Ecuador Pictures

As you may remember, Craig headed off on his second trip to Ecuador back in June. Well, finally, I have had time to comb through all the pictures of the trip and compiled them into one easy to view montage of a slide show. Enjoy!!

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From the Mouths of (Not So Much) Babes . . .

I love some of the things my girls say. I'm sure very soon, I'll be saying the same thing for Xander, but right now his expressions are more in single words and his mannerisms. Phrases are coming, just aren't quite there yet in the same way his older sisters are.

Here are some of their gem quotes from this past week.

Kalyn - Her comment was made as we were talking about her becoming a big girl.
"Yes Mommy, I'm already up to here!" Said with her hand on top of her head.

Trinity - As we were walking up to the sanctuary this morning, someone said to her, "Trinity, you are the bomb!" To which, she looked at me and replied, "No, I am a BAUGHN." (her emphasis)


It's small moments like these that I want to capture forever.

Time, it is a-flyin!

The last two weeks have been such a whirlwind of activity. So, it's time for a recap. I'll try to make it as short as possible. But, enjoy the pictures!

We had a really great visit with my family in Nashville. We had about a day and a half of sickness, which kept me in bed and everyone else in the house. We aren't a family that gets sick very often, but when we do, it makes up for lost time. The blessing was that the kids didn't get it and my mom, the trooper, kept an eye on the kids while I recuperated (even though the bug had hit her too). However, when we weren't sick, we were having a blast.

We visited the park just around the corner from my parents house.

Kalyn had such a fun time climbing up to the top of this pyramid thing and don't even think about telling Xander he's not as big as his sisters!

We got to visit with my grandmother - we treated her to lunch at McDonald's - hey, we know how to live it up.
The kids had a great time playing on the McDonaldland play-yard and Nannie had fun watching them.

We attempted to blow bubbles off a bridge, but there wasn't too much wind that day.

Trinity made amazing clothing creations with the piles of fabric pieces from my mom's quilting stash.

The kids had tons of fun with all of Mimi's rubber ducks in the tub.

We played with balloons.

Mimi said it took her a few days to find (and pop) them all.

We celebrated Papa's birthday.He got new pictures of the kids for his office and two new Peanuts books to go with the Schultz biography he's reading.

It was a wonderful trip, all in all.

We returned home Friday afternoon, right about the time Craig was arriving home from Centrifuge camp. On the way home, we found out that we needed to be down in Craig's hometown of Bowdon the next day. Craig's parents' house was hit by a tornado on Mother's Day this year and due to the damage, had to be demolished. Saturday morning, the builder was meeting with the Baughns to present his house plans. We're trying to help out his parents as much as we can during this big process, so we needed to be down there for this part of it. It was the first time Craig and I had seen the house, well the spot where the house used to be.

It was quite a bit to take in. But, the plans look great and we can't wait to see what is built in the old home's place.

That afternoon, we travelled to Douglasville to celebrate the marriage of Polly and Chris Grauso. It was such a wonderful reception. We are really enjoying getting to know Chris and Polly much better!

That's about all the update I can muster for now. We've had a great week since our arrival back home and I'll be posting those pictures soon!!

Theological 6-Year-Old

We've had the "opportunity" to talk with Trinity about lying. Over the past few weeks it has become more and more of a problem. Little ones, big ones - whatever. It just seems to be getting more and more difficult to distinguish the truth from a "not-truth" with her. So, as my mom was talking with her about telling the truth today, here was one of her responses:

"Well, I can't not tell the truth because if I always tell the truth, then that means I'm perfect like God and Jesus and no one is perfect like them."

While yes, she does has a point, I guess it's almost time to introduce her to Romans 6:1-2 which reads, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer." Sometimes I think she is just a bit beyond her time.

Nashville News

It's 2 in the afternoon (Central time) and all my kids are quietly in their beds. My mom had to run some errands and dad is at work, so the house is peacefully my own right now. So, it's time to update the blog. I am so excited about filling everyone in on the fun we are having up here.

