Trip to VA & DC

The children and I just returned from a wonderful trip to visit The Martin family before they are off to Germany for 2years. Holly and I met in Charleston 4 years ago when we were both pregnant with our little ones (Walter now 3 and Amelia now 3). We attended the same Kindermusic class with our not quite 2 year olds at the time. We became fast friends through the class and then ended up realizing that we were in the same new members class at church and the same Sunday school class. She is an amazing christian woman who has been so supportive to me through our moves and anything else that has come up through the years. Our children play great together and our husbands get along great too. Our friendship is just "easy".

The kidos...the girls were putting make up on and playing dress up!

Holly & Corey at the Military Ball!

Girl Time!

The White House!

The Washington Monument

All of us at the Museum of Natural History

Some tired kids at the Zoo

I really needed some girl time....and was totally refilled upon my leaving! We love you and will miss you Martin Family.

Life & Blessings

WOW! I just read/watched the piece that a TV station did on MckMama and her story about Stellan. Can you believe that they let her speak openly about Christ! Her ministry is amazing. http://mycharmingkids.net You should read the latest post and watch the piece.

After watching this 10min piece, I realize how blessed we are. Times are tough. Money is tight...houses to sell and me going back to work. Not exactly how I would have envisioned our life this time last year. I know...at least we have a job. But, what about all the other things that come with that:
Daddy traveling, him working late, another house that we own in a market that is hitting the bottom, stress levels beyond imagination, kids that are wild...the list can go on. Is it worth it? Was it worth our marriage, relationships and friendships to move back to Charlotte? Who knows? I would like to think that it was, but at this moment, I am not feeling like that. Only one knows the answer and I am calling out to him for clarification and validation!

Life was cake a year ago. Yes, we still had stress. But, Walter was home every night and never hardly traveled. My dream job was waiting on me if I wanted it, the kids were doing great (as far as behavior goes), we were super involved in a church that we LOVED, our faith was strong and we were close with Christ....and we had some of the best friends ever in TN.

And now, soooo far from where we were a year ago!

But....as hard as it is for me to say right now, we are blessed. We have our health and our 2 healthy children. After watching MckMama's piece I realize how much worse things could be.

I started this blog a year ago to keep the parents up to date on what was going on with the children and our lives. But, I feel it has so much more potential. Things that are shared here, we don't want to talk about in person. I use this to vent and let go. This blog has the potential to grow and be a ministry to others. Hopefully it will be.....sooner than later!

Here is a verse that I have been claiming lately that my Mom gave me years ago and recently it continues to be put in front of me.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So here is my claim...until I can get other clarification!

Dance Recital & Mother's Day!

We have had a busy last few weeks. Ann Elizabeth had her dance recital this year in Charlotte at Ovens Auditorium on Mother's Day weekend. She was a star and loves to dance on stage! She just shined!! All the grandparents attended and it was a very special event for AE. She also got invited to dance this summer in a pre-competition dance class. This will gear her up for competition beginning in the fall. She is excited...but it is going to be lots of work for her.

Walter has just been along for the ride the past couple of weeks. We are still trying to get him potty trained, but not having very much luck. Once school gets out we will be going strong with him and the big boy potty!

We have a busy next couple of weeks with the end of school and then we head to Washington D.C to see my sweet friend and her family before they move to Germany for 2yrs!

Spring has sprung!

Oh Spring! I have to say that it is probably my favorite time of year. The sun is starting to come out more, flowers start to bloom, more outdoor time to enjoy God's creation and we celebrate probably my favorite holiday...Easter.

We went to church Easter morning in Charlotte and I LOVED it. Our pastor spoke of the changing times and everything that we all have been through in the past year, and of course of Christ and the Resurrection. WOW! Talk about hitting home. As I was sitting in church thinking of where we were last year, it made me think back to where we have been the past 3 Easter's. Can you believe that we have lived in 3 different cities and attended 3 different churches? Things change quickly. The only thing that hasn't changed in our constant faith, relying on God to be with us through the the good and bad and Him always taking care of us. We would not be where we are today if it weren't for him. We (Walter and I) strive to remember that on a daily basis. We are very thankful for what we have and where we are. My constant prayer this spring has been that we don't quickly forget that and that we always remember that it is because of HIM!!!

