The Fab Fulton Family

Mission Trip Update

2014-01-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

There are more important things in life than arguing over who wronged whom in the latest round of A&E vs. Duck Dynasty, and it saddens my heart that so many people are missing out on the true meaning of Christianity. The worst part on either side is those who are judging and throwing stones, they are in the wrong. Jesus did not come to create divisions among his people, but to save us from our sins. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

The bible clearly teaches what are sinful acts and guess what, we are guilty of committing them. I am not any different, as I am a person struggling with sin daily. The punishment of these sins is death, but thankfully we have a God who is mercifully and sent His perfect Son to pay that price for us. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

This is the perfect example of sacrificial love. This is the same kind of love that Jesus calls us to share with us others; however, when we are too busy judging others whom we are not fit to judge. We are not loving each other in the manner with which Christ calls us to love. In fact, we turn people off to the gospel and then they miss out on their eternal salvation. Paul, in his letter to Corinth, tells us how to love. While in modern day we often think of this as a love between a husband and a wife, this is how we should love everybody, regardless of their sins. Because if we love them and show them Jesus’s love, then Jesus and Jesus alone can change someone's heart and help them repent from their sins. Judging and shouting harsh condemnations, or making blanketed social media statuses, do nothing but harden a person heart to the Gospel.

Jesus tells us that our great commission is to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20), but we get too caught up in telling others how they are wrong that we forget this. I am making a humble effort to try and change how I live my life. I am trying to fulfill, as best I can in my sinful nature, the great commission.

As many of you know I was supposed to go to Haiti in January to help spread the gospel there, but unfortunately due to corrupt politicians and an unstable situation that trip was cancelled. God had a different plan for me, he has opened the opportunity to travel to Thailand on a mission trip.

Several of you donated money to help send me to Haiti, I plan on using this money to travel to Thailand instead. If you are not ok with this decision please let me know and I will return the money to you. I am truly humbled and blessed by your support. I ask that you pray for me, as well as the rest of the team that will be heading out from South Side Baptist Church in June. God calls us to love one another and to spread His gospel for the redemption of all people. We can only do this when we submit our lives to his will and love others as he first love us.

THANK YOU!

2013-10-30T19:42:00.003-07:00

So, I completed my first triathlon on 27 June. It was a great experience and a very humbling one. I embarked on this journey in an order to help raise money for a mission trip I am planning on going on with South Side Baptist Church.

When I started this trip I was unsure of where the Lord was leading me. All the love, support, and prayers that all of my friends, relatives and long lost friends have poured out on me have blown me away. Your encouragement has been truly overwhelming and humbling. So, thank you! I truly hope that because of your support and God’s plan that I will be able to make a lasting impact for His Kingdom on my trip.

Currently Pastor Jacques of the Haiti Bible Institute is facing a threat from corrupt government officials. I would ask that you pray for the Lord to work a miracle and protect his mission work. I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to serve the Lord, thank you for again for all of your support!

-Zach

I Was Blind

2013-10-05T19:16:00.001-07:00

I Was Blind

This past Father’s Day, Katie got me a book on tape to listen to because she knew I would be traveling a lot! It was by the counter and cheap so she just grabbed it. This book has significantly changed our lives for the better. The book is Radical by Dr. David Platt. In the book it address the idea of biblical Christianity versus how we treat Christianity in today’s American society. Today we like to take scriptures like “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and say that doesn’t apply to me because I was not “called” to missions; but, if we are truly following Christ, then that is exactly what we should be doing. The entire New Testament is full of commands that we do not get to pick and choose which ones we want to follow. They are all important because they all come from God. I fear that one day I will end up in front of Jesus and hear these words “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my father in Heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons, and do mighty works in your name?’ And then I will declare to them,’ I never knew you, get away from me you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

I have prayed that the Lord would open the eyes of my heart, so that I would become a better follower of Jesus. Through this journey I have been awakened to my blindness to God’s commandments. I thought I was not called to certain ones, but I now realize that a follower of Christ I am called to follow Him with all of my actions, thoughts and I do not get to choose with commandments I want to follow but I must follow them all.

