There is a Baby Girl Boom at First Baptist!

There is a definite baby boom at First Baptist! It seems every week they are announcing that another baby has been born and hardly any of them are boys. Sunday night at church Abigail and Ellis (born 2 months before Abby) had a great time together. They even talked to each other and it was so sweet! Can you believe how cute they are?

We Had the Best Time at the Wiggles!

We have been looking forward to this Wiggle concert for a long time. We went with a group from FBC. I am so thankful that I was able to go at 36 plus week pregnant. Jackson loves the Wiggles and so does Charlie (he was just as excited as Jackson). It was a great concert, they even had ballet dancers, and Jackson was so excited...he was dancing a ton even before the show started. I was concerned about the time since it was during his nap time, but he did great and was glued in the entire time. We made it for the entire show but he was asleep pretty quick at around 3:15. We had the best time with everyone!

Our Wonderful Baby Shower!

Sunday, the children's ministry at the church threw us a wonderful baby shower. Lynette, Ashley and Kathy worked so hard and did such a great job...we are so thankful for them! The only thing that was missing was my family. It was my grandmother's 90th birthday celebration in Raleigh and so they were not able to come (and I was sad I was not able to travel to Raleigh for it). I was glad Charlie's mom, Mimi, was able to come.

God really knows all our needs and will provide our needs so perfectly. We were overwhelmed by all the love and gifts. We received so many great outfits which was our major need. We already have a car seat, pack-n-play, crib, dresser, etc. Now all I have to do is get everything organized and write thank you notes and then we will be ready for our little girl!

Jackson's First Trip to the State Fair

First, I have only been to the State fair a few times in college so I really had no idea they would have so many cool things for a two year old. Our day started off rough. Jackson had two nights of not sleeping well. He had been struggling with a clear running nose for about three weeks now off and on, so we were concerned with another ear infection. However, we know he is teething bad since he chews his shirt all day long….he is chewing his shirt so hard that he would not even look up for some of these pictures. Long story short, before we went to the fair, we had been to the doctor that morning and he had not slept well in two nights. The doctor said his ears looked perfect but she was concerned that he was getting a sinus infection and gave us prescription for a mild antibiotic…he is not contagious at all. You mean all these breakdowns are just the terrible two’s, and not because he is feeling bad? Sad

Jackson went asleep on the way to the fair and was really not up for a big day, but we had not been to the fair yet and we were going as long as he was not sick. Once we got to there, I could not believe their petting zoo section. He got to go on a pony ride, which he liked as long as the pony was moving for some reason. You could actually ride an elephant! In case you did not know, elephants are Jackson’s favorite animals and he greets people with an elephant motion. In one of these pictures, he is doing the elephant motion. We have never been that close up to an elephant…maybe next year Charlie and Jackson will ride it. Plus, Jackson is going to be an elephant for Halloween (I got him a great outfit online at Old Navy for like $15) and Charlie and I are going to try to be some sort of zoo keeper for our Fall Festival. Then, we meet some people from First Baptist for a playdate for lunch. We ate some great fried food, and then on the way out we tried to ride the carousel but by that point he was about to fall over and had to have his passi in order to ride the ride without screaming. He was asleep in the car before we even made it out of the parking lot. I think next year he will enjoy it more, because they have some great toddler rides and we will try to go on a day that is not so hot.

How was your trip to the Fair? Love to hear from you especially if you had a great experience with your little one or have any advice on when to go and how to make it a good experience.

Ps- Update on me and Jackson. Jackson signed "food" and said the word "food" when he wanted food the other day out of the blue. This is the major praise because the is the first time he has correctly told me what he wanted. Baby signing time videos are amazing (he has been telling me if things are "hot" or "cold" which is good). I have not been feeling that great recently. I have been struggling with bad nausea every couple days and upset stomach. I have to really watch what I eat. I am still doing step and combat class but I cannot run at all anymore (most of the entire classes do not require running of any kind). It is a miracle and completely God that I am still able to work out at all.

Fall: The Busiest Time of the Year for Us

Wow, we have been really busy. I was thinking about how my family is so busy right now and for us this season is much busier than winter, spring, and summer. First, there are Carolina football games, which even if we do not go to we still want to watch on tv. Second, it really seems to be busiest at church with fun activities to do on the weekends, not to mention the Fall Festival which is the children's ministry biggest outreach event. On top of just being plain busy in the Fall, we now have a speech therapist and a babynet coordinator to see every week, exercise classes to try to go to, and not to mention getting Jackson's closet cleaned out as well as getting everything ready for Abigail. I really have got to guard my time very closely right now because at night I am so tired I barely have any energy to do what needs to get done. For the last three weeks or so I have had to go to the grocery store after we have put Jackson down for bed (I would send Charlie but my coupons are very confusing right now). Any advice on how to manage my time better, especially while I am tired and pregnant, I would love to hear!

