Birthday Boys

I figured I better do a post about the boys birthday parties since I asked Poppy for pictures (and he promptly sent them as soon as he could, regardless of the time).  Since the boys are only 6 days apart, I figured joint birthday parties are in our future for the next couple of years (at least until one boy complains).  However, this year, I wanted to have a FIRST birthday party for Becker.  So I did something insane.  I invited our friends to two different parties in two days.  The parties fell about ten days after I was on an almost three week vacation.  So, needless to say, I was a little overwhelmed with what I should do to pull off these two parties.  Well....between myself and Poppy (he's probably one of the only people that read this anyway) I think we managed two pretty cute afternoons.  I, at least know that they were fun.  Thank you to Poppy for all of the ideas, and work that you put forth.  Could not have done it without you.  Also, thanks to everyone that came...we had a blast, and the boys felt so loved.  We are truly blessed.  Let the picture overload begin!

July 7th...Becker's 1st Birthday Splash by the TRUCKload:

Cute Birthday Banner by Poppy



Festive Food Table - Trucks and Cones on a Road



Eating a Yummy Pimento and Cheese



Cute Sweet Landon



Birthday Cake Time - Big Brother Helping Blow Out Candle

"Poppy, that's one yummy cake"



A truck in a truck wearing a truck

July 8th...Emrick's Freight Sized Fun, Mickey on a Train Party

Super Cute Cake by Poppy



Our Shelter "Mickey-ed Out"



Pretending to Blow Out the Candle (we forgot a lighter)



"But, I want to open it now!"



ALL ABOARD!

We decided to do basically the same food for both parties.  We had a cupcake bar with plain cupcakes, various icing, and many different toppings.  We also had a couple of sandwiches, and a salsa bar.  We really had the best time.  I know Becker won't remember (and Jonathan actually gives me a hard time about that), but I hope they can both look back at pictures and cherish the memories we tried to build with them.  I, for one will remember celebrating these two boys!...So blessed!

There's Still Time...

In most cases, this phrase is true.  I have to remember to not let life just pass me by, leaving me filled with regret about something I "intended" to do.  As is the case we present to you today; if you have been wondering if we still needed support or supplies, the answer is:  YES, we are still in need of a couple of things for our upcoming Nicaragua Trip.  Please prayerfully consider joining our team, and partnering with us on this journey:

1.  Prayer - Will you commit to praying for us, our team, the Nicaraguans, our boys and Grammie Sue and Poppy?  (Truth be known, I am still very concerned about leaving two "momma loving" boys...I know it is good for them, not really worried about them, but Grammie Sue and Poppy)

2.  Patient Gifts - I am in charge of patient gifts, and we could use more: finger nail clippers, combs, toothbrushes, travel size shampoo, travel size soap, travel size toothpaste, etc  (If you are willing to get some this week while you are out and about, I will come get them from you)

3.  Financial Partners - We have reached about 63% of our support team.  This leaves us about $1325 short of what we need for our trip.  If you would be willing to partner with us in this way, it would be a great blessing to us.  Please choose one of the following options for all contributions:

1. Send us your support: 10 South Creek Dr, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690

or (more preferred option)

2. Send our church support for this trip in our name: Grace Church - 2801 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC, 29615 (Please put Edmonds-NICA in the memo line)

 

A HUGE thank you goes to EVERYONE that has already joined our team (from financial support to patient gifts, and even the encouragement letters we have gotten for each day, which I am SO excited about).  There is NO WAY, we could do this without the body of Christ united with us.  We have a tremendous support system that is already helping us carry this weight.  Will you be the next to join?  We have complete faith that God will provide!  To Him be all the glory!

How can you support us?

