The Campbell Crusade

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

2010-04-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a whole year since I have made a blog post on here. Sorry to keep you all out of the loop with what's going on in our family. Alot can happen and children sure do change in just that amount of time! We hope you and your family are well and enjoying this beautiful Spring weather. The kids have really enjoyed getting out and playing in the nice warm sun.

Just a quick update on the kiddos. Julia is finishing up her Kindergarten year already! She graduated from Providence Classical Christian Academy Thursday night (4-29). It is a little bitter-sweet for me and just a glimpse of how fast it really will go! I think that is the #1 thing older moms tell me, is "You just really won't believe how fast it will go." I think that is the Lord's way of telling me, "Enjoy your children everyday and make the most of every moment!" Ok. Enough of that... back to Julia. She enjoyed playing Soccer in the Fall and Spring semesters. She had alot of fun, although it didn't come in so handy that we have instilled in her to 'share', 'take turns', 'be gentle'... it was a little awkward for her to get in there and get it first and to be aggressive! None-the-less she had fun and enjoyed playing. Going to school and having more responsibility has been good for her. I appreciate having her around three days a week at home and helping with the little ones. Julia is a great sister.

Alyson will be turning 3 in 2 weeks. So hard to believe my baby girl is getting to be that big! She is growing and changing so much as well. Her big personality is quite humerous sometimes. She just has this completely different way of looking at things... very comical! She either keeps me laughing or wanting to cry ;) I know the Lord gave her this special personality for a reason. I think I've mentioned this before, but my prayer for her is that she will be strong and bold for the Lord- I think she has what it takes!! But don't get me wrong. Alyson is the most loving, giving little girl and we really enjoy her. She still enjoys attending our church's Kid's Day Program and goes each Wednesday, which doesn't come around soon enough for her. She looks forward to going to 'school' everyday. Her best friend is Julie. It has been fun watching them grow closer in their sisterhood now that Alyson has turned into a 'big girl'. Sometimes I'll listen around the corner and hear them make-believe as they play babies or house. It is precious to see their little innocent minds and how they think...

Josiah turned one March 5. He is a big boy now, too! He began walking the week he turned one, so he is busy as he tries to keep up with his sisters. We have enjoyed having him around. Boys are sure different from girls! Early on he took up interest in playing with balls and cars and especially enjoys being outside. One thing I was always told before he came into the world was that, 'boys are so sweet and love their mommas!'. There is so much truth in that. Josiah is very close to his daddy- they are pretty big buddies, but he sure loves his momma. Every morning I really look forward to going in to his room and seeing his joyful smile and his readiness to see me. I just love his happy-go-lucky personality. I remember praying daily for him while he was in the womb that he would be a good, happy baby. ;)

Last, but not least, I have some exciting news to share. I would like to officially announce the upcoming arrival of our 4th (and hopefully final :) little blessing! We are expecting another baby, due to arrive around Thanksgiving. It was a little bit of a shock this time as we weren't quite expecting it to happen this soon. We knew we would eventually like to try for a little brother for Josiah, but God had His plan! Josiah and this baby will be about 21 months apart. I have been meaning to do this blog post for some time now, but have been putting it off. We had told our family at 8 weeks, but now that I am almost 11 weeks, there really isn't any hiding much longer as it is getting to be quite noticeable. So, for those of you who didn't know yet and just thought, "Wow! Miranda has really eaten good lately!" now you know :).

So, for those of you who are my prayer warrior buddies, please pray for our family as it will be busy and demanding, I'm sure, as we will have 4 under the age of 6. I know the Lord is good and by His Grace I can do ALL things through Him who gives me strength. He is the One who gives and takes away, the Ever-Present help in trouble, the Prince of Peace, the I AM, and Sustainer. He comforts and protects, He guides and directs. What would I... could I do without Him?!?! So. Knowing all this and believing it, I have to die to self a little more and submit fully to Him as I will continue to need Him minute by minute. Raising children is such a blessing, but isn't always easy and I am no perfect parent by any means. In fact, I fail many times at what I do, but there is nothing else here on Earth that I'd rather be doing. This is what I love and have been called to do. So, please pray for me (us), and that God would give me a new excitement and take away any fears or doubts. It is so easy to allow our flesh to worry and say, I can't do this. Apart from Him, I can't. But with Him and the power He has given me I can!

I love you all and pray a special blessing on your lives.

Here are a few recent pictures of our 'growing' family. Enjoy!

Alyson Kate

Eating yogurt and talking to Daddy on the phone

Everyday Alyson loves to go into the office and sit in the sunshine and have 'book time'. She will sit there for an hour sometimes and just 'read' books.

Soccer- Spring 2010
Julie, about to kick the ball!

At the end of every game the girls would yell, "Tunnel, Tunnel, Tunnel!!!" So, the parents would always make two lines and let the girls run through the tunnel. I think it was the highlight of the game!

Good season, girls!!

The girls at Silver Dollar City- about to go up, up, and away!

Our family at SDC

Josiah's First Birthday!

I thought this picture was so cute of the grandpas in the background watching

Julie learning to drive her first car.... as Alyson, in the passenger seat, is always ready for a good time (Whew- just a glimpse of what's ahead!)

Best Friends

Easter 2010

Cousins (on Brandon's side) 5 and counting!

Julia's Kindergarten Graduation
Julia with her beautiful and sweet teacher, Mrs. Bowen

What a proud face!

(This was a flash-forward to the future for me... can't you see her in 12 more years as she graduates High School?!)

Receiving Good Character Awards

Julia with her friend, Brightly

Our family

Uncle Rusty and Aunt Rachel

Mimi and Papa

Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Randy

Great Grandma and Grandpa Gray

Our Spring Family Pictures 2009

2009-04-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the U of A where the tulips were beautiful. I took a few pictures of the kids and my mom and Patsy came along to take some of our family. We are thankful for the beautiful new life that Spring brings!

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Psalm 24:1-2

Josiah at 1 month, First Bath, & Easter Blessings!

2009-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Being the photo-journalist that I am, this post if full of pictures from over the past month or so. I'm not much of a writer, but to me a picture is worth a thousand words!

It is so hard to believe our baby Josiah has been in our family for 7 weeks now! He is such a good, patient baby. That was one of my biggest prayers over the months that I was expecting him, was that he would be a good, happy baby- and God has truly answered that prayer. He is on a good eating/sleeping schedule now which helps out tremendously with having two other little ones. I never knew I could love having a baby boy as much as my little girls... I think I've fallen in love again!

The next few pictures were taken the day Josiah was 1 month old.

Josiah got his first bath at one month old. He really seemed to enjoy it except for the fact he was ready for his next feeding. But, boy, he felt good after that nice warm bath and a full belly =)

Of course, the girls had to help, especially Julie.

Julie loves helping take care of baby brother. I just know she will be a great mommy someday.

And now... Bathtime for the girls!

