Living Proof Live and The Siesta Fiesta

Last month, my mom and I went to see Beth Moore in San Antonio and had such an absolute blast! First of all, I LOVED getting to spend time with my Mom. We are very close and it was so much fun getting to have her all to myself for an extended period of time. We got to talk on the way there, spend the night in a nice hotel, and visit family too. The coolest part was getting to stand next to her as we worshipped Jesus! We also learned a ton and got into God's Word together. My Mom is amazing and a so much fun to be with. She is seriously one of my best friends! I am so thankful she went with me. It will be a memory I will forever cherish!

Second, Jesus, Beth and Travis Cottrell rocked my socks off! The worship was amazing. There is just nothing like worshipping Him with 10,000 other women! My Mom said it was like being in Heaven! Amazing! Beth taught on our inheritance as believers.

Psalm 16:5-6" Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!"

One of my nuggets from the weekend is not only is God and His presence part of my inheritance, but I am His. Wow!! God Himself sees me as His inheritance. Eph 1:18 "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." Also, that I am an heir of God and I can be secure. If I truly understand that I am an heiress, I don't need affirmation or acceptance from others. She told us that Satan uses insecurity to make us fools! SPEAK IT PLAIN SISTER! I just love Bethy! She is my all time favorite Bible teacher. She is so genuine and funny and just loves Him so passionately! I want to be her BFF! :)

Finally, I got to meet up with some of the blogging girls or SIESTAS at the first Siest Fiesta. We had a little gathering after the event with The Moore Girls and it was such a blast. They are all 3 so precious and hillarious. I also had the privledge of meeting some of the other Siestas in person! It was like a little blogging family reunion!

Here are a few pics from our weekend:

Tiffany and I

Patty, Kim and I-these girls were amazing! They volunteered their time and hard work to help make the Siesta Fiesta happen.

First Day of School

Today I woke my little muffins (well I guess not so little anymore- they are 10 and8!) bright and early for their first day of school. Up until today I have homeschooled exclusively so 6:15 was REALLY early for them! I had eggs, bacon and toast waiting for them as they stumbled into the kitchen squinting their eyes and scratching their head. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were toddling around and waking ME up in the wee hours of the morning? When older moms told me how fast the time goes by I just couldn't fathom it. Now I am experiencing it! It really does.

We are very excited about our new school partner, Coram Deo! The kids will go two days a week and then school at home the other 3 days. It is truly a collaborative effort between the school and the family. The name of the school means "In the presence of God." We have loved the family atmosphere they promote as well as the excellent education they provide.

It is a 31 minute drive there, so on our way we had a blast praying, singing and laughing! It was fun to send them off with a smile, some pictures (that embarrassed Hannah a little) and a hug!

Here are a few pictures from this morning:

Here is a picture of Joseph holding his 110 lb backpack! Not really but the sucker is heavy!

Hannah and Joseph, I love you dearly and am so proud God picked me to be your Mom!

A little more about the school-
This is from the headmaster, Rodney Marshall:
"At Coram Deo Academy professional educators and parents collaborate to educate Christian youth to live all of life before God and to prepare for roles as ethical leaders and wise thinkers that will shape culture for the glory of God. We accomplish this by educating youth in an historic Christian worldview through a rigorous classical curriculum. Since we agree with Augustine, that all truth comes from God, our learning programs teach students to discover truth in the book of God's Word and in the book of God's works (creation and providence). We engage each other in discussion and debate over historical, political, religious and literary issues; we delve into scientific theories and experimentation; we enjoy theatre, music and fine art; and we revel in athletic competition -- all to help each student prepare for his or her God-given purpose in all of life. Parents and students that share this passion to serve God may apply for admission. We would consider it a privilege to co-labor with you and the Holy Spirit in this pursuit."

