9 Years and Counting

Yesterday, Craig and I celebrated 9 years of marriage! Where has the time gone?!?!?! In those 9 years we have owned 2 homes, lived in 2 apartments and one rental house. We have lived through major job transitions, a season of infertility and spousal heartache.

We made the decision, upon feeling the Holy Spirit guiding us, to quite our full time and secure jobs and sale our home to move to a city we knew nothing about and thought it would be a short lived stay... You know, just to go to school. Oh and did I mention we had a 15 month old! Talk about believing and expecting to see the Lord's Word come to life! Ha, that's an understatement.

On the flip side we have celebrated the Lord's faithfulness to us in birthing 3 beautiful and active, smart children and have had the privilege of continuing to watch them grow. . . Not just in stature, but in brains, in temperament and mainly in The Lord. Their spirits of sweetness and tenderness are a reflection of the Lord's grace that He extends to us as parents and also as followers of a one true God. They are also a reflection, a look in the mirror, of our insecurities and flaws. Want to know in what areas you struggle or where you sin the most, look at your children's actions and you'll probably see a thing or two!

So, what's in store for year ten? Let's just say ALOT! At least it feels like it in my head.

Everett turns 1 (July), Elliott turns 5 (July) and Evelyn turns 3 (November).
We will be homeschooling Elliott for first year kindergarten and Evelyn starts preschool two days a week! Everett will continue to stay at home with me mostly and with Ms. Ana on the days I work. Oh Ms. Ana, that's a whole post in and of itself. We LOvE Ms. Ana and she adores our children!

Craig will continue to grow in his role as a Groups Pastor with our church Chase Oaks. If your in the area or looking for a place to call "home", come check it out! www.chaseoaks.org. We even have a Live service!

I thought I would be done with work for good once Everett arrived, But.... That's not the case. I don't think I could ever give up my job completely! I can't help it, I LOVE what I do and I do what I love. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOve being momma to my three littles and love teaching them and growing them in The Lord. For some, this is a full time job. For others it's not and they crave more and need more as an individual and that's OKaY! I'm part of the latter group. I continue to work part time for a hygiene school and continue to grow and learn in my field of work! I enjoy so much my relationships with my ladies at work and I love the mission field The Lord continue to provide for me with each group of students I encounter. What a blessing it is to see a task complete when the students graduate and pass their boards. To be able to look back at the progress they make and to remember the stories of why they are where they are! Such. A. Blessing!

I think this is long enough. I wait so long to write and then I just can't shut up! Oh if time would allow I don't think I would ever stop writing. It's a good thing for my soul.

Til next time, I leave you with this. One of our awesome communicators doe our 5 yr old Kids Zone class posted this on Facebook last night.

"When I asked the kids what was sin, I heard the common answers you hear from 5 year olds. Then one child said,"

"LOVING BADLY". Think on that for a while.

"God commands us to love, so 'Loving Badly' wraps up all the sins in 2 words. My prayer for all of us is that we 'Love Well'"

So, blog friends.... Can you LOVE WELL?




Selfies aren't as easy as they once were. Selfie stick is in our future!



Ms. Ana being Ms. Ana

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Children are precious in His sight

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These people have my heart

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Rush. Party of 5!

Once Everett arrived and we were home and settled, we invited a photographer into our home to snap some newborn pictures and new family photos. Well, she just wasn't pleased with the family ones so these are actually from our second family session. I'm going out of order a little.

This first picture is of sweet Everett Alexander Rush. Born July 11, 2014.














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Oh the Joys of Parenthood

As I am sitting done to write this blog entry, I notice that my last entry was in June of this year. I have failed to share with blog world that Everett has arrived. Yes, my 3rd and more than likely final baby entered the world on July 11, 2014. Thus far, he is my easiest baby and the happiest ever.

I mean Elliott was a good baby and he was content. He also was very inquisitive. By that I mean he looked like he had a permanent scowl in his brow because he was also in question if what was happening. And he is still that way. Definitely my most serious first child. His imagination ceases to amaze me. This year he started preschool, yeah yeah I know go ahead and say he is 4 and just starting school?!?!?! He has been in and out of day care, various nannies, MDO programs but I'll save that for a rainy day entry. Anywho, back to preschool. So about 2 weeks into school his teacher proceeds to mention that he has the biggest and vivid imagination she has ever seen in a kid his age. And she has taught preschool for 14 years! Back to the point, I guess his attentive personality has led us to a big imagination.