South Side Baptist Church is going on a mission trip to Haiti. I feel called to go on this trip to help fulfill Jesus Great Commission: “then Jesus came to them and said.’ All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded to you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As a way to help raise the money necessary for this mission, I am going to be doing a series of triathlons. I would ask that you would be in prayer for how you could support and sponsor me in my competitions so that I may have the opportunity to help bring glory to God in all nations, and spread the Gospel so that all people may have the opportunity to hear the good news! If you would like to sponsor me, you can send a check to South Side Baptist Church, 1425 S 7th St., Abilene, TX 79602, with my name in the subject and Haiti mission trip. All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you and God Bless,
Zach

Letting Go

2013-01-23T08:41:00.002-08:00

Over the past few days I have been overcome with emotions. Taking an adventure to Cabot, AR stirred emotions in me I hadn’t acknowledged for quite some time. You see, when I drove away from Cabot nearly 3 years ago it wasn’t under the most pleasant of circumstance. Yes, the blessings that have followed have been abundant, and life in Abilene is filled with incredible joy, memories, friends and love. Please do not think for a second I am unhappy in Abilene. I am not. That being said, it was not our “choice” to leave Arkansas.

Three years ago our family dealt with a nightmarish year filled with lawyers, judges, court dates, legal interviews, and eventually the right guy at the right time to hear our story and help us be able to live together as a family, which meant moving to Abilene. (That’s the “Cliff’s Notes.” If you want details please feel free to ask I love telling the story because it is a part of the incredible testimony of how great our God is!)

So, three years ago I drove away from Cabot with no reason to ever return. So with that drive I treated it as if I were to look back I would be a pillar of salt, and I didn’t look back. I focused on the positive and left the trauma behind me. Fast forward to this past Friday morning as I entered Little Rock. I saw it’s skyline, and the River Market, then I passed the McCain exit in North Little Rock, the LRAFB exit, and finally I took the exit for Cabot, AR. The town my new marriage was supposed begin, where we bought our first home with the red kitchen I swooned over, the dream job teaching incredible kids at the high school, the church I said my vows in, the town I was ripped from three years prior. Needless to say as I entered Cabot I realized I had emotions with which I had never come to terms.

The funny thing is I never had a reason to come back to Cabot, but nearly three years ago God placed this amazing friend in my life, and her husband in my Zach’s life, and one year ago they left us and moved to…. You guessed it, Cabot.

The trip this past weekend was not one meant to help me come to terms with anything, except maybe how to properly ride a zip line, but through quiet conversation, loud boys, hot coffee, and one drive to a beautiful house I will never live in, I let go.

I didn’t even know I needed to let go, and I really didn’t expect it to be this hard. As I walked the perimeter of a house we own I cried. I cried as I mourned a life I never got to live, neighbors I never got to know, and memories that were never made… I said goodbye to the life I had been holding onto for three years, and knew that that life was never mine. While our plan was Cabot, it was not God’s.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

The weekend reignited hard memories, but it also filled me with the knowledge of the blessings I have in the life God has planned for me. The life I am living is all in God’s plans. If I am truly trusting my heavenly Father, I must let go of my past, because it is dragging me down, and keeping me from fully living out God’s plans for my family, my marriage, and my life!

As I drove away this time, I was not mournful or bitter; instead I was just bummed to be driving away from my friend. Good thing about friends, you can always make plans to see them again soon! Even better thing about letting go of bitterness and sadness, it makes room for joy!

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Psalm 16:9

In the still of the night

2012-12-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

The life of a military wife is sometimes one of loneliness and solitude. While yes, there are usually other wives going through similar situations, or having gone through them before, there are still moments that you just feel alone. Late at night, after the kids have gone to sleep, dishes have been done (or not sometimes), you climb into bed and look at the other half of the bed that you long to have occupied by your husband. You close your eyes ready for sleep, but sometimes sleep doesn't come. Sometimes rest alludes you for hours. You occupy your sleepless night with TV, Facebook, reading books, anything to keep you from reminding yourself you're alone. Yep, it's lonely.

But...

