Bedtime routine with Nora is pretty funny these days. She loves to "relax" before going to sleep. Typically around dinner time--sometimes even earlier--she'll start asking either Jonathan or I if we'll "relax" with her before bed. She knows that my response is typically "no," so usually she is making sweet eyes and using her sweet voice to ask her Daddy. 8 out of 10 nights, Jonathan says "yes" and relaxes with her for a few minutes before saying goodnight.
I love hearing them through the monitor. Usually a story is told, they laugh, they giggle, they pretend, they have little games they play, then they lie very still until Nora gets sleepy and then Jonathan leaves. Precious, precious time between those two. With busy days for Daddy during this crazy season with the new business, those moments are very important. Before long, she'll be too big for "relax time." I hope we never forget the way she asks that infamous question: "You wanna relax with me tonight, Daddy?"
Anyway, the night before last, Jonathan was hanging out with Nora during relax time when she asked him if he was going to eat breakfast with her in the morning. (She's on a kick about wanting to eat breakfast with him). He explained that he couldn't. He would be at work when she woke up and was ready to eat breakfast.
Jonathan: "But, we can eat breakfast together on Saturday morning. I'll be home that day."
Nora: (pause) "Oh, I can't do it that day."
Typical. Such a little woman, isn't she? I wonder what it is she'll be doing that day that she can't fit in breakfast with her Daddy?! Ah, silly girl. We love her so much. And she's definitely getting too big too fast.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Right Now I'm Thinking....
1. I am so sorry, but I love 19 Kids and Counting. There is just something so intriguing to me about the Duggar family. The seem so genuine in their love for one another. I like them.
2. Fall is probably my favorite season of the year, especially since we live in East TN. This year, I am noticing there are TONS of orange trees. They are everywhere. I wish someone could explain to me how the amount of rain or the sun or the temperature affects the leaves as they die and determines their colors. AH! It's amazing. What an awesome God we serve!
3. Along with that, I think my husband thinks I am crazy. As we drive along in the car, I'm like "Look! Look at that one! Do you see it!?" I really just want to go knock on the doors of some of these houses with huge, gorgeous bright yellow or bright orange trees and just ask them if I can take some pictures under their tree. Can I just take a nap in the leaves? Can I collect some of your colorful leaves?
4. I really like Hobby Lobby.
5. I'm excited about Taylor Swift's new CD that came out earlier this week. Yes, I like Taylor Swift. I've said it before. Get over it.
6. It's almost the end of October and I have YET to make something with pumpkin. Shocking, I know. However, I do plan to make a pumpkin cake tomorrow. So, I will quickly be remedying the situation.
7. My kids are hilarious and I just can't stand how much I love them. They drive me crazy like nobody else, but they are such a joy and a gift.
8. I'm really hungry right now and the pretzels and hummus I am snacking on just aren't doing it for me. What to eat? What to eat?
9. I really need to clean my master bathroom, and I REALLY don't want to do it.
10. My sister-in-law, Amy, is getting married in the spring, and I need to go get fitted for my dress. Like really soon.
11. Renovations on the office are underway. The construction team demo-ed the office last Friday and they cut the slab for plumbing today. Slowly but surely things are happening! I've got to post some pictures soon so you guys can see the before and afters. Believe me, I think it will be a BIG change! So excited to see the finished product.
12. I love cheese. Seriously one of the best things ever. Lately, I've been on a Boursin cheese kick. The garlic and herb flavor with sea salt bagel chips. YUM!
13. My poor, sweet, exhausted husband is sound asleep on the couch right now as I type this, eat my pretzels, and watch the Duggars. Poor thing is working so, so hard that he just crashes once we get the kids down for the night.
14. I have been so blessed by the generosity of several friends who have let me borrow clothes for my children. Seriously, I have been given such an abundance of clothes for my kiddos the past several months that there is hardly anything I need to purchase for them. What a blessing! Thank you!
15. I miss my family and can't wait to spend Christmas with them in New Orleans.
Okay, that's enough crazy random for one night. The Duggar show is almost over. My hummus is all gone. I've got to get this sleeping man off the couch and into bed. Night!
