Nolette Family

More God moments!!

2009-01-27T15:50:00.002-05:00

I am in the midst of chaos as I finish packing before we leave tomorrow night for Argentina, but I just HAD TO share the latest God moment!

Last night we got a call from our church in Cincinnati (where James was the Jr High Pastor for 4 yrs) and they have decided to bless us with $15,000 to purchase a vehicle once we arrive in Argentina!!! That is HUGE!! James and I have had a huge grin on our faces since last night and are really still in shock at how God has been providing for ALL our NEEDS!! I don't know why we are shocked sometimes when God provides in such ways because He promises in His Word to do just that. Nevertheless, we are THRILLED at the thought of having a vehicle soon after we get down to Argentina. We are anxious to get started doing the Lord's work!

They also have decided they will pay for our health insurance EVERY month which is quite a bit of money. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!! We were actually going down there with no health insurance because we could not afford it at the time. Can you say God's timing is always right?!?! AMEN!!

Last but not least, they will also provide us with ceiling fans for all the rooms in our house as we will not have AC and it's the middle of the summer right now. :)

I want to once again thank everyone of you for praying for us! We have said all along that we are on a faith journey, but we never realized how much God would do for us but even more how much he would change and mold us to be more like Him. To Him be ALL the glory!!!

~Blessings! Love you all and next time I write to you I will be in Argentina with the kiddos!! Pray James can sell the van quickly, that the container issues go quickly as well and that God continues to provide our monthly support.

Bye USA! Hello Argentina!!

2009-01-25T01:34:00.006-05:00

First of all, I apologize it has been SO long since my last post. I can't even begin to tell you all the things we have been up to lately and all that's been keeping us ever so busy. However, I have some of the greatest news:

Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the kiddos and I are leaving for Argentina!!! We are all VERY excited and can hardly believe the day has finally come. James is staying behind for another 1-2 weeks to finalize our container which is taking all our belongings overseas. We have been blessed and amazed at how God has provided for our needs and also how He continues to direct our every step. We are still in need of financial support and would love to give you a more detailed update. Please email us at argentinanolettes@hotmail.com and we will send you our latest letter.

Please continue to pray for our family as we prepare to serve the Lord in Argentina. This is a HUGE step of faith for our family but we feel a strong calling from the Lord to just go and trust Him. We know he's in control!! Thanks to many of you who have committed to pray for us and also to those of you who have been able to support us financially. To God be the glory!

I have to share one God story (I don't want this post to be too long that you won't want to read it). After much prayer, we decided to go ahead and buy the plane tickets for the kids and I this past Wednesday. Now, at this point, we still did not have ANY clue where we were going to live when we got down to Argentina. Our good friends, Esteban and Dani, have been looking for a place for us for quite some time now and there was nothing available. Well, we book the flights on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday morning they secured our housing!!! How awesome is that?!?!?! We will be in a 2 bedroom furnished apt for the month of February and then in March (hopefully the container will arrive by then) we will move to a little 3 bedroom home!!! I'm still in shock myself at how God is working in the Nolette family ... we serve a mighty God!!

Thanks for being part of our journey of faith! Love you all!! PLEASE keep in touch!

Written in the Book of Life!

2008-12-19T08:57:00.005-05:00

Two weeks ago James, Breanna and I had the privilege of going to First Baptist Church in Ft Lauderdale's Christmas pageant with Mimi and GeeDad. There is so much I could say about the whole night.... I mean, it's a spectacular performance. However, I want to focus on the most important part.

During the second act they start with the birth of Jesus and go all the way to the resurrection. We had told Bre before so that she would know what to expect. Well, I don't think anything could have prepared her for what she witnessed. She had been glued to the performance the entire night, so when it came to Jesus being beaten, spit on and crucified she began to weep. She was so broken hearted to see such cruel treatment.

After the show was over the Pastor came up and said some final words and shared a little story and then he prayed. As soon as he finished praying, Breanna says: "Mom and Dad, I prayed to receive Jesus in my heart!" Well, as you can imagine we were overjoyed and we all just hugged for a while and cried. We then asked her more questions about what it meant to receive Jesus in her heart and it was just a sweet, unforgettable time.

Then, we walked out into the lobby and Bre took a picture with the Roman soldier and she told him right away that she had received Jesus in her heart. So he told us that the man that played Jesus would be coming out soon. Of course we waited and she was thrilled to tell him what she had done that night and also take a picture with him. He was so kind and gentle with her and genuinely excited about her salvation.

To God be the glory!! As parents you pray for this time of salvation from the moment of birth and what a blessing to be a part of that decision at only the age of 6. We continue to pray that she will love the Lord more each day and want to please and obey Him all the days of her life. It has been neat to see her share Christ with even strangers .... the other day she met a little girl at the beach and she asked her if she knew about Jesus and the girl said no. Bre told her she needed to ask her parents to take her to church so she could learn about Jesus. Well, that night during bedtime prayers she prayed that this little girl would be able to go to church so she could learn about Him. There is nothing better then faith like a child!!

Breanna with the gentleman that played Jesus in the Christmas play

Breanna telling him she had prayed to receive Jesus in her heart! Daddy, Mommy and Breanna

Breanna with a Roman soldier

Argentina bound!!

2008-11-19T07:25:00.000-05:00

The Nolettes~ soon to be missionaries to Argentina!

My heart is overjoyed as I am FINALLY able to share with all of you this exciting news and perhaps explain a little the chaos of the last few months in the Nolette household. You might have an "ah-hah" moment as I explain our situation and how God has been guiding us along the way. I will try and make this a short version ... so, bare with me... and if you don't want to ready any further than please pray for us and if you are interested in receiving a prayer card and support letter please email us @ argentinanolettes@hotmail.com ~ Thanks!!

Well, back in June when we went to Argentina with the youth group God started moving in our hearts and we were already praying about where God would have us in the future and we have always both been very opened to missions. While in Argentina we had the opportunity to meet with one of the Word of Life directors and he shared their vision and purpose with us and James really felt God opening the doors for us to be missionaries there. Well, we prayed about it and soon decided that God was leading us back to my home! Meanwhile, we discover the reason our kids were so sick was due to mold in our apartment and our landlords were not willing to do much about it. However, we knew we had to get out NOW! So, we were able to get out of our leasing contract and God then opened up an opportunity that seemed golden at the moment. =) It was a "mother-in-law suite" that had one bedroom and was probably 400 sq ft TOTAL. Just imagine 5 of us living there for 2+ months and you'll get a little picture of the Nolette's crazy life. but, nevertheless, God was providing for our needs and always teaching us more about Himself. I kept on saying to James and the kiddos "We're making memories!"

In September, it was clear it was time to move to a different location but we didn't want to get into a leasing agreement knowing that we would soon be moving to Argentina. So, God blessed us with some awesome friends from our church who graciously opened up their home to the 5 of us!! =) So, there have been 9 of us living together and it's yes it's been crazy and all, but, such sweet times!! We have 5 kiddos under the age of 6 in one household and for the most part they get along great. My friend and I tag-team or take turns making dinners and it has worked great! It takes special people to be able to let a family of 5 move in amongst them for a few months, and we truly appreciate our friends' kindness and generosity.

OK... that brings me to now ... our church family found out this past Sunday about our transition and James' last Sunday is December 7Th. Oh yeah- all that traveling we've been doing..?? Yes, raising support!!! =) We are excited about a few churches that are going to be supporting us .... God is great!!!

As of now, we have NO idea where we will be moving to after James is done here in Florida. Our original plan was to be in Argentina for January when camp season starts at Word of Life, but since we are not done raising support we think we might be looking at March now.

Please continue to pray for us and please send us your address if you would like to receive personal updates and a prayer card and support letter. We will for sure be in Florida till the girls finish this semester on December 19Th.

Love you all!!!!

Big boy haircut

2008-11-07T09:22:00.006-05:00

On October 18Th I took my little man to have a "big boy haircut." =( It was time for all that baby hair to be gone and start looking 100% like a boy.

Waiting his turn for a haircut ...

Baby Lucas' curls ...

So cute ...

And ... there go the baby curls ....

