The Bell’s Chime of the Times

From surgery to school- the past 6 months

2011-08-22T10:33:00.009-05:00

Hello again! We have surfaced again after dropping off the face of the earth once more with life too full of blessings to sit down and share them! Most importantly, thank you to all of you who have asked for and prayed about Brady's surgery and recovery. We were given a massive measure of peace that passes understanding to feel so confident in His care!!! Surgery was shorter than expected, he was out of the helmet sooner than expected, and doesn't have another check-up til 2012! God is good!

Here is a pictorial recap...

This was from Brady's 3 month session before surgery at 4 months.

This next one shows the shape of his head as it began to show the need for surgery.
This was the day before surgery in February. We had a fun day, and wanted the latest images of him before the unexpected months that would follow.
The long day in pediatric ICU after surgery. He stayed here (with Mac and I sleeping on one chair beside his bed) for 24 hours before moving to a recovery room. This was the hardest day.
Only 2 days later, in spite of his condition, he was smiling at nurses, and seemed just like himself. Praise God for the ways he shows his love!!
March and April didn't slow down for us. But more blessings followed. Canaan was able to lead singing at worship following months of leadership training in song leading and prayer. We were so proud of him, and he was proud of himself!
Our family's only picture on easter! We enjoyed our traditional lunch at Aunt Terri's house. We were allowed one hour per day out of Brady's reconstructive helmet, so we had the helmet off for the holiday at church.
Our nearest and dearest joined us for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies in Brady's honor. The "Bell's Helmet Heroes" team walked in helmets of all kinds, as Craniosynostosis is considered a birth defect, and that is what Mac works daily to prevent. Thank you friends and family for your support!
Mac and Brad ran in their 2nd 1/2 marathon this year, and both had injuries either prior to, or after, but they both completed the race. No announcement of another Bell baby this year though....
Canaan competed in basketball, soccer, and baseball. He is such a little all-star. Here he is in action.

This is the helmet head. It started out white, but looked too institutional so we went to an airbrush artist in Cabot to go blue. It eventually had football helmet stripes down the middle, and his monogram on the front. Little Boy Blue.
This was our facebook profile forever since we were poor status updaters....
Here you can see his incision. It was a zig zag across his head.
Fun with mud after a rain!

Canaan getting his diploma from kindergarden graduation! His face says it all!!
We hosted a going away party for some friends, and the kids played on the slip n slide. This picture looks like we are camping, but no...just the backyard in Arkansas. :)
Our beach vacation!!! This was the only family picture we have because it began to rain and we all grabbed camera equipment and ran under a beach tent for cover. This is also obsolete now because Becky added another member of the family now! (see below)
2011 was the year of the wedding. (Our chinese new year name) Cousins Jamie Graul and Brett Fielder each had a wedding this summer, then Becky's in July. This is Macy with Jamie before her ceremony.
Most all the boys at Brett's wedding waiting for the ceremony. Such a fun time!
Macy learned to LOVE weddings (where did she get that?) so she roll played bride all summer. Her favorite movies right now are Father of the Bride and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This was her marrying a plant stand in the studio.
Announcing Uncle Justin!!! Becky married Justin BELL and didn't have to change her last name! We love him, and don't think they're related at all..... :)
Their wedding was in our home on July 16th, and it was an honor. A wonderful day. More pics of that day in another post.
Studio Bella went on location to Aunt Patty's for this shoot with her family. She is battling cancer after being diagnosed in December of last year. Please lift her up to the Great Physician for healing!!
The sisters with their old lady glasses.
Momo and Mama with Brado Potato. He is a hefty little guy, so we nick-named him tater tot.
Canaan doing his stunts off the diving board. Look at those ribs!
Macy got to meet my Barbies that Mom and I had saved for 30 years for just this moment. She was in heaven, and Barbie, of course, got married a lot.
Brady meeting mom's garden. It is like a member of the family.
I was obviously not prepared for pictures, but the neighbors offered so, I joined in.
Brady is eating solid foods, has 6 teeth, and crawling. He wants badly to stand on his own, and at this rate that is not far away.
Canaan's first day of 1st grade!
Macy's first day of PK3.
Well, that is the high points so hopefully I'll post some more before Christmas!!! Thanks for your love and support of our family.

Surgery slated for February 21st

2011-01-20T15:55:00.002-06:00

Wednesday 1/19 we met with the 2nd surgeon who will assist with Brady's surgery at ACH. He is Christian Kaufman, a neurologist, who will be back-up (as we understand it) in the event of any complications with the brain during the skull surgery. He said it is a very straightforward surgery, and provided more details about anesthesia and recovery.

We learned that blood donors can begin that process 2-3 weeks before the 21st, (rather than 24 hours before) and hopefully we will have more details about that soon.

Brady has to be healthy a full week before surgery or they will push it back, so we request prayers that he will not have even a runny nose at that time, and we can proceed!

He will be in ICU for 24 hours after surgery to monitor blood loss each hour and continue transfusing if necessary, then about 3 days more in a recovery room.

We can expect to see some facial swelling even to the point of his eyes swelling shut, but that is normal after surgery and should go down by day 3.

His pain tolerance should be high as infants don't have the learned responses to pain that adults do, but they will do what is necessary to keep him comfortable during recovery.

We are pleased to know a date so there is an end in sight, and pray that in all things, God will be glorified!

Love,

Mac and Amy

Brady Bell

2011-01-06T19:27:00.002-06:00

I have not even had the chance to announce Brady's birth on our blog yet, but not only is he here, but practically perfect in every way. A jewel of a child, and such a joy to our lives. We couldn't be happier. He now faces an extensive surgery on his little head, so we request your prayers for our little boy.

Here is the long version of his recent diagnosis.

The result of Brady’s appointment at ACH on 1/6/11 with Dr. Honnebeir is as follows (quotes are her descriptions to us).

Brady does have Craniosynostosis with a Sagittal suture closure. The sagittal suture runs from the top of the head to the middle of the back of the head. This condition creates a classic “boat-shaped” head.

This is essentially a “birth defect”, yet his condition is “mild” which means only that is has been caught early in the process, and his head is not already mis-shaped.

This is “not a self-correcting” condition, and does require surgery. If not treated, his brain function would not be affected, but his skull would deform as growth occurs. In his case, with the sagittal suture closure, his forehead would enlarge to allow his brain to grow, but there would be no expansion from side to side. (i.e. the narrow “boat” shape). His soft-spot has already enlarged to allow for brain expansion.

Our next step is a CT scan probably on the 11^th, to be read by a neurologist, Dr. O’Brien on the 13^th, mainly to get the best picture of his condition prior to surgery.

The surgery needs to be done around 4 months of age, which is February 18^th for Brady. There is no date scheduled yet, as Dr. Honnebeir and a 2nd neurologist will perform it. There will be about a 4-inch horizontal incision across the top of his skull in a zig-zag formation. The zig-zag is so that his hair will part more naturally afterward. Dr. Honnebeir will open the closure and scrape the sides of the skull all around for more symmetrical re-shaping.

The greatest risks include bleeding. He will need a blood transfusion during the surgery. Family members may donate blood, but no more than 24 hours before the procedure.

Technically, risks also include damage to the brain, but Dr. Honnebeir has never seen that occur. Ever.

The surgery we elected is about a 4-hour operation and will be more “middle of the road” regarding the intensity of the surgery. This option is invasive, but controls the risk of blood loss and requires only a 2-3 day recovery in the hospital.

Laparoscopic options lessen the surgeon’s control of the cuts and could cause a prick of the sinus drain of the brain. The more invasive procedures include removing pieces of the skull, reconstructing, and replacing them, requiring significant blood loss and longer recovery.

Brady will have an orthotic reconstructive helmet to wear for 2-3 months 24/7, to mold and shape the skull to the appropriate shape. This is a laser-measured model, custom fit, and designed for Brady. It can be scraped inside to expand and allow for growth as it occurs in those 2-3 months. The new shape of his skull will fuse normally. He will have routine check-ups for years to follow.