Alyson LOVES baby brother's elephant towel. She is so funny- after bathtime she enjoys running around in the house with just her diaper and hooded towel on. These years will go by too fast!

One of Julie's favorite things to do right now is take a bubble-jet bath in the jaccuzi tub. When you turn on the jets it turns into Bubble City!

Haven't you ever combed your hair with a fork?

Another one of Julie's favorite things to do is swing and sing. She makes up songs to Jesus.. I think she may become a song writer someday =) She is really good now at swinging by herself without having to be pushed. She can go really high!

Now this is the life... can it get any better than this?

This picture turned out a little blurry (I know- I wasn't quite in my photographer mode!) but I thought it was a sweet picture of Josiah's face.

One of my favorite things in the evenings is the sunset view behind our house. It is amazing to see all the different colors and designs God creates for us to enjoy. This particular evening was amazing. The picture doesn't show it's justice, but the sky was so orange and the sun was like a big flaming ball of fire.... wait, that's because it is=) Anyway- it was beautiful.

Easter 2009

I love Easter time. It is a wonderful time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross. What love He has for us- that he died to pay for our sins! As believers in Him we don't have to carry that burden anymore- He has paid it in full! I am so thankful he has forgiven me and washed my sins away so one day I can live eternally in that Heavenly home. Thank you, Jesus!

This year our church hosted the Easter Eggstravaganza in the new Kidzone building where tons of kids came to gather eggs galore! I took Julie and her cousin, Cambry. They had a great time as they left with lots of candy-filled eggs. They even had their picture with the Easter Bunny!

My sweet friends, Stephanie (from Memphis) and Libby (from Tulsa), and their husbands came to visit Easter weekend. They got to come by for lunch and visit on Saturday. I just love when they get to come into town. We always try and make it a point to get together and visit when they're here visiting their families. We've had to learn the hard way that life and close friendships are too precious to take for granted. Some friends come and go throughout life, but they are the kind of friends you have for a lifetime.

Above: Josh and Stephanie Brown (holding Josiah)

Below: Libby and Wyatt Wagner

That evening (Easter Eve) my family came over to eat and dye Easter eggs. I don't think my sister and I have ever missed a year of that tradition- It's always fun to see how creative you can be and who can make the most beautiful egg.... or shoud I say most interesting? (see Rachel's below)

Mom and Josiah

Some of Josiah's first smiles!

Daddy and Julie

Ok, this picture made me realize all of a sudden that my little Julie isn't so little anymore... look how long those legs are! And how much longer she is than Josiah next to her!

Easter Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa Gray's

This is how Josiah spent most of his Easter.

Julie eating her favorite thing: a cookie; and standing next to one of her favorite people: cousin Cambry

Alyson and Aunt Amber

Considering the VERY rainy day, I didn't get any good pictures of the kids outside in their Easter clothes and Alyson wasn't feeling good that day, so she wasn't in the best picture taking mood, so this is about it. My external flash which I use for indoor photography shoots is in the shop being fixed (I dropped it during a shoot) and I didn't realize my ISO was turned up too high and some other setting off, so they aren't great shots, but I'm thankful I got some on that special day!

Josiah and his Daddy wearing their blue sweater vests. That morning after I had dressed Josiah, Brandon was a pretty proud daddy of that little boy. He just smiled at him and said, "That's my boy." They were both pretty handsome =)

Monday night Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Randy had their kids and grandkids over to hunt eggs and for some Popeye's Chicken (which by the way was my first time to eat it-- It was delicious!)

They had eggs everywhere! The kids had a blast as they ran around as fast as their little legs could take them, throwing eggs into their baskets.

Grandma Patsy and Alyson

Julie on the hunt!

Josiah and Aunt Amber got to hang out for a while. He gave her smiles several times, and each time I missed them with the camera!

Chad, Cody, Amber, Cambry, Josiah and Julie

Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Randy with their 5 grandchildren: Cody and Cambry, Julie, Alyson and Josiah

Josiah and cousin Cambry

Josiah and a very proud big cousin, Cody. He was so excited to have another boy in the family!

Grandma Patsy and Josiah

Grandpa Randy with his two grandsons, Josiah and Cody

Children are a Gift from the Lord

2009-03-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Catherine Wilson, for making my baby announcements for me! I love them.

(You can view Catherine's card website at PolkadotsPaisleys.blogspot.com )

This is a little photo shoot I took of Josiah at 1 week old.

I was so excited to capture a couple pictures of him smiling in his sleep which he does ALL the time. I think he must have some pretty funny dreams. Once in a while he'll even chuckle a bit like he's laughing. At 10 days old he gave me his first 'real' smile while awake. It was the sweetest thing! He has a dimple on each cheek and even on his chin. Does every mother think their little boy is the cutest thing ever?

When I look at this photo I think of the song I learned as a child.."Oh, be careful little feet where you go; For the Father up above is looking down in love, Oh, be careful little feet where you go.."

The 3 Muskateers!

Julie is a VERY proud big sister. She loves her baby sister and brother so much.

Daddy and Josiah catchin' a few Z's

(I don't know if that recliner could fit any more babies!)

Josiah with his Great Grandpa Thomas Gray (who Josiah gets his middle name from)

Josiah with his Great Grandma Gray (Patsy's mother below and father above)

Josiah with his Great Grandma Oleta (my dad's mother)

Josiah with his Papa Randy (my dad). His sweater swallowed him and made him look huge! (Josiah, that is =)

Sleeping in the bassinet

I loved this one with Josiah and the girls.. The expression on his face is like, "Ewww, girls are kissing me!"

The kids and I met Brandon on his lunchbreak one day and had a picnic at the hospital's duck pond.

The girls loved feeding and watching the ducks

Alyson and her daddy

The girls were so funny one night.. They wanted to wear bandanas on their heads and dance and play with their daddy..

Intensly watching a good show on TV

Reading 'Dumbo' with Daddy before bedtime.

Alyson, Julie and Josiah (2 1/2 weeks old) at Mimi and Papa's house after church

Alyson and I

Josiah- 2 weeks

Working on the computer with Dad

My two Diva girls!

Welcoming Josiah Thomas Campbell - March 5, 2009

2009-03-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday, February 22, my sister, Rachel, my mom, Kim, mother-in-law, Patsy, and my sister-in-law, Amber, hosted a family/church baby shower for me at Patsy's house. It was such a blessing as we were given many needed things in preparation for our new baby boy. Thank you to everyone who showered us with gifts and love!

This is me at 37 1/2 weeks- 1 1/2 weeks before Josiah was born.

Rachel's mother-in-law made the beautiful cake. The theme for the baby's nursery is a prince theme, so the cake topper was a chocolate crown. Thanks, Marilyn- it was delicious!

Patsy crocheted two baby blankets for Josiah. They will be very special keepsakes for him.

Julie enjoyed helping open the gifts..

