The Floyd Family

14 Months...

2012-02-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

14 months and counting...on the adoption.

In other news...we celebrated 1 year at Cross Church Fayetteville! It has been an awesome year. We praise the Lord for all He has done! I need to update my blog so bad with pictures...I am so behind:)

11 MONTHS Waitlisted!!!

2011-11-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

I need to update my blog so very badly...but I am too tired:))))

9 Months Down...and Catching up from my Lack of Blogging...

2011-09-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Razorback Game tonight...my sister Abby's 1st game:)

Finally did a project on my wall that I have been wanting to do for awhile now.

Thanks Abby for your help:)))

Mandisa and Anita Renfroe were awesome at our Girls' Night Out event!!!

Praising the Lord for helping me to finish a Discipleship Notebook that I have been working on for awhile now:))) Finally done and being offered on Tuesday mornings from 9-11.

Trusting the Lord for it to bear much fruit in the lives of the women.

on my way to church Sunday...was really breath taking in real life

Reese started dance ministry/class at church several weeks ago.

She loves it:) She is the one with her back to the pic.

Calling those Hogs!

Precious.

I pray they will become good friends and treat each other sweet:)

Beck with cousin Jack

We had to get our medical stuff re-done since our year mark has come up with the adoption ppw...this is us this year....

and this is us on the same couch last year.

Really hope I am not posting another picture on the same couch next summer:))))

8 months waitlisted!!!

2011-08-15T20:30:00.001-07:00

SEVEN

2011-07-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

We have hit our 7 Months Waitlisted mark!

I am not sure why I am so excited??? I think it is b/c I am seeing other people in our area get their referrals and that makes it all seem so real. It reminds me that we really are going to welcome 2 sweet children into our home...and it will be here before we know it.

Time really does go by so fast.

The current avg. wait is around 15 months.

Feel like God gave this to me awhile ago regarding our adoption:

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Hab 2:3

I'm Back!

2011-07-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting my parents in Florida!

Jason and Olivia (my sis) with Will and Wyatt.

Olivia is due to have "Evi" in August!

I can't wait. Reese needs a girl cousin.

Will, Beck and Wyatt.

They are 5 weeks older than Beck. Olivia and I were actually due 3 days apart, but

the twins decided to come early:)

Is this not the biggest grasshopper you have ever seen????

OH MY WORD>>>> seriously.

Nick had to put his phone up to show how huge it was.

This was on my parent's back porch.

We surprised Peyton, Parker and Reese by taking them to Disney.

We waited to tell them that morning...it was so much fun.

Yes, I do admit I appear a little "intense"...but that is b/c I was focusing on beating Josh, Kate and Nick's score:) ha. I WON!!! actually...I DOMINATATED is more like it.

82,000 points on the Buzz Lightyear game:)

Reese asked Mary Poppins where the kids were???

She said that they were flying kites with their parents that day.

Reese liked that answer....and for an added bonus...Mary P

promised to tell the kids that Reese said hello:)

I love Mary Poppins!!!!

Reese and her friend Macon

Reese headed to her 1st little spend the night thing at Macon's house...

other than grandparents.

She had fun:)

6 Months Waitlisted (almost)...Adoption Update:)

2011-05-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Almost to our 6 month mark...yay! I wanted to write an update on the adoption. At this point, it looks like realistically we might be waiting for another year or so for our referrals. Not sure, could be sooner, could be longer. We are trusting in God's plan and timing. We will keep waiting...in the mean time...Reese just turned 4 and Beck is as busy as ever!!! Will post pics soon.

Happy Easter!!!

2011-04-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

Why Ethiopia?

2011-02-04T13:43:00.001-08:00

Found this video on my friend's blog...made by another family adopting from Ethiopia.

Very informative. Precious...Were on our way little ones!!!

CROSSCHURCH FAYETTEVILLE HAS LAUNCHED!!!

2011-01-23T12:03:00.001-08:00

Ladies,

Join me as we launch the Women's Ministry @ CrossChurch Fayetteville!!!

Winter Coffeehouse

Tuesday night, Feb 1.

6-8pm

Free Admission

Coffee and Dessert:)

Worship will be led by Rachel Billingsley (WONDERFUL!!! )

Join us as I lay out the vision for our Women's Ministry program and give you an opportunity to sign up for upcoming Bible Studies.

***We will be collecting canned goods to go towards our CrossChurch Food pantry that serves NWA.

Hope you can come! Bring someone with you.

Sign up in the Welcome Center

http://crosschurch.com/portfolio/fayetteville-campus-opening/

Wow, the past two Sundays have been wild! Wild in a good way. We have had many people come and many decisions for Christ! PRAISE THE LORD!

The most exciting part about last Sunday...opening day...was that I was able to pray with a woman to receive Christ. What a blessing, I will never forget it. What a special blessing from the Lord to be able to help a woman to Christ on our launch day. I am thankful. Very moving. and....She was baptized this Sunday....today!!! Awesome.

Nick...so proud of you! I love you and am thankful that God put me by your side on this ministry journey. It is an exciting one for sure.

This is a picture from today, after church. Staff kids...ha. They are looking over into the baptistry b/c Ronnie actually ended up baptizing after services too! A family of 4. It was crazy today!!!!!!!!! During the 2nd service...there were around 10 people saved!!!!!!!!!!!

The power of the Gospel is incredible.

Nick just preached the Gospel as clearly as he could and the Spirit of God called people...they responded. wow...I am still blown away. Looking forward to what God will do next week.

I let Nick take Reese out in the snow:) ha. She is so cold that she will not smile for the camera.

Building forts (Reese) and knocking them down (Beck) is the latest news from the Floyd home:)

Beckham's Version of "OBEDIENCE"...

Waitlisted 1 Month/Florida Christmas and Nick's B-day/Random Stuff...

2011-01-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

Great news everybody...we are finally waitlisted for the adoptions!!! In fact, the 10th of this month will be 1 month on the waitlist. People typically wait on avg. about 91/2 months to receive a referral. Could be sooner, could be later. We shall wait.

In other news...we had an oh so fun trip to see my family in Florida over Christmas break.

It was sooooo good to be home. Everyone was there....all members of my family.

Beckham enjoyed playing with his cousins Will and Wyatt! Olivia and I were due 3 days apart but she ended up having the boys a month early. So, the boys are a month apart. Will, Beck and Wyatt ( I can now tell them apart).

Will looks like Jason to me and Wyatt looks like Olivia:)

Me (26), Abby (youngest sister Abby, 19) and Olivia (younger sister Olivia, 25)

Us with our sweet Mommy:)

Uncle Brian playing Reese's game with her on Christmas morning.

Thanks Uncle Brian!!! (my older brother, 29)

Bobo...in Heaven.

Jason...looks like the aftermath of being dominated by the ladies in a water/flour war...

Feels good to be the winners....just sayin for the record.

Sorry Wyatt...for the flour I got on you...Auntie Meredith didn't mean to get you too:(

Handome BOYS in my life.

Wyatt is checking me out...ha. I could eat him up.

Helping Bobo drive down the dirt road to our house.

Most mornings the turkeys come walking behind the house.

This particular morning there were over 20 or something like that...lots.

Mom took us to a tea room in my hometown. It was so fun!

It was decorated so cute. Right down my ally.

4 Generations...

Grandma Polly (mom's mom), Mom, Us, Reese

Thanks Mom, let's do it again.

Not sure about the maximum capacity on a John Deere Gator...but we definitely

made a record I believe.

One of the days my cousins from Plant City brought their kids

down for a playdate. The kids had so much fun. Reese really

enjoyed playing with everybody!

Thanks guys for coming:)

Reese and Aubrey

My cousin Jessica has triplets...yes that is right people...triplets!!

And she is still alive...I repeat...She is still alive.

In fact, she is rockin it! She makes triplets look like fun:) ha.

Brady, Emma and Natalie ( I hope I got that right Jessica)

Happy Birthday to my sweetheart of 7 years:)

Nick's bday is the 28th...so he always gets "Jipped" as he would say.

We took him out to eat and went to see "True Grit".

I have to say...I enjoyed it. I laughed really loud several times.

I don't know what everybody's problem was...and why no one else was laughing

as loud as I was? It was so funny to me...I am not sure why.

And...I kicked it all off by slipping while walking to my seat...in front of a bunch of elderly people. Here we are, in a theatre of elderly people and I am the one that falls...

it was bad...like slow motion...as I fell I was thinking...how far can I still fall...it felt like I fell for like 10 minutes. Embarassed and bruised.

Abby, Olivia and her husband Jason

Happy Birthday Nick!

Aunt Abby's Tree Swing

We took Reese for a hike...and we each needed our own hiking sticks!

( My Grandma taught me that:)

Olivia holding one of the twins on the 4-wheeler.

Growing up, we used to climb up and play on the train tracks that go over the creek.

Good memories. So...we had to take Reese up there and let her see it for herself.

She liked it.

Nick fishing.

Beck posing by the gate. Hilarious.

I don't know how he knew to do this.

Dad taking Abby, her friends and Reese out on the airboat.

