First Swim of 2010!

Well...we broke out our the pool one evening. Michayla and Elijah LOVE it! (I might need to buy elijah some new trunks though! Sorry about the crack!) :)

Popsicles! Oh what a summer treat!

Hey sissy...you going to eat all that?!

Tender Loving Sister Help!

Thank you Jesus for Big Sisters!

Strawberry Jam...and my Mother-in-Law

Today was quite the eventful day. Last night I called my mother-in-law to see if the kids and I could come hang out for a few hours...just to get some R and R and let the kids play outside. Well, what went from a few hours turned into a whole day. Arlene called me this morning and asked if she could pick me some strawberries so I could make my jam for this year. What a HUGE blessing. I was just going to forget about picking berries and making jam...but then my wonderful mother-in-law comes through for me! Then on top of it all, she willingly gave of her time today to help the kids and I. I was able to get some rest in the midst of making jam and the kids playing because she was such a huge help.
From today I learned how to sacrificially give...even when it is hot, sticky and just not much fun. She really is always willing to give of herself no matter what. I admire this in her and hope that as I grow older (and wiser!) I can learn this character trait!

I am going to have THREE kids!

THREE kids? Really? Sometime I can't believe that I am about to have three kids. This seems so overwhelming, yet so exciting all at the same time. Why is this? Mixed emotions...oh man...oh man they get the best of me!

So, I have been reading a book that I read when I first had Michayla. Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna. This book can tend to blow my mind and challenge me. I actually really enjoy being challenged when it comes to parenting because I feel that I need it. Sometimes I feel that I can get "lazy" in my parenting and this book, as well as other books (and my husband!), can give me quite the loving kick that I need.

So, I have really been contemplating the amount of time that I spend with the Lord...thus setting the example for my children. Do they actually see me spending time with the Lord and investing in my relationship with him? Not so! Ugh! I mean...I want them to when they grow up right? I want them to be Spiritual Chamipions, right? This has always been a struggle for me and I am more determined than ever to conquer this "lazy" area of my life.

So, I am setting new goals. Keep me accountable. I apparently need it! :)

I know it has been a long time, but I actually miss updating my blog. I am sitting at work right now listening to the bells and whistles of the hospital all while figuring out what to do. It has been pretty slow around here after 9pm lately, so I do random things to keep organized and updated. Tonight I was browsing blogs (or stalking people...whatever you like to say!) and decided to write a post of my own (So, when people stalk me they actually have something to read). :)
Just so everyone knows...I will not longer be posting pictures onto my blog. Facebook makes it WAY too easy, so I will be updating that periodically.
Here is an update into the Hurst household:
Kevin's business, Revolution Builders Inc., has prospered over the past year! It is so exciting to look back to 3 years ago when we started the business and realize the growth that has happened. We have by far had our most profitable year...which is a testimony of the Lord with where the economy is at. He received his real estate license in September! This has been something on his heart for a long time and we are believing for our first client soon! Kevin is really enjoying the time that he gets with the kids in the evenings while I am at work. Yes, sometimes it makes for a long day and can get tiring, but knows that this season in their lives is so special.
He just got back from three days with his dad in the woods! Yes, it is hunting season. :) Unfortunately no deer this year, but he enjoyed himself in the peaceful woods!
I am still enjoying my full time job of being a mommy and wife, as well as working part time at the hospital. I can't believe it is going to be a year since I started for LGH. This job has been such a blessing to our family with the many benefits it provides.
The Lord is continuing to teach me how to be patient with my children as they are getting older. They both know how to push mommy's buttons and do it quite well! :) Overall though I would never trade this job for the world. It is so rewarding when, just today, Michayla counted to 20 for me. I had NO idea she could count past 10. I guess watching Elmo is not pointless after all! It is even more rewarding when she prays all by herself for her daddy! I love watching the little growth that comes day by day.
Michayla will be 3 in January! I really can't believe that it was 3 years ago that I delivered her into this world. We take her to kids club a few days a week while we work out at the gym and she LOVES it (Although she always says "No boys!" She doesn't want any boys to be at her kids club.) :) Every night she asks if we are going the next morning. This makes me more excited to talk about pre-school for next fall. I can't imagine sending my baby girl to school, but I know the day will come sooner then what I would like!
Elijah is growing SO fast. He is walking all around and getting into more things than he is suppose to! He has learned how to climb up onto the bench behind our couch and flip over onto the loveseat. He is SUCH a boy! He has learned how to say mama, dada, night night and cookie! You know what his mind is on all the time. All he does is eat, sleep and poop! He is still taking two-two hour naps for me a day and sleeping 12 hours at night. It is wonderful! :) He just turned 15 months the end of November!
Overall our family is doing really well right now. The usual bumps in the road come along, but we are still enjoying this season. We are attending a house church in the city, which has brought a lot of life to our family. We are going away this weekend with the house church without our kids. It will be a much needed break! For all our Indianapolis readers...we are visiting Dec 17-21. Hopefully we will be able to see many of you while we are there!
Have a great holiday season! Enjoy your families!