You can dance, You can Jive, Having the time of your life, Ooohhh.... Dancing Queen

Parenting a Strong Willed Child

Brent and I started a marriage class tonight at church called "Love and Respect". We both really liked the first session and I hope it will have a life-long impact on our marriage. The basic principle is that women need love and men need respect, and when women don't feel loved they act in a disrespectful way and when men feel disrespected they act in an unloving way. Our small group is all completing the class together, and I am really looking forward to it. Anyway, that is not the point of this post. During this 10 week class we will be taking Sydney to childcare there at the church at night, which is a first. Have I mentioned recently that Sydney still goes to bed every night by 7:30 pm and sleeps until 7:00 am? So I was a little nervous that she was going to be grumpy at church since she was going to be up at least an hour past her bedtime. Much to my relief, she was in a great mood and the teachers couldn't wait to tell me some of the funny things she did. Evidently, she is a little bossy (again- that ole' stinkin' Walker gene must be coming through ;) because I can't imagine where she gets that from!!) and had the teachers laughing all night telling the other 2 kids where to sit, play, change diapers, etc. I commented back "Yeah, I know I will have my hands full!" and the nursery worker said kind of seriously "Have you ever thought about reading Parenting the Strong Willed Child?" I cried in the car I was laughing so hard trying to tell Brent the story. I would say that is NOT a compliment to have the church nursery workers say! However, never one to pass up a self-help book, it has been added to my list of "need to read books". I am currently reading Shepherding a Child's Heart and I have on my night stand I Brake for Meltdowns: How to Handle the Most Exasperating Behavior of Your 2- to 5 year old. I posted a picture of "Sydney-rella" as we call her using her new vacuum from Aunt Jamie. I am afraid we are braking some child labor law because she is OBSESSED over vacuuming and sweeping and swiffering. We got in the car a few weeks again and she said one of her first real sentences "Sydney Daddy go vacuum?" because that is what she and Brent do daily now. I guess at least for now I can't use housework as punishment for a sassy attitude. Lord help me and stay tuned...

I got tagged...

my friend Dayle tagged me...and i thought this would be fun. so, here's what you do:

1. go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.

2. select the 4th photo (no exceptions).

3. post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger.

4. tag 4 people do do the same.

Well, this picture is from last years Easter festival (Sydney was 13 months). The first thing I noticed is how short her hair is!
I tag.... Corbin, Julie Carothers, Keri and Melissa Wolfe

Julia's Shower

Spencer Hamra is going to be here before we know it!!! Julia had a baby shower yesterday morning at my mom's house. I just love a baby shower. I mean- who can pass up beautiful gifts, friends, and dessert from Mickey's Bakery?!?!?

Praying for Harper

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ (click on icon to the right for a direct link)
OK, many of you may already know about Harper and be praying for her, but please visit this blog and stop RIGHT now and say a huge prayer for recovery for her. Her mommy is an OBU grad, so I love her already. As I am reading her blog and especially her journey of the first week of motherhood, I have fallen in love with her. My understanding is that they had no warning of any problems when she delivered Harper last Friday (I think) but God's plan was different and she is currently in NICU in Tulsa. Please pray for her recovery and her parents. Only God could get the glory for her healing and it is so evident in her blog updates that Kelly is well aware of that.
Heavenly Father, I don't understand your plan for things when precious little babies are so sick. My human nature wants to question and worry and doubt. Please Lord, may your grace be enough tonight for Harper and her family. May your peace be enough. May your power and glory overwhelm them. And I pray for healing and health for Harper. I pray that someday very soon, her mommy and daddy can hold her and give her physical love. And I pray with an excited heart for the day that Kelly can put a big ole' bow on that beautiful baby girls head! To you be given all the credit and praise, in Jesus name I pray- Amen.

Road Trip!

Merrit and Greer took a road trip with Sydney and I last weekend, and seriously, I got 1 picture!!! The girls were pretty great in the car, with a McDonalds pit stop or 2 worked in ;). The Walker girls stayed with Mimi, and were we ever spoiled!!! Several great meals and Aunt Sherri, Britton, and Holly joined us for lunch both days. The Napiers stayed with the Boyds and of course, we had tons of play time with them too. Thank you Caroline and Carlee for sharing so well all weekend. We had dinner at Shoguns on Saturday night, and I was nervous that Sydney would be good for an hour and a half in her high chair, but she loved every second. Hint Hint Dad- we are ready to go back soon! Brent is at a national sales meeting all week, and we can't wait for him to get back. We miss you!!!! Lucky for him, the new episode of Lost doesn't come on until 12:35 am. Maybe I will be able to wait to watch it until he gets home ;).

Mini Me?

OK maybe I am just wishful thinking, but I honestly think we favor A LOT in this picture. Your opinions???

For Mimi...

Mimi gave us her butcher block from her kitchen. I am sentimental because I know how many pies and rolls and meals have been served on it. Sydney loves it because she has claimed it as her personal "snack spot". Our routine lately has been having a snack when we get home from school and she settles into the butcher block for a seat. I captured her on Thursday enjoying a little apple juice and popcorn. Thanks Mimi!!!!

Happy New Year/Happy Birthday Scarlett!

Brent and I celebrated New Years Eve and Scarlett's 30th Birthday in Dallas. Of course, the food and company was wonderful! Amy and Ryan Perry helped us celebrate too. Love you Scarlett! Hope your 30s are wonderful!