Our Family

Thanks Katy

2012-02-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

As I was looking through a blog the other day, Katy was watching over my shoulder. She noticed a couple of books that I owned on homemaking and cleaning. Then she gave me the zinger. Katy said, "Mom, you should spend as much time cleaning as you do reading those books on cleaning!" Ouch.

Little House in our Big Woods

2012-01-24T22:52:00.000-05:00

Katy has been sporting this bonnet for a while now. It fits her perfectly! It is one from an outfit my mother had made me for old fashion day at church- many many years ago. She can't quite wear the dress yet- but it won't be long.

I am not sure what Karoline was trying to do, but it was helping the family get food for the winter or maybe the summer- I can't remember. She was doing her part all the same.

And Klaire... I think she was trying to paint these boards (from the swingset Kris build for Christmas). Red Georgia clay works well for many outdoor adventures. So does left over wood.

So this is how it breaks down-

Katy is Mary, Karoline is Laura, and Klaire is Carrie. Jay is sometimes Jack the bulldog. I told Katy that Jay could not be baby Fredrick (who died at about a year old) so he is resigned to being Jack the bulldog. They play their roles well and they all get into the act- and they want Kris and I to get into it and call them by their characters name. Of course, we are Ma and Pa.

Lots of fun :) I love their imaginations- it makes me smile.

A Perpective From the Kids

2012-01-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

The girls love the camera and like to grab it when I am not looking. Here are a few pictures from their view of our world.

Photos courtesy of Karoline and Klaire Mullis

And now he walks7

2011-12-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

It took him longer than his sisters, but Baby Jay is now walking!

Baby Jay is One!

2011-12-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

When I look back on how life was a year ago, it is amazing to see the difference. Our life isn't that much different, but I am always in awe of how God grows babies. Jay has changed so much over the last year and now he is a bounding, busy little boy. He is very fun loving and enjoys his sister tremedously- but who wouldn't. He gets so excited when they all get "going" if you know what I mean. And he has quickly learned how to be heard in our house. Jay has a very sweet disposition and is easy to calm when he get fussy. Just recently he has become a wonderful sleeper and has been putting himself to sleep at night.

As everyone told me, boys are so much more different than girls. And I am learning the truth in that. He is very different, and I am so thankful God made our personalities and temperaments so different. I look forward to seeing how Jay's personality will develop, and pray that God, through the Holy Spirit, will mold him into a man after His heart.

Karoline is 5

2011-12-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

Sweet Karoline is 5 today. Wow, I really can't believe it has been five years since God gave her to us. She continues to live up to her name and is a sweet little lady. And she is all little lady too. Karoline is by far the "girlieist" of our girls. She loves anything pink and would chose a dress or twirly skirt over jeans any day. She has recently gotten into the "gross" mode. For instance, if she enters the bathroom that has a peculiar smell she will dance a bit of a jig and let the house know how stinky the bathroom is. And then ask if some of Katy's spray can be sprayed in it to make is smell nicer. She also has a very low tolerance for anything that appears to be "gross" i.e vomit, spit up, dog messes, or anything sticky left on the kitchen table. When I say low tolerance, I mean very low, to the point of her beginning dry heaves.

Yes, we all love our sweet Karoline. She is very compassionate, and will quickly go out of her way for her sisters (on most occasions). She is very sharing and expects it in return. But the thing I love the most about her is the way she loves to tell others she loves them. I hear it from her several times a day and for no apparent reason either.

But I am making a prediction- she will be high maintenance to whoever God has picked out for her husband.

A look at November

2011-12-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

The girls got crafty with some Spanish moss (which gave Katy a plethora of red-bug bites), berries and leaves from my mom's lilies (she would not have approved).

We all had a great time a Papa's house in Florida. The weather was perfect for staying outside from sun up to sun down. I also got some great pictures of the kids too. My favorite thing to do at my dad's house is to hang out on the screened in back porch, rocking in the old rocking chairs, chatting with whoever is around and watching the kids have a ball. Great way to spend Thanksgiving.

The Santa Claus Conspiracy

2011-12-06T23:14:00.001-05:00

Katy is a thinker.

She was been very distrubed lately trying to figure out Santa Claus. Yes, we do the Santa stuff. Not big time though and over the past few years we have been celebrating St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6th) and that has really been planting seeds to lead them to ask these very questions. I am really shooting myself in the foot more or less.

So...Katy asked Kris and I these questions

1. Is Santa real? I think he might not be real.
2. I know God didn't create fairies, and by the way I know there isn't a tooth fairy. So if He didn't create fairies then why would he create someone who has lived a really long time and flies around?
3. And if Santa isn't real then you are lying and that is sin.

But she did tell us that she wouldn't tell the other kids and spoil the fun for them. You see when I told her there wasn't an Easter Bunny- she found her friend at church and quickly told her their wasn't an Easter Bunny- after being advised not to do so. We shall see if she breaks it to Karoline or not.

Providence

2011-12-02T23:53:00.000-05:00

Restless babies at night always have a purpose (as does everything). So tonight, my restless one was in need of rocking during Charles Stanley's message. Hmmm. I think God was orchestrating something for me. He likes to use the radio with me for some reason. Providence is such beautiful thing.

Here is a similar post

Now he claps

2011-11-08T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today, Jay clapped for the first time! At first, I started to think it was just a reflex and then he did it a bit later in the day. All us girls got so excited for him (Kris was at work, obviously). We hooped and hollered and clapped for his latest accomplishment.

Beautiful Autumn

2011-10-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

I look for any reason to get up to the mountains this time of year. For a special surprise to the girls, we took them to Blue Ridge to go apple picking and exploring.

An amazing view of the fall foliage from the top of Amicalola Falls

Pink Lady Apples are a new favorite!

Mercier Orchards has such picturesque views. I couldn't pass up this tree showing off it's changing leaves.

First words

2011-10-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

Whether deliberate or not, "mamamamamamamama" has been on Jay's lips for the past few days.

Katy is 8!!

2011-10-13T20:45:00.000-04:00

This is a bit dated because I wrote it back when Katy turned 8, which was in July. I am very lax in getting it posted!

Katy informed me that she is now a "tween." A what? Run that by me again. She evidently saw it in our Focus on the Family magazine- so from now till 12 she is a "tween" and quite proud of it! Leave it to Katy to be politically correct :)

My how Katy has blossomed this year. She has always been such a sweet child, but this year he mothering side has truly grown. She is a huge help to me around the house doing chores that help to keep the house running. She has learned to do a bit of cooking, laundry, and house cleaning. Now, don't get me wrong, she is not always thrilled to do them, but for the most part she is willing. Her favorite thing to do around the house is to organize and schedule! She had made more of the Maxwell's schedules than I can count. That will definitely come in handy years to come.

She has developed an interest in the Little House series of book and has is almost finished with them. She devours books- making goals to read chapter books in one day and usually she meets those goals! She has done so well this year past in 2nd grade, making all A's, which was another one of her goals. She is joy to teach and always has thought provoking questions that get me thinking.

Katy's favorites...
- webkinz
- The Payday game
- Planning events
- Organizing the house (which gets her into trouble at times)
- Reading, reading, reading
- Learning new crafts- sewing, knitting, crosstitch to name a few

What a great and joyous year as she grows more and more into a little lady. I am excited to see how the Lord continues to shape and mold her. She is such a blessing to us!

More Milestones for Baby Jay

2011-10-13T20:26:00.000-04:00

Jay is now 9 months and growing at a tremendous rate of speed! He started crawling back a month ago and since then he is going non-stop. He starting pulling up at about 8 1/2 months, so now he cruising the couch, crib, pack-n-play, pretty much anything that he can pull up on.

With all his moving, he is having equal movement in his mouth! He has already had three bottom teeth come in and is currently cutting his 4 top teeth! He is the only one to not cut his top teeth in vampire style.

Growing, growing.... won't be long until we celebrate his 1st birthday!

Klaire is 3!