Misc. notes:

This is not hereditary that they know.
He will still be able to participate in contact sports later in life if he so chooses.
Our referral to Dr. Boop at Semms-Murphy clinic in Memphis is encouraged as a second opinion in Memphis if we so choose, but close proximity to home is to be highly considered due to Brady’s recovery and the multiple trips to the hospital in the coming years.
Dr. Honnebeir (pronounced Oni-Beer) is new to ACH (about 6 months). She is polish and trained at Cornell and Penn. She has performed hundreds of these surgeries during her fellowship, practice, and missions. She was hired at ACH to build a better craniofacial surgery department within neuroscience, as ACH is lacking surgeons. We feel confident in her ability and knowledge, and have been extremely supported by her staff.
We are thankful and so generously blessed by all the work done in expediting this process, the prayers, fasting, and words of encouragement on our behalf by all of our friends and family, and know that the Great Physician will be healing our boy! We love you all.

What have we done all summer?

2010-10-05T11:52:00.008-05:00

...and why has it taken this long to post? Life is full and fantastic, so this will be the short version of it all.

For the grandparents, today was Grandparents day at school, and I was your representative, so here is a video of Canaan's song to you.

Since the beach, Gran was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed into the healing arms of God in August. We are all so grateful to have had our week in Gulf Shores of quality Gran-time, but we really miss her.

The baby is due any day now!! Officially 10/10/10 but we will see. That is only 5 days away!!!

Canaan started kindergarten at his brand new elementary school and loves it. There is a photo gallery on facebook to check out the first day pics there.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203499&id=696262006&l=3be56ff972

Macy turned 3 yesterday! She had a party at River City Gymnastics with all her friends, and is so proud to be 3, and almost a big sister. She can also use the bathroom like a big girl (except for the occasional #2) and we are very thankful for that!

I turned 30 this summer, which was pretty non-eventful due to the fact that Mac and I spent all our money on remodeling our bathrooms. We have done a lot of the work ourselves and are pretty proud! Our finishing crews are almost done, and it should be completed tomorrow!

Branson vacation and Razorback games galore, we always have fun on the road!

Our next adventure is bringing baby Bell into this world soon, and Lord willing all goes well, I will not be too long in posting again!

It was on this day 9 years ago, that I said, "yes" to the most wonderful man in the world. Thanks for asking me to be yours, Mac, and I would give you the same answer again and again!

Love you all!

Mac, Amy, Canaan, Macy, (and baby nickname, Rufus Cooter) Bell

Beach Bells 2010 and the oil...

2010-06-21T13:14:00.014-05:00

This is our family on the last day of our annual vacation in Gulf Shores! We had a great time and Mac's great-granny even braved the trip with us and was so much fun! We couldn't make it to the sand with the camera because there was a thunderstorm looming and sprinkling on us for this picture, so this was outside our patio door.

This begins the BP oil disaster pictures. All of these are from only one day, Sunday, June 13th when the tar washed up the worst. The rest of the week we did enjoy the water, and hope that this crisis will not linger too long. You will see effects here.
The shoreline.
This is best described as melted tootsie rolls on the sand, that stick to your feet, buckets, chairs, etc. Yucky.

See? Tootsie Rolls is the kinder description....

We saw more dead crabs on the sand this year than ever. Coincidence?
An oily feather.
The clean up crews were out most every day, and this was the scene to the immediate left of our shade tent.
It is amazing to see all the life that the Lord has created to expand further and deeper than we can know. And in turn, amazing to see how humanity can mess it up. Our prayers are with and for the gulf coast and its inhabitants...in and out of the sea.

20 week ultrasound

2010-06-09T11:53:00.002-05:00

Baby Bell #3 at 20 weeks! Everything looks healthy so far, and we got to see a profile, feet, hands, but the gender will remain a surprise until delivery!! Praise God for his miracles.

Down Home on the Farm

2010-06-07T18:02:00.006-05:00

We did family photos at the family farm last week. Check out the complete album on our facebook page...just copy and paste below into your browser.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=184853&id=696262006&l=2d291c5217

Bell Babies Invade the Studio

2010-05-03T17:29:00.004-05:00

Lately my kiddos have tried to steal the show when I am working, and thankfully, a few sessions were for people near and dear to us that entertained the interruptions!

Here are a few fun ones...

Paige is California bound, but for now, her protege, plays copycat.

...Jumping up from behind the posing box to surprise us!!!
Is it obvious the Bell kids were not prepared to be lens subjects? Perhaps prepared for football season, which is EVERY season at our house...
Blessed friends. Much love to all who share in our home and our passion!

Bunny Blast from the Past

2010-04-05T21:36:00.005-05:00

Circa 1986--Aunt Terri gave this to me from her family pictures, and my first reaction was to question why I look like I have jelly beans shoved in my cheeks? If only that were the reason for the ones I still have now...

1999--Mac's first Easter with the Frank family. Notice Brad and I still use the same Easter baskets. :)
2010--The Bell babes and their loot. We will now be combatting cavities until halloween, but these were the happiest kids in the city. Thanks to one short conversation with the Mall Bunny where Macy was willing to ask for his visit to our house, but only from 10 feet away. No lap pictures this year.
The only picture of the kids sweet outfits from Mimi and Pop. We'll do a photo shoot, I am sure. Lord willling, this will be our last Easter pic as a family of 4!
Our cousin "Baby Brett" helped us find the hidden eggs at Aunt Terri's house where we all gathered for our annual Easter family lunch.
Then off to the park for a church egg hunt and games!!!

This is a picture of all the children that participated in painting the entire head of one, very patient, Will Hogg.

Praise God for the blessing of the Life, Death, and Resurrection that brings us all together now and for eternity. Happy Easter!

It's a marathon, baby!

2010-03-16T12:35:00.006-05:00

We are all so proud!!! Mac and Brad made a pact to train and run the Little Rock half marathon and they did it!!! They did great, and even finished under their goal time by 8 minutes. My heart is so joyful for these guys-- whom I love more than life-- that they had these 2+ hours to make a fantastic memory together and worked so hard! And by the way, Mac is 32 pounds lighter than he was 6 months ago, and loving his new hobby. Macy and Canaan ask when they can watch daddy and Brad run again, and the boys are already planning the next one.

Oh, and there was a surprise ending....

The official finish for the boys was 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 6 seconds--a pace of 10.51 minutes per mile.
When Mac crossed the finish line, he put on a T-shirt with a message for our family.

We are expecting our third child in October 2010!!! What a blessed day to have all of our family together and to share with each other the joys of life!!! We have so much to be thankful for. Praise God for our strivings, successes, families, love, and life. Our cup runneth over.

February

2010-03-16T11:57:00.004-05:00

January 30th we did finally get a BIG snow and we were able to sled down our street on the kids' plastic see-saw. Our friends and neighbors, the Burress family let us slide down their front yard too (which is also possible without snow at all) and we had a blast. I am attaching 2 videos...

February brought another big snow on the 7th, and I was snowed-in at Hot Springs at a photography event for 3 days!! Mac played Mr. Mom and did a fabulous job. From what I understand, they played outside all day every day, built a snowman, and got to soak up that rare Arkansas weather.

After watching many olympic games, Macy decided to dress the part. Her ski sticks are curtain rods!
We took a family "stay-cation" to the Peabody hotel and watched the ducks walk. Our kids love staying in hotels, and think they all belong to Pop. Way to go there, Pop!
And the second tooth is gone!!! 2 down....20 something to go.

January 2010

2010-03-16T11:30:00.004-05:00

January 2010 was the month of firsts. In this new decade Macy started mothers day out and we had our first snow (well, frosting) of the year! We also met our friend Evvi Cooper for the first time. These are some of our favorite moments.