This question isn't rhetorical.  We have a real need, and a real desire, and we are really asking, "How can you support us?"  At the end of this post, I would love to hear the ways!  By now you are probably asking yourself..."What are they talking about?"  Well, here's the deal:

Jonathan and I both have a real passion for missions.  We love being able to work alongside other believers while meeting needs of other people.  Honestly, though, we love missions because of what we gain from it (yep, we're selfish).  Every time that we have been involved in serving others, we grow closer to the Lord.  We spent our first anniversary in Nicaragua in 2008.  Since then, Jonathan has been on a missions trip almost every year.  I, on the other hand, have found my place at home, taking care of babies (which I LOVE).  But, this year, I began feeling God calling me to trust Him.  To let go of the boys for a week, and serve Him.  I knew that this meant, whether just I went with the team from our church, or whether Jonathan and I both were able to go.  I knew I needed to depend on Him, and just apply.  So, I did.  A couple of weeks later, Jonathan (after getting permission from his boss), applied as well.  Turns out, we've both been accepted onto the team going to Rivas, Nicaragua (July21-29).  We are really excited, and we are just beginning to do some team building (however, 6 of the 19 team members are in our community group, so we already feel like a team).  As we begin preparing, these are the areas where we could use some help:

-Prayer:  Please, please pray for us!  I already get anxious about leaving the boys for that long if I sit and think about it.  I'm sure Jonathan will have work stress that he is thinking about...and I KNOW that Satan will use these two things and others to distract us, and wage war on us.  Please pray that God will remain the focus of our hearts.  That we would be dependent on Him as we prepare, and while we are gone.  Pray knowing that God will be glorified in the work that we will help do.  Pray for the hearts of the people in Nicaragua, that their hearts will be soft, and that they will see evidence of a living, powerful, loving, righteous Savior.  We are taking medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc).  Pray for wisdom and endurance as they see/treat as many patients as they can.  We are also taking teachers that will teach the Nicaraguan pastors, pray that they have adequate time to prepare and that they are clear in what the Lord wants them to present.  In addition, there will be language barriers, stomach issues, and many, many more issues, so just prayer in general is a great need, and most important need.  And, don't forget to pray for our boys...they won't be used to being away from us for this long either.  I hope that one day they will see it as their sacrifice so that the ends of the world will know our God.

-Encouragement:  We will be away from HOME, for over week.  That may not seem like a big deal, or a long time, but for me...it seems like a LONG time to be away from the boys that I spend everyday with.  If we aren't working, we are normally all together.  Not to mention, it will be hot, sticky, and possibly rainy.  There will be a great opportunity for frustration to set in if we allow it!  If you have any creative ways to shower us with encouragement, I know there will be times during our week that I WILL need it.  I would love to collect scripture, notes, prayers, etc before our trip to read and reflect on while we are gone.  If you know of anything that could help, please send it our way!

-Financially:  Unfortunately, our trip will cost!  While we know and understand that not everyone can help in this way, we know that some can, and are willing.  For our airfare, food, and lodging, we are being asked to raise/pay $1800 each.  If this is something that you feel led to help us with, you can chose one of two ways to do so:
         1.  Send us your support: 10 South Creek Dr, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690

or (more preferred option)

         2.  Send our church support for this trip in our name:  Grace Church - 2801 Pelham Rd, Greenville,   SC, 29615 (Please put Edmonds-NICA in the memo line)

We will be once again working with Christ for the City International.  And, we are so excited to work with the local church to meet practical needs.  We find great peace that once we leave, the local church will be a little more prepared to meet the needs of their community.  So, will you join us?  I know that there is someway you can help!  We thank you in advance for being willing to serve us, the people of Nicaragua, and the Lord!

**Be on the lookout for more information!**

Baby Dedication

Last Sunday, March 11, 2012, we had Landon (Spann) and Becker's baby dedication.  It was a neat, sweet time of prayers that our boys will be raised seeing our devotion and love for our Savior, and hopefully growing to know that, too! All of the grandparents were there, and that really meant a lot (especially for all those that traveled from Charleston, Lancaster, and from MISSISSIPPI)!  Thanks for loving our families so much.  Here is a little show we put together and played (these two boys are so stinkin' cute...you don't wanna miss it:

And then just because I have justice issues with doing a post/video about one son...here is a cute video of Emrick.  He's learned the song "What a Mighty God We Serve" at daycare.  And he is mighty cute singing it...so, ignore my voice, and watch him!

