How amazing is our Creator!

Wow! We are with my family in Florida this week and having a wonderful time! Hope to blog about our time here but I am totally moved to glorify my God at this time!
I am so thankful to have been able to view the amazing work of our God in the wee hours of the morning this morning.  It was the total lunar eclipse during the winter solstice. It was absolutely amazing. Felt so moved to praise our God! He is indescribable. I got to view this rare sight on my Bday with a few of my favorite people in the world, which made this bday tops on the list of most exciting bdays!  Kevin, Madi, Mom, Heather and I stayed up to marvel at this amazing sight. It was so cool to be able to experience that with Madi. Hopefully it will be something she never forgets.  The moon was amazing in its fullness. We walked out Mom and Dad's front door, looked up and there it was. It was like God created the perfect show for our viewing. I was so thankful to be here and be able to enjoy the eclipse. If we would have been home we would have not been able to see it because of the weather. It was beautiful as the shadow of the earth eventually blocked the direct light from the sun. It created a beautiful reddish tint on the moon.  In addition to the eclipse, the stars were so bright and shining. The sky was perfectly clear and my parents live away from most city lights so the stars were bright and beautiful. I am so thankful to worship my Creator, the creator of all the earth. How blessed I am to be a daughter of the Most High. Thank you God for the ways you continue to amaze me!

Psalm 147:4 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁴ He determines the number of the stars
   and calls them each by name.

Psalm 136:9 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁹ the moon and stars to govern the night;
            His love endures forever.

Psalm 8:3 (New International Version, ©2010)

³ When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,


Hope I can post some pics soon! It was amazing.

Finally Finished and Ready to Enjoy Christmas!

Wow! It has been a whirlwind. Thank the Lord for the strength, energy and endurance for helping me do all I have had to do in order to finish all the last minute things to get ready for Christmas. It may sound silly but I have talked to God many times this past week about helping me to accomplish everything I need to accomplish. HE IS FAITHFUL even through the small requests. I am ever so thankful for my precious, wonderful, amazing husband for being so supportive and patient with me even when I am acting in a tizzy. I love him! I am also thankful for my sweet babies for being so patient with me this week while I have been glued to the computer trying to finish up their Shutterfly books. It takes forever to do 3 at a time!
I feel like a heavy burden is lifted off of my shoulders! I can now enjoy the rest of the Christmas season. Don't get me wrong. I still have lots of packing and wrapping to get done but at least the girls can help me. They love to wrap presents.
We will be leaving on Friday morning to go to FL to spend a week with my mom, dad, sisters, niece, nephews and the rest of the family. I am so excited to be able to spend time with them. The girls are thrilled to see their cousins. They have never met my new nephew Audi, so it will be fun. I do dread the L O N G drive down there with three precious children. And did I mention Mya is potty training? HUMMM! How many potty breaks will we take? :) We will just have to laugh!  Once we get there it is all about relaxing and spending quality family time! I can't wait. Then of course, we can look forward to getting back here and waiting on the BIG man to come ; )  Well, I better go to bed. NITE!

Madison's book 2010

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Zoe's book 2010

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Our Family Photos 2010

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Mya Avery's Photo Book

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A Turning Point in the Jourdan Household

I have a lot of catching up to do. Since Thanksgiving it has not stopped. We have been doing lots of fun festive holiday things. The thing I want to blog about today is the conversation we had with Madi last night.

   So far in my life there are two conversations with my children that I want to delay as long as I can to preserve their childlike innocence. They are  explaining sexual intercourse and Santa's existence.  I know they are two extremely different conversations and one is obviously much more important and heavier than the other but the fact that the conversation is taking place only means my oldest baby is maturing.

Madi has asked us the past few years the normal question, "Is there really such thing as Santa?" Of course Kevin  and I have not wanted to deliberately lie to her asked, "Well, what do you think?" She says, "Yes, I believe." So with a sigh of relief we say, "Good!" 

Well, her questions have started coming a little more frequently this year and Kevin and I were hoping we could get through one more Christmas with her believing. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen! 

Last night she came down stairs after being in bed for quite a while and sat on the stairs. She looked puzzled and I could tell she had something on her mind. She said she couldn't sleep and that she kept thinking about Santa Claus and whether he was real or not. I looked and Kevin and we knew that we had to tell her the truth. Ahhh! I dreaded this day.   :(  She came down and sat in my lap next to Kevin on the couch and we talked. We asked her if she REALLY wanted to know and she said yes. She said she wanted to believe and she knows she should believe, it is just so hard. She has a few friends that have told her that Santa isn't real and she just can't stop thinking about the whole thing.  I wanted to cry. I hated for her to lose the joy and excitement of the "magic " of Christmas.  I had some strange butterflies in my tummy as I listened to her. Then Kevin told her that He was Santa and I told her that is why I believe in Santa. :)  Because I believe in her daddy. Suddenly, a moment of clarity came upon her face as she finally understood the song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".  She has always asked me to turn off that song because it really bothered her that a mommy would do such a thing behind her husband's back. When it would come on she would say, "Where was the Daddy?" or  "Would you kiss Santa Mommy?" I would always say, "That's really strange!" Then quickly change the subject.