What if I didn't occupy my time with meaningless activities? What if instead I occupied my time embracing the quiet and reflecting on my day, my kids, my husband, my God? Even when we feel lonely, we are not alone. We can call on our gracious Heavenly Father and allow him to comfort us.

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." Psalm 25:16

When I begin to think about a long time away from my husband I become overwhelmed with the looming thought of how lonely it will be, and I lose focus on the opportunity I have been given. I have an opportunity to lean on the Lord in a tangible real way. I have been in bed at night and called on God to comfort me in my loneliness. I have prayed aloud for sleep to come, and rest to come over me. I have held a crying baby in my arms at 3am and begged God to be near me. When your partner isn't near, you begin to learn the meaning of "relying on the Lord" in a whole new way.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

It's not easy. But, as believers we know this life isn't meant to be easy. I have my moments of self-pity and self-doubt just like the next person, but as I reflect on the areas in which the Lord has taught me and grown me, I look at the loneliness a little differently. I see my time apart from my husband, whether it's an overnight trip or a 6 month deployment, as an opportunity I should squander or wish away. Instead, I should use the time to look for what the Lord wants to teach me, because He can. He can teach me something as simple as I am never alone. I can call on Him and find strength, comfort, company, fellowship. . . The list goes on and on.

"So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

I do not like being alone. I miss my husband. My kids miss their dad. This is our season of life, and sometimes we have to walk through things like deployments. When we believe in Jesus Christ, and all of the promises God has given us through Him and the Holy Spirit, we are given a precious gift to be in His presence, and find comfort in His arms.

Being Molded

2012-09-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading through the study Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer. I see Jonah, so much more clearly, because at moments it is as though I am looking in a mirror. I too have run in the opposite direction of the Lord, and for less noble reasons than Jonah. Out of stubbornness, anger, frustration, I have chosen in the past to do it “my way,” and when that didn’t work I refused to ask for God’s help, because I wanted to prove I could get myself out of my own mess.

Guess what? I couldn’t. The harder I dug my heels in, the deeper my hole became, and the darker things were around me.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

I currently have a baby, who is on his way to being a toddler, and his new “trick” is to arch his back, and stiffen his body when I try to put him in the car seat. Have you ever tried to put a toddler in a car seat when he/she didn’t want to go in it? It isn’t easy. In fact, it is significantly harder than you would imagine considering how small they are compared to you. This is a similar situation when we harden and stiffen our hearts to when God is trying to teach us, point us in His direction. We don’t “want” to go to Ninevah, whatever/wherever that may be. It doesn’t fit into our plans, and so we arch our back, stiffen our bodies and say, “No, I don’t want to!” The difference is, God is much more powerful than us, but will not force us. He may discipline us, He may send us conviction through the Holy Spirit, or remind us to listen to Him through scripture or friends, but he will not force us the way we can force our toddler into the car seat. Instead, when we humbly submit to God’s will, He receives us. Even after Jonah fled in the opposite direction of where God wanted him to go, Jonah called out to God, and God heard him.

He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.” Jonah 2:2

God hears us when we call to Him. He does not leave us nor forsake us. We just have to submit to Him, and allow Him to show us His path for us. “Open communication is one of the first signs of a heart being molded by God.” (Shirer, 65) How much easier will it be for God to mold me, if I don’t stiffen and harden, throw myself back in a fit, when he sets me on His path for me?

Making Himself known...

2012-08-13T06:15:00.001-07:00

I believe conversations like this next one should always start with, "Everyone is ok, but..." So, everyone is ok, but the kids were in a car accident with their dad Friday afternoon. It was pretty serious. The car flipped/rolled and is totaled. When I heard this news my heart skipped a couple beats and I immediately began silently praising God for taking care of the kids, as I listened to the story about a patch of gravel, coming too fast around a curve. By the grace of God they walked about remotely unharmed. Sissy suffered a rash from the seat belt/airbag combination, and Bubba had a few nicks from the glass after climbing out of the vehicle window.

