A Day In The Life Of Us

I'm Still Here...

2007-12-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

I have obviously not been in blogger mode in the past...oh, 6 months! Here I am again. I remember this time last year I decided I had to put something up at Christmas. Something about the holidays makes me want everyone to see how the boys have grown this year.

We have had a great time ushering in this Christmas. I still have so much Christmas shopping to do for the boys, but I am certain I will get it done on time. Somehow I always do.

Just a little family update: Jordan is in 1st grade and Titus starts Kindergarten next year. We also have one more little boy who will be making his appearance into this family in April. We were totally surprised by this little baby and then to find out last month that we would have one more son...well, why would I even think something else? Of course, Jordan and Titus are so very excited that it is a boy...they really weren't looking forward to a whole room in our house being pink. So, we'll keep the reds/blues and enjoy all the boy stuff!

Here are some pictures of the boys I took for possible Christmas card pictures.

Merry Christmas!

I Couldn't Do It

2007-07-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday our little family went out to a friend's house who live North of the Metroplex in the little town of Celina. They have a beautiful place, by the looks of it you wouldn't know that North Dallas is only 20 minutes away. Quiet, serene, cool breezes in the air, (don't get me wrong, I love the hustle and bustle of the cement world that I live in), it was just a refreshing scene.

Their house and spacious backyard is settled on the edge of a picturesque pond adorned with a quaint pier that serves as a vehicle to the water. The drop is about 12 feet. No problem. My four and six year old boys walked up, (safely tucked away in their lifejackets), thought about it for about 1 minute, then jumped right off the edge with exuberant smiles dripping off their faces. They continued this cycle over and over again.

Me, on the other hand, I couldn't do it. I stood their each time they jumped, wishing I had the blind faith them seemed to so easily possess. I typically don't like to jump from heights, but I have done it before. I have absolutley zero fear of the water, I like to swim, I enjoy the cool refreshment of the water. So, I narrowed it down to this: I could not bring myself to take that first step off of the safety and security of that pier.

Now, as I stood their contemplating the big leap, I stupidly let go of the railing that my hand was clinched to; only to realize a half second later as I'm rapidly dropping like a lead balloon to the water below, that my lovely husband had given me a little nudge over the edge. I wasn't mad at him, as some would assume, I was actually glad I was off that pier. But, as I climbed back up the ladder and made my way to the edge of that pier again, I still couldn't do it. I could not physically be the one deciding to take the jump. It was like my mind just would not let my legs go for it.

So, I have decided I am a chicken. A scaredy cat. Ughhh! I have also decided that somehow, some way, my boys will see me jump off that pier. I will conquer this fear that wells up inside of me. The next time I am out there, I am just gonna walk right over and jump! What is the big deal?!

I have been haunted by this since Tuesday. I need closure. I will get it.

Dirt

2007-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

So I was in my bathroom this morning, admiring the big mess I seem to make every time I get dressed. I say to Tim, "Wow, I sure wish the maid would come and clean this place up! It's disgusting in here!" He gives me a little laugh from the other room, knowing that I am the one who does the cleaning and that it is me who has left my place in the bathroom in such a disgusting state!

Now, the funny thing about me is that the rest of my house is pretty much in order. The places people see anyway. Any time we have a meeting or event at our house, I clean like crazy. Tim would probably even say I go overboard. But, the one place that does not get picked up/disinfected regularly is my bathroom/bedroom. That is the place that is always closed off to the public. But, anything that is seen, you better believe I am going to have it sparkling clean!

As I thought about this paradox in my life, it gave me cause to peer a little deeper. Isn't this the way I tend to be with who I am as a person? The things that people see - manners, attitudes, reactions - those things I clean up and make pleasant for people to look at. But, the things that are not seen - private reactions and attitudes, priorities, how my time is spent - those are the things that are easy to ignore because they are left unaccounted for.

My God has called me to transform from the inside out to be more like the image of his character. This means that I must submit even those things that are not seen by the public to be held accountable. I must put myself out there and give someone permission to hold me to God's standard. Even the most disgusting parts of me must be cleaned at some point. How long is too long to go without acknowledging that change/dusting/cleaning needs to take place?

Maybe if I opened my bedroom door when I open my home, I would feel compelled to make sure it is nice and neat. But, if I never let anyone in, never let them see, would I be proactive in picking up that dust rag or just let the dirt remain?

Thankful

2007-07-14T08:30:00.001-07:00

As I sat in the hospital last night holding a friend's newborn baby, I was reminded of how thankful I am. My boys are now 6 and 4 and I can distinctly remember both of their births with exquisite clarity. If you are a mother and have found yourself reading about my little corner of the world, you know the exact feeling I am describing. How in the world did this much time pass? I look at them today and literally see their tiny newborn faces staring right back at me. How can they be school age already?

Through many different venues, God has been leading me to be more thankful. As I look around, I see very clearly where His hand has guided my life. He has literally picked me up and moved me to better places, physically and spiritually. I am thankful for so many things. Tim. Jordan and Titus. The Word. Grace. Family. People. Connection. Church. Authentic Worship. Health. Passion.

May I ever be thankful of the blessings that are abundant in my life. And my I never cease to look at things as if looking at a newborn baby. A constant reminder of all things beautiful. A reminder of God's existence and reality in my life. Priceless.

Wicked

2007-04-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

My night with Wicked!

My friends Celesten and Amanda....Amanda's Dad is the one who was able to get us the tickets. Greatness.

Celesten and me with two of the main characters, 'Nessarose' and 'Fiyero'. (Don't remember their real names...they are married though.)

