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You're never too old for craft time

I have a group of fabulous high school ladies that I meet with on Sunday nights. We get together to talk about life and have a good time. We did something a little different this week. We had craft time. That's right, we broke out the glue sticks and magazines to make some good ole' fashioned collages. I was impressed at the level of creativity these girls displayed. So impressed that their works of art are hanging on the outside of my entertainment center. I wonder what we'll do next week....Twister? Truth or Dare? Download tracks off i-tunes? These girls are keeping me young, and I love it:).

From left to right: Angie, Sam, Sara and Audra. Rachel and Kayla are also part of our group (not pictured).

Brandon "Beckham" Mullins

Let me introduce you to the newest offspring of the ADPi Beta Psi 2001 Pledge Class- Brandon Beckham Mullins. His pretty mama, Abby (Knight) Mullins sent this pic yesterday. 

"Becks" was born on June 27, 2008 at 5:29 p.m.  He weighed 7lb15oz and is 20.25 inches long. As you can see, he has a full head of black hair. He's a handsome little guy.

Abby and I have already joked that Becks and Walker will be frat bros at UK. Now that's a scary thought! 

Congrats to Abby and Brandon on their sweet little babe. Can't wait to meet him in person!!!  

Rocking my World

You know those books that you just can't seem to put down? The kind that seem to have stolen the thoughts right out of your mind? I am in the middle of reading a book that is rocking my world- "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer (1897-1963). How could someone who died two decades before I was born know me so well?  

One critic summed this books up in his review- "Through all of Tozer's books and articles there shines a passion for God that puts our shallowness to shame, and reading him is like drinking at an oasis in the desert." (J.I. Packer)

My college roommate, Natalie (Nat-a-Tat), sent me this book last week. And I am forever grateful b/c it is reminding me that "to seek God does not narrow one's life, but brings it, rather, to the highest possible level of fulfillment." The book dwells on the fact that "The continuous and unembarrassed interchange of love and thought between God and the human soul of the redeemed man is the throbbing heart of New Testament religion." In simple terms, being a "Christian" is not about tradition or religiosity or even about doing the right thing. The core of being a believer in Christ is having a relationship that allows His love to flow in and through us. If the world saw Christianity like that, they might want to know our Christ.

My words cannot do this piece of literature justice, so I will share a few excerpts that have gone straight to my heart-

"Thou has formed us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in thee." (St. Augustine)

"Now he (God) wants to show himself in ravishing fullness to the humble of soul and the pure in heart." [don't we all want to be known and loved by others- especially God?]

"Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us."

"We sense that the call is for us, but still we fail to draw near, and the years pass and we grow old and tired in the outer courts of the tabernacle." [we become content with not really knowing God]

And, finally, to sum it up, here is an excerpt that speaks to me about the time that I have spent in the past (and continue to spend at times still) focusing on my shortcomings and resisting God's reach for me-

"God formed us for His pleasure, and so formed us that we, as well as He, can, in divine communion, enjoy the sweet and mysterious mingling of kindred personalities. He meant us to see Him and live with Him and draw our life from His smile. But we have been guilty of that "foul revolt" of which Milton speaks when describing the rebellion of Satan and his hosts. We have broken with God. We have ceased to obey Him or love Him, and in guilt or fear have fled as far away as possible from His presence."

Not trying to preach this Sunday a.m.:), just sharing some thoughts and revelations that are reminding me what is most important in life- to know and love God with all of my heart and to show others that same love.

God bless yall!

The Birthday Boy

My brother, Shane, turned 22 yesterday. We celebrated tonight by sharing a big, yummy home-cooked meal (courtesy of my beautiful mom- pic on right). I love this shot of my dad, Shane and Lee laughing. They happen to be three of the coolest guys I know.

I am so proud of my brother. He is an amazing person and I know he'll be a great role model for Walker. In fact, when I went for my last ultrasound the tech said that Walker looks like me (Lee wasn't there, or she might have changed her mind!). I laughed and told Anna that I couldn't imagine a boy version of me. Then it hit me. He would probably look like Shane. A cross between Lee and Shane would be one handsome lad:).

I can't wait to introduce Walker to all of his friends and family, including Uncle Shane. Oh, by the way, I named Shane. I was three and my mom asked what they should call him. I didn't hesitate to say "Shane." Mom said she still doesn't know where I heard that name, but she liked it, so they went with it.