Evelyn, our precious and highly spirited 2 year, is just that. . . . TWO!!!! Lord please have mercy in us because I think this girl might make us loose our religion before we even get to the teenage years. Anyone else put there have one of these? I mean I love the girl to death and yes in case anyone else is thinking it she is a spitting replica of me at that age, according to my mother. If your in blog land mom, I'm so sorry. What's the saying, "payback is a *#!*#"! That'll almost preach. On the positive side of this vivaciously large personality embodied in a tee tiny structure, those traits and qualities will be the things that make her who she is as a young lady one day. Let's just pray that it keeps the unwanted male species away during the. Teenage years and when the time is right that The Lord releases Prince Charming to ride in in a while horse to sweep her off her feet!!!

Everett. . . . . Well let's just say he is my snuggle bear. He is smiley and giggly. He loves to be held and held by his momma. He's a pretty decent sleeper and the boy LOVES to jump! He jumps when he wakes up. He jumps after breakfast before his nap. He jumps if I need to take a shower. He just jumps and jumps and jumps!!!! I can't believe he is already 5 months old and cutting teeth, eating transitional baby foods and trying to hold hid bottle. We spent one night away him when he was around 3 months old. Oh what a glorious night of sleep. The Lord really knows what He's doing when he gives you that third baby and he's so laid back.

That's my three little blessings that we never thought we would have. Praise The Lord he had different plans.

Well, I hate to jet but I guess it's time for me to go follow through with bed time discipline. My princess is determine to scream and talk and try and get her older brother and roommate to converse and poor boy all he wants to do is SLEEP!!! So I'm going to rescue him and hopefully put the fear in her to where she's zip it!!!!

Night blog world. Hopefully I'll try and make this happen more often. Maybe less words and more pics.

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Photo Update

We took some recent family pictures in preparation for Everett. Our family of 4 will soon be a more fun family of 5! Here are just a few from our session with the brilliantly talented Mariah Cowley. Please go check out her website here and show her some love























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4 1/2 Weeks & Counting

So I haven't posted about #3 simply due to lack of time. Between work, 2 littles, husband in seminary and then just the rest of life anything extra has been put on the back burner. Here's the short and sweet, baby #3 is due to arrive around July 8th!

What a great day, my best friends birthday. And if he decides to make his appearance before say oh July 6th then it's even a better day. July 6th was my great uncle BA's birthday. It's funny writing out his name. I haven't spoken or wrote his name Ina very long time. BA, which was his name And not his initials for short, was a very man in my life but also our family's life. BA was my Mimi Dot's only brother who had cerabal palsy. My grandmother started taking my brother and I to visit BA on a near weekly visit from the time we were E & EG's ages. Being the first born, BA referred to me as his Befferner Kate! The love I had for that man is incomprehendable to me when I try and think about it!! So, without getting anymore gushy, if Everett, our 3rd born and 2nd son, decides to join in on July 6th I will be forever thankful for the sweet blessing from The Lord.

Preparation for Everett is pretty much non-existent. Besides putting up his crib and washing Elliott's baby clothes, we have not done much. We did have our family picture of 4 taken this past weekend along with individuals of the kids and maternity pictures of me. I have done this before each baby so stopping now would seem silly. We have seen one image from our friend and photographer. It is simply beautiful. I can't wait to see the rest.

I'll leave you with our picture that I believe captures who we are as a family.




He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with gladness. Job 8:21


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I don't think I've ever said that I am totally over the cold weather until now! This year we have had an ice storm that put just about everyone and everything out of commission for 5 days. Now if those 5 days trapped inside with a 1 yr & 3 yr would have been all, it may have been okay. But seeing how we had already been confined to the house for 4 days prior to that, we were all going a little stir crazy.

Poor EG girl had an ear infection and E man had a horrible cough that the dr was trying to ward off with a z pack. Long story short, E developed RSV and then EG caught it and after all that she had a late onset penicillin allergic reaction. Her whole body was covered with a rash! So, now it's Sunday and we are praying that all goes well and the kids will both go back to school tomorrow. If ya see us, no she is not contagious and no his cough is not contagious either. One of the annoying things of rsv is the cough can hang around as long as oh 4 or so months!

On a happier note, we will be bringing a new little one into the world around July 8th of 2014! The Lord sure does have a sense of humor and we are thankful for it!