Thank you Aunt Abby for my new shoes with Bible Verses all over them...I love them.

Love, Reese

Ha...celebrating Christmas early before we flew out the next day to FL.

I made Nick get up early before Reese woke up and lay on the couch while we waited for Reese to wake up...ha. He was not so happy about this idea.

Reese's Christmas Presents...

Getting ready for her Ethiopian siblings...:)

Beckham loves his little beep beep...

That's right folks...we now have room for all of our babies that we have collected in the short 31/2 years of Reese's life...Room for 7!

Reese baking cookies.

Waiting for them to bake...Eating mac and cheese. nice.

Fayetteville Square

next year it's your turn Nick...

Reese brought this to me several weeks ago, I was so shocked. She has never put bodies together like that so this was a BIG deal!!!! It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen....b/c she told me that it was me and her and that we were holding hands.

I still can't believe she made little bodies like that...before this she had only drawn circles and attempted triangles. This is a big deal!!!

Yay Reese!

Blessings to you...

we launch CrossChurch Fayetteville next Sunday!!!

Come see us: 9:15 and 10:55

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Beckham Grant/CrossChurch Fay/Fingerprinting:)

2010-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Beckham turned 1 on Nov. 19th. I can't believe it.

Looking back at his newborn pictures...

Reese "checking" him out:)

We had a little pre-service in the new building for CrossChurch Fayetteville.

It went great, Nick did a great job!

I so enjoy being beside him in ministry.

God is so gracious.

Us with his parents.

We launch Jan. 16th.

Come JOIN US!!!

Adoption Update:

We were fingerprinted for hopefully the final time in Fort Smith 2 weeks ago. Now we will wait for our CIS approval letter...after that we will be on the waitlist!!!

Yay!!!

Chick-fil-A Princess Night/Kids 1st Haircut/Razorback Game/Fall Festival/CrossChurch!!!

2010-11-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

We took Reese to Princess night @ Chick-fil-A. Was so awesome!

Note: Reese was very terrified of the Chick-fil-A Cows.

Here getting her nails painted:)

Nick had to sit with her b/c their was a "cow" near by.

With her little friends:)

???

They even had limo rides around the parking lot...hilarious!

We rocked it out with the Butler family! ha.

Well....after Beckham began sporting an official baby mullet...I decided it was time for the kids to have their 1st haircut!!! Reese has never had one...she is 31/2. They did really well...and looked so cute afterwards. Beck looks much better and Reese's hair looks healthier!

Thank you sweet Julee!!!

Reese brought her play straightener as well. nice.

We took Reese to her first Hog game of the season...she had to re-warm up to Boss Hog and Big Red....she eventually came around...kind of. She is definitely much easier to manage this year compared to last year...was fun to have her there!

Looking thru her "noculars".

Reese was a Razorback cheerleader and Beck was a studly Razorback football player for our

church fall festival. They looked so cute. I even put black eyeliner on Beck's cheeks...ha.

All of the cousins:)

Nick took me out to give me a tour of our building...

CrossChurch is coming along and we are thrilled!

Very excited to see all that God will do thru this new campus...

Families and people are going to be changed thru meeting Jesus Christ...

what could be more exciting?

CrossChurch Fayetteville handed out 1000 purple "Purple-Out" t-shirts to Fay fans last Friday night. It went really well and hopefully will be a blessing to them as well as draw people to CrossChurch...we had our logo as well as several other sponsors on the back. It was so great to see around 50 of our core team members there.

Awesome.

Gladney Approved!/Pumpkins/Cinnci and Lots More!

2010-10-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Were approved!!! Now we are very close to being waitlisted...one more step and we will begin the waiting period. Basically that means we are on a waitlist to be matched to our kids. Typically you are on the waitlist for an avg. of 8 months.

Yay...is an understatement:)

Took the kids to a pumpkin patch last week. Reese picked out a million pumpkins...seriously. It was fun. Last year we went to this same pumpkin place and Beck was in my tummy...

time flies.

Today the kids took these flowers out on stage to surprise Ronnie and Jeana for their 24th year anniversary at being @ CrossChurch. They were surprised! Sweet.

I was so excited to see my sweet friend Sara today! Sara served in our young singles class when we were on staff @ Prestonwood in Dallas. She is newly married...sooo enjoyed seeing her again and meeting her sweet husband . Love you Sara. Come see us again!

I took the kids last weekend and headed to Cinncinnatti! 2 plane trips each way...we survived. It was a last minute thing...wanted to go to celebrate Will and Wyatt's 1st birthday...plus my parents were there too. We had a great time...but Beck did bring the stom bug to them....I thought he wouldn't...but he did. AND...the following people got sick...Will...Wyatt...Dad...Olivia...Jason...and Mom a little bit. Yeh, pretty much everybody got some form of it. Sorry guys...I feel really bad about that. It passed quickly...but still.

The boy's birthday party!

Mimi and Beck

Dani, my friend that I have known since 3rd grade actually lives really close to Olivia...she drove over. It was sooo good to see her and meet little Ben....well..I shouldn't say little...he is sooo tall for his age. Just like his Daddy...ha!

We had a little party for Beck too. I set my cookie down from his cookie cake and he grabbed and it finished it off. He really liked it! Beck's birthday is coming up...Nov. 19th.

Olivia comforting the boys as they start to feel sick...they had just both just thrown up.

Olivia is officially my hero. She does everything x 2.

cousins...cousins...cousins. Christmas will be crazy!

Peyton @ his last soccer game. Great job Peyton!!!

Sweet boy ready for bed...please notice it is still light outside...it must have been one of those days. ha...

This is the biggest Mum I have ever seen.

Nick laughed when I said that...well it is.

Reese ready for school.

Corn Maze last week.

Beck had strep and then the stom bug. Rough times...rough times.

Reese assisting her Daddy as they pass out Gatorade to the Fayetteville football players after practice. They do this each Tuesday. We are doing it to begin serving in the Fayetteville community. Reese really like helping.

Reese at her class Fall party. They were attempting a game! It was pretty cute!

I hosted the Adoption playgroup I am apart of @ my house this month.

It went great and I was able to connect with a few more moms.

It is really a blessing because I can talk with women who are in every stage the process. Most of the families are Ethiopian adoptions too. Really cool.

This is Miles Harmon and Beck.

Precious.

Garage Sale # 2!!!

I am officially done with the garage sale...yay. I was able to donate the leftovers to another girl who was doing one to raise money for her husband to go pick up their daughter from the Congo and then to a ministry in Fayetteville called Potters House Thrift. FYI: they will come pick your stuff up and it goes to a great cause.

Onward to other fundraising opportunities!

Want to buy some coffee???

ha, will have link up soon.

Our church is now "CrossChurch"!!!

Someone made these cookies.

Reese counting her dimes. We just began trying to teach her about tithing. If she does her chores...picks up her clothes and toys in her room...she gets 10 dimes per week...1 goes to the offering box on Sundays and then she keeps the 9. She likes this money thing!

These are our friends Clint and Ashley Smith. They are adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. They were just waitlisted. We were able to attend their fundraising garage sale...and we got some really cool stuff!!!

The other morning we woke up to a couch full of babies and misc. stuffed animals...all lined up watching t.v. Reese had lined them all up. It was hilarious.

verse for today

2010-10-06T08:28:00.001-07:00

"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." lk 8:39

Pictures of the kids...

2010-10-01T12:08:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend Rachel Blackwell took these pictures before she moved to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago...they turned out so cute! Here is the link. Thank you Rachel, they are so precious!!! Miss you already!

Finally, Finally...

2010-09-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

I just got word that the last child abuse clearance was just rec'd back to my adoption agency...and everything forwarded to my homestudy contact...so in about a week we will be Gladney approved!!!! yay!!! and then on to our last step before being waitlisted....our CIS ppw/fingerprinting. We have had a little hold up waiting on our clearances to come back from Florida and Texas. We had to do one for every state we had lived in for the last 5 years....Florida, Virginia, Texas and Arkansas!!! Glad everything has gotten back to our agency finally. FYI: people say the adoption process is a journey...they are not kidding! but...my Gladney worker also said..."enjoy the journey"...b/c this is the only time we will ever walk this particular planning journey for these 2 sweet children. Thinking of them, working towards them, fundraising for them, praying for them, imagining them, talking about them...and then all of that all over again and again. ha. All that to say, I now believe you sweet friends when you told me...it is a journey.

thinking of you sweet children that are probably still in the womb

...and enjoying you today sweet Reese and Beck

For we are not promised tomorrow...

Are You READY for some RHEA LANA'S???

2010-09-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies...Rhea Lana's is coming to Fayetteville next week and you

DON'T want to miss out!

WHAT is it???

An oh soooo fun...HUGE children's consignment sale!!!

Furniture, strollers, clothes, toys and basically anything baby/kids related you can imagine!

I consigned some of Reese's clothes last year and made some money!

I also found some great deals!

Click here to go to their main website: RHEA LANA'S

Click here to go the page specifically for the Fayetteville event coming up next week:

RHEA LANA'S FAYETTEVILLE

Here's how you can get involved...