For my birthday this year Tim bought us tickets to see the musical "Wicked". Let me just say that Tim knew how much I would love this gift, and he knew how much he would most likely not enjoy this gift. So....big, big brownie points for Tim!

The night was wonderful. We got all dressed up, had a nice dinner, and then enjoyed 3 hours of theatrical music bliss. My sister, Tami has been telling me for over a year that I needed to see this particular musical. So, I must thank her for even pointing me in that direction. Otherwise, I wouldn't have talked about it so much, and Tim wouldn't have known that I would love to see it live.

It was great. Music was powerful and moving. Characters were deep and pulled me in. Big, long notes held at the close of just about each song. Great night. Great birthday.

Texas Bluebonnets

2007-04-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

One of the many great things about living in Texas is the beautiful Bluebonnet flowers that spring up every April. I joined the masses and headed over to this great field that is topped off by an old cemetary and beautifully aging trees. The boys had a great time in the bluebonnets, Jordan reminding us that it is against the law to pick them. Then we wandered through the cemetary , looking at the names and dates on each headstone, which ended up being a really fascinating experience for both of them. Anyway....I digress....here is our experience in the beautiful spring weather here in North Texas.....

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day! Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends. We did not get to the cards this year, so this will have to do.

The boys had a great time. We spent a lot of quality family time together and have enjoyed every minute of it. We will be travelling from here on out for the next week, so.....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Love,
The Bournes

Welcome The Holidays

2006-11-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Lights of Legacy at The Shops of Legacy was a great way to welcome this Holiday Season. We went down to see the lighting of the tree last night. We heard great Christmas tunes, saw some fun Holiday characters, made crafts, watched the tree light up, and ate the most delicious pizza EVER! ( The new pizza place is Fireside Pies and is right beside Fox Sports Grill if you ever get down there!)

Our friends, Patrick & Raquel Russell and Sonya & Nick Terrell were there with us. We also joined up with Jessica Strait and her girls, and Monica and Melanie. It was a great night!

I am so ready for Christmas!!!!!!

Bahamas

2006-11-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Our sweet friends, Ty & Kelly Greneaux, invited us to join them on a trip to the Bahamas. Ty won this trip through his company, and with Tim being the Web Designer for him, we were invited to join in on the winnings. I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful this place was.

The Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas. In one word: paradise.

Here a few pics to take you where we were blessed to go and relax. Be refreshed. Enjoy each other. And that is just what we did.

Texas State Fair 2006

2006-10-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

Fall Is Here

2006-10-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It has been a very long time since I have posted anything. Wow! A lot has happened in two months. With school starting for Jordan, a new "to do" list has been added to life. He absolutely adores school and we are so thankful for that.

Genesis Metro Church has been such a blessing to us these past few months. Our lives are greatly enriched because God put us on this path. Our family is blessed beyond measure by the family of believers we live life with.

Tim and I just returned from a wonderful trip to the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Ty & Kelly Greneaux won a trip through the supplier who supports the garage door business they own and they invited us to join them. It was incredible! I will write more about that and post pics in a later post. I don't think I will ever be "wow-ed" again. In short, this place was breathtaking.

For today, I give you fall pics of the boys. They are growing so fast. Jordan continues to get taller and Titus is losing that baby look altogether. I can't believe it. Where is time going? I wish it would slow down, but from what I have been told, it only goes quicker each year.

Love to all of you.

Sisters

2006-08-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like having a sister. Nothing! I am so very thankful for these two women in my life. Our relationships have grown--with ebbs and flows, up and downs--but they are a constant in my life and I love them dearly. Each of us has our own personality...we are all so very different, but we have a few things that keep us bonded.

Danyelle is the oldest---I won't tell by how much---she is a "C" personality -- organized, cautious, together, passionate, unique, adores children, takes things slow, and plans out everything she possibly can. She is the "older sister" and has always been. She has had her eye out for us ever since I can remember--looking out for all of us.

I am the middle--I am an "I" personality -- spontaneous, not very organized, people-oriented, trusting, exxagerater, fun in the sun (literally in the summer!), and energetic (think of the energizer bunny). I am the peacemaker.

Tami is the youngest---she is a "DI" personality -- fun, direct, spontaneous, outgoing, loves projects, endlessly the life of the party, and has a sweet sensitive side. Tami is the girl whom everyone wants to be friends with.

It is funny how we all came from the same genes, yet we all handle life so very differently. I love them so much as they meet me on so many levels. If you want to know what unconditional love is, the three of us have it. I am so very proud of our relationships with each other and so thankful that we have what we have.

I love you both, you gorgeous girls!

A New Era

2006-08-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I am sure some of you are wondering what happened to my blog. I have not posted in months as this summer has been the absolute busiest, craziest summers of my life! I will try to make time for the writing, but there just has not been a lot extra of that lying around.

In two days my oldest son, Jordan will start his journey into the land of public education--he starts school. Tim and I have just been walking around in disbelief about it. We cannot believe we are the parents of a school-age child. It seems surreal that we are old enough to be in this position.

Friday night was "Meet the Teacher" night at school....I am walking in with Jordan attached to one hand and Titus holding the other. It is very crowded as all of the other students and their parents are there for the same reason. We arrive and walk through the double doors of this brand new facility and I am immediately overwhelmed. When we reached Jordan's classroom, my throat closed up and my eyes filled with tears. This is it. His first classroom.....his first experience with the influences of this world away from the safety and comfort of family. WOW!! What a sobering moment that was for me.....meanwhile, Jordan is combing the room for all the cool things that await him. At one point, he even made this statement upon finding a flannel board easel topped with individual alphabet pieces, "Ooooh, look at this creative little thing." He's so funny!!!!!