Thank goodness they gave him 2 lollipops, one for each hand ... kept him nice and busy!

Looking like a big boy!

And, he's just as cute (if not cuter) as always!!!

Wow - our little man ... where have the past 17 months gone??

Massachusetts Road Trip

2008-11-06T08:22:00.005-05:00

At the end of September we took a little road trip to Massachusetts from South Florida. Yes, we are a little crazy but it was a fun adventure. We drove 13 hours to North Carolina (where my Dad and brothers live) first and spent 2 nights there and then drove 14+ hours to Mass. We spent 4 wonderful days there with all of James' family and then stopped by for a dew more days in NC on the way back. We had not been to Massachusetts since Breanna was 11 months old ... so, almost 6 yrs. Way too long!! And, we hadn't seen my family since last Christmas. Sure made some great memories! Love you family!!!

The pics of the kids at Chuck-e-Cheese was when James went golfing with his Dad, Uncle and 2 brothers and left me in a town I didn't know with 3 kiddos. =) It's OK ... we found Chuck-e-Cheese and the mall.

Uncle John, Uncle Joel, cousin Leia, Breanna, Gaby and Lucas

Bre saying bye to Uncle Joel Lucas at Chuck-e-Cheese .... notice the injured hand

Gaby ~ cute as a picture! c:

Some lovin' ! Yes, still madly in love after 3 kiddos and all!! Just keeps getting better!!

Lucas LOVES cars!

Lucas ER trip # 3

2008-11-05T21:17:00.007-05:00

OK ... I know, I'm WAY behind on my blogging ... so sorry!! I'm going to catch up to speed this week. We have been traveling (by car w/ the WHOLE family) to North Carolina, Massachusetts, Virgina, Indiana, Ohio and Jacksonville ... and just got back last night.

Lucas with the end result: a lovely mitten-bandage

It was 3 a.m. by now ... poor little man!

In the ER waiting ... hoping this little band aid would hold the finger together ... yes, it was that bad. I was afraid he was going to pull it off.

Lucas finger 2 weeks after the fact ....

Looking better ... c:

This little ER trip happened about 45 minutes after arriving at my Dad's in NC. Meaning, we had driven 13 hours in the car and got to Papaw's house and Lucas was playing & being the busy little man that he is when he decided to grab a 1 x 4 piece of wood that Nana and Papaw use to measure the kids growth. Well, it was a bit heavy for him so when he picked it up he lost his balance and fell to the floor with his hands down and the board immediately followed, landing right on top of his fingers and severing 75% of his middle finger. The WHOLE nail went flying right away and yes, I saw the whole thing ... I was getting Gaby a drink of water at the moment. Yikes! So, I calmly said to everyone there "Yup, we're gonna have to go to the ER." But, no one really believed me cause I said it so calmly I guess .... Long story short.... 4 hours later and 7 stitches on his left middle finger he was good as new- OK, maybe not quite. He cried like I have NEVER heard him cry before when he got those 7 stitches ... broke my heart!!!

~ 11 stitches in 3 months ... is this just the beginning of boyhood?? Hope not! =)

Out of Town

2008-10-03T16:31:00.003-04:00

Just wanted you all to know we have been out of town since September 25Th and will be returning home on Sunday, October 5Th. Don't worry, I have plenty of stories to tell ... I mean we took a little road trip from Florida to Massachusetts and to North Carolina ... this also includes a trip to the ER and all that fun stuff that comes with having 3 kiddos!

~Love you all and thanks for following our blog. Stay tuned!!

Locks of Love

2008-09-18T10:18:00.006-04:00

Breanna has been wanting to cut her hair for quite some time now. Well, I had mentioned to her that if she wanted to get a haircut it would be a great idea to donate her hair to "Locks of Love." And, she happily agreed! So, yesterday after school I took her to Snipedy Do Dahs (a children's hair salon) and she was such a brave girl. We got $10 off the haircut for donating it. That sure was a proud mommy moment~ to know that another child in need will be blessed by the hair that God gave my child. God is good!

Breanna then enjoyed a braid (free w/ every haircut) and sparkles and I even got her a Popsicle!

Measuring the hair ... has to be at least 10 inches for a wig to be made

Ready for THE cut of her life!

Is she really only 6 yrs old? My little girl is so grown-up ...

And it's GONE!!

Breanna made another child's day a whole lot better. So proud of you, Bre! Love you bunches!

Nolette Family pictures!!!

2008-09-15T19:02:00.006-04:00

My friend, Sarah Cardenas, took WONDERFUL pictures of our family this past Friday!! Check them out here and give me some feedback ... I have too many great choices and these aren't even all of them yet. Thanks Sarah, your photography business is going to take off! For those of you who live in South Florida, you need to hire Sarah~ she's awesome!!

Where's Gaby? Haha ... still a cute pic, even if we are missing the middle child!

Our handsome little techie man!

2008-09-14T22:36:00.000-04:00

Lucas has been such a joy! He definitely has completed our family puzzle and is just a huge blessing from the Lord. He cracks us up. He has been into James' IPOD lately and loves to listen to music with his Daddy. He also loves Daddy's sunglasses and had a blast at Daddy's office the other day... But, don't be confused~ he is Mama's boy!! And don't you forget it! =) ha ha

Lucas and the IPOD

He's a techie man already... what can I say? Doesn't he look like Uncle Danny here?

Sweetest baby boy!

Lil' stud!

Go Red Sox baby!! Lucas wearing Daddy's t-shirt

Lucas in Daddy's office... such a big boy!

Oops... fell into a box at daddy's office

Bath time... his absolute favorite!

Lucas loves the swing ... he is full of life!

Blessed!

2008-09-03T08:58:00.010-04:00

Thank you friends!! I feel completely blessed by all my friends who commented on my last post. Life has definitely thrown us some curve balls and I truly believe that God sends along special friends who really do become like family. I thank the Lord for blessing me with special friends who help fill the huge gaps that were left when the Lord took my mom home. I love you all dearly and am privileged to be called your friend and thrilled to be a small part of your life. Thanks again for blessing me!

"Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, And do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away." Prov 27:10
"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." Prov 18:24 (The Message)
"In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends."
"Friends are the siblings, God never gave us."
"Similarities create friendship's while differences hold them together."

Anyone out there?

2008-09-02T11:00:00.006-04:00

I promise you our lives are busier and more fun than they appear at times, but I'm not really sure if anyone is reading our blog. So, to blog or not to blog? If you are reading our blog we would love to know you stopped by and also stay up to date on what's happening in your world. It's easy, I assure you! You don't even have to have a Google account, just click on the comment icon at the bottom of this post and say hello to us. Please? I also love to see how many countries are represented. I have many friends who are missionaries and are serving our Lord Jesus around the world. We have a lot of neat things to share with all of you about what God has been doing in our lives. So... stay tuned and maybe we'll share them. =) Love you all!!

Our lil' Maradona!

2008-08-29T09:00:00.003-04:00

Here's Lukey having some fun playing soccer with Daddy in our one bedroom apt. =)

(sorry about the quality~ it's a video from my cell)

Popsicle time!!

2008-08-28T16:05:00.003-04:00

Lucas happy as can be w/ his fudgesicle!

What was I thinking though? =)

He has been teething for months and LOVES the way Popsicles feel on his gums ... so, they are a frequent treat for him.

I mean, who can resist that face?

Might I add that he always wants his OWN Popsicle and even if someone else has one and offers to give him a bite he will NOT take you up on it.... he would rather go without than to have to share. Oh the joy of I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-E!!

First day of school 2008

2008-08-20T20:29:00.007-04:00

Can't believe that the school year has begun already. The girls started school on Monday and then had off on Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Fay. They were so excited about school and could hardly wait to start. On our way to school, Gaby informed me that Mommies aren't allowed at school, that only kids can be there and mommies have to go back home. She is too much!! And she's only 4... yeah, needless to say my kiddos don't have the separation problems. Ha ha... Breanna asked if she could go back to Kindergarten because she wanted to have Miss Lloyd as her teacher again. How sweet! But, she is thrilled with the teacher she has for 1st grade. We are blessed to have our girls at Boca Christian~ what a great school! (it's part of our church)

Sisterly love!

