update :)

I have been thinking it is way past time to update my blog for a couple of weeks.  I was told by another fellow blogger that I need to really be "watering my garden" a little more.  I need to keep up with my postings a little better in other words.  Sorry to my 6 followers,  who I'm sure have been waiting ever so impatiently for another riveting entry from yours truly.  I know that last statement is not entirely true, well not even a little true.  I know you just check when I update. :)  Anyway.  I do need to update.  So, here's a short blurb on what's been going on in the past three weeks.

Mother's Day was wonderful, period.  Thank you all so much for the feedback on my mother's story.  I loved telling it and I loved hearing that so many of you were inspired by her courage and fearless faith.  She truly is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to know.

We celebrated some graduation ceremonies in the meantime.  We "graduated" our 3rd class of Seniors since moving to Cushing.  I hope there are many, many, many more students in our future here.  God has really blessed this class with so much leadership potential and with hearts that seek after Him.  We love you, Senior class of 2011.

Then, last week, we took 20 students with us to Arlington, TX to enjoy a Texas Rangers game and Six Flags.  It was a blast to say the least!  We had a wonderful time with the kids we took!  Even sitting all day at Six Flags was bearable because of the company we kept while there.  Christi Hickman, my dear friend and wife to our music minister, sat with me for the greater part of the day.  What a blessing!!!

So, now up to today.  I'm turning in money to our church secretary today for a new ministry that a few friends and I are starting for moms in our community.  I am SO excited about what we are doing and more excited about what God is doing!  We are hosting a garage sale this week at Robyn Jones' house.  So, if you like garage sales (as I do!!!) stop by if you are in the Cushing/Stillwater/Stroud area this Thursday and Friday.  I promise it will be worth it!  We are not only selling "pre-loved" items, but we are raffling a trip to Branson for $5 (<---click here if you want to see some pictures to where you could be going!) a ticket and also selling homemade laundry soap including instructions for making your own if you are interested!  The ministry is Moms31 and we have a facebook page.(<---click here to take a little trip to our facebook pg)  So, come and see us there or on our blog. (<---and click here to go to our blog page!)

Shameless advertising below! :)  Hope to see you there!

Last, but not least, I wanted to update you on our baby naming progress.  We have a short list that includes a few really beautiful names that we think will go with Elliana's name pretty well.  There was one new revelation yesterday about one of the names on that list.  We will not be naming our daughter Sawyer.  I can tell you that I still love the name, but being from Oklahoma where all our words kinda run together at times, I don't think I could be pleased always with that choice.  Here's what happened to help us with this one.
Yesterday, my mother and father in-law came over for some time away from Mustang. My mother in-law was wearing some really cute shoes.  She asked me if I saw them earlier and I responded, "Yes, I saw your cute shoes!"  But, with my Okie accent it sounded more like "saw yer"...and in that moment I heard her potential name being made fun of in so many ways and couldn't bring myself to put her through such torture as a Middle schooler.  So, the name Sawyer is officially off our list.  As for the others, we will update you as soon as more get crossed off, but until then, keep suggesting names.  We are open and would love some help with this HUGE task of naming our second child!
Thanks y'all!  Love
CL