PINE COVE

For the last 4 years we have gone to family camp at Pine Cove for our vacation. Some friends of ours told us about it and what convinced us to go was how excited their 17 year old son was about going back. So we tried it out in the summer of 2004 when Sarah was a baby wondering if it could compare to Hawaii and Florida. It far surpassed both! Though the scenery and weather was not quite the same :), it was the first vacation where we felt refreshed when we came home and not utterly exhausted! There are several reasons for this. First of all, the focus of the week is on God and His Word. We have awesome teachings interspersed through out our time there. The adults have a speaker and our kids memorize scripture and go through a devotional with their counselor. Second, it is the perfect balance of time together and time on our own. There is adult teachings, a banquet and a time set apart for you and your spouse. However, there is also family time, a family devotional each day, theme nights and a ton of fun activites to do with your kids. Crafts, horse back riding, and water sports are just a few. Finally, you are totally served by their awesome staff! They welcome you with cheering, unload your car, help with your kids, serve you your meals and won't even let you pour your own drink while you are there! We love getting to know the college-aged counselors that are such amazing men and women of God. Each year, God knits our hearts together with a few of them ! It is so fun to see some of the same counselors the following summer and hear all God has done in their lives. Our family loves this place and we have already pre-paid for next summer. We truly feel like it is an investment in our familiy's spiritual life! Pine Cove's motto is: "Pine Cove exists to be used by God to transform the lives of people for His purposes and His glory." Each time we come home, we see the fruit of this in ourselves and our kids! It is an awesome vacation! Here are a few pics from this summer:

Sundays

Our new church home, Gateway, gives us 10 different service times to choose from and two locations. We have really enjoyed trying out most of the services but have settled on Saturday at 5:45. In doing this we attend church, have dinner and then end our night with a Shabbat- the"Graves" version of the Jewish Sabbath/communion celebration. We enter Sunday as a full day of rest including time with family and time with the Lord. This has worked wonderfully for our family because we truly feel like we get to rest. In the past our Sundays were fast and furious with our 5 small children. We are not legalistic about it, but now we do try to cease from our "regular work" and remember and observe His faithfulness. "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Exo 16:23

Here are a few pictures from the last 2 Sundays:

Family worship with the new Gateway DVD! We had a blast..from dancing and praising to some deep worship! It was awesome!

Last Sunday evening the weather was just beautiful so Hannah grabbed her Bible, devo and a towel. We all shortly followed her... she is such a great example! I thank God that my kids love to read their Bible-even little John!

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. " Deut. 6:4-9

FYI-Umm...yea...not too sure why my two little girls have their shirts off in both sets of these pics. It is not common practice around here for the ladies!! ;) They just say that sometimes the shirts make them sweaty! I guess this was one of those days!!

One Amazing Husband

This past Saturday my wonderful husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary! I can't even believe it has been that long...it has seriously flown by! John told me when we first got married that my life would never be boring and I can tell you the man doesn't lie. It has been one faith-filled adventure after another and I wouldn't want it any other way! From helping start and lead a college ministry a few months after we had been married to running for US Congress twice to having 5 kids in 9 years...it has been a blast! Here are a few more things that I love about him:

I am so honored to share my life with this man. When I say I think he is seriously the most amazing man on this planet, I REALLY mean it. He is just perfect for me in every way and has been since we first met! He is the most self-less man I know always putting me and the kids above himself and his desires. I truly contribute a huge success of our marriage to this quality in John. He does lay down his life for others and especially for us.

He is the most gracious and forgiving man that I have ever met. Before our engagement, I felt like I should share all of my past with him (I didn't get saved until college) so I poured out my heart to him on January 1, 1997. After I cried many tears, he looked at me and said. "I forgive you and God has forgiven you and I know you wouldn't have done those things if you would have known what God had for you." Oh how true that is! He has never once brought up my past and has loved me so unconditionally. John has given me such a precious glimpse of the Father's love and forgiveness not just back then but time and time again.

John is one of the most generous men I have ever met and I adore this about him. He loves to bless people! Whether it is secretly paying the bill of a single mom in a restaurant or picking the softest and nicest sheets and towels (despite their cost) for our guest room, he truly enjoys blessing others and helping those in need.

I also love that John is extremely wise and discerning. Hannah (10) one day told him he was like Solomon! He is wise about the things of God, about finances, marriage, parenting, business, etc... People love to come over and get advice or just hang around because of his wisdom! I am serious too and have pictures to prove it!

John is just as amazing in his role as a father. He loves the kids and makes them a priority. He trains and disciplines in love and always knows how to have fun with them. Our kids adore him and I love to watch him with them!