2011-07-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

My how quickly the time passes, but little baby Klaire is now three. She was quite decisive on what she wanted for her birthday. When asked, she quickly said a princess bike and a big pooh book. Wow, could it get any easier! So Kris made it happen. She had a great birthday, starting it off at chick-fil-a for breakfast and to play at the playset (which we don't normally do- germs you know) then a quick trip to publix earned her a balloon- how I love publix! To end the day, she had cupcakes at church with her class. All in all she had a great day and one that was just about her!

Speaking of all about her....

At two she became funnier, friendlier, and more stubborn.
She likes to give hugs, dance around, and annoy her sisters.
Klaire says things like, "love you too", "no way!", and "no I not!!!"
Here favorite things are her bunny (who is cleverly named bunny), blocks, and her sisters toys- especially the ones they are presently playing with.

She is a ton of fun and ball of fire and we thank God for such an amazing child He has entrusted to us.

Big Jay

2011-07-13T23:25:00.000-04:00

Well he was on the small side at first, but my has he grown. We call he affectionately the Chucky Monkey, along with Jay Bird, Bub, Bubba, Buddy, JJ and handsome.

Here are a few milestones he has hit at 6 months
- first teeth and now he has two bottom teeth!
- sitting up unsupported
- razzing, which the girls love to join in with
-flirting, boy do they learn it young

He is such a happy baby and really easy. I prayed for God to give me a mellow baby and he is quite mellow. He is very sweet and has such a sweet smile. What a joy he is and so much fun for everyone- especially his sisters! They can't get enough of him!

A few milestones

2011-05-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

We will start at the bottom and work up

Jay

Has started to rolling over and over and over till he gets off his play mat. He is laughing and likes being tickled. And he is "sooooo cute!!!!" This is Katy's phrase and now Karoline has joined in the sweet but rather annoying description of their precious brother.

Klaire

Learned "shut up" today. We do not allow that word in the house, so I don't know where she got it from. Unfortunately Klaire is one who thinks it is funny to say something she is not suppose to say. A few other milesstones for Klaire- rolling her eyes, pointing her finger and saying "no", putting her hands on her hips with one foot out as she defends herself. She is going to be a mess. I am afraid what she might say when she gets her language in full swing!

Karoline

Still living up to her name. She has decided she wants to be a mommy when she grows up and wants a mommy birthday party (in December mind you- that gives me some time). Don't know how I am going to pull that one off.

Katy

My big helper and considers herself to be third in command. She has finished her schoolwork for the year, so now we can do more science! She loves science and math- I assume the lefty coming out in her. She has done very well this year- all A's. She reads everything she gets her hands on, and I must be careful because she got ahold of the homeschool magazine and it says that she could begin learning Latin this year. Needless to say she want to learn Latin. I really wish Kris would have taken languages in seminary.

Rolling on along

2011-04-03T19:13:00.000-04:00

Not only has he started to share his smile, he also started rolling over today, in the nursery at church to be exact!

Jay at 2 months

2011-02-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

Birth memories

2010-12-26T08:48:00.001-05:00

Each one of our children has a specific memory of the circumstances around their birthday. With Jay, the story goes like this.

Contractions started at 3:30 p.m. on December 20th. After going to the hospital on the 19th thinking my water broke, I was leery to head to the hospital with contractions until I knew it was the real thing. After 6 hours of contractions, Kris and I went to the hospital thinking we might be coming home again. But it was time.

They hooked me up to an epidural- my first- the girls all came natural with very quick labors. Jay decided to take his time. So as we waited, Kris and I watched the end of the Bears/Viking game and watched as Jay Cutler showed his talent. The game ended around midnight and Kris and I rested, awaiting 3:00 a.m. for my water to be broke. 3:00 came and 45 minutes later, Jay came.

Jay's first bat. What a sweet gift from Aunt Anita and Uncle Lee.

Jim Warren Mullis has arrived

2010-12-26T08:33:00.000-05:00

On December 21st at 3:47 a.m. our little Jim Warren, aka Jay, entered this world. At 7 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long! What a great Chrismtas gift we recieved this year!

Karoline is 4!

2010-12-14T04:59:00.005-05:00

Our little Mississippi Hippie is four today! It is hard to believe that four years ago this blog started with a move to Mississippi and the birth of Sweet Karoline. After four years with our little princess cowgirl, it is amazing how much you can learn from a child.

Karoline indeed lives up to her name. She is a sweet Karoline and is the first to quickly give hugs and tell you she loves you. She has reminded me daily to be quick to say I love you. As Karoline has began her transformation into little girlhood, she has picked up on all the proper etiquette any Southern belle should live by. All tea parties come by invitation. You must know how to properly set a table. Welcoming all guest, either alive or stuffed, is of utmost importance. Oh, yes, and when all else fails when dealing with sisters, hit, bite or pull hair, whatever is necessary to get the job done. And then after being accused of a crime, run and hide under the nearest quilt and pretend to not be around. And a true Southern belle always, always, always, pulls the tears card. She is the sweetest thing though. Sweet as a spring day, but watch out, she can get you if she has to!

We adore our little Karoline and can't wait to see how her personality will develop in the coming years. Not to make light of her not so perfect qualities, as mentioned above, she truly is loving and caring. She has amazed me at her ability to anticipate peoples needs and show such compassion when it is needed the most. She is such a blessing to all of us and we are so thankful God has given us 4 wonderful years with our Karoline Brooklyn.

Happy Birthday!

Here are links to past blogs on her birthday
Birth
Age 1
Age 2
Age 3

A look through November

2010-12-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

To see what happened in November check my blog at Prelude to Home.

Happy Reformation Day!

2010-10-31T08:04:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful time over at a friends house last night celebrating a friendly version of Halloween. Our friends had a warm fire, hot dogs and marshmallows for roasting, and a huge hay bale filled wagon for the kids to ride on for trick or treating. It was a really great time and I must say, I enjoyed the fire more than anyone since I didn't get to join the trick or treat parade.

Katy is a Medieval Princess, Karoline is The Little Mermaid, and Klaire is Minnie Mouse

Tonight we will be celebrating Reformation Day. This is a first for our family and a first of a bit of church history for our girls. We have been looking into Martin Luther's life this week during school time and discussed the Five Solas of the Reformation, and my husband ever so impressed me by remembering all of them- even in their Latin form! Needless to say, I forgot that very important piece of church history.

Happy Halloween and Reformation Day to all!

Autumn Fun

2010-10-15T13:33:00.000-04:00

Our family spent the past few days in Blue Ridge, Ga. My dream of going apple picking finally came true. It is so nice to live so close to the mountains of north Georgia and be able to enjoy the changing season there. Here are a few pictures of our trip. It was short, but sweet, and gave us some good memories to store away.

Enjoying the flowers

2010-09-22T06:46:00.000-04:00

Klaire- using her senses. Luckily she didn't use the sense of taste on these.

Flower picking

2010-09-15T06:36:00.000-04:00

Our tiny little neighborhood is wonderful. We live in a subdivision with 5 houses on the street and not much room for many more. Just past our house is the cul-de-sac, where the girls go and ride their bikes, gather rocks, and pick wild flowers, or maybe they are weeds. Pretty all the same.

The school at our house

2010-09-05T23:13:00.000-04:00

School has begun. It is in full swing and begins every morning at 8:30 and ends around 2:00. And it is all around our kitchen table. To see more on our first week of homeschool check out our other blog The Letter K (www.theletterkhomeschool.blogspot.com)

New news

2010-08-15T14:23:00.000-04:00

Well, for anyone following this blog, you know we have moved a bit.

And we have moved again. But we have actually moved back to someplace. When I began our blog, almost 4 years ago we had just moved to Mississippi and Kris was beginning a new ministry as a chaplain with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We moved from just south of Atlanta, a place we dearly dearly loved. Wonderful people, great friends, beautiful area. Well, the Lord opened a door for Kris to return to the Bureau at the ATL Penitentiary (but it is not a pen anymore, although they still call it that). We are living just 15 minutes away from the church he pastored when we began our blogging journey. Seems like we have come full circle, back to "home".

More news, and even more interesting than our move is that we found out what we will be having in Dec/Jan.