Kevin explained to her the importance of keeping it a secret and not spoiling it for her sisters or any of her friends. She understood and was excited to hear her daddy call her "our little elf". She had lots of questions about how it all went down and when we set out all the gifts and stuff. Then it hit her that mommy and daddy bought ALL the gifts and that's why Santa couldn't bring poor children gifts. That was always hard to explain in years past. Now she understands and wants to ask for less so that we can give more  to others that don't have much. She has such a sweet and giving heart. Maybe this new chapter in our life although sad at first to close the old one, will open up more opportunities to teach Madi and eventually Zoe and Mya about giving more to others and not getting so caught up in wanting so much when we are blessed with everything we need. Hope you all have a wonderful time sharing special moments with your family during this holiday season.

So Excited About My Holiday Cards From Shutterfly!

Family Wall Red Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

kojodesigns: kojotutorial: another ruffle-y, jcrew-y dress

kojodesigns: kojotutorial: another ruffle-y, jcrew-y dress: "I know I've already given you the directions for the yellow ruffle dress. Just to cover all my bases, I thought I'd whip up a little tuto..."

We Won!!! -And my deep thoughts.

 Wow! That was a tough game. I was very concerned that we would not beat Ole Miss. It was so close the entire game. I was not only dreading the rest of the trip but I was dreading the fact that Kevin would have to come back to Mississippi and face Ole Miss fans. If the truth needs to be told, some of them are not very nice. Instead of enjoying their win and delighting in a victory, they like to rub it in the opposing team's (LSU's) face with their horrible cheer. I mean who makes up a cheer like that? BIM BAM FLIM FLAM???? Why would you cheer about flim?? Isn't that what gets caught in your throat when you get a cold? Anyway, enough of that. We won!!! That was really exciting. We went to the game with Brian and Chelsea and had a blast. It was their first time in Tiger Stadium and Kevin was so excited to have converted another friend over to LSU! Brian and Chelsea both bought  LSU t-shirts so its official!
After the game we were hungry so we went to eat at a place called Louisana's Kitchen. Kevin picked a great place because the food was wonderful! After supper we went back to our hotel and crashed. We were so tired. The game was mentally exhausting. LOL!
This morning we woke up and went to worship at South Baton Rouge Church of Christ. It was uplifting to worship with other brothers and sisters in Christ that I have never met before. It seems like a great church.

 I think I have convinced Kevin that there is NO WAY we want our girls to go to LSU to college. WOW! It was so sad to see all those girls there dressed so immodestly. The question that kept running through my head was, "Does their momma know they are dressed like that?" It was so sad to see some of the things we saw that I am sure goes on at every public college campus. I guess I am just a little sheltered in that sense. It breaks my heart, especially since I am a mom of daughters.  All I know is that Kevin and I have 10 years at a minimum to continue to teach,mold and train Madi, Zoe, and Mya to desire to please God. After that,  Madi could be going away to college and then Zoe and then Mya. I pray we do the best job we can to show our children Christ. To instill a love for God in their hearts that only wants to follow His will and not their own desires. I want to teach them discipline, modesty, self worth, their value in God, self- control and confidence to fight the pressures that this world will throw at them. My sole purpose as a mother is to raise children that will be obedient to God and choose to follow God. Nothing else I do will have an eternal purpose but that! Wow, what a change in direction. I have fully intended on blogging about the game and our experience. I guess my heart was saddened by the scarce presence of God there this weekend. As we walked the mile or two back to our car, I watched all the people celebrating the big win. They were so excited dancing, getting drunk, and partying it up. I am not judging them but I wondered if they knew Jesus?  It makes me sad to think of how so many people are living without the hope that Jesus offers. So many people are living life only focused on the matters of this life and this world and not looking past this life and seeing God's purpose for us.
 This weekend I saw so many people that have made LSU their "god". They put so much time, insane amounts of money and effort to tail gate and attend their weekly football games. If LSU wins, life is great! If LSU loses then they are bummed. They will even go to the extent to tell an opposing team or a game official to go to hell because of a loss or a bad call. REALLY??? I saw a  family of five sitting in front of us all wearing their new matching t-shirts with the words "GO TO HELL OLE MISS" printed on them.  How could you wear a shirt like that, much less buy it for your children? To me it is JUST a game of football. I know to some people it is more than just football, it is their life. It makes me look at my own life and ask myself what kind of things do I put too much focus on that are not eternal? What kind of things do I let get in the way of God's plan for me as His child and His disciple?                           I need to go to bed. Just had to get a few things off my chest. I don't know why I think about things too much.
By the way, it was wonderful to come home to see my babies!!! I missed them so much. I got tons of hugs and kisses! I had a wonderful time with Kevin it was some much needed time away with him. It seems to always recharge me as a mommy to have a break with Kevin every now and then. It gives us a chance focus on each other only for a few days with no distractions which is always a good thing.
I also came home to my mom, dad, grandparents, and uncle! I am so excited about the week ahead of us!  I love spending time with family and it is a blessing for them to be here.