These pictures were taken last weekend. We had a great time in Spartanburg! We went up there and Charlie drove a Uhaul filled with our queen bed and end tables that are going to be stored in my parent's walk-in attic. We are so blessed to have a place to store this bed since our house has only three bedrooms. Everything went very smoothly, and then Friday night we did a little shopping at Old Navy and got Charlie some tennis shoes. For Jackson's birth, my poor mom and Charlie had to stand and hold me legs for like 45 minutes while I pushed Jackson out. Charlie had old tennis shoes on and his heels became enflamed (he has a condition with his heels)...so getting Charlie new tennis shoes was on the top of the list of things to do before the baby comes. Sunday after church, we had lunch with Charlie's family to celebrate his mom's birthday. Jackson and his only cousin Jake always have fun together!

Jackson is now going to be a Puggle for two years. Puggles is a new curriculum through AWANA for 2 year olds on Sunday nights. Ashley and Amy (the leaders) do a great job doing crafts with them, taking them outside, and teaching them a lesson. Jackson loves all the activities. Additionally, for the last couple of weeks, Kirk comes in and sings praise music with them with his guitar...the kids love it! He was in the baby room but every time Charlie walked by he was crying....plus his b-day is 12 days past the cut of date and we would rather him be in the Puggles room for two years than the baby room for two years. The speech therapist says it is important for him to be around other/older children who use their words to get what they need. She says part of Jackson's problem is that he just does not want to use the words he has for whatever reason to get what he needs. He looks so grown up in his Puggle shirt! I miss my baby boy.

On a side note, while I was in the car today I heard Steven Curtis Chapman's new song and it was a great reminder to me that my children are not mine, they are ultimately God's. Our life is His plan, and our journey. God can use our children to show his glory in whatever way he pleases. This is a good reminder for me and here are a few verses from the song

And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours

These verses were written after the tragic death of his daughter. I guess God gives you supernatural strengthen to endure the unbelievable loss of a child when you need it.

"I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death God we belong to you."

Pictures from Country Adventures

We had the best time last Friday night at County Adventures with the Firststeps children's ministry (Jackson and I finally got haircuts!). I was so glad that they did the hay ride while it was still light outside this year. Me and two other pregnant ladies decided not to go on the bumpy hayride. I think we had around 100 people there and we enjoyed the animals, hot dogs, camp fire and smores.

I love the Fall, however, I will have to admit that I am dreading cold weather. Last winter Jackson got the flu (his eyes rolled in the back of his head because his fever got so high), double ear infections, the croup, etc. Maybe Jackson's immune system has built up now, but it seemed like last winter he was sick every 3 weeks which was extremely difficult. At one point we all got the stomach virus at the exact same time...I have no idea how we got through that virus since we were all throwing up at the exact same time. If I had a job last winter, I might have had to quit it because I would have probably have missed a couple months of work. I love the summer time because illnesses are few and far between. Jackson did have a clear running nose this weekend and we have given him claritin and he seems to be doing better. Wednesday night we are scheduled for him to have his flu vaccine since he was one of the first confirmed cases of the flu last November (somehow Charlie and I did not get it and we have no idea where he got it from). He really needs to be well for this vaccine and he has to have it since the flu is a virus he obviously catches very easily.

We are Going to the Wiggles...Come With Us!

The Wiggles are coming to the Colonial Center here in Columbia SC, Saturday, November 15, at 1:30 pm.

First Baptist Columbia is going to get a group rate and group seating so we can all sit together. The only catch is that you have to sign up by next Sunday so we can go ahead and order the exact amount of tickets needed. If you want to go with us we would love for you to come seat with us (even if you have no connection to First Baptist) for a family fun event. The tickets are $15 for each person (under 1 is free) and contact me at emilywallace80@hotmail.com if you are interested. Jackson loves the Wiggles and he loves concerts so I cannot image what he is going to act like during this concert (even though it is during his nap time) Any suggestions on how to help Jackson have fun and not be cranky during his nap time, I would love to hear it!

