HS-HS-U-U!

Last night we went to watch a friend play football against Willamette from OR. We won!

This was my first game since college, Philip's first HSU game ever and the boys' first football game ever. We only made it to the 3rd quarter, but we had so much fun! We'll definitely be back to root on the purple and gold!

This picture was the best taken, by the way. Deron was really into the game, but getting tired and silly, Jude was just tired, Daddy was tired, and I was desperate for a family shot! ahh well..

1st day of Kindergarten!

Breakfast of Champions

My Kindergartener!

Ice Cream to celebrate!

this is for you Erin!

I don't know how many of you are seamstresses in hiding. I wish I had the talent, the time, the ambition to make beautiful things out of gorgeous fabric and decorate my home (or myself!) with them. I love seeing the creativity come out of seemingly nowhere!

Recently I came across this blog of a woman who had an itch to stir up her creativity. 365 days, $1 a day to spend on a thrift store find. She then recreates it to her liking as a dress or top of some kind. I can sit here for hours reading her blog! So awesome!

Erin, you could so do this! (But I totally understand if you want to wait until all 3 kids are in school. :) Love you, friend!

Jude turns 1!

August 6th marked our little beetlebug's 1st birthday! It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but so fun! I had to convince myself I wasn't letting anyone down by not planning his party 6 weeks in advance. And truthfully, his invitation was non-existent (which really kinda saddens me because I am making a REAL effort to try to make his babybook as complete as Deron's is *his is awesome* before the new baby comes and also just because he's a 2nd child doesn't warrant less amount of pictures or a hardly filled-out book!). I sent his "invitation" around on facebook, people! *sigh* oh well. I can laugh about it now.

My sister and brother-in-law came out to spend the weekend with us, which was so fun, and my parents drove out Friday night, getting here at midnight when they had to leave the next day right after the party. Such committed grandparents! I love it! We woke up early Saturday morning to start preparing, and I decided that morning I will never ever throw a morning party again. It really wasn't terrible knowing there were only a few hours to get everything together, but it was just an unnecessary hassle. It was fun having a lot of our friends over to the new house though! We had the party outside on the patio, which being in August you might rethink, but it was shady and cooler than you'd think being at 10:00am. If it hadn't rained the night before, it would have been perfect.

The cake was beautiful and delicious, kudos to Albertson's (who gives you a free 1st birthday cake)! And Jude devoured it like I've never seen. It might have been the best 1st birthday cake eating ever. He was covered. And we hosed him off after I thought his sugar intake was reaching critical levels. After most everyone left, I laid him down and he crashed for a good 3 hours. I think the party was successful. Here's to another fabulous year!!

shout out to Curtis (our Dodge Caravan)

updates

So we've been in our house for over a month now, but it still doesn't feel like home just yet. It doesn't smell right when we walk in the door, there are still boxes in the workshop, and I've only cooked a few meals since we've moved in. I'm really anticipating the moment when I can sit on the couch and sigh a happy sigh that I am home and relaxed. A big thing that I think will help is getting some window coverings for all of the windows in the living room- it's a bit exposed. We're saving for just the right shades, probably roman shades to give it some warm texture. Anyway, there are still plenty of projects to do, I just have to keep motivated to finish them and not get overwhelmed!

My days currently seem to be spent keeping bug from trampeling beetlebug as they wrestle or chase each other or wrestle some more. I didn't realize there would be so much wrestling! I'm glad we got plush carpet... Thankfully, Jude seems to love the attention his brother pays him and slams right back at him, he just (obviously) doesn't have the muscles to fight back. Deron carries him around the house all the time and is really great to keep him out of things if I ask him to. Deron might be feeling a bit under appreciated at times, since one of his favorite games to play is "second little baby".

Jude can climb up on the couches now and hasn't fallen off yet, he's very careful to swing his legs over the edge when getting off. We have 2 steps that go down into the boys' side of the house and I wanted to make sure he could do those just fine, and he does! No worrying here! He has taken a few steps and will stand for long periods of time, but walking is still in the very near future. He still has the sweetest countenance ever!

