Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Just a few shots of the boys in front of the tree. And one showing off my big baby belly.

Super Luke and the Return of Super Duck!

Luke is super into super heros. For Halloween he was Spiderman but really what he loves dressing in full homemade "super hero" attire to go all over town. This attire that I speak of consists simply this....tight paamas worn under shorts (ideally a Cars swimsuit) and a short sleeve shirt and a pair of mittens to top it off. Oh, and sometimes a western belt too. The other night he was all dressed in gear and Ben decided that it was time for the return of the Super Duck! Finally, he wore his unused and hotly pursued Halloween costume and we got it on camera! This was a big feat for those of you who have not heard the Kemp costume saga.

My Precious Husband and My Birthday

Although I strongly protested, Patrick insisted on have some sort of celebration for my birthday. He decided on having a "Family Dinner." My whole life growing up we would have two parties....a friend party and a family dinner. At the family dinner my mom would cook all of our favorite foods and our cousins and grandparents would come over to celebrate. Patrick pulled out all the stops....cleaning the house, grocery shopping, caring for the kids (while my sweet friend Jaime took me out for a pedicure), cooking dinner, ordering a cake, setting the table (cloth napkins and center piece included), and getting himself and the boys dressed up for the occasion. I returned from some shopping and pedicure to find every detail for the party in place, a calm husband, happy children and appitizers on the table. My brother and his girlfriend drove in for the celebration which was icing on the cake. As a nice conclusion to the evening we had a WII tennis extravaganza. I felt very adored!

The Great Outdoors

I cannot get enough of being outside. The boys and I have been such homebodies lately and are spending countless hours each afternoon in the backyard. Here are some of my favorite pics.

Ben is 2!!

My baby is 2. We had about a week long birthday celebration last week complete with a long visit from Gracie and a visit from Granny too! A party with friends capped off the celebration on Saturday and Ben was in total delight. Mom and I decided that Ben really loves all the old fashioned things about birthdays way more than anyone else we know....he'd have been happy solely with his cake, ice cream, and balloons. So so sweet. Patrick spent the entire day before the party adding on Ben's new tube slide to the boys fort....he did an amazing job and helped to make the backyard bash a raving success. This year we decided to keep the party simple and low key...it was great. Always in the past we have worked hard to have busy and elaborate parties...and then at the party I hardly get a chance to say hello to anyone because I am too busy making sure that all the details come together. This party was so peaceful, easy and fun. I actually got to enjoy every moment. And honestly....I think the kids had more fun too. Ben loved it!!!!

It's Harvest Time

This is such a great time of year in Amarillo. The weather is cooling down, the leaves are getting ready to change and the aroma of pumpkins fills the air! I am hungering for pumpkin flavored anything (mostly breads and sweets) and loving the fall decor (not so much the distasteful Halloween decorations that are flooding the stores causing my innocent boys to say "what's that"). Last week we even stopped by the pumpkin patch for some true fun. Here are the pics

Here's the Problem

I know. I know. Everyone is telling me that I've got to update my blog. The problem is this...BRAIN DRAIN (thanks Kristine for the term). Obviously my brain is draining straight to this tiny one growing inside of me and we can expect her (or him) to be a total genius. I have no thoughts worthy of blogging about. And the rest of the problem is that my camera was devoured by curdled milk that leaked from a sippy cup that went M.I.A. in the bottom of my purse for who knows how long and then proceeded to fill the bottom of my purse with the most terrifying smell ever. For several days I just thought I was smelling Ben's constant stinky diapers.....I'd go to change him and there was nothing. I could not figure it out. Needless to say that purse had to be thrown out and we no longer put sippy cups in my purse for transport. The camera is totally dead too. So sad. And I have no pictures to post for your viewing pleasure. So, there you are.....that is my reasoning for lack of any great blogs from the Kemp house.

8 Random Facts

So, Angie Beth and Stephie have both tagged me to play this game and I've been putting it off, because I cannot come up with interesting information on the spot. My memory just fades and my mind is left blank....but I will now attempt to try really hard to come up with some juicy stuff. However, if I fail to be interesting please forgive me and never mention it again! Thanks for the courtesy.

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Random Facts.....
1. The nerves in my hands are connected. Oh yes. It makes it difficult for typing, holding hands, writing, waving, or really anything you do in which only one hand is meant to be doing a specific task. The problem is that one hand will for example be holding my husbands hand and the other needs to scratch my head...well, the hand holding hand tends to start trying to scratch too. This was a little awkward when we first were holding hands, but PK has grown to love the phenomenon.

2. I am pretty fanatical about my home being clean and in order. In fact, I cannot really function if it is not. My emotions seem to be tied to the cleanliness of my house. When Luke was little I would seriously sit and wait for him to stop playing with a toy so I could return it to its proper location. Thank the Lord (for the kids sake and my own) I've been delivered from hoovering and waiting to put toys away, but I do still have straighten the entire house multiple times a day.