Labor began Wednesday evening, March 4th, and we went on to the hospital. The next morning at 5:30 a.m. they started me on a pitocin drip to speed the labor up a bit, then broke my water at 10:00. He was here by 11:08 Thursday morning! After delivery I was praising God that it was over with. It was, by far, the hardest of my 3 labor and deliveries I've experienced. It wasn't like Alyson's delivery: walk in to the hospital dialated to 9 cm, ready to deliver in minutes!

My friend, Rachel Negley, was so kind to stay with our girls Wednesday night while we were at the hospital. She brought them up Thursday afternoon after naps. Thank you, Rachel, for all your help! And also to my mom for staying with them Thursday night. It was a blessing to have a peace of mind knowing the girls were taken care of and having fun.

Julie, especially, was excited. She couldn't get enough of Josiah. She kept kissing and touching his head and saying over and over, "He's so cute!" Alyson, on the other hand, wouldn't acknowledge him for quite some time, but by the end of their visit she was smiling at him and even tried to give him a chip! I was really concerned about how Alyson would do when we brought him home, but she has adjusted quite well. It helps her to see Julie's love and excitement towards him, so now she, as well, enjoys playing the role of a big sister. She enjoys getting diapers for me and watching him eat. I am thankful thus far for a good and easy transition with the girls. It is an answer to prayer!

The proud daddy of a baby boy!

Aunt Amber (Brandon's sister)

Poor Grandma Patsy was so excited about the birth of Josiah, but ended up not holding him after delivery because of being exposed to a stomach virus. She was afraid of the possibility of being a carrier of the virus, so she didn't want to take her chances of passing it to Josiah.

Brandon, Josiah, Grandpa Randy Campbell, and Great Grandpa Thomas Gray

Uncle Rusty and Aunt Rachel

Mimi and Papa

This is the first boy in the family for my dad (Papa). He had two girls, then two granddaughters, so he was all smiles and a proud Papa when Josiah arrived.

Josiah Thomas Campbell

8 lbs 20 1/2 " long

Two proud big sisters, Alyson and Julie!Patsy and Randy, when sure that they were not sick, came over to hold Josiah for the first time. They were thrilled and very proud grandparents!

December Events & Christmas 2008

2009-02-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

Breakfast with Santa at the annual Terri Lynn McNaughton Realty office. This was my 3rd year for me to take pictures for them as lots of kiddos come to have their picture made with Santa! It is always fun to get a family picture together with him.

Cambry and Julie

Julie: "...and I would like a 'shooter'"

Santa: ".. a what??"

Julie: ".. a 'SHOOTER'

Santa: ".. a 'Shooter'?

Me: "... Oh- She said she would like a 'scooter'!

Santa: "...Oh! A Scooter!!"

...and Alyson just watched from a distance this year. She wasn't too fond of the idea of sitting on his lap.

Another birthday rolled around for me Dec. 7. I had a nice day.. I got to go with my two aunts, Linda and Janice, and my sister, Rachel, to the Christmas Tour of Homes, then to eat at the Catfish Hole that evening with my family. Patsy and Randy had us over afterwards to blow out candles on my cake (I'll save your eyes from having to squint and count the candles... THERE'S 26 OF THEM!!). The girls especially enjoyed the moment =)

Me and my dad at dinner for my birthday.

Brandon's birthday December 15. Daddy and his girls! (do you think there's room for one more baby to fit on that lap?? I think he can do it =)

Alyson and Grandpa

One day I dressed up the girls in their Christmas dresses and had a photo shoot at home with them. It was fun to dress them up with no place to go but home!

Julie went to her friend Emory's birthday party in December. The theme was to dress up as a bible character, and since this year we are studying the "Life of Moses" in Bible Study Fellowship, Julie chose to dress up as Moses! So, we made her a beard and Ten Commandments to wear around her neck. Mimi (my mom) even had a staff she could carry. Looks like a pretty good Moses, huh!

This year we hosted our Sunday School class Christmas party. We had a really good turn out as several couples got to come. We are so thankful for this group of friends to share with in the celebration of Jesus' birthday at Christmas time.

Every Christmas my dad's side of the family gets together for a big family party at the Ozark's Electric in Fayetteville. It is always a special time to be together and celebrate!Me and my lovely momma, Kim. (*You're never too big to sit on your mom's lap)

It is always fun to take the girls to the Fayetteville Square every Christmas to see the lights and ride the ponies. It is one of Julie's favorite highlights of the Christmas season! Alyson even enjoyed riding this year for the first time. She was all smiles the whole time.

We have began our little (but growing) family Christmas tradition every year by opening our gifts at home on Christmas Eve. The girls each get to open new Christmas pajamas to sleep in that night and wear the next morning to Grandma Patsy's and Grandpa Randy's, then to Mimi and Papas to have Christmas with them.

Julie got a shooter!.... I mean a scooter!!

Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa's house with cousins Cody and Cambry

Cambry and Julie- good buddies

Chad and Amber

This year Patsy and Randy went in with Brandon and I to give the girls a play house. Brandon and Randy put it together for them and now they are just anxiously waiting for some warm weather to get out and play in it!

Papa even made a little wooden kitchen to go inside. But, this picture is the first model.. after this picture was taken he took it back out to the shop and remodeled it. Now it has a vent hood with a real light underneath! One of dad's gifts (from his sweet nephews) was a deer plaque (without a deer rack) and at the bottom it says, "Randy's first deer 200?" I think the funniest part about it was dad laughing... he's a good sport.

Christmas at Mom and Dad's (Mimi and Papa's)

Rusty and Rachel were excited to get new Twilight books

Julie and her daddy- Hugs are the best gifts of all!

Beginnings of a New Year!

2009-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

New Years Day 2009
We were so excited to have Evan, Leah and Kendall from Louisville, KY! The Negleys came, too, and we all brought in the New Year with a yummy lunch with some black-eyed peas.

Brandon, Jonathan and Evan
Rachel N., Me, and Leah
We all have girls and they enjoyed playing together
Kendall, Alyson, Julie and Mya

Cheap entertainment: Having daddy pull you in the laundry basket around the house.

Well, little Miss Alyson isn't quite a baby anymore. She's sure of her capability of eating spagetti with a spoon and bowl by herself... She is doing really well...

....Well, other than the nice big mess!

Julie LOVES to help me cook in the kitchen. She's quite the 'chef', too! Here she is helping me make banana bread.. one of her favorites!

Which one of us is having the baby?

Each year our church hosts an annual Chili Cook-Off where each Connection group gets to have a booth. Each group can enter a chili, a cookie and a theme. This year mine and Brandon's parents' group was a Dr.'s theme...

...and ours was a 'Antacids Required' theme. Each couple (4) litteraly dressed up as antacid medicines. (from left to right) Kellye, Gary and little L.J. Hamblen dressed up as Tums bottles (L.J. was a Tum); Rachel and Jonathan Negley were Rolaids; Brandon and I were Pepto-Bismol (Julie was a Tum, too); and Rachel and Rusty dressed up as Beano. Behind us we painted cardboard to look like an Antacid shelf at the store of all sorts of medicines.