I had a voice lesson this week for a new student and remembered how much I love teaching voice. I can't wait for this next year to come around and see all of my students again! We have lots to learn and lots to accomplish this year! Yay! I ended the year with 10 students and at least 2 on a waiting list, so hopefully I'll grow my studio this year to accommodate more.

Philip is still as busy as ever. We're trying to figure out how he can have a day off without still having to work those hours on an EXTRA day just to get everything done. That makes no sense. Is that normal? People should be able to have a day off, right? Oh well, we're figuring it out. I would love to get up to my grandparent's lake house sometime this summer, but we'll see if that happens.

In other great news, we're expecting again!! I'm only about 9 weeks along, but I'm at the stage where I can't make it through the day without a nap. My body just shuts down about 1pm and I can't help it! My nausea is waning a bit, thankfully, but I just want to sit around and be sleepy! haha... We're really excited and have a sonogram Monday to "see how many are in there" as Philip keeps saying. :)

There you go! I know I left a ton out, but there's a little!

I am blessed...

A few weeks ago, I heard a brief comment from a speaker at our church who has very spiritually-minded and awesome children that he has them speak a few things over themselves every morning. It touched me deeply and I decided to do the same. So I sat down and asked the Holy Spirit to help me make a list of things I want my kids to know about themselves. I draw on these things then all day long, when they need correction or not, to remind them who and how awesome God made them!


I am blessed.
I am happy.
I am nice and fun to be around.
I am a helper.
I am anointed.
I am rich.
I am good-looking.
I will look for the greatest possible good that could happen in me and in those around me.
My words are pleasant and bring life.
My tongue is used to encourage and lift up.
Rebellion, deceit and dishonor are far from me and will not influence me.
I will call on the powerful Name of Jesus to give me authority and power in all situations.
God's peace will be where I walk and His joy is what I proclaim!

grandpa's 90th birthday bash!

This year my grandpa turned 90! (And my grandma is right behind him.) In true Houseworth-family tradition, we had a good excuse to all get together and party! We had fun seeing cousins and aunts and uncles from Portland to Colorado to New Jersey and Texas, of course. Here are a few pics of our few days of celebrating, but there are definitely more on facebook, if you're interested.

We loved seeing each other and honoring grandpa, but some of the coolest part was a table full of memorabilia from his days in the Air Force. He was a Lt. Col. and flew Fighters. They had his uniform, all of his medals, log books dating back to the 40s, drawings, pictures, and so much more! What wonderful history!

(The great-grandkids showing off their El Fenix tatoos.)

slowing down

I had a major revelation this week. I tend to overcommit myself. It's not anyone's fault, but my own. I have so many exciting things I want to do, but I just don't have the time or the energy to do them!

Among the things I want to do and have semi-committed myself to doing in the past couple of months include:
-training for and running a 5K
-eating "clean" as much as possible
-teaching summer voice lessons
-painting, remodeling, updating our new house
-getting back into a 5-day-a-week gym routine
-trying to make more money having a part-time job
-playing league tennis
-worship leading as much as possible

and these are on top of the housewife/mommy/nurse/housekeeper roles that I'm already fulfilling (and take top priority).

If I could, there are even more things I would add in a second to my list of desires. Traveling, reading, blogging, late night get-togethers with friends, and more would fill my time completely up! But the truth is, even with trying to do all of these things, I'm finding I'm more and more unhappy doing the things I love. I'm starting to cut things down. Don't let me disappoint you if I've committed to do something for or with you. I would LOVE to, but it's just going to have to wait.

Maybe when the kids are all in school and I have more time during the day to play. Maybe then I can take up tennis again. Or every year pick one or two things on my list to delve into. Or maybe when the kids leave for college. We'll see.

But one thing I know. My life looks a lot better when it's not filled to the brim with STUFF to do. Even stuff I love to do. Sure, there are things we need to get done, like the house, but I can do that if I'm not doing 20 other activities that day, and the kids don't suffer.

So I'm paring down. And I'm excited about it.

it's (one of the) most wonderful times of the year...

The older I get, the more I like summer. Not just because of the pool, the relaxing warm showers after the pool (and the long naps the kids take after the pool), the sno-cones, the lazy Sundays, the vacations, and my birthday.