Jordan has been an amazing child to parent in the five + years we have had him. As a baby, he was easy...he was loving, (he has always loved people), obedient, fun, and charming. As a toddler, we absolutely loved watching him explore and experience new and interesting things. We would find cows while driving down the road and go into a chorus of what all the different kinds of animals say. His favorite book in those days was "Goodnight Moon". I think I could still quote it if asked.

As he transitioned from toddlerhood into pre-K and the big brother stage, his little personality just blossomed. He is a kid who likes to have fun, he loves to be around people, he is big on quality time with those he loves, he is very intelligent, he is focused, he is highly energetic, he is a charmer, he is a great negotiator, he is a Superhero and Star Wars lover, he likes to be good at things, he likes to try new things, he is forgiving, he is frustrating to his little brother and LOVES to antagonize him.....he is my adorable first born and the one I will always share that experience with.

I love him on so many levels. I am so proud of him. I stand in amazement that God has blessed Tim and I with these two precious lives--my Jordan and Titus. As "Big J"/"T-Bone"/Jordan begins this school era I am sure to shed tears and remember so many things about his little life so far. The anxieties about this chapter in his life are too numerous to count. However, I know that his life is not mine, he belongs to God and I trust Him.

So, Jordan -- have fun, be good, remember "it's all about choices and the consequences to those choices!", be your own person, don't be afraid of individuality, stick up for yourself, be gracious and kind.......wow....that is a lot for him to remember....oh, how I pray he does!!!!

I love you, buddy. You are my absolute favorite 5-1/2 year old!

Daily Mom Stuff

2006-06-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, as I do every morning, with a million things running through my mind of what I needed to already be up doing. This happens to me a lot. My "laundry list" won't let me sleep--there is too much to be done (especially if I am going to get to that pool later during good tanning hours!) I get up, brush my teeth, make the coffee, put a load of laundry on, water the plants, fix my cup of coffee, load the dishwasher with dirty glasses from the night before, pick up toys along the way, get some quiet time in, check my email, respond to emails, blog, drink my coffee, put on another load of laundry, pick up more toys along the way, take my 3 year old to the potty, fix breakfast and drinks for the kids, turn on the ritual morning cartoons, try to get a shower or bath hoping they don't kill each other while I am in there, and my day gets started.

Isn't this a typical day for most Moms? It seems like some days we have done a lot of work before our eyes have been opened for 30 minutes!!! The ones of you who have to get everyone, including yourselves, dressed and out the door before 8AM--I applaud you and I really don't know how you do it. I would have to get up at the crack of dawn to accomplish that -- I am sure most of you do!

We have big jobs -- us Moms. Are we thankful for our roles or do we resent them at times? We are blessed to have this opportunity, aren't we? To be able to raise these kids, nurture this household, love this husband? My heart is urging me to say that though at times I am overwhelmed by what I do, I am humbled and grateful for it at the same time.

May I remember the passage of scripture in I Corinthians 10:31,
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Even putting on a load of laundry and cleaning up toys--may I do all of those things with a joyful heart and a right spirit--and be thankful for the blessing of family I have been given.

Cousins

2006-06-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

My entire childhood I never really saw my cousins. There was the once - maybe twice - a year visit to Georgia where the rest of our extended family lived. Our little Harper group was in Louisiana separated from the others. We often times wished, dreamed, that we could be a part of their lives. That we could know our cousins on a daily basis and spend time with our grandparents in the ways that our cousins got to. But, look where we are today--we have all met our spouses and are living in happily married homes. Our lives would have looked totally different had our parents moved the family "back to Georgia" like they so often talked about.

Today, as many of you know, my sister, Danyelle lives just down the street from us. She has four kids, I have two. They all absolutely adore each other. My boys wake up asking to play with them and be with them nearly every single day of the week. Whatever social event comes up, they want to know if Caleb and Alyssa (the oldest of my sister's four) are coming. Whatever family event takes place, they want to make sure Caleb and Alyssa will be there.

Last night, Danyelle and I switched a kid for a couple of hours. Titus went to their house and Caleb came to ours. When I went to get Titus from Danyelle's, of course he did not want to come home. But, when we got in the car he was saying to me -- "I wike 'syssa. 'Syssa bahwy nice to me." How sweet is that? Caleb ended up just spending the night with the boys -- which they were elated over. When I put them to bed, of course, they giggled for over an hour before finally falling asleep. Tim and I reminisced about being with our individual cousins as children while we were listening to them. The laughter coming from that room caused us to take a little trip down memory lane....

We are so glad to have the cousins so close...I am happy that my kids will grow up knowing them and being best friends with them....how cool is that?!

It's Summer!

2006-05-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Around this household during the summer you will almost always find us at the pool. We have already been 4 times in the past week and in a couple of hours, we are going again. I have shown my love for the pool and the warm sun to my boys and they equally love it. I even caught Jordan one day "laying out" inside the house on a spot on the carpet that the sun was streaming down onto. Funny stuff!