Macy walked right in and sat down like she owned the place. This is the same classroom Canaan was in last year at CAC, and his picture with Mrs. Beth is still on the cabinet doors. No wonder Macy felt confident in this room. Macy's teacher is Mrs. Dez, who is Aunt Terri's friend! So many connections to this place!
We tried soooo hard to play in the snow...or lack of it on this particular occasion. So, we licked ice off of a frozen bucket of water instead. Yum.

....And made concrete frost angels...
But we got to stay home from school!!!!
This was a super fun playdate with Chase and Toni. Chase had a boo boo on his head, so Macy fetched him a kitty cat band-aid and fashioned it to his forehead...where he left it...all day...even at "Chick o' lay".
Macy and Jaci had fun playing in boxes when we got to visit new baby Evvi. No pics of Evvi, unfortunately, just these two on separate days, in different boxes believe it or not.

This month we did get to end our furniture buying spree for the house with a sleeper sofa from a furniture warehouse flood sale. We paid 25% of the cost!

The rest of December

2010-03-02T11:20:00.005-06:00

This is a long post, but December was busy! I tried to get a picture of of our Japanese Maple with its bright red leaves, before they fell shortly after. We didn't know this tree would be so lovely when we moved in May.

I wanted to show you my new "buffet" as I found it in a flea market for $40 with my friend Edie. My kinda shoppin'!
We practice many holiday traditions in the Bell household: roasting marshmallows in the fireplace, lighting the Christmas village, toasting with "Egg milk" (egg nog), and this year the kids got to decorate our family tree and one of their own in the gameroom. Wonderful memories!

We dress up as someone or something every single day. Role playing is our favorite pastime. Maybe my kids will be on Broadway. This is them as Troy Bolton from High School Musical. (And it's cold outside!)
BIG MILESTONE!!! Canaan lost his first tooth in December! It was so loose, we thought he would swallow it in the night, so it came out at bedtime. He was so brave, and the tooth fairy has apparently kept up with inflation, and brought him $3. What recession?
Canaan's holiday music program at school proved he is the angel we knew he was! His class was so cute, and it's all on video.
Busy Bee classmates. Some of our class friends are also church, or neighborhood friends. Lillie is in the same class this year too.
Christmas at home with Hoss. Stockings galore!
Making Christmas cookies with Mimi and Pop and Aunt Beck.
Macy got a kitchen which she has played with daily since then.
Mac and I got gifts for the home...just what we wanted! Thanks Santa!
Canaan took up kickboxing with his present and now has biceps.
I forgot my camera in Searcy, so I don't have much of Dad, Mom, or Brad to post but we had the best Christmas ever!!!
I take a picture of the kids at the time that they were born each year. Unfortunately, for Canaan that is 2:30 a.m. on New Years Eve. So far, I haven't slept thru it. 5 years old. Hope your December was just as special.

Canaan's 5th Birthday

2010-03-02T10:38:00.005-06:00

Yes, Mac and I are the parents of a 5 year old. He lights up our lives, and his party was his dream come true. It was at War Memorial Stadium where the Hogs play in the Rock!! All the kids got to run on the football field and have concession stand food in the locker room! The adults had as much fun as the munchkin football players and cheerleaders. Here are the 10 best pics...

Mrs. Becky Floyd made Canaan a run-thru for the tunnel. Much cooler than the wrapping paper we practice with in the backyard.
He was in all smiles, and even came home with a cut on his head from full contact tackling that he didn't even know about.
Macy and her friends, Chloe and Libby. Macy looked more like a tin soldier than a cheerleader. It was too cold for her real cheer outfit.
Hunter, Canaan and cousin Will. They were not holding anything back. Lock up the little ones, these guys were tough.
Mac bought Razorback eye-black for all the kids to wear. The most expensive gift we bought for him, go figure.
The G-mas are excellent cheer squad gals. Crystal Hogg even twirled the baton.
After years of make-believe tunnels we fabricated, his dreams were reality.
Group shot in the locker room.
Happy Birthday, little man. May your 5th year be your favorite so far. We may have this same party for the next 13 years. We love you!

...November

2010-02-25T13:06:00.005-06:00

And this was November...

Family time at Momo and Papa's house at Thanksgiving! This is where Papa chronicles his "Old Place" stories of growing up in Louisiana. Priceless.

Macy, Madi, and Canaan with ice cream mustaches.
Mi Madre.
The only way to conjure up any body in Macy's hair. She sleeps like this, and usually wakes up with one side missing rollers and totally flat, while the other is bouncy ringlets...umph.
Coach Petrino's new post game thing is for the team to walk the perimeter of the stadium and greet the fans. This is Canaan and Ryan Mallett. He got DJ Williams, our former CAC star, to sign the program poster when he was featured--a prized possession Canaan has hanging in his room.
Typical transportation for the munchkins into Razorback Stadium.
Hoss surprised the kids with a trip to Build-A-Bear. Canaan made a Searcy Lion, and Macy a purple cat named "Meow".

The result of Mac 's artistic talent with a knife while 2 little spectators were entertained and so proud of their daddy!

Canaan's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch with his class at school. These are his best friends, Jaylon, Evan, and Deuce.
His teachers, Mrs. Brown and Ms. Maggie! Go Busy Bees!!! (Love Fair Park!)
Macy decided to make cookies without any assistance. This is how I found her in the gameroom--just before it got out of hand. Though this is not the first time she had decided to take up culinary masterpieces independently. Like father, like daughter.

It's been 5 months...OCTOBER

2010-02-25T12:28:00.007-06:00

The craziness of the holidays at home and in the studio have brought me to FEBRUARY with no blog updates since SEPTEMBER! Sheesh. Here is my best attempt at a monthly recap. Here was our October!

This was a trip to the pumpkin patch with Central kids. Macy had a boo boo on her face.

Our own little pumpkin turned 2 on October 4th! If you where to ask Macy how old she is she would say, "October 4th!"

The Bells callin' those Hogs...Woooo Pig! Sooie!!!

A trip to the zoo with friends from church meant a Macy and Tonie party all day. So fun!

The Fair Park Futbol Team

2009-10-02T12:45:00.005-05:00

It looks like I am officially a soccer mom! As if the Dodge Grand Caravan isn't enough...Canaan is on his first real soccer team this year-The Fair Park Futbol-ers! HE LOVES IT! Everyone on his team attends the same preschool which reinforces great friendships. We haphazardly missed the first 2 practices and first game--(not our fault) so his first time with the team was a game 2 weeks ago.

(Bear with me while I brag on him a little...you have been forewarned!)

He made fast friends and was a great team player--playing defense so his teammates could score! The second game on September 26th, he scored 5 goals during the first 5 possessions! The rest of the game we had to ask him to let his friends have a turn to score. His coach still plays competitively and says that they usually don't teach passing until age 6-7, but that Canaan "just gets the game" so he is giving him advanced lessons!

I say all of this because Canaan is soooo proud of himself, and Mac and I are experiencing, for the first time, how fun it is to watch our child strive to accomplish something with a team and succeed! Congratulations, sweet boy! We'll be cheering for you!

Pardon the pic quality from the "diaper bag camera", but these pictures are from week 1...

These pictures are from week 2...

Granna Camp 2009

2009-09-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

Flashback to summer for this post, I am trying to catch up on all I missed during/after the move!

Each summer Granna Carol hosts "Granna Camp" for our kids, but this year was the first time Macy got to come along.

The kids spent lots of time with their cousin Madi. They went to the pet store, played house, and chased bubbles in the yard!
Canaan and Macy love homemade popsicles on Granna's driveway!
Self-portrait, complete with ice-cream chins!
Thank you Granna and Aunt Patty for all the fun! Can't wait till next year!

You have asked for house pics...