Hard to believe it- but yes- we are having a little boy. We plan on naming him after our fathers and calling him Jay or J.W. not sure yet. So we are breaking the "K" mold and probably need to change our blog name! Any suggestions?

Klaire is 2!

2010-07-06T20:32:00.003-04:00

Our tiny little Klaire is now 2. How she has grown and how far she has come since her rough start back in 2008.

We had a family party on the 4th with strawberry pudding as her "cake". Today we had a special dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, which she didn't eat any of, but she enjoyed the garlic bread.

To give a quick description of Klaire

- tiny but tough
- sweet yet stubborn
- independent and loving
- silly yet somber

You really have to know Klaire to get the full effect of her personality. She smiles never for a strangers or acquaintances, although she will give a wave. To an outsider, you would think she is a mean little bulldog. But those of us who know her so well, know how hilarious she is, how sweet hearted and loving she is, and what a blessing she is to our lives. She only shares the best of herself with those she loves and it is an honor when she loves you.

To our sweet, hard headed Klaire bear. We love you :)

Our New K
Klaire is One

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T09:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day Kris!

You are a wonderful father to our girls. I am so glad that you are my husband and so thankful that our girls has a Godly father to look up to!

A little funny

2010-06-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

We were at a local restaurant this past week when Karoline needed to visit the restroom. Katy volunteered to take her and Kris monitored from outside. We did not know the unisex bathroom had a urinal. Kris overheard Katy tell Karoline, "Look Karoline it has a little sink for you!" He quickly knocked on the door and informed Katy that was not to be used as a sink.

Snow in LA (lower Alabama)

2010-02-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it! I surely didn't until I saw it. It is beautiful and awesome. I told the girls, God sent you an early Valentine's gift. An amazing display the God's beautiful creation.

Hit the Ground Running!

2010-01-23T12:41:00.000-05:00

Boy, January hasn't wasted anytime in keeping us busy. Our family has gotten our first taste of kids and sports. Katy joined Upward cheerleading and is having a blast. Pictured above is Katy and her friend Grace at their first game. They are all so cute!

Our good friends from Georgia came down to visit us this past weekend. And boy did we have a good time. They are always so fun! Not to mention we have the same number of children all within a few months of each other, so playmates work out perfectly. Karoline has a new friend- Corrianne- although Karoline refuses to call her by her name and prefers to use "my new friend". They hit it off fabulously! They were even caught on Karoline's bed sharing Katy's sucker- how sweet of them to share :)

Katy had her old buddy Cade to hang out with. She misses him so much so any visit with Cade is like Christmas all over again. He is such a good sport, and plays her girly games even though I know he would rather be doing something else :)

Karoline has deveoloped quite an attachment to Frosty the Snowman this winter. He was a good enough sport to dress up like Sleeping Beaty. He might have been a better Snow White though.

And then a little fun with the two little sisters. They have found a way to get themselves into a lot of trouble together. Here they decided to see how fast they could rock the recliner. Not to mention their various climbing adventures them embark upon. These two keep us hopping!

A look at last year Part 2

2010-01-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

Oh Christmas Tree! We had two this year, thanks to my generous and Christmas tree loving mother-in-law.

Katy was a stable animal in our Christmas play at church- guess which one :)

A lovely home for a gingerbread family

Nativity playtime

Hopefully baby Jesus won't suffocate.

Our first Christmas tea. My sweet niece Rachel joined us and we all dressed up- Katy had some help from Rachel to look like Hannah Montana. It was super fun!

So much fun that they all crashed afterward!

Then on Christmas Eve night, after our Christmas Eve service, we all enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. Needless to say, Klaire really enjoyed it

The first up on Christmas morning was Katy! She was so excited to see what Santa had left for her that she was up a 5:45!

I have no idea how Santa got that in his sleigh, or down the chimney for that matter! It will bring hours of fun to all the girls though, so it was well worth it.

As usual, the box is more fun

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year. We had all the grandparents and Kris' brother's family with us this Christmas! We had a great day and made lots of memories. Presents are always fun, but celebrating Jesus' birth and the reason we have for living makes it all worth while.

Have a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

A look at last year

2010-01-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! It seems like I have just not had the time to get anything posted in the last several weeks. December is always so busy, but the time it takes to sit down to blog and download pictures has just not been in my "schedule" (for more on my schedule see my blog-well maybe check it next week).

So here is a look at last year in pictures

Happy New Year!

Started 2009 in Ga but didn't take long to get to sweet home Alabama

You know Easter pictures...

This speaks for itself

The paccy girls, but in 2009 Karoline gave up her paccy, well I cut it and she wouldn't have it, so it was a more of a forced depaccification.

Learned to feed the dogs- mainly Katy

and sort our colors

discovered our backyard and what lives in it

Found out that wasps bite

And what fun sparklers can be

Hanging out with Rachel

A fun forth of July

Had a birthday

And then another

Katy was baptized

And started public school

Klaire began her climbing adventures, which have gotten her in lots of trouble and many bumps and bruises

Carved some pumpkins

(which Karoline would not touch)

And enjoyed Papa's big backyard at Thanksgiving.

And had another birthday!

Part 2 to follow with more Christmas pictures

What a great year we in 2009. Looking forward to all the God has in store for us in 2010!

Klaire's Pigtails

2009-12-19T22:41:00.000-05:00

Klaire does not like bows in her hair. So I tricked her today by putting her hair in pigtails, way in the back of her head. Oh, and her shirt is wet from her attempts at brushing her teeth!

Mrs. Snowman was a good diverstion in my attempts at getting a good picture.

Oh and did I mention, this was her first time in pigtails. And for anyone who is interested they stayed in tack for close to 37 minutes, a new Klaire record for hair accessories.

Okay mom enough of this picture stuff!

Karoline is 3

2009-12-13T00:41:00.001-05:00

Wow, I just can't believe it! Can she really be three? Our sweet Karoline is a preschooler now. My my my how time truly flies. Here is a look back of the past three years of Karoline (she calls herself Kara- pronounced Kah-uh).

But first a bit about her at three.

Sweet. Yes, she is sweet. But... she can turn on a dime! Watch out!
Caring. She sees a need, whether it be a paccy, blanket, shoe, or drink and she takes care of the need. It amazes me that a 3 year old can anticipate others' needs. A great characteristic.
Tough. She can take on her 6 year old 60lb sister and her hair pulling, toy stealing baby sister. She is tough, and lets them know it on a daily basis.

What a blessing God has given us in Karoline. May she come to know and follow Christ Jesus at a very early age.

That was a wasp sting- right on her lip!

Sisterly love

Christmas here we come!

2009-12-11T00:26:00.000-05:00

Cards are sent, tree is up, inflatable snowman outside! I think we are getting ready.

Here is a quick overveiw of the Christmas festivites in the Mullis' world.

Christmas parade last week. It was COLD! Our church had a float in the parade and the girls- Katy and Karoline that is- just loved riding on the float. Katy was a cow and Karoline a bit of a sheep in the nativitiy themed float.

Can you find Karoline?

They both had a great time. Kris took pictures and Klaire kept warm in the van.

We have also been working on our Jesse Tree, although it is a wreath. We have been making the ornaments this year. The Jesse Tree is a great way to keep the focus of each day in December on Christ and the leading up to his birth. It is a great Christmas tradition. I will get pictures up of it soon.

More to come, so keep checking back. Also visit my blog, Prelude to Home and see our Christmas decorations inside the house.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-12-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

9 years today!

God has blessed us so.

Check out my personal blog Prelude to Home to read the story of us.

Tea anyone?

2009-11-04T11:09:00.005-05:00

I was going through my picture files and found these of Karoline back in the summer. She loves having tea parties, dinner parties, lunch parties, whatever suits her she is up for a party! And as always her buddies Boz and Ducky (prounounced Ucky) always are the guests of honor, although Ducky wasn't allowed any food at this particular party- I forget why.