1. just shop!!!

2. consign and shop!!!

3. work, consign and shop!!!

The more involved you are, the earlier you get to shop all the deals!!!

Here is the SCHEDULE:

MON, SEP 27: The Private Pre-Sale Event for Volunteers, Consignors, and Moms-To-Be

TUE, 28-OCT 2: Opens to public shoppers

See ya there!

I'm Fired Up...in a good way.

2010-09-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Loving Choices is a local crisis pregnancy center here in NWA. Their annual banquet is coming up on October 28th...and I can't wait to go!!! I was looking over their website tonight and was so impressed. It is so easy to read and to navigate through. Also...they have a great volunteer system where you can pick how much time you are able to give and they have options of ways to get involved...I love that b/c I want to and MUST be involved in helping stand for the unborn in some way...just never knew quite where to start. NOW...I do. So...ladies...go to the website and check it out. You can just commit to pray all the way to handing out business cards when the occasion presents itself...or volunteering in one of the centers....or donating baby items for their "Mommy Boutiques"...(i love that)...or hosting a table at their banquet....or doing their fundraiser Walk....or just being an advocate in your circle of friends. It's just great I think...and I am looking forward to somehow getting involved in whatever way the Lord will lead. I shall wait and see. We definitely want to be a partner with them as we begin the Women 's ministry at the Fayetteville campus! Click HERE my sweet friends and allow God to use you in a great way!

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

ps 139

Garage Sale!!! + What we have been doing lately...

2010-09-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well...today was a great day...and we are really tired!!!

Thanks to everyone for donating your stuff and for coming by today!!!

We raised $2,000.00 today!

Praise the Lord, we are grateful.

We still have lots of stuff left so I will be doing Craig's List and another garage sale to close it out on a Friday coming up.

FYI: I still have these things left:

Hairbows

Kitchen Table

6 chairs

1 Big chair

dishes

custom arrangements

1 New custom Queen bedding set

3 Monkey's (girls shoes, 3 girls purses, boy clothing, Juicy Maternity Jeans)

Give me a shout if you want a pic of something!

Early this morning. Thank you Gigi for watching the kids!

Reese is still eating her breakfast here.

I have decided Beck looks like me in his eyes.

Our family with our Incredibly awesome sign!!!

Thank you sweet helpers!!!

Richard, LaVonda, Margo, Sara, Bethany and her mom Robin

I could NOT have done it without you!!!

LaVonda...you were sent from the Lord to help us with this and I am not joking...at all...Seriously!!! Thank you for giving your time!!! FYI: You can hire her to run your garage sale for you. Contact me if you want her info or friend her on FB. LaVonda Wright.

We love our new Africa t-shirts. Thank you Erin K and Carrie B for letting me buy them!

Erin's shirts go towards Esther's House Orphanage and Carrie's shirts are for their adoption!

Mine is from Erin and Nick's is from Carrie.

We had a great time @ the Razorback game last Saturday!

Butlers, us, Monahans and Blackwells

Me and my sweet friend Rachel...Rachel is moving to San Fransciso in about a week and a half. I am soooooo oooo ooo sad to see her go but am equally excited for the opportunity for her and Ryan to pastor at First Baptist San Francisco. What an opportunity for the Lord. I know God has great things in store...I can't wait to see all that God will do. They are wonderful and precious friends, a great blessing to us.

We will miss them dearly...

handsome boy...

Nick preaching this past Sunday @ CPH

Reese with Peyton and Parker @ Shiloh Game in Dallas.

The Cowboys stadium was awesome.

Me with my sweet Jen from Dallas...miss you girl! Great to see you!!!

While in Dallas we were able to see our friends Deb and Jarrett Stephens with their 2 girls...Kelsey on left, Riley in middle. When we lived in Dallas, Riley and Reese were big friends. Even though Reese can't really remember much, its like they picked up where they left off. Precious.

Nick getting fingerprinted for our FBI clearance for the adoption. ha.

OK...I soooo enjoyed hearing Michelle Duggar from (19 Kids and Counting!!!) speak to our MOPS group @ church on Wed. She lives in our area. She spoke to us on Child Training: Building Godly Character. It was excellent. I will implement her material. She is a Godly woman who lives out the importance of being a faithful wife and a loving mom. Her girls played for us as well. It was great. What a blessing to have Michelle with us!

Me and Marci with Mrs. Duggar!!!

SEPTEMBER 11th...come see me!

2010-08-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Wanted to let everyone know that we are having a fundraiser/garage sale to raise money for our adoption.

We are adopting 2 kids from Ethiopia...hopefully boy/girl twins!

When: SEPTEMBER 11th, 8-11 am.

Where: Our House (comment and I can em you address)

How you can help...

1. Donate stuff for us to sell

2. Bake stuff or make something for us to sell

3. Come buy something!!! (sticker price or donation)

(there will be lots of stuff...new and old. I will be making hairbows and baked goods...people making other things too!)

Hope to see you on Sep. 11th!!!

"God sets the lonely in Families."

Ps. 68:6

Blessings,

2010-08-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

Gigi took Reese to "Fancy Nails" today to get her nails done. They just opened a little girl room!!! Reese was a little nervous she said. The sucker helped warm her up.

Thanks Gigi!

We were able to go to lunch with Coach Bowden on Sunday. Nick was in Heaven. Seriously.

My sweet friend Holly Thomas had her little girl on Monday.

6.14

Precious!!!

So happy for you Holly!!!

Medical Exam/1st Day of K3!!!/Baking and Sewing...

2010-08-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Mommy to get my blood drawn for lots of tests for the adoption ppw. Don't we look like we have everything under control??? ha. don't answer that.

Reese started K3 @ Shiloh this week. She loved it. Her teacher is so very sweet. I think it is going to be great for Reese. She goes on Monday and Tuesdays only...for about 6 hours. She is eager to learn....I think it will be a blessing.

(I LOVE the little uniform look)

Dropping her off for her 1st day!

Her and Ms. Brunton

After a hard day's work in K3.

Had Chuck and Amy Butler over. Their kids are almost the same exact ages of our kids and they are in the process of adopting a sibling group right now as well. They are doing domestic and we are doing international. Maybe will go from 2 to 4 at the same time???ha

Beck and Wrigley

Reese and Macon drinking out of tea cups for dinner...ha! Thanks Mimi, life is short...we needed to pull them out and use them~

Reese in her Shiloh shirt.

Last week a sweet girl named Meredith Franzke came over to hang out. She is our babysitter sometimes...but this day she came to just hang. She brought some really yummy homemade cookie dough and we baked and ate! (and saved some for Nick and Reese) We also sewed some baby blankets...they turned out really cute so far! Need to finish them. Thanks Meredith! Had fun with you.

Homestudy Completed!

2010-08-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had our homestudy this afternoon. It lasted from about 3:30-8:30. Our caseworker Andrea is super sweet and has such a calming personality. She is perfect for what she does. Bascially she just asked lots of questions, individually and together...about everything. She brought up several topics and situations that I had not thought about...which is great b/c now I can better prepare. She also looked around the house/backyard area. It was fun and I am glad we have it behind us so we are 1 step closer now. Thank you Andrea! We shall meet again! (She will follow up with us for a 3 month, 6 month and 1 year post placement visit after we have the children). Jeana took Reese and Beck for a few hours which was super helpful.

Thank you GiGi!

Happy Tuesday... tomorrow everyone...Reese starts K3 @ Shiloh 1 week from today.

She is officially a Shiloh Saint now!

I think she is going to love it. She will go on Monday and Tuesdays from 8:30-2:30.

I think she is ready to learn, learn, learn.

Swim Week Over but We Made a new Friend...

2010-08-06T20:41:00.001-07:00

Swim Lessons are over...but we had such a fun week! This is her teacher Mrs. Virginia. She owns Swim Ranch and is so precious. She is such a great teacher for the little ones.

Appreciate her.

We made new friends this year. It's always nice to have another mom to talk to as your pacing the pool telling your child to "kick, kick, kick"..."hum, hum, hum". ha. This is Trenton. His mommy's blog is here. So great to meet you sweet Lisa! We shall get together soon!

For some reason, my pictures are messing up today. Oh well...

Swim Lessons and Homestudy!!!

2010-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Precious...ha. Reese is doing SwimRanch again this year. She is doing great!

We were sad to see Mimi leave us this morning. She had been here almost 2 weeks...so I guess have to let her go home to my Dad. Thanks Dad for letting us borrow her!!!

We love you Mimi!

Beck is getting so big!

He is now sleeping through the night without waking up...YAY!

He is also spitting up a little less....YAY!!

And...he is actually swallowing food and somewhat enjoying it...YAY!!!

Please notice her little pose she has going on. Hilarious...her little hand flipped up. Nice.

Sweet girl.

