Britt got glasses :)

Britt's been having some headaches at school. I took him into have his vision checked and found out that he needs to wear glasses. He only needs them for reading to eliminate the eye strain that the doctor said is causing the headaches. He looks so incredibly cute and smart!! :)

My Guitar Heros

This is Britton and his cousin, Johnathan at the video game store playing Guitar Hero. They thought they were so cool playing a teenager game!! :) This totally made me laugh out loud. The clerks behind the registers were getting a big kick out of it too!! SO... not sure why this downloaded sideways... Oh well!! ENJOY!!

Britt Learned How to Blow a Bubble

On Tuesday I picked Britt up from school and we practiced blowing bubbles with Bubbalicious bubble gum. Here he is sitting at our church office practicing. He was cracking himself (and the rest of us in the office) trying to blow it. He even spit his gum across the room once and picked it up as he yelled "FIVE second rule". Gotta love boys!!

LEGOS LEGOS and more LEGOS

This time I didn't mind so much having my kitchen table taken over by LEGOS.... Britton received the sweetest gift from our close friends, Merle and Dani. Merle wrote me the nicest e-mail about what an incredible, thoughtful young man Britton was. He said that Britton was exactly the type of role model that they were looking for for their boys. Now don't you know how hard that made me cry!! Words that every Mother longs to hear about their child. He asked me if He and Dani could buy Britton a very special toy to show him how much they appreciated him and the good choices that he makes. So, they bought him the "coolest in the whole world" Lego set, Star Wars-The Clone Wars. Britton was SO excited that he got up early every morning to work on the droid ship. Check out his finished project! Thanks Johnson family!!

Britt = Peter, a Disciple

Two weeks ago (Geez, I am so slack at this blogging thing), Britt played the part of Peter at Chapel at his school. Every week one of the classes host Chapel and it was his classes' turn. They acted out the story of when Jesus walked on water. Britton played the part of Peter and his part involved him climbing out of the boat and his speaking part was "Lord if it is you, command me to walk to you on water. " Then as the story goes, Peter (aka Britt-meister) took his eyes off of Jesus (his friend, Konner) and began to sink. then Britton quite dramatically cried out, "Lord, SAVE ME!!" It was really awesome!! Britt did a great job!! He may be the next Jim Caviezel.
I brought my camera in to video tape the whole thing and even sat at the front on the floor in front of all the kids to video tape it and GUESS WHAT- I filmed a stupid folding chair first to make sure that I was recording and somehow turned the stupid camera on pause!! ARGH!! I was so aggravated. So now I am attempting to retrieve the tape from one of the other Moms who successfully recorded it!! :)

Cowboy Western Day at School

Last week, Britt's school hosted their annual Cowboy Western Day. On the way to school, Britton practiced greeting his friends by saying "Howdy Part-na!" Crack me up!!

Verse for October

"God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10

Britt's Best Friend Spends the Night

They were pretending to be Jedis and drive this fierce Star Wars Space Ship. (aka: an inflatable bed that took me an HOUR to blow up with an itty bitty hand pump- OH, the things that you do for your kids!!) Britton has been so stoked that his best friend was coming for a sleep over!! They have played Legos, played Legos and MORE legos, had a pillow fight, played magnetic darts, watched cartoons, fed live flies (I know- gross don't ask.. you should have seen them chasing them around the house with the fly swatter and attempting to catch them bare-handed like they were on Karate Kid) to Herman and know they are playing Sonic Heros on the PS2. I wonder how long it will take Britt to come down off of this high??!! :)

This one's For Grandma

This video is especially for Britton's Grandma, Sandy. She's in Atlanta supporting and encouraging Britton's Uncle Craig at an amazing Rehabilitation Center. When I was in Columbia, my friend, Lisa and her girls, captured the newest additions to our family, the triplets.
Britton affectionately named them, (from biggest to smallest) Cooper, Tarzan and Tickle. "Tickle because he's smaller than a nickel and little things tickle you". :) We miss you Grandma!! See you soon!!