The parade

2009-09-29T07:16:00.004-04:00

Last week was Homecoming for Elba High School. It was also Katy's first time in a parade and boy was she ever excited! The 1st grade at Elba Elementary dressed up like 1950's kids with poodle skirts and rolled up jeans. Katy's favorite part was getting to throw candy. And even though the heat was quite "sweltering" (that was one of their vocabulary words) she did not complain a bit.

Oh, and Elba did rock the socks off Geneva 40-18!

The moon

2009-09-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

The night of Homecoming was the same night that Karoline saw the moon for the first time. Shows we don't get out much at night! We have yet to go to a football game with the girls yet. But we go and watch from the top of the hill. For me I want to see the band! So as we were coming home from our mini football game on the hill, Karoline saw the moon. "Moon! Moon!" she yelled out from the back seat of the van.

It reminded Kris and I of Katy's first time seeing the moon. We lived in Williamson at the time and were over in Locust Grove shopping. It was getting dark and the moon was full. As we were driving home, she saw the moon from the back seat. That night, and for weeks after, Katy had to tell the moon goodnight before she went bed.

Oh, the sweet memories.

And the moon pictured above is the view that Karoline saw on Sept. 25th, 2009. Goodnight moon.

The beautiful skies of Alabama

2009-09-17T13:49:00.005-04:00

Neither one of these pictures do them justice. But I tried to capture the sunset in Elba. It is absolutely breathtaking to see God's masterpiece in the sky.

Katy reading to Karoline

2009-08-19T09:48:00.003-04:00

I know this is sideways, should have though about that when I taped it! Still pretty funny- watch what Karoline does. They are so sweet!

First day of school

2009-08-17T13:57:00.003-04:00

Well, Katy has started first grade. We made the switch from homeschooling to public school this year and so far so good. She has dreamed of going to "big" school as she calls it, and after much prayer we decided that we would give it try in the small elementary school in our town. She has had a great week- didn't get her card pulled once- of course she is quick to give the list of others who did!

She has also lost some more teeth! She is officially part of the snaggle tooth club.

Ahh... The Beach

2009-08-08T22:38:00.005-04:00

Some may think me uppity, but after spending the last few days at the beach, no ocean view, then I don't want to go! I am not that much of a beach person. I like to walk the beach and look for shells, but me and salt water just don't mix (not to mention I am a bit nervous with moving water). Kris really likes the beach, I have always preferred the mountains. But I believe I am coming around to his love of the beach. We had a great few days on our mini vacation before schools starts. Katy swam and swam. Karoline doesn't like the water, but enjoyed the sand immensely. Klaire loved it all! She giggled as the waves splashed her and was quick to walk right into the water with no fear whatsoever.

But the view! Absolutely amazing is all I can say. It makes me want to have a live worship service right on the beach with Chris Tomlin leading it! The majesty of God's creation is always around us, but when you see the beauty, power and grandeur of it right out your back door (or balcony) it makes you realize how small you really are and how enormous God is. I am ever so thankful for our little bit of beach and even more thankful for being reminded of our Awesome Creator. (And all of these picture were taken by me- this was our view.)Oh, and Kris has already booked a week next year for the same room. Needless to say we are saving our duckets and counting down the days!

Worth Reading

2009-08-07T17:40:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine posted this on her blog and I wanted to share it with all of you, especially those with young children or grandchildren. It is worth reading about how fast kids are growing up.

Just click on the title to read it. Her blog is
http://mypeacefullychaoticlife.blogspot.com

Katy is 6!

2009-07-20T22:32:00.006-04:00

It is hard to believe that 6 years ago Katherine Rachel was born in the oven like heat of Ft. Sill, OK. It was 113 degrees that day, hard to forget. I lived on snowcones for the last month of my pregnancy with her, and to this day haven't found a better snow cone place than the road side stand in Lawton. Katy came quick. We got to the hospital at around 3 p.m. and she entered the world at 5:22 p.m. She has been such a blessing to our lives. Being our first born, I know we have made a lot of mistakes trying to figure out what is the right and godly way of raising children. I just pray that our mistakes won't harm her. She has been such a wonderful child and such a real joy to raise. She keeps us all on our toes with her quick wit and amazing attention to detail. She hears everything too. As my mother in law says, "little pitchers have big ears" and Katy epitomises this saying.

This past weekend was not only her birthday weekend, but also her baptismal weekend. She wanted to be baptized the day after her birthday and had it all planned in usual Katy fashion. To make a long story short, Katy has been pursuing her relationship with Christ since she was four. Driving one day in Mississippi she was explaining to me that she was a Christian, and was shocked when I told her she wasn't. I proceed to explain to her that she was a sinner and what it meant to be a Christian. She really got it,and wanted to ask God to forgive her for sinning. We talked more about it and I believe this was the beginning of her walk with Christ. She continued to grow and wanted to be baptized, but we just keep quizzing her to make sure. Kris and I wanted to make sure she understood what she was "getting herself into" so to speak and didn't allow her to be baptized until now. She amazed me how she had learned the abc's to becoming a christian at vbs this year, not to mention her real grasp of spiritual concepts. She probably gets it more than most adults do! Jesus understood so much better then I, when he said let the little children come unto me. If only we could have the faith of a child and continue in that kind of faith our whole life long.

So... this has been a wonderful weekend. All three grandparents were able to take part in her birthday and baptism this past weekend and her daddy had the special honor of baptizing her. Needless to say, my cup runneth over.

Here is a look back at Katie (now Katy by her own choosing) over the years.

Klaire is One!!

2009-07-15T22:52:00.007-04:00

Our little Klaire Austine is now a whole year old! It is amazing how time moves so rapidly. She has come so far since July 6th, 2008. God has been so gracious to us in dealing with her anal stenosis. She is doing really well handling it all and is eating well. She is pint sized though, but the loudest of the girls. Anyone who has been around her during meal time knows that she has a scream that can make your brain hurt- literally! It is funny how God gives the littlest ones such big voices. I can see her being a opera singer one day!

She is such a blessing, as all our girls are. Her little personality is beginning to show and she is a feisty, playful child. We just can't wait to see who she will become. Our prayer for her is to know the Lord at a young age, serve God in whatever way possible, and marry a Godly young man.

Children truly are a blessing from the Lord.

Here is where is all began.
http://ksrus.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-new-k.html

Klaire on the Move

2009-06-24T22:17:00.004-04:00

Well, the past month was quite unscripted. My dad suffered a heart attack at the end of May which lead to quadruple by pass surgery at the beginning of June. The two little munchkins and I stayed in Fl to help him get things together before bringing him up to AL to recuperate (which in a house of 3 wild children I don't know how much recuperation he is getting right now :). But, as we spent the last three weeks in FL, Klaire decided to walk, a tribute to her birth state I suppose. She doesn't look big enough to be walking at this point, but my only reference are the two jumbo sized babies I had before her. Klaire is on the move and there is no stopping her now, she is on the way to rummiaging through cabinets, splashing out the dog water and possibly playing in toilets (but I pray that never happens!). My how they grow.

Aren't books great

2009-05-20T14:32:00.003-04:00

We have always been big readers. Kris and I both love books- you should see his office at church it is amazing! As the experts say, "Read to your children from birth". Well we have and still do. Here is a little progression of our girls with books. The top picture is Katie (the date is wrong on that picture- she wasn't even born in 4/2003) at around 2 looking at her Baby Bug magazine, which I must say are great little publications (a great gift from her Mimi and Papa) and the bottom picture is Karoline with her favs- The Berinstain Bears. I can't wait till I have one of Klaire with a book. And now that Katie is reading, she will read to Karoline as they lay in bed at night. She has even started getting up in the morning and reading her "little" bible, which really warms our hearts at how she is realizing the importance of reading God's word (even the kiddie word). So... read, read, read, to your kids. I don't know how they will turn out, but I have a feeling they are going to have a real enjoyment for the written word.

Aren't books great!

Update on the Cawthons

2009-05-18T14:00:00.002-04:00

They are in Costa Rica and here is a view of their beginnings there. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin language school.

NOTE: To view this pause or stop our music on the right side.