I love all the tennis!! This weekend is the French Open finals. Next month is Wimbledon. then August and September is the US Open. I love it!

80's TV

With the death of Gary Coleman this week, I began thinking about all of the hours I spent watching fabulous television as a kid. What great memories and fantastic TV!! Anything on air today pales in comparison to these awesome shows. The wit, the humor, the one-of-a-kind storylines! Genius! Some of my favorites are:

Be still my heart! What a handsome man this guy was! And he got to watch those kids every day! I wanted a live-in babysitter just like Charles! Oh... love him!

She was the epitome of cool. Spunky. Fashionable. (I mean, who else would think of tying bandanas around your knees?!) Had an awesome dog. And a cool voice.

Ok. Can you think of another show that has a better plotline than this one? Two guys who's apartment building burns in NYC and the only place they can find to rent is a women's only building. So every time they go home, they have to dress in women's clothing. All the women know them as women, but they lead lives of quiet desperation. Love it!

This one is Out of This World. Literally. Evie here can stop time by touching her fingers together and then talk to her dad who is an alien through a crystal that lives on their livingroom coffee table.

To be honest, I loved this show. I'm not sure why, really. And I feel like it wasn't on for very long, to my dismay. Plotline is simple- a dad, who also coaches basketball at the high school, and mom have 10 kids. And the funny-ness ensues. I wished there was more to enjoy.

Ah.... Small Wonder. Where the daughter is really a robot. But not everyone knows it. That's pretty much it. It was wonderful.

This is a classic, obviously. Everyone has seen an episode of Who's the Boss, right? I just loved when Tony and Angela finally fell in love (toward the end of the running...), but man it was good TV.

And Perfect Strangers. Another classic. I'll leave it to wikipedia to explain it's simple premise:The series chronicles the rocky coexistence of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot). A Wisconsin native, Larry, who comes from a large family with numerous brothers and sisters, has just moved into a new apartment in Chicago, and is experiencing his first joys of newfound privacy when Balki, a hitherto unknown cousin from a Greek-like island in the Mediterranean called Mypos, drops by to live with him. Balki, a shepherd by trade, interprets what little he knows about the United States by relying on his own recollections of American pop culture, which are often out-of-context ("America... Land of my dreams, home of the Whopper").

Of course there are ones I have left out like The Wonder Years, Growing Pains, and the ones I watched sometimes but didn't really care for, like Night Court and (gasp) Cheers. But who doesn't wish all of the CSI and Law & Order shows were replaced for more of this! (Don't flog me for that comment. :)

our new house!!

This morning we closed on our new house! I'm so excited to get in there and update it like crazy and get our stuff in there! Living out of bins and with 90% of your stuff in the garage is not a great long-term situation. (By the way, one of the FIRST things to go are those awnings. It makes the house so dark inside! We need sunlight, baby!)

This is the back of the house. The picture was taken in early spring, so the lush St. Ausgustine grass hadn't come out yet (but I knew it was there!) Direct your attention at all the windows lining the back of the house! Yay!! The addition on the right side of the picture will be our studio.

I am SO excited to have people over here and watch ministry take place and friendships grow! This is such an inviting backyard. And it has a wonderful patio area. The trees are huge and allow shaded sunlight through to the whole yard. Helloooooo morning coffee! I have a feeling Deron will learn to climb trees in that one of the left.

As we start getting things updated and doing work, I'll try to keep this updated. Before/after pics are so fun!

let me try to explain...

So here we are halfway through May. Ok, let's catch up.

Early February I went to TMEA for the first time. Spent time with my mom and sister and saw around 60 (then I lost count) old music friends that weekend. It was interesting seeing so much "networking" with teachers, and there really wasn't a ton I was able to take back with me (being a voice teacher), but it was nice checking it out. NATS will probably be more up my alley. Oh, and this meant Philip was a single dad with a baby and a 4 year old for 4 days! He did SO awesome!