In other news...we have our homestudy this Monday!!! yay. That means we are just that much closer to our little ones. I got these updates in an email the other day from our agency regarding current wait times:

a. Current Average wait time for referral for child age 0-12 months: 8 months (longest waiting families still waiting for referrals have been waiting 9.5 months currently).

b. Current Average wait time for referral for child age 13 months and older: 7 months (longest waiting families still waiting for referrals have been waiting 9 months currently)

c. Current Average wait time for court date: 2-3 months from time of acceptance of referral to finding out court date. Currently approximately 4 weeks from that point to court date. Last court season, court dates were scheduled on average anywhere between 2-5 months from time of acceptance of referral.

c. Current Average time frame for travel for placement/U.S. Embassy appointment: 3-6 weeks from time adoption is approved and finalized by the federal court in Ethiopia.

SO, to sum all of that up...It looks like we are looking at getting them 13/14 months after we get our ppw finished and sent to Ethiopia. Hopefully we will have that done in another month or so. So...that puts us at about 16 more months from now...meaning NOV or DEC of next year. That is all just guessing though...could be shorter...could be longer. Beck will turn 2 next Nov. That would be perfect!!! We shall see.

Adoption NEWS!!!

2010-07-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well...I have news. (hee hee)

As most of you know, I posted awhile back that we would be pursuing the adoption of a baby boy from Rwanda. We have been working on lots of paperwork!!! Before we mailed the 1st big group in, I began thinking that we should perhaps adopt 2 instead of 1? ha. I brought it up to Nick, gave him a great speech...articulated all of my fabulous reasons for this crazy idea and waited for a response. ha. Guess what, he was excited at the idea as well. I was thinking maybe a sibling group, both being under 2. Nick was thinking more like boy/girl twins!!! Yes, you heard me right folks! He reminded me that he has always wanted twins...OH my...He is right. He has told me that several times over our 5 years of marriage, and I would think "yeh right, probably never will happen...what are the chances" every time he would say it. Well...moral of that story is we just never knew how God would fulfill that dream of his.

What I am TRYING to say is that we sent our ppw off this week and are now going to pursue adopting boy/girl twins from Ethiopia.

We have come to this conclusion for several reasons:

I think it would be great for our son to have someone that looks like him within our own family,

I think it would be extra great for them to have the security and legacy of one another,

we could impact 2 lives instead of 1, (WOW)

we feel like God has made room in our home, car, budget and hearts for 2 not just 1, really believe God has blessed/prepared us lately to do something radical for HIM,

Nick and I can see ourselves wanting to adopt again in the future (even though we have never even adopted one) and it is wiser financially to adopt 2 at one time instead of doing 2 different adoptions,

why not? The way I see it, we only have 1 life to live. If God doesn't want this for our family, He will shut the doors and we will be ok with that. We are going to pursue it and trust God for the outcome. Ps 68:6 says that "God sets the lonely in families". As I was thinking and praying about this decision, I believe God showed me through this verse that He is the one in control. He will work it out as He desires.

We know that orphans are the heart of God, we will pursue this in this way.

Wow, this has been a journey and it just started. People say adoption is a journey, I believe them now. Nick and I started with the idea to adopt from Ethiopia, changed to Rwanda after Ethiopia changed to 2 trips, and have landed back in Ethiopia. From what I have found out, it seems that it will be much easier to get 2 from Ethiopia as opposed to Rwanda. Rwanda only has 1 orphange you can adopt out of, this orphange runs about 130 kids. It only accepts abandonment cases, unlike Ethiopia which take abandoned and kids who's parents have reliquished rights at many ages. Also, our agency will only place siblings. They will not place 2 unrelated kids. Our chances of getting siblings or twins were much less from what I understand in Rwanda. We could be waiting for awhile. That is why have ended up back with Ethiopia. There are many more kids up for adoption and many sibling groups at different ages to adopt. We are ok with this b/c while we felt a strong call to adoption, we were ok with either country. If we were going to still just try to adopt 1, we would have just stayed with Rwanda. I think both countries would be great for different reasons. Timeline will be a little longer now. 18 months, is average. Not sure.

Several mornings ago I read:

"In his heart man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Prov. 16:9

I feel like this verse sums up what Nick and I have walked through over the past few months. We have been planning and seeking the Lord, and have ended up in a direction we could have never imagined last year or even months ago, or weeks ago. Trusting.

"He who calls you is faithful, and He will bring it to pass." 1 thess 5:24

So...that is the news sweet friends. My prayer now is that God would make me the woman, wife and mom that I need to be and desire to be. To continue to refine me and make me more like Himself. Patience, selflessness. To be able to smoothly bring these 2 precious children into our family when the time comes. I pray that He would equip me and make me what I am not. I am trusting Him to allow me to thrive in this season of mommyhood, not just survive.

He is faithful. This much I know...

Sweet Sweet babies...

2010-07-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow

So quiet down cobwebs, Dust go to sleep

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

~Anonymous

Read this on another blog today...love it.

True.

Sad to Leave the BEACH>>>

2010-07-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Back from Destin with Nick's parents and Josh/Kate and boys.

We had lots of fun, got lots of sun and broke up a lot of fights!!! ha...no really...

About the oil situation...we didn't notice anything until the last day we were there. Kate and I took the kids walking down the beach for shells and noticed some oil collecting on the surface of a pool of water. Then we noticed it....you had to look really hard. It was kind of tinting the water washing up around that area...but that was about all. So, things are still good there for now.... as of Saturday.

Thoughts from today...

2010-07-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today I finished gathering, signing, copying, double checking and triple checking our 1st round of paperwork to send to Gladney. Feel like I have worked hard! Happy. Thinking often about the reality of what we are doing...have some fear... but ultimately rest in what we know God is calling us to do. God is faithful and He alone knows Best. He is trustworthy. Found a new Rwanda adoption blog today...wanted to share the verse she had up plus her link...

Isaiah 48:17
This is what the Lord says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

StepsDirected

In other news, we discovered that Beck has 3 teeth coming in!!!! Yes, 3. Now I know why "WE" (beck and I) are not getting lots of sleep at night....

Dear Teeth, please come quickly and finish up already. I need sleep. seriously...

Happy July 4!

2010-07-04T21:06:00.001-07:00

Thankful for the Troops...We are blessed.

14 Year Old Girl Looking for a Home...

2010-06-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog. Here name is "Santa" and she is spending the summer with a host home here in the US. The program allows host homes to host them for the summer in hopes that someone will meet them and want to permanently adopt them. The kids are from Russia, Ukraine and Latvia. Santa is from Latvia. She is 14 and a 7th grader. Once they turn 16, they age out of the government program and are no longer cared for by the government. On there own after that I think. Horrible. New Horizons for Children is a christian organization that this host couple is working through. If you want more information or have questions, you can read about it on Amanda's blog. Her blog address is...

philipamandashababy.blogspot.com

How exciting!!! If you know of anyone looking to adopt an older child (or even if they are not looking...you never know what God may do...) Pass her blog on if you want...

Watch this Video and Consider Foster Care...

2010-06-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

http://vimeo.com/6576611

Adoption Phone Call, Baby JACK, Florida Vacation and Showing Sweet Holly...

2010-06-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

The ADOPTION phone orientation went really well and we were able to get tons of questions answered. The next step is to send in an application for the "big" application. I know...crazy...but it will all be worth it. Even though this process is just beginning, I can tell already that it will be easy to get bogged down in the details of it all. But...in those moments I will just remember that next year we will walk into a room full of babies and give 1 child a forever home. That thought shatters all annoyance of lots of paperwork. What a cool opportunity...to change a sweet child's destiny forever. What could be better?

In other news, our nephew was born several weeks ago.

JACK BAILEY FLOYD

precious...

FLORIDA...was a blast! We were gone for 2 weeks. We did alot of swimming at my parents house. Reese loves to swim...wears her floaties...jumps off the diving board. Brave girl!

My parents watched the kids while we went to the Southern Baptist Convention.

The convention voted to pass the GCR (Great Commission Resurgence).

We are happy. Basically it was a team that looked over how Southern Baptist are spending money and how we can more effectively funnel our money to reach the lost. As a result, we will hopefully be targeting the larger metro cities...especially in the North and West. Also, sending more missionaries overseas. The GCR was 7 recommendations brought before the convention to better reach this goal...that is what was passed.

These are our sweet friends Ryan and Rachel Blackwell.

Night the vote passed.

Nick's parents.

We took Reese to Disney after the convention was over since it was right there in Orlando. Both of our parents went with us, plus my sister Abby. We had a great time...

but as you can see it ended up raining...pouring I mean.

We were not going to let the rain stop us!!! We had to get Reese on a few rides.

We look so cool here in our ponchos...seriously. I especially look extra cool.

Not sure what my Dad has going on with his??? ha.

Our sweet Reese...getting so big.

Beck "kind of" watching the parade with Nick's Dad.

Everything was a little overwhelming for both of them at first.

Handsome little thing.

Ok...so this was the highlight of the day. I booked Reese an appointment at the

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella's Castle. Oh my, it was so great.