2009-05-11T23:04:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been keeping Kris busy with my forever long "honey do" list. He has been a good sport about it all, as I find this that needs fixing and that that needs hanging. I am so glad I married a handy man! He can do just about anything, and preaches really good too (but I am biased).

So we packed up the kids this past weekend and took them to Lowe's for this build and grow craft for kids. Katie and Karoline had a blast, each getting their own hammers and kits, they really thought they were super special. Lord willing, the seeds we planted will grow, but I have a really bad feeling about it

As you can tell, not only do I have two in diapers but two in paccies as well. It is really quite comical when Klaire picks up Karoline's paccie for a taste, for Klaire is always eyeing Karoline's. But Karoline being the germaphobe, will have nothing to do with it, she demands that it be cleaned before she will even touch it, much less use it! Might be a good tactic to use in breaking her of it you know. We are working on that one.

Thought I would share our neighbors with you. Aren't they bold! The blasted things!! Stealing from our bird house like that. I even have a squirrel feeder for them, you think that would be enough, but noooo, they have to steal from the bird house too. Well, I got a fix for them, and no it will cause them no harm, they are cute anyways.
And the bubbles. What would we do without bubbles! They keep our kids occupied for several minutes at a time. Katie and Karoline have really been enjoying our new back yard with all its room and trees. Just have to keep the mosquitoes off of them. Oh and watch out for snakes. Our neighbors on each side have killed rattle snacks, so I guess we need to kill us one just to keep up.

The Cawthons

2009-04-29T09:57:00.002-04:00

Our dear friends Cavin and Charlotte Cawthon have arrived, as of Monday, in Costa Rica with their 3 three children to start life as IMB (International Mission Board) Missionaries. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin language school and get adjusted to life in Costa Rica. Their testimony is amazing and even to hear the kids talk about it makes you want to go and join in foriegn missions. You can visit their website at cawthonmission.blogspot.com. We are so excited to see how God uses them and their family.

A good picture

2009-04-24T22:47:00.004-04:00

You know, taking a picture of three children 5 and under is always a task. I really do dread it. You get them dressed up so pretty with the fear of something horrible happening to their outfit before you get the picture taken or you get to the event (usually church) that you dressed them up for. Easter was a good time to try and get one of those much needed pictures of the girls- all together, dressed so cute, with bows in their hair and all smiling perfectly on cue. Yeah right! It took me about 20 shots of this picture and then I just gave up and took the best I had. The two I am showing are the ones that I thought best described our picture taking event. It is all for memories and each picture taking event is a memory that I will never forgot. Karoline's hand to her head pose expresses my feelings exactly. It was worth it all though, looking back at those pictures gave me a good belly laugh!

Just a few pictures

2009-04-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-02-21T08:24:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know I know! For all who have followed us through this blog know this is our third move now. But to recap a bit and not get mired down in details, I will try and tell our story.

God has called Kris to preach the word. The Federal Bureau of Prisons does not give him much of a chance to do that. He knew this early on in his tenure, but God had to accomplish some things in our life first. This has been a 2 1/2 year journey of growth for us. But I would like to rely some pretty cool events that have accomplished this move.

1. The big disappointment. When we transferred to Jesup with the BOP, they were going to move us. Now when the BOP (Bureau of Prisons) moves you, they go all out. They buy your house, then pack and move you, give you money for a few months to live in a hotel till you find a place and then even provide some extra to get started in your new house. But if they move you, you have a 18 month commitment to the prison you are going to. They were suppose to move us, but they put a freeze on all the moves the week before Kris' transfer was approved. We decided to get closer to our family, we chose to move ourselves and sell our home and take the loss. Now if we had been moved by the BOP, we would not even be able to entertain the idea of going back to the church, Kris would have 12 more months of commitment to the BOP.

2. Our house selling in MS. The first week our house was on the market we got an offer. We turned it down (ironically we ended up selling it for less than that offer!). Had we accepted it, we would have bought another house in Jesup. I had already fell in love with a house in Jesup. We almost made an offer on it because at the time we had another offer on our house, but it fell through right as we were about to make an offer on this house in Jesup. Had we bought a house, we would not have been able to financially afford to go to a church, I am sure you have noticed the bad housing market right now.

3. Finally our house sells! In November our house finally closed. Praise the Lord! We were first contacted by a church near my dad, but for reasons we couldn't see at the time, we just didn't have peace about it. Later we found out there were some unresolved issues at that church which are now being addressed. The first of December First Baptist Church of Elba, Al contacted Kris and we proceeded with the journey of going through all the interviews and such that happens in Southern Baptist life when calling a pastor. From the beginning we both felt a real peace about going there. Kris has always had an interest in FBC Elba since I have known him. And Elba is 15 miles from where his parents live.

So Elba contacted us to meet with their committee the second week of January. The first week of Jan. we found out that Kris' dad had a tumor and then soon after that he had a type of lung cancer. So to make a long story short, Kris is now the pastor of First Baptist Church of Elba, AL and we are moving this coming week. Lots of good changes are coming for our family and we could not be more thrilled to be back serving the Lord in the church. Our house sold at just the right time for us to make this move.

It always amazes me how the Lord always answers our prayers in such a way that we could never had imagined. Trust me, when we were paying a mortgage payment and rent, we were really wondering when the Lord was going to get us out of this. But at the perfect timing he did and as always has provided for all our needs. Our short time in Jesup has been a real learning experience. And I know for some it looks like we are crazy people who move a lot, but Kris and I see the Lord's hand moving through it all to get us to where we are going now. Sometimes you just have to take the long way around the mountain. Lord willing we will be at First Baptist Elba a long time helping to further God's kingdom.

And to update on Kris' dad. He is doing okay, I would say, considering what he is undergoing. He is having chemo and radiation right now. The doctors have given him a short timeline, but only God knows the number of our days. We are praying for a miracle of healing on him, but know that God is in control of it all and will be glorified through all of this. Please continue to pray for him and lift him up as he is undergoing all this treatment. He isn't feeling the best, but he still is the same old "Big Jim" as the girls call him.

All that happens in a New year

2009-01-27T13:39:00.004-05:00

You know, my mother-in-law has a saying that I am sure you've heard, "what you do on New Years, you do all year long." I do hope that isn't the case for us. Please keep Kris' dad in you prayers- he has a cancerous tumor in his windpipe and will be undergoing treatment for it soon.

With that we might- I say might- be moving soon. There are many other factors at work here for that. Keep you posted.

But here are a few other things we have been up to over the past 26 days.

Bundling up in the cold- yes it has gotten a wee bit cold here.

Watching the inauguration and the girls building their own white house

and Karoline deconstructing it

Our Christmas Doings

2008-12-22T13:11:00.001-05:00

We have really been having sugar overload around here and more cookie baking to be done today! I just love sweets and so that is being passed on to my girls! We made and decorated some sugar cookies and then undertook the arduous task of making a gingerbread house. Our house has roof problems and we had to do some structural engineering to keep it from collapsing. But amazingly enough it is still standing! But I wouldn't advise every eating one of these- the frosting is gross and the gingerbread is even worse! Maybe next year I will think about baking one (probably just think about it and then buy another kit :)

Our sweet little Klaire helping celebrate Karoline's bday!

The Secret Life of Wise Men

Did you know that the wise men live under Klaire's exersaucer and when they aren't bringing gifts to the Baby Jesus they are having tea and crumpets with the barbies.

Merry Christmas to all!

2008-12-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

Wanted to wish you all a wonderful Christmas. How blessed we are to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior. As I sat in Sunday school yesterday and listened to all the prayer requests for people groups around the world who are enduring tortured and death for their belief in Christ, I realize how important it is for us to thank God for our freedom and pray earnestly for their protection and the continued growth of the Gospel in those places. How fortunate we are, and I pray that we all realize the blessings we have here in during hard times.

Our family wishes you a very Merry Christmas (or mari critmas as Katie would spell it) and a New Year full of joy!