Baton Rouge At Last!

Well we just drove into Baton Rouge and Kevin is seeing LSU stores everywhere. So glad Christmas is coming soon. I'm getting some good ideas! We spent the day in New Orleans. It is such a beautiful city. The architecture there is amazing! Some of the old buildings are so beautiful. We ate at a great place called Mothers and then stopped for bengets and coffee. Yummmm!!!! We did see some scary things. I felt a little out of my bubble but it makes me thankful for my small world in good old OB. We left New Orleans before dark to head to what my Hubby calls "The Best Place on Earth"(Baton Rouge). Lol! We are gonna grab a bite to eat and relax tonight for the big game. As Kev would say," we have to get mentally prepared." I just hope LSU dominates Ole Miss tomorrow! I'll update and add pics later. I am having a blast with Kevin,Chelsea and Brian but I do miss my babies!

Thanksgiving Countdown

Hey everyone! We are almost a week away from Thanksgiving! We are pretty busy around here getting ready for our family to come in. We are so excited, especially the girls. They have been counting down everyday for the past three weeks. 
Kevin and I leave Thursday evening to go to spend the weekend in Louisiana. We are going to spend the day in New Orleans on Friday, then head over to Baton Rouge. We will go to the LSU/Ole Miss game on Saturday. I hope the Tigers will beat those Rebels! It will make for a more pleasant evening  and ride home on Sunday. LOL! Plus, I like when my sweet hubby gets excited over some football! :)
Its been about 4 years since we have been to Tiger Stadium so Kevin is like a kid at Christmas!!!
When we are gone on Friday my mom will fly in for the week. She will pick up the girls from Aunt Lisa's, Uncle BoBo's and Brylee's house and take care of them while we are gone. Thank you Lisa!!! You are so sweet to let them stay with you! They are truly excited about sleeping over with Brylee! 
My dad, uncle and grandparents will drive in on Sunday. On Wednesday our family from Indianapolis will come in. They will be staying with us and my girls are excited because they just love my cousins.
In the meantime, we will be spending family time together and preparing food for Turkey DAY!!!
We will eat at our house and I am excited to be able to have the whole family over here. The Tullos side doesn't get the opportunity to get together (because of the distance) but every few years.
I will really miss my sisters this year.  I wish so bad my sisters and their babies could be here. It just won't be the same without them. They can't come because of their jobs. Brooke just had a baby and used all of her time off and Lauren just got a new job and has to work. 
 I am excited about the holidays coming. It is an exciting time when we celebrate each other, tradition and helping others. God has truly blessed us as His children and that is the best gift of all.

Wow The Time Flies

This is so crazy! I haven't blogged in so long! Well, life has been quite busy and crazy. The girls are doing great and growing so fast. Madi is 8, Zoe is 5 and Mya is now 3! My baby is 3. We are home most days doing school and spending time together.

Madi is doing really good in school and is in the 3rd grade right now. She is such a great big sister and enjoys telling her little sisters what to do. :) She has a sweet heart and is always wanting to help. She has some really good friends. She is blessed that one of her closest friends happens to live behind us.

Zoe is eager to learn. Since she just turned 5 we have not pushed school to much this year. We do things as she is ready. She is sounding out words very well and read her first reading book the week before she turned 5. That was really exciting! Zoe looks up to Madi and adores Mya. Zoe is such a little servant. She loves to do things for others. She teaches me lessons everyday by her unselfish heart. She is so full of love.

Mya is a hand full. She just makes me laugh. She is quite the busy one. She is into everything and has so much personality. She doesn't let being the youngest of three girls hold her back. She keeps us on our toes.

Raising our three girls is a true blessing.

There is nothing I'd rather be doing.

I love Shutterfly!

Well, it is that time of  year again and I am trying to be prepared. I am so excited about the holidays coming so soon. Christmas is right around the corner and I have been shopping online for the newest holiday card designs. I was thrilled to see Shutterfly's http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards choices this year. I have used Shutterfly year after year to help make our holidays special.  In our family, it is a tradition that every year each one of our girls recieves a photo book from Kevin and me. They get so excited with anticipation! They love to look back over the year and remember all the fun and exciting things they have done. They are also very proud of it and love to show our guests throughout the Holiday season. I have also started making photo books http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books/simple-path for grandparents and special occasions. These make great Christmas gifts for family too! Shutterfly has such wonderful products, great prices and wonderful customer service. I am actually having a really hard time trying to decide which card I want to use this year. There are so many beautiful designs to choose from. I love the way it is quick and easy to design a card using Shutterfly's system. Some of the cards I am thinking about ordering are, The Classic Red Square design, Merry Memories Chartrense, Rejoice Lord King, and Vintage Provence. Each of the these designs allow me to include multi photos of my sweet babies. If you are searching for the perfect card this year to put your beautiful family on than you should really check out http://www.Shutterfly.com. Their system is user friendly and is a lot of fun to use. Hope you have fun sending good cheer to all of those that are close to you! Thanks Shutterfly for making the holidays more special with your wonderful card designs and gift ideas!