Totally worth the money. The funniest part about the whole deal is that I had only scheduled for Reese do the cheaper package that was around $55.00...nails, hair and makeup. But...when we walked in and were waiting...Reese saw all of the dresses and asked me which one she was getting...ha. Poppy overheard that conversation and told her to go pick one out! So, she did....a few seconds later she spotted the matching shoes..."I need some shoes mom"! Are you serious you little stinker? Yes, she was. So, needless to say she went home with the whole Sleeping Beauty outfit thanks to her sweet granddaddys footing the bill between the two of them.

Thank you Poppy and Bobo!!!

Finished product!

My mom's parents came down to see the kids for 1 night.

Clyde and Polly Fleming

Well...here's a story for ya!

Nick INSISTED that I accompany him on the airboat ride that my Dad was going to take him on. I told him no a million times and then finally gave in. I didn't want to go b/c I was afraid we would get stuck. Here is Nick sporting my Tommy jacket from 6th grade!!! ha

Tommy Hilfiger was SOOO cool back in the day. I can't believe he even found that in our house. Hilarious.

Well, my fear was realized! We got stuck near the bank b/c it had dried up since my dad was in that area last. The good thing is that we were close to the bank and the water was not that deep. The other good thing is that Nick carried me on his back to the bank. Nick and I had flip flops on. Nice. Nick was just sure an alligator or a snake was going to get him. ha. This kind of getting stuck I can handle...close to the the bank...not a lot of water. I just didn't want to get stranded in deep water...that lake has a lot of alligators. That would be horrible!!!

We had to leave it there and walk back through the woods and down our pasture line.

They went and got it the next day. Crazy.

The last few days with my family we went to Anna Maria Island to stay at the beach for a few days. It is on the Gulf side next to Siesta Key. The water was beautiful!

Aunt Abby

We would sit and watch the sunset. It was so relaxing.

This island was so quiet and had tons of character. We rode our bikes down to a cute shop. It was a cafe and antique/gift store. It was soooo cute.

Mom and Abby

Uncle Brian and Beck

Today we gave my friend Holly Thomas a baby shower for her little Taylor arriving soon.

Me, Kari Beth, Holly and Rachel

Love you sweet Holly

Blog Under Construction

2010-06-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Pardon my ugly blog tonight...I am trying to get a new template and layout and it messed everything up!!! So sad....but Nick is making me turn the computer off. It is late. Perhaps tomorrow...

Adoption stuff...

2010-06-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

We have found out some more info about the adoption this week.

FYI: The agency we are using is the "Gladney Center of Adoption".

http://adoptionsbygladney.com/

I found out that our baby will be coming from the "Home of Hope" orphanage in Rwanda. Evidently this is the only orphanage that people can adopt out of in Rwanda from what I have been told. Only 2 agencies have ever actually completed a placement from Rwanda. It is a catholic orphanage run by nuns. I found this picture from someone's blog...ha. Blog picture stealer I am...It is from this particular orphanage I believe. Are these children not precious...oh my...I cannot wait to go and get our little one. Can you imagine??? oh my...

The next step for us is a phone orientation with a Gladney staff member...next Thursday @ 2. It takes about an hour. They go over the entire process and answer any questions. After that, I believe we begin filling out our real application and lots of other ppw.

I will find out more next week.

Excited.

Reese Turns 3!

2010-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Reese turned 3 this month. Wow, I can't believe she is already 3. We celebrated @ "The Little Gym". The kids had a blast...let off lots of energy.

Nick doesn't like cake and told me Reese needed a cookie cake instead. ha

I think I agree. Cookie cakes are way better.

Gigi and Beck

Definitely in her future...

Reese understands better this year about opening presents. I think she has it down now.

Happy Birthday sweet Reese Caroline.

Wish you were here too Mimi, Bobo, Aunt Abby, Uncle Brian,

Aunt Olivia, Uncle Jason, Will and Wyatt!!!

Miss yall...see you soon.

New Journey Begins Today...

2010-05-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

So...we're expecting!

But...I am not pregnant.

...we ARE beginning the adoption process. YAY!

We are planning on adopting a baby boy from Rwanda.

The process usually takes anywhere from 12-18 months...

We are hoping to travel there to get him sometime next year...late summer or in the fall.

We are extremely excited to say the least.

WHY adoption?

Adoption was something I had always been open to growing up but also something I had not thought about in awhile. Last summer we just casually had several conversations with several friends about adoption. One couple had adopted from Ethiopia and the other couple was in the process of adopting domestically. I really had laid it down and told the Lord I was okay if I never adopted b/c I just didn't think it was something that we would be able to do....but the very next night Nick told me for the 1st time ever He really was open to adoption. God has such a sense of humor and timing.

Decemeber 31st, 2009 Nick told me he really wanted me to be praying about adoption. Wow, what a great thing to hear from my sweet husband. I was so excited but also nervous. Even before I began to seriously pray about it...I believe I knew what the Lord was going to say. During the next few weeks Nick and I really sought the Lord about this during our 21 day church wide fast.

It was good...God was speaking. One amazing thing about this whole deal is that before the new year began...I was praying that God would show Nick and I exactly what He wanted us to be focused on...life is busy, Beck was only 1 month old, Reese is turning 3 soon...ministry and life was busy....but my heart was...Lord, even in all this...the day to day...I want us to walk in the center of your plan for us...giving ourselves most effectively for God's Glory in all that you have currently called us to. Well...I really believe God's answer to me was adoption.

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

I believe the Lord was telling me that this was the next step for us...for whatever reason.

I never would have imagined that was how God would answer...but I am so very glad He did.

All that to say...that was now almost 6 months ago. We already feel like we have been in this process forever. We have been waiting for Beck to turn 6 months old to begin...which is today. Happy 6 months sweet Beckham. There has to be a 1 year age difference between your oldest child and the child you adopt. That is why we have waited. So the plan is...Beck will be about 1 1/2 when we get the baby. We shall see...everything could turn out different concerning the time.

Mailed in our initial application today.

A little scary...but this much I know...

GOD is FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY...

if He is calling...then we must OBEY.

What a blessing.

Catching UP on blogging...

2010-05-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Lynchburg, VA to Liberty University for Nick's Doctoral Graduation. Aunt Abby flew here to take care of Reese while we took Beck with us. We had such a great time. We visited all the places that we have built so many memories at...it was so good to be back. I miss it. Liberty is a special place.

I am so proud of you NICK. You have worked so diligently to get this done and I am grateful....grateful that it is over!!! Ha.

I love you.

Being back at Liberty reminded me of all that God did in our lives in bringing us together while being there in college. God revealed Himself in such crazy ways, I will never get over it. It was there that I fell in Love with you about 7 years ago...and am still enjoying loving you. You are one of God's greatest blessings that He has ever given me. I thank God for you.

Nick with his Mom

Ronnie and Nick with Dr. Townes. Dr. Towns helped start Liberty University with Dr. Falwell. We love Dr. Towns.

Nick had 2 ceremonies. One big one with all students, then one more where he actually walked across the stage with just the Seminary students. God gave us a beautiful day and shady seats which was greatly appreciated. There were tons of people there. LU has grown so much...even in 5 years since we graduated with our undergrad degrees.

This is where Dr. Falwell was buried. It is a really beautiful memorial. The house behind us is where he was found when he passed away...in his office.

Dr. Falwell always said that "the man of God is indestructible until God is ready to bring him home". That being said from a man that received many death threats and flew on little planes all of the time!!! Crazy how God took him. That statement brings me comfort. God will take us when He is done using us.

Nick with our good friend Jeremy Roberts. I met Jeremy my first day at LU as a freshman. He was in front of me while were in line to get our id cards. We go way back now Jeremy! Nick and Jeremy have graduated 3 times together...undergrad from LU, Southwestern seminary with a Masters and then LU again with Doctoral degrees. Crazy.

I was able to meet up my sweet friend Monica Rose. Monica is over the women's ministry department at LU. God used her greatly in my life. She taught me so much about what God's word says about the role of women. It truly set me free...and for that I am grateful. Grateful to God for His Word and grateful to Monica for sharing it.

I love you Monica Rose. Great to see you.

Nick sent me to Florida to see my family for my 26th birthday in April. It was sooo good to see my family. My mom had all 4 of her children home at the same time. Abby is on the left, the youngest. Graduating from Highschool next week. Yay Abby.

So proud of the Godly woman you have become. Olivia in the middle.

The whole family after church.

BoBo and his grandson.

My brother and sisters....I love them so much.

Cousin Wyatt sucking on Beck's arm.

Uncle Brian finally has some more "manfolk" around the house...Brian with Will and Wyatt.

This pretty much sums up Beck. Has spit up all down his shirt and crazy HAIR!

(that we have cut now...it had to be cut)

Wild turkeys walk into our yard all of the time. I am not used to it anymore since I don't get to go back home very often. It is really cool.

This is a picture off the back porch. It is so beautiful. I would like my sweet friend Rachel Blackwell who is a photographer to please take a look at my beautiful photography work with this picture. Are you not so proud of me?

Last month Jeana and I went to Dallas to do a breakout session at Prestonwood Baptist Church. We did a session on "10 Ways to Treat the Other Woman"...being your mother in law or daughter in law. It was at the Women's Conference. Abby was visiting us for Spring Break so we took her along too. We had great fun.

