Christmas Eve crew

A special Christmas this year indeed. Despite our stomach bug that knocked down 100% of us, we celebrated our first Christmas all together. Hannah IS HOME!! It seems like she has been here from the very beginning of our family as has every new addition but it was lovely to sit back and realize all that the past 18 months has held. And we are again amazed at His goodness. It was a long, hard wait but He has again shown himself faithful and loving towards his children. Praise God that Hannah is home and that I can watch her along with her siblings take in the beauty of her first snow, on Christmas.

My baby girl - Christmas 2011

He's here!

Casey Royce Ogden

December 7, 2011 @ 10:30 p.m.

3 lbs. 6 oz., 16 inches

He is a tiny little fella but he's a trooper. Already weaning from the oxygen, eating from a bottle and putting on some weight. WE LOVE THIS GUY! There is one proud Aunt Kedra and Uncle Tory is this house tonight.

Sweet thang

Today I felt these little eyes watching me as I walked through the living room. I turned around and there was this dark, naked, fro with the biggest smile staring back at me. Oh man did my heart take a big leap with gratitude. Whose wouldn't?

Decorator

For about six months Abigail will randomly say, "I can't wait to help Daddy put up the Christmas lights this year." We would act very excited for her and tell her what a big help that would be. Little did we know that she would basically take over the entire project with every bit of seriousness in the world. Watch out people, our little brave ladder girl is not so little anymore.

Dear Luke,

Today you decided to but the dinosaur barrel over your head. It had to stay there for a while...no one could get it off. You were cool with it and played the coolest astronaut for about 5 solid minutes. This whole ordeal did not surprise us about you. You are always into things while we never even know it. Your daddy has dubbed you the "Silent Assassin". It's a perfect name for you and I'm pretty sure you are determined to hold onto that name forever. I know there is a full adventure with you in store for us. Pullin' up my boot straps for this one 'cause my heart is so into you Little Man.

DNA

One of the fun parts that come with adoption is lots and lots of new and glorious DNA that gets added to your family. This girl has long feet and toes that have me buying new shoes often, her hair definitely keeps me on my toes, her forehead is constantly in need of a band-aid, her eyes always sparkle, she has a scar on her side that always keeps me wondering, her voice makes you never want to stop listening and most of all I love that scrunchy nose that sits right on top of the biggest and fullest smile in the Texas panhandle. So thankful for these sweet new strands of DNA. So thankful to be her mama.

In his 30s

Tory had no problem turning 30 last year. He did it quite gracefully actually. I have to say this year wasn't quite as easy for him. He is officially "in his 30s". And we now have to allow for more time to rest.

Happy 31st, Daddy!

A favorite place

We moved to this itty bitty town just a little over 4 months ago. And in the past 4 months I think I have fallen in love with my husband all over again. Sitting in these quiet pews each Sunday morning and evening, hearing him faithfully and with great passion preach the Word of God has been, well, amazing to put it lightly.

When we began this journey to ministry education over 5 years ago, the pastorate was not in our thoughts. But it was in God's plan. How wonderful it has been to see His plan played out. I am beginning to feel all the emotions of being a pastor's wife and I am going to have to say the 3rd pew in the right hand section of First Baptist Church of Wellington, TX, is becoming one of my favorite places of all the corners of the Earth. We continue to pray that in this place God has put us at this time, we would be faithful and truthful to his Word with all the grace he freely gives. To be satisfied in Christ for His glory and our good.

THAT "holiday"

I really dread it when October 31st roles around. It's seems like since we had kids the conversation is always discussed between our like-minded group of compadres, "are you guys going to do Halloween?" I wish we could just change the entire holiday and its roots and make it into "Costume Day". Because in all actuality, it is so fun to dress the kids up and take them around to show off their cuteness. But my mind goes back to what this holiday is about for many...witches, demons, ghosts, and all things scary. And if thats really what its about then no, we shouldn't do it. Then again, I have seen many godly husbands and wives aid their children in participating. And we did it growing up and turned out okay.

So here was our flavor of The Day and honestly we enjoyed it so.

We opted to hang out on the porch and give candy in order that we might see more people. Then we realized "how it's done" in Wellington, TX. Back of the pick-up style! So by the end of the night we loaded up the kids in the back of Zorro and drove over to Meemaw's (that's what she prefers to be called and we are going with it) who was said to be handing out 6 peices per kid. I so wish I would have had my camera because she was the hit of the night.

Stopping to breath again...

It has almost been a month since my last post. Whew! I have to say October has been quite the ride. Such a good ride though. Since we last posted...

...the girls and I have been to California to see friends and play at this beach, this beach, and this beach

...and not realizing it when we made plans, those same friends would come to see us in Texas just 3 weeks later (and there could be more of where that came from for later).