2. Fall is probably my favorite season of the year, especially since we live in East TN. This year, I am noticing there are TONS of orange trees. They are everywhere. I wish someone could explain to me how the amount of rain or the sun or the temperature affects the leaves as they die and determines their colors. AH! It's amazing. What an awesome God we serve!
3. Along with that, I think my husband thinks I am crazy. As we drive along in the car, I'm like "Look! Look at that one! Do you see it!?" I really just want to go knock on the doors of some of these houses with huge, gorgeous bright yellow or bright orange trees and just ask them if I can take some pictures under their tree. Can I just take a nap in the leaves? Can I collect some of your colorful leaves?
4. I really like Hobby Lobby.
5. I'm excited about Taylor Swift's new CD that came out earlier this week. Yes, I like Taylor Swift. I've said it before. Get over it.
6. It's almost the end of October and I have YET to make something with pumpkin. Shocking, I know. However, I do plan to make a pumpkin cake tomorrow. So, I will quickly be remedying the situation.
7. My kids are hilarious and I just can't stand how much I love them. They drive me crazy like nobody else, but they are such a joy and a gift.
8. I'm really hungry right now and the pretzels and hummus I am snacking on just aren't doing it for me. What to eat? What to eat?
9. I really need to clean my master bathroom, and I REALLY don't want to do it.
10. My sister-in-law, Amy, is getting married in the spring, and I need to go get fitted for my dress. Like really soon.
11. Renovations on the office are underway. The construction team demo-ed the office last Friday and they cut the slab for plumbing today. Slowly but surely things are happening! I've got to post some pictures soon so you guys can see the before and afters. Believe me, I think it will be a BIG change! So excited to see the finished product.
12. I love cheese. Seriously one of the best things ever. Lately, I've been on a Boursin cheese kick. The garlic and herb flavor with sea salt bagel chips. YUM!
13. My poor, sweet, exhausted husband is sound asleep on the couch right now as I type this, eat my pretzels, and watch the Duggars. Poor thing is working so, so hard that he just crashes once we get the kids down for the night.
14. I have been so blessed by the generosity of several friends who have let me borrow clothes for my children. Seriously, I have been given such an abundance of clothes for my kiddos the past several months that there is hardly anything I need to purchase for them. What a blessing! Thank you!
15. I miss my family and can't wait to spend Christmas with them in New Orleans.
Okay, that's enough crazy random for one night. The Duggar show is almost over. My hummus is all gone. I've got to get this sleeping man off the couch and into bed. Night!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Change
I don't know where to begin really. To say that we are in a season of change is an understatement. To say that we are in a season of growth and blessing and seeing God's hand orchestrating our lives is also an understatement. We are in a very exciting time and are excited to see what God has in store for us. Let me explain.
When we moved to Knoxville about three and half years ago, Jonathan began a residency program in General Dentistry at UT Medical Center. He participated in the program for two years where he learned so much about dentistry and medicine, so much more than he was able to learn in dental school alone. He learned to place implants, he had first-hand experience with very complicated cases, he spent lots of time in the operating room working on patients with special needs. One of the things Jonathan enjoyed the most about the residency program was that he was surrounded by other dentists. They learned from each other, challenged each other, encouraged one another. It was an amazing opportunity, and we are so thankful for those two years and for the professors and doctors that poured their knowledge into Jonathan's life.
When the residency program was over, Jonathan was offered a position as an associate for the practice that supports the residency program. At the time the economy was really bad, meaning there weren't many options available elsewhere for an associateship or dental practices for sale. Since Jonathan was so pleased with his experience at UT, he was more than happy to stay. There was even talk of Jonathan potentially buying in as a partner one day in the future. We were so thankful for the opportunity. It was a great job with wonderful experience for Jonathan and a good salary and benefits for our family. We had the perfect opportunity before us to save money for whatever the future would hold. Not to mention, we had an almost two year old and a two month old at the time. We were very thankful for a good, dependable job.