I enjoy going so much because it is so relaxing and a quick "getaway" from the day-to-day. So, I just posted this to say -- I AM SO GLAD SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

My Trip in Review

2006-05-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

So, my trip was a lot of fun. I actually just spent a lot of time writing about each day and then decided no one would want to read all of that, so I am starting over. We had a great time, me and the boys. We went to see Tami and Rob first, my sister and her husband. We slept in, played with her dogs, played putt-putt, watched the Dixie Stampede show and then Tami's show-Lost In The 50's, slept in again, ate a beautiful breakfast, shopped, and enjoyed late night dessert with family and old friends. I cannot think of a better visit Tami and I have had--it was long overdue...

Mt. View was of course great to be in again. Life is simple there. Easy going, laid back, slow. Nice. But, by Monday I was chomping at the bit to get back home. Sunday was good to be in church with my parents. I must tell you all about the service on Sunday night. As my parents and I were practicing to sing at church that night, Jordan decided he wanted to sing also. So, he bravely got up to sing a song that he knows from our church, "Be Strong and Courageous." He did great!!!! He is a natural....he kept saying he was going to be too embarrassed, but after it was over he said he was "none embarrassed." After he sang, it was our turn, so the boys just had to get up on stage with us. Well, as I have told many of you already, while we were singing, they were behind us "sitting and waiting on us", well, not exactly. The congregation was just giggling throughout the entire song and after church they let us know that the boys were, unbeknownst to them, entertaining the masses. Jordan figured out how to balance the chair he was sitting on on the back two legs and was very proud of himself until he lost that balance and fell backward, feet and hands waving in the air to pull himself back up. Titus was on the bench, facing the empty choir, dancing with his bum to the beat of the music - the fast-paced southern gospel tune, Way Up In Gloryland.

We all enjoyed a few laughs about that....Tim and I got a kick out of it. Later that night my parents and I took the boys to their first drive in movie- yes, they still have one that operates in Mtn. View, Arkansas. They absolutely loved it. I am glad they get to experience things with my parents that they don't get to experience here--it makes their visits with them that much more special.

So, they stayed there and I will go and get them on Monday. I am sure they will fish, play video games, make smores and snow cones, ride the 4 wheeler, and be spoiled more than I could possibly imagine. By Monday Tim and I will be pining to have them home again, but until then we will enjoy the the quiet around here and each other. I am, for certain, glad to be home.

My Trip

2006-05-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow the boys and I will leave for what is becoming a little tradition it seems. For the past couple of years we have gone to Mountain View, Ar. to see my parents at about this time of year. We also stop in to see Aunt Tami and Uncle Rob on our little getaway. Oh how much fun we always have! We will go to Branson, Mo. and stay 3 nights at my sister's house, enjoy watching her in the show she performs in twice a day-5 days a week, shop at the outlets in Branson, and hopefully find something fun for the boys and me to enjoy together while she is working. Tami and I will get to catch up and be sisters....I really do miss her sometimes...I look forward to it -- Yeah!

Then, we will go to spend the weekend with my parents in their quaint, picturesque town nestled in the mountains of North Central Arkansas--a beautiful little spot! On Monday I will come back home and the boys will stay and enjoy a visit with their Grandee and Grandaddy without the parents around--this is where their fondest memories are made. I am so thankful for them to have this time to get to know their grandparents, it absolutely means the world to me for them to have this great relationship with them. My parents have always just loved having their girls around, and now, they are LOVING having their grandkids anytime they can get them.

I know it is strange, but I actually look forward to the drive. I get to sit in the car with nothing else pressing to do, sing to the top of my lungs to the songs of my choice, and totally veg out! Why? Because the boys got a portable DVD player for Christmas that plugs into the car! Yippee!!!!! This way, everyone is happy....I leave them alone, they leave me alone, and most importantly, they leave each other alone! Great little set-up.

So, I am off to enjoy some good old fashioned family time...nothing in the world like it. Tim won't be able to go with us so tonight we are going to transform our front room into a "movie theater" and watch Chicken Little with the boys. Family time with Daddy first, then on to the rest of our fun.....

The Simple Things In Life

2006-04-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday morning. The kids get up...they get us up...they want "bekfas", according to Titus. So, here I go on the journey to decide on what to have for breakfast. After going through all of the options we decide on pancakes. And not just any pancakes, they want Mickey Mouse Pancakes like Grandaddy makes. So, this is how our day started. The four of us enjoying pancakes, bacon, and eggs together.

After clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen I got a quick run in before we had to get dressed to go to Jordan's last soccer game of the season. This is our second season of soccer with him and OH MY GOODNESS!!!! How he has improved!!!! He made two goals today...two! We were down 3-2 and Jordan was going in for his last quarter of the game. As I was tucking in his shirt, I say to him, (in "non-competitive" soccer), "Son, we are down right now. This is your last chance to score. This is the last game. Now, go out there and kick that ball in!" "Okay Mom!"--with a quick thumbs up and great big smile. He starts for the middle of the field to join his teammates on the line. The next thing I know Jordan is scoring the tying goal and then the final goal of the game---giving us a last game win of 7-3. (Tim is proud to say we won 9 out of 10 games in his soccer coaching debut season!)

They say the simple things in life are the things you cherish most. I agree. Nothing could satisfy my boys this morning like Mickey Mouse pancakes. Nothing is more rewarding than watching your children start something, like soccer, and only improve at it as they go. When he kicked those goals in, (every mother that is reading this knows what I am talking about), it was as if he had just won the gold medal at the Olympics...pride swelled up in me as I leapt to my feet with excitement! Jordan's eyes scanning the sidelines to cross sight with me...to make sure I saw it...to make sure I knew how proud he was...and to find affirmation in me.

The blessings God gives us in the simple things in life. What a reward.