Breanna (6) and Gaby (4)

Breanna Kay starts 1st grade

Can't believe our first-born is in 1st grade already ...

Breanna is 4 ft 3 in tall @ 6 yrs old!!

Gabriela Anne starts K4

Sweet middle child!

Gaby is 3 ft 6 in @ 4 yrs old

Lucas James gets to stay home w/ mommy! Well, we take the girls to school, go work out, run some errands and spend some time together!! I'm loving it!!

Lukey and Bre before heading to school

Lukey's new sleeping habits!

2008-08-17T19:59:00.005-04:00

This is how we've been finding Lucas EVERY night! I sold his crib since we are currently living in a mini one-bedroom apt (400 sq ft, if that) and so the pack 'n play has been his home. Well, he apparently gets bored or something and this is how we find him during nap time and bedtime. He is so funny and just too cute! I don't know how, but he is able to pull the pack 'n play "mattress" up and he crawls underneath and many times falls asleep like so. It really doesn't look all that comfy. =) He pulls the sheets off and all ....

Can u say recall?? Doesn't seem like the safest thing ... =)

Summer Fun & Randomness ...

2008-07-25T20:12:00.009-04:00

Breanna and Gaby

Sweet sisters

Kodak moment!

Breanna~ 6 yrs old

Gaby~ 4 yrs old

Lucas eating a frozen "go-gurt" for the first time

So happy to have his own ...

Lukey sharing with Daddy

Messy face =)

Breanna swinging into the pool ... we have been house-sitting for 3 weeks!

Gaby's turn!!

Gaby eating a Popsicle

Gabriela Anne

Breanna lost tooth #7 on July 16Th

Tooth #7 is gone!! Too bad the tooth fairy didn't know we were house-sitting. =)

Breanna lost tooth #8 on July 24Th

James getting into some "Wii bowling"! You should ask him who beat him every time ...

My handsome hubby

Lucas enjoying some spaghetti ... yummy!

ER trip #2 ... CROUP this time... after an hour of oxygen, 2 steroid shots and an X-ray we were on our way back home. Gotta love going to the ER at 4 in the morning. Poor little man has had it rough lately!

GO ARGENTINA!!!

Tio Esteban and Tia Dani bought the girls these jerseys and they couldn't put them on fast enough after getting them in the mail. Thanks Montllau family! Love you guys and miss you lots!!

Lucas' first trip to the ER ...

2008-07-22T13:34:00.006-04:00

On June 30, believe it or not, Lucas and I had only been home from the airport for about 2 hours (Lukey and I stayed an extra week in Argentina while James came back with the girls and the group) when his sisters were pushing him around on his little car ... yeah, one push too many (or too hard) and Lucas went flying forward straight into the wall corner. So, James cleaned him up (I was trying to take a nap when I was awakened by 2 screaming girls saying: "Mom, Lucas cut his head open!!") and I headed to the ER with Lucas and his nice gash on the forehead.

One would think that was enough, but, as I'm getting out of the car and getting Lucas out of his car seat I stepped onto the curb and my flip-flop COMPLETELY broke and I had no option but to walk into the ER barefoot. It was a lovely site!

Well, Lucas did fabulous and was as happy as can be while waiting to get stitched-up. He got 2 little shots to numb the area on his forehead and then got 4 stitches.... he was quite the trooper!! A week later he got them removed and didn't even make a peep- although the doctor had to loosen some of them before cutting them off. The Dr turns to me and says: "This is not normal for a child this age to be so well-behaved!" And I replied, "It is for my sweet Lucas!!" He really is such a sweet, mellow boy... what a joy! He's the icing on the cake! =) Yes, that means we are done having children!

Lucas' first 4 stitches

Sweet baby boy after getting his stitches... he was wrapped in a sheet (like a straight-jacket) and the nurse held his head while I held his body still.

Lucas happy as a clam before getting his stitches... he thought the Dr's chair was the greatest thing!! =)

My "fashion" hospital slippers

Argentina Missions Trip June 2008!

2008-07-08T23:35:00.001-04:00

Happy 1st B-day, Lucas!

2008-05-17T22:00:00.003-04:00

HAPPY B-DAY LUKEY!

Yes, he already loves fire apparently.

So much for the plate!! =)

Wow~ hard to believe my baby is 1 already! I'm kind of sad to see him grow up so fast ... I love the baby stage! I apologize to those of you who check my blog often that I have not posted anything in about a month. Life has been crazy but I'll catch you up on all that later. For now let's focus on Lucas and Gaby's b-day weekend.

We had my aunt and cousins, friends from church (Gomez family) and Miss Rachel join us on Saturday evening to celebrate Lucas and Gaby's b-days. We decided not to do a huge party, one, because of cost, and the other because it's so much work with 3 little kids right now. We would rather wait till they can remember their b-days a little better.

Regardless, they had a blast with their friends and family and it was fun to watch Lucas attempt to eat his first piece of cake. He wasn't so sure about it ... he hardly touched it. However, he loved his first slice of cheese pizza. He is walking ALL over the place and is saying a few words- in Spanish, of course. He's still our happy little camper!!

Present time!

2008-05-17T21:24:00.000-04:00

The paper tastes much better!!!

Lucas with his airplane book from the Gomez family!

Remembering ONE year ago...

2008-05-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

Lucas James Nolette

May 17, 2007 @ 8 a.m.

6 lbs. 15 oz.

19 in.

Boca Raton, FL

Lucas is 11 months old & weighs 27 lbs!

2008-04-17T22:15:00.003-04:00

Gaby and the Beanstalk

2008-04-14T15:20:00.006-04:00

Oh to have the mind of a child!! I just had to capture this moment of Gaby trying to enter into the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk." It's about 2 minutes long.... but so worth the time as you will surely get a kick out of Gaby's wishful thinking. =)

Our little "Dash"

2008-04-08T10:52:00.003-04:00

Here's our little Mr. Incredible!! I know, I'm totally into buying all these "boy" things... I got him some Spiderman, Batman and Cars pajamas as well. I couldn't resist~ I found them on eBay!

T.P. didn't stand a chance against Lucas!

2008-04-08T08:57:00.005-04:00

Here is Lucas just having a good ol' time getting into his sisters' bathroom. We call him "DASH" now .... anytime he hears a door open he is right there!! I guess this was better than finding him splashing the toilet water~ which I'm sure is next in line (his sisters did it too). He's just so fast ... it's hard keeping up with 3 mobile kids! =)

LUCAS IS TAKING STEPS!

2008-04-03T14:09:00.000-04:00

Lucas took his first official steps on Thursday, March 27, 2008. Yay!! He is 10 months old and has added so much joy to our family! In no time he will be walking 24/7.... not sure I'm ready to have 3 mobile kids ~ yikes!! =)

Breanna and Gaby had a blast encouraging and helping Lucas walk~ what a riot!!

Lucas loves going for the camera!

Got teeth?

2008-04-01T13:26:00.001-04:00

Wow!! Our now 6 yr old is losing teeth like crazy. She has lost a total of 6 teeth and just turned 6 yrs old in February. She lost her first one last June.... so the front bottom teeth are already grown in as well as one of the top front teeth. So cute! Meanwhile, little Lucas has been getting his first 4 teeth as well!!! All these milestones bring such joy to my life as a mom~ I just love my kiddos!!

Breanna lost tooth #5 on Saturday night (while the baby-sitter was here)...

Look at those holes! She is so proud!

5 teeth gone!

Monday during school Breanna pulls another tooth!!

She has lost 6 teeth now... she lost 2 in one weekend!

"Mom, stop bugging me with pictures, i wanna move around-not sit still!"

Lucas getting his first 4 teeth- the two bottom and 2 top ones.

Catching up to speed....

2008-03-27T16:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Papaw!!

2008-03-22T12:40:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, Papaw! We love you lots and wish we were there in NC to celebrate with you!

Kiddos are still on the mends .... notice Gaby isn't quite herself and everyone is a bit thinner. =)

Hope you enjoy the video!