Jonathan has been an associate at UT for almost a year and half now. In that time, I think the Lord has really awakened in Jonathan a desire to have his own practice. In fact, God has definitely grown Jonathan in the gift of leadership, in my opinion, and part of that is seen in how he leads our family, leads me as a wife, but I think God has also been preparing him for being a leader in his career. Jonathan has always talked about one day owning a practice. He loved being a UT, he enjoyed having the comraderie, the interaction with the residents, the opportunity to teach up-and-coming dentists. He enjoyed the challenging cases that came through the door since they were located at the hospital. It is such an amazing program, but there was still something in him that wanted to go out on his own. However, with the dwindling economy over the past few years, dental practices that are for sale and that provide a decent and economically-wise opportunity are few and far between.
We have a financial advisor who has walked with us through this entire process over the past two years. When we first started meeting with him and talking with him about the possibility of buying a practice, he told us to make a list of things we would want in an "ideal situation." Jonathan came up with about 5 things that would make for a great dental practice to purchase. This list included the location we desired, the worth of the practice, the plan of the dentist selling, etc. After we presented this list to our financial advisor, his advice to us: Pray. (He is a believer!) We knew at that moment that we were so blessed to have this business relationship with him, and we also knew that he was right. We needed to pray. The list seemed impossible, if I am being honest. Almost too good to be true.
I can't go into all of the details for obvious reasons, but after pursuing several opportunities that eventually fell through for one reason or another, I am so pleased and humbled to say that God has given us a dental practice. This past Thursday, my husband bought a practice. This has been a process two years in the making. Two years ago we started making financial sacrifices to save as much money as possible. There have been meetings and more meetings. And even more meetings. There has been excitement and anxiety and prayer and major challenges to our faith. There has been waiting and struggles with contentment and fear that it wouldn't work out. However, God has carried us through and has stretched us and caused us to depend on Him more.
The practice is located in Lenoir City, TN, which is just 10-15 minutes southwest of central Knoxville. Jonathan's commute from our house is about 30 minutes, which is not bad at all. However, one day we hope to move further west which would put his commute at about 10-15 minutes tops. The dentist we bought the practice from is retiring. Jonathan is putting a lot of TLC into this practice, starting with a complete renovation that is going to be taking place over the next three weeks or so. He is set to leave UT in just a few weeks and start seeing patients in HIS office in the middle of November. CRAZY!!!!
Although we are so excited, there is still a fight for faith. We have a lot of financial responsibility right now and there will have to be a LOT of things that have to fall into place over the next several weeks and months. God can and will make this practice successful if He so desires. We are praying that is His plan for us and our family. God has to bring the patients and make Jonathan's efforts flourish. I trust that Jonathan will continue to work so hard to make it happen, and I pray that the kids and I can adjust to whatever changes occur on our end. This is my hubby's dream, and I am so excited to watch it come true for him. He has worked so hard over the past few months as everything has come together, and I have seen him grow tremendously in so many areas. I am so incredibly proud of him and the path he is choosing to lead our family. God has been very kind.
I'll end by showing you a picture of our new logo for Heritage Family Dentistry!!!
When we moved to Knoxville about three and half years ago, Jonathan began a residency program in General Dentistry at UT Medical Center. He participated in the program for two years where he learned so much about dentistry and medicine, so much more than he was able to learn in dental school alone. He learned to place implants, he had first-hand experience with very complicated cases, he spent lots of time in the operating room working on patients with special needs. One of the things Jonathan enjoyed the most about the residency program was that he was surrounded by other dentists. They learned from each other, challenged each other, encouraged one another. It was an amazing opportunity, and we are so thankful for those two years and for the professors and doctors that poured their knowledge into Jonathan's life.