The Morning After Core

2006-04-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

There it was. Evidence that something incredible had taken place over the weekend. Sunday morning, which just happens to be my favorite time of the week, was proof that the men of GM had experienced something intangible at the 2006 Men's Retreat -- CORE. The place was abuzz with electricity from the moment you walked in the door. The stage set with all men - on instruments and vocals - some for the very first time. The freedom I felt, that flooded the room, the inhibitive factors seemingly gone...liberating. It was as if all of us were one on one with the One to whom we were focused. The shackles of religion, the chains of embarrassment...no longer present.

This "fire" did not stop when the music stopped. As Tim got up to speak, this fervor continued. The passion with which his points were made, the involved story-telling, the way he fought back tears (he would not admit this, but we all saw it!), this was evidence that they all experienced what they hoped they would, what the creative team had prayed they would.

As the service came to a close and I stood at the back waiting to greet anyone who was there for the first time...I was in speechless awe at the sights I beheld. Here at the end of the service, with more music, the passion felt in worship was more powerful than it had been 30 minutes earlier. Hands in the air, voices belting out in unison..I could not speak or sing...for my heart was bursting with gratitude that I was able to witness this. That I was brought out of the comfort and chains of religion to a place where I and so many others experience God and our relationship with Him on a personal, intimate, liberating level. What an honor it is to be here....I can't imagine what is in store for us as a church and as individuals.....

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine..." Ephesians 3:20

5 Weird Things About Me

2006-04-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Okay...I saw this idea and it looks fun...

I am going to tell you 5 weird things about me and whoever wants to join in and list your own, feel free...

1. I am obsessive about how my dishwasher is loaded. I just can't stand it. On the top: drinking glasses on the left, plastic cups on the right. Bowls in the middle-lined up neatly; everything else stacked around it in a tidy manner. The bottom: on the left: glass plates lined up by size toward the back, plastic plates lined up by size toward the front. On the right: pots and pans, glass pyrex lined up neatly. Weird! I am not even an organizational freak sort of person....

2. I don't like candy. Only chocolate. Some would consider that a candy. I consider it another food group.

3. Towels are put away in a certain manner at my house - rough side facing inward so that all you see are the neatly tri-folded stacks.

4. When I "lay out" in the hot weather, I must balance the sides. EXACTLY 20 minutes on the front, EXACTLY 20 minutes on the back.

5. I LOVE surprises...if Tim tells me way in advance about a gift he is thinking of or getting for me, it just makes me irritated...I would rather wait for the surprise! I could stare at a gift from October to December and not open it until Christmas Day...the anticipation just gives me a rush!

So, there you have it...my list...I can't wait to hear some of your weirdness!!!!

Easter

2006-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all! So, I am a couple of days late on the Easter pics....sorry! My parents will enjoy this even if it is late!!

Easter this year was great. A monumental day in the life of GM...two services, which were successful. Several people commented on their communication cards that they accepted Christ during the service...now that is what it is all about! The worship was incredible, as always. The sermon, well, Tim shared the gospel in an easy-to-understand way that touched the heart of the crowd....and God added to our number...

Lunch with family....I totally felt like my Mom that morning...got up at 5:30, finished up the ironing for the day, put a pie in the oven, fixed Easter baskets, got dressed, got the kids dressed, put the ham in to cook while we were away at church, set the yeast rolls out to rise....WOW! I really am an adult!

The 2nd Annual GM Easter Egg Hunt (this is the 1st one outside, last year, we got rained out!). The kids loved it! The Easter Bunny came and took pictures with everyone. Some of the little ones were scared of him, but he was great! Jordan really got into the hunt, as you can see, I could only get a picture of the back of him because he couldn't stop to take a picture. He rejoiced as he counted out all of his candy when he was finished. Titus...well, he didn't really care about the egg hunt, and he sure didn't want any of that candy! He was highly irritated that anyone was trying to give him extra candy. Great photo ops, though...

Also, as I am forgetting, Sunday was my 30th birthday....it was a bit of a whirlwind, but it was just fine! Tim and I decided we would celebrate my birthday with his next month since it is just too busy around here right now. It seems crazy to me that I have reached this age. I sure don't feel like it....

Love to all and from our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Friends

2006-04-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have got some great friends! There are so many Proverbs that speak to friendship. There is so much to be cherished. Friendship is a gift. We connect with different people in different ways. Certain personalities just fit. And that is where you find the best of friends.

Recently, I have experienced, once again, having a friend move away. I have been through this many times being the daughter of a preacher, and then the wife of one. You learn to live with it. People come and go. You come and go. But, it has been a long time, I guess 4 years now, since I have really dealt with this. You get close to someone. You become a part of their lives and them yours. You spend time together. You cook together. You shop together. You laugh together. You cry together. You watch movies. You feed husbands. You dress children. You deliver babies. You obsess over body fat. You work out. You eat. You eat some more. You work out some more. There are so many memories....the list just keeps going. And after the dust settles, that is what you have - the memories. These little nuggets that you hang onto and cherish as if a fragile slice of something that you guard so that no one can take it away. Friends who are separated is a hard situation in life. There is nothing fun about it. Except the memories. When we are left alone with our thoughts - this is when we start to enjoy our memories.

I have many friends who live here, who are a part of my daily life. I have friends who live far away, who may not be a part of my daily life, but are a part of me in other ways-blogs, text messaging, emails, phone calls. I count myself rich with blessing that I have been given the gift of friendship. So, thank you to God for the supporters in my life - the connections - the strength - the laughter - the memories - that I share with my friends. What a great life I have been given!

