texas roseberry: 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tooth Out

Haley is so cute reading with her tooth missing:)

She pulled her front tooth last night at 4 in the morning and didn't even wake me up. She said she just got up, pulled it out, put a tissue on the blood then went back to sleep. So brave!

I can't even image not waking someone up just to share the good news. Go Haley Go.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

After and evening of treats, collecting food for the North Dallas Food Bank and more treats, we called it a great Halloween. And, because it is hard to capture Evan's excitement in the photo's above, I thought I would give you a quick recap of the actual photography before we went trick or treating. Oh, and there is no music playing or anything exciting happening. Just pure Darth Vader action.

October Fun

So much has happened in the last month that it feels like a blur. Since the move, we are finally mostly unpacked and ready to start living life again:)

Haley had a fall festival at her new school and she entered a witch into a pumpkin decorating contest. Being new at the school I didn't get the memo that it was more of a mom project and let Haley go to town with tubes of puff paint. Her witch was a warty mess while many of the others were painted perfection. However, she managed to get "cutest witch" and was thrilled.

Then, at the festival Haley and Evan each won goldfish. This sounds exciting unless you have seen the trouble we have keeping our current beta fish's tank clean. So, we'll see if we can keep these little guys alive. They are affectionately named, "Kailey, Brittney, Josh & Matt" (you know who you are).

Evan and Haley also had their first friend sleepovers. Haley stayed with her friend Arden after her Birthday party since it was 30 minutes away and the party ended late. We swapped her for Arden's brother Elliott and let the boys bunk up in the loft bed. I think the girls did great and the boys were hysterical. We could hear them talking and giggling until almost 10 p.m. when we went in and threatened to separate them (for the 10th time). They finally went to sleep only to pop out of bed at 6:15 a.m. for more playing fun. They pretended to sing in a band, played with every toy and Evan's room and giggled some more. Those boys are such sweet little buddies.

Finally, Evan had an All Saint's parade at his preschool where everyone dressed up as a local hero. Thankfully, Evan had gotten a police uniform complete with handcuffs and "tickets" for his Birthday and was all set for the parade. I couldn't believe he didn't arrest any friends during the school day but was beaming with delight as he walked hand in hand with his little friend Maggie around the school.

Now that we have survived Halloween, you know that is a completely different picture posting, we are gearing up for a busy November and December. But, at least I won't be packing and unpacking anymore. I am going to just reveal in the beauty of this season and continue to GIVE THANKS for all the amazing ways God has provided and protected us during this season in our lives.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Long Distance Romance

This week Evan and I were in the car chatting after I picked him up from preschool. He mentioned that his friend Nathan had a girlfriend in the class. When I asked if he had a girlfriend he said, "Yes....Ella B."

Ella B moved to Connecticut last spring and I told him it might be time to get a new girlfriend since she was so far away.

Evan replied, "Jordan (our friend who lives in Nashville while his fiancee is in Florida) and his girlfriend don't live in the same city. I can have a girlfriend that lives in Connecticut."

Evan, that is some pretty serious reasoning. And, I can't argue with that.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Holiday Cards

Already making holiday cards. Some people are so organized! Wow. This beautiful family has allowed me to design their cards for 3 years and I was excited to do another for them this year. Here's to another fun card making season.

www.bumbleberryink.com

Saturday, October 22, 2011

We are moved in!

The move has happened and we are officially owners of a house in Richardson. We love it!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Moving To Richardson

I can't believe that we have really sold our house and bought another in Richardson. It is such a bittersweet move because we love our home and lives up in Frisco but feel far from our church.

So, we are making the move south to meet neighbors and build relationships in the community where we are doing ministry. God has been so faithful to provide for us along this tedious and somewhat stressful journey. We listed our house for sale in Frisco at the end of May and after 50 showings and 3 months we received one offer. Needless to say in this market, we took it.

We thought selling our house and keeping it clean for months was the hard part but it turns out buying another was even more tricky. God seems to give us clear housing direction by shutting doors and we had 5 doors shut loud and clear as we put offers on houses but did not get them.

After a few days of looking and offering we got a lead from another Realtor that a "flipper" was about to gut a house in a neighborhood called the Reservation (all the streets have Indian names) and he was willing to talk to us about his house. It turned out to be the most wonderful connection ever as we instantly felt great about the contractor and purchased the house and now are doing a custom renovation. Just when we felt like every door was closing, God opened a new door in a new neighborhood for an old (but soon to be like new) house that we probably would never have considered (or would have been available) months earlier.