2009-09-03T12:40:00.005-05:00

We have added a few of our own touched to the new Bell dwelling however, we haven't done all that we planned to in the first three months, because we had a few surprises! Aside from both our cars needing a total of $1500 in repairs, we banished a family of rodents living under the sunroom- $1300, and now our shower in the master bath has to be demo-ed and rebuild due to a leak....looking at remodeling the whole bathroom for that one. But, we praise the Lord for carrying us, yet again, through lifes little surprises into his care! We are happy and healthy and love our new home!!!

We painted all the bookcases, trim, moulding, and window frames in the living room. The ceiling was yellow (why, you ask? good question.) and it too is now white. Aaahhhhh. Much better.

We also painted the dining room and added a new table and chairs and a famiy heirloom dough board.

The studio is a work in progress, but we plan to hang a wall-mounted roller system for backdrops this weekend.

The TV was an indulgence, a deal, and we all love it. 42". It rests on my great-grandmothers sewing machine.

The sun room has become a game room for the kids. This is where they watch TV and it has easy access to the backyard. You could call this Canaan's cave.
More to follow, but there it the snappy version. Thanks for all your support and prayers!

Canaan goes to School!

2009-09-03T12:06:00.004-05:00

The biggest adjustment of August was that my Ca-Ca started preschool full time for the first time!

He looooves it, and is in class with his friends Lillie and Elise, so that made the transition easier for him. He attends a school that is only for 4 year olds and close to Mac's office. His teacher is really sweet and says he is very attentive and has a good memory. He thinks his days are too short when it is bedtime, and wants the occasional "day with my mom" but we are adjusting well. Macy and I have lots of catching up to do and we're enjoying the one-on-one time together. Hopefully this will prepare ME for him going to kindergarten......maybe.

Since school started, we have all been reading more. Mac's cousins came over to shoot wedding portraits and Diane brought a special book called "Louie the Buoy" -based on a real bouy that survives a hurricane. She is so thoughtful, and the kids loved it.

20's Gangsters

2009-09-03T11:37:00.004-05:00

Do we look like gangsters? Well, we are. Mayor Big Bill and Vanessa Crooner. Here is a glimpse into what we may have looked like had we been alive in the 1920's in Chicago and wrapped up in the Mob. Thanks to a murder mystery dinner drama we participated in we got to pretend to knock-off the bad guys and figure who dunnit. The night started off with a "bang" - literally, and after a little gambling (with paper money), drinking (creme soda and root beer), and another murder (Al Capone did it) we didn't want to go home! Thanks to Andrea for all your efforts and for the pics!

Meet me in St. LouisVILLE!

2009-08-18T21:36:00.009-05:00

Our only vacation this year as a family of four was to the land of blue grass to visit Uncle Brad in Louisville! We have not been able to see his homestead since he moved away after college. Now in his third state to call home since Arkansas, we packed up the mommy mini-van and headed east.

We took a walking tour of Churchill Downs 2-weeks after flooding destroyed the museum there.

The highlight for Canaan was the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory! We came home with 6 souvenir bats and a tee-shirt. Even Macy had fun there. We promised an encore visit when CaCa gets older.

This pictures of Canaan was when he got to put on white gloves and hold Mickey Mantle's actual game bat!!! No swinging allowed, but someday he will know just how cool this is.

Brad was a gracious host. He prepared fajita nachos for dinner the first night and got us addicted to the first season of "Kings" on NBC. We watched 6 of the 12 episodes in 2 days. Hey...it's vacation! Bradley, we are so proud of who you are, and who's you are. We love you (and Dallas too)!

On the way home, we stopped to stay with the M. Coopers and their 1.5 babies. We stayed up 'till 1 a.m. over coffee and conversation, and spent the morning at the town square. Our babes love each other so much and it was great to all be together again. We miss you guys and we're so thankful that Godly friendships span space and time!

Much thanks to both of our hosts for a great trip. Much fun was had by all.

Summer Fun in Pictures

2009-08-18T21:27:00.008-05:00

I guess the summer is officially gone...Canaan starts school tomorrow but I am behind on posting so we'll save that one for another tear-filled day. Our summer was fun though, filled with dozens of trips to "the Wild Country", grandparents, family trips, and friends.

At the Peabody Hotel watching the ducks march (pardon the professional photographer's fuzzy IPhone images)

Playing basketball with Lauren and Ty at Ty's birthday party. We will miss these friends at our new school this year!

My Macy-Moo in a rare moment when she actually let me rock her to sleep. Never happened-ever that I can remember. Mac ran to get the camera to document this!

Canaan and Ian as crime-fighting super heros. Canaan is spiderman...like every other day of the week.
Handing out water to runners at the River City Run Walk with Reid and Jack.
Eating watermelon with Papa on Memorial Day. Daddy, Macy and Momo were there too!

A quick trip to Hot Springs took us to the Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo that we love!
Blame daddy for this one....I know.....it's an accident waiting to happen.....we were on guard I promise.
Canaan got his first metal for participation in soccer. He later received a trophy for tee-ball.

Messy Macy in her most common state. This was peanut butter.

At the travelers game on the 4th of July to watch "firey works" (Macy) and run the bases.
Again...Messy Macy. This was popsicle.

Macy's curls that we love when mom has the forethought to roll her hair at night.

Macy and Jaci singing and dancin'.

Marcie and Maeley all the way from Michigan! We were so glad to meet Maeley in person! Come back soon!

Macy and Gracen cutting watermelon
Our second showing of the Wiggles LIVE! Macy is hooked.

Just a Swingin'

2009-08-18T13:24:00.004-05:00

July 4th weekend proved no independence for the Bell family. We were quite dependent actually on a 20 page instruction booklet and the team of hard laborers willing to construct our mammoth "Sky Fort" swingset for Canaan and Macy! The parental Bells were troopers, not only to provide the kids with this dream playland, but also to spend their 4-day holiday weekend putting it together. It took 5 adults 4 days to complete the beast. We tilled land, scattered soil, and exhausted our bodies in the summer sun. Thanks to our neighbor, Rissa, we had lemonade and a homemade chocolate chip cake that was our main source of nutrition until our other neighbor and friend, Eleanor, and her family came down for a pot-luck buffet fit for kings. Mac and I would still be working on it now if it weren't for Mimi, Pop and Aunt Beck.

Beach Bells 2009

2009-07-06T22:25:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Mimi and Pop, it's family vacation time again, finally! We always look forward to this one. The whole fam on a road trip to Gulf Shores! We had a blast and, of course got burned-despite the SPF 50 we were wearing. I can only blame global warming. We had fish or shrimp cooked 3 different ways (ever try seviche?) and stayed in the water from dawn till dusk-or later-every day.

We stopped on the way in Lake Providence, LA to see the Thornton's so Macy and Gracen could catch up a bit. Okay...so Amanda and I could catch up a bit, but both happened and it was great to see them!

Canaan preferred the pool because he learned to flip off of the side head-first! That task is not so easily accomplished in a salty, surfy, ocean so as far as he was concerned, we could have traveled to Wild River Country for the same effect.

Macy loved the sand, especially after Mimi produced a Disney Princess folding chair. Give the girl some grapes on the beach and she's good. She and Canaan both loved looking for crabs at night with flashlights in the surf.

I think vacations may feel more like work for Mimi and Pop because they are on "Macy time". She's the boss and tells us all what to do. Usually that's Mac and me, but when she gets ahold of them, we graciously recede and watch from a safe distance. :) "Mimi, no song."

Canaan found an addiction to Spiderman movies during this vacation that we are still treating today, and we're considering inpatient therapy for this one. He thinks his fingers are growing wall-scaling grippers at least once a week.

Can't wait till next year!

The Seven Year Itch

2009-07-06T21:56:00.002-05:00

Mac and I shared our 7th anniversary on June 8th. Sandwiched between Grandma passing and a trip to the beach, we embraced our 7th year for what it is.