Also in February we looked at a house. It was a nice house, but after seeing the inside, not one we were interested in. But little did we anticipate, it started the ball rolling to where we are today. In a matter of weeks, we decided we wanted to buy a new (and bigger) house, put ours on the market, it sold (in 10 days), we moved out, found the house we wanted to purchase, and signed a contract. Right now we are living in our first home that my in-laws still own waiting for our new house to close in about a week and 1/2. Whew! We're so excited!! Among many things, it has a FANTASTIC bathroom and closet, backyard and a finished out workshop that will function as a our office/studio!

Speaking of studios, my voice studio is at 10 students and has been all semester. I'm loving teaching these kids. I feel like I've found my niche- at least until my dream comes true... :)

Mid-March, Philip and I took our yearly MFE (Marital Fulfillment Excursion) to Colorado Springs. It began by heading to Irving to drop off the kiddos and getting a massage, driving back to Abilene to be at our awesome church Sunday morning, then leaving that night. We hiked Garden of the Gods, rode horses in Pike National Forest, sang tunes and got bees thrown at us at the Golden Bee, and spent lots of time reading, praying together, worshipping together, and getting a vision for our family and our marriage. We had beautiful sunny weather in the 60s all week, and started snowing the day we left. Oh! We also got upgraded to a suite! Sweet!

March 30th Deron turned 5 years old! We had a bowling party at Primetime with many of his friends. He has grown into such a handsome, loving, silly, and intelligent kid. He loves his brother and loves to play with him! Deron is reading very well now, hardly gets caught on any words, and does math in his head easily. I love that he will randomly tell us he loves us and gives us big hugs. He's still really into Thomas, tennis, and bowling.

April was really all about moving. Packing, sorting, looking for a new house, and all that goes on with that. I also got real close to fulfilling another dream of mine, which is to play in a tennis league competitvely. I got connected with a woman and her team, but after practicing with them and realizing the time it would take, decided that right now is probably not the right time. This was a hard decision for me, since it is something I really want to do. But it just not for now. And that's ok. Hopefully next season we'll be more settled and I'll get to do it!

April 30-May 1st was the women's retreat at Miller Ranch near Lawn, TX. It was beautiful and such an anointed time of worship and teaching. We all received Devi Titus' new book The Table Experience. Get it. You need it. God's been growing more of a gift of prophecy in the last several months (I think because I've asked him for more!). It's such a privilege to co-labor with the Father in such a personal way. Words of wisdom, knowledge and visions for people have deepened my faith in His Word and I have seen such a new manifestation of His power! He really loves people. I'm starting to see His heart for us. And it only gets better! More of You, God! That's what I want!

This last week we've been visited by Pastor Lincoln Serwanga. He's originally from Uganda, but pastors a church in London, England. He has brought such impartation to our church, Philip and I as a couple, and me as a worship leader and as a person. There is a lot happening in our church right now, many many wonderful things. Growth in miracles and signs of His Spirit, breakthroughs in worship and adoration and love! I am so thankful to be a part of a church that welcomes God in all of the ways He shows up! We cherish being in His presence and love seeing Him set people free every single week! God, I can not thank you enough for what you have done for me. You have shown Yourself so mighty in countless ways. I love knowing how much you enjoy me. I love knowing how much You can't wait to be with me. Thank you for your incredible love. Thank you for your endless love. Thank you for your powerful love!

Jude is now 9 months old! Ca-razy!! He is so mobile! Pulling up and "cruising" is nothing to this little guy anymore. I do believe at the end of the month he may be walking. Deron was over a year when he started walking! Several weeks ago, Jude bit into an extension cord that was plugged in to my hairdryer (that I was using at the time!). It popped, sparked, flamed, smoked, and smelled. I threw Jude off of it and examined him. With screaming baby in hand, I frantically called Philip because my judgement was hindered. I didn't know whether to call the doctor's office, call an ambulance, do nothing, or what! He calmly said, "Take him to the ER. I'll meet you there." Turns out, I really believe by God's infinite grace he only got 2nd degree burns on his hand. Poor thing, they hooked him up to heart monitors and was entagled in cords for quite awhile. After they determined he was *mostly* fine, they wrapped his little hand to what looked like a club for a hand. He wore that for a couple of days, then his doctor said just put neosporin on it and have him wear a sock on his hand. Within a week, his hand had almost completely healed to where you couldn't see any signs of burning unless you knew what you were looking for. Praise God who is the ultimate Healer! Now his hand is completely normal. No signs whatsoever. Yay!!

hard habit to break

Boy, I've been out of the habit of keeping a blog. And it shows.