Promised Pictures

So last post I promised pictures...eat your heart out...probably more Edmondsessss than you ever cared see (well, actually the two little ones are pretty cute)! 

In no particular order:

Probably my new favorite picture of the eldest!

Jonathan proposed 5 years ago on Friday (the 24th).  A few weeks ago, we went back to "Our Spot"...here it is!  :D

And the view from there!

Sleeping Handsome...you know instead of Sleeping Beauty

We've been hard at work on potty training!

We went to The Grove Park Inn in Asheville a few weeks ago for a retreat with our church - here's the view

"Our Spot" that we went back to is on the Biltmore Estate property.  After our retreat, Jonathan surprised me with a one-night stay at the Biltmore Inn (also on the property).  This was our view from our room, and yes, it snowed that weekend, too!

A little blurry, but I LOVE it!

Always wants to help!

Just cute

An oldie, but goodie

Bathtime

Doing a little work!  Coloring, its a hard job!

These Days

I started this post literally weeks ago.  And, I started with how hard life had been lately.  But, since then life has slowed some...and Becker has slept some, which has helped tremendously.  So, I decided to scratch all the complaining and just post the updates! AND, even since then, life has gotten better.  Jonathan and I just spent an entire weekend away.  We needed it, and are blessed enough that Poppy and Grammie Sue were willing to watch the boys for us.  I have to give Poppy credit...there aren't many grandfathers that would have done what he did all by himself until Grammie could join Friday afternoon.  You guys rock!

The boys are doing pretty well.  Emrick is somewhat potty training but it is hard when I'm at work all week, then we go to church on Sunday.  The only day we are here all day is on Saturday, and one day each week just doesn't seem to be doing much.  Maybe Poppy and Grammie Sue can work on that in a couple of weeks when they have the boys!  ;)
He is getting so big so fast.  Some days I'm really proud, and others I'm super sad that he's growing a little too fast.  He talks more and more each day.  He's a great helper, and LOVES his baby brother.  He still calls him "Baby" most of the time (probably because I do), but will say his name now, too!  He loves to read, sing, and dance.  He likes to watch his reflection in windows and dishwashers.  His laugh is infectious, and he runs and walks like "Sid the Science Kid".  Man, do I love that kid.  He is such an easy child (so far).
Emrick's health has been decent I guess I'd say.  He's had one stomach bug this year.  But, he's had several ear infections.  This year, they don't seem to be as painful.  However, he just came off a super strong antibiotic because it just wouldn't go away, or would switch sides.  He seems to be a little better now.  And, after a follow-up at the allergist, he's on another antibiotic for a sinus infection...ugh.  I'm hoping we'll stay clear of having to do tubes a second round, but I'm not necessarily against it.

As far as Becker, he's a funny boy.  We've already noticed his little temper.  If a toy falls out of reach, or if Emrick tries to take a toy, he screams...he gets mad-for.real.  It's kinda funny, but I hate it for him...its going to hurt learning that not everything is his, and that the world doesn't revolve around him.  I think coming under authority is going to be a little tougher for him.  He's so big.  Above the 60% in every category.  He babbles more than I ever remember Emrick doing, but he doesn't have any teeth yet  I think he's about to pop his first tooth out (Emrick already had two by now).  He eats like a champ most days.  He is still exclusively nursing when we're at home.  I pump while at work (I pumped 70oz this weekend while we were away), and just started supplementing with formula at the beginning of January.  It's funny to me how different that part is...Emrick only nursed for four months and I was so done, but with Becker it's been hard (on me, not him) to even give him formula.  His favorite person is Emrick, but he also LOVES LOVES his daddy.  He is constantly looking and smiling at Jonathan.  It is quite cute.