We are so thankful for our family,

Our friends,

T-Ball,

Weddings,

Our boat being moved to NC...of course,

The Beach,

and mostly having a savior that has NEVER let us down and always carries our burdens!

Answered Prayers!

We went back to the doctor this morning with Ann Elizabeth and he gave us the all clear on her knot. He said that he really thought that it was just an infection since it has decreased in size and isn't causing her any more pain. Thank the Lord!!! He is good! We will continue to pray that it keeps getting smaller and the antibiotic continues to work. Patience and prayer do wonders when you are in the midst of seeking answers!

God Bless & Keep on praying!!!

Prayers for our family!

I know that people say that "things" happen in threes. Well, we are happy to just stick to two and not even attempt the third.
This week has been very eventful and it is only Tuesday.
To keep it brief, I have 2 specific prayer request: Peace for our family and our daughters health.

Ann Elizabeth has a large "knot" on the side of her neck that has been causing her pain for the last week +. We ended up in the ER last night with a super high fever and a lethargic child. The MD thinks that it is only a bacterial infection and sent us home with an antibiotic. We had a follow up appointment withe the ped today and they think the same. We go back on Friday and if it isn't better then they will investigate further. However, the pain has subsided, but the large knot has not gotten any smaller. Please pray for healing for her and peace for Walter and I. Again, I am sure that it is nothing, but we just want to make sure.

Also, some crazy stuff is happening with work. Please keep us in your prayers for protection and also for peace.

I didn't quite realize how things were effecting those I love in my own home.

Thanks in advance for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!

Continue to pray

Prayer warriors we need you. Please pray for the sweet little boy Stellan and his family. He was healed in utero with SVT (heart ) and hydrops, but has been back in the hospital since the weekend with prolonged SVT and has been in V-tach (very bad) this morning. Pray that the Lord's will be done and that his parents and family will remain strong!
Click on his button to the left and read the updates!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

7X7-specific prayers for our children

Most of you that read this know that I am really attached to a few of the blogs listed on mine. They all seem to be about families that have sick babies/premie's that need LOTS of prayers. Coincidence???? I think not. Needless to say I have learned lots from these wonderful Christian women, who have been through more than any mother ever should have to go through.
As I have been praying for a sick baby tonight, I can back across this post on a blog that I love.

One blog that I love is a girl in Nashville...Bring the Rain. Angie is so encouraging and she is using her story to start a ministry. She has touched thousands of women around the world.
Anyway, I can back across this the other day and really wanted to share it with you all.
We all pray for our children on a daily basis, but sometimes I need a little direction on exactly what to pray for. This is a great start and a huge help when I am having a "lost" moment!

Here are 7 ways to pray for your children daily. Angie says 7 prayers for 7 days, but we keep this going and going and going. Why stop after 7 days??

I hope that you enjoy this as much as I did. You can click on the link to the right and get the full post, but here is what she says and her examples!


*******FROM BRING THE RAIN-ANGIE SMITH 7X7*********


The other day I came across a verse that God used to prompt me to write this post. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.
Here are the events and verses I chose:

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week.

Lots to say.....of course!

I can't believe that it has been a month since I took the time to update this blog. We have been so busy around here that I don't even know where to start.

We have, traveled back to TN to pack that house up, celebrated the birth of a new baby, moved into the new house, celebrated 2 birthdays & 8 yrs of marital bliss, we started playing T-ball, have been to Charleston (Walter goes every week), had company and interviewed for a job (me not Big Walter). WOW!!!! The past month has been crazy!!!!!

Me and the new Mommy Heather!

Sweet baby...Markham Lee Livingston!

We are in our new house and I have to say that I LOVE IT! No we didn't build this one from scratch, but it feels more like "home" than any other of our houses have. We have a great neighborhood, fabulous neighbors and way to much stuff to know what to do with it.

During this crazy month, my sweet baby turned 3. Can you believe it?? He is so big, and he reminds me of that on a daily basis! We celebrated with lots of our new friends at Monkey Joes...and he loved it.

Big Walter also had a birthday and we celebated 8yrs of marriage. We had 2 great dinners out...one by ourselves and one with friends and, I have to say, it is good to celebrate with our old friends again!