Things are good! Tonight I got my 8th student in my voice studio. I'm so blessed to have found a job that I USE my degree, and I LOVE! Really, you should try it. It's very rewarding. Last week I had 5 students, this week, 8! And probably more on the way! What's even more special about this number is that it reaches a goal Philip and I have had for years for a monthly income. God is so good to remember our requests and honor them when we honor Him!! Praise Him for His provision and endless love!

Jude is cute as can be. He's 5 1/2 months now, rolling, scooching, grabbing, and sitting (until he loses his balance). He has the cutest laugh and loves smiling so huge at everyone! We're finally figuring out a good schedule, too. If you remember, he started sleeping 10 hours at night at about 2 mo. Then he got sick and the time change happened and it totally messed him up. He started waking up 2-3 times at night again and kept that going until last week when Philip and I decided that was enough of that. We tried crying it out (sorta) during the night, but he would wail and scream so hard... Then last week I was talking with a few moms that made me realize that now since he's waking at about 4am, he probably is legitimately getting hungry, since he goes to bed at 8. So, the last few nights I've gotten up, fed him, and he goes right back to sleep for several hours.

Also, we're in the process of weaning. I love breastfeeding and think it's absolutely the best thing for a baby. But there just comes a time when, well, it's just time. I have peace about it. And it's almost been 6 months. Deron went 8 months. The thing is, I just don't think I'm making enough to satisfy him completely. So, we've been playing around with supplementing and such, and he's been SO happy! He's also eating cereal and veggies! What a big boy!

Isn't it funny how the big milestones in life have to do with food and poop? Think on that.

I'm still working out at least 4 times a week at my awesome gym (I love it there). I really love the people I'm around, most of them encouraging and interested in you. I've had so many people tell me how good I look and how I've lost weight (I wish...) since I came back after having Jude. Truth is, I still have about 8 pounds left to get back to pre-pregnancy, and it's proving quite difficult. I'm not obsessed, just wanting to find something more. I've started little by little to start running in addition to my normal classes during the week at the gym. Even if I get there 30 min. early, I can knock off a few miles and challenge my heart. It feels great to have a new challenge!

Deron is at his new school (at our church). He's loving it, making new friends, and surprising his teachers. He's such a smart kiddo. And he's reading now as well. I'm so proud! And he's such a sweet big brother. And Jude laughs and smiles and talks to Deron like he wants to be just like him. It's great!

Well, there's an update for you all. Blessings!

a year in review

goodbye 2009, it was a great ride!

January - I started my last semester of college and spent it student teaching. I realized I did not want to be an elementary music teacher (kudos to those that are!) and did not want to be a working mom either. So much stress! Deron had to stay in daycare and I hated to leave him there all day! We also let everyone know we'd be welcoming another little Crumpton into our family!

February- More student teaching. We had the annual Valentine's Banquet at the church- always a fun event.

March- Deron turned the big number FOUR and we found out our little jelly bean was a boy! We let everyone know his name in a birthday card to Deron at his party. I made a train cake that turned out really "Eastery".

April- I was student teaching at a high school in town and liked it a lot more, but still realized that teaching in a classroom was really not something that excited me.

May- Graduation!!! Finally, 9 years after starting (with a few "out" years in between, I finished my degree! It was amazing to have my grandparents in town who had never seen our house. And most of my family. I felt so supported and honored. We also received a van as a graduation present which put my mommy worries at ease!! (We'd been with only one car for over a year and a half, and I did not know how we would handle traveling anywhere with 4 people and all of our STUFF!)

June- Deron and I spent the majority of the month at the swimming pool, soaking up rays and keeping occupied! Philip took the first summer class ever. Philip and I also took our yearly "getaway" weekend trip just the two of us to Dallas. We had a wonderful time without our wonderful bug, eating at great new restaurants and exploring.