When the residency program was over, Jonathan was offered a position as an associate for the practice that supports the residency program. At the time the economy was really bad, meaning there weren't many options available elsewhere for an associateship or dental practices for sale. Since Jonathan was so pleased with his experience at UT, he was more than happy to stay. There was even talk of Jonathan potentially buying in as a partner one day in the future. We were so thankful for the opportunity. It was a great job with wonderful experience for Jonathan and a good salary and benefits for our family. We had the perfect opportunity before us to save money for whatever the future would hold. Not to mention, we had an almost two year old and a two month old at the time. We were very thankful for a good, dependable job.
Jonathan has been an associate at UT for almost a year and half now. In that time, I think the Lord has really awakened in Jonathan a desire to have his own practice. In fact, God has definitely grown Jonathan in the gift of leadership, in my opinion, and part of that is seen in how he leads our family, leads me as a wife, but I think God has also been preparing him for being a leader in his career. Jonathan has always talked about one day owning a practice. He loved being a UT, he enjoyed having the comraderie, the interaction with the residents, the opportunity to teach up-and-coming dentists. He enjoyed the challenging cases that came through the door since they were located at the hospital. It is such an amazing program, but there was still something in him that wanted to go out on his own. However, with the dwindling economy over the past few years, dental practices that are for sale and that provide a decent and economically-wise opportunity are few and far between.
We have a financial advisor who has walked with us through this entire process over the past two years. When we first started meeting with him and talking with him about the possibility of buying a practice, he told us to make a list of things we would want in an "ideal situation." Jonathan came up with about 5 things that would make for a great dental practice to purchase. This list included the location we desired, the worth of the practice, the plan of the dentist selling, etc. After we presented this list to our financial advisor, his advice to us: Pray. (He is a believer!) We knew at that moment that we were so blessed to have this business relationship with him, and we also knew that he was right. We needed to pray. The list seemed impossible, if I am being honest. Almost too good to be true.
I can't go into all of the details for obvious reasons, but after pursuing several opportunities that eventually fell through for one reason or another, I am so pleased and humbled to say that God has given us a dental practice. This past Thursday, my husband bought a practice. This has been a process two years in the making. Two years ago we started making financial sacrifices to save as much money as possible. There have been meetings and more meetings. And even more meetings. There has been excitement and anxiety and prayer and major challenges to our faith. There has been waiting and struggles with contentment and fear that it wouldn't work out. However, God has carried us through and has stretched us and caused us to depend on Him more.
The practice is located in Lenoir City, TN, which is just 10-15 minutes southwest of central Knoxville. Jonathan's commute from our house is about 30 minutes, which is not bad at all. However, one day we hope to move further west which would put his commute at about 10-15 minutes tops. The dentist we bought the practice from is retiring. Jonathan is putting a lot of TLC into this practice, starting with a complete renovation that is going to be taking place over the next three weeks or so. He is set to leave UT in just a few weeks and start seeing patients in HIS office in the middle of November. CRAZY!!!!
Although we are so excited, there is still a fight for faith. We have a lot of financial responsibility right now and there will have to be a LOT of things that have to fall into place over the next several weeks and months. God can and will make this practice successful if He so desires. We are praying that is His plan for us and our family. God has to bring the patients and make Jonathan's efforts flourish. I trust that Jonathan will continue to work so hard to make it happen, and I pray that the kids and I can adjust to whatever changes occur on our end. This is my hubby's dream, and I am so excited to watch it come true for him. He has worked so hard over the past few months as everything has come together, and I have seen him grow tremendously in so many areas. I am so incredibly proud of him and the path he is choosing to lead our family. God has been very kind.
I'll end by showing you a picture of our new logo for Heritage Family Dentistry!!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Oliver's Miracle
I came across this video of some friends of ours from back home in Louisiana. Lacey and Trey Pratts lived in Baton Rouge when we did following Hurricane Katrina. We had some mutual friends and got to know them a little bit before we moved off to Knoxville. Lacey was pregnant with their son Oliver at the same time I was pregnant with Nora. Oliver is just a few weeks older than Nora!
I hope this video encourages you. I keep up with the Pratts via Facebook and the Internet, so I am familiar with their beautiful story. I hope to meet Oliver in person one day!
Lacey Pratts Story from Healing Place Church on Vimeo.
