The Power of a Praying Parent

I just started reading a book called The Power of a Praying Parent. My church started up a life group for new moms and this is the first book that we're all reading. I'm only on the first chapter, but it is already speaking to me. As I read it, I'm going to try to post some of the ideas that really hit home for me. So here goes:

• It's never too early or too late to start praying for your kids.
• If we are praying, something is happening whether we can see it or not. James 5:16 says the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
• Including Scripture in your prayers is a very powerful thing. It seems like a no-brainer, but I don't do this very often. The author promises to give us lots of good verses to use for many different types of prayers. I'm going to try hard to start doing this.
• The book suggests making an extensive and personalized prayer list for each child. The author said that she made a list for each of her kids at the beginning of the year and saved all of the previous lists so that she could look back on them and see how God faithfully answered her prayers. Great idea. I'm totally going to do this.
• Ask God to show you how to pray for your child. Another great idea. While I think I may know what Harper needs, God definitely does and He wants to tell me.

Like I said, I'm only on the first chapter, but already I have some great things to think about. I would encourage all of you that have kids or are thinking about having kids to get this book. We can read it together. It will be fun!

What Is God?

This movie looks pretty cool.

Gator Chomp

Harper's baby school threw a Halloween party. The kids all dressed up in their costumes and the parents were invited to stop by. Since my mom was in town last week, we all went to the party together.

The little guy in the puppy suit is Harper's best buddy at school. They tickle each other and fight to sit next to each other for lunch and snacks!

I don't care what Mother Nature says, gators and zebras can be friends!

And gators and monsters can too!

My mom is a teacher and her teaching instincts kicked in right away. She read a book to all the little kids.

Then it was snack time!

The obligatory cheesy smile face.

This was pretty much my favorite part of the party:

Graduation Ceremony

Here is a little video that I put together from Rob's graduation last week. I was very impressed with the ceremony (in the video still, Rob's in the last row standing in front of the little boy). Because he was elected class leader, he had to give a speech and also won the leadership award. His first day of work was yesterday. He said it was a quiet night. I hope they are all quiet nights.

Last Night

What a great night. Rob did fantastic and even won the leadership award! I'm working on piecing some video clips together. Thanks to our friend, Steve, for taking the first two pictures.

I got to pin Rob's badge on. Good thing he was wearing his bullet proof vest because I almost stuck him.

All things considered, Harper did really well at the ceremony. It was a long time to ask her to sit still and be quiet. Besides getting momentarily stuck under the pew in front of her, she came through relatively unscathed. She must have known there was going to be cake afterwards.

Big Day

This evening, Rob is graduating from the police academy. I am very excited and proud of him. We are both looking forward to life returning to (somewhat) normal and I am looking forward to him being able to have hair again. Stay tuned for some pictures later this week.

Morning Song

The whole way to baby school this morning, Harper talked and sang to her baby doll. When we got to school, I pulled out my camera and this is what happened. I have learned that when filming Harper, I should always keep the camera rolling a little longer than I would normally want too. She always adds something a little special (I use that word gingerly) at the end.