Bre's Culinary Delight

So the other day, Breanna was enjoying her "Highlight" magazine that she gets once a month. She loves reading the stories and doing all the great little activities. That's when it happened. She came across something that sparked her interest, a Fall recipe for Pumpkin Soup. "Pumpkin Soup?" you ask. Yes, Pumpkin Soup. She said she wanted to make it for us to eat for dinner. Now you have to understand that Breanna never likes to try anything new, so for her to say she wanted to make Pumpkin Soup was huge!

So we went to the store and let her pick out the ingredients she needed. Apple juice, nutmeg, salt, apples, pumpkin, half and half, and vegetable broth. You're thinking, "Surely not. I can't think of any situation in which I would combine pumpkin pie filling and vegetable broth." That's what I thought, too. But we went home and Breanna and mommy went to work feverishly cooking Breanna's latest culinary experiment.

To make a long story not quite as long, let's just say it was an interesting meal. We all sat down at the table staring at our bowls of Pumpkin Soup. Neither Lynette nor I wanted to be the first to taste-test such a horrible looking creation. So we let Bre try it first. She took one bite and said, "Yummy!" Then Lynette and I tried it. It was truly awful! Let's just say, pumpkin and vegetable broth should never be in the same meal. As a matter of fact, I don't even think they should be stored on the same shelf in the pantry.

Lynette and I both took the obligatory couple of spoonfuls so we wouldn't feel like bad parents. Then we notice Breanna was just sitting there, not eating. I asked her what the deal was. She said, "I don't like it." Now, she usually says that about any food that's put in front of her, but I actually agreed with her this time.

"What about Brant?" you ask. What do you think? He licked the bowl clean and asked for more. At least someone benefited from all of Breanna's hard work.

On a lighter note, Breanna can whistle now. She's been practicing and is quite good. I'd say that right now she's got more of a future in music than in cooking.

My Sweet Boy

Today I was putting Brant down for his nap. He had already gotten up once and I was tucking him in for the second time. As I was on my way down the stairs, I heard him calling, "Mommy, Mommy." I opened the door and said, "You need to go to sleep, what do you need?" only to look up and see him signing "I love you." I had forgotten to say I love you to him the second time. Of course I felt terrible and immediately melted inside.

After signing "I love you" back to him. He quickly said, "Bye" and turned over to go to sleep.

What a sweet, precious boy!

Breanna's Spelling

Breanna has really been trying to read and sound words out. She spelled "tabl" (table) and, as you'll see in the picture, "snowhit" (snow white) and "pris" (prince).

Today on TV she saw "FOX" network flash on the screen and in a split second said, "Hey mom, that says fox." I'm so impressed - she's doing an amazing job.

Our Smart Boy!

Brant has surprised us over the last week. A few days ago I sat down with him to review shapes...he already knew them. Who knew? Tonight he sang most of the alphabet and counted to 10 all by himself. He is recognizing most of his colors and letters. So proud of him! He's growing up into a very intelligent "big" boy.

Bre's First Book

Oct 26 ~ Breanna reads her first book. Not from memory, but word by word. I was so proud of her! It took us a while to make it through the Dora (first reader) book, but she did it! Small and big words alike, she sounded each one out.

Breanna: "I'm ready for kindergarten now!"

A Day Full of Memories

Life in Texas...

Well, I did it. I made a trip to John's office all by myself. Of course Breanna was with me in case I got lost...she has been better with directions since she was about 3 yrs old. I even found my way back home without missing a turn.

As I put Brant down for a nap, Breanna disappeared into her room. I assumed she'd decided to take a nap as well. After about 30 minutes I went upstairs to sneak a blanket into her room only to find her missing. I looked around her bed and then peaked in the closet. She had curled up in a corner and found her special spot. So cute!

We've also developed an afternoon routine while waiting for Daddy to get home. They love pulling the stools out and eating some cheerios as they anxiously await his arrival. It's the highlight of our day!