Happy Birthday, Shambo. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're spoiled

 

After several requests from my blog faithfuls, here is an updated belly shot. There is no hiding this growing bump, huh? I have a good excuse. There's a big boy in there (almost 30 weeks)! He punches and kicks me all day long. He is over 16 inches from head to toe now. You don't have to put your hand on my tummy to feel him. You can see him moving around. And I am loving every second.

I got a special package in the mail today from one of my best friends- Laura (Aunt LaLa). I didn't recognize the return address (it wasn't Laura's), but the package looked fun, so I ripped into it. I found a small white gift box with a ribbon on it. More fun by the the minute:). I opened the box to find a felt jewelry box with this necklace inside. Being the emotionally imbalanced woman that I am, I started to cry a bit. This necklace captures the journey that we have been on to become parents and brings it full circle (literally). Not only was the necklace beautiful, but so was the person who gave it to me and the bond that it represents. Very special gift.

So many of you have blessed us throughout this process. Shubie gave me a gift subscription to Netflix. Kristy Bee gave me a sweet pearl necklace that I ADORE. Sherri brought flowers. Friends sent Mother and Father's Day cards. Angie lent me her entire maternity wardrobe. Kelley B brought pizza. Anna stocked the fridge, made Subway runs and painted the nursery. Sam, Sara and Gavin brought brownies (and tons of other good food). Jessica brought flowers, produce and a blueberry muffin. Natalie sent a book. My mom and Lee's mom brought dinner. Our dads helped put the baby furniture together. Co-workers sent e-mails and cards. And the list goes on and on and on... To say that we are thankful would be a gross understatement. I am thoroughly convinced that we the best friends and family in the whole world!

Thanks to all of you who take time to read our family blog and to share our special moments. Your support and prayers are humbling. We love each of you and look forward to returning your kindness and generosity someday.

Watching the NBA Draft

    

 

Lee loves to watch the NBA Draft with one of his best friends, Billy Stover. It's just one of those things they do together. Sticking with tradition, Billy and Sherri brought their little boys over (Jonathan and Jacob) to enjoy the selection show. We had a great night of basketball, brownies and spaghetti. Jacob is 20 months old. He was having a blast (might have something to do with the brownies that he ate off of everyone's plates). Our friends, Melissa and Josh Ballard, stopped by to visit as well. Sherri was laughing at me and Melissa b/c our due dates are only a week apart and we were pitiful trying to help each other up off the couch. Haha. I guess we enjoyed the brownies too:). The cutest thing was when Jacob crawled up in my lap and lifted up my shirt and said "baby" then proceeded to kiss my tummy. It was adorable.

None of UK's finest have gone yet, but I'm holding out for some Big Blue action. Congrats to Courtney Lee (WKU) for going in the first round. Quite the year for the Hilltoppers!

Naughty or Nice?

Who doesn't like to be told when they do a good job? Husbands are no exception. A little dose of encouragment and affirmation (and a simple "thank you") go a long way.

Remember those little foil stars that our teachers used to give us in elementary school when we were on our best behavior or if we did well on a particular assignment? We have a similar system going on around our house these days.

It all started when my friend Kelley was visiting a few weeks ago and mentioned that I needed to have a board to put stars on when Lee does something helpful around the house. (He happened to be doing dishes that particular night) I laughed until I saw Lee's reaction. His face lit up and he said "that woud be great." Hmmmmm...my wheels started cranking.

This picture is my final product. I will admit up front that I am not the world's greatest artist, but it's the thought that counts. And Lee loves the thought. He works extra hard to earn his smiley face stickers- Mr. Clean, Don Juan, Casanova and Super Dad.

My ulterior motive is that I hope he'll remember how nice I was while I was pregnant when I am a big meanie during labor:). I know that it might seem like I have a love fest going on with my husband these days. Part of it is my sappy emotional imbalance (blame it on pregnancy), but it's mostly because I am blown away at how he has stepped it up since conception. In addition to being an incredible husband, he is an incredible bed-maker, lawn mower, clothes folder, dish washer, grocery shopper...you get the point.

I will continue cheering him on every chance I get because he has done that for me in ways that he will never know. So ladies (and the few fellas who read this blog), take a few minutes to thank the one you love for the big and little things that they do to make your day better. Give them a card for no reason. Surprise them by renting that horrible movie that they know you hate but they love- and if you want extra points, watch it with them! Write a silly poem. Burn a CD with their favorite songs. Hide post-it notes that say "I love you" or other messages all over their house (in drawers, under matresses, in the freezer)- haha. Okay- that's all I've got. Please share other ideas in the comment section!