Happy 10 yr Anniversary to Papaw and Nana today too!! Love you Dad and Cheryl ~The Nolette Bunch

Praise God for the Little Things

2008-03-21T11:54:00.009-04:00

"Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes,we have good food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty clothes,we have nice clothes to wear.

I'd like to thank you for these unmade beds,they were all comfortable last night.

And thanks for the bathroom,complete with splattered mirror,soggy towels,and grimy toilet,it's still very convenient.

Thank you for the finger smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly, it has served us faithfully for a long time and inside are cool drinks and enough leftovers for another meal.

Thank you for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today,it has baked us many good things over the years.

Our whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing; we all enjoy our private yard.

Thank you for the slamming screen door-the children are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says that you have richly blessed this family.

I shall do them all cheerfully-and gratefully.

And Lord, I just want to praise you for your love and blessings."

As I sit here in a house full of sick kids and chores piling up, I'm reminded by this little poem of ALL God's blessings, both big and small. I do have SO much to be thankful for and I know things could be worse.

Let's praise the Lord for giving us this day and most of all, for dying on the cross for MY sins. We serve a RISEN Savior!!

~Love you all!

"From the fullness of God's grace we have all received one blessing after another."

John 1:16

Holy SICK Batman!!

2008-03-20T01:17:00.014-04:00

I don't even know where to begin..... but apparently there is this plague hovering over our home and we can't seem to get rid of it and it's viciously attacking our 3 kiddos. I've had to keep a journal for each kid and when they are medicated and what their temperatures are and at what times and even when they vomit. We've had plenty of baths (in the tub and out as well) and pretty much running a laundry mat. Just to recap for right now (since it's 2 in the morning), this is what is happening at the Nolette Clinic in "hot and sunny Florida":

All 3 kids with the stomach bug
All 3 kids with nasty upper respiratory infections
All 3 kids on antibiotics
Lucas and Gaby on their breathing treatments
Breanna started us off with a fever and vomiting on Saturday. Her highest fever for a WHOLE 24 hrs was 105 degrees (axillary- not adding or subtracting any degrees). She still has a fever tonight.... but after 3 days the vomiting has stopped for her. The cough, however, started on Tuesday.
Gaby's highest fever at 104.6 ... she has had a fever since Saturday. She has been coughing NON-STOP! Poor child can barely get a breath in she has been coughing so much. But, she is quite the trooper. Unfortunately she added the vomiting to her coughing tonight.
Lucas became infested with this nasty plague on Monday and his temperature reached 105.2 yesterday, and he just turned 10 months. He has both the vomiting and the nasty cough.... doesn't all this sound like fun?? My poor babies!!!!

Well, now you know why I haven't blogged and you have a few more reasons to pray for the Nolettes. I think we should have bought stock in Tylenol, Motrin, Gatorade and Pedialyte & one of us should have been a doctor. Although I must say, Breanna told me I was a great nurse. =) I add that I would probably be in a psych ward right now if it were not for my wonderful husband! He has been a HUGE help and a blessing from God that he decided not to go out of town on Sunday evening.

Pray I make it.... I feel myself VERY exhausted and in MUCH need of God's strength and comfort. Wow, this is a sure way of putting me on my knees before the Father and depending 100% on Him. He is the Great Physician and we trust in His perfect plan.

"This I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
because of the LORD's great love
we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail."
Lamentations 3:21-22

Need a good laugh? Here you go!!

2008-03-12T20:27:00.001-04:00

Tim Hawkins, christian comedian ~ "Corporations Taking Over Churchs"

FIRST TRIP TO THE ER

2008-03-12T14:16:00.006-04:00

Well, last night I had my first trip to the ER with Gaby. I know, no surprise there. But, actually it wasn't because she fell or anything. I feel quite silly that all this even happened, but sometimes as parents you just have to make that choice and James and I decided better to be safe than sorry.

She started complaining of a bad belly ache right around bed time (i know, imagine that!!).... but then it got SEVERE and she was doubled over in pain, curled in the fetal position and crying for almost 2 hours. She has a very high pain tolerance and never complains about much.... but, she is also our wild child and we couldn't be 100% sure that she had not swallowed some object or liquid that was causing her all this pain (last month I had to call poison control because she sprayed Clorox into her mouth).

Long story short, we arrived at the ER about 11 p.m. and got home at 4 a.m. =) Of course, once we got registered and all she seemed to be doing better. I felt dumb. Then, Gaby kept talking to everyone around us asking if their belly hurt too. One lady even had a mask over her face and Gaby asked her if that was to keep the bugs out. She was killing me!!! We ended up on a "bed" in a hallway along with some other patients. Gaby kept everyone entertained with her talking and singing... the nurses and doctors loved her and the EM T's even knew her by name because we saw them come in a few times with different patients and Gaby was amused at the people being wheeled in on the bed. Did I mention she didn't even close her eyes for 2 seconds while we were there?

So, 5 hours later, an X-ray, urinalysis (that they lost in the lab), $100 and all.... nothing major! Praise the Lord she is fine right now (except she won't nap for me and only slept 5 hrs last night) and mommy is dying to get some sleep!

I did capture some pics with my cellphone, I apologize for the picture quality.

Gaby on her "bed" in the ER hallway...

Now does she look sick to you? Promise she did NOT look like this at home!

Grandma Diane Visits from Massachusetts!

2008-03-10T09:29:00.008-04:00

We had a lovely visit from Grandma Diane (James' mom) at the end of February. We had not seen her in almost 4 years and it was a special treat to have her here for Breanna's 6Th b-day. We went to the beach, the library, a museum, the park, out to eat and Grandma even cooked us a nice meal the last night she was here. She also bought Breanna a pinata for her B-day and the girls had a blast with that. We did many other things as well and Grandma took 860 pictures during the week that she was here. So, I just picked a few to recap a little.

Thank you Grandma for coming to visit us in South Florida and thank you Bob for letting her come!!! Love you both!

Grandma Diane, Uncle John and James

James and John with their mom, Diane

Breanna's Birthday surprise

2008-02-27T09:45:00.004-05:00

Breanna's 6th Birthday

2008-02-26T19:21:00.009-05:00

We are so happy to have Grandma Diane (James' mom) here for Breanna's b-day! We had not seen her in 4 years... so we were thrilled that she could be here for Breanna's special day. Thanks grandma!

First present of the morning... before heading off to school.

She loves to read and is doing great!!

Daddy and Lucas

We picked Breanna up from school and took her out to lunch for her b-day.... it was pouring rain!

Lucas looks like such a big boy sitting at the table like this....

Mom and Dad soaked!

My pants got a LITTLE wet....

And James also got a little wet....

Making a wish.... So proud and happy to finally be 6 yrs old!! Daddy and Gaby enjoying the cupcakes... we each decorated our own. Gaby is hilarious.... she's been doing this since about 18 months or so.... she cracks us up!!!

Breanna at school.... we took cupcakes and juice boxes for all her classmates and Teacher. I'm sure all that sugar had no effect on them at all. =) Don't worry, we took them during the last hour of school.

Daddy and Bre with her card from Miss Lloyd, her teacher.

I sent Breanna to my closet saying I couldn't find a pair of my sandals..... little did she know that her b-day present was hiding in there....

Breanna when she sees her brand new bike. Thanks Grandma Diane and Bob and Mommy & Daddy!!

So thrilled to have a bike that is more her size... it's a 20 inch.

'Twas the night before Breanna's b-day...

2008-02-22T13:21:00.001-05:00

So much fun with the girls.... we made these for Breanna's class

Uncle John helping out a little too....

Bre and Gaby

Guilty??

Gaby ate more toppings than she put on the cupcakes...

The final product.... do you think they have enough toppings??

Mommy and Breanna with her music box she got from Uncle John

Mommy and Breanna on the last night of her as a 5 yr old.... yes, Mommy was feeling a little emotional. =)

Early B-day with Mimi and Geedad

2008-02-20T13:55:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, Mimi and Geedad took us to one of our favorite restaurants ~ Maggiano's. Breanna got a few very special gifts and we had a wonderful time celebrating her 6th birthday. She opened Elizabeth's riding outfit first, while in the restaurant, and she said: "Now I have her riding outfit but I don't have the horse." Little did she know that Mimi and Geedad had the horse for her in the car. She was SO thrilled!! Can you say spoiled? I think so too! :) Love you, Mimi & Geedad!!! Thanks!