3. This may seem very contradictory to #2, but I am severely unorganized. Please refrain from opening cabinets, closets or drawers around the Kemp house unless of course Patrick is in charge of that department. He is an excellent organizer. This is a point of frustration around here and PK has recommended more than once that I join a small group at our church that a lady (who is an incredible home organizer) teaches other ladies to be efficient and organized in the home. I'm sorry, but this seems like a nightmare for an unorganized person.....I really just would like someone to come and do it for me!!!

4. I do not like movies. I think the last movie that I saw in a theater was The Passion for the Christ and I only saw that because I was forced to. I just feel like they are a waste of time. And as far as renting movies goes....who can stay awake through one....not me! I'd rather sit and visit or read or do something productive. For all you movie buffs, I know what you are thinking....this girl is a total drag. But I am not. I am waaaay too into having fun and enjoying people than to waste 2 hours of my life sitting in a chair in a dark room staring at a screen with the volume up way too high.

5. I love mowing the yard. I think it is so rewarding to see such a transformation right before you very eyes. And to get beautiful straight lines (okay I'll admit not always so straight....but that is only because I have to look away so often to make sure the boys are not running into the street...safety first)! The gently hum of the lawn mower and the smell of freshly cut grass and the sweat dripping from your brow serving as a reminder of the challenge of the task at hand. I love it.

6. Suddenly, I've turned so opposed to showers. Just look at it this way...the less often you take one the better it feels when you do. And all the time it takes to do your hair and apply your makeup. I'm sorry this is just how I feel. The other day I realized that I'd only had one shower that week....Patrick was so proud :). I have even begun to sleep in my make-up from the day so that when I wake up in the morning I grab a baby wipe and remove the black from under my eyes and viola ready for the day! You should try it. (P.S. I do take showers after mowing the yard...come on I'm not that nasty!)

7. My sister is here proof reading my random facts and thought it very appropriate to mention that I tend to overreact. After sternly questioning her, "what do you mean overreact!!!" :) I decided to let you in on an old family secret. I am a little bit (or a lot depending on who you ask) of a drama queen.

8. I really like to be close to the ones I love. When I was little my mom referred to me often as her "shadow." Now I love to be right with Patrick. Wherever he goes I am totally there. I love just being together. The other day at a friends birthday party they had pony rides for the kids in the back yard. Patrick informed me after we got home that all the other parents just stood and watched as their children rode around the yard led by the pony's trainer...but not me I walked right along side my sweet babes, cheering them on telling them what "real" cowboys they were and taking great pictures. I did wonder why the horse lady looked at me weird when I asked where I should walk. I just don't want to miss a moment of life with the ones I love.

Okay, I think that is all I've got. Now, I don't think I have 8 left, but I will tag a few who I hope haven't been tagged yet....Amy T., Lanie, Katie, Kristine, and Amanda!

Enjoying the Summer

The boys have totally been enjoying each other this summer (most of the time:) ). I love it. Luke now refers to Ben as his best friend. They are also sharing a room now. Which is fun for them, but a little challenging for Patrick and I at nap and bed times. They have now been in there for 45 minutes talking to each other. It must be so tempting to just visit and play when your best friend is just across the room....I just heard a big boom, but no tears...all must be well. The door just opened...Luke has to go potty...and now....Ben says, "I go potty too, Momma...I go potty too." I better go gain control. Anyway, here are a couple of pics of the boys truly loving being together.

Quinn and Luke

These two love each others company. They melt my heart!

Big News at the Kemp House.

All month long I've been a little confused by myself. The other night before bed I had to make a run to the grocery store to buy an orange and only an orange, because I could not live without one. I've eaten my weight almost daily in chips and salsa (which is totally not normal for me). I've had to make detours on our morning runs to go tinkle. I've almost fallen asleep just walking through Home Depot. So odd, huh? Not if you're PREGNANT! Yeah! Kemp baby #3 is on the way. We could not be happier. The boys are sooo excited. Luke called all the family to let them know that, "Mommy has a baby in her tummy!" and Ben is lifting my shirt and asking in question, "Baby come out there?" He points to my belly button....maybe he thinks that's where our little darling will come out. I only wish!! I'll just let him keep on thinking that. We think we are only about 4 weeks along and February seems so far away, but I know it will fly by. So, that's our big news!

Tonight as I was putting Luke to bed we read about Jesus healing the lady that touched his cloak and waking Jairus' daughter. So, as we said his prayers I prayed, "Thank you for being a God who heals us and does miracles for us" and I listed some of the ways that Jesus has healed Luke. Immediately, Luke sat up and said, "Mom, a long time ago we asked Jesus to put a baby in your belly! And He did!!!" Amen to that miracle. Lord, thank you for continuing to build my sons faith.

