started with a retreat in August.
We've had plenty of visitors: Mimi and PopPop, the Deuels and Morgans, Clark and Esther, and Cameron.
We got involved in a Lifegroup, I started teaching the Turtles (3-yr-olds) on Sunday mornings at church, we made amazing new friends, and became apart of an amazing new church.
In October, we went on an outreach to College Station and got to pray with three people who wanted a relationship with Jesus!
November brought a trip to Jacksonville Beach Florida for yet another cousin's wedding (Chesley to Ashlee) and a wonderful Thanksgiving with 20 great friends.
I got to finally visit Atlanta in December (hey, five months was a long time for this girl)! It was a wonderful time followed by a wonderful Christmas back in Waco with Ryan.

Whew! So maybe that was a little lot longer than a highlights real. But like I said, 2010 was jam packed. What doesn't fit into a chronological bullet point is how much the God has changed me over the past year. The past six months in Waco have been a season of refreshment; a fresh cool breeze in my spiritual life, my marriage, and parenting. I have felt so full and abundantly blessed that it seems ridiculous at times. I have fallen in love with Jesus in a whole new way, and subsequently have been able to better love my husband, children, and friends through the overflow of God's love for me. I am blessed among men and humbled by His goodness.

365.231: Painting

2010-12-29T17:28:00.003-05:00

I finally got around to painting the white box of a room the boys have been living in! This week before school starts again is my one opportunity to get projects done--especially the time-consuming ones!

365.230: Phoebe's New Sweater

2010-12-28T17:28:00.002-05:00

365.229: Turner and Woody

2010-12-27T17:28:00.003-05:00

Turner got a new best friend for Christmas.

365.221: My favorite Driveway In the World

2010-12-19T13:04:00.002-05:00

365.220: Jingle

2010-12-18T12:01:00.002-05:00

My mom got the coolest book to read to the boys (and future grandchildren)! It's a book about a dog named Jingle and it comes with a little stuffed animal that actually interacts with you as you read. Like, when you read, "that made Jingle sad," the little dog whimpers. And when you read, "good boy, Jingle," he barks and pants. And it's not just two noises, but tons. It really is incredible. I think she got it at Hallmark if you're interested.
And here is Mimi reading Jingle to the boys.

365.219: ATLANTA!

2010-12-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

The boys and I flew to Atlanta today! (Ryan had to stay in Waco for work.) Soon after we arrived, we went to the Avenue (an outdoor mall) to ride on the horse-drawn carriage! Becca and Jayci met us there, and it was so good to see them!

Turner giving Jayci a hug.

Pop-Pop and the dudes.

A Christmas tree reindeer! This was super-exciting to Holden. Not so much to Turner.

My dad ran behind the carriage snapping pictures like the paparazzi. Please disregard the little girl on the left--she was just a fellow rider. :)

365.217: Advent Calendar

2010-12-15T17:25:00.001-05:00

{Why are my kids never in their cute PJ's for pictures?}

365.216: Incognito

2010-12-14T17:25:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, you just wanna blend in like a normal person, ya know?

365.215: Verse Practice

2010-12-13T09:23:00.004-05:00

So December has been a huge blogging fail. I assure you that I HAVE been taking pictures, almost every day, but am yet to find the time to edit, upload, and post. One of the contributors to my craziness this month is that we have to write out (well, I am actually going to verbally recite) all 48 verses we've memorized this semester. Tonight. We bring to class just a list of references and go from there. I decided to memorize them in alphabetical order, but ended up learning almost all of the references by heart.
And in an effort to practice again, here they are from memory...drumroll please...

1 Thesselonians 5:16 "Always be joyful."
John 15:9-10 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in His love."
Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
John 1:12 "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."
Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Romans 12:9-11 "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong, hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically."
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Galations 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life in now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."
John 14:6 "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"
1 Corinthians 14:1-3 "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the ability to prophecy. For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. Be the one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them."
Matthew 20:26-28 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 12:29-31 "Of all the commandments, which is the most important? 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these.'"
Philippians 4:4-6 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer an petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Colossians 3:1-3 "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."
1 Thesselonians 5:11-13 "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sister, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and whole-hearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other."
Roman 8:6 "The mind of sinful man is death. But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."
Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all the virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
1 Corinthians 2:9 "This is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
Psalm 51:16-17 "You do not desire a sacrifice or I would offer one, you do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

THE END!!!!

365.213: The Morgans

2010-12-11T21:07:00.003-05:00

Some shots I got to take of the sweet Morgan family. Keith is in Elevate with us, and so I get to see Annabeth some nights at class, on retreats, outreaches, etc. Sweet Jace is...I think...eight years old?

365.212: Preschool Christmas Show

2010-12-10T19:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Holden's Living Nativity at preschool. It was so cute. Holden was the cow in the nativity scene along with his friend Liliana. He went on stage first, even before Mary and Joseph, and was so good! He sat pretty still and even sang most of the songs (both a big feat for this dude)!

365.211: Big Boy Bed!

2010-12-09T19:23:00.001-05:00

We finally made the change to a big boy bed!

365.210: Model Car

2010-12-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

This is the model car that Ryan and Holden built. I am so impressed. Apparently, Hobby Lobby sells the kits for just a few bucks. So fun.

365.209: The Keiths

2010-12-07T13:11:00.004-05:00

I got to meet this family and take some pictures for them!

365.208: Picnic

2010-12-06T19:36:00.003-05:00

The boys took it upon themselves to pack their own picnic lunch today.

