Another Noelle Quote

We are continually surprised by the things Noelle says to us! This week I woke up Noelle and told her that she was going to school. (That's what we call Mother's Day Out.) She is always excited when she gets to go to school, and this day was no exception. As we were on our way, I went through a drive-thru to get a cup of coffee and a kolache. While we were waiting in line I heard from the back seat:

"Personally, I don't think this is school!"

First Hamburger

This is so sad. Our kid is over 2 1/2, and she hasn't ever had a hamburger! (I guess that's good for her cholesterol, though.) :-) Sorry, Shannon, but her first hamburger was from Jack in the Box. The reason? It's one of the only places where she can get both a hamburger and fries with no allergens in it. Plus I really, really like the Sourdough Jack and curly fries. Yum...my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Smile for the camera:
Hmmm...not sure what to think:
What's on the inside?
My very own Jack!

The verdict: She thought the hamburger was OK, but loves the fries! Every time we go through any drive-thru, day or night, Noelle thinks we're getting french fries. This is a problem at Starbucks. :-)

Valentine's Day Party

We had a great Valentine's day this year. I (Sarah) must admit that I'm not a huge Valentine's person, but it gave us an excuse to do some fun activities with Noelle.

First we found some cookies that Noelle can actually eat. They are just the regular Pillsbury pre-cut cookies. Noelle had a fun time arranging them on the cookie sheet all by herself.



But then we had to rearrange them after she was done. :-)


We read several books in preparation of the big day, and filled out our own valentines. I had plans to make some really cute "crafty" ones, but then we ended up going with some cute store-bought ones. Maybe next year...

We went to a Valentine party at a friend's house. It was super fun! The kids all had a blast. It's funny because Noelle gets pretty overwhelmed by big groups, so she stuck close to momma the whole time. Later when I asked her, though, she kept saying how much fun she had. Thanks to Becca for all of her hard work getting this together for us!

They did coloring...

And crafts (this is Noelle in her "paint" shirt)....

Then decorated cookies...

And ate cookies...

And exchanged valentines, and then posed for a group photo with their goodies...

And finished up with red jello.

Funny story about the Jello. We have to be really careful about the foods Noelle eats, and so I've gotten pretty bad about not trying new things with her, even if they are allergy free. Noelle has had Jello before, but it has probably been over a year ago. I knew she would like it, but it seriously took her 5 minutes before she would even try a bite. I sat her down and gave her the cup and spoon. I tried feeding her a bite, but that wasn't happening. She would bring the spoon up to her mouth and then chicken out and put it back in the cup. This went on forever until she finally took a bite, and then she loved it! Silly girl!

Hope you had a great Valentine's day, too!

Another Quote

Here is a quote from Noelle from about 6 months ago. We forgot to post it then, but it still remains one of our very favorites. It happened when she was spending some time with Gram and Baba in Waco:

Gram: "Noelle, you need to talk nicely. You're being bossy."

Noelle: "I not bossy. I selfish!"

Something New

"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

When asked, I usually say that Matthew 11:28-30 is my favorite passage of Scripture. I've probably said that ever since the summer of 1999 when God used those verses in my life. Since then, I've spent many times taking comfort from that passage. It was even read at our wedding.

Over the past six weeks since we lost Jeffrey, I've found myself going back to those 3 verses again. Normally, I'm comforted by Jesus' invitation for me to come. It's such an encouragement for me to know that He always wants me to bring my stuff to Him and that I don't have to deal with it by myself. I love the promise that I can exchange my yoke for His yoke and find rest. Those are all still true, and the Lord has strengthened me with those principles. However, during this trial God has opened my eyes to a new truth that I hadn't previously seen in these verses. Not only am I invited to come and find rest, I am instructed to learn from Him.

This trial has been difficult for both Sarah and me. We continue to need your prayers for God to comfort us as He heals our hearts. I also ask that you would also pray for us to learn as the Lord faithfully teaches us when we come to Him.