So, we move October 14 and are praying that all the renovation happens without hiccups. Our contractor and his wife are so amazing and have introduced us to numerous folks in the neighborhood and were certainly used by the Lord to get us into the neighborhood school that Haley is now attending (it is another awesome God story that I will share another time!).

Here are some pics of the house and we hope to show the progress as it continues. To God be the Glory!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Evan's Fourth Firefighter Birthday

What a fun fourth Birthday at the Frisco Firestation #2. When we moved to Frisco four years ago, we moved just across the street from the fire station. Evan's whole life he has heard the fire truck sirens and been captivated by the fire fighters rescuing people.

So, this year Evan still wanted another fire fighter party. And when you are four in Frisco, you can actually have your party for free at the fire station. We booked it 6 months ago to make sure we could be at the one by our house. The fire men give a fire safety presentation then the kids get to crawl through the trucks and tour the fire house. We had a blast. This was the biggest party we have hosted and I was happy to be at the fire station (especially since we were showing our house and had a showing during the party time).

As well as being obsessed with firefighters, Evan has also had a love for Star Wars. A sweet friend loves Star Wars and has indoctrinated Evan with his passion. I predict a Star Wars party next year...we'll see.

Evan has grown up so much this year. He is clever, witty, engaging, energetic, joyful & sweet all at the same time. It is still hard to describe Evan because he is truly one of a kind. He makes us laugh every day. When he isn't bounding through the house, he is happily following his sister around playing anything from Star Wars to Barbies. He is content to do almost anything with her. I love the way he loves intensely. (sometimes a little too intense...kissing us constantly!) Evan somehow balances extreme passion with extreme energy in an amazing way.

We love you sweet Evan Roseberry and pray that God continues to develop your passion for life!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

First Days of School

Haley and Evan are off to another year of school. Haley is in 1st Grade at Smith Elementary and has Ms. Dockweiler as a teacher. She loves her new teacher and is getting to know the kids in her class. From 18 kids last year, she only has 1 kid in her new class. We certainly feel God's hand in it though, since it turns out that we will be moving to Richardson this fall. God is stretching her and shaping her as He helps her be a person who can make new friends.

She is so positive about everything and I love seeing how she is handling all the change in our lives right now. Just when I think it is too much for everyone, sweet Haley is there to remind me that she is excited to move and meet new friends.

Evan started preschool and goes two days a week. Even though he is super out going and fun once we leave the building, it has been a rough start with some tears at drop off this year. Even though we have been here before, it is still hard to see your little ones sad when you leave. After last year's pushing me out of the classroom I guess I should be thankful that he likes me again!

So, we sold our house in Frisco and are moving to Coit and Arapaho (in Richardson/North Dallas) in mid October. We have already purchased a complete fixer' upper and the renovations have begun. Its funny how you are ready for things to happen until they do and now I am trying to just trust each day that we have made the right choices and that God has this whole move under control.

With house pictures to come....

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Beds Made

I would have never imagined that my three year old son would be able to make his bed unassisted at such a young age. But, when you are showing your house almost every day, it is amazing the cleaning skills that you can learn.

This is a completely made bed...without any adult supervision or help. Way to go Evan. It really is such a huge help to have Haley and Evan make their beds in the morning. I remember it being the first chore of the day at our house growing up and I am so excited to see the tradition is alive and well:)

These two kids have been amazing this summer learning to pick up after themselves. I am really kind of thankful we had these showings (I can't believe I am saying this) because it really did teach the kids great clean-up after yourself skills. There are certainly blessings in every hardship!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

What I want to be

Evan and Haley were in the back seat of the car discussing important matters about life. Haley wanted to encourage Evan and said, "you know Evan you can be anything you want to be."

She then began to rattle off her list of what she is going to do when she is an adult:

Haley wants to be:

A nurse

A mom

A singer at church

And a veterinarian

So Evan's list:

A firefighter (of course)

A paramedic

A police man

A dad

A preacher

A guitar player in the worship band

Then, Haley started to retract her statement that you can be anything you want to be. She asked Evan how in the world would he preach and play in the worship band at the same time. Sometimes the guitar is playing while dad finishes preaching. Oh, the details. Haley said that she didn't want to do too much at once so that she would still have time for her family. But, being a nurse and a veterinarian at the same time might certainly cut into her day.

And to think they have a stay at home mom. You would think I was a career women with all this ambition at my house. I certainly encourage them to dream big!