Breanna got some accessories for her American Girl doll, Elizabeth

Mimi, Breanna and Mommy

Mimi and Gaby... yes, they even got Gaby some books.

Delicious Chocolate Zucotto Cake!!

Breanna so proud to be turning 6!

Such a big girl...

Mommy and her precious girls!

Elizabeth's riding outfit...

Mimi, Geedad and Lucas

Breanna with her card from Mimi and Geedad... she sure LOVES horses!!

In the parking lot....

Breanna giving her horse a great big hug ~ she was soooo happy!!

Mimi, Geedad, Breanna and her new horse

Breanna as soon as we got home.... =)

10 years later...

2008-02-16T13:03:00.001-05:00

We had a great time last night celebrating our 10 yr annv. since we first met. Starbucks, a movie and then a late dinner. So relaxing without the kiddos, and fun too!!

10 years ago TODAY...

2008-02-15T14:44:00.009-05:00

February 15, 1998, was the FIRST time James and I EVER saw each other and even knew of the other person's exsistence. There has been NO turning back since.... ten years later we are happily married and more in-love than ever and have 3 beautiful children. Who would have known but God?

Here is a short version of the night we met at Liberty University:

It was one of my roomates b-day and her name was Memori. Yes, you read that correctly. I asked some of the guys in our brother-dorm to come serenade her for her b-day as I knew that she would be embarrased and surprised. We lived on the 3rd floor of Dorm 27. At about 11:30 p.m. some of the guys showed up and started singing to my roomate. Low and behold, this was the first time James and I saw each other. I am queen of pictures so that is why I have some pictures of that night. The rest is history!! James said he got back to his dorm and was asking around to find out my name and if I was dating anyone..... Hope you enjoy some of the pictures of our dating relationship. We sure have some great memories!

James is the one all the way to the right of the screen with the shiny shoes.

My roomates and I on the 3rd floor...

I frequently studied in the library. Well, one night after dinner my friends and I were headed there and James says: "Oh yeah, I study there too." Hhhhmmm....come to find out later, he had NEVER been to the library to study. :)

My Liberty ID

James' Liberty ID

Working at a Summer Camp in Vero Beach, FL, 1998

Gotta love kissing on the beach...

and just plain kissing....

I threw a surprise B-day party at our house in Hollywood, FL, for James' 20th

Love!!

James took me to Fenway Park in Boston, MA, just a few months after we started dating.

Cheesecake Factory in Coconut Grove, FL

I was making my "famous" buckeyes for James' family.... this was my first time in New England

Fall '99 in the mountains of Virginia

December '99

Spring 2000~ pre-marital counseling at Liberty

Engagement picture ~ Spring 2000

June 10, 2000

In memory of my MOM ~ Cindy Gelatt

2008-02-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

3 days before she went to be with the Lord... we were at a Restaurant...

Our first family prayer card ~ 1983

Today my mom would have turned 53 yrs old ~ yes, she was a Valentine's Day baby. God took her Home at the age of 41. It has been quite the journey, but God is still completing His work in me as He has promised in his Word. I am the person I am today because of the trials God has allowed in my life and carried me through them. I miss her dearly and wish she could meet my wonderful husband and 3 beautiful kids. I know she would have LOVED to be a grandma and would have been the best one at that!! Here is a little tribute to my mom and the kind of grandma she would have been; I know that because she was that kind of Mom to my brothers and me. She forever holds a huge part of my heart and inspires me daily to be the godly mom and wife that God wants me to be. I pray I can be half the mother, wife and friend that she was. She touched so many lives and served the Lord faithfully. If you were blessed by her, I would love to hear a story or two.

Grandmother is a mother with time--time to linger in front of a toy store window, time for a visit to the zoo, time to listen to the really important things like the injustice of a playmate or a parent, what happened at school today or the thirty-seven reasons why bedtime should be later. Grandmother has amazing talent--she is a combination Betsy Ross, Florence Nightingale and Emily Post, with the ability to fix anything from the most mouth-watering treats to fractured toys, torn clothes, bumped heads, skinned knees and broken hearts. Her home is a treasure chest filled with things to explore, take apart, look through, smell, touch and eat--a wonderful combination of warmth, laughter, and memories--a happy place to visit.Grandmother may forget bad tempers and cross words, but never forget your birthday. There are hundreds of big and little things, which make a grandmother wonderful--her friendship, understanding, and sympathy--, but most of all, her love! ~Unknown

Into EVERYTHING!!

2008-02-13T09:13:00.003-05:00

My little man is all over the place and is my human vaccuum. You forget how careful you have to be with little ones crawling around.... especially with 2 older sisters.

He climbed into the laundry basket w/out tipping it over....he's got some skill!

So much for my nicely folded clean laundry....

Happy camper, Lucas!

Mom, aren't you so proud of me?

What a week!

2008-02-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

In case you were wondering where I've been all week.....well, it's been a challenging week. To summarize, on Friday we finally took Gaby and Lucas to the doctor. Keep in mind, Gaby has had asthma since 16 months old and does great until she gets a cold. We always start her on breathing treatments at the earliest cough we hear. Lucas had to do breathing treatments at 3 months old as well and we were told that he too might have asthma. Ok, well... they both have chest infections, Gaby has an ear infection too and had to have some blood drawn because her fever was 103.5 for 4 days and her oxygen levels were low. So, they have both been on breathing treatments every 4 hours (even through the night) and on antibiotics. Gaby is used to the nebulizer treatments, but my little boy is not so sure of them. I hate to hear him cry - but it actually goes deeper when he cries.

Needless to say, I am a little exhausted and have lost it a few times with the girls today (didn't go to church, obviously). Please pray they get all better soon and that God would give me rest and an extra dose of patience.

Look at ME!!

2008-02-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

This is how I found Lucas last week after his nap.

Lucas dedicated to the Lord

2008-02-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

On Sanctity of Life Day, Sunday, January 20, we were blessed to dedicate Lucas James to the Lord at our church. The verses we chose for him were: "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." Psalm 119:1-2

"And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11

Lucas learns the basics....

2008-02-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

Amazing how you don't have to teach them to do this. It's his new thing lately.... Hilarious!! Not to mention he is crawling all over the place, pulling up and walking while holding onto things. This was his first veggie meal which consisted of carrots and yams. He didn't even skip a beat~ he loves his mama's food! :) *If you want to hear the video as well, you will need to pause the music at the bottom of the screen.*

Argentina ~ Part 3

2008-02-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

LOBOS ~

This town is about 30 minutes from Word of Life and it's where we moved in 1985 when my Dad started the church - Missionary Baptist Church. There had not been any preaching of the Gospel for over 100 yrs and that is why my dad became burdened for this town. Adri was my dad's secretary and an alumni from Word of Life and Faby got saved through my mom and Adri. They remained best friends throughout the years and even came to the States to live with us in 1996 and take care of my mom the last 3 months she was with us here on earth. They are so close to my heart!

Faby, James, Lucas and I in front of the restaurant we ate at "El Lupo"

My meal...

James' meal...

Provoleta ~ one of my favorite things to eat in Argentina. It is grilled provolone cheese with oregano and olive oil, it's an appetizer to die for!!

James about to taste the provoleta...

Adri trying to get us to eat cow's pituitary gland....yes, that's correct. It's a specialty there. NO THANKS!!!

Adri, Lucas and I

Adri, Faby, Lucas and I

First time Adri and Faby meet Lucas

Our mellow little man just chillin' while we were eating lunch

Again, Lucas just being so good at the restaurant

Lots of kisses....

and more kisses....

Adri and I in front of our old house. My parents bought this in 1985 and fixed it up. Beautiful house and lots of memories...we lived there for 7 yrs. Hard to believe some of the wallpaper my mom put up is still there today.