After the seemingly long trip up here, we finally made it. No, we didn't hit traffic or any major issues, it was just one of those trip that SEEMED much longer that it was. Xander couldn't get comfortable or fall asleep - until about 10 minutes before we stopped for lunch. The girls' headphones for the oh-such-a-blessing DVD didn't work. I got to stop and put oil in my car (but now I know what kind to get and how to put it in). Like I said, not any the huge, just a lot of little trip-lengtheners.

The kids were so excited to see Mimi - she met us out at the garage as we pulled up to the house. Papa arrived home from his motorcycle journey a few hours later and was greeted with the same excitement and thrills.

That evening, my sister Ashley and her husband Jeff joined us for dinner. Then came the really exciting part of the night (for me). I mentioned a few posts ago that I was working on a secret project. Well - it was time for the unveiling! Or, more correctly, the giving. Over the past few months, Ashley and I have been secretly gathering pictures for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. Through Shutterfly, we put together an album spanning from early childhood, through their courtship and marriage, up until May of this year. We had a blast working on it and we couldn't wait to see them open it up. And yes, they loved it!!! It was also fun going through the album with them and putting names to faces and reliving some of the pictures. Many, many laughs were had that night!!!

Sunday was spent celebrating the openning of a new community center at their church. We had a shortened service in their sanctuary and then all walked outside, around the corner and into the new building. In there, we held a small service of dedication and communion. It was a nice way to open it up! That afternoon, Ashley and I headed out to a nearby outlet mall for some sisterly bonding through shopping. We had a blast just getting a chance to talk and catch up face to face without the "additional conversation" of three small children running around. I love my sister!! Thanks for loaning her out for the afternoon, Jeff.

The kids had lots of fun with Mimi and Papa all to themselves without Mom around! The girls even came up with a "battle cry" for the day. They would both run into a room, one would cry out "PEACE" then the other would cry out, "BE STILL", they would wait for a minute . . . . then run out of the room. Sorry to be the one to post this girls, but if you two are both in the same room, and you're both awake, then there probably is not any peace or stillness. But, most times I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Ending the Week

It's Saturday evening and it's time for a new posting. Tonight's posting comes from Nashville. The kids and I drove up here this morning for a week while Craig heads to Centrifuge with the youth. We've had a fun day today and I'll blog about that tomorrow. But today is a quick look back.

Thursday we got to celebrate my 34th birthday. It was a great day of relaxation and family time. Craig surprised me by taking most of the morning off and we pretty much hung around the house. Kalyn wasn't feeling too well that morning and some friends were over and playing downstairs with Trinity, so we had some fun one-on-one time with Xander. That afternoon, we piled into the car and headed off to a mystery destination, which Trinity was not keen on. We ended up at an AMC at The Avenue in Cumming to watch Wall-E. This theater was great - it's completely digital (sight and sound). Then, we met our friends, Llew, Lisa and Ben, for dinner at Red Robin. YUMMY. As we were walking in, the wait staff was singing happy birthday to another family. Well, that was enough for Trinity - she HAD to tell our waitress that it was my birthday. Happy Birthday, to me.

We ended our week with another puppet show. Trinity became very sad, though as she realized that it would be the last one she would see this summer. She said, "Next week, we'll be with Mimi and Poppa and the next week I'm at the King of the Jungle camp." So, I made sure that she had as much fun as she could at the last show. The puppeteer was Bob Brown who did a marionette show with penguins. All three kids had a blast watching the penguins tap dance, walk across a tightrope and ice skate (just to name a few tricks).

We ended Friday with a fun family movie. Craig grilled out some yummy pork chops and we grabbed some tv trays and started to watch Shek the Third. After we all finished dinner, everyone climbed up on the couch as we snuggled together to watch the remainder of the movie.

The end of the movie brought quite some interesting dance move from the kids.

A great way to end the week. I wish I could say that it ended there, but unfortunately, it was a rough getting the kids to bed. They were so wound up from the movie and dancing and I got more angry than I should have. I think my biggest frustration is when we try to do something fun, a reward for the whole family and it just doesn't stay fun due to fighting, whining or complaining. Urg. But, eventually everything calmed down and later ended the week on a good note.

What A Week!