Daddy to the rescue

Anybody who knows me knows that I love animals, but I hate bugs- spiders, bees, red ants, mosquitos...you name it. I know they are God's creation, but they really give me the heeby geebies. That is why I was so disturbed when I found out there were three wasp nests on my front porch, right above my door. Visions of poor, unsuspecting visitors being swarmed danced in my head (yes, some of you reading this blog were in my visions).

Fortunately, my personal exterminator/hero (my dad) came to the rescue to get rid of the nests. Cool, you say, but not really blog worthy. I beg to differ and you would too if you saw him in action. I posted up inside the doorway (safe behind the window) to watch the attack unfold at approx. 2:45 p.m. this afternoon.

Dad carried a red broom and a can of ant spray (does that stuff even work on wasps?) out the door and warned me to stay inside (duh, dad, I'm locking the door behind you!). He proceeded to swing his broom in the air, sending wasps and their (3) nests flying on the porch. Big fat wasps started to swarm around the top of the porch. At that moment, I would have been perfectly fine with him walking away from the situation (although I wasn't opening the door to let him in), but he didn't stop there. He proceeded to smack down the wasps and stomp on them. Then, he sprayed them with the ant spray (just to be sure they were dead). I was screaming at him through the window the entire time-

"Behind you!"

"Run, dad, the're coming!"

"Spray them again. That one is moving."

"Don't make them even more mad!"

"Stomp on that one."

Finally, a general...."Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!"

I think I almost peed my pants out of the sheer terror that I felt for him. He was bold and unphased. I had flashbacks to my last wasp nest experience, when Aunt Kelley B broke out the spray and killed a swarm that was hiding in my door wreath. She was fearless.

A couple of questions come to mind. Why am I so wasp phobic? Why do wasps want to chill on my front porch? Why did God make wasps in the first place?  Yeah, I've spent too much time already thinking and blogging about wasps, but this encounter was eye opening.

The main reason I posted this blog is to let yall know that it's safe (once again) to come to the Webb residence. And I know that my dad and Kelley will help keep it that way:).

<Disclaimer: These pictures are posed. I was too busy screaming my head off to get a clear shot in the moment.>

    

Meet Mr. Scrumpty

 

Raise your hand if you had a favorite stuffed animal or prized posession growing up. The little blankie that is tattered to pieces, but you still can't let go (ECD, AEW) or the horse stuffed animal that you keep under your pillow (LPW). You know who you are:). Well, let me introduce your to Mr. Scrumpty.

Mr. Scrumpty joined the Webb family during our trip to Hilton Head for Anna's wedding in May- when Walker was Scrumpty's size. My dad bought Scrumpty b/c he thought he was too cute to resist. He also knows that Walker's mommy loves bunnies:). I must say that I have grown somewhat attached to this plush play pal.

As you can see, Mr. Scrumpty is already making himself at home in Walker's nursery. He's turning on lights, sleeping in the crib and rocking in the chair. I never know where I'll find him when I open the door. But he is always the first thing I look for, and sometimes (don't tell anyone!), I use a silly voice to help Scrumpty talk to Walker. They are already B/F/F.

Just thought I should make a proper introduction, considering Scrumpty plans to stick around for years to come. Sweet dreams. 

Tell me I'm dreaming

You know those kinds of dreams where you wake up in a cold sweat? The kind that seem so real that you literally pinch yourself when you come to. I had one of those dreams this weekend.

My dream (nightmare) was that Walker was born and I was completely unprepared. I didn't have blankets to swaddle him when he was crying. I didn't have clothes for him to wear. I didn't even have a fresh diaper. I felt like the worst mother in all history.

I have SO MUCH to do before this little guy comes. The only diaper that I have is one that Babies R' Us gave us in a care package when I signed up for our registry. Fortunately, I do have some clothes, thanks to gifts and garb lent from friends (Sara and Sherri- see pic), but I still need a great deal of basics. And lets not even get started on blankets.

With the clock ticking, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the fact that we're going to have a newborn (in our house!!!) in 2 1/2 months! I could not be more excited and grateful for the blessing of becoming a mommy. I don't think you're ever 100% prepared for the role of becoming parents, but I know that we are surrounded by friends and family who will help us feel (and love) our way through. And by the grace of God, all of the little details will come together.

I am going to go crawl in bed and dream about something I am prepared for- cuddling with my baby boy:).