This in on the right side of the house and we use to eat all of those grapes from the vines and give them away to lots of people...

This was David and Danny's bball hoop from the 80's. Boy did it get used!! The swimming pool was not there when we owned the house.

Our kitchen....wow! Same floors and same table...it sure did bring back lots of memories!

Trapani Ice Cream.... it was there when we lived there in the 80's and they have the best ice cream by far!! It's all made right there in the store. I remember as kids we used to love to watch them make it. The girls enjoying some tasty ice cream I had been missing for 9 years Yes, even Lucas got some ice cream from Tia Faby.... who gives an 8 month old ice cream? She kept saying: "But he loves it, he wants more." Well, of course, who doesn't want more ice cream? :)

Where the ice cream is made ....

I pretended I didn't know any Spanish so I could get a tour of the back and take some pictures of how the ice cream is made. It was hilarious....mostly because I would forget I wasn't suppose to know Spanish and start talking to Adri. Oops.... :)

James and Lucas behind the same pulpit my Dad preached from for years

The original Bible and pulpit from when my Dad started the church

Selva and I. Selva got saved as a teen while we were in Lobos.... she is now married, has 2 boys and her husband is one of the Pastors of the church. How awesome is our God!!!

The front of the church my Dad founded in 1985. It is exactly one block from our old house.

Argentina ~ Part 2

2008-01-31T20:29:00.000-05:00

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS!

Esteban and James

Eduardo and Clarita.... my dad was one of their professors at Word of Life, Argentina. They are missionaries in Paraguay.

Damian, Rebekah and Natalia holding Lucas. They all wanted to touch, play and hold baby Lucas. Tia Dani and Lucas

Tio Pali and Lucas (Pali was in the same grade as my younger brother, David, and is Esteban's younger brother).

Pali and Anael... they are engaged to be married this October!!

Tio Will, Natalia and Lucas

James and Will (Will and my older brother, Danny. were good friends growing up)

Juan Marcos and his wife are missionaries in Ukraine, I went to elementary school with him.

Esteban and Dani Montllau

The four of us~ what a great time!!! Esteban and I grew up together, so it was fun getting to know eachother's spouses and families better. They visited us back in Nov 2006. They were the best hosts anyone could ask for... we hung out with them ALOT. The earliest we went to bed was around 2 a.m. :) We'll never forget the midnight coffee outings!

Tia Gisela and Damian

Gustavo, Anali and me.... Anali and I went to schoool together. They had us over for a wonderful dinner.

Gisela, Claudia and Tanya... we go WAY back! We went to school together from Kindergarten through 9th grade. Crazy!!

Lucas fell asleep in Tia Gisela's arms....

Marcos, Juan Marcos, Claudia, Gisela and I all went to elementary school together. Oh my how time flies! We had lots of fun remembering those good ol' days.

Esteband and James having ice cream ~ just one of the many times we had ice cream. To be exact, we had it everyday. James even had it twice in one day. :) Argentina is known for having great ice cream because it is all made in-store and so fresh. Yummy!!

Girls lunch out! Gisela, Claudia, Dani and I (and baby Lucas)

Tio Andres and Tia Mirta ~ directors of Word of Life Argentina and great friends of our family for almost 25 years. They were so gracious in letting us stay at the appt. that is attached to their new house that God provided for them.

Tio Esteban and Lukey ~ best buddies!

The boys after eating airheads that I took them as a gift. The 2 boys to the right (Lucas and Damian) are Esteban and Dani's kids.

By the way, in case you're wondering, there at Word of Life, all the adults are called Aunts and Uncles (Tio and Tia). Kind of weird that I am now called Tia Tanya to the kids....where has the time gone?

Argentina ~ God's Country!!

2008-01-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Where do I begin?? I have so many wonderful pictures and stories to tell. We had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute of every day.... it just went by WAY too fast. For now I will just post some pictures and then I will write more about our week in "God's Country"!! We made it back to Boca safe on Tuesday morning and the girls were delighted to have Mommy, Daddy and their baby brother back.

Our day in the city of Buenos Aires

The Catholic Church downtown B.A.

Lucas with the map of Argentina

James eating some real Argentine beef!!!

Esteban and I also enjoying some fabulous asado!

El Obelisco ~ centered in the widest avenue in the world: Avenida 9 de Julio. It has 18 lanes!

El Obelisco up-close

Argentine Tango in the middle of the streets in Buenos Aires

La Casa Rosada ~ Argentina's White House

James and I enjoying the Big City

Now that's what we call a cook-out!! ASADO!!

These trees are amazing... the roots are so large that they are above ground... absolutely beautiful

James and Lucas' first time in God's Country!

Danielle and I

Lucas is 8 months!

2008-01-18T16:34:00.000-05:00

8-month stats:

Crawling
Weigh 22.5 lbs
Love to stand ALL the time
Eating a TON of cereal and fruit
Eating Cheerios
Still love to jump and bounce!

Lucas is crawling!!

2008-01-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Lucas finally decided to "officially crawl" on Monday, January 14, 2008~ just shy of his 8 month b-day.

Breanna rides her bike!

2008-01-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

On Friday, January 4, 2008, Breanna decided she would finally let Daddy take her training wheels off. Up till then, we had tried taking them off a few times but she wanted nothing to do with it because she would fall down and get upset. So, this last time James put the training wheels back on he left them loose... so the bike was a bit "wobbly" and she had to stabilize herself a little more (she wasn't too happy at first). Well, we get back from North Carolina and she goes to ride her bike and says to Dad: "Please take my training wheels off." And James told her that if he took them off this was the last time and they were going in the dumpster. She thought about it for a few seconds and said: "OK". There was NO turning back from that point....she just got on the bike and took off~ didn't even fall!! We were so proud of her! Finally got our stubborn child to ride her bike with no training wheels!! :)

So proud of her accomplishment!!

There she goes...

Breanna Kay @ 5 yrs old....all grown-up! :)

She really needs a new bike, the next size up....but she has a b-day next month!!

I'm still ALIVE!!! Surprise!! :)

2008-01-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

Ok. so NO.....I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or anything....just been busy with life and getting ready for our trip to Argentina next Monday!! So, I'll try and play a little catch-up with some pictures and stuff.... bare with me. First let me finish with our North Carolina trip. One of these days I want to blog more about our whole trip to NC...we had such a fun time as a family and with all the Gelatts.

Christmas morning.... Santa left the presents in the fireplace...

And right, he had no time to wrap this year either....boxes were his new way.

Breanna thrilled she got the Dalmatian she had asked Santa for....

Yes, Santa only brings ONE present for each kid....there's not enough room on his sled for more than that.

Gaby with her Mickey Mouse

Merry Christmas!!

Lucas' First Christmas morning...chillin' with dad.

2008-01-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

This is where Lucas lived.....he LOVES to bounce!

Uncle David watching sports....or maybe recovering from all those goodies his favorite sister made for him? Holy Cow....I baked over 100 sugar cookies w/ frosting (all home-made) and at least 3 other cakes, etc. I do still owe them buckeyes....hope they'll forgive me for that!! I love to bake for my family!!

Grandpa Ron and Grandma Mickie~ they let us use their house the entire 10 days we were there!! What a HUGE blessing!! They stayed in their mobile-home right outside their house...they live on 16 acres and about a mile from Dad and Cheryl's house. We sure love Gma and Gpa A!!

Breanna playing one of the games she got for Christmas

Uncle David and Lucas... we sure hope Lucas got his dad and Uncle David's bball talent...

David and Gaby.... we loved having Uncle David spend every night with us....even if it was on the couch. :) He's sooooo fabulous with the kids~ he just loves them to death!!

Our busy little bee

Uncle David and his other little girl....

Gaby with Stallone and Oreo....

Bre is our animal lover and she was in heaven playing with these 2 dogs...she's firm with them but yet so gentle.... she says she wants to be a Vet when she grows up~ and she's been saying that for a while....we shall see....