My posts seem to be getting further and further apart. Over the past week, it also seems that each time I have "post to blog" on my to-do list, it becomes the last thing to be crossed off - if it is crossed off at all. However, I guess that really is a good thing. It means that life is busy, filled with things going on in our life. The summer has flown by so quickly. It has been jammed packed with youth events, working up at church, playing with the kids, visiting with friends, relaxing and gearing up for the next day. Some days are harder than others. I love my kids, but sometimes they are just a just a tad too much to handle. But, then, just as I'm about to ring their precious little necks, the girls come up from the basement like this -

two beautiful and colorful princesses, dressed for the ball.

My weekend was filled with such blessings. My wonderful husband worked some amazing magic and scheduled a great day of pampering and make-over for my birthday. With the help of a couple of friends, he sent me out for a pedicure, a new haircut and shopping for a couple of new outfits. Then, if that wasn't enough, he brought together a few friends for a Japanese dinner. It was a small group but at this time, it was just perfect.

Tuesday brought a blessing, which allowed me to get together with my friend, Jennifer. Jennifer is heading out to India tomorrow on a mission trip with a small group from our church. This is Jennifer's third trip to India, so she knows what she's in for (for the most part). She is such an encouragement to me in so many ways and I treasure her friendship. I always love to lift up others in prayer and Tuesday was a great opportunity to find out her specific prayer needs and concerns. Feel free to lift up the India team over the next 2 weeks - I know they will all love the additional prayer support. I just can't wait to hear the God stories when she returns!


During the remainder of the week, I'll be preparing to travel to Nashville, TN - my birthplace and the home of my parents, sister and brother-in-law, and grandmother. Usually the kids and I head up there during one of the youth events that Craig goes on during the summer. So, as he and the youth head off to Centrifuge, I'm off to Tennessee. I enjoy the chance to relax a bit and spend time with family. My mom was a school teacher for 20+ years and she always finds fun and educational things for us to do while we're up there. I'm looking forward to visiting everyone and celebrating birthdays (for myself and my dad) and my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. (Actually, their anniversary was June 1, but we all decided to hold on until we could celebrate together.) I'm also looking forward to some time to post about Craig's trip to Ecuador and any other events that have escaped the blog, as of yet. However, it's still a while between now and then. Earlier this week, I told the Trinity and Kalyn that we would go see another puppet show this week and it looks like that's on the schedule for Friday - and that's one thing that Trinity won't forget (now, remembering to keep her fingers out of her mouth is a completely different story).

One quick update - I was just told that I needed to change my settings to allow everyone (even anonymous people) to comment on the blog. Forgive me - I didn't know that setting was set. So, the setting has been changed - let the commenting - from everyone - commence!!!

Fourth Festivities

I love celebrating the Fourth of July. Actually, I love any reason to get together with good friends and play with fire-ignited explosions! Today was no different. Since Craig had to work (being self-employed means you get the holiday only if all the work is done), the kids and I headed back out to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center for our second puppet show.
I am still amazed by the array of puppets that are available and that people create. This week's show was done by Lee Bryan, That Puppet Guy. One unique puppet was made from a suitcase - he had cut a hole out of the top and covered the entire suitcase with a sheet. When he shined a light from the back, you could see a complete face - which included a mouth that he maneuvered for the speaking parts. Just amazing!! The kids had a blast - even Xander enjoyed it and sat completely still the entire time (except when he jumped up when one of the puppets would suddenly jump out from behind the stage).

That night, we headed over the Grauso's home. For the past few years, we have celebrated with them and it is always a blast!! They have a great view of the professional show at Wills Park, without the Wills Park traffic and crowds. We had so much fun lighting our own fireworks, watching the kids with the sparklers (or sprinklers as Trinity called them),
eating watermelon,

and watching the big fireworks.

Trinity, Jordan and Kalyn would let out a huge cheer with each display of color and sound! By the end, they had everyone cheering for them. It was a late night, but a great night.

Happy Birthday, USA!!!