It signifies that we are in a season of life where you change diapers, play teeball, and help out at church while just trying to work for your money, come home to spend it, and hopefully catch some naps in between. Thankfully Aunt Becky stepped in for us and we got a night out to the movies! Thanks Beck!

Plus, we have been updating the house and yard, and in doing so my hubby contracted poison ivy and apparently ingested a wild strawberry that turned against him and he became an itchy red strawberry himself. One round of steroid shooting antibiotics and the allergic reaction tamed.

Apart from bursting into a pitchy rendition of Celine's "Because You Loved Me", I will spare everyone the goo and just say, Happy Anniversary to you, friend. Glad you chose me. :)

Goodbye to G-Ma

2009-07-06T21:12:00.002-05:00

She called herself my "crazy grandma".

June 3rd, my G-ma passed away after an unexpected heart attack and stroke.

It was a shock, and her passing left a big whole in our family where she is truly missed. She was the glue that held all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins together. In her lifetime she provided all of us with such joy that we will surely take her words, laughs, and memories with us throughout the rest of our own lives. Among them, TV trash, Skip Bo, and bells under the Christmas tree are some of my favorites from the time we shared in her home.

She was loved by everyone, but especially by the two men she got to call 'husband'. Papa Gerald was a saint for her in the short 17 months they had together, and G-pa Kenneth, who she married at 16 and celebrated over 50 yrs together.

After days in ICU, my dad told her that it was okay for her to go - "Dad's waiting for you Mom," he said. The day she died, Brad and I saw a rainbow over Searcy from one side to the other, and the sun breaking thru the clouds to shine on the hospital, and we knew her heavenly Father was ready for her. We got to her room, and she had passed 5 minutes before. Praise God for his presence and comfort on this earth!

My kids were so sweet and innocent in their understanding of this as Macy said, "Shhhh, G-ma sleeping...., and Canaan had a lot of questions about his soul. I pray that they enjoy life like she did, and that she's there, waiting to welcome them to the home we'll share again someday.

The Month of Moving

2009-05-28T08:17:00.003-05:00

Pending a small renovation, the interior of the new house is not quite photo-worthy yet, but I can show you what the lovely spring weather produced just outside our doors!!! This was actually the week before we moved in, so we didn't get to partake of the beautiful blooms for any other portraits (drat!) but we have something to look forward to next year nonetheless.

In just two short months, April and May of 2009 it seems like our friends were all playing "musical houses". Aside from our relocation, the Hammitts moved to Colorado Springs with a Target transfer, and the M. Coopers are proud homeowners in Collierville after a much anticipated real estate sale in Little Rock.

These photos were from the going away party for the Hammitts at the Lillards in April--a bittersweet story of the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Congratulations to all of the new homeowners! Enjoy house guests much? :0)

Last Week on Westhampton

2009-05-06T22:59:00.003-05:00

It is official! We closed on our new house on Tuesday, May 5th, and moving day is here!

Tomorrow we load U-hauls, vans, and anything on wheels to cart our loot to its new dwelling place. Mac reminded me of the silent companion that this home has been in our lives as we moved in a family of 2, and we leave a family of 4. The original office became a nursery, the guest room became a "big boy room", and the game room (home of the air-hockey honor, the Bell Cup) became Studio Bella. Who knew we had so much growing to do when we moved in 6 years ago!

We celebrated our own "going away" party tonight with just the four of us. We had bought an ice cream cake from Cold Stone and had a picnic in our empty living room floor with party hats on. We even sang to ourselves like it was our birthday. As we put the kids to sleep for the last time in their first home, we thanked God that HOME is where all of us are together--not in this house or any other. Athough...there is no place like it.

Remembering Micah

2009-05-02T10:58:00.002-05:00

The news of the loss of our sweet friend, Micah Rine Pate, is only hours old now, and we are all still reeling. We hurt for everyone--all the people in this world who have been blessed by the sweet smile of this godly girl--too numerous to know.

I am pained by so much: the betrayal Micah experienced, for Casey, Kelli, and Isaac to have lost a sister and aunt, and especially for Dennis and Terri--a daughter.

I wept for joy at the sound of my little girl calling my name to come into her room this morning, -- the innocent reminder of the love of a parent for a child, and the agony of that loss for our friends.

Praise God for being a healer, comforter, and savior of us all! I praise Him now that you are sharing in his love today, my friend.

We'll miss you, Micah.

Fight for Babies

2009-04-09T12:53:00.001-05:00

Central Arkansas March for Babies
April 25, 2009 - 9:00 am
Promenade at Chenal
17711 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72223

As most of you know, Mac is the State Director of the March of Dimes in Arkansas. Their largest fundraising event each April is March for Babies. A family walk in many communities across our nation. This year, we are forming a team to celebrate our own children – each born full-term and healthy, and to support their daddy’s ongoing efforts.

We would like you to join our team-made up of friends and family who want to honor babies – babies born prematurely, with a birth defect, babies who didn’t survive, or healthy full-term babies. Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. So it’s important for us to assist the March of Dimes in helping moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

To join our walk team or to give to our fundraising efforts go to www.marchforbabies.org/babybell, or you can send your tax deductible check to the March of Dimes Arkansas Chapter office:

March of Dimes
Attn: Team Baby Bell
1501 N. Pierce, Ste. 106
Little Rock, AR 72207

One day all babies will be born healthy. But we’ll have to walk to get there! Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,
Amy, Mac, Canaan & Macy Bell

www.marchforbabies.org/babybell

Preach It!

2009-03-31T21:56:00.004-05:00

My children apparently aspire to minister from the pulpit when they grow up. I got them out of bed one day and while fixing breakfast, I found them both "reading" their bibles and Canaan was preaching from the trampoline. The bed head and PJ's would make for darling easter outfits, you think?

Macy has been known to shout "AMEN!" during church after prayers and now at the dinner table, she makes us pray no less than 7 times/meal by randomly holding out her hands and saying, "Amen?" We have to indulge her....so, when asked to hold hands with anyone at anytime, Macy lowers her head to pray. So cute. (Macy and Jaci)

January, February, March...MOVING!!!!

2009-03-31T13:45:00.010-05:00

3 MONTH "RE-CAP"--(pardon the pun about the alien boy above--Canaan at a nutrition study at Children's hospital)

January was pretty much about recovering from NYC and Christmas. We tried to do nothing except Canaan's 4th birthday party at Playtime Pizza. This was the first year that he invited friends to the party and we had so much fun! Although we asked friends to just come and play, no gifts--Canaan got lots of sweet cards, some handmade from his friends. Emma even spent her own money to go to the dollar store with Canaan in mind and purchase sidewalk chalk! So sweet! His friends in attendance were Lillie and Grant, Lauren, Hunter and Avery, Ty and Olivia, Ian and Chloe, Abby, Jude and Elim, Emma and Garrett--and all the parents along with our families. Whew!

February's highlights were numerous. Among the highlights: the HUGE garage sale with friends to prepare for our DDG consignment sale, my annual photography school, and Mac's family finished out our new shed in the back yard. Much thanks to Pop, Mimi, Uncle Bob, and Becky for all their help! We love you! (The pics from the van were en route to the zoo that day with 4 wild children stealing hot dogs from each other....Macy stuck one to her feet to claim possession from Sam.)

The best part of February was Hopie got hitched! Any pics I post here from that are the first to be seen...I have not delivered her proofs yet! She and John are so happy and Hope just looked fabulous. Congrats friend!

While we were at the wedding, we sold our house!!!! Even in this economy we got our asking price with just a few concessions. Thank you, Eleanor, for your hard work and PRAISE THE LORD! (more on this later...)

Between taking care of house stuff, March was filled with Granna's birthday, Canaan's first soccer season, and Macy playdates with Jaci. Here are a few pics...until April!