Karoline is Two!! Woo-hoo

2008-12-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Our little Karoline is two! She had a wild birthday week- yes week. In our house birthday's last all week long- lots of cake and lots of celebrating. So we started her birthday week in FL at my dad's house (papa)- her bday was on SUnday the 14th and Kris was preaching at my dad's church- The Vineyard. Now I know most would disapprove of this- but instead of breakfast we had birthday cake and ice cream! Now the reason why is becuase there was going to be no time for a party that day seeing that we had to be back home in time for Katie's Christmas Musical at church! Crazy day- I don't like crazy days.

Well party two came on Thursday with Grammy and Big Jim (Kris' parents). Grammy helped me make my first attempt at making a decorated cake. I would say it turned out really well! But my hands were died red for a few days. So we had here Elmo party and present unwrapping and lots of tears because the five year old wanted to play with everything the two year just got. Any advice on that- I am open to suggestions on dealing with gift sharing??? But all in all the party week was great. Lots of sugar and lots of baby dolls!

Checkers in our house

2008-12-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

These are mini-documentaries of the multiple uses of checkers. Hope you find them enlightening.

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas

2008-12-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share some pictures of what is going on around our house this month. It has been a lot of fun, and a lot of mess, but that's okay. We are doing a Jesse Tree and it helps keep us on track each day as to why we celebrate Christmas- which of course isn't all the yummy treats and presents. It is hard though to teach a five year old that Christmas isn't about whacha gonna get, but about what Christ gave for us. They are both learning, and by God's grace they will get it.

I must say, I do dream of being cooped up in a warm cabin in the mountains of Tennessee with snow falling all around outside, as the crackling fire is burning in the fire place. The children playing simple games and playing quitely as Kris and I read books. But God has given me south Georgia humidity that is slightly chilly and a house of squealling, screaming, laughing,crying sweet little girls- and reading a books- yeah right- the only books around here come with pictures!! Maybe one day when we are all older we will get to that cabin in the snow, but for now I praise the Lord that we have a loud, crazy house full of noise.

Oh, and will all you pray for snow here. Katie is convinced it will snow on Christmas Eve.

Lil' Pilgrims

2008-11-24T09:26:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow, there are so many things we could list to be thankful for- But how about the top ten.
1. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for making life worth living and providing for our every need.
2. Our girls
3. Our parents- how they have blessed us, more than we can ever thank them for!
4. Our extended family
5. Our Family in Christ- you mean so much to us and have been such a HUGE blessing to us.
6. Having a house to live in
7. Our daily bread
8. Having reliable cars
9. Heat and air- boy aren't we spoiled!
10. Living in a free country

We have a paper chain hanging as a window valence in our kitchen with many more things we are thankful for. I'm sure your list goes on and on also. We are a blessed country and a blessed people and I pray that on thanksgiving we spend time with our families remembering and recalling all that we have to be thankful for.

A princess and little monster

2008-11-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share our Halloween pics. Katie was a pink princess, she was quite excited although this picture does not show it at all, looks more like we were dragging her out to trunk or treat! Karoline was Elmo, one of her many favorite characters, and quite fitting for her since she can be a little monster at times. Klaire went as herself and slept the whole time. We were in AL and visiting Kris' home church- FBC Level Plains- so we did their trunk or treat.Lots of fun and luckily we had to leave before the trunk or treat started, so we missed all the candy! Yes, they did get some candy, but not the bucket full that they didn't need.

The month of October ended with us visiting Kris' parents in Alabama and then turning around and spending the next week in FL with my dad. We have been home a week and have spent that week battling a "family" cold. It is so nice to share germs with your family. Well, Lord willing, we will all be healthy to head back to FL for Thanksgiving at the end of the month.

And NEWSFLASH- KATIE MULLIS LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!!!! We are so proud of her. She wanted Kris to tie a string to it and do the old door slamming routine, but I opted out of that for her, and she ended up pulling it herself. The tooth fairy visited and left $2- that is the going rate in our family- and a puzzle. But the tooth fairy was quite clear that gifts were extra special and only for the first tooth and not to be expected here on out. She is quite cute with her missing tooth and we are expecting another tooth launching in the near future.

We wish you all a happy thanksgiving and don't forget to count your many blessings, for we all have many.

The Election

2008-11-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

Even though I am a wee bit nervous about the upcoming election, I know that God is in control and he appoints the president, not us.

Don't forget to vote!

Mark Driscoll speaks on The Shack!

2008-10-07T19:41:00.001-04:00

Flippin

2008-09-19T15:02:00.001-04:00

Sweet Karoline

2008-09-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to give an update on our Karoline. Karoline is almost 2 and a ball of fire! If any of you watch the show Reba, then you know her fiery daughter Kyra, well I have feeling that Karoline is going to be a lot like Kyra. Karoline is sweet though and the most loving child. She is very gentle with Klaire and gets upset when Klaire cries. She is little mother in the most literal of sense. I know you aren't suppose to compare, but who doesn't! So the only child I have to compare to is Katie and what is so funny is that all the things Katie wasn't interested in at Karoline's age, Karoline is interested in. For instance, Katie did puzzles (and still does) like crazy from about 1 year on. Karoline has no need for them. Katie never liked dress up or girlie things till she was about 3. Karoline has been prissing around with a purse on her arm since she could walk. Karoline loves dolls and stuffed animals and playing kitchen and doing all the prissy girlie things. I just think it is amazing how different each child can be, yet I didn't truly get it until now. God has made every child so unique and special in their own little sweet and peculiar way. Karoline has certainly shown me that. She keeps up on our toe with all her antics, but I would want her any other way.

Here is Karoline being mama to her baby. Her naked baby at that! What is it with kids taking off baby doll clothes!

Katie's a sparkie!

2008-09-17T19:02:00.000-04:00

Here is our new sparkie! She is so excited about AWANA and loves working on her bible verses. She makes sure she has them down before club, and we don't have to reminder her at all!

Katie said a funny today at breakfast that I just had to repeat it. We had biscuits and gravy from Hardees and Kris made some comments about gravy and God- not in the same sentence- and a few seconds passed and Katie said why are you talking about papa. I said,"Do you think papa's God?" She said,"No mom, gravy, papa's name is gravy." Well, my dad's name is Grady, which I had no idea she knew his first name, but I found out that she did. So I had to call my dad and tell him Katie had renamed him to Gravy! Lesson here, kids pick up a whole lot more than you think, and they misinterpret some of it.

School Time

2008-09-13T15:14:00.000-04:00

Well, after all the hemming and hawing- we are doing it- homescholing that is. We started with Katie last year doing preschool stuff and beginning reading. But now we are full steam ahead into homeschooling and I must say, it is going rather well considering a newborn and a 20 month old in the mix. Katie is doing well and enjoys it for the most part. Our day consists of bible memory time, phonics, handwriting, math and once or twice a week science. History is done by reading books at this point- it is amazing how much history you can get from picking out the right books at the library- not to mention American girls are great for a history lesson. She is also going to AWANA and is an offical Sparky and quite proud of it! She loves going and memorizing scripture. It warms my heart to hear her recite God's word. She also goes to children's choir on Monday afternoon at FBC Jesup where we are attending. So all is starting off well. Please continue to keep us in prayers- as tempers do rise at times when trying to teach and learn.

As a side note- GO McCAIN/PALIN!

Katie's Doings

2008-08-04T14:03:00.000-04:00

Katie had a busy and fun summer. When we got to Papa's house in FL she started swimming lessons and did a great job. A few days a week she would go to Ms. Brenda's as we call it (our friends daycare) and she would have some time with kids her age and older. She had some firsts at Ms. Brenda's- she went bowling, skating and got to go to the movies without mom and dad.

Katie celebrated her 5th birthday in July and with all that had been going on with Klaire we had a spur of the moment party and her good buddy Cade, from Georgia came down to help her celebrate. That in and of itself was the best present she could have had- she loves Cade! And he was such a good sport, wearing a princess crown for her party.