Looking out the window of my favorite little lunch place on the square in McKinney, TX.

This is where I love to do all of my antique shopping!!!

It was soooo great to be back at Pwood North! So good to see everyone. We miss everyone and the church, God allowed us to be at that church for a very special few years.

Me and my sweet friend Jen Hangartner.

This is Jeana's mom, Effie. We stayed the night with her. It was fun!

Nick and I went to New York with Ryan and Rachel Blackwell to celebrate our anniversaries. We have been married for 5 years on the 28th of May...crazy. We had lots of fun...but I did happen to get the stomach bug on day 2....not good.

Ground Zero memorial being built.

Time Square...which by the way...we were eating there the night the bomb thing went wrong. We arrived to eat there and they were checking it out and blocking off streets. Crazy. We stayed and ate b/c they didn't say otherwise. We thought it was just a car fire or something. It wasn't until we got back to our hotel and turned on the tv that we saw it was actually a bombing attempt. Thankful to God that it didn't work out for that dude. It had already been discovered by the time we arrived...but still. Crazy.

Ok...so this picture is of my yummy dessert I made for Kate (my sis in law's) shower. I hosted it and I thought I had remembered everything...well I hadn't. Nick noticed it in the freezer later that night...I was so fired up mad at myself. It was the one special thing I made...the one thing I was most excited about...ha! Oh well...I decided to eat it myself and sent the rest to Kate's.

Reese and her friend Macon at the bounce house in Bentonville.

Very fun by the way...to all of you moms...very fun. Only $5.00 too. By the way...Reese climbed all the way up the highest bounce thing and was calling out to me. Yes, I climbed all the way up...like 40 millions climb thingies...and insisted she was sliding DOWN with me b/c she made me climb all the way up. It was too steep to climb back down...we were taking the slide. Let me tell you...I think we hit like 60 mph. Crazy slide! We went sooo fast. It was so steep that I was scard but pretended I wasn't so I didn't freak Reese out...Brave mommy...Brave mommy. ha. Much to my friend's surprise who was at the bottom...I came ZOOMING down with Reese in tow. It was hilarious...and probably illegal.

Sweet boy Beck. Happy 6 months BECKHAM.

Beck's current hobbies include:

Spitting up, spitting up some more and then spitting up some more.

AND>>>

Almost crawling, but cannot sit up yet. Skipping that part.

Stay tuned for exciting news coming Wednesday via the blog...yay

Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

I KNOW I am way behind on blogging. Will catch up this week..but for now....Here is a link to my sister's blog that has a video she made for our mom for mother's day. Precious! Happy Mother's Day everyone. I have told Nick that we should have Happy Mother's "Month" instead of a "day" b/c it is sooo much work!!!! I'm just sayin.... (I wouldn't trade one day of it though)

http://jason-olivia.blogspot.com/

3 Month Old Beck/Visit to FL/Random Pics...

2010-02-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Beck is now a little over 3 months...crazy. Going by even faster this time with baby # 2. It is just a blur...ha. Rachel...my sweet sweet friend took these 2 pics. We were over at her house and she said that we just needed to put him on the floor and take his picture...ok! I will never argue with that...you can take his picture for me any time you want dear Rachel!!!

Yes we are aware of his crazy hair...what is a mother to do? Yes, my thought exactly...a mohawk is pretty much the only answer. I am going to start working on that....Put it on my list of "to do's" before I leave the house each day. ha NO seriously...I am going to try to remember. Poor thing.

Diva...mother of twins....and lover of Sonic chocolate shakes...

The 2 pics of BoBo above and several below are from our trip to Florida to see my family. Nick had to go out of town so naturally that meant I needed to Florida ....ya know? Yes, but the only problem on that one is that it meant me flying with both kids by myself. Nice. We survived. 2 pics up is Dad entertaining Beck in church Sunday...Dad was in Heaven. Mimi was also in Heaven...attempting to entertain Reese...Aunt Abby had to take her outside for a walk. We couldn't put her in the nursery b/c both kids were sick that week....come to find out they both were coming down with RSV. Not so horrible in Reese, but Beck had to go on an inhaler. Then...they both got ear infections as well when we got home. Rough day...no wait rough week...no wait..ROUGH MONTH!!!!

One of the days we took Reese to the zoo in Tampa...it was really fun. Here we are fulfilling Abby's life long dream of riding on a camel.

Your welcome Ab...

I was so happy to be able to see my friends while in town...Elyse and Kristin.

Great to see you guys!!! Still just as funny as yall have always been.

Picture of both kids asleep in our bed when they didn't feel well. This NEVER happens.

Well...please notice Beck's bed for the time being. When Beck is congested it calls for many trips during the night to the other side of the house to put his paci back in....and Nick not wanting me to ask him anymore suggested Beck now sleep right next to me on our ottoman...It has actually worked great. He sleeps soooo good on it. We probably won't be able to do this much longer b/c he will soon be able to scoot...he can't yet. Gotta love that morning look.

Here are some pictures of the kids rooms...first Reese's and then Beck's.

This giant ladybug was Reese's Valentines present from us..."Valerie". It sleeps with her sometimes...

Update on Beck: He is now smiling alot...which melts your heart. He smiles with his eyes...precious. His newest trick is actually being able to hit his toys on his mobile...exciting. We have been watching and waiting. So awesome to watch a baby grow and learn new things by themselves...a miracle. This whole baby thing still amazes me. It make me sit in awe of God again and again as I think about all the miracles in a pregnancy and baby. wow.

Till next time....(until my sister calls me and tells me I must update my blog)...

Happy March everyone...Spring is almost here...

Ecc 3:1...there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the sun...

RheaLana is coming up this week....rhealana.com...I am consigning and excited...

Happy 2 Months Beck!!! plus random pics...

2010-01-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

Beck turned 2 months old yesterday...precious. Yes, he has a mohawk...but just in the back. Hilarious.

So, whenever I am asked...so what are your hobbies...one of my top hobbies has to be antique shopping. When I say antique, I mean cheap shabby chic furniture...not real antiques. It is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love searching and finding finds! I love finding great deals and finding that piece of furniture that is just right for my style...so exciting! Today, I found 3 "finds". From now I on I will try to post my newest "finds". So fun.

Love this!!! This says "Meredith" all over it! And...it was only $45.00. Yes, that is right. What a deal! Love it. Perfect for our living room. It is nice to have a rocker to rock Beck in the living room and not just in his room. It now needs the perfect pillow, I am on the hunt.

I think I am addicted to wreaths. I am not sure...but pretty positive. Ha. This one needed to come home with me and was only $6.50.

Ok, so I have always wanted one of these fake trees...we have been married for 5 yrs this summer. But...I could not bring myself to spend around $100.00 for a fake tree. I just couldn't do it. Guess how much??? $14.00 yep...that is right. I held out and here she is!

We have a pic of Reese sitting up in this same rocking chair...Beck needed one too.

Reese with her new kitchen from Poppy and Gigi. Mommy had just organized every single thing and this is right before she dumped everthing on the floor.

Tx game...Reese was upset b/c we made her take her princess headbands (all 3 of them) off for the picture. Ronnie and Jeana bought all of the kids Tx Shirts while they were in TX.

The other night Reese was taking her bath and I was not exactly keeping my eye on her...I was right down the hall in my room changing Beck...she called out to me and I finally answered probably after like the 3rd call. I casually turned my head and could see from where I was that our bath tub was seriously about to overflow all over the floor with bubbles. Evidenly we put too much bubble bath in b/c when the jets are turned on it just makes the bubbles multiply like 1 million times...seriously. So, after this Reese thought that she needed to do this every night...not happening. They stay in the tub for like a year...really annoying. Good memory.

My Dad, Mom and youngest sister Abby came to visit for Beck's birth. It was so fun. This was baby dedication day at church. He was 10 days old.

Nick and Reese playing Christmas morning.

I volunteered to stay indoors with the baby...duty calls you know.

Reese had a Christmas program for her Kids Day Out class. You can see her here very upset. She saw me at the beginning and ran out of her spot. Nick made her go sit down and she frowned the WHOLE performance...I am not kidding. She did not sing one word. Perhaps next time will go a little smoother? Cousin Parker did very well though!

These are some more pictures from Beck's birth.

The new definition of the "floyd family".

(pic below)

I can say that adding baby # 2 is crazy just like everyone said it would be. I didn't think this for the first few weeks...but the day I got home from taking my family (aka. HELPERS) to the airport...I changed my mind. Adding # 2 is crazy...crazy busy I should say. We are adjusting though...8 weeks in things are definitely alot better. I am getting used to the new normal.

He is a blessing!

Beck's Arrival...almost 3 weeks Old now!!!

2009-12-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Well...Beck is now almost 3 weeks old and so precious. My mom left to go home today...so sad. Here are some pictures from the day he arrived up until now. The pic above is of me and Nick waiting to go into the operation room for the c-section.

My sweet friend Rachel came that night to take some pictures. They turned out so precious!!! Thanks Rachel!

Everyone peeking @ Beck for the first time.

Reese was so precious the first time she saw him. It was an awesome moment.