New Songs

Breanna seems to really like her new church. She talks about what she learned in "Bible Study" for days. I think she's learning new songs too. This morning I heard her singing as she was making her bed. "I will sing of the mercy's of the Lord of Heaven. With my mouth will I make known "God made the mess, God made the mess." She's singing it with her whole heart too!

New Beginings

We finally made it to Texas. Our new challenge ... finding a spot for everything. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful home! It has been a busy week unpacking boxes and making our house a home. We had our first Sunday together and had so much fun. How wonderful to actually drive together...all 4 of us!

We've been busy picking pumpkins, playing ball outside in our new fenced backyard, making the storage space under the stairs into the kids special library, and playing memory and princess monopoly. I know everyone is anxious for pictures. I hope to have more uploaded this week so keep checking our blog. For now, try this link. I think you can see some updated pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006600&l=71c54&id=1421347533

I'll try and get some pictures of our house soon.

We are anxious for friends and family to come visit! I think I can actually find my way to a town close by call Cedar Hill. Nice stores (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, Target, Wal-Mart, and more) and restaurants.

Please remember us in your prayers. We STILL need our home in Grain Valley to sell!
John & Lynette

Together Again

Well, I just wrote a lengthy post and then hit the wrong button and lost it all. So frustrating...sorry that you'll never be able to read it. Remembering what I just wrote is not a strong point. I write it down for a reason..so I don't have to remember it. :)

My second attempt.....
We are so excited for our upcoming trip to Texas. It's been a long time coming and I can't believe it's finally here! I'm thrilled to hear Breanna talk about her excitement to move to TX and see Daddy. She asked me the other day if the next time we saw Daddy would it be forever. She is having a hard time with her final good-byes to all of her friends. (which is completely understandable). This has been a difficult process for not only John and I, but also for the kids. They are counting down the days until we see Daddy. Really...we have a big chart and stickers!

Thank you to all our friends and family for your continued prayers and support! I wake up several mornings and feel them carrying me through my day. Some days, I just don't know what or how to pray for our situation. So, thank you again, your prayers have helped me endure this trying moment in time. We still need to sell our home in Grain Valley. We are praying for favor and believe it will sell soon.

We will update our blog with new pictures of our home in a few weeks.

Packing, Packing, and More Packing

Just to update everyone...we have a move date.

Thurs, Oct 9 the moving trucks are coming! The last couple of days have been filled with serious packing. The only things left are the few necessities needed to survive the next couple weeks.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their schedules to watch our kids! What a HUGE blessing you have been!!!! We will truly miss everyone and would love to stay in contact. E-mail is a wonderful thing..and again, you can always catch updates on our blog (jlbbdavidson.blogspot.com) or on facebook.

Although we are sad to say our final good-byes, we are relieved to finally be together again as a family! We plan on attending New Life this coming Sunday and again Oct 5 (I think that's the correct date). Thank you for your continued prayers as we still await for our house in Grain Valley to sell! We are praying that we won't have to pay on TWO homes for long.

We still have a 5-piece antique bedroom set that we MUST sell before we leave. If anyone is interested in it please notify me and I can send some pictures!

As for now, our cell phone numbers and e-mail are the same. We will send our new contact information as soon as everything is activated.

Many blessings to all!
John, Lynette, Breanna, & Brant

On our way to Texas!

Just an update on our transition to Texas.

Several weeks ago, we found a new house that was in the last stages of being built. This week the house was finished and is ready to be moved into. We have come across several road blocks along the way trying to find a way to move in as soon as possible. One of which is selling our home. No, we have not sold our house yet. However, we were able to find an avenue that will allow us to close and move into our new home in Texas within the next 2-4 weeks. Unfortunately we will have two house payments until we sell our home so we still need your prayers whenever you think of us. We should know a more exact date next week and will send address/phone # updates as soon as we get them. You can check our updates out at jlbbdavidson.blogspot.com or on facebook to keep up on updates.

We are so excited that doors have been opened and we are able to be together as a family. Although there are several details that need to be worked out and at times it seems overwhelming, we cannot wait to move into our new home and to be a family of four once again!

