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!

Our last Christmas in TN...& what a great one!

This year was a wonderful Christmas! Christmas Eve we went to church at Brentwood Baptist...our church that we love. It was super crowded. Even though we had to sit on the floor in the sanctuary and have communion, nothing was like sharing that up close and personal moment with your 5yr old. Ann Elizabeth understood the real meaning this year. She still believes in Santa, but her understanding the true meaning of Christmas, was great! Walter is getting there. He knows that we celebrate Jesus's birthday by having cake and singing happy birthday, but that is about it. He is a little shaky on the whole Santa thing. He says that Santa didn't come b/c he didn't see him. Baby steps for him! We did sprinkle reindeer food outside on Christmas Eve. Little Walter was so tired that he fell asleep in the couch right after dinner at 6:00 and I had to wake him up go out side. Needless to say, all he wanted to do was go back inside and go to bed!

Walter's parents spent Christmas with us and we really enjoyed having family with us. It was so laid back and super exciting for the kids. The pics speak for themselves!

My rock stars rocking it out!

Christmas Parties & Programs!

The children have had Chrismas parties and programs filling the last 2 weeks. Ann Elizabeth has had Breakfast with Santa/Christmas Program (on the day that it snowed), Walter has had his program (which fell on the same day as Ann Elizabeth's b-day party-so he missed it), and his Christmas party. We have been busy.

The breakfast with Santa was a hit....even in the snow. The children sang and then the school served breakfast and the children were able to sit and chat with Santa.

Walter did get to practice with his class for the program, even though he didn't attend. He was the cutest ever. He wore an Elf hat and all through the practice, he pulled it over his head and yelled "Don't look at me." Can I tell you that I was rolling! It was too cute! Here are some pics of the events.

I have been tagged!

My friend Rachel tagged me to do this fun "blog game". You are supposed to go into your photo album and pick the 4th album and the 4th pic in the album and post it. This is my picture. It is little Walter at one of AE soccer games jumping in the water/mud puddle. He fell right after this picture. Very Cute!!

So now I am tagging Melody & Laura (they are the only ones that read my blog)! Love you both!

Back up...Turkey Trot Pics of Walter!

I was just remind, as I posted snow pictures, that I never posted the pictures from Walter, yes Walter, running the Turkey Trot 8K in Charlotte on Thanksgiving. He did sooo good. We ran with our friends Chris & Tiffany Davis, our new "running buddies". I am very proud of my hubby, even though he says he has "no desire to do it ever again", and No he "never got the "runner high". I love that Man!!!

Snow in TN!

What a beautiful sight we had tonight here in TN. We were blessed with one last snow before we go! Timing couldn't have been more perfect, the kids loved it!. Here are some pics of the kids enjoying the snow!

Our visit to see Santa!

This year the kids are really into Christmas. We talk about the real meaning of Christmas, and Jesus birthday and baby Jesus in the manger. I think that they really get it this year. They also get Santa and the presents. We have the "Elf on the Shelf" so it is my bribery for them to be good. We did a craft where they can count down everyday until Christmas on the decorated yard stick....and they both made a list for Santa.

We went to the mall here and they both took there list to Santa and told him exactly what was on it. I wish that I had a video b/c it was priceless. Walter was very into Santa and fully checked him out from head to toe to make sure he was real......until big sister let on that he wasn't the real one, he was just a man dressed up in a red suit! Oh my! She is way to smart. Here are pics of them with the list and then with the reindeer antlers they got after the Santa visit.

Thanksgiving and Ann Elizabeth turns 5!

I have wanted to post before now, but just haven't had the time. Life in our house has been super crazy. We went to Charlotte for 10 days over Thanksgiving to look for schools and a house, have Thanksgiving with my parents and celebrate AE 5th birthday! WOW! What a trip. We had a great time, it was just CRAZY!! But, I don't think that I could function in anything but craziness. Here are some pics from Thanksgiving and AE's birthday!

My little Indians at school for the Thanksgiving parties.

Ann Elizabeth is 5 today!


Her sweet friends from school at her fantastic birthday party in TN. We had it at Sweet Dreams Cookie Company in Franklin. All 14 girls made there own cookies and decorated there own chef hats and aprons. They had so much fun!

New News on the family front!

So I started this blog back in March so that all my friends and family could keep up with everything that is going on in our lives. Well, here is one more. We are moving, again.
We are beng transfered back to Charlotte, NC. Very bitter sweet for us. We love it here in TN. Did I say love it, I ment LOVE IT!!!
Walter and I have been very conflicted about this, but we really feel like it is the Lord's will for us and our family. We are really trying to be obedient to Christ and follow what is best for our family while being realistic also. Walter has accepted a position with the same company, just back in Charlotte. Like everyone knows, the homebuilding business isn't doing well and so we are very greatful and blessed to have a jopb!
Tonight has been very say for me. It has suddenly become very final. A friend fom our LIfe Group broght over a generous amount of boxes and we had dinner with a few "Charleston" boys that moved here with us. It was super sad for me to say goodbye and close the door behind them. Our house here has always been very open and you never knew which builder from the neighborhood would stop by to play with the kids or to just say HI! The people here are super nice and very friendly! Who would have known......TN has a way of sucking you in!

Please pray for our family as we make this transtion once again. Pray for the children and for us. Ann Elizabeth is a lot more aware this time of what is going on! We will move after Christmas, so please pray for a Christmas full of memories with our life-long friends that we have made here.
Pray that we settle quickly into NC and that we will be able to quickly make it home!

WE LOVE YOU TN!! Here we come NC!!!!!

No, it is not chocolate!

No, it is not chocolate. Walter decided to eat a brown marker. Yes, eat it!! Great huh?? Boys!!!