The kids were obviously shaken, but I couldn't have been more proud of how they handled their fears. Bubba told me as soon as they started to roll he was scared and knew he needed help. "Mommy, I was scared, but I asked God to help us, and He DID!" At 8 years old, Bubba saw God's hand protecting him and his family. He said this with such conviction and assurance.

Later that evening I called to check on them before bedtime. I told them I had been praying prayers of thanksgiving that God had kept them safe. Bubba replied, "I know. I am still nervous and shaky, but I can't stop telling Him thank you." Bubba knew without a shadow of a doubt he was not alone in his fear.

The hardest part of summer for me is the extended time I have to spend away from Sissy and Bubba. The time I am not "in control." The times I cannot kiss their booboos and assure them that everything is going to be ok. The times I am not there to remind them to give thanks where thanks is due. This event reminded me of a couple of things.

Firstly, I am NEVER in control. As much as I like to be, and sometimes think I am. God has a divine plan, and sometimes I am not "in on it." This is where my faith in His Grace, His Goodness, and Him being WAY smarter than me comes into focus. "I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth." Therefore, I believe He is ultimately in control, and I trust His leadership through this life for me and my family.

Secondly, when you "train a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not turn from it." Now, Sissy and Bubba are far from old, but I was not there to pray aloud to lead them, or remind them to thank God for His protection; however, God was there reminding them that He was with them. Bubba knew from teachings he has experienced that God is who you call on for help, protection, strength, and when he is fearful.

I am so grateful for God's protection over my children Friday. I am even more thankful that He is making himself known to them, so as they get older their faith will not be shaken.

You better get your heart right, girl!

2012-07-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law has this quaint way of reminding his son to get his behavior in check. (He also says it with a Louisiana accent.) If my nephew, starts throwing a fit or talking back to his momma, his Daddy tells him, “You better get your mind right, boy.” I couldn’t help think about this as I read part of Matthew this morning.

“'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" Matthew 15:8-11

Jesus is talking about the Pharisees, and right before this calls them hypocrites because they are upset about tradition being broken over honoring God. How easy is it for us to read about the Pharisees and say, “Wow, I am so glad I am not like them?” But if we stop and examine our words and actions, do they match our hearts?

Do we sometimes, or often, attend church because it’s Sunday and it’s “what we’re supposed to do.” Do we take communion, sing the hymns, kneel in prayer, simply because that is the order of service and we know it by memory? Do we read our bible in the mornings, or bow our heads to pray before a meal or bedtime, as a ritual? God doesn’t want our methods, or our routines! God wants our hearts!

He wants my heart! He wants me to come to him with a heart ready to worship. A heart ready to be changed by prayer. A heart humbled by what communion represents! When I speak, and it is coming from my heart, does it match with my religious acts? Does my heart match with the motions I am going through? If it doesn’t, God is telling me, “You better get your heart right, boy.” (or girl in this case)

Dear Father God, I come before you and confess that my heart is not always in a place of worship when I come to you. So many times I let the outside world distract me, when Lord, I truly desire to honor You. I pray for your forgiveness, God, and I ask that you would continually remind me to make sure my heart is in the right place before I begin worshipping, praying, singing your praises, so that I am not a hypocrite like the Pharisees. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Not sure of a title

2012-01-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have not blogged in quite some time. That may have a little to do with the fact that the last 3 months of 2011 came and went in a flash. If I didn't take so many photos I wouldn't have even known what happened. Life with two "big kids," and a newborn is quite hectic, especially when your hubby's job sends him away a lot. The good news is I no longer have a newborn, according to my weekly emails from "The Bump" I now have an infant. Maybe that will lighten the load... Ha!

Regardless of the craziness life is fabulous, and our God is faithful! I wouldn't change it for all the riches in the world. Each day I am learning new lessons about organization, time-management, and humility. I have never considered myself a proud person, but when I am drowning and refuse to ask for help isn't that a good definition of proud to a fault?!?! So, that's a big lesson 2012 has already taught me. I sometimes need help, and it's ok to ask for it. I am so thankful I have friends that will sometimes insist on helping when they know I need it. Here we go then, onward and upward in 2012.