Thank you again for your many prayers!
Richest blessings,
John, Lynette, Breanna, & Brant

Movie Night

Breanna and Brant ready for our movie night...popcorn and all!

Birthday Surprise

I have the greatest husband! He surprised me with my favorites: Michael Buble CD and a huge bag of Twizzlers. Then when I arrived in Springfield, he had these beautiful flowers waiting for me. He's the best!!!

I have always told him not to get me flowers...to much money...but it was perfect this year. I really enjoyed getting them this year. The colors and variety of flowers are amazing.

Thanks baby! They are beautiful and bring a smile every time I glance at them. Thank you for making my birthday special...even though we're miles apart! Love you forever and always! 143!!!

No more princess crowns! Brant now has his own dress up outfit....our little army boy.

"I want to be just like Nathan!"

The next Michael Jordan. With his tongue hanging out he made his first basket!

"Thank you for my basketball Daddy!"

Loved opening presents. He had more fun with sticking the tape to his forehead.

Cool Dude

A gift Breanna picked out just for Brant.

Happy Birthday to Brant

Our birthday boy waiting patiently.

Birthday Cake

Big Helper

Breanna did a great job helping make Brant's cake!

Around the World and Back

We've traveled around the world and back ... or so it seems. Last week we were in 3 states in one day! We were able to visit John again, the first time in a month for Brant. It was an eventful weekend full of signing papers on our new home. We need God to work a miracle ... and soon! We're believing we'll be in Texas by mid-September. We have so many praying for us in Texas, Kansas City, Springfield, Kansas, and more! Thank you to those who have lifted us up in prayer! As I'm sitting here typing, Breanna is playing so quietly and humming the hymn "My God is so Big!" SO TRUE! "My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do..."

John is in full swing. School is getting ready to start in a couple of weeks and students have already started to arrive. He loves his job and will be an incredible professor. There is a lot left to do. I think he even put in a 15 hr day yesterday!

The kids are great. They were thrilled to get to see daddy for a few days and play with their new friends. Breanna loved her new church and was excited to meet our new pastor, Pastor Scott. The first thing she told us was, "I got to go to Bible Study and worship Jesus." So exciting to hear your kids talk about praising God with such enthusiasm.

Again, thank you for your prayers and calls checking in on us. We've had over 20 showings in 5 weeks. That's a miracle in itself! God is in control and we wait patiently for his perfect timing!

Butterflies Everywhere!

We went to Powell Gardens today for the Butterfly Festival. We had a blast! The kids were able to hold and touch caterpillars and butterflies. Breanna even got to set one free (seen in the picture). They had fun crafts and exhibits!

Brant didn't understand that you can't grab all the butterflies that were landing on near by flowers, but he loved watching them fly all around him.

It was a fun day spent with our friends!

I Love My Daddy!

We went out for a special reunion lunch after Daddy picked us up at the airport.

Big Smiles at the Airport

Although it wasn't her first airplane ride, it's the first one that she remembers. She LOVED it!!! She was so excited to see Daddy and spend time in our new state...Texas!

She meet new friends, Cannon and Caleb, and was so patient as we toured homes trying to find our "New Home."

We can't wait to see Daddy again!

Adjusting to Transition

So, I guess it's my turn to say a few words. John is the expert in writing now and I leave most of it to him.

It's amazing how life has changed for us over the last few weeks. It started as an unexpected phone call, then a decision to move to Texas, and as the days have passed we've been so excited about our new adventure because we know God has shown us favor once more and blessed us with an incredible opportunity. However, today has been a glimpse into life without Daddy.

It's been said, "You don't know what you have until it's gone." Well, I do know what I have and now that he's gone, I realize it even more. Reality has started to set in, as I knew it would. Making daily decisions for our family by myself, wondering who's going to change the light bulbs when they go out (I actually find myself praying for them to last longer so I don't have to climb up onto the chair that I've had to stack multiple phone books on just to get on my tip toes, reach with all my might, and still not be able to reach the light bulb : ), and falling asleep alone have all been part of my life now.