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Location:Winter weather blues

Photo Dump

Here are a few of my favs from the past couple of months taken from my phone.












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Gobble, Gobble!

I stay on the go more than I would like due to kids, work, life & the list could go on and on. We have had an eventful month and half since my last post. EG turned one. Craig turned 30 and we celebrated both on the same day! Whew it was a LoNG but absolutely fun day. Other events have come and gone throughout the month butt hose were our definite major ones! We also moved. Here's a picture of the kids outside by the pool of our new place! We love it.


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Hi BlogWorld

I'm just realizing how long it's been since I last recorded our happenings. Let me try and back track. Hubby completed Hebrew 101 during the month of June, with an excellent grade I might add. E man took a trip to pappy and zsa zsa for a week all by himself and while there he went to "camp". Aka child care at Methodist church while gparents worked. He honed in on his golfing skills, he really has some talent and swimming. The month of July Craig finished Hebrew 102 and E man turned 3! I can hardly believe it.

August, whew who can remember August. We had a couple of weeks of from school then fall semester began at the end. Only word I can find to describe is Hell. Yep, I know it's not lady like, nor is it really an appealing word but that's about all I can find. Fall semester has brought on our final Greek class and second to last Hebrew class. That's right all in one semester. Please Lord give us grace to endure this craziness knowing and remembering that's all worth it in the end.

September, well let's just say wow! Our second to last month as the CARES team at Post Eastside. Being that we needs larger apartment,we have found our next place to call "home". We are super excited about the new adventure ahead but we are super sad to leave our friendship we have made at the Eastside. The Lord has used these past 2 years to develop in us characteristics we may have never developed and he has taught us things about life we may have never experienced. For instance, I would have never thought it possible to have a 2 year old and newborn sleep in the same room but guess what it's possible. In fact they have grown to love it. Or, did ya know that a small deep freeze fits in very nicely with the room decor of your living/dining room. Especially if you have loads of non hormone fed chicken in it that you got for an amazingly great deal. These are just a few. The Lord has continued to show me that's it's not what's on the outside that counts but it's what's on the inside and the heart that really matters.

Craig flew out to see his granddad during Labor Day and then our whole family drove 14 hrs one way this past weekend to AL. Craig had the honor of standing in the exact same pulpit his dad preached in for 10 years. Pepperell Baptist invited Craig to delivered the Word for their homecoming. He did a great job and relished every moment of standing before a group of people who supported him as a young wild buck and poured unto his life during a time he needed it the most.

So, here we are October 1st. Ready to embark on a new adventure. One of a little bigger living arrangements. Freeing up a little extra time in our schedule. Embarrassing the rest of the fall semester, which hopefully will bring some relief and loving life and most moments with an active 3 year old and an almost 11 month old that thinks she can rule the world.

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Lazy Saturday

I just love the feeling when I wake up on a Saturday morning, drink my cup of coffee in my jams, watch the Doodlebops and enjoy my little family. Today was one of those days. Errand running, brownie making, popcorn eating (yes, my son inherited my sweet tooth and love for empty calories, the popcorn fetish is all his own), taking it easy, movie night kind of day. Only thing missing tonight is daddy. While he is in school he has two part time jobs, one he is a college director for our church and two he valets cars for a company. Tonight's the car gig. Sorry, nothing real profound today. Just a blah kind of needed day. Hebrew 101 starts Monday.


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May has been a busy busy time for our family. Trips to Gulf Shores, Union Springs, Natchitoches and Shreveport/Bossier. A wedding and a 10 year anniversary. Craig preached for the second time in his life and of course I believe he delivered the Word very effectively. Here are just a couple of pictures taken this past weekend in Natchitoches. More to come.




I almost forgot, sweet EG girl has earrings!



Who knows what E Man was saying. That boy talks none stop!

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New Beginnings

Today marks a sad day for our family. Our nanny for the past 5 months is moving to work with Disney World and today was her last day with us! Though we are very excited for her, she will be dearly missed around here! Maggie, we wish you all that life has to offer.

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Five

"More sleeps and four more wake ups and then we will be at Pappy's house." This is usually how the conversation goes anytime Elliott is aware we are making a road trip to Louisiana. One of my brothers, Jedediah, is marrying the love of his life, Amaris, on Saturday and immediately following the Rush crew will be heading out to Alabama for a week long adventure. 10 whole days of pure nothingness. This is something we haven't experienced in close to 2 years! Excitement and anticipation is a slight understatement.