Titus' 3rd Birthday

2006-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I have taken a little hiatus from writing this week. It has just been busy and writing has not been a priority. Anyway....Titus turned 3 last weekend and we had a Star Wars party for him. I went totally simple this year...trying to keep from outdoing myelf for every single birthday...good grief...they are still 5 and under, I can't keep killing myself every single time! So, anyway, simple--presents, cake & ice cream, play outside. They loved it. That's really all they care about anyway. He was overjoyed with all of the little toys he got. He is into everything that Jordan is into. No more Dora, Blue's Clue's, Sesame Street...no, no...we are on to Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, Fantastic 4, and, of course, Star Wars. Tim's Dad came in and got to go to Jordan's soccer game and to the party...the boys loved seeing him. We had a great time celebrating Titus with our friends and family....Titus you are so blessed to have so many people who love you. I am so thankful for the network of supporters in our lives...here's to Titus and his wonderful little life!

Don't Have a Title

2006-04-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so as I re-read this last post, I thought it sounded a bit materialistic. Let me re-word some of this. I do love shopping. In every store I look for the very best bargains I can find. Something inside of me does love to buy. Why is that? I think different personalities get a kick out of spending money. My husband, Tim, just loathes spending money. So, here we are two different worlds colliding. Yes, I love the mall. Yes, I love Target. Yes, I love Hobby Lobby. I love to get out and see the newest thing, the best deals, the cool home decor. But, when I go overboard, and I usually know when that point is, that is when I cross the line. So, here is my semi-confessional...just wanted to clear a little bit of that up!!!

A Day At The Mall

2006-04-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love a day at the mall? I mean, nothing can lift my spirits and put me in a great mood like spending a day at the mall. Even with my two boys in tow, I had a wonderful time. Yesterday was playgroup...that means we started out at Barnes & Noble for storytime, then went up to ride the carousel and get some lunch, then started out on the real fun. Two other Moms were with us, both with their children, but this did not slow us down for one minute. This is the test of a real shopper--through running, screaming, wild-acting children--will continue on their course unwavered! You hope that the kids meal you bought them 30 minutes ago had a cool toy included, but if it did not, then you buy a toy, buy a snack for them, anything to prolong the experience and get in just one more store! You see, as we entered one store, the Mom who was new at shopping with us said, "You guys don't understand. I am a shopper! Don't come crying to me when you are broke and your husband is asking you why!!!" I thought this was great...just think of what could happen without the children present! Yesterday was fun, even at times chaotic. But, of course we true shoppers persevered....thank goodness for Stonebriar Centre...don't you just love it here?

Things God Hates

2006-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, God hates. In Proverbs 6, there is a list of things that God hates. Want to know what they are? These are found in verses 16-19---seven things God hates:
1)proud (arrogant) eyes,
2) a lying tongue,
3)murderers,
4)hearts that plot deceitful schemes,
5)feet that run quickly to trouble,
6)false witness who pours out lies,
7)man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Now, some of these we would consider worse than the others. But, Proverbs tells us that God hates them all. The lying tongue, the false witness who pours out lies-like a faucet, the man who stirs up trouble--these are things that most of us struggle with from time to time. As I was reading this morning, I read in Proverbs and Ephesians. Cross these scriptures from Proverbs with Ephesians 4:29-32
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Proverbs tells us that God hates a liar, one who runs to tell lies and He hates one who stirs up trouble. Look at Ephesians. Whatever is in our hearts come right out of our mouths. Any ugliness in there cannot stay in. Bitterness, rage and anger, slander...these come crawling out of our mouths in the form of unwholesome talk. YUCK!!! Ephesians also tells us that this grieves the Holy Spirit. They fall into the category of things God hates. When we are tearing others down, this is a form of pride (proud eyes)---when we are being untruthful even in the smallest way, this is lying, being a false witness---when unwholeome talk comes out of our mouths, this certainly does not build up, but tears down and causes dissension.

May I be one who pleases the Lord, may I not fit into the category of things God hates. Instead of ugliness, may I be kind and compassionate, quick to forgive, may I build others up and exude the love Christ has given me, not the ugliness that comes from my human nature.

I love what I do!

2006-04-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, here is why I love being at home with the boys. This......we can all stay in our pajamas all day if we so choose. Oh, to be this carefree forever. Nothing better than sipping on a drinkable yogurt on your basketball beanbag watching your favorite TV show in your PJ's! The boys are doing great this week. We are getting ready for Titus' 3rd Birthday coming up this weekend. I cannot believe he is 3!!! Time has flown. My Dad was just telling me this weekend that he just cannot believe he has daughters that are in their and approaching their 30's. He was saying that you basically go through life and then look up, and your kids are grown and you have grandkids. Your mind still tells you that you are young, but your age does not reflect that. Anyway, I wish they could stay little forever, but that is not possible. As Jordan just told me 5 minutes ago, "I will be turning 6! I am not staying 5!"

My Boys

2006-03-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that in two weeks Titus will be 3 and Jordan is currently 5-1/2. I can hardly wrap my mind around this. In so many ways you both seem like babies to me and in other ways, I see how much you are growing, and I am just blown away. You both amaze me in ways that only children can do. You are full-fledged brothers - sworn enemies one minute and best friends the next. What a special relationship this is. I never had brothers. I have two sisters. I have always said that if I had a girl, I would want to have two so they could know what it is like to have a sister, because the relationship is so special. But, as I watch the two of you, I see how unique this relationship is also. You are already taking up for each other when you think there is something to fight for. I can only imagine what this will look like when you are older. It's funny, too, how Titus always wants to do whatever Jordan is doing. If Jordan is playing soccer, Titus wants to play. If Jordan is doing schoolwork at the table, Titus wants to do it, too. If Jordan is getting a spanking, Titus asks, "How bout my fanking?"