What a blessing.

Poppy and baby

Gigi and baby

Reese and her "heartbeat". That is what she calls it. Precious.

She was checking out little brother.

Handsome daddy and handsome son...what more can a girl want?

I am in love with both of them!!!

Bobo (my dad) holding his newest grandson...my parents and sister and brother all came to visit for Thanksgiving to meet Beck. Thanks everyone for coming!!!

The 1st day he came home Reese insisted he lay down with her in her bed while we put her to sleep. I am just glad he has survived thus far with all of Reese's "hands on" activity with "brother".

What Reese has been doing in her spare time...

My dad and brother with Beck on Thanksgiving day.

Mimi had to leave today. She has been gone over 2 months from home. She first went to spend about a month and half with Olivia my sister who just had twin boys. Then...she flew directly here to be with me for 3 weeks. Dad and Abby are ready to have her home!!! Thanks mom...you are the best. We miss you.

Beckham Grant Has Arrived!

2009-11-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

UPDATE (Friday Morning):

Check out Rachel's blog to see new pictures she she took of Beckham by clicking HERE. I talked to Meredith this morning and her and baby are still doing great.

Beckham Grant Floyd was born today and everyone is doing great! This is Meredith's SIL, Kate, updating her blog. I'm sure she'll add more pictures soon. But she asked that I add a few pictures tonight. Beckham was born around 12:30 pm and was 8 pounds 7 ounces. He is adorable and just perfect!

Nick and Meredith getting prepped to meet Baby Beckham.

Mommy finally getting to see her baby. He is just a few seconds old here.

Nick strolling Beckham out to meet the family.

First peek at precious Beckham.

Isn't he perfect?!

Reese, the proud big sister!

Cousins Peyton and Parker looking through the nursery window to see baby Beck with Reese.

36 Weeks Pregnant/Cowgirl Reese

2009-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Only 3 more weeks from this Thursday...Beckham is getting big!

We took Reese to the Fall Festival thing @ Shiloh last week. Her loser mom didn't have her a costume so we improvised....say hello to "Cowgirl Reese". She ended up so stinkin CUTE!!!! Oh my.

Reese with Cousins and Peyton's friend Carter in the back

? not sure about that one...we had fun. ( I ate all of her candy...no seriously I did)

I am "that mom". I love candy.

Reese's Fractured Elbow/Cowboys Game!!!!

2009-10-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night Reese took an unplanned for "extra bounce" right off of our bed onto the carpet. She cried, we waited to see if it was just the normal cry or if something was really wrong. Sadly, it was the latter of the two. I ended up sleeping with her that night b/c she wanted me to "hold her arm". I felt aweful! It hurts so bad sometimes to be a mommy. Seriously. We woke up in the middle of the night and I could feel that her elbow was really swollen. Nick was preaching the next morning so Reese and I ventured off to find out what was going on. We discovered after an x-ray that she had fractured her left elbow. (We think Reese is left handed by the way). We were to follow up that next day to schedule an appointment for a cast. OH my! I am thinking...Beckham is coming at the lastest in 6 weeks. We are moving in 4 weeks...and now we are to have a cast on anywhere from 4-6 weeks....I will admit I was feeling slightly overwhelmed. The good news at the doctor was that she only has to wear it for 3 weeks. What a RELIEF! We can get the cast off before we move and before baby comes. I am so thankful...seriously. Reese is adjusting well. Yes, it is hot pink! Of course, what other color is there to have on your arm for 3 weeks? You can't miss it! Everyone has been soooo sweet to Reese...cards and your texts....and meals. Thanks everyone! What a blessing in a season such as this.

Thank you to Reese's friend "Brady Blackwell" for bringing her a teddy bear to make her feel better. Reese loves it!

In other news....

I surprised Nick and gave him tickets to a Cowboys game 2 weeks ago. I wanted to do something special for his graduation present...he is really close to finishing his Doctorate of Ministry degree....and I am proud of him. (And no, much to his dismay I will not be addressing him as Dr. Nick Floyd)...ha) He has worked so diligently to get it done before the baby comes. I really appreciate that! SO...I knew I could not go wrong surprising him with anything "football". We had fun...Nick enjoyed himself. I am happy.

1st Day of KDO/Painting Mommy's New Table

2009-08-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Reese's 1st day back to Kids Day Out (KDO). Cousin Parker is in the same class and also decided to wear green today....precious!

After I took a picture of Reese, she insisted that she take a picture of me too....I just go with the flow on these things...she is really into taking pictures with my camera.

Nick and Reese @ Fayetteville scrimage Monday night. Go Shiloh!

After 4 years of marriage, I have decided to finish our master bedroom stuff before baby arrives....Nick has been asking for curtains for these 4 years of marriage...but I have just not made it happen....So...I am going to do it! And...I also have been using a bookcase for my night stand...and finally went and got a nightstand....(found it at my favorite place ever...Tontitown Flea Market/Antique Mall)...$35.00. I can always find great pieces there for great prices! I love a great bargain. All it needs is a little bit of white or cream paint and it is ready to fit right into my home....(Nick makes fun of me b/c I paint everything white). I enlisted my assistant painter....Reese Caroline for the job. My style is shabby chic...(translation...you can get by with a messy paint job b/c the idea is not to cover every inch...in fact...the rougher it looks the better). Anyways....Reese LOVES to help me paint things. She was so proud of her side of the table. You can see how intently she is working. (Notice the size paint brush I gave her...hey...I wanted to keep things under control...you can't blame me!) She doesn't know the difference...yet. ha

26 Week Belly/Reese @ Shiloh Game...

2009-08-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

26 Weeks and counting...Scheduled for C-Scection

Thurs. Nov. 19th @ 10:30am

I have to have a c-sec b/c Reese ended up being emergency c-sec.

Here Reese is sporting her new Shiloh Bow. I make bows and if your would like me to make you some just let me know. Prices depend on the size.

Gatlinburg Vacation/Staff Retreat

2009-08-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Ha...where do I begin? We just got back from our Gatlinburg Vacation with my side of the family...the Bone's. This picture just says it all. We had soooo much fun!!! Abby really wanted us to get an old time photo done in downtown Gatlinburg, it was hilarious. When Olivia came out in her dress looking so pregnant, I could not stop laughing....

Olivia is my sister, 17 months younger. We are due at the same time. What we didn't know until last week is that Olivia is expecting not 1, but 2 baby boys!!!

Here is how it all went down. Jason and Olivia were not going to find out the sex until the birth. She called me the day before vacation and said that "suprise"....they did find out and will be telling everyone when we get to Gatlinburg. I had told her about the cupcake idea from Rachel and Ryan Blackwell. So, she had cupcakes ready and we were all to bite into them together to find out what color the baby pacifier inside the cupcake was....Blue or Pink??? Everyone was assembled in our Gatlinburg cabin...I had just flown in. We all bite in...and it is a boy!!!! After a moment, all the excitement had died down and Olivia says..."Mom....I hope your hungry b/c you need to eat another cupcake to find out what the sex of the 2nd baby is!!!!!!!!" I literally could have about died. I was in complete shock! I was jumping up and down screaming, mom was crying, Olivia was crying and all of the men in the room were laughing at the women. It was a moment I will never forget. We were shocked to say the least!!! Now, mom and dad will receive 3 baby boy grandchildren come Nov. Wow, exciting.

We surprised Olivia and gave her a little family shower that night.

4 Generations. Reese, me, mom, and Mom's mom...Grandmother Polly.

Jason, Olivia, Nick, me and Abby went up in the skylift that overlooks Gatlinburg.

It was really fun and beautiful!

I think my favorite thing we did was swim and picnic at the creek. The water was freezing but you became numb after about a minute. We had a blast!

You can see by Nick's expression how cold the water was. It was so much fun!

Thanks to Brian (my older brother) for hooking us up with a cabin and a fun swimming spot.

We went to a really great restaurant called the "Abblebarn" in Pigeon Forge. It is family style southern cooking place. Really good.

STAFF RETREAT 2009-Branson MO

This is a picture of a table in a restaurant that we ate at. One day when we have a dining room, I want to get a table like this and get all different chairs just like this.

Tracey Smith, me, Erin Kennedy and baby Brady Blackwell (1 week old) and Rachel Blackwell

Fun Stuff in July...

2009-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Swim Lessons...this is Reese on her first day...awaiting our session. Ha. So serious. She was not too sure about everything, but eager to get in the water!!! She is basically a fish.

She is taking lessons @ the Swim Ranch in Fayetteville. This is her teacher Mrs. Virginia. She is great and Reese loves her. This place is beautiful, I have really enjoyed taking Reese each day this week. Tomorrow, Daddy will get his turn getting in the water with Reese at swim lessons. I will be sitting in the sun, trying to catch a tan while watching. That is the plan.

Monday our sweet friends Ryan and Rachel Blackwell had their 1st baby.