I can't wait to see how God molds them and how their gifts and talents unfold over the years. They already shape, challenge me and bring me so much joy I look forward to seeing them spread that passion with others.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Things Haley Loves

Tonight at dinner Haley looked up from eating and announced that she loved three things. After making us guess she reveled the top contenders.

1. I love spending time with my family (and friends but that might have moved her list to four things so we'll combine)

2. I love to dance

3. I love to hula hoop

Sweet girl. Isn't it the simple things in life that our kids really crave. All the toys, games, activities don't really matter all that much. In the end, they just want time together as a family doing some things they love. I can't get enough of our play time this summer. I feel like school is creeping up on us and I want to enjoy these last few weeks together all day. What a precious summer schedule...nothing but playing with friends and family. Perfect! We'll have a little dancing and hula hooping too to keep Haley happy.

P.S. If Evan made a list I am sure it would have said "I love Star Wars." Ever since a friend introduced it to him in preschool he is fairly obsessed. And really, he isn't cursing...he is just asking you to "fix my millennium fa com (falcon)" Jed can't resist asking him over and over...

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Summer Family Photos

A sweet friend from D.C. came in town and took these great pictures of our family. I did some design trade for her and she did some awesome pictures for us. What an awesome blessing to see her perspective behind the camera. Other than Evan doing crazy poses and moving at the speed of light it went great. It is always a small miracle when you go to get family photos that you get any pictures with your eyes open and everyone looking at the camera.

http://emilylargephotography.com/2011/07/jshe-awesome-family/

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

It's Not Working For Me

Precious Evan also had a fabulous time in the country with Bebe and Papa. He keeps asking to go back almost every day. This is coming from the little guy who wanted to go home last year and now he doesn't miss me at all:) I love it!

He had some great adventures but one of my favorite conversations happened with my Dad. Haley had been reading and sharing all kinds of facts with my mom and Evan went into the bedroom with my dad and mentioned that Haley sure was smart.

My dad told him that he was really smart too but she was just older and had been in school longer. He reassured Evan that after he was in Kindergarten he could read and do a lot of the things Haley could achieve.

Evan shook his head and replied, "I am in school too and it is just NOT working for me!"

Oh sweet Evan, you are still only 3. I know it seems that you should be able to do everything your big sister can do, but you have plenty of time to catch up. Your witty comments and snappy responses assure us that you are bright and will have no trouble doing all the same things as you get older...unless they ask you to sit still...we are not sure how that is going to work for you:)

Haley You Can Do It

My kids took a super fun trip to Bebe and Papa's house in Oklahoma for two weeks while Jed and I moved our church into a new worship building. There are so many great stories I don't even know where to start.

One highlight for the kids is always going to the park with their grandparents. I remember Nomy and Granddad taking Shana and I to the park in Spearman and sliding down the rocket ship slide over and over. The park never gets old and is a wonderful place to build memories:)

My parents took Haley and Evan to the same park (but thankfully with an updated play ground) that I often play at as a child. Haley asked my mom to lift her up to do the monkey bars and my mom hesitated because Haley's feet were dangling about 4 feet above the ground. Haley insisted and my mom stayed right beside her being careful not to touch her (since a determined Haley was certain she did NOT need any assistance!).

My mom said that she did the first half of the monkey bars fairly effortlessly. Then, she started getting tired so she asked if Haley wanted to hop down. Haley said "no" then started talking to herself under her breath. Haley started saying to herself, "Haley...you can do it. I know you can do it Haley. Keep trying. You can do it!"

She motivated herself all the way across the monkey bars to the other side. Bebe said that she had never seen that kind of determination in a little girl. She knew she had it in her to do something that seemed a bit impossible for such a small girl.

Determination is important Haley Ann and being able to withstand the obstacles in life, overcoming them one bar at a time will get you far!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Singing Away The Blues Tap

You have to have a quick preview of her recital.

Video

Here is a link to Haley's tap dance for the recital. So sweet! She also performed a jazz dance. She loves dancing and it really shows in this dance. We are so proud of her:)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Crafty Kid

Yesterday during rest time Haley was super quiet. I asked her to do a little schoolwork and reading but left some mosaic princess crowns as an extra activity to do when she finished everything.

Almost an hour past when I said she could come out, I went upstairs to check on her. She had completed EVERY mosaic princess crown in the box (5 crowns). She is amazing:) I love how self motivated that sweet girl can be.

Aunt Shana would be thrilled to know that she also inherited her organizational skills. She had organized her room with sticky notes to "remind" her where everything belonged. She had a place for books, library books, crafts, etc. So cute.

Maybe she will teach me a thing or two this summer!