...and since my belly was too big for the cardboard to go on my front we had to cut out a hole in the middle. So, I painted a t-shirt the same color as my bottle and it says, "Cherry Flavored". Also, the goofy things on our heads are flower pots painted to look like measuring cups..

A Carter-Campbell Reunion!

Our previous next door neighbors, Jim, Becky, Emory, Avery and Colby Carter came for dinner a couple weeks back. It was so good to see them and let the kids all play (and we can't get together without getting out the dress-up clothes!)

Emory & Julie: Princesses and Friends forever

Bathtime with cousin, Cambry!

As Alyson is getting older, she is becoming more and more of a daddy's girl. Everyday when Brandon comes home she runs up to him with such excitement saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!!!"

Alyson and Papa reading a book... Aly is really into it, too!

The girls and I with Rachel at mom and dad's. Rachel is showing us a few nice guitar attempts on dad's guitar =)

Fall Pictures 2008

2008-11-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago when the leaves were still so pretty, we went to the Battlefield Park where we met the rest of Brandon's family for a group picture. Above is Brandon's mom and dad, Randy and Patsy, and below are a couple of family pictures of Amber, Chad, Cody and Cambry Parrish (Brandon's sister's family).

Earlier that day I met Rachel and Rusty to take some pictures for them. It was alot of fun and got some neat shots. For more of their photo shoot and other family photo shoots this Fall go to my photo blog at: http://mirandacampbell.blogspot.com/

For the Fall Festival at our church Julie dressed up as Princess Sleeping Beauty and Alyson was a pumkin... the same pumkin that Julie was at that age!

Camping Trip '08 and More!

2008-10-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went with my side of the family out to the Middle of Nowhere where we camped out Friday and Saturday night. We, especially Julie, had a lot of fun. Very relaxing and nice to get away from everyday life!

Saturday Julie helped make the blueberry pancakes. When it comes to the kitchen she is the best little helper!

Rusty, Rachel, Mandy, Alyson, Julie, Brandon, Mom and Dad, and the 3 dogs: Canyon, Bingo and Dottie

Me and my girls! (and hiding inside: baby boy Campbell)

My beautiful Julia Cathryn

Rusty and Rachel

Isn't Rachel's hair just BEAUTIFUL!?!

Ok, just kidding. But, when she's done using that pick and 'Big Sexy Hair' hairspray it is really cute!

Dad and Mom. Still in love after 30+ years!

Rusty and Rachel's new son, Canyon. He was such a good boy. I didn't hear him bark once the whole 2 days we were there! I don't know that we could have counted on him to give us the warning if there had been a bear or coyote at night!

Rusty and Brandon went out for a little while on Sat. to go hunting.

Brandon and Julie by the campfire Saturday night while listening to the Razorback game.

Me and my sweet baby girl

Mom and Dad's newest daughter, Bingo. She's a beautiful girl Boxer dog.. only a few months old. And dad let Julie name her Bingo!

Ok, so here's the cheering crew out in the woods listening to the poor Razorbacks- we were so close! Before we left home to go camping Brandon had looked on line to see what all the radio stations were that would get the game out near the area we would be camping. So, with a wind up radio and little added aluminum foil on the antenna, we were set! It actually came in pretty clear!

Julie was such a good helper. She helped Papa when sawing the wood for the fire.

Alyson walking with her daddy

And on a different note.. I had to share what my sweet mother-in-law,Patsy,has been up to. Just a few months ago I had mentioned how I wanted to learn how to make bows for the girls. Well, when you give that wonder woman a challenge, she is all over it! Soon after she went to Hobby Lobby and bought yards and yards of ribbon and made her 3 granddaughters bows galore!

Thank you, Patsy! The girls love them and they are adoreable in their hair!

And not only does she love her 3 granddaughters, but is crazy over her two grandsons, Cody(9) and also, the new baby boy to come in March! She and my father in-law are so excited that it's a boy so they have gone shopping and have totally helped fill the baby's closet with little boy clothes! Thank you Randy and Patsy... We can't wait to put them on him!!

This past Tuesday we went for our 20 week ultrasound at the clinic we go to. Both our moms, Kim and Patsy, as well as Julie, went with us to join in on the excitement. We were so excited that they have a new 4-D ultrasound machine! It was amazing the detail that it showed. Of course, he's only 20 weeks along, so he looks like a baby, but still a little 'alienish' (if that's a word). But it was so sweet to see him move. He kept opening and closing his mouth which they say they do that when they are drinking. You could see even little things like his little armpits and little rolls under his chin.. little fingers that moved and his little ears when he turned his head. I just don't understand how someone could think a baby in utero like that is not a person! It's a precious life.. a gift from God with a purpose for his life! Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of children.

Above: 4-D (he has his little arms up by his head- that's his elbows by his face. He usually liked holding his ears)

Below: 2-D

And here I am halfway through (at 5 months). Just 20 more weeks to go!

A New Blog to Share!

2008-10-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, my sister is finally catching up from living in the dark ages. SHE STARTED A NEW BLOG!
I wanted to let the rest of you bloggers know so you can go and visit hers. And leave her a comment- she would love it =) Her blog address is: http://rachnruss.blogspot.com/

And for the rest of you who don't quite have one started up yet, you should! It's really easy. You just go to http://www.blogspot.com/ and it walks you thru the steps of setting one up. And best of all, it's free! I've enjoyed having one- more than anything to journal and post pictures of the girls. Once in a while I'll post picts of Brandon and I or ones of our wonderful families and friends.. It is a great way to share with out of town (or in-town) family and friends what is going on in your lives. Oh, and I have a question for you 'Pro-Bloggers'. Do you know if you can print the pages of your blog? I thought it would be really neat if you could order it in the form of a book, too. I love seeing and reading on the computer, but more than that having a hard copy to always keep would be nice=)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

"ULTRASOUND SHOWS....."

2008-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!

Last Thursday Brandon, Julie and I went to the Loving Choices Pregnancy Center in Fayetteville where they were doing free ultrasounds on moms between weeks 7 and 20. Last Thurs I was exactly 16 weeks, so we were hopefull that the nurse would get a shot of what the gender was. And before she even said anything Brandon and I immedietely noticed something on the screen that we didn't see the first two ultrasounds with our girls! The nurse, soon after, said, "Well... I think I know what the gender is!" Brandon, especially, was all smiles. He was SO hopefull for a boy this time. Like most dads, he has dreams of having a little buddy around to play sports and go hunting with. I am excited, too. I love my little girls and wouldn't trade them for the world.. but having a little boy around will be lots of fun, too (we'll be busy!) .

So, I guess I'm going to have to learn how to play toy cars, make mud pies and catch bugs! Two days before we found out the gender I saw this bright green grasshopper on our flowers on the back porch. I thought.. how fun would it be to paint the baby's room green and accent with burnt orange.. if it's a boy. So who knows what we'll end up doing in there. But it's fun either way to experience the privilege of having a boy!