I don't have a set way I do "resolutions." This year I decided to make a list of 12 goals I would like to accomplish in 2012. Want to hear them? (Or read them, rather)

Katie's 12 for '12 (in no particular order)
1. Read 25 books (suggestions are welcome)

2. Try one brand new recipe a week (52 recipes!!!)

3. Plant an herb & vegetable garden in the backyard. (I'm thinking we'll start with tomatoes and peppers)
4. Finish Jaxon's quilt (I started a cross-stitch quilt about 6 weeks before Jax was born... needless to say not much got done on it.)

5. Write a devotional each week Zach is gone this year (there's gonna be lots of time for this at least at the beginning of 2012 ;))

6. Put in a flower bed in the front yard. (I am really going to try out this green thumb of mine, hopefully I have one!)

7. Relearn to play the guitar

8. Start my Master's degree (still debating between an English or Education Master's)

9. Pay off at least one of our major debts

10. Learn to sew

11. Run a 10K (already registered for the race, March 25!)

12. Write a poem or short story twice a month (I LOVE writing and just haven't made enough time for it.)

With these goals I am trying to go back to some things that I know are productive and make me happy, others are new and exciting, and some are continuations of things I started in 2011. I am excited for what 2012 will bring. I will be writing about some of my adventures (look for a weekly update on my recipe trying, I know I'm already a week behind), and some just ask and I'll let you know how it's going.

I have no doubt 2012 will be as busy as 2011, but my earnest prayer is for it to be filled with productivity and purpose, not just busyness.

Ready... Set... Let's Go!

Birthday #10?!?!

2011-10-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been a decade since I welcomed Kristyn into this world. My life changed in obvious ways and in ways I never knew I could be changed. My life was no longer about me. I wanted more than anything to make this little girl's world amazing, exciting, safe, loving... She is a sweetheart who is always willing to share a smile and a hug. I couldn't be prouder of who she is today, and the beautiful young lady the Lord is molding her to be!

So how did my "Stinkerbell" spend her day. The started with chocolate chip waffles, the Birthday Girl's request. Then she headed off to school, and I took her McDonald's for lunch. Normally she gets a Happy Meal, but today was different. You see, I remember what I had for lunch for my 10th birthday. I have a vivid memory of that meal.

We were visiting my dad in Joliet, Illinois and my mom asked what I wanted for my birthday lunch. As many 10 year olds I wanted McDonald's, and up until that day I always ordered Happy Meals. (They weren't as expensive, and the toys held up a little better, but I digress) That day I decided that I was now double digits, and this meant I was too old for such childish things as Happy Meals. My older sister, who was 12, always ordered a quarter-pounder with cheese when we went to McD's. By golly, this was what older, mature girls ordered, so from now on that is what I would be ordering. I love this memory. I love that I remember it so detailed, and I wanted to share that memory with Kristyn.

She enjoyed her first Quarter-Pounder with Cheese

And I enjoyed the time with her.

That evening she chose to eat dinner at Texas Roadhouse. I am pretty sure this is the main reason for it...

She wasn't shy about getting to ride the saddle!

Lastly we opened gifts.

Priceless!

All in all, I would say birthday #10 will be incredibly memorable!

Lessons Learned

2011-09-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

I have been a parent for nearly ten years... I can hardly believe ten years ago I was anxiously (and I was a bit terrified) awaiting the birth of my daughter. During each pregnancy, The Lord has drawn me nearer to Him, and taught me incredible, life-changing lessons.

With Kristyn I learned about consequences, unconditional love, and forgiveness. With Branden I was taught to trust and rely on Him and putting my trust wholly in Him and not in worldly possessions or other people. I LOVE how God can continue to teach me, mold me, and ultimately humble me!

I have always heard about how "prayer is powerful." I believed it, but didn't always practice it. I have prayed daily, as a family, as a couple, as an individual. But I feel as though I usually pray "safe" prayers, "bless our family" "bless our food" "keep us safe"... I admit I did not pray boldly. However, the night of August 31 that changed.