All my pictures are on my phone, but I'll try to get some on here soon and very soon!

Anyone There?

Time for a picture update, don't ya think?  Me too, but first, just some sentences for fun!

1.  Jonathan and I discussed over Thanksgiving how fast this year has flown by, and yet we don't really remember doing a ton in that time.  My conclusion is either, we need better memories, or we aren't doing enough around us.  Life change should be occurring, and this conversation really made me think about what we were doing as a family and individually to make sure it is happening.  I am sure glad that grace renews in the morning!  

2.  Jonathan once made a comment when Emrick was born that children reveal how selfish you are...I thought, "You're crazy...I love this...I was made for this."  UNTIL Becker was born.  I have been a bitter mommy lately.  Jealous of anyone that gets to sleep uninterrupted, of anyone that can easily go shopping with only one, or better yet no children, of anyone that "gets to be sick" (because my boys are usually sick at the same time as mommy, so mommy has to push through).  In the past couple of weeks, maybe even months, I feel that selfishness that Jonathan was talking about.  I'm sure it was there with Emrick, but I see it constantly since Becker's been born.  I know this is just a season (and I am THANKFUL for that), and I want to be grateful for the greatest gifts God's given me-all three of my boys, so this is something I am trying to work on daily.  

3.  Emrick is halfway potting training (suggestions welcomed).  I plan to really focus on it over the Christmas break.  The 8-9 hour drive to Mississippi should be interesting!  Anyway, he gets a skittle every time he "pee pees in the potty" at school.  So, we started this at home to so that the routine is always the same.  Well....every time he goes, he gets one (usually not a red one), and mommy gets 4-5 red ones!!  Yep, I LOVE the RED ones!

4.  I actually asked Jonathan if we really needed a Christmas tree this year...We always go to the tree farm and actually cut one down.  Yep, he vetoed me.  Looks like we'll be continuing our tradition in the next couple of weekends.  AND, I am actually glad.  

5.  Since we both got iPhones recently, I hardly ever get on the computer anymore, which really hinders the blog updating!

6.  I miss my friend, LIBBY!  Do ya hear that, LIBBY???  Yes, she gets a shout out, which I don't normally do, because I always worry about leaving someone out.  Well,  we hung out about once a week after Becker was born, and I was on maternity leave.  I went back to work Sept 14, and she brought us dinner that night...and guess what...have NOT seen her since...true story...sad huh?!?!

7.  Cacy Collins Morgan...was gonna call you Cacy Collins...oh, my!  Anyway, don't know how much you come to this here blog, but so tremendously excited for you!  My heart is overjoyed!  REALLY need a phone date soon.

8.  Landon Thomas Spann, we DO love you, and one day we WILL meet you.  Between holidays, illnesses, etc, we have not met precious little man that was born Oct 22 to our beloved friends the Spanns.  It makes me oh, so sad...one day soon!  (and he gets a shout out because he's special...;) and shout outs are now over)

9.  This is here to make the list ten items long ;)

10.  There is nothing like the love of my family (especially my hubby).  Loving me despite of myself.  The boys smiles, Jonathan's devotion...it's awesome.  I am grateful for it, and hope it outshines my bitterness more than not.  

Okay, thanks for hanging around through what ended up to be a confession session...I hope all of you had a great and reflective Thanksgiving!  Here goes:   

Notice the tie...it's one of daddy's work ties!  Yep, we love CFA!

Emrick's new "CHEESE" face-Can't we just smile, buddy?

That's better!

Emrick is always singing to Becker, and trying to make him do the motions!

Bathtime fun...Please notice Becker's expression.

And just for comparisons sake: 

Emrick on Halloween 2009

Becker on Halloween 2011

See you soon...hopefully before two months from now, but no promises!