The Big Apple

2009-02-04T10:19:00.005-06:00

At the beginning of December, Mac had to make a trip to NYC for work, and thanks to Mimi and Pop (who kept our children for a week and sacrificed their sanity in the process) I got to tag along! My friend, Ali, met us there too so she and I partied in Manhattan while Mac worked. The 3 of us covered so much ground in a week, that I could only make the following schedule of events to convey the fun we had (with a few pics thrown in for effect--enjoy!)

Monday night:

Late night crazy cab ride with disturbed newyorker

late dinner at Cheesecake Factory in White Plains

Tuesday:

NBC's Today Show set--saw Michael Phelps

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Breakfast at Rockefeller Center

Shopped at H&M

Saks

Macys

Pizza Lunch

Late Show taping with David Letterman-saw Amy Adams

Times Square Steps

Starbucks

Dinner with Lucas and Cara at Eatery

Cab ride to Grand Central

Train to hotel

Wednesday:

slept late-rain

South seaport

NYSE

Ground Zero

shopped at Century 21

Greenwich Village

Peanut Butter Company

NYU

Union Square Market

Bought White Christmas tickets

Shopped at Anthropologie in Rockefeller Cener

Galaxy Grill for dinner

White Christmas on Broadway-surprise ending!!!

Train to hotel by midnight

Thursday:

Live! with Regis and Kelly-saw Keanu Reeves and Anderson Cooper

Lincoln Center

Julliard

Cafe Lalo for lunch-(from You've Got Mail)

Upper West Side

Central Park-(in the rain, broke 2 umbrellas!)

FAO Schwartz

Apple

Tiffany's

Rockefeller Ice Rink-just watching

Met Cara at Grand Central-said bye to Ali

dinner

Wicked

train to hotel

Friday:

Movie/TV set tours-I am Legend, Enchanted, Friends, Spiderman, Hitch, Cosby, etc....

Lunch at Ben's Pizza in SoHo from Men In Black

NBC studios tour

tired! Went to White Plains to movie-Twilight!

Saturday:

(it gets harder to remember it all!)

Walked all over everywhere again!

Times Square

Central Park - forever!

Museum of Natural History

Plaza Hotel

More shopping

Sunday:

stored luggage

subway to B&H Photo

Shopped for souvenirs-Macy's

lunch at Macy's basement grill

shuttle from grand central to airport

Flew home

It was a great trip for Mac with the March of Dimes, and great for us to get away from reality for a week. I (heart) NY.

Goodbye to the Gridiron

2009-02-02T21:48:00.003-06:00

The Superbowl signifies the official end of football for this year, so here is a photo recap of our season. We cheer for the Hogs, Bison, Badgers, Mustangs, Hornets and other obscure mascots, and we love every minute of it.

The highlight of the 2008 season was that we stayed in the hotel the Hogs stay in before home games, and at the elevator on the morning of the Tulsa game, Canaan said, "Is that Bobby Petrino?" AND HE WAS RIGHT! Canaan had just "called" Coach Petrino on a banana earlier that morning at breakfast pretending to talk strategy. We told Coach about that story and he asked Canaan if he had any advice for him, and how old he was! (He was only 3, mind you.) Canaan later said, "Go long". Until next season...Wooo Pig!

2009

2008-12-31T22:07:00.002-06:00

Most of you know that this past year has been the most difficult one that we have ever had. From family to work, or church to home, we have endured challenges of many kinds and now warmly welcome the end of 2008 with open arms. Praise God for the sense of a fresh start, new resolutions, a chance to start over and embrace what the Lord has in store for us in 2009!

I would like to add that experiencing our "worst year ever" delivered blessings beyond comprehension. We learned many valuable lessons and we are better for it. Among the greatest joys, we have seen our baby girl experience her year of firsts, and just today, or sweet son turned a whopping 4 years old! Their innocence and cheer has grounded us, and God has been faithful. We have seen deliverance from evil, sustainment of love, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work. My greatest lesson learned may be that this world is NOT my home, and I now know better why our Father has prepared a heavenly retreat for us to look forward to.

Mac and I are grateful for each of you who have helped us to see God more clearly in every aspect of our lives--and to trust his will in everything.

After our recent trip to New York (a later blog post), and a broadway showing of Wicked, my gracious mom-in-law pointed out the profound words of Elphaba's song which summed it all up--"who's to say if I've been changed for the better but..... I have been changed for good."

Happy New Year everyone.

Wishbones and Wishlists

2008-12-02T15:26:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and we are thankful to have survived! We have all passed the stomach bug around, and it has made it's 2nd lap now, but we are recovering. Since I posted last, 4 generations of women in Mac's family traveled to Branson for our annual Christmas wishlist shopping extravaganza! Gran, Mimi, Becky, Macy and myself spend all our money and energy at the outlets for 3 days. We stayed in condos with our friends from the "Birthday Club" in Howard county and met up for meals every day. Much fun was had by all.

The Birthday Club gang at the Pasta House

Macy and her new boyfriend, Ethan. They practiced the art of kissing at the ripe ole' age of 1.

Only Becky will appreciate this one, but I found it amusing that there were chandeliers outside on on a sawhorse at Ruby Tuesday. Only in Branson, right?

Macy also got to meet the REAL santa at Kringles. I heard him laugh across the store, and it really was jolly. He's the real deal. I believe. :0)

Then at Thanksgiving, we were blessed to see all of our families! At Mimi and Pop's, Canaan and I pulled the wishbone....and it split right down the middle!! Have you ever seen that happen before? I told Canaan that we must both get our wishes to come true. I asked him what he wished for and he said, "Jesus".

We picked pecans on Friday per our annual tradition, where Macy said "Boooooooo" to all the cows. Then we took the kids out to the barn to see the horses, donkeys, and barn cats. I took this picture which subsequently scared the horses and they all bucked! Whoops.

In Searcy we spent time with all the grandparents and great-grandparents and Uncle Brad was in from Florida! We were riding a revolving door to see all the family, but we are thankful to still have so many loved ones to visit.

Macy helped granna eat turkey and granna helped Macy learn how to put on make-up at home instead of in the car-like me. This made both of them happy.

Canaan was just pleased to see Brad and wondered where he parked the plane he drove in on.

The kids got to wrestle with Hoss at his house and it became dizzy baby drunkenness. They flopped all over like fish, and fell asleep soon after.

Happy commencement to the holidays everyone!

More where that came from....

2008-11-20T21:20:00.002-06:00

So... Canaan has become a little vocalist these days. Below are are few more bars from his most recent performances:

Feel free to sing along in your head.

"The Lord riseth! And recipe the rock

and let the god (ahum ahum) a nation be salted!"

"Jesus, you're my first foundation...." (I could write for days on the profound truths of his tender interpretation of this one.)

(Luke 10:21--At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.)

Blue Skies and Rainbows

2008-11-06T10:13:00.003-06:00

If my video camera wasn't broken, I would post a YouTube of this. Canaan loves to sing, and his favorite song is Blue Skies and Rainbows at this time. To hear it is so sweet and funny, I will try to video it when my new camera comes next week from e-bay! Here is the lyrics to his version:

Blue skies and rainbows

and sun beans from heaven

are all I can see

when my lore is livin' at me

I know it

Jesus is well, and alive today

he made his soul in my heart

Nevermore would I be

lawn and loan sin see

Promise me that we never would part!

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-29T23:22:00.006-05:00

Tonight was our annual Trunk or Treat at church. (TRUCK or Treating in Canaan terms-which actually also makes sense) Canaan was Peter Pan, so following suit Macy was Tinkerbell, me -Wendy Darling, and Mac-Michael Darling. Mac and I just looked like we wore jammies all day!

Becky was Harry Potter's Hermoine--and a very authentic one I might add!

Our Tink.

Did I mention Macy later won the Cutest Baby contest? Smart judges!

Canaan and his friend Casen. Batman and Robin...HOOD, maybe? It is all in the hat.