Happy Fourth of July

Wow (yet again)!! How fast the week has flown. We've been busy this week, getting ready for Craig's return and welcoming him home. He had an amazing trip and I've truly enjoyed hearing his stories and viewing the pictures. I'll take some time soon to post some pictures and just a couple of stories. I've also been working on a super-secret project, which has taken up most of my spare time, which I would have usually used for blogging. But, that will be done this weekend and I'll be back to my some-what routine life. I look forward to sharing our life with you again.

I did want to take a moment and wish everyone a very blessed Fourth of July. I know that there are so many who have made sacrifices for this great nation of ours. Whether you are one who has personally served in the service or whether you have sacrificed by sending a member of your family, I say, "THANK YOU!" While words are often not enough, I am in debt to your service and dedication.

We are truly blessed to be in a wonderful country where we are free, to do pretty much anything. Unfortunately, that freedom is too often ruled by our own selfishness and pride. Just because we have been given the freedom do to it, doesn't mean we should. Corinthians 10:23-24 reads, "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." When we think about whether we should or should not do something, do we think past the legal limitations or do we dive deeper, asking is this really is something beneficial and constructive?

Deeper Still & Still Going

Wow! The weekend has flown by so quickly and I can't believe that it's already Tuesday night. The Deeper Still Conference was amazing. I had wanted to take some time to really reflect on what God had taught me during those brief 24 hours. While I took a ton of notes and wrote a lot of things down, I wanted to see what I really, truly remembered. Out of all the things that Priscilla Shirer, Kay Arthur and Beth Moore said, what stuck with me? Now that I'm out of the excitement of the event, what am I holding on to? Well, here are some of my thoughts. I'll probably space this out over a few days, but I'll start here.

The first is the way God works. Over the course of 48 hours (Friday night to Sunday night), I heard two lessons on the depravity of America - how much we need to pray and really strive to make an impact for Christ in during this time. I also heard two lessons about the wilderness and dealing with adversity. My ears always perk up when God says the same thing over and over - especially in a very short period of time. So, I'll be interested to see what's coming my way in the future. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33 - [Jesus says,] "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Scripture promises that things will not be perfect, we will have struggles. It's good to know that God prepares us, even when we don't recognize it until it's over.

Priscilla Shirer spoke on the wilderness - focusing on Exodus 19, when the Israelites were at Mt Sinai and when Moses went on the mountain to talk with God. One thing she talked about was the location of Mt. Sinai verses the location of the Promise Land. Looking at a map, Mt. Sinai was the furthest point from the Promise Land. God shows up in amazing way when we are often furthest away from what others would view as a spot full of blessings. It's in the wilderness when we should really expect God to reveal Himself. Now I know that my life has been fairly smooth, not perfect, but not rocked by huge problems or difficulties. Part of my saying that "out loud" is to remind myself of this plan when the wilderness does strike.

I'll close with this one last thing. She also did an amazing "rundown" of God in Scripture. It's a bit long, but very much worth the time. Check it out:

In Genesis, He's the breath of life

In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He's our high priest

In Numbers, the fire by night

In Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide

In Joshua, He's salvation's choice

In Judges, He's Israel's Guard

In Ruth, the kinsmen's Redeemer

In 1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign

In Ezra, He's the true and faithful scribe

In Nehemiah, the Re-builder of broken walls and lives

In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage

In Job, the timeless Redeemer

In Psalms He is our morning song

In Proverbs, He is our wisdom

In Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season

In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel Ezekiel, the call from sin

In Daniel, the stranger in the fire

In Hosea, the forever faithful

In Joel, the spirit's power

In Amos, the strong-arms that carry

In Obadiah, the Lord our Savior

In Jonah, the great missionary

In Micah, the promise of peace

In Nahum, our strength and shield

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival

In Haggai He restores that which was lost

In Zachariah, He's our fountain

In Malachi, He's the Son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah

In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven

In Romans, He is the grace of God

In Corinthians, the power of love

In Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin

In Ephesians, our glorious treasure

In Philippians, the servant's heart

In Colossians, He's God and the Trinity

In Thessalonians, our calling King

In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our Mediator and our faithful Pastor

In Hebrews, the everlasting courage

In James, the One who heals the sick

In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful Shepherd

In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED