Tastes of Heaven

So I've been reading a book entitled, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. It discusses in depth about what the present heaven is like and what the new heaven and new earth with look like after Jesus' return as referenced in Revelations 21.  I will admit I've always wondered what heaven would be like and wanted scripture references to back up what eternity looks like for those that believe God created this world, man sinned, God created a plan to send his Son as payment for our sin so we can spend eternity with a resurrected King.  Many scripture references throughout the book point to how there are hints of heaven and the new earth here on our current earth.  Just as if someone handed you a brand new car, you would know it is a car based on some of the typical characteristics known of this type of transportation (ie, steering wheel, requires gas, four tires, etc), the new Earth that God has planned in Revelations will have hints/connections to the fallen earth we are currently living in.  We won't have sickness or sorrow or pain but we will recognize the earth's beauty, fellowship with others, and some of the amazing things that if we were to be honest we would say we would "miss" about this current earth.... they will probably be planned for within the eternity God has created for those who believe in Him on the new earth.  Throughout scripture, Earth is referenced, making Randy Alcorn state that our eternity will be connected to earth in some way, only the best parts of earth that is.  As I type this, I've been thinking about some of the thoughts we will have when we finally see this eternity God created for us.  I look at my two boys and see the excitement and pure joy they feel when they hear snow is in the forecast.  The commitment to get completely dressed in their snow gear and play uninterrupted in this frozen water falling from the sky.  The willingness to plop down right where they are to make a snow angel.  The giddiness when snow hits their tongue.  The satisfaction when a snow ball lands on the object they aimed at (even if it is their brother or mommy, haha!)  The enthusiasm to ask for hot chocolate, a warm fire and hot soup as these are staples on a snowy day.  I feel like this is a hint or taste of heaven.  I think when we look at how kids approach a little snow, we can catch a glimpse of what heaven will be like.  No pain or sorrow, just joy and happiness about something so simple as water falling from the sky as unique snowflakes.  Here are some pictures from our snow day..... we had fun..... it was "heavenly".;)

To My Little Valentines

To Zander and Maddox,

How are you already six and four years old?!  It seems like yesterday that I was posting my first Valentine post with the two of you and that has been four years ago now!  I am loving your current ages!! We are having so much fun riding bikes, playing Uno, snuggling on the couch, learning memory verses for church, eating at some of our favorite restaurants, racing cars, going for walks with Burke, swinging at the playground, meeting up with friends, spending time with family and overall just enjoying our time together.  There are definitely moments where you go into time out and need some time away from each other but there are also moments where I just sit and listen to you playing WITH each other, respecting what your brother has to say, taking turns and sharing ideas and toys.  I pray that your friendship will only grow as you get older.  I pray that all the tackles will turn into high fives, pats on the back, cheering each other on as you grow into the person God created each of you to be.  You have some things in common..... like you both get up early  and go to bed pretty easily.  You both love playing Mario Kart and you both love tackles from daddy and hugs from mommy.  You also have some differences which make you unique.  I cherish that Zander is my helper, the first one to offer to clean up a mess or to complete a chore.  I appreciate that Maddox is my sharer, willing to give his brother a new toy he recently received as a gift or his blanket during cuddle times.  I absolutely love how Zander's eyes light up when he talks about his day or tells a story he wants us to hear.  I can't get enough of Maddox's smile, how he immediately comes into my room first thing in the morning with such optimism.  I hope that both of you never lose your enthusiasm for life and for learning.  I pray that you will constantly seek ways to help others and be generous with what you have been given.  I pray you will learn this from each other and from us.  I pray that you will always know how loved you are by your daddy and me.  We feel so blessed to have you as ours.  Happy Valentine's Day to our two (not so little) boys!

Love, 

Mommy (and Daddy)

Some pictures from our week.... we had a tornado warning last week and some pretty rough weather once the warning was lifted.  We got out of school early and I was able to pick up Emerson and spend a little extra time with my boys, niece and nephew!

We celebrated the 100th day of school dressed like we were 100 years old!  I borrowed some things from my grandma.... who happens to be 88 years old!

Zack and I got to attend a Fitz and the Tantrums concert.  We typically don't have the same music interests.  We have been to three concerts in the 15 years we have been together..... a country concert (my pick), a rock concert (his pick) and this show!  This is the first concert we both enjoyed being at together!  We have about three bands we actually agree upon.  We both had a blast, and we are already hoping to see them again when they are back in NC!

 Zander had a field trip today.  I wasn't able to attend due to a work commitment.  I loved getting this picture from a co-worker.... it is so sweet how so many people love our boys!  I was able to stop by after the county-wide spelling bee to say hello and snap a couple pictures before heading back to work!  I figured with the field trip being less than a mile from where I was, I had to check in! ;)

Spending Time with Grandparents!

Growing up, I always thought it was super cool that I had three sets of grandparents!  It made for extra spoiling and extra time with family as we got together to celebrate birthdays and holidays.  One of my grandfather's passed away when I was in fourth grade and my second grandfather passed away in December.  I think it is still pretty incredible that I have three living grandmas and one living grandpa that I get to see and spend time with.... they still spoil me rotten and I enjoy the time we get to spend together!  I am so thankful that my boys are blessed to have three sets of grandparents as well.  I love that we can see these family members throughout the year and the boys can experience the spoiling and time with family that I cherished growing up.  The boys have been able to spend time with three of their grandparents in the last week.  First, Grammy spent some time with both boys at the science center.  She had Zander for a couple workdays while I had to work but he was out of school.  Maddox was feeling left out so she planned a special day for the two of them to go to the science center.  I loved getting pictures of him soaking up the day as the only grand kid!  Now that Linds has two kids of her own, Maddox doesn't often have one on one time with his grandparents so this day made him feel extra special!  

Zack was out of town for work last week so we enjoyed eating dinner out with Aunt Lindsey, Emerson and Eli.  I introduced Emerson to her first ice cream cone.... can you tell she was excited?! ;)  I am loving time together for the cousins as well!  It was always a treat when we got together with our cousins growing up!

We were excited when daddy returned from his work trip! We went out to dinner after picking him up from the airport.  This evening also marked 15 years since our first date! We had to document how life has changed since that first date.... time sure does fly when you are having fun!  I knew he was someone special on that first date.... I just had no idea how blessed our lives would be 15 years later because of that date! ;)

Grannie came on Saturday to go to the science center with us and enjoy some bike riding!  The new tigers were at the science center and Maddox wanted to show his brother the new Harley Davidson room as well!  Grannie got to see Maddox successfully ride a two-wheel bike as well!  He has been working on it for a little while.... but lacked the perseverance to keep peddling.  He definitely had the balance down due to his balance bike.  On Saturday, Maddox decided he was big enough to keep on going so we officially have another bike rider at our house!

The weather has been so beautiful that we were able to ride bikes on Saturday and Sunday!! We are ready for spring!

 I love seeing Maddox at church on Sunday nights.  I am blessed to get to work with approximately 16 three and four year olds in the Jr. Cubbies AWANA program.  I love watching him sing the songs in our "big group" time and play games!  We are still working on him sitting quietly for mommy's lesson.  He feels he should be able to sit on my lap and talk throughout the lesson like when we have conversations at home when reading books! haha

On Sunday night (after AWANAs), we got to watch part of the Super Bowl at Grammy and Grandpa's.  The boys loved cheering for Grandpa's team and sitting with him to watch the game.  Emerson even joined in by watching the football game too (although she preferred coloring)!