Titus has been telling me, "Mommy, you de bes Mommy in the whole word." This of course melts me in a million pieces. And both of you ask me all the time about getting married. (Titus only does this because Jordan does.) So, after considering this subject over and over, they have both made the decision that they are not getting married, that they want to stay with us forever. Titus' version of this is, "Us not get maweed nevo evo!" (My sister Tami just loves when I do Titus impersonations!)

So, this is why I started this blog. To talk about my kids and our family life, to keep long-distance family up to date on the goings on with them. I feel like the most blessed Mom in the world to have these boys in my life. I also feel blessed to be able to see everything that they do. I am so glad I am called to be a stay-at-home Mom.

Jordan's First Goal

2006-03-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened! Yesterday was a perfect day! The weather was absolutely beautiful, church was great yesterday morning, lunch with a wonderful group of friends, and then a soccer game with our 5 year old Jordan. We have been waiting on this for two seasons now. Yesterday at Jordan's afternoon soccer game, he finally made his first goal! We went crazy with excitement! Jordan was jumping up and down screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!" The sideline went nuts! Our friends Ty & Kelly were there, along with my sister Danyelle and her kids, Caleb and Alyssa, who Jordan just adores! I was so proud of him...we have been practicing and practicing....talking and talking about it. So, finally he got it! His very first goal! This is what I love about being a Mom...sharing in all of his experiences, all of his firsts! Way to go, Jordan!

Purpose

2006-03-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

Our church is going through the study by Rick Warren, "40 Days of Purpose". Simply stated, this has been an incredible study. I have just soaked up the book that we are all reading along with it, "The Purpose Driven Life." Rick has a way of putting things very simply, to the point, and easily applicable. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it is one that I will read over and over again.

Along with this study, every Sunday throughout the 40 Days, we have been given a sermon which corresponds with the week we are on. I have to say, even though I am biased and I am married to this guy, our Pastor, Tim, has done a great job of becoming God's vessel and bringing it every week! I would pretty much like to hear him above anyone else! Yesterday was the last sermon on the actual purposes....Evangelism. I was touched to the core about this subject...which so happens to be the heartbeat of God. One of the most powerful points in the sermon was this: 'The purposes produce evangelism.' Acts 2:42-47 outlines the 5 purposes for us--worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. As a result of the first 4 being present and abundant in our lives, the 5th and most important one, evangelism, is the outcropping. It was't something that was scheduled, executed, and done with. It just naturally happened...these believers in Acts just oozed with evangelism...because everything else in their lives was in order.

So, what is my purpose? My purpose should be God's purpose: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. May I never forget this. May I be continually reminded of what my life is to truly be about.

God Says Hello

2006-03-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Last night the boys and I went to run some errands. We have a full Saturday planned today--a birthday party, a baby shower, and a soccer game. Life is in full swing! So, we went out to get everything we needed for this very busy day. As we were walking into the last store on the list, it started to rain. All bundled up in his little rain coat and huddling under the umbrella, Jordan shouts, "God is saying HELLO!" This was immediately followed with, "You know, Mom, if God wants it to stop raining He just says, 'STOP!' " This was a great moment for me. I thought it was just the cutest thing in the world to hear Jordan talk about God like this. And, then, to know that he is soaking it all in. Sunday school lessons, reading his bible at night, worship tunes playing in the car--at 5 years old he has a concept of the power of God. My prayer as a mother of two boys is that they will find God in their lives, accept Him as their Savior, and learn to live a life closely in tune with Him. I am sure my parents prayed the same prayers. I thank God for the generations of believers in our family who left this legacy.

Freedom

2006-03-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce a new song I just learned---I Lay Me Down. We sang it Sunday at church and it was great! It starts out slow and builds and builds until it just explodes at the end.

I lay me down, Oh, I lay me down.
A pleasing sacrifice to you.
And freedom is now the song of my heart.
Oh, freedom is now the song of my heart.

Freedom in Christ is an amazing thing. It is something that doesn't just come to you the day you become a believer. What I mean by that is this--obviously it is available, but we usually do not tap into the fullness of the freedom, the fullness of Christ, until later in the walk. It is there for the taking, but we must seek it out. Once we find it and experience it, there is nothing in the world like it. I have been in church all of my life, I have been a believer for 10 years, but I have just recently come face to face with the freedom that is promised mine as a child of God. I will never let it go. I will fight to keep opening new doors of freedom, to keep the experience alive, to feel the authenticity of knowing where my place is in Him. My relationship with Him has been deepened and my views have a new perspective.

I am so blessed to have come to this point in my Christian walk. Sunday morning worship is the highlight of my week. I have seen people experience this and have longed for it myself---now I know how amazing and precious it truly is! The best thing about this place I have found---I don't have to wait until Sunday, I can have any time I want in the privacy of my own home.

Thank you God for leading me to this place. Thank you for breaking down the walls of religion. Thank you for showing me the reality of your love and grace. Thank you for this life. I love it.

Jordan and Titus

2006-03-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

My kids crack me up! As I am sure everyone's kids crack them up....mine just make me laugh so much! (Or as my 2-1/2 year old says, "sho mush!")

Jordan is just like his Daddy...he could talk his way out of a paper sack. He is already honing in on this skill. He tries to talk us out of discipline and tries to talk us into things he wants. We will have to work extra hard to focus this skill to be used for good and not evil. Jordan is also very smart...he will definitely be going to college on an academic scholarship! He amazes me with the way he picks up concepts so easily...he will be one of those kids who does not have to study very hard. He is my cuddle bug...and he loves spending time with me. I love that! When Jordan was just learning how to talk, he would wake up and find me and say,"I wan hode you." Now that he is 5 he wakes up and finds me and says, "I want you to hold me." Precious!!

Titus is the aggressive one. He doesn't mind telling you what he thinks. He doesn't mind showing you what he thinks. He doesn't mind acting on what he thinks. He is certainly my little strong willed child. When he is angry, you know it. When he is grumpy, you know it. When he is sad, you know it. When he is silly, you know it. When he is happy, you know it. He is just the kind of person who says, "this is who I am...take it or leave it." He says the most hilarious things, as most two year olds do. When he really likes something he says, "I like it bewy sho mush!" (TRANSLATION: I like it very so much!)

He and his brother fight like crazy. But, they are finally starting to play together a little more peacefully. Tim and I monitor this pretty closely. We try to let them work it out, but they haven't quite grasped that concept. I love my boys..they teach me so much about myself.

Thanks for letting me go on and on about them. How could I have a blog that doesn't have something to say about my kiddos? They are my pride!

9 years

2006-03-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

So, Tim and I celebrated our 9th anniversary last week. We sat at the table over a plate of Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, (I brought it back...it used to be one of Tim's favorite dishes...I made it so much that we both got sick of it!), and reminisced about the events of these 9 glorious (what else am I supposed to say?!) years. We started out at 22 and 20 in a tiny little seminary apartment with next to nothing. I remember feeling like I was living in a little dream world. Most people would wonder how that life could make anyone happy, but we were. It was a carefree time....just school and the little jobs we held to stay afloat back then. There were no real responsibilities or pressures....just the bliss that those first few months of marriage bring. Of course, along with the bliss came the tumultuous arguments that only those first few months can also bring. (Tim and I have always been the couple who gets along beautifully with a good balance of disagreements.)

And I digress...I am writing about what these first 9 years have brought us. We moved a lot in our first year. Tim held his first pastorate position in our first year. We moved out to that small East Texas town and learned a lot to say the least. After Tim's first pastorate ended, we moved back to seminary housing, then quickly moved to a small town in Arkansas where Tim stepped into youth ministry for the second time. Through all of these moves, Tim continued seminary until he finished....a lot of commuting. It was nothing for us to go several days without seeing each other....I guess we just knew that finishing school was important and we were both determined to see it through.

The beginning of our third year promised a new era in our history. We found out we were pregnant and were both graduating with our bachelor degrees. That summer we moved to Austin where Jordan was born a few months later. We were only there for a few months before moving back to Arkansas to the same church where Tim would now Pastor. This move would prove life-changing for us.

This is when we met our dear friends, Kyle and Erika Sears. After only a year of friendship and serving on staff side-by-side, the 4 of us knew what we were destined to do together. The burning passion inside these men, shared by their wives, could not be contained in a traditional church setting. God had given us a "dream"--and had created us to follow where that path lead. So, we blindly followed and made our last big move to Frisco, Texas in the summer of 2002.

After being here only a month, we found out we were pregnant with our second son, Titus. During my pregnancy Tim and I worked loooooooong hours. We were weary with fatigue, disappointed that the move had not been as easy as we had hoped, but still determined to follow God's leading. Maybe He was testing us to see how bad we wanted it. We knew there was no going back. We were consumed with "the dream"-the idea that a church could be created where people were real, flexible, and passionate and we could experience that on Sunday in corporate worship and individually throughout our days and weeks. We bought a house and moved in a couple of months before Titus was born.

We began having preview (practice) services for GM that summer along with Home Bible Studies. A year later we held our first public service; 9 months later we officially launched. Here we are now, still chasing "the dream"...enjoying the fruits already and learning all along the way as we go. There is nothing on this earth I would rather be doing. I love where we are. I love what we are doing. I love how much I have learned and how far I have come as a child of God. I love that I am still learning and experiencing new things in Christ.

To the next 9 years, I say, "LET'S GO!!"

I wonder what Genesis Metro will look like by then. I can only pray that God will bless us in ways that I cannot even imagine. And by that I mean that GM will be used to transform people's lives beyond what I can comprehend.

I wonder whay my kids will look like by then. They will be 14 and 12.....that seems CRAZY to me!!!!!

Funny, I don't really wonder what Tim and I will look like. I am pretty sure it will be much like we look today. A little older and wiser perhaps; still happy, content, trying to make our marriage better--still disagreeing on the little things where our personalities differ. I am so glad (WARNING: cliche moment coming) we were paired for this journey together. I cannot imagine my life any other way.

the introduction

2006-03-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Well...here I am. I have entered the blogging community. Some of my friends have blogs and they have been asking me why I have not jumped on this bandwagon. So, here I am today having climbed aboard this cyber world where my words go out into the wild blue yonder for the whole world to view if they so choose. Strange! As I sit here to try and figure out what in the world I will write about I keep telling myself that no one will care about the day-to-day affairs of my life. But, as I have been told, blogging is more for yourself than for anyone else. It is a way to get my thoughts out there--sort of a cathardic measure. So, to the lights of my life--my husband and two boys--you will now be kissing your privacy goodbye! The goings-on of the Bourne household will now be shared with the masses...