I knew that for me to deliver our new child by a VBAC I needed to go into labor soon, because I had 2 previous C-sections the Dr was hesitant to let me go to my due date. I had evaluated my motives, and was confident I was not desiring this delivery because of my pride, but because I knew this was better for my child and for me. After coming home from my Dr's appointment, I began boldly praying. Taking my requests to the throne, I also asked many friends and family members to pray that I would go into labor soon. We had friends praying for us across the country, and around the world! Zach and I prayed before we went to sleep that I would go into labor and deliver our son as soon as possible. We were detailed in our request... That was about 9pm.... 1:30am I was awakened by contractions. At 2:45am the contractions were getting stronger and coming every 12 minutes. We called our Dr and headed to the hospital... Within hours God had answered our prayers.

At 2:40pm Jaxon Wade Fulton was born. Within minutes they whisked my newborn away to the nursery, later we learned he he had transient tachypnea. This is when the fluid in the lungs from being in the womb is not completely extracted from the lungs. Essentially Jaxon had "wet lungs" causing him to have labored breathing. He was taken to the NICU. Zach and I listened to the Dr as she told us the specifics Jaxon needed to overcome to be taken off the oxygen, eat from a bottle, what his bilirubin level had to be before he could be released. Zach, Jaxon and I spent 5 days in the hospital, and Zach and I had never prayed harder, more boldly, or more specifically. By the end of our stay we were literally praying for poop! (Moms of kids who had jaundice understand)

The beauty of it all was Zach and I were in constant conversation with our Heavenly Father. Yes, he answered our prayers, but more importantly He taught us how much we needed Him. We needed to lean on Him when in the middle of the night in the hospital room I was awakened to pump milk instead of the cry of my son wanting to eat... A sad feeling that would bring me to tears, but instead of wallowing I fell into the arms of God and let Him console me and give me strength. Zach and I were humbled as we were taught how to pray: continuously, without ceasing, boldly, with the absolute trust that God's will is perfect.

In his first few days of life, God used our son Jaxon to teach us lifelong lessons that Zach and I will carry with us and teach our children.

Thank you, Lord for you unconditional love, and for humbling us and teaching us!

Cloth Diapers: Week 1& 2

2011-09-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

We started cloth diapering last week after being home from the hospital a couple days. We have been using our cloth diapers in combination with disposable ones for two main reasons:

We only ordered 7 newborn sized All-in-one (AIO) diapers because I wasn't sure how big Cub was going to be. Branden had to be squeezed into newborn size diapers and after a week couldn't fit in them anymore; however, Kristyn was in newborn size for over a month. Since I wasn't sure which way the pendulum would swing with Cub, I decided not to buy too many. Plus my sister had given me a few of the newborn sized "gdiapers" that she uses on her daughter. These are hybrid diapers and with the right insert you can reuse these a few times before they have to be washed. (We don't have a the right insert)
All of the suave diaper changing moves I may have acquired 7 years ago have vanished... On more than one occasion since Cub's birth, I have been peed on, pooped on, put a new diaper under him only to immediately change it because he pooped more in the brand new diaper. We have had to change multiple onsies in a single changing, and changed sheets on the bed because the changing pad doesn't take into account the arch fountain that is my son's pee stream.

So with these factors, we have been cloth diapering in combo with some disposables. My only complaint has been I didn't purchase enough so I am doing diaper laundry every day, but that will be over soon because he is just about ready to be in the One-size AIOs we bought. The cloth diapers are the only diapers that have not leaked on Cub regularly. I can say definitely is that Huggies are my least favorite diapers of all time. They have been leaking on my kids for 10 years! LOL.

So for our first two weeks of cloth diapering I can say I LOVE my bum genius newborn, AIOs. They are absorbent, have a great fit, and are just adorable on Cub's little bum. Not to mention the laundering of the diapers is much easier than I anticipated. I was concerned that since I cannot dry them in a dryer they would take forever to dry, but that is simply not true. They have dried quicker than I expected.

I am pretty excited about this cloth diapering business, and pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is than I was anticipating! :-)

Top 10 Memories of Year # 28

2011-08-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

These memories are in no particular order, but I thought it would be fun to look back at the amazingly blessed year I have had!