This is all he would do for the camera. He also wanted me to sprinkle him with "Tinkle Dust". Oh yes. And he misplaced his Peter Pan toy knife, so it was quickly replaced with a toy screwdriver. Knife-screwdriver...same difference.

The kiddos led by Mac and Ben in songs of worship.

Excited much? Chase and Macy had gotten pretty tired by the end.

Sorry, had to throw this one in guys! Ben and Jared--deduct the rest for yourself.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Joined at the Hip

2008-10-24T23:26:00.006-05:00

Rewind 10 years. The date? October 23, 1998. The date of my first official date with Mac and what we would later establish as our anniversary. Our friends and family in 1998 would later know us to be --by their own definition--"joined at the hip". A phrase so coined by my future sister-in-law at an awkward cafeteria interaction (had to add that, Beck) that lived on to find its place in a prayer at our wedding almost 4 years later. (Thanks to you, Mat!)

With much disgust by those around us we initially celebrated togetherness each month until the monumental 1 year, which was a first for us both. The years rolled around until we thought it wise to celebrate the actual WEDDING anniversary rather than the dating one, so our sentimental October 23 is now often overlooked until a few days later--like this year. But that's okay. It just means every day is something to celebrate now. We celebrate birthdays, promotions, conversions, successes, milestones, and memories of all kinds. But we still prefer to be joined at the hip. Happy "glad we went on a first date and you still like me", Mac. I am love!

And here is what happens when people fall in love...pumpkins.

Sweet Sixteen-in God years

2008-10-22T22:07:00.005-05:00

Today being my birthday, my spiritual birthday that is, calls me to reflect on my journey of faith up until this point. Hopefully the journey, which has undoubtedly gained mileage, is still no closer to the end of the road. If I am ever to feel that I have completed all the strides necessary to draw nearer to the Father, than LORD HELP ME!

I have learned a lot in the past 16 years. When I reached the "age of discernment" (whatever that may be) my parents helped me to progress in my decision making process of taking on the Lord in baptism by offering a dear friend to study with me. She is, to this day like family to me, and I am thankful for the discussions we had which led to my knowing the Father more personally. In addition, camp was always my most spiritually influential experience where I believe I learned to hear God's voice more clearly. But these things did not immediately bring about a decided movement in me to walk the aisle in church on any given Sunday. I was waiting.

I believed from a young age that Jesus was and is the Son of God, and that he died and rose, and even today forgives sins of the repentant. So why wait? I was waiting for some moment that everyone said would come--when I would just KNOW. Being the passionate pre-teen that I was, everything I did was emotionally driven. I didn't know what emotional transformation I was waiting for, but then one Sunday morning I was overcome. The Spirit of the Lord moved in me. Physically, I could tell something inside me was changing, and my head voice seemed as loud as the singing in service. "So this is it...this is what THAT feels like".

I was a kid lacking the self-confidence to walk the aisle and profess this to the nation that was my church on a whim. So, I went home and told my parents about my decision and that I wished it to be a much milder affair: perhaps on a Thursday night with simply the support of loved ones present. That now, seems perhaps too carefully thought out for such an emotionally impulsive girl.

I praise God for my conversion into a vessel of his Spirit, and I also praise Him that I have since learned that he speaks to us through many forms, and I need not wait for any specific method of messaging he may use. Although, I would love a loud speaker, or for Him to, as my sister says, "write on the dust of my car", I am called only to wait upon the Lord. Be still. Be it a wave of goosebumps or truly--a passing butterfly--I know He is with me. And he has provided my self-confidence-in His name. Even if I am only sixteen....

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-22T13:50:00.005-05:00

Canaan's school took a field trip today to the pumpkin patch! All his friends were there, even Trevor and Grant his 4 year old friends. His teacher, Mrs. Beth, got to ride with us and we had so much fun! We went on a hayride and played a lot. Here are some pics from our day.
This is Mrs. Beth and Canaan being afraid of the "bats" flying overhead on the hayride.
This is Canaan and Lauren, who he marries each day at school. The hugging was repeatedly followed by tackling and throwing straw.
Canaan was very thoughtful when considering his choice of pumpkin.....
......and Macy too.....

She looked pretty in a pumpkin outfit her Mimi got for her.

The three amigos!!! Lauren, Canaan, and Abby. These girls are his friends from mothers day out who are still in his class at CAC!

Corn rows: Ty, Canaan, and Lauren. Ty and Canaan are best buddies.
Pre-K 3 looking good! We are so thankful for Mrs. Beth and Canaan's friends that he prays for daily. Aiden, Abby, Canaan, Ty, and Lauren.

Random Pics from October thus far

2008-10-16T23:03:00.005-05:00

Macy discovered a peanut m&m on the floor (thankfully that's all she discovered) and this was the aftermath. I had to put her in the highchair to take a picture before it got all over us both.

This is Macy's Wednesday night bible class that her Aunt Becky and I teach. Her friends are Chloe Hogg, Ashlynn Parsons, Braylon Shavis, Macer-cat, Chase Lillard, and Tonie Morrison. Braylon's twin brother Benjamin is in Children's hospital battling Leukemia. Please lift him up to the Lord!

We got a new pizza place that is like "Pizza Wal-Mart on Speed". It is Playtime Pizza on Col. Glenn. Sooooo fun--tops Chuck E. Cheese anyday. Canaan and Mac played lots of games and drove go-carts. Yes, go-carts. Indoors. Crazy huh?

Then there was the AR State Fair!!! We went on the kids-ride-free day (apparently with all of Little Rock and Pulaski Co. elementary schools) and spent almost 5 hours there! Macy eventually wiped out, but we saw the goat show, a cow milking demo, baby chicks hatching, and many other animals. Only a few mullets. We were bummed about that. :0)

Canaan Conversations

2008-10-16T13:05:00.004-05:00

From the mouths of babes.....! Fun quotes from Canaan this week:

Canaan: Dad, why do we have these? (as he lifts up his shirt and points to his nipples)

Mac: (a nervous attempt to deter from the conversation) Well...everybody has those.

Canaan: But why does Mama have big boobies?

Mac: Because she is a girl and girls have bigger boobies than boys.

Canaan: Then why doesn't Macy have big boobies?

Mac: As Macy grows she will start to look more like Mama and as you grow you will start to look more like me.

Canaan: Oh.......can I keep all my blonde hair?

A conversation spawning from a kids encyclopedia reading at bedtime about jobs.

Amy: Canaan what job do you want to have when you grow up?

Canaan: (laughing) I am not going to have a job!!!

Amy: Then how will you earn money for your food and clothes?

Canaan: I will just go to my work and pick up my money.

Amy: Will you work as a doctor?

Canaan: NO!!!

Amy: Will you work as a teacher?

Canaan: NO!!!

Amy: Will you work as a coach?

Canaan: NO!!! I will be a football player!

Amy: You and your uncle Brad....

Canaan: Why did you say my uncle Brad's name?

Amy: When he was your age, he wanted to be a football player too.

Canaan: But uncle Brad didn't play football?

Amy: He did in high school and college.

Canaan: Then what is Brad's work?

Amy: He works on people's hearts.

Canaan: Ok. That will be my job too.

(Brad, you have an admirer. Keep up the good work. :0)

Happy 1st Birthday Macy!

2008-10-07T16:03:00.005-05:00

She's done it. Our little angel has passed the 1 year old milestone. She has sufficiently partied, and now commences what will be a very eventful 2nd year for this little sassafras (one of her many nicknames).

She loves dogs more than anything else we have come across yet, so one of her cakes was fittingly a princess dog-complete with tiara-which we can only assume is named "Schmoockums" beside it's picture in the cake decorating handbook at Community Bakery.