Herman comes home

Okay-- so here it goes, Britton went to Disneyworld with his Dad (had an absolute blast!!!), I went to Iowa to visit Shalin and Herman went to Columbia to stay with my very good friend, Lisa and her three amazing girls. There Herman was taken great care of by Emily, Ashley and Olivia. :) THANKS Sweethearts!! But as we all know, it feels incredible to come home from a trip (no matter how great it was) and sleep in our own beds. Well... Herman was so hilarious when I put him back in his tank at our house that he wouldn't stop swimming and chasing my finger. I captured it on video!! Enjoy- our animated tortoise!! :) So stinking funny!!!!

Prayer for our sweet Baby Olivia

Please join me in praying for Brooke and Phil's newest addition to their family, Olivia Caroline. She is doing great overall, however she is continuing to lose weight. Please pray that she will start gaining weight and that Brooke will feel an outpouring of peace about the health of her little angel. I can't wait for you all to meet her!! She is amazing and beautiful and has stolen my heart!! :) Look out Shalin! :)

The Heart Rock

This is a little rock that Britton gave me one day last week. He gives me alot of silly things that he finds.. I remember him telling me while I was e-mailing at work that it was in the shape of a heart and I gave him a wink and a nod and put it on my keyboard.

I was praying just now and I looked down and saw that rock sitting there. How perfect and beautiful it is. I have a friend who's little sweet boy is suffering from stage 4 cancer. This simple rock was a reminder to me of the little moments that we take for granted. Hold extra tight to your little blessings today that God has given you. I know that I will be hugging Britt a little longer than usual and thanking him for my "heart" rock.

September's Verse (I am so slack- I didn't have one for August)

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45 (NIV)

We had an unusual Monday Morning Visitor

Okay..so, at 3 am this morning I wasn't exactly thrilled to find a slimy,little, green friend on the floor IN MY HOUSE....however, it sure did thrill Britton!!! As a matter of fact, when I told him that I had a "surprise" for him that was a part of the amphibian family, he nearly knocked me over while running into the kitchen to meet him. I won't begin to bore you with the silly details involving his capture (Although I am sure if someone would have filmed me barefooted jumping around in my pj's, I would have won a million bucks! Darn, why didn't I wake up the neighbors?). Britton was uber stoked to find this tree frog still in the rubbermaid container on the counter(that I topped with two china bowls to keep him from jumping out).

Thank goodness I was able to convince him to set him free so that he could be with "his friends in nature" (that was an interesting debate- I assure you). When Britton released him in the front yard, the poor thing's back legs were so tangled up in my hairs (must have been hopping around in the bathroom) that he couldn't jump. So, of course, Britton immediately began to untangle him and helped him "go home". It was the sweetest sight seeing Britton releasing the frog!! (and a relief that he didn't fight me to make him brothers with Herman, our turtle.

As we were driving to school, we talked about what a great and special thing that Britton had done, and I asked Britton if he had named the frog. In his ever-so-hilarious way, he replied "Of course I did Mommy, his name is Hairball and I hope he's there when we get home today!!" CRACK ME UP!!

I hope you have a great day, "Hairball"!!

Need Your Prayers

I need you to all please join me in praying for three very special miracles for three very precious people. The first is for my brother-in-law, Craig Avery, who is fighting for his life at MUSC after sustaining a fall which resulted in a severe brain injury. Please pray for perfect healing in Craig and strength for Britton's grandparents and my friends, Nick and Sandy.

Next, please pray for our friends, The Freers. Their three yr. old son, Ethan, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma over the weekend and starts his first round of chemo this week. Please pray for Ethan to be brave and for him to be healed in Jesus'name. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanfreer

Also, would you please pray for the Osborne family and their son, Caden. http://www.hoei.com/caden/blog/ Caden has DiGeorge Syndrome and is currently scheduled for heart surgery in October, but was admitted to the hospital for a high fever with unknown origin. Please pray that the doctor's will be able to determine what is causing this fever and that this will not interfere with his scheduled surgery.

We all know that God is in control in each and everyone of these critical situations...that His plan is perfect and that He is our only source of strength. Please pray that these families will feel His ever-powerful, healing touch today!!

My Favorite Nephews

Yesterday was the infamous Birthday pool party for the boys. :)

Colin turns TWO today (I can hardly believe it) and Cale is turning SEVEN on Wednesday. WOW!! The party was so FUN- it's always nice to hang out with the boys and the rest of the family!!

Britton never ceases to amaze Me!

