Recognition

We are not all about feeding the 'I need recognition and awards' craze in general, but we are ok with these...........the three oldest had their AWANA Awards Ceremony to recognize their hard work on hiding God's Word in their hearts. Toads and Girly Girl received book completion as well as extra credit pins for their year in Sparks and Samoosa got in on the action this year. It was her first year in AWANA - the Puggles group. She sang the Puggles theme song and said one of their verses............'God made me in His image.' Toads shared the R verse in Sparks.

Our New Annual Celebration

When Toads was entering 1st grade, we committed to the Spanish Immersion Program through 5th grade and with that, we now celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Each class performs a dance or two during the special presentation for the parents and later to the entire student body. Toads had a fabulous time and we have all loved watching and re-watching both dances.

Here are his two dances. He is front and center dancing with the tall blonde girl. I apologize for my inability to keep the camera still.

Improving Her Skills

Girly Girl can ride her bike!! We are all  very excited as this means that the Six Linos can go on a bike ride together as a family. We are looking forward to some quality time on our bikes. Today she mastered the turn. Lots of loops.

How They Really Are

The looks in this picture are perfect! They are all showing their personality. I can't wait until about 10-12 years from now......12, 13 and 15 year old girls.

Why Not the Fourth Too?

We went four for four on this one....Today, String Bean had her tubes put in and adenoids removed. I tried to convince them to take her tonsils too, but her age and size of her tonsils did not permit it. This is the fifth time Dr. Newton Duncan has operated on our four children. It's old hat for us it seems. His office and business efficiency is one I wish more doctors would emulate. Even he was surprised that all four have had to do this. I'm not sure how all of the sinus - ear infections thing really works, but I know our four have it down pat. The older three have responded beautifully and this surgery made all the difference for them. I am just thrilled we finally got it done for String Bean. The days of hearing loss and 30 straight days of antibiotics are hopefully behind us.

String Bean and I arrived at the surgery center just after 8:00 and we were on our way home at 10am. She did wonderful. When we arrived in the pre-op room, there were two of her favorite things..........rocking chairs. She got hers and I got mine. She played with the doctors and stickers and rocked away. Just before they took her back, I kissed her on the head and the wonderful anesthesiologist picked her up and off they went. She insisted on taking her feet braces with her and only cried once I was out of sight. It really wasn't so bad. I had a twinge of 'wishing I could go with her' feelings and then it was off to the waiting room.

I barely had time to get out my reading material before Dr. Duncan came to get me. She was done! Under 30 minutes. Very routine. She did not think it was so routine when she woke up. It was all my fault. I forgot - actually never even crossed my mind, that her 'pacifier' is her left hand. Unfortunately, her IV was in her left hand and there was no way to get it in her mouth. She pulled at it, cried at me and was basically unhappy until it came out. Poor thing. I felt terrible.

We had a nice quiet day at home with one sister in Dallas visiting cousins, the older two at school and Nana here to help. The anesthesia wore off without complications and she took a great nap. It was nice to have a day at home without a lot of rushing around. String Bean ate and ate and ate - everything except for the Sonic slush. I still don't understand who could not like one of those, but she clearly doesn't. She did not really feel like eating when we ventured out to one of our favorites - Chuy's.

Other than a little bit of 'cranky' and pitiful our day went very well. I am so thankful for the Lord's provision for String Bean......a wonderful doctor and his available schedule, Nana who could come help, adaptable older children, excellent medical care at the center, a flawless procedure and an easy-going patient. She even had me and the nurses rolling with laughter in recovery with her sad cries for help with IV. I love this girl!!

My Apologies

I have no idea how it happened............but there was a post and an email that seems to have originated from my blog that was clearly spam. I have reset all of my passwords and run all the virus scans. Please accept my apologies for the annoying inconvenience.

Local Ladies Only

I have to blog just because I want this information to be in the hands of the NEHBC ladies and the women they know and love. Who knows when I may blog again, but ladies, please look over this list and see if God is calling you to one of these studies.

We are very excited about the Spring Women’s Bible Studies at NEHBC! Please consider joining us for one of these studies as you walk along your busy life journey. There are 5 studies this semester that are being held in different places at different times.

Sign up by contacting Nicole Lino. 281.804-3466 or nrlino@nehbc.com

Freedom for Mothers

Tuesdays 6:45pm at the home of Michelle Dickerson

$15 - begins January 25

Journey into God’s Word to discover the fullness and freedom you can experience as a woman and as a mother. You will find the source to fill your “love bucket,” recognize common mothering traps and deal decisively with self-defeating habits. Based on John 15.

The Book of James

Tuesdays 7:00pm at the home of Gail Black

Free - begins January 25

A systematic walk through the book of James allows you to discover the deep truths for biblical living.

The Book of James

Wednesdays 9:30am at NEHBC, led by Pam Bentley

Free - begins January 19

A systematic walk through the book of James allows you to discover the deep truths for biblical living.

Wisdom for Mothers

Wednesdays 10am at the home of Nicole Lino

$15 -  begins January 26

Biblical answers to your important questions about marriage, children and work. In addition to the Bible study, you will learn to improve your mothering skills and will find helpful mothering tips designed for moms of all ages at the end of each lesson. Based on Proverbs 31.

David, Seeking a Heart Like His (Beth Moore)

Thursdays 10am at NEHBC, led by Debra Polk

$15 - begins January 27

He was a man loved and annointed by God, and his life serves as an example-both good and bad-for Christians in every time and place. In this in-depth look at the life of David, Beth Moore draws spiritual insight and understanding from a man who slayed a giant and saved a kingdom.