Alyson, like her big sister, LOVES books. She has made a ritual every night to get up in the chair with her daddy and look at books. She is learning so many new words and recognizing many pictures. It is fun to watch little ones learn and discover new things in the world around them!

Alyson and Julie with their cousins, Cody and Cambry. They just live right down the road, so it is always a treat to have them over to play!

Even if this baby had been another girl, I really don't think Brandon would mind. He loves his girls. Who says girls can't watch and cheer on the football team, too!??

Julie is proud of her new tricycle. Her Papa (my dad) got it for her a few months back and she is so proud of it. It is a metalic pink and silver Schwinn. It reminds me of the antique, retro style. It had been at my parents house for her to ride over there, but recently brought it over here to ride. When we went on a walk the other night ( a rather long walk on the golf cart trail) she rode it the whole way and when we passed a couple that was walking she told them with such pride, "My Papa got this tricycle for me!!) It was so cute.

Last Friday Julie rode in the 'Trike-a-thon' at the Kid's Day Program at our church. She rode her new trike and had lots of fun!

Julie and her friends, Caitlyn and Kadyn.

At Connection Group Sunday night the girls and Mya went out to swing. The evenings are so nice these days to get out and play!
Mya Negley...

Julie...

Alyson and Uunt Rachel...

Me and Aly Kate!

Kellye and LJ Hamblen... he is such a sweet baby boy!

Ballerina Parties to another year of Squaredance Memories!

2008-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of Julie's good buddies from church, Kadyn Hester, just turned 4 and had a ballerina birthday party. Kendra, Kadyn's mom, was so clever and made each of the little girls a bright pink tutu.. they were adorable! The girls made beaded hair pieces, had a ballet performance, and ate yummy ballerina cake and ice cream. Little girls are precious!

Julie's 1st proposal (Asher, Kadyn's brother, asked Julie if she wanted a ring... Wow, Asher.. that's a big rock!)

Alyson even wore her tutu and had a blast. She thought she was one of the big girls, too!

Happy Birthday, Kadyn!

Another year in the Clothesline Fair Parade! This year Zander Wilson was Julie's squaredance partner. They did really well this year!

Julie and Zander
Julie's friend, Lexi

(more squaredance pictures..)

2008-09-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Circle to the left...

Swing and twirl!

Take a bow!

Julie and I Labor Day weekend..

Every night before I go to bed I run upstairs to check on the girls. One night last week when I went into Julie's room this is how I found her! Her lamp was on and she had fallen asleep in the middle of turning the page in a book. Bless her heart. She loves books, and I guess that night she couldn't go to sleep so she had to read for a while!

The Wedding of Wyatt & Libby Wagner

2008-09-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Brandon, Julie and I had the opportunity to be in the wedding for Libby Sargent and Wyatt Wagner. Libby and I have been friends for quite some time now and after dating her sole mate for 5 years they finally tied the knot!
The three of us drove to Owasso, OK (near Tulsa) last Friday for the rehearsal and stayed overnight in a hotel with many other out-of-towners for the wedding. Saturday, being that the wedding wasn't until 6:00, we got to enjoy a relaxing morning with Julie. We had origionally planned to take her to the Tulsa zoo, but instead she chose to go and have a sit down breakfast with mommy and daddy. She said we could go to the zoo next time. (With our time frame we didn't have time to go to Ihop and the zoo, both.) At first I was a little dissapointed being that I've never been to the Tulsa zoo and that would have been fun! But, I think after all I had more fun getting to spend a little more relaxing, quality time with Julie and Brandon. She told us several times, "I love spending time with just you and daddy." She also said she wished we could live in a hotel.. I guess with the room we were in we actually could because of the full kitchette, but I'm sure it would get a little tight after some time!
Saturday my mom and dad drove up with Alyson for the wedding. It was good to see her again and get a few formal family picts. Thanks mom and dad for taking care of her while we were gone! Also, to Rachel and Rusty for coming. Rachel fixed mine and Julie's hair for the wedding as well as two other bridesmaids. (You can tell who Rachel did because we all have the 'poof'!) Also, she took charge of my camera for me during the wedding. Thanks, girl!

Here are just a few (ok, several..) pictures from last weekend.

In loving memory, Kiley Martens.

Libby had made small picture frames with a picture of Kiley in them for us three girls to tie around our boquets. It was very meaningful and a special keepsake.

Libby had the cutest bride shoes.. They were the colors she used in the wedding.. pink and black!

Friends Forever! Mandy, Libby Lou and Steph

"Daddy, please!!!! Can I have some cake now!????!"

Libby and Wyatt are both airline pilots. So they had a cake topper with a bride and groom flying in an airplane! There was an airplane theme to the whole wedding. The guest favors were little boxes with chocolate and peanut butter shaped airplanes. The punch had airplane-shaped ice rings in it. And instead of throwing birdseed or blowing bubbles, the guests threw little airplanes at them (see picture below). It was so cute!

Thanks, Mrs. Betty (Libby's momma) for making Julie's flowergirl dress! She loved it and had so much fun being the flower girl.

Libby had a fun idea. After the ceremony, she had the bridesmaids switch our ivory satin ribbon around our waists to a fun ribbon with polka dots! Also, we switched from elegant 'diamonds' and pearls to a fun, pink beaded necklace and earrings for the reception.

( 3 airplanes coming at Libby's head while Wyatt is hiding behind her! )

Congrats, you two. You had a beautiful wedding... hope you had fun in Cozumel, Mexico!

Girls, Girls, and another Girl? or Boy?

2008-08-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Julie and Alyson are best buddies. They laugh, giggle, and play so well. Of course, they are sibblings so there is the occasional squeals and squabbles. But, most of all they are best friends.
July 24, Alyson, (at 14 1/2 mo.) officially began to walk! And really all it took was putting a pair of shoes on her feet. She took off like it was the best thing she's ever done! Now that she is an old pro at it she likes to walk bare-footed. Alyson is much more independant now that she's walking, but is still my baby and loves to be close and held.
These are just a few snapshots I took of the girls the other day outside. Julie had a blast pushing Alyson in the babydoll stroller.. Alyson thought it was great! Julie was like a little mother to her (as you can see in the pictures).
Also, the pictures of Julie and the Lincoln Log cabin is a kit that my dad made for her. Julie loves building and stacking blocks, so it is right up her alley to put the cabin together with her daddy.

Okay, so some may be wondering what the title of this post means... "another girl or boy?"

Yep! Julie and Alyson are going to be big sisters! #3 is on the way and due to arrive March 13. Alyson will be 22 months, which I hear is a good distance apart. We'll have our hands full, I'm sure! It was a surprise, not a shock...or what I like to say, "God-planned"! We knew we eventually would like to have a 3rd. Wasn't sure when, but God did! Brandon would love to have a boy someday. So, we'll see. We are so geared for girls, so either way would be a blessing! Julie is very excited. Of course, Alyson doesn't understand what's going on yet. But, with Julie starting school next Fall it will be fun to have a little play mate for Alyson.