Well after much prayer- Kris and I have decided that homeschooling is what we are going to attempt this year with Katie. I have always felt convicted to homeschool since before Kris and I were married. I had figured that with Klaire being born so close to beginning Kindergarten that we should just put her in school, but a few months back I just felt that we needed to go forward with the homeschooling. And so that is what we shall do. Please to pray for us as I want this to be a positive experience for all of us. I am currently looking for a homeschool group in our area and have found a few. We already have all the curriculum, so now I am waiting for the first of September to go full speed ahead with it (hopefully that will give me time to get the house in order). I am very excited, although I think Katie is a little disappointed that she will not being going to "big" school as she calls it. But a five year old doesn't get to make educational decisions :). We will keep you posted on how it all fares.

Thought I would share that Katie does memorize more than TV slogan. We had started memorizing Psalm 23 about a year ago and she still can remember it. I think memorizing scripture for children is so important- it will not return void in the years to come. Katie will be starting AWANA soon and that will add to the scripture she has already hidden in her heart.

Our New K

2008-08-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Well, after much traveling we are finally home in Georgia with all of our family. Our beautiful little girl Klaire Austine was born on July 6th at 7:32 a.m. My dad got me to the hospital at 6:40 a.m. and shortly there after she arrived. Kris was not able to make it in time for the birth, mainly because my lack of knowing what a contraction felt like!

Please keep Klaire in your prayers. She has what we like to call it "poo poo problems". So to spare you the details, we have to help her poop. She is doing well though and pooping great, we hope that her problem will be fixed in the next month of two and that surgery will not be required. The techical name of her problem is anal stenosis if you want to look it up. But she is healthy and eating and sleeping great. She is a real blessing to our family and thank God she is doing so well.

Katie and Karoline are the best big sisters any baby could ask for. They both are very caring and gentle (for the most part). Karoline is very sweet to Klaire and is always concerned about Klaire having her paccy. Katie is a huge help and loves her little sister so much- maybe a little more than she does Karoline- simply because Klaire cannot mess with her "stuff" yet.

Well, that pretty much sums it up right now. Think I will go and take a 5 minute nap!

RED GREEN!

2008-05-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

For those of you that aren't familiar with The Red Green Show...here is a clip. This show was awesome. I would classify it as Canadian Redneck. Remember, if they don't find you handsome, they should find you handy.

One Step Closer...

2008-05-14T17:10:00.000-04:00

As of today we signed a contract for someone to purchase our home in MS. We are thrilled. The potential buyer has to sell their house. But, we are confident that God will take care of this as well. Personally (Kris), I am thrilled to be moving to Jesup, GA. Their is no place like Georgia. I believe that Shana is excited about being so close to family. In less than 1 month we will be in GA again and hopefully we will remain residences of the State for a long time.

Finally moving to Georgia!

2008-04-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

Like the title says- we are finally moving to Georgia, just not the Atlanta area or back to the church.This is the story... Kris has had his eyes on a transfer closer to home since he started working for the BOP, we just figured that it would take a few years. Not so... he will be reporting to Jesup, Ga in June! We are both very happy about this move. It is funny how God puts you where he wants you to be, just in his timing. Kris will still be doing chaplaincy for the BOP, same position and same pay, just closer to what we think of as home. It will put me closer to my dad- about 2 1/2 hours, and a little closer to Kris' parents. So folks- we are for real moving this time from Mississippi.

Please keep us in your prayers, cause as you know I am due July 22nd. So basically the plan is that the girls and I are going to live with my dad in FL and have the baby there and then move to Jesup in time for Katie to start school. I am having to put my homeschool aspirations on hold till we get baby K a little bit older. So here is what we ask you pray for
- Sale of our house
- Easy Move and transition
- Place for Kris to live temporarly in Jesup
- Delivery and Birth of Baby K
- Be able to find a house to buy before Katie starts school in August

It is alot of ask for, but God will make it all work out, even if it isn't quite like we would like it. One way or the other this baby is coming and Kris has to be to Jesup in June- those things are certain!

Thanks for your prayers and we will keep you updated as our journey progresses. I must say that I am always amazed as to how the Lord provides for us in ways we couldn't ever image. He is such a great and awesome God.

Katie in her ballet and tap outfit
Karoline rocking away

2008-03-13T21:15:00.000-04:00

Its been a while

2008-03-13T15:21:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I last blogged. But we have been in a little bit of limbo. To get you up to date on us... First, things did not work out for us to return to the church that Kris had pastored in Ga. Second, my early months of nausea just about did me in with this pregnancy. But praise the Lord I am over it and back to cooking for my family. Third, we are having a little girl with the possible name of Kelly Anne Laura, but that could always change. So that about covers what major events have happened in the Mullis household. As spring and summer approach and I get bigger- which you could not tell I was half way through my pregnancy right now, but as I get bigger and it gets hotter, life will get busier around here. But it's all good and we just can't wait to add our newest girl to the family. As a side note, if you haven't heard about the California Homeschooling case, please check out www.HSLDA.org for more info on that and you might have noticed the parentalright.org logo on our page now- check that one out to. It is pushing for a constitutional amendment that gives parents the right to raise and educate their children as they see fit, and it would limit the courts to making these outlandish rulings on subjects they have no business in. Just keep in mind there are a lot of federal and international groups who would love to have complete control of how our children are raised and we need to stop them before they get to far. I will stop harping on that- but please check out the websites and see for yourself. Pray you and your family are doing great!

Karoline's First Birthday!

2007-12-19T17:43:00.000-05:00

Karoline is now a year old. My how time does fly. Today as I was checking the video camera I found the tape of Katie's first birthday and it brought back such sweet memories of when she was a baby and just starting to toddle around- it really seems like yesterday. And now Karoline is a year old and has went from wobbly walking last week to practically running this week. She has learned in the past two days to open the gate that keeps her in the living room and then she trots as fast as she can to the back of the house! Once again she has outsmarted us and we must find another way to keep her contained. But that is the fun of watching them grow.

Here are some pictures of Karoline's party. We hope you all enjoy them.

Have a Merry Christmas!

2007-12-07T22:01:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have fell down on my job of keeping this blog updated!! Please pray for me as I feel like I just can't seem to get ahead in the house keeping right now- I mean does laundry ever end!! Well, I wanted to share some pictures of the girls from Halloween and a pumpkin patch. They are growing so fast- which is to be expected. Karoline is walking now and has five teeth and two of them on the top look like fangs! She doesn't have her two front teeth yet- just the ones next to them. Katie is doing well and is keeping me busy as she really likes to use water for all her pretend cooking project now- so I have been finding water everywhere!

Hope everyone is not getting to tired and stressed with Christmas upon us. I pray that we all are able to slow down and REALLY focus on Jesus' birth and not get caught up in the commercialization of our Holy Day. Merry Christmas!

2007-09-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

You know kids just say the funniest things. Here are two that Katie has just wowed us with today- just today- that doesn't count all the other times she has about made us pee our pants. Well, as usually with any conversation these days, Katie puts her input in and explains how she knows everything about whatever the subject. Well today as Kris and I were talking she told us that she knew everything just like God! Well, Kris proceeded to give her a long diatribe about how she was not God and did know the number of stars in the sky or the hairs on her head, and finally got her to admit that she did not know as much as God. Then tonight as Kris was putting her to bed- she and Kris got into an extensive argument over where the Old and New Testament were. Now Kris tried to wow her with his degrees and even got out another bible (she reads the picture bible) to show her the word OLD and NEW testaments in attempts to convince her. Neither worked and she still insisted- by saying okay dad be quiet, let me talk, now this is the New Testament (pointing to the front half of the bible) and this is the Old Testament (point to the back). So... Katie knows everything- in her own mind. Boy to look forward to those teenage years. Well, that is the joy of children and blessings that come with them. Please pray for us as we continue in our challenge of convincing Katie that she doesn't know everything.

Karoline on the other hand, can't tell us that yet, but I am sure she is not far behind her sister. She is very very mobile and on Katie's heels most of the time. She is getting quite a temper also and isn't as willing to let Katie take toys from her anymore and is getting more likely to take them from Katie. She has cut some teeth and has boycotted jarred baby food, so I am now on the "make it yourself" baby food kick, which is actually more healthy anyways. She is so different from Katie and that really amazes me. I never had to put locks on cabinets or really baby proof outlets and such. Not with Karoline, the outlets are the first things she goes for and she loves the oven!! Boy, it is so true about every child being different.