365.207: Church Christmas Performance

2010-12-05T16:52:00.004-05:00

Holden sang in a Christmas performance at church this morning! It was so cute! This was actually the second try at the performance. It's a funny story really. We were running kinda late for church, but his teacher assured me he would take Holden over to where the other kids were getting ready to perform. When I got into the auditorium, the other kids were already on stage! Holden was brought onstage during the second song or so, and seemed so embarrassed. He wouldn't even turn around and face the audience, much less sing, so he just stood behind the risers and hugged a sweet teacher.
After the service Ryan went and asked Holden if he wanted to try again during the second service. Holden said he did, mostly because he was promised not one but two donuts afterward, and these are pictures from a much more fun second try! The even gave him a personal helper to make him feel comfortable and help him remember the motions. So sweet.
Here's Go Tell It On the Mountain:

This was when Holden spotted me sitting on the front row, and was trying to sign "I love you" to me. Be still my beating heart.

365.206: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

2010-12-04T11:06:00.005-05:00

Tonight was our Christmas party for Elevate, which was an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" theme. Everyone brought a dish, so we ate and hung and had a blast playing a white elephant gift exchange with around 40 gifts!

We each voted for the person with the ugliest sweater/best costume and these three were the winners! Andria and Annabeth and Keith Morgan.

Cristie-of course I LOVED her makeup (and no, I didn't do it).

This is Cody. He's awesome. He says "sim'n rows" for cinnamon rolls.

Andria and Charles. Being fab.

Ashley. The jacket, which she got from the Middle East says "American Chritmas," and she made the skirt out of a tablecloth. Amazing.

JoePa, his girlfriend Erin, and Joshua.

Since I got no close-up of our family (hey, I was organizing the thing, so my mind was on a million other things!) this will have to suffice. We're on the bottom left corner. Ryan is wearing a dickie that isn't quite long enough under his v-neck sweater , so you can see a little chest hair. Hawt.

365.205: Meet Meghan!

2010-12-03T11:45:00.004-05:00

Meet our Thursday-night-sitter, Meghan! The boys absolutely adore her--almost as much as I do! Meghan is a beautiful girl who loves the Lord passionately and whole-heartedly. And she loves the boys so well, too! She has spent many nights working on her laptop in the rocking chair in their bedroom in an attempt to get them to fall asleep. She is patient, but firm--just what they need. We LOVE Meghan!

365.204: Creating Our Christmas Card

2010-12-02T14:31:00.006-05:00

Today I sat down to create my Christmas card. In years past, I've always used sites like Shutterfly for our cards. They're quick and easy and have really cute designs. But this year, I got a little too confident and thought I could just create my own from scratch on Photoshop.
Bramp.
This was as awesome as I could produce:BOOOOORRRRIIINNGGG.

So I browsed on over to Shutterfly and saw these adorable cards:

You may remember this little gem from last year (also from Shutterfly).

You can find more cards here and here, and even custom gift tags here.

It's so easy; and if you know me, you know I am all about easy.
Watch your mailbox to see which one we choose!

365.203: Tree

2010-12-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

So excited to have this up!

The boys got to help hang the ornaments, which they loved.

And had Christmas cookies...

...and apple cider.

Lots of cookies and cider.

365.202: Making Christmas Cookies

2010-11-30T13:47:00.001-05:00

365.201: "Reading" Books

2010-11-29T13:46:00.002-05:00

The boys listening to the book my parents sent them that has theor voices recorded, reading the story. What a sweet, special present!
(And please excuse all the hacking going on--we all have coughs.)

365.200: Christmas Package

2010-11-28T13:46:00.004-05:00

We got to open a package full of Christmas fun from Mimi and PopPop today!

To pass the time while waiting to open it, the boys colored the box, which is what I did as a little girl with boxes from my Nana. Mimi and PopPop were even thoughtful enough to draw pictures all over the box for the boys to color in!

The boys showing off their new Christmas pj's (you would think Holden received a stack of gold) and their Toy Story Christmas book.

Christmas kisses!

Check tomorrow's blog for a video of the boys listening to a book that has a recording of Mimi and PopPop's voice reading it!

365.198: Family Christmas Shoots

2010-11-26T13:45:00.008-05:00

I got to take some family pictures this morning of the Bissons and the Montgomerys. It was fah-reezing. The kids were such troopers to be out there in the 30 degree weather at 8am. But look at the lighting we got--isn't it just delicious?

The Bissons

The Montgomerys (our shoot was cut short, so we only got a couple good ones!)

365.197: The Year I Almost Slept Through Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T13:45:00.003-05:00

I have been so looking forward to today's Thanksgiving with friends. For weeks. Maybe months. I got up super early and prepared all the dishes I was contributing, then the four of us headed over to the Montgomerys around 11:30am to get the turkey fryer started.
The plan was to eat at 4, so I brought the boys home at 2:30 for naps, and was planning baking my casseroles at home and being back by 3:45. After getting the boys in bed, I sat on the couch and noticed my eyelids started getting heavy. I thought I might just close my eyes for 10 minutes. When I opened them, it was 3:45! I hadn't even started pre-heating my oven, much less baking!
This moment felt the same as sleeping through a job interview or a final exam in college. This is the stuff nightmares are made of. (Seriously, my dad has a recurring nightmare that he sleeps through a college final exam.)
I threw the casseroles in the cold oven (which I turned on high) while I loaded the car with the cold food and sleeping boys. The Montgomery's oven was already going strong, and luckily my 2 casseroles fit right in! They were done at the same time as everything else! Yay!
I all my shenanigans, there was no way I was going to remember my camera. So here are a couple shots I stole off of Cristie's blog.

Our super long table to accommodate 22 people!

Cristie made beautiful centerpieces!
The boys table!

Playing games later in the evening.