So, please keep us in your prayers. We are praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby, and also for parental guidance and wisdom in raising our children.

I have felt great... have had a few weeks of nausia, but seems to be alot better now. I'm almost at week 12.. We will get to hear the heartbeat (Lord willing) at my next appointment this week. The morning we found out we were pregnant with Julie almost 5 years ago Brandon pulled out the bible. I think we were both searching for some comfort and direction at the time since we were totally not planning to have a baby yet. He read in Psalm 127 where it says, "...children are a gift from the Lord..." We feel so blessed to have our children and He was right. They truly are a gift. They bring so much joy and laughter into our home. Of course, God teaches us hard lessons through our children and it's not always easy or fun being a parent. But, most of all they are a real blessing from Him.

Julie turns 4... A Ballerina Birthday!

2008-07-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Julie's birthday 'Ballerina style'. It has been her most common interest over that past few months so we saw it appropriate to have a Ballerina Birthday Party! She had alot of fun with 11 little ballerina friends here (plus 3 boys who were a very good sport). All the little girls each got to make their very own tutu (with the help of their mommies... thanks moms!) We had a ballet performance where all the little girls danced to a soft piano piece. It was so precious! I think the adults enjoyed it just as much as the little girls. Julie is so thankful for her little friends. They are each precious and their families are a blessing to us.

May 2008: Baby Dedication, Mother's Day, Alyson's 1st Birthday

2008-05-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

This month we celebrated Alyson's 1st birthday! Last year she was my little Mother's Day present and now it is hard to believe she is already one. It is amazing how babies grow and change in that short amount of time. Alyson has 6 teeth and is crawling (almost walking), clapping, pointing, mocking words, and is such a happy and outgoing little girl. We have had so much fun with her in this first year of her life and look forward to many more blessed years with her to come!

Baby Dedication at church on Mother's Day

The girls on Mother's Day

Alyson and her Great Grandma Oleta (my grandma)

This is the sunset looking out our back porch the night we had Alyson's birthday party.

This was the night of her actual birthday. The grandparents came over and Julie was the event coordinater. She passed out a party hat to each of us. The guys were good sports and wore them... they even forgot they had them on and wore them outside for a while!

Cruise Vacation 2008

2008-05-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 2, Brandon and I drove to New Orleans, LA with Rachel and Jonathan Negley where we boarded the Carnival Fantasy Cruise ship the next day for a 5 day, 5 night cruise. We had a blast... it was definetely a much needed vacation. We sadly left our girls for a whole week, but didn't take long to just lean back, relax and enjoy ourselves. There was lots to see and do, but still somehow managed to get in some extra naps and sleeping in.
The ship had two port stops. The first in Progresso, Mexico, and the next in Cozumel, Mexico (my favorite by far).

This is at a little restaurant that we stopped at on the way called "The Dock" in Louisiana.

About to board the Fantasy!

This is a model of the ship

And we're off! I don't know if you can tell in this picture, but the ship was taking a sharp corner down the Mississippi River, and we were leaning quite a bit!

Inside the ship in the main lobby area. From top to bottom there were 13 floors.

This was Brandon's appetizer the first night... Salmon. The food was wonderful-- almost too pretty to eat!

My main course was Tilapia.

Ok, I am getting hungry just remembering about it...

After dinner we went to a show- there were dancers and a comedian. The guys thought the dancers were cheesy, but coming from a past of High School Pom Squad, I thought they were alot of fun!

And this is what we did about 5 times a day... There was an icecream machine conveniently close to our cabins and the back deck where we spent alot of our time. Rachel and I have finally stopped having icecream withdrawls (sp?)

Rachel reading a book.. Jonathan with his spf 15 and Brandon with his spf 30,laying out in the sun. Poor Brandon hardly got a drop of sun and Jonathan got the darkest of us all! I think I later saw the spf 30 in the trash.

This was the first mistake we made... working out. The second night, which was formal night, we were all feeling a little full from all the food and icecream, so we thought we'd pump a few muscles before we had to put on the suits and dresses. Needless to say, we were a little sore and tired the rest of the night.

There were tons of photographers on the boat always wanting to take your picture. They all had their backdrops set up and ready to snap.

I thought this one turned out good of Rachel and Jonathan with the sunset (that's a real sunset, not a backdrop!

Seafood platter with shrimp and Lobster

Every evening after dinner our stateroom host would always have a towel on the bed folded to look like an animal, sometimes even wearing our sunglasses!

The pool deck at night

We went to a really neat buffet one night that had ice and fruit carvings. Pretty amazing what they can do! This is a Dragon ice carving.

A ship..

A chicken..

Monday morning we arrived in Progresso, Mexico

Wow, if you want to stand out in a crowd, wear a sombrero!

We then took a Mayan Jeep tour. Jonathan drove, and we held on!

Alto = Stop

Mayan Ruins

A Mayan cemetary. Full blood Mayans have a primary color for their grave and part Mayans have a secondary color for their grave. Instead of burying them in the ground they let the body decay first, then put the bones in the hole of the head stone.

A BIG church in a little Mayan town

This is the really pretty resort where we ended our tour, ate lunch and swam in the ocean.

Awww, a puppy...

Cozumel, Mexico

In Cozumel we took a Clear Kayak and Snorkel tour. This was our most favorite part of the whole trip. The water was much prettier there- so clear and torquoise. We saw all kinds of colorful fish and reefs. I could have kept my head under the water all day! Rachel and Jonathan are certified scuba divers, so they got to go on the Scuba diving tour... they said it was awesome... maybe next time we will be certified and get to go with them!

We rode in a clear kayak which you could see through to the bottom.

Rachel caught some silhouette (sp?) pictures of us as we were leaving the Cozumel port.

We played the card game, Presidents, several times. Rachel and Jonathan took turns fighting over 'President', while Brandon and I were just doing good to make it out of the 'Scum' category.

The map of our cruise

A scorpion, crab, seal? I don't know what we decided it was.

Brandon actually tried a squid for lunch one day. To say the least, that was the only one he tried.

The last day of our cruise was all day at sea. Wow, we found out how competitive we all really are. Jonathan won the ping pong tournament...

And I won the golf tournament!! (Brandon is sticking his tounge out at me.. sore loser ;-)

Another beautiful sunset

Escargo (snail) for appetizers! Just a little chewy.

Our dinner party and waitresses, Natalja and Punsuk.

A viper..

We finally made it back home to our precious girls!! Here is our sweet Julie wearing her Mexico souveniers.