My hubby is an extravagant in his love toward me. He blesses me in so many ways and with so many gifts-and I am not just talking about material gifts. For example last year on our tenth anniversary, he scannned all of our old pictures and negatives, made a digital scrapbook (or 2) for every year we had been married, and had someone make coinciding videos for each year as well! Two months ago when he left the country on a business trip for 2 weeks, he surprised me with a day of pampering to "ease" the pain. Have you ever heard of such a man??! I haven't and I still can't believe God chose this man for me. I am blessed and still amazed.

John, this "list" only scratches the surface of who you are. I love so many things about you-too many to blog about! Thank you for an incredible 11 years! I thank God for bringing us together and still stand in complete awe that I was chosen to be yours. I am so in love with you...even more than I was on July 5, 1997!

Here is a snapshot of us on our wedding day and then on our date this past Saturday.

God Is A Special Man

The other morning a sweet voice drifted downstairs as we were enjoying our Saturday together as a family. John and I both stopped what we were doing to figure out who it was. We smirked as we heard Rebekah (3) singing over and over "God is a special man, God is a special man, God is a special man." It was not being sung to any particular tune but she was singing her heart out. She walked down the stairs with a huge smile as she continued with her song. It blessed me so much and I know blessed my God! Even with the off notes and unreconizable tune, her love for Him poured out and affected all of us that morning.

God I pray that my heart and love for you would overflow and affect the world around me. I am so amazed by You, my God and my Redeemer. Thank you for loving me, for radically changing me and for giving me a husband and children who can't get enough of you. Thank you for being my Father. You are a "special man!"

Your Grateful Daughter,

Nicole

1 John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Changes- March pt. 2

If you are just checking in, I am doing a re-cap since we have moved to Dallas. So... I am going back to catch up! The second part of March was so special. My Mom (a.k.a Mimi) came to visit us in our new home. We had not seen her since Thanksgiving so we were so ready! We celebrated Christmas with her and thats about where the fun ended!! Unfortunately, all 5 kids got a stomach flu! For most of her trip, we cleaned up puke and held sick babies!! God did give us a fun surprise though! Hannah and I took Mom to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory- it was literally the only time we left the house the whole time she was here! While we were eating, huge snow flakes began to fall! We came home to Dad already making "snow ice cream" and went out to play! That night we decided we had to build some snow men before it all melted! We had a blast playing in the snow, enjoying a fire outside, and drinking hot chocolate. My mom seriously had the most fun! It blessed me so much to see her playing with my kids in the snow and working to roll snowmen! We even made snow angels! Here are some pictures:

Can you believe this? I have never seen this in Texas!

Dad making snow ice cream and the "kids" enjoying it!

Having fun with my 2 oldest!

Rebekah (3) not having fun!! She doesnt like being cold like her Mom! Check out that face!

Mom and I about make our angels...so fun! I am stylin' in my husband's clothes, shoes, hat! Cute, huh?

My beautiful mother! She is amazing!

John and I with our snow couple!

The Mr. and Mrs....man that was some hard work!

We finished off the month with a last minute trip to our old lake house- which has still not sold! We camped out on sleeping bags ...it was roughin it for me let me tell ya!! For real, I am so not the camp out kinda girl so this was pushing it! :) While in Longview we got to visit with our Nana, had a visit from Grandpa Jesse, and got to hang out with the lovely Pelaia family and meet their newest addition! A few Teen Mania guys also came to have a little lake time and our dear friends, The Holloways, visited as well. We had a little cook out and played with confetti eggs! There was lots of catching up to do and so we went late into the night. Our families sat by the fire and roasted marshmallows. It was great getting to spend time with some our very best friends. Such a blessing to be with them again!

So the one kicker (besides the fact of the whole camping out thing for me) was that 4 of our kiddos got another 24 hour stomach bug! Throw up again!!! So we had a quick trip to the laundry mat. As we arrived my 4 yr old informed me of an accident in her pants. Yep, the big D! Oh the joys!

John coming after me with the confetti egg.....

Dad attacking and finally his defeat!

Hannah with Rachel and Allyson. Joseph and Ethan.

Joseph holding Bryson Pelaia!! Hannah with Bethany and Brittany!

We headed back to Dallas for our Easter service at church and then had a lunch in our home with some friends. Katie, Hannah and I had so much fun in the kitchen!!

Oh and all the Teen Mania guys...yea they all got the bug! Poor single guys...just not used to kid's germs!! :)