But life is good and God is always good to us.

Katie is 4

2007-08-03T12:21:00.001-04:00

The month of July was lots of fun and lots of work. Starting with the fun, Katie had her fourth birthday and says it was her "funist" birthday yet. Poor thing was sick on her party day, but she still wanted cake, ice cream and birthday presents.

On her actual birth- day we took her to a place called Libby Lu and she had a Libby Du which made her into Hannah Montana. She had a blast. Got her hair and make up done. Wish they had one of those when I was a kid!

We also got what Kris like to call the "ghetto" pool. It is really great though! Katie has loved it and so has Karoline. And yes, Kris and I like to swim in the three feet of water too. It sure helps with the HOT Mississippi summer.

Karoline has really been moving around this last month. Around the middle of July she started crawling and know you can't keep her out of ANYTHING!! She especially like Katie's toys and being right where Katie is at. She has started clapping too, which is so cute. They grow up so fast.

Please pray for us, I will start homeschooling Katie this month. We are both excited to begin. She is a quick learner, just a bit stubborn now and then, don't know where she gets that from- certainly not me. She is also going to start dance class and she can't wait.

And for the work, well you know how it is unpacking. Thank the Lord it is pretty much done and I can actually get the van in the garage! Kris has been working hard to get everything put up and together. Now we being all the honey do's, which I know he is so looking forward to.

The 711

2007-07-09T19:36:00.001-04:00

We are finally moved in- for the most part, and we are ready to get scorched in the HOT Mississippi summer. We have plenty of boxes left to unpack and a uhaul truck load still left at Kris' parents, but we are here and it feels great!! We love the house and as we get things fixed up we will show you before and afters. Right now we still have quite a bit of painting to do and wallpaper to strip, but the house is perfect and we are so thankful for it.

Here are the latest photos of the girls. Katie is loving her swimming class and is doing great- she is like a fish! Karoline is about ready to crawl, just waiting for her to push off. She is really getting a cute little personality and loves playing with her big sissy. Her newest endevour is
taking a bath with Katie.

Here is one of Katie showing off her Bulldawg tatoo- That's for you Daddy!
This is one of the girls with their "Big Jim"

This is Karoline with her spoon. This is turning out to be one of her favorite toys.

As I watch our two girls grow I am just overwhelmed by how blessed we are by God to have such a wonderful life! The Lord is so good. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

2007-06-14T14:38:00.001-04:00

On the road again

2007-06-10T21:37:00.000-04:00

Moving on- again!! Well only about four miles down the road that is. We will be closing on a house the end of this month- Lord willing- and we are all excited. Our home inspection went well, so we shall see, but here is a picture along with some new ones of the girls.

So, here's the story of the house for all who want to read a bit...
We are renting from a man who is a great Christian man and former VP of Promise Keeper and now is running a men speaking ministry where he sets up pretty big Christian conferences for men. Well, with all of that work, he is trying to sell of his rental properties. He had a few come open that we looked at but they just wouldn't work for our family- until- the 711 house come up (that is the address) and it is perfect- perfect price, perfect size, perfect neighborhood. We are thrilled. We really expected to be renting for another year (and our rental is small- Kris says he has to go outside to change his mind), but as providence will have it - Lord willing I say- we will be in the house the end of June- AMAZING!

The girls are doing great. Katie is having lots of fun learning to swim, well, sometimes she has lots of fun sometimes she gets upset, but she says she's having fun. Nothing like a stranger to take you and dunk you under the water several times to ruin your day! But she is doing well considering. Karoline is moving all over. She has quite a humerous scoot that moves her anywhere pretty fast. We expect her to be crawling soon. She can get up on her arms good and get her butt in the air, just not at the same time. She is sitting up unsupported for the most part and loves to grab a handful of hair- I am seriously thinking of going back to the pixie cut.

That all of now folks!

This is Karoline with my dad when we visited him in Florida. He now has two little bulldog girls.

2007-05-04T15:05:00.000-04:00

This has been quite a week! Katie started her swimming lessons this week and as usual she was the biggest kid in her group and had to splash after being told not to- that's our girl! Kris is taking her to swimming lessons and he said she really did great and had a lot of fun.

Amazingly, there is actually a swimming school here! We feel like were uptown with all these amenities. Never before have we lived so close to everything, it is great but strange at the same time- Kris and I still haven't quite gotten used to having Walmart just 2 miles away.

Karoline did the cutest thing this week and I hope the picture shows it well enough- she found her tongue! She has been sticking her tongue out for the past few days and it is so funny. We have also advanced up to learning the sippy cup and she is doing really well with it.

I must say life is never dull or quiet in the Mullis household and we wouldn't have it any other way!

2007-04-18T21:01:00.000-04:00

New Milestones

2007-04-18T20:46:00.001-04:00

These past few weeks have been really exciting as Karoline has been changing. She has mastered rolling over and is hillarious to watch as she does it. She also has begun cereal, and although she makes a horrid face when she eats, she does get it down. Next week we will start some tasty food. She has also graduated up to the saucer. We have had her in the bumbo seat, but she literally tries to flip herself out of it, so I got the saucer out and she really likes it.

Katie is being a great big sister, always wanting to help. She even has fed her a little, but thinks Karoline is really gross when she eats so she tries to stay away from her. We signed Katie up for swimming lessons that will start the beginning of May, so she is thrilled.

Hope you all enjoy our latest pictures of the girls.

The Girls

2007-04-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

Since our move, our lives have drastically changed, but for the better. Karoline is such a sweet baby and has a good temperament. I get plenty of sleep at night and time to spend with Katie one on one. I must say it takes a little planning to spend good quality time with Katie. We do "school work" and she is able to spell and write her name along with other letters and numbers, although we haven't mastered them all yet. Friday she goes to FBC Madison for mothers morning out and if she has a good day we bake chocolate chip cookies (finally found a good chewy cookie recipe) and have recently added finger nail painting day to our Friday agenda- although Katie would prefer to get her nails done at walmart, where she told Kris she wanted a pedicure :).

Karoline just this week began rolling over (back to belly) and found her feet. It is just so amazing how God gave these little ones the ability to change so quickly and learn new things so they can become "big kids" as Katie calls them. Every time Karoline or Katie does something new it just thrills me to now end and I love it and love being a mom- it is the best job in the world! I just thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to have such wonderful kids and an awesome husband. Life is good. Enough of me blabbing- here are some more pics of the girls to keep you up to date.

And Ema- Katie says hello and loves your pictures on your mommy's blog!

Life in Mississippi

2007-03-30T22:07:00.000-04:00

Well, we have finally settled in here in MS. Kris had a three week school with the bureau in March and thank the Lord we will be staying put for a long time!! Mississippi is great, pretty much like Ga., maybe a little hotter, but same old pollen. Katie and Karoline are growing so much that I just am amazed at all they both do. Katie has been going to a Mothers Day out on Fridays and really enjoys it. She also has a new friend- Rocky- her pet rock. She found him outside all by himself and now he lives with us- eats with us, watches tv with us, and even takes a bath with Katie. But I drew the line at sleeping in the bed. She is so funny- this age is just great- she really keeps Kris and I laughing all the time. She has also mastered the computer and her V-smile video game. It is sad when you have to fight with getting on the computer with a three year old!

Karoline has been changing so much. She found her feet this week and has not stopped looking for them since. I have to really watch her because she well lift up and bend herself over in her car seat looking for her feet. She is a very solemn child though. We had her pictures taken this week and not a one of them would she smile in! Each child is different and I certainly believe it. I have a feeling Karoline is going to be the shy, reserved one and Katie our little ham.

Kris is loving the prison. His voice mail on his phone says, "sorry I can't take your call I am in prison right now, but I will get back to you as soon as I get out." I think he has finally found the niche God made him for. He is quite happy doing this and his gerd is not keeping him up a night.

That is all of our news for now. Check out our latest pictures.