Life is full of unknowns for us right now, but still there seems to be a peace in the midst of chaos. I'm not sure what life will look like for us next week, next month, or next year. I am sure, however, that God is in control. That's a big statement for me...I admit I have control issues and it's hard for me to let go sometimes. I am so thankful for an incredible support network! Thank you those who have sent us such inspirational and encouraging e-mails, called to check up on us, offered to mow, and for family who have been there through this transition.

As Breanna mentioned the other day, we are moving because we feel God told us to. I am confident that God has great things in our future and I am excited...even if we are taking steps into the unknown. I know He is in control...not me!

To John...thank you for listening to God and following your calling. You have such strength, wisdom, and faith! I love you!

A Song For Daddy

We Love You Daddy

Life Is Interesting

I (John) arrived in Dallas yesterday and jumped right into the mix by attending a Master's Commission director's retreat in north Dallas. I feel things getting busy already and I haven't even started work yet. I think we might have some time tomorrow to get down to business and work, so that will be good.

Keep praying for our house to sell in Grain Valley so Lynette and the kids can join me in Dallas. We're also in the process of trying to sell the truck, so pray that sells too. Pray for me too, I can't stand being separated from them. I hate missing the funny moments, like Brant crawling into the dryer this morning. Although, every time I talked to Lynette today and heard screaming in the background, it made the separation a little easier on me.

I'm late for a night conference session...gotta go.
John

Breanna Gets Spiritual

I was putting Breanna and Brant to bed tonight and we were going through our normal routine. PJ's, potty, brush teeth, book, pray, count, snack and drink, song, and finally sleep...hopefully. If it sounds like a long process to you, that's because it is.

Anyway, at some point during this process Breanna asked, "Are we moving to a new house because Jesus told us to?" So I explained that the answer was basically yes, since I believe it was God that directed me to the new job, or them to me, however you want to look at it.

This led to an in-depth conversation about how God speaks to us. "But I don't hear God talk to me," Breanna said. I answered that God speaks to us in our hearts instead of our ears and tried to give her some examples. Not sure how successful I was, but I think she got the idea.

I still remember a conversation I had with my Dad about that same subject. I don't remember how old I was, but I remember asking the question, "Dad, how do you know God is speaking to you?" I don't remember the answer (sorry Dad), but whatever he said must have been good enough to satisfy me.

Those are humbling moments for me. Theology is kind of "my thing" and I'm about a month away from teaching this stuff to college students and yet I basically have no idea how to explain it in a way a 4 year old can understand. It brings to mind something one of my seminary professors used to say a lot, "If you can't explain something very simply, you're not educated enough." I guess I'm educated enough to teach adults and college students, just not quite educated enough to teach a 4 year old. Maybe some day when I get a Ph.D I'll know enough to answer her questions in a way she can understand!

I'm always amazed at the things Breanna thinks to ask, and every time she does it makes me feel for my parents who had to endure my endless questions. I can't wait to see what kinds of things Brant will think to ask. My only saving grace is that it'll be a couple more years before I have to field questions from him.

Welcome to Our Blog

Admittedly, we're new to the world of blogging, but because of our impending move, we were encouraged, well...forced, by our family to step into the 21st century in a way that would keep everyone up to date on all the gory details of our lives. It should be an interesting trip. Our stay of 3 years at New Life in Oak Grove, MO has been great, but we're excited about the new opportunity God has given us to be a part of something new and happening at The Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, TX.

As often happens, God has chosen to move us at an interesting time. The housing market is downright pitiful, which causes me no small amount of anxiety concerning the sale of our house. I'll be moving to Texas before Lynette and the kids, so pray that it sells fast so we can be together ASAP. I realize that this just provides God one more opportunity to show himself faithful by selling our house for top dollar in a bad market. You'll want to watch this blog for updates on that process and see what kind of miracle God has up his sleeve...it should be interesting.

Well, that's all for now. It's just about time to go to the town July 4th celebration with the fam. We'll see if one or both of the kids is freaked out by the fireworks or if they've matured to the point of actually watching them without crying. Until next time...