The true meaning!

The birth!

Last week I was cooking dinner and Jake had just walked in the door. We were talking in the kitchen and Kooper came in and announced they had a play for us. And in came the crew - Mary, Joseph, angel, and wise man - and baby Jesus doll of course. They announced the arrival of Jesus and acted out the entire story they had been rehearsing. The best part is when Koop plunged the baby doll up Mary (Preslee's) shirt and she gave birth to it! We were on the floor but managed to click a quick pic! What a joy to get to be your parents!

Matthew 1:23 And the virgin gave birth to a son and they gave him the name Immanuel - which means "God is with you".

Cheering for the sooners?

We found many stops walking to the game!

Some of you could probably hardly open this post just because of the title. But raising 4 kids in Norman, it is inevitable that they will probably all grow up cheering for the sooners at some time. Daddy put it well when he told Kooper - "I don't care which team you cheer for as long as you are loving Jesus!" We went to the OU football game last week - to cheer for Landry and watch the Aggie band - Jake has been a long time fan of the Aggie band. And the kids don't really know Landry - but know he is Miss Whitney's boyfriend and loves Jesus - worth cheering for! I don't think they even knew who won but had a great time eating treats and the fireworks at half-time were awesome! I love being with my hubby and kids no matter where we are!

Kooper and Grandad's acting debut!

All the signs were obviously not accurate for the person holding them. Kooper's said, "Are mommy and daddy going to get a divorce?"

Kooper and Grandad were part of a skit at church Sunday. Chris was talking about fear and there were 15 people who came out with their cardboard signs with different fears on them. At the end the music stops and they tore up and threw down their signs, starting the sermon.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Having cousins is so much fun!

Cuties!

This is how the three of them walked around all morning!

The big kid table at chic-fil-a

Singing the bart connor cubby song at the end of class

Anna climbing out of the pit!

Kooper couldn't help flipping while waiting for cousins to come, he can be found flipping, or walking on his hands most of the time these days - He is loving gymnastics!

They were scared they would miss Anna and Jade come, so they had a picnic in the front yard!

Grandad raked leaves off the roof onto the kids - big hit- Dax was smart enough to put on his hat!

I remember loving to play with my cousins growing up and we really were not that close, so I can only imagine how many amazing memories our kids are going to have. We got some fun time with Anna and Jade (who live in Waco) this week while they stayed at Juju and Grandad's. On Tuesday Juju leads a Bible study so we got to take them to gymnastics with us. Anna wasn't sure at first, but had so much fun. And mr. smiley Jade loved every second of it. Afterwards we met Brittany and Sadie at the mall for some more playing and lunch. We had so much fun getting to enjoy them while their mommy and daddy were out of town. My kids are already asking when we will see them again!

Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Costumes for the young at heart!

Mario and Peach were a big hit! Amanda's friends bro got the hat from Nintendo- a bit more ligit than Brax's; his facial hair was too!

Jake though Popeye and Olive Oil was just a step up from Aladdin and Jasmine our 1st year of marriage! Sometimes we all need humbled:)

My kids didn't know who Nana was when we showed them pics!

You would think with 3 guys in our family dressed up in Mario characters we were huge Nintendo fans - but we are not - OK maybe Kooper is and Michael and Jake in their younger days:) The shower was so much fun. Amanda was sick - bummer - but she is a great sport and was still fun; we were all giving her long distance hugs though. So excited for the wedding and to have Amanda officially in our family - great addition! Love you guys and are so excited for you! Here are a few of us in costume for you to enjoy (laugh at)!

Dress me up!

Sutton/Luigi; Dax/Power ranger; Port/Dale; Braxton/Mario

Indiana Kooper - put the costume together himself:)

Pretty little ballerina

The Narnia kids and Aslan - before walking through Narnia

Mario, Luigi and Preslee at Gingerbread party

The dressing up started Thursday morning with Braxton and Sutton's (Mario and Luigi) school party. Preslee decided to be a darling ballerina - instead of previously planned Cinderella - after all she did dress up in it for her birthday party!

Then they switched to the Narnia kids that night. We had so much fun going through an interactive Narnia program at a local church - it was awesome - they did a great job including the kids and clearly shared the gospel. When we finished they all wanted to go again:) Next year!

Friday they went from house to house with Juju and Grandad b/c Jake and I headed to a shower/costume party for Michael and Amanda. They had fun going around with their cousins and more fun just playing afterwards!

Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!

THREE already!

Happy birthday to you Princess Preslee!

Port and Braxton - Royal buddies

Princess' Preslee and Kate

Prince Sutton and Princess Maggie

Prince Caleb decorating his crown - giant crowns or high heels were desert - the kids loved decorating them!

Nana and Preslee watching her video- it was so fun putting it together looking back at how she has changed over the past 3 years!

The castle was a big hit- after everyone left daddy bounced us all ReAlLy high!

It's hard to believe our sweet little girl is 3! What a joy she has been to us the past three years. Her smile can truly light up a room:) We started off the day with birthday breakfast and ended the day celebrating with lots of family and friends "Cinderella style". What a fun day!

I had some amazing women of God write on place mats for her to put on tables outside at the party. Here is a summarized sample of what they wrote, many of them imparting what they are walking in as they pursue the purposes of God - thanks girls! So many of you play a huge role in helping shape our girl into the fulness of what God has for her:

*You will bring many to a place of happiness, joy and celebration - teaching them to walk with Jesus!

*Woman of God, mighty warrior, humble servant, princess of the king!

*A world changer; one who can do anything through Jesus. Psalm 84 will mark your life - one who longs for the presence of God!

*You are marked with beauty and strength; secure and confident in who God has made you to be. Psalm 1- you will be one who delights in the Lord, yields fruit in season and whatever you do will prosper.

*A woman of great faith; will be one who sees salvation spring up!

*Like a purple pansy flower - purple signifying royalty; pansy one who withstands even the harsh conditions of the world without being altered!