...I have turned 30, experience a mid-life crisis and died my hair into a very fall-ish "cappuccino"

...we have celebrated the upcoming arrival of my first nephew. I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!

...Tory has been to a convention, left the kids at his parents house, while I painted the living room and dinning room.

So needless to say, blogging has been a little on the back burner and I can be honest with myself that life with 4 kids, homeschool, and a pastorate is busy. Very busy. Thankful for a few days to stop to breath awhile before more goodness and the holidays hit full force. And amongst all the tiredness I am reminded once again of my need for my Savior. The One who is never tired and yet never unforgiving for my impatience with my kids when life is busy, my pride in thinking I can do it all, and my often failure in applying the gospel to my life well. His grace is sufficient.

Rain!

Texas has been a little on the dry side this year. Ok, way on the dry side actually. But this past weekend we had much to rejoice about here in Collingsworth County. It poured! The streets were flooded which means only one thing for my kids and their Daddy...jump in! And of course Tory had to teach his kids one of his earliest childhood memories when it rained, popsicle stick races.

The big question of the day: How come you can't race them back up the street?

Daddy's Homecoming Princess

Go SkyRockets!

We have had such a fun time gettin' us some Wellington football. And I have to say it sure feels like home sitting in the crowded bleachers under those Friday night lights. This week we initiated ourselves into true Rocket fans and wore our red loud and proud. Oh how giddy our crew gets when Fridays come!

County Fair

Our first take at the annual Collingsworth County Fair. And one thing we are loving about our small town, there's always a familiar smile in every corner and on every float.

The parade.

The Phillips' ladies.

Luke-man's favorite float was Mr. Billy and his tractor.

Go SkyRockets!

Luke's "Paul-paul" makes sure he gets some sugary goods.

And oh man, were there goods! Like I have never seen before.

Abigail right before she prepares for inventory and the lovely Miss Kelsey.

We love our Tara!

Picnic at the Park.

Miss Harriette's homemade butterfinger icecream was a hit.

Oh my these two are quite the pair these days.

Go Boys!

Brisket is in the oven and we're getting ready for some FOOTBALL! Welcome Hannah, to your first Cowboys season.

Sermons from FBC Wellington

Tory is preaching through the book of Matthew on Sunday morning at FBC Wellington. Last week, he arrived at the Sermon on the Mount. We have had some requests for audio, so as of tonight, you will find them on the right hand side of our blog beginning with his first sermon from the Sermon on the Mount - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.

Adrenaline Junky

Abigail accidently threw Luke's shoe on top of the house. So when, Tory said, "Well, you are going to have to get up there and get it," Abigail's eyes lit up with excitement. I'm afraid she thrives on the adrenaline rush she gets out of tackling the unknown.

Grillin'

Let it be known that my man LOVES to grill. In fact, we both like it very much. (Mostly I just get to purchase the slab of meat...I don't even get to dress it.) Thanks to this absolutely beautiful weather this week we have been back at the grill again. And The Man has taken it to a whole new level. Check this out. Our Family night pizza was needing a new kick and I'm thinking Tory nailed it. In the words of our Hannah, "Tas-ty!"

Class in session.

Excited to start the new school year today. We will continue with My Father's World 1st grade and Kindergarden curriculum again this year. Though the day started a little rough with Little Man waking with a stomach bug, we are very thrilled about the adventure we have before us.

"My did it! My did it!"

Those are beautiful words of potty training triumph in the Giddens' house this week. For our little Luke that is. But if you have ever potty trained a little tike before you know it takes the WHOLE crew. From teaching the process with "Baby Jack", to getting excited with him when the timer goes off for another potty break, big sister reading to him while he "sits it out", to encouragment with the accidents, and rejoicing BIG with every success. And our stats after Day 2 were 5 SUCCESSES, 2 ACCIDENTS AND dry after nap both days!! Way to go Pooks!

So that is why I've been away from blogging for a while. And we have been working hard to get our school room ready to begin tomorrow. And I am very excited about this school room...can't wait to show pics of our first day. Let's just say, the power tools were involved in the preparations of our new classroom. So make sure you come back for more of us Giddens' tomorrow!

Man trip

Tory and his dad took the boys to their first Ranger's game this past week. Papa does it right, he made sure everyone was sporting the appropriate clothing in case their was any doubt of where their hearts belonged. For sure we have 2 more Ranger's fans in this house! They had such a great time that Nate is still asking when Daddy is going to take him back.

A ration well spent...

It seems that water and mud is becoming one of our favorite family past-times. See here, here, here and here. AND, it looks as if Texas will hold up the tradition for us. Though Wellington has almost reached desert status and our lawn watering has been limited to Thursday and Sunday before 10 a.m. and/or after 8 p.m. for only 20 minutes, we used our ration wisely on this day...