I have a good friend of mine who's Dad is very sick and in the Intensive Care right now. Britton came to work with me this morning and he and I were sitting down to send our friend, Doc , get well cards. Britton asked me what he should write on the card and I gave him some basic suggestions, so as to keep the subject light. I walked out of my office to go turn in some receipts and make copies and when I came back, this is what Britton had made. Reading it melted my heart... on the inside of the card, Britton wrote in big letters" God Loves You ... forever and forever and forever!" He wrote it in green marker ink and in parenthesis wrote "Green stands for eternal life. " Britton is more wise & compassionate than I give him credit for. Thank you so very much God for giving me such a precious gift in him and for using his heart to teach me!!

Discovering GOD'S POWER!!

This past week was our first VBS here in our new beautiful and adequately spacious church home. It was an incredible week- one that I can't truly describe accurately into words...

The most significant and sweetest highlight of the week was when NINE children gave their hearts to Christ!! I will never forget the sweet voice of the little angel that I prayed the salvation prayer with asking me" does that mean that Jesus will always be in my heart.....always...forever?"

It was overwhelming to see the way our volunteers joined together as the hands and feet - each using their gifts and talents to touch the hearts of our kids!! Each night there were specific tasks that needed to be taken care in order for the night to run smoothly and to be successful..those things were not only completed, they were done with cheerful hearts, skilled hands and immeasureable smiles!!!! I am so proud to be a part of a team where Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers, Friends, Aunts and Neighbors joined together to make a difference in the life of a child!! I can't begin to thank each person who helped make it all possible... God sees each hand and heart and I know there were many jewels added to crowns this past week!! My cup runneth over!!

July Verse (is the summer almost over- seriously??)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Prayer Prayer Prayer

Please if you are reading this, take a moment to whisper a prayer for Shalin and I and the many decisions that we are trying to make together from 1200 miles apart. Please pray that our hearts will be joined together in love and that God will quickly reveal His plan for our lives and our future together!! I appreciate you all so very much!! Your prayers and words of encouragment are priceless to me!!

Verse for June (can't believe I missed May--yikes)

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up…A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV).

~~ This is dedicated to my "Girlfriends in God"!! Thank you for so graciously, humbly and beautifully walking through the journey with me!!

Just goofing around

Jenn..you are totally right about needing to keep up with this blog thing. It's definitely something that you have to be intentional at!!! I have learned that it also is something that requires you to sit still and give your full attention to. Blog blog blog! SO..Britt and I's favorite past time outside of hanging at our second home, SS, is goofing around. Hence the first photo... we were at my favorite niece's Bday party, Mya. I can't believe that she is THREE years old!! Weird!! The other photo is of Britton and his best friend,Mason, at the Flowertowne Festival. They loved posing to have their photos taken. :)

Easter with my two favorite Tall guys!! :)

It was the greatest Easter ever!! Shalin came for the weekend to visit and my family (Moma, Carl, Little Sis and the nephews) also came down to meet him and see the new church!! It was such an incredible time!! Every hour that I get to spend with him and that he and Britt spend together makes me realize how special he is and how perfect of a fit the three of us are going to be!! He makes Britton and I laugh and is such a great addition to our family as a whole!! I got the approval of Moma and Amy too!! :) Can you guys believe how tall Britt is getting?? We went to the docs this weekend and he weighs 72 pounds!! CRAZY..my baby is getting big!! I am one very blessed young lady!! :)

Verse for April

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD."

Psalm 89:15

Can't believe I totally missed the month of MARCH

Soooooooo. I totally missed blogging in March. Could it be because we finally moved into our New Church Home... see photos here: http://geoffsurratt.typepad.com/inner_revolution/2008/03/summerville-is.html It has been an amazing gift that God has blessed us with! Every day I come to work and walk into our new place and I am in awe of how beautiful it is and at how SO MANY hearts and hands joined together to make it all happen!! We had our seventh Sunday here yesterday and had over 1300 people in attendance and 311 of that were children!!! It's so hard to believe!! We are growing so quickly that we are adding our THIRD service starting on May the 25th at 5:30. Please continue to pray for the hearts that are going to be changed here in Summerville and especially for the young families who are coming by the masses to see what the buzz in Children's Ministry is all about!! :)

PS: We had our first Baby and Child Dedication yesterday and we dedicated 19 babes to the Lord!! (I am still trying to stop smiling about it!!)

Reminded..