July- I turned 27. Geez. I never want to be a person who is ashamed of her age- I think it's silly. But it just amazes me that I'm already there. Philip took more summer classes, so we couldn't go on vacation. :( I had a wonderful baby shower in Abilene with tons of special friends. I'm still so honored that Erin and Tamara came out from Dallas!

August- Our beautiful beetle bug, Jude, was born. Right on time (thank you, planned c-section). He is the biggest smiler you've ever seen and such a cuddler. I can't imagine our family without him now. Deron started pre-school at Cornerstone Christian School where I taught music for a semester a year or so ago. He made some great friends and really started excelling in reading and math. I also started teaching private voice lessons to high school students in Abilene. I found out that this is what I want to do. I love it for so many reasons! By the end of the semester I have 5 students.

September- At 5 week postpartum I started -slowly- working out again at the gym (where before I was student teaching, I was working out 5 days a week). I was so anxious to be back! I had done BodyFlow (yoga/tai chi/pilates mix) several times a week up to 2 weeks before Jude was born, and I really think that helped recovery immensely. Philip started his last semester of school with a whopping 16 hours, working full-time at the church, preparing for his senior composition recital, co-leading a Connect Group at our church, and trying to be an attentive daddy, hubby, and partner. We knew it would be the toughest semester yet, so we just bit it and moved forward with infinite understanding and grace. We also attended a marriage conference in Colleyville by Pastor Jimmy and Karen Evans on financial intimacy. It revolutionized our outlook on our finances!

October- Pretty much the same... rehearsals for Philip's recital started taking up several evenings a week on top of schoolwork and homework and studying. It was really hard with a newborn in the house to stay on top of everyday things, but we kept going. We made a commitment to have a weekly date night a year and a half prior to this, so that was an easy consistent getaway for us every week. Thank you, Jesus!

November- Philip had his senior composition recital which turned out wonderfully! I was so proud of him for his talent and excellence! And some of my family were able to come out to support him, which was awesome. Also, the HSU orchestra premiered a work Philip wrote, which was a total blessing. He had submitted the score just with the intent to get it read through! Jude got sick for the first time this month, with double ear infections, a staph infection, and a weird diaper rash. Since then (and still), he has not slept through the night. It had been a typical 10-hour stint for months! *sigh* We're working on that now. Deron also caught a yucky stomach bug.

December- Deron finished up at Cornerstone, I went on break from teaching, and Philip GRADUATED!! We held a nice reception for him at our church, and he received enough money to buy a nice computer he's been wanting to build. (In fact, as I write this, he's researching and salivating over the parts he's bought and I think I see a leg-twitch of excitement.) I am so proud of him in so many ways, and want to brag that he graduated with a 3.99 GPA. (He only received one "B", and that was because when he dropped out, he had such a high average in one class that with missing everything else in the semester, he still ended up with a "B". We decided he shouldn't take it again just for the prestige of a 4.0). What a smart guy!! I also got the opportunity to lead worship at our church at the beginning of the month, but got a yucky stomach bug so it had to be postponed until this month. This is a dream for me, and I'm so fortunate to be a part of a church where the leadership wants to stand with you and facilitate you reaching your highest potential and dream! I received for my graduation present a guitar (I lovingly call Firebird), which I am so excited about it helping my dream of leading worship come even closer. Philip and I also celebrated 6 awesome years of marriage to each other! We're anticipating a nice long trip to celebrate just the two of us in February. Yay!! Jude started rolling over and scooching all over the floor. Christmas was a great holiday, with lots of snow (even my first blizzard warning!), and new traditions with our own little family. It is so special to create these times with my husband and our sons. I've absolutely LOVED having a husband around. It's wonderful having him here to play with Deron so I can attend to Jude, and seeing their relationship blossom. He's such a loving and great daddy! And finally, New Years Eve was spent with great friends, and ended with communion and "speaking forth" things for the New Year. Our new season. We welcome you, 2010.

As Pastor Jaycee from YFN always says.... "The best is yet to come!!"