Video of Jackson at Saluda Shoals Park

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Fun at the Saluda Shoals Splash Park

Today, we had another great play date with First Baptist. We went to Saluda Shoals Splash Park and the total cost was $13 for all three of us which is really not bad (it is a huge park with so much to do). If you have not been there yet, I definitely recommend it! At first, Jackson stood back from all the activities, but then once his Sunday School teacher got there, he really warmed up to it, and before I knew it he was running through everything not scared at all. He was so brave (you never knew when the water was going to spray up at you). He is like his mommy and loves the water. Before each playdate, I think that he is too young to enjoy some of it, but he surprises me every time and loves it (probably enjoys doing something fun and different).

Video of Jackson playing at Funzone

We had another great preschool playdate with First Baptist Preschool ministry at the Funzone in Irmo last Friday. Jackson had a really great time. He even went on the giant slide and got into a big bouncing basketball court (if you are ever near Irmo, this is a great and fun place to go with your kids...I think it is $6 for toddlers and $8 for children...no charge for adults - and do not forget to bring your child's socks!). This is video of him in the toddler room going down a "toddler roller coaster." Fun times!

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Jackson Got to Particapte in VBS

Our preschool coordinator was so great to move a couple of the older 1's (whose parents were working VBS) to the 2 year old room so they could learn some of the material. Jackson also got to go outside for the first time and play with the wheel toys which he loved. However, he got pretty tired and even feel asleep on some of the adults' laps some days (he is not used to 4 hours of activity time in the morning). Everyday, they sent home material he learned and one day they had a great song that yall can teach your toddler.

Here is the song:

Thank You, God, for Jesus

Sing the words below to the tune "Are You Sleeping?"

Here the good news; Here the good news:
Jesus was born; Jesus was born.
Thank You God, for Jesus; Thank You, God, for Jesus.
Thank You, God; Thank You, God.

Overall, VBS went better than we could ever have imagined it going. We had so many great teachers and God gets all the glory. I think Charlie said there were definitely 30 decisions made for Christ..that is amazing.

Major Decisions Made Today at VBS!

Today, Charlie gave a time of response and I think there were 35 or so decisions made today. Out of our 4th grade girls group we had 7 raise their hands that they were ready to make a decision to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

I got the privilege of counselling the 7 girls, and 4 girls were definitely ready to accept Christ. God is so good! One girl was not sure and then after our Bible study time she came to me with tears in her eyes saying she had just accepted Christ. I really saw a dramatic change in her from Monday to today in her attitude and everything. It was unbelievable to watch someone be transformed right before my eyes.

Thank you for your prayers! God is really moving in the children's hearts this week!

Banna Pudding Receipe (yes this is still my blog)

Last weekend we went over to Charlie's sister's house for a cookout. I have been craving banana pudding so I offered to make some for everyone. I really enjoy cooking when making it for more than 1 person. If you know me or this blog at all, you know I am not a good cook and have struggled in this area. Charlie stepped in and helped me during the middle of making it and he came up with all these creative things to do (the teacher in him coming out) by mixing the banana's together and coming up with this beautiful design. God knew I needed a husband who was gifted in this area and I am so blessed.

Here is the recipe:

• 8 Large Bananas
• 1 5 oz box of instant vanilla pudding
• 1 8 oz carton of sour cream
• 1 large carton of whipped topping

• Mix pudding and mix sour cream and 1/2 whipped topping. Layer pudding bananas and wafers in a 9 X 13 dish. Top the remaining of the whipped cream on top.

Pray for our VBS!

Our Vacation Bible School is this week and we are so excited about what all God is going to do! I am feeling a little overwhelmed because I am teaching 4th grade Sunday School this Sunday and next and then teaching 4th grade boys and girls all next week (Our VBS is from 9-12 pm).

Pray that:

• Teachers can have enough time to prepare and figure out everything. I love Lifeway's VBS, the music is phenomenal, but the directions for the teachers are very involved and just very complicated in certain sections. I taught 5 year olds last year and it was not nearly as involved. Preparing for Sunday School today seemed like a breeze compared to trying to figure everything out for VBS. I am praying that they simplify things for next year.
• Children are clearly presented the Gospel and that Satan and his demons do not cause distractions.
  
• That children make the most important decision of their lives, to follow Christ. Pray that they will be rescued from this world of darkness and come to have a relationship with Jesus.
  
• That Satan and his demons do not attack the Wallace house this week. Last year we had the fire in the middle of VBS...being in children's ministry this is probably the most important life changing, eternal, week for the children's ministry. I have been having some blood pressure issues so just pray that it continues to be stable for next week.

We are so excited that we have 215 children signed up already and many of them are not First Baptist members. Thank you for your prayers that these children's lives will be forever changed!