I woke up this morning (at 3:30 am might I add) with loads and loads on my brain.... as I tossed and turned as we all do when we can't sleep and DESPERATELY want to.. I kept going back to the things that helped me sleep when I was younger (woah..that was a major run on sentence). I tried counting things... people I love, things that make me smile, food I am grateful for (that was a long one), sheep... ha.... nothing seemed to work. (I even called my fiance who so sweetly and patiently tried to coax me through from 1200 miles away) So, I got up out of bed...made the proverbial pot of coffee and sat down at my laptop to attempt to unload all of the thoughts on my sad, little, over-tired brain.
When I was finished.. I went into my personal e-mail (yes -there is an e-mail outside of seacoast.org *HA) and actually read (the whole thing--- not just skipping to the bottom) and replied to my friends' e-mails. As I did, I came across a post from a new friend's blog that reminded me that we shouldn't worry so much about the trivial things... like will we or won't we be able to paint a turtle mural on the toddler room wall (toddlers don't care about the walls..they only care about the Ritz crackers) or did I leave Britton's basketball shoes at the school (he has 3 other pairs of regular tennis shoes) or am I really getting gray hairs in my bangs (and YES- I am and I'm only 34) or do I use too many ellipses when I type (yes.. I know.. I do that too). HA..... so many things to worry so ridiculously about!!
I'll just simply say that I was reminded that none of those things really matter if we have hope..hope in the certainty that our Jesus is coming back...faith in His love that redeemed us... and joy in knowing that our King is in control of our every thought even before we have it! It's so much easier to start my day (and hopefully to sleep tonight) reminded that my life is secure in Him..my Maker..my Provider..my Father.
He knows every hair on my head...even the gray ones. :)

Britton's School Christmas Program

I am so proud of Britton! He had a special singing part in his Christmas program at school. The large group shot (Britton is on the third row and like the 7th child from the far left) is of the entire second grade. They were all singing the worship song "At the Cross".. the words are "Oh Lord You've searched me,You know my way; Even when I fail You, I know You love me.Your holy presence Surrounding me
In every season, I know You love me; I know You love me.
At the cross I bow my knee,Where Your blood was shed for me, There's no greater love than this.You have overcome the grave, Your glory fills the highest place, What can separate me now? You go before me,You shield my way, Your hand upholds me; I know You love me. And when the earth fades, Falls from my eyes, And You stand before me, I know You love me; I know You love me. "

What a beautiful sight to see and hear so many sweet little angels singing in perfect harmony and worshipping their King!! There weren't very many dry eyes in the audience!!
I love Northwood Academy and how it teaches Britt about how much God loves him!! :)

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!!

These are photos from my trip to Iowa over the Christmas holidays!!

It was so incredible to wake up and look out the window and see snow EVERYWHERE!! I have to admit, it was unbelievably cold!! One of the last days I was there the temperatures were in the negative numbers!! Brrrrr chilly!! I wanted to make Britton a snowman while I was there, but apparently I have alot to learn about snow. Did you know that there are all kinds of snow: sticky snow, powder snow, wet snow and the powder kind is not good for making snowmen. Sorry buddy!

Shalin and I were quite busy hopping around and meeting his family, church family and friends... but we did manage to go ice skating in Des Moine (outdoors might I mention), hit a New Years Eve party or two and go diamond shopping! :) What FUN!! I miss him SO!!

Verse for February

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

WOAH... have we been busy!!

It's so hard to believe that the last time that I blogged was October!!! The holidays were super and fast!! Okay.. so there is lots to tell, but I will start off by telling you all that I got ENGAGED!! Woo hoo!! His name is Shalin Kowalke and yes, for those of you who know Shaun and Abbie (and Mya, Sammy and Calvin), they are related. Shalin is the Shaun's big brother and we met over Thanksgiving!!

Without making you all gag by sharing all of the reasons that I love him, I have to tell you that he is a gift sent straight from heaven!! He is everything and MORE than I have been praying for!! Britton is on cloud nine and we are both so excited for him to move here!!

The wedding date is October the 11th, 2008 and it will be in Story City, Iowa (which is where his family and church family are). We will be making alot of decisions about our future together and could use all of the prayers that we can get!!

*** Please pray specifically that he finds an incredible job here in SC and SOON!! I can't wait!!! :)