Stallone (Uncle David's dog) and Oreo (Nana and Papaw's dog) so sad to say good-bye to the girls

Nana and Papaw's house in Winston-Salem, NC

Bounce U

2008-01-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! This place was a life-saver!! :) It was NOT free, but WELL worth the money. I think they went a total of 3 times while we were there. Bounce U is a huge warehouse full of huge blow-up games and they have a limit to the amount of kids allowed at each session. Each session lasts 1:30 hrs. They are in half of the warehouse for the first 45 minutes and then they switch and go to the other half. They had a blast!! One time they went with their cousin Olivia and the other two times with their friend Olivia. Of course, Uncle David and Daddy went every time and Mommy went once to check-out all the fun. Kids are required to have an adult anyway .... but James, Uncle David and Chris (Olivia's brother and David's good friend) wanted to go just as bad as the kids. It sure helped the kids sleep so soundly at night. :) Great memories!! Oh, they also went twice to the YMCA for some swimming.....you can bet that Mommy and Lucas were taking some nice naps all those afternoons the girls were gone with Daddy and Uncle David. Actually, I keep saying that I miss my naps!!!

Photo Shoot on December 14, 2007

2008-01-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

These pictures were our Christmas presents to our parents and some other relatives. It was a surprise! The kids did really well .... we did bribe them with Chuck-e-cheese after some good pictures and, if I do say so myself, it worked out perfectly. :)

This was our favorite picture and the one we chose to purchase

We are TRULY blessed by God!!

Lucas almost 7 months old

More Christmas Eve pictures...

2008-01-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

Nana and Papaw looking at the picture of their 3 grand kids ~ it was a surprise for them!

Breanna opening her Leapster L-Max from Uncle David

Papaw got the navigation system he wanted!

Daddy and Lucas

Lucas opening his first Christmas present

Yeah~ his first real boy toy! And it's a baseball and bat from Uncle David!!

Uncle Danny and Aunt Jess with their gifts from the Nolettes

Great-Grandpa Ron with the picture of his great-grand kids

Great-Grandma Mickie with Lucas.... they were twins! :)

The life of the party!!

Gaby eating ice.... what else is new??

Uncle Ryan and Bre

Boys and their toys... Dad, Danny and David Papaw singing Lucas to sleep...so sweet!!

Christmas in North Carolina

2007-12-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

Nolette family

Breanna and Lucas Lucas in his suit and tie...is that not the cutest 7 month old?

Breanna, Olivia and Gaby (showing off her black/purple eye)

Uncle David and Lucas

Lukey's 1st Christmas!!

The love of my life!!!

My brother David, the reason we are here in NC for Christmas this year!! Thanks!

Papaw and his first grandson....do they look like twins? :)

More pics to come!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and BYE FOR NOW!

2007-12-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

Just wanted you all to know we are leaving in the morning for North Carolina and will be gone for a week or so. If I get a chance I will blog while I'm there, but there is no guarantee. Love you all and praying you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Celebrate the TRUE meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Lord and Savior!!

Lucas 7 months old

2007-12-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

It's true, Lucas is 7 months old today. Here are just a few snapshots from today...

Our little man, Lucas James

His sisters make him laugh!

Go Patriots!!

Few recent milestones:

Eating rice cereal and oatmeal
Eating bananas and applesauce (he loves mommy's applesauce!)
Getting up on all 4's and rocking back and forth, ready to crawl any minute now!
Can do a Pilate's plank :)
Loves to bounce ALL the time
Can find, grab and put his own pacifier in his mouth...so cute!
Still Mr. Mellow and Mr. Happy and still sleeping like a champ!

Baby Buffone

2007-12-13T09:54:00.001-05:00

My friend Stacy had her baby!!! Dylan Craig was born on December 10th, weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 1 oz and 21 inches long. He was a week overdue. I took them dinner last night and got to hold baby Dylan. So precious! What a special gift from God. They also have a 2 yr old son, Trevor. Congrats Brian, Stacy and Trevor!

Dylan Craig 2 days old...

Proud Mommy, Stacy, and baby Dylan

I just had to hold him.... it has gone by WAY too fast with my 3 kids.

How time flies...

2007-12-13T08:03:00.000-05:00

Lucas James 3 days old

See what I mean? This is what happens in 6 short months!! And Lucas was just 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches long at birth (2 weeks early). WOW!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

Check the kids out!! Click on the link below. http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1301724199

Christmas with Mimi and GeeDad

2007-12-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Christmas last week with Mimi and GeeDad (our adoptive grandparents) and we had a blast! They took us out to dinner and then over to their house for the kids to open presents. Can you say spoiled??? Breanna got her very first American Girl~ Elizabeth. She was thrilled!! Then, Gaby got her first bike. Oh to see the look on her face....priceless!! She has been riding it everyday since. Lucas also got to open his first Christmas present ever and he did pretty well. He got a little Disney ride-on toy for when he's a few months older. James and I also got a beautiful Thomas Kinkade musical box. Thank you Mimi and GeeDad! We love you very much and are grateful that God has placed such special people back in our lives.

Planting flowers in December...

2007-12-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

I know, it seems ironic that we would be planting inpatients in December. But, now is the best time to plant them so they will bloom and last through the spring. So, my wonderful husband planted all of them for me this weekend and did a wonderful job. Isn't it a different world down here in South Florida? Crazy!! I must admit, doesn't feel much like Christmas around here...we need some snow or at least some cold weather.

Lucas is ready for Christmas!

2007-12-01T13:59:00.001-05:00

Does it get any cuter than this?

I mean, he just melts my heart!

Lucas is 6 1/2 months old.

Family night at the beach...

2007-12-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

Friday nights are usually "Family Night." We try to watch a movie all together or we go out to an inexpensive, kid-friendly dinner or the park. Well, last night we decided to go to the beach since we live 2 miles from it. I know, someday we will regret not going as much as we should. Anyway, here are some pictures of our beautiful walk on the beach. We then went to the playground at the beach and to dinner at "Mississippi Sweets" ~little whole in the wall but delicious BBQ sandwiches.

*Click on any picture to enlarge it!

Gingerbread House

2007-11-30T16:34:00.000-05:00

Last weekend James and the girls put together our annual gingerbread house. Yes, I'm a baker and we buy the kit. Get over it! :)

Naughty or Nice?

2007-11-28T11:38:00.001-05:00

Well, I had put a DVD on for Gaby while Lucas was in his exersaucer and thought I had 5 minutes to blog. Think again!! I decided to check on them (I was in the room next door) and this is what I found. Gaby had gotten her tea party out and poured water EVERYWHERE and then tried to clean it up with the ENTIRE roll of paper towel. This mess was actually worse, I wasn't thinking about taking pictures till after Gaby got a spanking and I had cleaned up a little. .While I started to clean-up I had left Gaby in her room and I could hear her say "Mommy, Lucas is wet." Sure enough, I look over at baby Lucas and he's soaked! She had poured water on his head~ cold water! My goodness, this is one great example of how busy Gaby is.... when will it get better? She's 3 1/2 yrs old! :)

Naughty mess made by Gaby...

Poor Lukey ALL wet.

But happy as a clam!

This is probably one of the MANY things that his sisters will do to him.

One year ago today...

2007-11-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

Exactly one year ago we had our friends, the Montllau family, come and stay with us for one night. They are missionaries in Argentina and were on their way back to Buenos Aires. Our kids had a blast together! I thought I would post some pictures of our time together last year. I'm always amazed at how fast our kids grow!!

Breanna(4), Lucas(4), Gaby(2) and Damian(1)

Breanna and Lucas

Little Damian Montllau

Esteban and Damian

Lucas Montllau

Thanksgiving in South Florida

2007-11-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our friend's home, the Henderson's. They have a daughter who is 6 yrs old and there was another family there that also had a 6 yr old girl. It worked out great! There was at times some girl drama, but for the most part they got along very well. They watched Peter Pan and they decided to look for fairies outside. ALL night they kept talking about fairies and saying "I do believe in fairies, I do believe in fairies." It was really funny! I told them the only fairy that existed was the tooth fairy. :)

Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner~ Mandi went all out with the food! And I pitched in with a few items as well. It was an enjoyable day spent with family and friends, we do have so much to thank the Lord for! We loved having Uncle John here for Thanksgiving this year too. Sorry no pictures of the food or the adults..... we were too busy chasing after the kiddos. I will be posting the recipe(on my other blog) to the Key Lime Pie I made for the first time. It was a hit!! Not to mention is was very simple~ thanks Aunt Loi!!