I just have to share this.
I think it was about the second day at sea and I was still a little nervous about being away from our girls and being out on the ocean where I automatically think about Titanic and Poseiden. So, one evening I prayed, 'God, please, just give me some peace and comfort from your Word.' So, my bible happened to fall open to Psalm 91. Let me tell you, it was just what I needed to hear. Such comforting words.

vs. 1-4 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart....
vs. 9-12 "If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the Lord, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone..."
vs. 14-15 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he ackowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."

What a big God we serve. That is a promise right out of His Word! I can say that my mind was at such ease the rest of the trip. "Thank you, Jesus, for being my sheild, my comforter, and friend. Amen"

I enjoyed the time alone with Brandon and the sweet friends that we were able to share the trip with. There is nothing more breathtaking than the ocean and being able to see as far as east to west. God is a big God and taking the time to stop and enjoy His creation was so refreshing.
So now, back to reality and our every day routines. I became spoiled to having my bed made for me everyday and being able to order a 5 course meal every evening. But, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I am thankful to be back home with my girls where I have dirty diapers to change, laundry to fold, and babies to hold. Now, I enjoy doing those things just a little more than before. God is good and I am thankful for all of His blessings.

Easter Memories - 2008

2008-05-19T14:18:00.001-07:00

Easter 2008 was alot of fun. With it being Alyson's first Easter and having two little girls dressed up in their fluffy pink made it memorable. Not only was the dying and hunting of eggs special and fun, but also remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who paid for our sins on that old rugged cross. What a gift! Thank you, Jesus, for loving us that much.

Here are some verses out of the bible on "How to make Heaven your Home"

"For God so loved the World, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"Except ye repent, (turn from your sins) you shall likewise perish." Luke 13:3

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, buy by Me'." John 14:6

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved." Acts 16:31

Pray this Prayer from your Heart:
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead to be my Lord. God, I now repent of my sin and personally invite Jesus into my life. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me the free gift of eternal life. I promise to live for You as You reveal Yourself to me through Your Word, the Bible. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer and meant it with all your heart, you can know that you will live eternally in Heaven someday! And, Jesus has changed your heart forever. He has mine. He brings such peace and contentment to my heart and leaning on Him through every trial and trusting Him to help me get through each day is so comforting. He is a big God and will change your life forever, too. Just trust Him.

I will be praying for you!

Family Fun

2008-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun to watch our girls as they learn new things, grow in their friendship and play everyday!

Here are just a few random pictures from the past few weeks. (Alyson in the sailor outfit at 10 months; Picnic lunch at the 'duck pond' with daddy on his lunch break; playdate with Leah, Kendall, Rachel and Mya at Bro. Barry and Mrs. Sheila's house; Julie- the first night she wrote her name ALL by herself!!; Brandon and Julie with their snowman)

We are so blessed and so thankful for our girls. God teaches us something new through them almost everyday (patience, love...and just how to have fun and enjoy the simple things in life.)

I am just beginning to get a glimpse of how quick time flies. I cannot believe Julie will soon be 4 years old in June and Alyson 1 year in May!

Kiley... We will miss you so much...

2008-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Kiley Martens passed away yesterday, February 13, 2008. My heart is so heavy and cries for my dear friend, Kiley. She was such a sweet friend... I miss her so much. I wish I could go back to yesterday and call her and tell her what she means to me as my friend. I wish I could hug her as I pray for her. I wish I could have just one more chance to tell her how much I love her and how thankful I am for her. I wish there was something I could do to bring her back. I know we will all miss Kiley so much.

But now, I have to trust she is in the presence of the Lord. I have hope in Jesus that one day I will get to see her beautiful face again. She was the most beautiful person inside and out. Some of my most fondest memories are with her, Stephanie and Libby. God was so good to bless me with their sweet friendships. I thank the Lord for them. Kiley will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.

I miss you Kiley!

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all" Psalm 34:18-19

Sweet Snowy Day

2008-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful snowy morning! This was Alyson's first time to experience the cold white fluffy stuff all over the ground. The girls (especially Julie) enjoyed playing in it with the neighbor friends, Emory and Avery. They even made a 'snow castle'! It is fun to hear the imagination among little girls. They are so sweet!

Happy Retirement, Randy!!

2008-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

Back in December Brandon's dad, Randy Campbell, retired from Greenland Schools. He had been a Graphic Arts teacher for 30 years. The school had a big retirement party for him at the Greenland Community Building. It was amazing to see all the people (friends, family, teachers and students) who came to celebrate him.

Happy Retirement, Randy!!

2007-12-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

(Our Christmas Newsletter)

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We hope this card finds you with joy and much cheer.

We are so thankful for the blessings Christ brings,

Our hearts are full of love and joyfully sings.

God has given us a gift, Alyson Kate,

She was 19 ¼ inches and weighed 7.8!

Born Mother’s Day on May thirteen,

She was one of the most beautiful babies I’d ever seen!

She is a good baby, always a smile on her face,

It reminds me of God’s sweet love, peace and grace.

Julie, now 3, is getting so tall,

She loves her baby sister and is the best helper of all!

She’s involved in gymnastics, Awanas, and Bible School,

And has fun with her friends whom she thinks are so cool.

She loves to read books and to sing, dance and play,

These days will pass fast and aren’t here to stay.

I try to savor every moment I can,

And continually pray that she will follow God’s plan.

Working for Tyson nearly 3 years,

Brandon loves the Supply Chain Department along with his peers.

He became a deacon in the church when ordained,

Our Connection Group leader he has remained.

He loves hunting, fishing, his girls and football,

The Razorbacks- his favorite team of them all!

And as for me, I’m mommy, housekeeper and wife,

I am so thankful God’s blessed me with this life.

I have a new interest, it’s photography I love,

I know the desire came from above.

With my new camera, tripod and flash,

I’m having fun making extra cash!

We hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas time,

Reflecting on Christ’s birth and His gift that’s sublime.

His gift is so precious and totally free,

He died on the cross to pay for you and me.

Lifted up high and exalted He stands,

"Love one another” is what He commands.

You are precious to us and to Him in His sight…

May your Christmas and New Year be merry and bright!

Love, Brandon, Miranda, Julia & Alyson Campbell

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Breakfast with Santa

2007-12-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I was the photographer for the Terri Lynn McNaughton Realty Christmas Brunch. I think there was over 150 kids (ranging from infant to Sr. Citizen) there to have their picture made with Santa! It was alot of fun. There were many requests for Santa, from baby dolls to bicycles to electronics. Here are just a few pictures of our family with Santa.

Merry Christmas!

Family Camping Trip

2007-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

In October we went camping for two nights with my side of the family. We went to an area near the Buffalo River called Kapark. We had a fun time- out in the middle of nowhere! We hiked the Glory Hole hiking trail, cooked lots of great food, and just hung out and enjoyed eachother. The girls really enjoyed it as well. The first morning Julie woke up and said, "We can't go home yet...I like camping!"

Song: "My Jesus"

2007-11-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Amy- I copied the song lyrics from your blog site. I love the words of this song- really gets down to the heart and makes sure I'm in check with what's really important in life.