Walter and his "boys".

Me and the hubbs! 8 fabulous years!

Ann Elizabeth has started playing T-ball. Not your average T-ball though.....travel T-ball. Did you even know that exisited for 5yr olds. Not me....but leave it to me to get my self involved in it and then find out. She loves it. Daddy has been practicing with her in the back yard, and she is really starting the get the "swing" of it. Her first game is this Sat! YEA!

Well, enough rambling, here are pics from the past month. I promise that I will post sooner now that I somewhat have my head above water!

God Bless,

Leigh Ann

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

This year was a great year for Valentines. The kids really enjoyed buying Valentines for others and giving them away. Of course they were super excited to receive them too. They both had parties at school and then we spent Valentines Day together as a family. They almost had as much excitment waking up on Valentines Day morning as they are waking up on Christmas morning. I hope that yours was as wonderful as ours was!

Look At Me!

Saturday was a beautiful day here in Charlotte. It was a Sunny 65 degrees. We have been cooped up in the house for the past couple of days due to the stomach bug....or food poisoning, we can't decide which one. We were all feeling much better by Saturday morning and decided to ride bikes that the kids got from Santa. Needless to say we were super surprised when Walter got on his bike and said "Look at me"....and off he went. Cowboy boots and all!

More Snow for the Kids!

WOW! What a great day. We got snow here in Charlotte, NC. What a treat for the kids. It started snowing early in the morning and didn't stop until sometime after lunch. Just enough for the children to sled for the first time. We went over to Fort Mill and spent the day with some of our new friends. She lives right behind the golf course, so off we headed! Tons of kids were there with all types of sleds. The children were in heaven! Thanks so much to our great friend Ashley, Will & Mary Ashley for letting us come play!

Our first sledding adventure!

Trying to catch snow flakes!

Getting ready to go!

Catching up!

Not much s going on here. We are trying to get in some type of routine, but I feel like life is just one big "cluster" right now. We are in between houses, staying at one of our dear friends house, and the kids and I are bored. They are only in school 2 days a week and they love it, but they want more. So, Mommy is the entertainment. Some days, like today, I think that I am not cut out to be a stay at home Mom. I can't keep them happy, occupied or from fighting. AHHHHHH!

Anyway, we are enjoying all being together. Walter is traveling every week, but it is better than us being apart.

We still haven't had any lookers or bites on our house. From what I hear, the weather in TN has been COLD, so that explains a lot. Walter feels very optimistic that it will pick up soon. He sees things turing around here and in Charleston, so that is a good sign.

We have stayed busy on the weekends since we have arrived. Last weekend we went to the Panther playoff game with some of our old friends. We had sooo much fun. We had a huge tailgate before the game on Sat night and an old friend/old Panther player made an apperance. The kids LOVED it (the older "kids"). Here are some pics of Walter and the boys. Someone made a comment that they hadn't seen Walter this happy in a long time. I totally agree. I haven't seen him laugh this much since we left Charlotte 6yrs ago. Thank goodnes for little blessings!

Walter w/Wesley Walls.

Trying to be cool and sport the Super Bowl ring.

Once agin, Walter and "The Boys"! Good Times!

Sorry if this post is a little drab. I am sure that things will pick up here in the next few weeks. Our house here is getting complete and we are scheduled to be in the 1st week of Feb. Pray for us, it is going to be a CRAZY next couple of weeks!

Happy New Years!

Wow! We are finally here in NC and getting settled. We arrived into town just in time to spend NYE with some old friends. We had a blast. Walter and I can't really remember when we last saw Waffle House at 3am.

We are staying at a friends house in S.Chlt until our house is done. The plan is to be able to move in by the end of Jan. Walter and I will make a trip back to TN to pack the house and then get everyone settled in the house here. Please continue to pray that our house in TN sales. We haven't had any showings yet, and we are getting very anxious. We know that the Lord moved us here for a reason and that he will take care of us, but it is hard to not be nervous. Thanks again for yor prayers!

Here are some pics of us on NYE!

Me & the Hubby!

Chris & Tiffany Davis

Eric & Rebecca (our sweet friends that are letting us borrow his house)

Ken & Ashley

All the boys! Friends that have been with us for the last 10yrs...or more!