Macy has many notable characteristics that are all her own. If exposed, you toes will soon be a Macy snack as she likes to bite anyone and everyones. (We will try to not let this one follow her throughout her life--or maybe we will save it to scare away the first boyfriend....?) She loves her Bebe, which is any doll she may currently have in her possession. The most entertaining is is any bottles or cups with lids. This will entertain a Macer Cat for hours. That is, until she becomes frustrated by the unruly bottle not following her obviously clear instructions for it.

Macy can contort her face into more expressions than a mime. She constantly keeps us laughing with her charm and independence and most of all her love of her best friend, Canaan. He is her greatest joy. Hopefully mom and dad fit into that title somewhere.

We love you, Macy and are so thankful for your sweet presence in our family. Happy Birthday.

Week of Re-Connecting

2008-09-29T08:39:00.005-05:00

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.

~by Flavia Weedn~

This weekend I was blessed to re-connect with long-lost friends-5 in 2 days! Praise God for good times.

Saturday was my high school friend Jo Winfrey's wedding shower in Conway. Jo lives in TN, and it was a joy to see her--she looks just as young and beautiful as she did 10 years ago when we played Searcy Lady Lion Basketball together! Jo will marry Fred on November 1st and begin their new family-much love and congratulations to you, Ban-JO!

Then there were 2. My friends Graham Kervin and Mitch Anderson are missionaries to the Czech Republic and we met in Searcy for a friend's wedding! So good to see these guys and Kristy, their teammate. Mitch and I went to Camp Tahkodah together as kids, and Graham and I lived in Houston (until I moved away after 2nd grade) and were best friends at the age of 8. These two guys eventually became friends at UofA!!! Very cool how the Lord weaves us all together. Graham's family and mine have stayed in touch now by long-distance for over 20 years. It was so fun to see him. Being bound by the spirit of the Lord is an awesome gift!

(Michael, me, Graham, and Jimmy at Andy and Meagan's wedding)

Sunday, a reunion of sorts, with Lesley Busby and the Scott Diles family of 3! Lesley was visiting from Dallas where we lived in our first year of marriage. Lesley was a huge part of our support at that time in our lives, and a dear friend always! She amazes me with her grace and skill, and she will have a super celebration for her 30th birthday in San Francisco very soon!

Scott and Amanda just welcomed little Colt into the world about 1 month ago and we were blessed to capture this precious new family's photographs. We only live 1 hour away, and each visit is like a college reunion reminiscing about old times.

Much love to all as we continue to re-connect this week with even more friends and family!

Near or far, domestic or beyond, we love you all!

14AA!

2008-09-29T08:23:00.009-05:00

Mac has a new membership to a gym and exercise facility, which of course warrants new exercise attire as well. So we embarked on a family adventure to find him "tenni-pumps" (as he calls them) that don't hurt his feet. We begin to browse the size 12 section of New Balance on Cantrell where someone who is a fancy word for foot specialist (not pediatrist-something weirder) measured Mac's foot and brought out the most comfortable thing he has ever worn. Yes, he even wore them out of the store. We were sold on them before the gentleman ever told us they were a size 14AA!!!!! Maybe that's why his feet had hurt. Yikes!

Bikers for Babies

2008-09-22T12:33:00.005-05:00

Saturday was another one of Mac's big events this year for March of Dimes. He, his staff, and fabulous merchants/vendors/donors have worked tirelessly on a motorcycle ride and fundraiser with about 1,000 bikes riding from Toad Suck, Arkansas (Conway) to the Clinton Library in downtown Little Rock in support of all the babies born in Arkansas. My babies are so proud of their dad and all the hard work he has done!

I am attaching a few pics of the day as well as Canaan and Macy watching Mac promote the event on Arkansas's CBS news station, Today's THV! Macy was extremely angry that her dad would not come out of that talking box!!!

Little Chef

2008-09-16T12:24:00.007-05:00

Both of our children love food....how could they not? Look who they came from! :0) Canaan likes to cook with his dad and Macy, well, likes to smear it everywhere. Recently Macy -in what we like to call "attack of the mighty meat sticks" found that her HAIR prefers to partake in lunchtime as well. It devoured more food than her mouth did! She just thought it was hilarious. I, on the other hand, quickly dunked her in the tub when it was all over, to which she also thought was hilarious. Geez....she is a happy kid.

Then yesterday, Macy got to share her love of creative culinary arts with some of Little Rock's finest chefs. Mac and the March of Dimes are preparing to host the Signature Chefs Auction at the Peabody Hotel in November, and at the photo shoot, Macy got to sit with these fine food experts and pose for pics!!! March of Dimes wants every baby to be born healthy, and we were pleased to have our little chef there to participate--and Macy was pleased to support her Dad!

Married to an Older Man

2008-09-13T09:35:00.005-05:00

Friday night we pulled off Mac's 30th birthday dance party surprise! And thanks to all our friends and family he was surprised and it was a blast!!! Even the kiddo's were break-dancing.

It is hard to believe that he is 30 years old since I fell in love with him when he was 19!!! Wow!! He was the first boy I saw on Harding's campus my freshman year and by October we were "glued at the hip" as our friends would later say. He was the only guy I dated in 4 years of college and there was never any doubt that we met by Divine Guidance! This October will mark 10 years of togetherness--a DECADE.....and here's to decades more, sweet friend. I love you Mac Bell!

A few party pics....

2008-09-13T09:24:00.006-05:00

This is from Macy's 11 month old shoot. She took her first steps on August 28!! She is so big! We call the standing pic the "Dancing Baby". Work it Macy!!

The Sentiment of Sleepers

2008-09-10T21:10:00.002-05:00

Today I finished compiling my children's old clothes for the Duck Duck Goose childrens consignment sale for next week. What I didn't plan for was the rush of sentimental 'Duck Duck Goosebumps' that all these garments would evoke!!! I sat in my garage in a mush-pot of memories remembering all the times my little ones wore these things, where we were, what we did, or even all the special people in our lives that contributed to the expanse of a wardrobe we had. And then-all the "firsts" that occured in these outfits, some of which I would never even know to appreciate. First words, first steps, the first full nights sleep in those furry footed sleepers!! And now my little ones are getting big. I will soon trade these small clothes for newer, LARGER, ones and my little muchkins will grow to fit them-and Lord willing, continue their lists of firsts. But don't worry...I not giving up everything........... :0)

That is How I Love You

2008-09-08T23:59:00.003-05:00

Football is here!!! Our family attended the first two Arkansas Razorback football games of the season and our hogs pulled thru to win each one!!! We love sharing this time of year with our family. All 7 of us on my husband's side of the family ride together, stay overnight together, and basically spend 24 hours/day together for 2-3 days at each game. Despite the way it sounds, it really is a blast. We love it!

Canaan loves football too and has attended a plethora of either Harding or Arkansas games every season since he was 9 months old and he is almost 4! It seems like he is growing up too fast and I am desperately trying to hold on to him. I wrote this little poem below of an experience we had last year in the fall of 2007.

It is cheesy...but that IS my middle name. :0)

At Canaan’s favorite pastime,

A college football game

He watched the muscled “big boy run”

And even knew his name.

Then getting too excited

His foot slipped off the stands

He started falling quickly

So I grabbed him with my hands.

His little face, of only 2

Turned to look at me

Mom, don’t hold me so tight

You know I am almost 3!

I know you are I echoed

And you were very brave

But Mama always holds her boy

‘Cause Mama is afraid.

I’m the one who won’t let go

In case you were to fall

I would be right here to catch you

You’re my baby, after all.

So if I hold you tighter

Than you want me to

Just know I am being Mama

And that is how I love you.

I swore I would never....

2008-09-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

I swore I would never give in to the blogging world, yet here I am. Bear with me...I can't seem to figure it all out yet. However, much of my family and friends are away from me and thus often irritated that I take pictures for a living, and no one ever sees any of my own kiddos, or maybe they're upset because I truly am really, really bad at keeping in touch! Well, here is my whole hearted attempt at it folks. I started slowly with Facebook, and I am movin' on up! Bradley, we miss you...!