I hope this video encourages you. I keep up with the Pratts via Facebook and the Internet, so I am familiar with their beautiful story. I hope to meet Oliver in person one day!
Lacey Pratts Story from Healing Place Church on Vimeo.
Monday, October 18, 2010
All I Have Is Christ
All I Have Is Christ
By Jordan Kauflin
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You
By Jordan Kauflin
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Liam Piper: 17 Months
Oh, Liam Piper. I cannot believe you are already 17 months. At least you aren't yet 18 months because that just sounds big. You are such a joy and the stealer of many hearts. I pray that you are always so sweet-natured, cheerful, and full of life.
You spend your days running all over the house. I have to be cautious of keeping the bathroom doors closed at all times or you will be in the toilets or trashcans. You love to read books, almost as much as Nora does. You will either sit contentedly and read to yourself, or bring several books to the little white table and read there, or--my favorite--hunt Momma down to sit in my lap while I read the same book to you over and over.
You love to be outside. If Momma or Daddy mentions playing in the backyard, you are so zealous to be the first out the door. You have a new obsession with shoes, particularly your blue crocs (which are nearly too small, but we're making it work since you love them dearly). You want to be so big, yet you are not quite there. Nora can climb the big hill in our back yard all by herself, and though you try, you can't quite get there without assistance. Oh, how mad that makes you!
Although you are sweet, we are learning that you are very stubborn. Daddy says you are like him in that way. Your latest thing is that when Momma tells you to "Come," you take off running in the opposite directions, laughing like it's the greatest joke. I struggle with laughing at you because of your cuteness, but I know you are not doing what is right.
You love to talk. We can hardly understand your jabber most times, but you are passionate about what you say. Lately, you get frustrated because we can't understand when you are trying to communicate something. Tempers flair and fits take place, but you'll get there, Buddy, you'll get there.
Whenever Nora is in trouble, you are right there. Curious. Concerned. Looking out for your Big Sister. You will be a protector, I think.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Pumpkin Patch Adventure 2010
Nora and Layla, so excited to see each other!
Oh wait! Now the trio is complete: Nora, Layla & McKenna
Elijah, posing like a pro
Liam- quite grumpy at first and refused to leave my arms
Loaded up and ready to head to the fields
When we arrived at the pumpkin fields, there was a fenced area full of sheep and a llama! The kids loved looking at, petting, and feeding the sheep pieces of corn. Such a surprise!
Look what I found, Momma!
Brother and sister love!
Meet Ty and Ben! They have a newborn baby brother who was born several weeks premature. They were on a serious hunt to find Baby Eli the perfect pumpkin. So sweet!
The girls are ready to head back for lunch!
Attempts at getting a group kid photo:
I bribed Liam with cookies. I am not ashamed.
Look at Liam's "Cheese" face! Also, Nora was upset because she was getting in trouble.
Elijah and Liam. Only one month apart. I see much trouble brewing between these two in the future.
The three sisters. Nora insists that she and Layla and McKenna are sisters. I tried explaining to her that you couldn't be sisters unless you had the same mommy and daddy, and I told her you have to have the same last name. So, her response was that they did have the same last name. When I asked her what it was: Elephant. So, meet Nora, Layla, and McKenna Elephant. Sisters.
Our Precious Gift of a Care Group (minus a few)
The Hancocks, The Kordas, The Wrights, The Bradshaws, The Townsends, & The Slagers
We are so blessed to have such great friendships already blossoming having been together for such a short time. I am so excited about growing together in the Lord with these people!
The Bradshaw Family- October 2010
When we arrived at the pumpkin fields, there was a fenced area full of sheep and a llama! The kids loved looking at, petting, and feeding the sheep pieces of corn. Such a surprise!
Brother and sister love!
Attempts at getting a group kid photo:
The Hancocks, The Kordas, The Wrights, The Bradshaws, The Townsends, & The Slagers
We are so blessed to have such great friendships already blossoming having been together for such a short time. I am so excited about growing together in the Lord with these people!
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