Papa’s “Home”!

My dad is back from Kuwait and we couldn’t be happier!  He spent 2 years there and was able to get certifications that have really helped him land a new job in the states…he is working in New Orleans for NASA!  He is auditing their processes-such a cool job   He came over for a couple of days to see Jack for the first time and hang out with his “little man.”  It was such a sweet time for us all.  Will loved playing with Papa-they played soccer, read books, and a lot of tickling was involved!  I am so thankful for our time together and thankful that my dad is safe and sound.  However, he has already received another job offer back in Kuwait…is it bad to pray against this?!   Ultimately, I want him where the Lord wants him…but, it sure was nice to have him here. 

Papa and Jack have the same hair in the morning!

Storytime with Papa

Will and Papa at the HH football game

Dad was not ready for the cold Oklahoma wind...little different from sand storms!

Landrew…

Landrew Day 5

Forgiveness.

Matthew 18 tells us-Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 

It’ so neat (and very humbling) to see how the Lord uses your kids to show you so much of what He has for you.  Lately, He has been using Will to remind me how important forgiveness is and the healing it provides.  Will is so quick to say he is sorry and ask for forgiveness…totally un-prompted.   It amazes me everytime.  Forgiveness isn’t something that comes so naturally for me… but, it is so evident that I MUST forgive because I have been forgiven of so much and continue to be forgiven daily.  Thank you Lord for your forgiveness and for continuing to work in me.  

Also, here are a few family pictures we had taken while Andrew’s grandpa was in town from Michigan. 

 

Family Picture with Grandpa Pape

 

Grandma and Pops with the boys!

ED…C??

Al and me at the reception-it was great to catch up!

Little Buddy and Big Buddy…they swapped stories from college all night. Flood house, Red Dirt, OU games…so many fun times together!

TGP, EDC, JNG

Allison and Jack

It’s official-Emily Dee Turner is now Emily Dee Colburn.  Congrats Em and Tad!

“No, I not Mommy.”

Just thought I would share words and phrases of a two-year-old boy…you can’t make this stuff up! 

1.  “No, I not Mommy.  I don’t care.” 

2.  After asking him if he remembers Jack being in Mommy’s tummy, he replied, “Yes, and Mickey Mouse was in my tummy.” 

3.  “No, I am not funny.”

4.  “Mommy is my boo-boo Queen.”  (thanks, Andrew for teaching him this.”

5.   I picked him from Sunday school and asked him what he learned, he replied, “I learned about Jesus and crackers.”

6.  “I want three dollars.”

Say Cheese!!

Happy Guy!

Bum Genius

Sharing the Good News after a good hearty bowl of soup!

So I actually caught Jack Wesley smiling on camera today!  As I was changing his diaper (he has officially been in his Bum Genius cloth diapers for 24 hours now) I looked up and saw him cheesing it big time so I grabbed the camera.  He looks more and more like his Da-Da everyday…I love that.  He also slept for 10 hours last night…maybe it was the “Bums”!  So, I should probably brag on his bubba a little too.  We refer to him as Brother Will or Pastor Will these days.  He has been preachin the Word lately-he will say things like “Joshua and Jericho Father God, Baby Jesus Father God!”  Love it!  I also have to give props to Campbell’s for making Vegetable Beef Stew WITH alphabet letters.   I have been discouraged about the amount of veggies Will eats (we attribute this to him not wanting to eat the veggies he so adores, the Veggie Tales), but he loves some veggie soup!  He loves that he eats the W, I, L, L letters…very educational!!  He even asked for it today…went to the fridge and got it out all by himself  

My “Why’s”

One of my "why's" (why I am doing S & D) before the launch!

Mommy and Jack at his first HH football game

Best Buds

Ready for church…such a little man

My two boys

In the Stella and Dot manual, it tells you list goals you have for yourself.  I sat down to do this and discovered that I have “why’s” instead.  My husband and my two boys are WHY I am doing this.  I want to relieve pressure off my amazing husband who has been called by the Lord to do the work he is doing.  BTW, he is done with his LCSW supervision (yeah!!) and will take his test to receive his license very soon.  Please lift him up in prayer as he prepares for this very difficult test.  I also want to be able to stay at home with my children as I have been so blessed to be able to do this year.  So, there are my “why’s”…Stella and Dot is allowing me to make a little extra money and stay at home with the boys I love so much.  I am so thankful the Lord opened this door for this time.  

Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

stella and dot…

This is what I refer to as "THE necklace"!

Since we decided that I was going to stay at home with the boys, I have been praying for the Lord to show me ways I can still help out financially.  He provided one way that will start in January-I am going to watch little Eli Newby two days a week.  Well, a week or so ago, he opened up another door as I was meandering around facebook of all places   I discovered stella and dot, a fabulous jewelry company that allows women to be able to stay at home with their children and also be successful in the business world.  I LOVE the product and the compensation plan is amazing so after prayer and a lot of consideration, Andrew and I decided that I would give it a go!  Andrew has been super encouraging and decided that he is my CFO-this stuff is cute so I need some accountability   I have my launch party scheduled for next week and two other trunk shows this month.  I am so excited and look forward to seeing how the Lord uses me through this new opportunity.  Did I mention the name? Stella is one of my dearest friends little girls name (see previous blog)…perfect or what?!

 

If you get a chance, look at my website.  It’s: www.stelladot.com/tiffanyporter

Science Museum and Lil Will’s Party

We went to the Science Museum with the Rauschkolbs a couple of weeks ago and had a great time.  I think Andrew had the most fun out of anyone…especially riding the segway with the assistance of the “segway expert” and doing his weather forecast.  We also helped Lil Will celebrate his 2nd birthday and the boys had the time of their lives on the John Deer tractor…naked!!

Old Will makes a return…

Andrew and I decided this week that “Old Will” is returning.  What do we mean by this?  Let’s just say the last month has been slightly challenging for us as parents of a 2 year old who has just been invaded by a sweet little brother.  A sweet little brother that he adores and can’t get enough of…but,  he definitely pushed Mommy and Daddy to the max!  For example, pouring baby oil all over his carpet and new adorable dresser (see picture), taking off numerous diapers and spreading poo all over the place, and lots of other 2 year old kind of activities.  Last Friday was the breaking point and we really needed a break.  Thankfully he spent some time with Grandma and Pops and gave us a much needed break.  The next day we headed to Tulsa for Emily’s wedding shower.  Jack and I went to the shower while Andrew and Will went to the zoo.  They had a great time and even rode a camel!!  It was a wonderful day for all of us and the first day in a couple of weeks with no “pankin”.  What an accomplishment.  He’s still 2 and we know there will  be plenty more opportunities to teach him about obedience and choices…and consequences, but for now we are just glad to see him realizing that he is still loved and our precious little man!