Oh, let's not forget to mention that I went shopping with my friend Meg on "Black Friday." She picked me up at 5 AM and I got back to the house at 2:30 PM. What a blast!! Thanks Meg! And thanks to my wonderful hubby for watching the kiddos all day... love ya babe!

Looking for fairies with their finger lights....

Dress-up time, of course!

Uncle John ready to throw Gaby in the pool!

Build-A-Bear

2007-11-25T09:42:00.001-05:00

I finally took Breanna to Build-A-Bear. She had never been there before and had a gift certificate from Nana and Papaw from her b-day in February. Oops! Well, they finally got one at a mall near by and since we had the time off from school we went on a little mother-daughter date. We had a blast! She loves animals and she had her mind set on getting that cheetah. She loved the whole process. Chloe has a casual outfit and a fancy dress as well. She also got a leash and a brush. It sure adds up!! Thanks Nana and Papaw for the wonderful gift!

** Almost forgot, Breanna kept saying it was "Build-A-Tiger since she got a cheetah and not a bear. People at the mall would say, "Oh, you went to Build-A-Bear" and she would say "No, it's Build-A-Tiger." It was pretty funny. She likes to be exact~ no idea where she got that from!!

Cheetah is born!

Cheetah gets her first bath...

Cheetah is named Chloe and gets her birth certificate.

Chloe is going home!!

Lucas is 6 months old

2007-11-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

Lucas had his 6 month Dr appt yesterday and the nurse thought he was there for his 1 yr check-up. Pretty funny! But, the numbers are in:

Height: 29 inches/ 95th percentile

Weight: 20 lbs/ 90th percentile

Head: 75th percentile

What can I say? He's a big happy boy!!! He is sitting up, rolling all over the place, chewing his hands and feet, still sleeping 12+ hours at night plus 2-3 naps a day and is just Mr Mellow. :)

Tanya the Baker Website

2007-11-20T18:31:00.000-05:00

I finally broke down and started a cooking and baking website! Check it out. I'm open for ideas or suggestions as to what kind of recipes you would like to see. Remember, I am NOT a professional, this is just a hobby. :) http://www.tanyathebaker.blogspot.com

Sibling Love

2007-11-20T12:56:00.001-05:00

Thought I would share the love!

Breanna (5), Gaby (3) and Lucas (6 mo.)

I think he'll be taken care of as he grows up, don't you think? Or bossed around is another possibility....

Lucas trying to grab the camera...

Such a big boy sitting up all by himself!

Lucas' Bath Time

2007-11-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here are just a few pictures of Lucas' bath time. He loves baths and is so funny to watch. You can see by the water how much he splashes....I even took a picture of his legs so you could see how much they move. Then, I decided to spike his hair. I think it looks rather cute. :)

A visit to West Palm Beach....

2007-11-17T14:47:00.001-05:00

Yesterday James took the girls up to West Palm to visit Uncle John (his brother). John is at PBAU (Palm Beach Atlantic University) studying Youth Ministry. The fam got to see Uncle John's dorm and the campus. It's only about 30 minutes north of our here. We enjoy having John here at the house about twice a week!!

Cold day in South Florida....

2007-11-17T14:29:00.000-05:00

This morning we woke up to 55 degree weather. Ahhh~ what a breath of fresh air!! Needless to say, our girls were a little cold.... they're not quite used to it anymore. We've been here for over 2 1/2 yrs. James and I were loving every minute of the cooler weather! The high was 70! (click on any photo to enlarge it)

I'm sorry.... but she's got the cutest little face. I love my kiddos!!

Gaby all ready for school... Breanna already started her Thanksgiving break. OK.... so we don't have any warm clothes for Breanna to wear. This is the best we had. Lucky Gaby gets all of sissy's hand-me-downs.... but Bre, she needs clothes desperately!

These Florida girls!! You would never know that they were born in Ohio.

We're spoiled in South Florida~ that's for sure!

Breanna's Thanksgiving School Party

2007-11-16T22:15:00.000-05:00

Breanna and her twin, Victoria ~ that's what they call each other and James and I love that!!

Here are all the kindergarten classes singing for the parents. Are you sure Breanna is only 5 yrs old? Daddy gave the devotion for the special party. Breanna was so proud to have her daddy there.

At least looks like they were into James' story. He's so good at that!!

Breanna working on her "My thankful place mat".

The crafts that Bre and Daddy did together. Mommy was home with the younger kiddos.

P.S. The kids were either suppose to be an Indian, a pilgrim or have their uniform on. :) We opted for the Indian.... Bre loved the face paint!

Striped Chocolate Popcorn

2007-11-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

I decided to just post more pictures and recipes on the blog because many of you are always asking for recipes. I eventually want to start a "Tanya the Baker" blog.... but till then, here is what I made yesterday. This one is great for the holidays too. I will be posting some easy but delicious ideas for the holidays. Stay tuned!! :)

I placed the popcorn mix into this plastic container that a friend gave me (thanks Maggi!), tied it with a bow and put my special seal on it. By the way, the seal was something my step mom bought me a few years ago and I love it. It just adds an extra touch and people think I'm a professional baker. I do bake for everyone at every occasion-- I just love doing it!!!

Here is the popcorn, pretzels and pecans spread out on the wax paper.

Letting the chocolate set a bit...

Doesn't it look yummy? It's so simple- all of you can do this one!

For the recipe, email me at tanyathebaker@hotmail.com

Plain Cuteness...

2007-11-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

Lucas in the jumperoo today... we just borrowed it this past weekend.

Oh yes, the fingers...

Loves to move around... By the way, thanks Aunt Jessica and Uncle Danny for the outfit-- he looks like such a little man! I love it!

Gaby (3 yrs old) likes to take pictures and also to cheese for the camera...

But who can resist that face?

Gaby winking her right eye..

Gaby winking her left eye...

My eyes-- in case you didn't know what color they were. :)

No....I really wanted to compare Gaby's eye color and size to mine... but needless to say, I tried taking close-ups of Gaby's eyes and she would squint every time. Regardless, you can tell by Gaby's pictures that her eyes are much bluer and bigger than mine.

He Reaches For Us - The Intercession

2007-11-10T17:15:00.001-05:00

Calling Levi: This is a powerful video and I thought I would share with you!! They (Calling Levi) all went to Liberty University-- hurray for all those "Champions for Christ" as Dr. Falwell would call us. Thank you for blessing us through your music and love for our Lord and Savior.

Tanya the Baker

2007-11-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

Most of you know I love to cook and bake. Well, last night we all (as in, all 5 of us!) went to dinner at some little wings place and then James had to go back to work to do sports ministry. He wasn't going to get home till around midnight so, after I put the kids to bed, this is what I made.

Chocolate Cake with homemade chocolate frosting...

Sprinkled with some chocolate shavings....

... and ready to be eaten!

And the jury says "very moist, not over powering and perfect with a glass of milk."

A Wednesday at the Nolette household...

2007-11-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

So we finally got the "exersaucer" out of the attic yesterday and got Lucas in it. He loved it! This was his sisters and they loved it when they were babies as well. It's just a fun place where he can stand or sit while playing with the animals on the farm. Then, right before heading out the door to pick-up Breanna from school Lucas falls asleep in his car seat and Gaby does not want to wake up from her nap. Can I tell you how much I despise waking up sleeping children? I mean, every mom knows that you don't wake up a sleeping child-- but unfortunately, this has become a normal routine Monday through Friday. Here are a few pics of our day yesterday. Oh, I know it looks like Gaby is naked but she's not. She has her little underwear on.... the child hates to sleep with her clothes on, what can I say?

Sweet baby Lucas at 5 1/2 months old

Such a drooler too...

How cute is that little finger in his mouth?

There's something so precious about a baby sleeping...

OK... maybe of any child sleeping!

Gaby totally facing the opposite way on her bed.... looks comfy though!