Until then lots to do. Craig is finishing up his semester, I am winding down a term which also means our first Cohort is graduating and this is our nanny's last week with us before her big move to Disney World!!!!

No pictures today, but I have to say Eg will be 6 months tomorrow and she is on the move. That girl has got the army crawl just about down. Nothing like a big brother to help move the toys just about the time she reaches one! I can't believe how time has flown!

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Simplify

April tends to be the month that "new years" start over. Taxes are complete, year in reviews at work take place, the new fiscal calendars occur. . . You get the picture right?!?! Well, today as we were on our way to the park, I asked Craig "what's our family's motto for the year?"  (This sort of conversation tends to be a continuous topic amongst our 4 walls so the nature of the conversation didn't catch him off guard but the relativity of it did!).

Quick recap for those who may not know us. We are a young family that sold just about everything (or at least it felt like it) and moved to the DFW areA almost 2 years ago for the hubs to further his education at Dallas Theological Seminary. With that we have also added another child to the mix, we serve as our apt community's  CARES team, Craig is a college intern, and I am a clinical Dental Hygiene instructor for Concorde Career College. Whew! That's a mouth load oh and did I mention we have a 2 almost 3 yr old and a 5 month :).

So, back to our conversation. One of the many things The Lord shows us is that we have to simplify!  Easier said than done. Especially when all our "jobs" are good Godly things, are required to put food on the table and pay bills, and more than that we have commitments to and we see proof of the gospel  being fulfilled!  We haven't determined a conclusion and may not be anytime soon, but what I do know is that The Lord is faithful and just and that when we seek Him we will find Him and when we ask according to His will He is faithful to answer in His timing. And that He will provide for all our NEEDS and he continues to prove Himself in doing this.

To sum it up, what we did decide is that a life, a family, a corporation, a church, a anything that is doing life without a purpose, without a plan, or without a mission will seek to do all good things but may continue to run in circles never fully being simplified on this journey we call life!

I leave with you with food for thought, "What's your years motto?" I would love to hear what everyone has to say.

I can't even begin to express how the past 5 months have flown by.

EG just turned 5 months old. Sweet girl is cutting her 2 lower teeth, I could give you teeth numbers but I'll save you from the dental geek inside me and save myself in the process.

Craig is in the heat of spring semester which entails Greek 104 with Only 1 more to go! Hebrew will be starting this summer.

E is growing up by the seconds. I can't en begin to wrap my mind around the fact that he will be 3 this summer. He is still ever so in love with trucks, cars,and trains and if you dare to get rid of one he will remind you of it's exact details and where it should be. The memory on that boy.

I have been working like a mad woman, but loving every minute of it. We have had the blessing of an in house nanny for the past four months. Without her I'm not too sure my world would have functioned. And with that being said, we learned this week that she will be leaving us in May to start on a new adventure that will be an experience of a lifetime. She will be joining the Mickey Mouse team for a 6 month to year long internship. What fun!!! We wish Maggie the best and know that Disney has a great thing a coming.

Without boring you with all the sobering in depth details of the last four months let me just end this post with some fun pictures that I have happen to catch in the midst of life! Enjoy.





EG and her cereal for the 2nd time.





Dr. Seuss is beComing a favorite in our home.








Easter at Leigh-Leigh's




Fun mud splashing with Dub. Boys will be boys, especially with Papa T.








While the boys played in mud, the girls showed their tummy time skills.







Here's an after of E!



My Easter bunnies!!




This picture I will cherish for a lifetime. This is my papa Russell, who just a month ago we weren't sure he would live to see another day. And Praise The Lord, here he is Easter 2013 holding my sweet EG. I have a picture of he and I like this when I was about her age. Precious moments that will last a lifetime.





This is Mimi Wilma with 2 of her great granddaughters, EG and Lyla. This is my brothers daughter who is just about 2 months younger than EG. Sweet friends I pray they will become.




E and my uncle Dale at the stockyards in Fort Worth. We have had the pleasure of Pappy coming to play a lot lately and have enjoyed some fun outings in the process. Pappy and E met Dale (pappy's brother) at te stockyards and did the whole shebang.




And last but certainly not least, Zsa Zsa on Easter with her two girls, EG & Lyla




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Location:Hello Spring. . You seem to be quite eventful

My Christmas Blessings

Christmas Eve 2012