Brady Ryan Blackwell. It was so fun to go and hold him and anticipate holding our own in just 4 short months...16 weeks! Ryan, Nick and another guy named Bode grew up together and were really good friends from Kindergarden to 12th grade. Well, Bode had a son several months ago. Ryan just had a son on Monday and we will be having a son in Nov. Ha. Perhaps these 3 guys will be best friends too? Fun to think about!

We had our small group over Wednesday night. We played catch phrase and had a great time! Thanks guys for coming and for those who couldn't come....you were missed.

Last Sunday night the Pinnacle campus had a family night @ the Springdale Aquatic Center. It was really fun but I was freezing. Nick did most of the swimming with Reese.

Our good friends from Dallas came up for a visit several weeks ago.

Ben, Jen, Kingston and Kennedy Hangartner.

Thanks guys for coming!!! We had so much fun!

(OK, you other Dallas friends...we are awaiting your visit.

You are always welcome in our home. Come see us!!!)

We took them to the creek behind the Church at Pinnacle Hills. Usually we just put our feet in, but Ben said that he was thinking about getting in. He did! It was freezing and Kingston and Reese joined him. We had lots of fun. It was beautiful.

Several weeks ago we met our friends Serenity, Ashlyn and Kerrington @ the Splashpark in Rogers for a little playdate. This was Reese's 1st splashpark adventure, she loved it.

Thanks guys, we must do it again!

July 4th/Destin Vacation...

2009-07-07T13:49:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! The Sunday before we celebrated at Pinnacle Hills....baptism @ the Crosses. There were 117 people baptized. It was awesome. There was live music, food and fireworks. Reese really liked them, she was not scared.

Ronnie baptizing under the crosses.

Last Sunday we had Tim Lee preach @ both campuses. He is a military veteran who lost both of his legs while at war. These are 3 of his grandchildren. They sat with us at the fireworks and entertained Reese. It worked out great! Lots of duck duck goose....lots of beads...lots of I don't know. I just know I am glad they came b/c it made that experience much more pleasant that it might have been. Thanks girls! Tim Lee's testimony was amazing. You can google him if you want to hear his story.

Mom was with us this day b/c she flew up to stay with Reese while Nick and I went to the Southern Baptist Convention...(I need to add those pictures to the blog too!) and to Beach camp in Destin. She stayed with Reese all week! Thanks Mimi!!!

Reese watching the fireworks with Poppy and GiGi.

Floyd Family Vacation 09...San Destin Florida.

Thank you Lord for this blessing.

Last week we were all together in one condo...ha...Poppy, GiGi, me, Nick, Reese, Josh, Kate, Peyton and Parker....and baby boy Floyd too...we can't forget him. By the way, have I mentioned Reese is outnumbered.....poor baby. Perhaps Olivia will have a girl??? Or me or Kate one of these days???? It was really fun. My youngest sister Abby drove up from my hometown of Sebring Florida to be our babysitter @ night....it was really nice. She would help during the day and babysit @ night while we went out to dinner. She stayed part of the week. Thanks Aunt Abby!!!

Parker, Peyton, Reese

This is the 1st summer Reese has really been able to have fun in the water. Last summer she was just so young....but this summer she is a new person. She LOVES it. She would stay in the pool all day if I let her. She is so brave...just goes right in without me helping her...So I guess that is a good thing and a bad thing. I will have to keep my eye on her. All that to say, she loves to swim and is not afraid of the water.

It was so enjoyable to see her joy this week.

Ok....so this was definitely a crazy moment of the week.....We went to see our friend's home in Seaside. She was going to take us from the 2nd floor up to the 3rd floor on her elevator...well...we got on...6 of us (bad idea....) and she pushed the button and we did not move. FYI: this elevator is probably at the most 4 by 4...small for 6 people. SO....we were going to open the door to see if we had moved but it was LOCKED....oh my. I have never been locked in an elevator!!!!! Here we are....6 deep...summer time...I am pregnant....and I tell Kate.... "I am claustrophobic"....I didn't know that I was but I decided in that moment that I was! I had a heat wave come over my body from my head to my toe...I was burning up! I was starting to panic...thinking...we are going to die from lack of air...there are only 6 of us...I started imagining what it would be like to have trouble breathing...muggy...hot...So Johnelle called out to Ronnie.....THANK GOODNESS he did not get on b/c he was going to save us!!!! I have never been so happy to hear his voice. Everyone is remaining so calm except me....I am thinking...we should just call 911 right now so they can be on there way to rescue us....Johnelle tells him where there is a sewing needle and how to try to unlock the door. Finally Nick does something to this top lever thing and we are free. OH My....I was sooooooo thankful to get out of that elevator. This must have lasted 5 minutes but it felt like an hour. Oh and while we were waiting, it was mentioned that we might be stuck between the two floors...that is what really got me freaked out...but we had not moved...still on the 2nd floor. Too much weight?

We decided to take the stairs...

Thanks for the adventure Johnelle, I love your house!

Rhett and Laren Lashlee were @ Seaside the same night we were....it was great to see them!

Happy 18th Birthday ABBY!

July 6th was her birthday. We surprised her when we got home one night with a beach themed cake...ha.

One of the nights we took the kids to this park thing...Nick took Reese on the bumper cars and go carts....I wanted to take Reese on the bumper cars but decided not too since I am pregnant...I am soooooo glad I did not go!!! Kate came off soaked....Nick had something to do with that..and some random guy who kept following Kate around in the pool spraying her....random....

AND...we decided that they really shouldn't let kids this little ride the go carts....she is jus so tiny. They had fun though...Nick went slow on the outside of the track and kept my baby safe.

This is the 1st big ride Reese has ever been on in her life...I was so proud of here....this plane actually went up in the air...yes mom...I tied her in extra good!!! I know you are thinking right now that you can't believe I let her do that....but she was fine...ha.

Above...Reese and Peyton watching fireworks from our balcony.

Below....Pictures of Reese, Parker and Peyton at dinner one night....And yes "orange" is the new red, white and blue....if you didn't know. (no actually, I got back from shopping and Nick had done such a great job of getting her ready in this cute orange dress with her hair fixed and everything that I hated to change her. She looked so cute in this dress with her tan skin....so I ended up not even putting her in her July 4th outfit on July 4th....crazy mommy...oh well. She got to wear it to the Fireworks at the Crosses....that makes me feel better.

Reese did really well on the plane...really into buckling and unbuckling...whatever floats her boat and keeps her quiet works for me.

Great week! Lots of fun. Thankful.

It's a BOY...

2009-06-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

We are praising the Lord for a healthy little "BOY" today...yes I did say boy....What in the world...boys are all new to me. We are very excited. I am 17 weeks. No, we do not have a name yet....but I will be working on it starting now....

Here is our sono tech pointing out the little boy part....hee hee. Oh my.

Yes, and here he is in all his glory. Bless his little heart. Little pumpkin. Our lady said...he has left no room for doubt....it is a BOY.

So there was our boy...and here is our little princess playing at Aunt Kate's house while we were at the doctor today....She is truly outnumbered now. 2 boy cousins and 1 brother on the way....Precious. I love you Reese Floyd! ( She is obsessed with this drum)

"WIldlife Safari"

2009-06-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to take Reese to the Wildlife Safari in Gentry, AR. It is a huge petting zoo with a 5 mile drive thru safari...."please keep your windows up"...ha. I didn't like that rule until this dude appeared at our window....at this moment I was really glad that we had obeyed their rules....ha. This thing was huge. It was awesome to be so close to the animals. Reese's favorite thing was holding bunnies. She was able to get in their pen and chase them around and pick them up. Poor bunnies.

We were also able to pet a camel. Reese also had her first pony ride. You could ride the camels but we decided negative on that one.

This is Reese and Nick petting this little monkey. As we were were leaving, we stopped to see 1 more monkey. The lady offered to take the picture for us if we wanted to get in it's cage with it. She said that "dinky" would likely jump on our necks. Well.....I wasn't really fired up about the thought, but Nick said it could get on his neck. Well, it did...and then it decided to jump onto my neck...uhhhhh...and all I know is that my neck felt wet....yeh. SO, I was ready to exit out of the cage but the kind lady kept insisting that she wait to take it until "dinky" was looking too...I was like no really, it's fine....just take the picture!!!!!!!!!!!! Ah...crazy moment.

Swimming and Reese turns 2!!!

2009-06-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Mimi came to visit just in time for Reese's 2nd Birthday party. It was held at none other than the famous ChuckE Cheese....Reese is scarred for life and tells me every night that ChuckE Cheese is going to "get my feet"....ha. She is laughing, no need for alarm. She is going to be ok. Thanks to Poppi, GiGi, Uncle Josh, Aunt Kate, cousin Peyton, cousin Parker, Mona and Mimi for coming to the big bash!

Come again soon Mimi!

Reese's Sweet Laugh...fishy face works every time

2009-05-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

So we've got some news...if you didn't know...

2009-05-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Baby #2 is on it's way!!!!!! ...And that is why I have not posted on my blog in 10 years. I have felt not so good...basically in hibernation. I am 11 weeks along on Monday and scheduled for a c-section November 16. (I have to have a c-section because Reese was a c-section) Here's a picture from my 10 week sonogram. I will post more when I feel better.