The Word of God

Luke's First Bible Verses

Father's Day

Today we loved celebrating the men we love most. The boys and I made a special breakfast for Patrick. Luke woke him up with a kiss and a call to come join us. After church Patrick's dad came over for burgers and homemade gelato...yum (let me know if you need a delicious recipe!) And then the fun began.....we filled up the boys pool and their amazingly fun daddy moved the little plastic fort over to serve as the water slide. Such a hit! We had hours of enjoyment in the backyard, all took long naps, more fun in the water, ate a quick dinner (courtesy of Patrick and the grill), and took a walk/bike ride to the park. As Luke was going to bed he told me that he wanted it to be Father's Day again tomorrow! And truthfully to him it will be. There is not a day that goes by that my boys do not celebrate their daddy. They adore him. He is amazing. He is so good at loving us and caring for us. Luke and Ben will one day have such an awesome view of their heavenly Father, because their earthly father is painting such an accurate picture. I've not seen a better dad than PK. I am so thankful for him and his giftedness at everything he does. He certainly deserves more honor than can fit into just one day. It was a great day. The only thing missing was getting to hang out with Dad-O (my dad)....we love you Dad-O!

Ben LOVES salad.

One more Henry Comment

When Ben woke up from his nap this afternoon we went straight outside to play. As he was swinging he realized that "Heighry" was nowhere to be found. He exclaimed, "Heighry!" Before I could comment Luke interjected, "Henry had to go to the Vet, he's sick." I simplified for Ben, "Henry went bye-bye." Ben said, "Back Heighry...Heighry Back." To which Luke replied, "No Ben Henry's going to heaven with Jesus and he's going to have so much fun there....he's not going to want to come back!" How true is that? I guess we've painted a pretty picture of heaven for Luke.

Good Bye to Henry

It is so hard for me to tell you that Henry is gone. We've remained so hopeful for the past several weeks, but little Henry's health has continued to decline. I guess it was last week that the Vet told us that it was only a matter of time until his body outgrew the function of his organs. We would know that this was happening if he began throwing up and having severe diarrhea. So, this past week we have prayed and prayed that we'd get to experience a miracle in Henry's health. However, yesterday we noticed that his bowel movements were not solid at all! He began to have mega problems everywhere (hope this is not too graphic) and today began to throw up his meals. He has not been himself for the past couple of days and would choose to lay on his bed rather than to play with us. He was beginning to suffer and we could not let him continue to deteriorate. Patrick just came home and took him to the Vet. We had Luke tell him goodbye before his nap and he cried and cried. He'd hold Henry and say it the sweetest voice ever, "Henry, I'm sorry you can't stay here with us." Our hearts broke. Luke and I had a long conversation on whether dogs go to people heaven or to a special dog heaven. His vote is on people heaven. He also thinks that Jesus should just fix Henry once he gets to heaven and send him back. I told him that I don't really think that is how things work, but it sure would be nice. We had a long talk about how sometimes bad things happen and they don't always turn out the way we'd like, but that is when we just ask God to comfort us and to make us stronger. Character is certainly being built at the Kemp house. I don't think Ben really gets it yet that Henry is gone. He'll miss playing with him the most. He loves him so much. mmmm. Anyway, just thought I'd update everyone since we'd posted earlier concerning sweet little Henry. Here are a couple of pics we took before Henry left. Isn't he cute?? By the way....I have just downed half a bag of chips and some salsa....is that called emotional eating?? What a great way to deal with things. :)

I AM a PROMISE!

This morning I kept a friends kids while she was at an appointment. Luke suggested that we have a "dance party" or you may call it a jammin' worship session. At all of our "dance parties" the room has to be totally rearranged to make way for an appropriate "stage" to worship on and this of course was no exception to the rule. Veggie Tales Worship was the music of choice and we totally rocked out. All 4 kids took turns on the microphone, on the guitar, on the stage and for those of you that go to church with us....Luke convinced the two little guys to take turns being "Pastor Marty" and sit in a chair on the side of the stage (hilarious). We sang and danced our way through all the songs on the cd. Worn out by the last song, I sat and pondered the lyrics......

I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital "P". I am great big bundle of potentiality. And I am learning to hear God's voice and I am trying to make the right choices I will promise to be anything He wants me to be. I can go anywhere that He wants me to go. I can be anything that He wants me to be.

I love it. I want my kids to know that they are a promise. I love that at 18months and 3.5 years they truly are learning to hear God's voice and trying to make the right choices. I long to see them go exactly where God wants them to go and to be exactly what they were created to be. My eyes fill with tears as I pray for them to be men who chase after the heart of God with everything that they are. There is so much potential held within these tiny adorable boys. As I contemplate I find myself begging the Lord to guide me. I am overwhelmed by the responsibility of stewarding these boys and of training them in the ways of the Lord. I so desperately want to portray the beauty of the Lord to them in an appropriate light. What a delicate job we have as parents. The encouraging part to me is that God's ways work. So, if we apply the principles that we study in His Word....then we will succeed at this amazing task!! I cannot wait to see everything that God wants Luke and Ben to be....but I am sure loving watching and helping them to learn to hear His voice and try to make the right choices! In fact, they are helping me learn to hear His voice and inspire me to try to make the right choices. AAAAhhhhh. What promises they really are!!!