My Jesus ~ by Todd Agnew

Which Jesus do you follow?
Which Jesus do you serve?
If Ephesians says to imitate Christ,
Then why do you look so much like the world?

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the arrogant
So which one do you want to be?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Or do we pray to be blessed with the wealth of this land
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness
Or do we ache for another taste of this world of shifting sands

Cause my Jesus bled and died for my sins
He spent His time with thieves and liars
He loved the poor and accosted the rich
So which one do you want to be?

Who is this that You follow
This picture of the American dream
If Jesus was here would you walk right by on the other side
Or fall down and worship at His holy feet

Pretty blue eyes and curly brown hair and a clear complexion
Is how you see Him as He dies for Your sins
But the Word says He was battered and scarred
Or did you miss that part
Sometimes I doubt we’d recognize Him

Cause my Jesus bled and died
He spent His time with thieves and the least of these
He loved the poor and accosted the comfortable
So which one do you want to be?

Cause my Jesus would never be accepted in my church
The blood and dirt on His feet might stain the carpet
But He reaches for the hurting and despises the proud
I think He’d prefer Beale St. to the stained glass crowd
And I know that He can hear me if I cry out loud

I want to be like my Jesus
Not a posterchild for American prosperity,
but like my Jesus

You see I’m tired of living for success and popularity
I want to be like my Jesus
but I’m not sure what that means to be like You Jesus
Cause You said to live like You,
love like You but then You died for me
Can I be like You Jesus?
I want to be like My Jesus

Fall Festival

2007-11-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night Julie dressed up as a ballerina and Alyson as a little leopard. Our church hosted a Fall Festival where many kids in costumes came. There was lots of games, candy and loads of fun!

My Little Ponies- Live!

2007-10-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Julie and I went with Tressa and her daughter, Abi, to the Fort Smith Convention Center and saw, "My Little Ponies Tea Party". It was very cute, especially enjoyable for Julie and Abi. And for Tressa and I, well, it just made us want to be little girls again! There were real people inside the pony costumes (you can tell by their front legs.) They sang, danced and had a tea party! We had alot of fun. It was nice to have a "mommy-daughter day" and treat the girls to something special!

Julie & Alyson... Best Friends

2007-09-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Julie is feeling so much better today! She asked me this morning, "Mommy, will you take my picture with Aly Kate?" I am so glad to see she's feeling better. She also read books to Alyson. Alyson is so entertained by her!
Alyson is 4 1/2 months now and we decided tonight that we would introduce to her rice cereal...her first real food! As you can tell by her facial expressions, she wasn't real impressed. In fact, she really wasn't interested at all.
If she could talk she would have said, "Daddy, please don't make me eat that!" and, "I think I'll just stick to eating my hand instead."

Oops!

2007-09-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, I was just reading what I had written in the section "About Me" and I didn't realize that I had written that "God was my Friend... Brandon, my best Friend." (Sorry God!) Well, it convicted my heart anyway. Sometimes we say that God is our best friend, but really, who do we invest most of our time in? I know for me I am guilty of spending alot of my time with my children, then Brandon, then if there's any time left, I'll spend it with God. (and by that time it's 10:30 and I'm tired!) That is the complete opposite order it should be in. God, Brandon, then children. It is so important to get that order right. He created us for His purpose and to glorify Him. Just like His word says, "..but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19)." But then in Psalm 37 it says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Anyway, I just had to make that correction.. and it could have been a 'God-thing'. He was probably bringing that to my attention to convict my heart of where he stands in my life. I want to bring Him my best every day and consult with Him in all I do. Because without Him I am nothing and can do nothing.
Thank you, Jesus!

On the Road to Recovery

2007-09-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I struggled with the decision of whether or not to have Julie's tonsils and adenoids removed. After much prayer and research, God gave us both a peace about going through with it. We had both talked with many people who said that their child was a new child afterwards and not so sick all the time. So, we took Julie early this morning to the Jones Clinic in Springdale where Dr. Gluth took her tonsils and adenoids out. She did SO good, was very big and brave (I don't think she really understood what the word 'surgery' meant until it was all over with!) To say the least, she was not too happy when they brought her back to us afterwards. Of coarse, the anesthesia makes anyone a little disoriented and out of it.
Dr. Gluth told us that her adenoids were especially large and that there was alot of old infected mucus behind them. That made us feel alot better about our decision to have them removed. All along they were just holding in and causing infection...poor baby- no wonder she's had to 'live' on antibiotics! She can already breathe so much better thru her nose. So hopefully she's on her way to a quick recovery and back to her old self again. Until then that means lots of jello, popsicles, ice cream...!!!
So now we are back at home all taking it easy. The girls are both taking their naps (I'm about to join them) and since Brandon took the day off, he went to WalMart and is getting Julie's prescriptions filled...He just called from Lowes asking what kind of screen door I like.. Yah! I've always wanted a back screen door! (I also hinted that I needed my car washed and vacuumed out at the carwash... we'll see if he caught the hint). So, he's out running around... enjoying his day off from work.
Again, I want to thank each of you for praying for our little Julie and her surgery. Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery and that she will begin to have better health with her ears, throat, nose, etc...
We love you!
Miranda/Mandy
(pictured: As soon as Julie hit the pillow she was out...all that anesthesia and pain medicine makes you tired!)

Deacon Ordination

2007-09-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Brandon, along with 3 other men, were ordained to serve as deacons in the church. He is excited about how God will use him as a deacon. We ask for your prayers as we are being called into this kind of ministry. Satan is at work and loves to attack those who surrender to God's calling. We pray we will stand strong in our faith and be used for God's purposes

The 'laying on of hands'
(Ordained men from the church and area prayed for each of the four men)

Julie: From Squaredancing to Gymnastics!

2007-09-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend, Julie had the opportunity to squaredance at the Clothesline Fair and be in the Parade. She, being the youngest on the team, had so much fun. She loves to perform in any way, whether singing, dancing... So squaredancing was right down her alley. Also, she had her first gymnastics practice at the Williams Center. It is only a 1 hour class, and let me tell you, she was disappointed when it was over. She couldn't believe it was already time to go home! She had alot of fun and was excited to learn some new 'tricks'. Here are just a few pictures of her latest hobbies!

Two Peas in a Pod

2007-09-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Julie and her daddy are like two peas in a pod. If she is ever upset or sad she'll say, "I want my daddy..." or out of the blue she'll say, "I love my daddy soooo much". And of course I always have to throw in, "Well, what about your mommy?" She'll say, I love my mommy, but I love my daddy SOOO much."
I'm thankful for their close relationship and I pray they will always stay close. I took this picture at the park one day and thought it was so cute of them together. It was right after Brandon had to get on to Julie for something and after he talked to her about what ever it was she had done he threw her up in the air (just playing). I just happened to have my camera out and caught it at the right moment!!