Olivia is 2!

Olivia's Princess Castle Cake



The party was at Chick-Fil-A.


Cousin Isabelle liked the cake!




There was a cupcake decorating station, complete with icing, candy corn, sprinkles, gum drops, and gel icing:)









It was a great party! If anyone else has any additional pictures from the party, please email them to me at jillthomason@hotmail.com

Olivia's 2 Year Old Stats:
35" tall
weight: 27 lbs.

Book Review: Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love

By: Brennan Manning and John Blasé, Illustrated by: Nicole Tadgell

Best for ages 3-10 years

This is a children’s book that tells the story of a middle aged couple, Willie Juan and Ana, and their love for children. This couple was unable to have their own children, but they invested time and much love into the children of their Mexican village.

I greatly appreciate that this book speaks of God’s (“Abba’s”) love for all. I think it is very important to teach our children that God loves them and has a special plan for each of their lives. My only complaint about this book is that the salvation story is never shared. A “works based” theology is alluded to and grace and forgiveness are never mentioned.

On a positive note, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! I kept looking at the book and enjoying the sketches that appear to be painted with watercolors. The colors are very vibrant, and rightfully so for a Mexican story. I think this story is a wonderful reminder to all of us, children and adults alike, that we are all made in God’s image and He loves us very much.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sawyer is 6!!!

Sawyer's class singing "Happy Birthday" to him



Sawyer choosing a birthday present from his teacher's birthday bag


his birthday party at our house



Sawyer got a trampoline for his birthday!




lots of great presents!

Women of Faith - Imagine 2011

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20...This was the theme verse for the Women of Faith event that mom and I were blessed to attend last weekend in Atlanta. What a blessing it was to worship with thousands of sisters of Christ. We laughed and cried as we heard testimonies of God's faithfulness even in the midst of trials. The worship team was amazing along with Natalie Grant, Lisa Harper, Nicole Johnson, Mary Mary, Angie Smith, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, and Laura Story! God has done a mighty work in each of those ladies and I was so honored to listen to their testimonies and hear their beautiful voices praise His name! http://www.womenoffaith.com/
mom & I


Lisa Harper
I really want to read Lisa's new book, Stumbling into Grace. If you've read this book please leave a comment letting me know how you liked it.


Natalie Grant
Natalie's adorable twin daughters were there at Phillips Arena too:) My favorite song that Natalie sings is "Your Great Name".


Laura Story
Laura has an amazing testimony of what God is teaching her through the sickness of her husband that has a brain tumor. Through her trials she has penned the song "Blessings" that she sings so beautifully. Also she wrote "Indescribable" (recorded by Chris Tomlin) that has become the No.1 worship song! Her new album is named "Blessings".


Mary Mary
These two sisters- Tina & Erica- know how to rock it! They are famous for several songs, but mainly "Shackles".


Luci Swindoll (Chuck Swindoll's sister) has an amazing ministry traveling all around the world. She helps with World Vision to find and visit families that have children that need to be adopted.


Mom and I had to have a nice dinner while in Atlanta. Mom took me for the first time to one of her favorites, Nan's Thai (link below)! It was sooo yummy and the atmosphere is very relaxing and nice!



http://www.nanfinedining.com/#home

Kindergarten!

Sawyer started Kindergarten yesterday!

Olivia dancing with her baby doll

Book Review: Leading to the Bedroom

Leading to the Bedroom by: David and Katie Reid

This book is an extraordinary guide about intimacy in marriage! I like that David and Katie Reid don’t tip-toe around this important gift of intimacy in marriage. Instead, they focus on challenges of intimacy that all married couples face, but that most authors and teachers shy away from teaching. It was refreshing and very helpful to my marriage for both my husband and I to read the book, and discuss the subject matter. We were challenged in ways we had not been before.

As a woman, I greatly appreciated that at the end of each chapter there is “A Wife’s Take”, where Katie Reid writes about her perspective supporting her husband’s teaching throughout that chapter. The book is chalked full of scripture to back up the teaching as Biblical truth. I greatly appreciate that this book often reminds us that sex in marriage is nothing to be ashamed of. This book teaches that martial oneness through unashamed intimacy and living the gospel out is what God has planned for our marriages. It is a gift from Him!

This book is a very practical must read for every marriage! I highly recommend it!



To read more about this book, see the website http://www.leadingtothebedroom.com/ and read an additional review at http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-atlanta/leading-to-the-bedroom-the-couple-s-guide-to-soul-sex-review