1. Taking the kids to their first day at a new school! It was roller coaster school year, but to see them start at a new school with a smile on their face was awesome.
2. Learning that a boxer WILL eat a raw turkey if he can get to it and is not supervised. (This is probably one of my all time favorite holiday memories!)
3. Spending Christmas in St. Thomas.
4. Meeting my niece Sophia Jean.
5. Learning we were going to have a baby!
6. Sissy and Bubba's reactions to having a new brother or sister.
7. Seeing Zach's face when the sonogram tech told us "You're going to have a boy."
8. Spending quality time with my 93 year old great-grandmother, and seeing her fawn on her great-great grandchildren.
9. Hearing Sissy tell me that she was happy my job was to stay home and take care of her and Bubba. She said it was the most important job.
10. Anytime Bubba asks randomly if he can cuddle with me.

I have been blessed beyond measure... I have so many more memories that are also collective. This was our first full year in Abilene and the friendships I have made have helped me grow in the Lord, and helped make this first year, the transition year, a memorable and wonderful one.
Each day my husband and kids remind me of the Lord's love. He has blessed me with an incredible family and their love fills me with joy. Year #29 will be just as memorable, even more so since I will have an extra member to our family to add to our memory books. Cheers to a new year!

Wow... What a Summer!

2011-08-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

The biggest roadblock in blogging, is when you don’t have a computer on which to blog… I realize my last post was back in June, and Cub has grown into a watermelon, but Zach has been cross-country multiple times since then and that means the laptop has also been across the country.
Sunday was the 36 week mark of my pregnancy. Which means I am officially 9 months pregnant! I am so anxious to meet our Cub. Sissy was born at 37 weeks and 2 days, and Branden was born at 36 weeks and 6 days, so obviously we are anticipating that Cub will make his arrival soon. The hardest part of this is not getting disappointed with each irregular contraction that is not productive… Today is my birthday, and what a cool present that would be, but clearly it is not my timing. This is a lesson I should know by now, I should know it and be able to teach it; however, when you are nine months pregnant, have been pregnant through the hottest summer on record, feel like the size of house, and every movement takes effort because my body isn’t my own, the idea of an impending birth is awesome!!!! One thing I do know… you can’t will your body into labor. I am all about “the baby will come on his own time,” I just have to keep reminding myself of that, and keeping busy.
And wow have we been busy! Our summer has been filled with trips, visits, pools, sunshine, preparing for Cub, and loving all over Sissy and Bubba! Those kiddos got to go back to school with amazing stories. Trips to the beach in CC, cross-country road trip to Elizabethtown, PA, Hersheypark, Connecticut & Hammonassett Beach, a cruise with their dad to Cozumel and the Yucatan, and a vacation to Branson with Nanny & Dadad. I am so excited for the upcoming year for our entire family! It is going to be Legen… wait for it… dary! J

Craving to be crafty...

2011-06-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

There is something about being pregnant that makes me wish I was a "crafty" person. I tend to look at cute projects at arts and caft shows and say I could totally do that, but it never comes out just right. I am not particularly crafty, but enjoy taking a stab at it every once in a while, and with a baby on the way I really am trying to do some crafty things to make our house a home for all of our kiddos including Cub. A project is under way for all three kids, but these are baby focused. Not even sure they are for Cub, I like to give them as gifts also. So, we shall see... Here are my attempts at being crafty :-)

A Summer Swim

2011-06-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

So, I went to the pool this morning... Before it got to be 106... That's the normal here in Abilene. And I'm ok with that as long as I have a pool to go to and an air conditioned place to relax... I went to get some sun and swim some laps. Turns out I got more sun in than laps... I am out. of. shape! Ugh, guess I need to swim more often. Oh well, at least I got to work on my tan. :)

The Art of Being Alone

2011-06-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

So this is not something I have to do often. Usually my home is filled with two energetic kids and a husband that brighten and bless each day. But every so often, when the stars align just right (usually in the summer), Zach will have to leave for a few days, and the kids will be away at their dad's. This leaves my once noise-filled house with silence.... Which to me is deafening!

This happened a couple weeks ago over a weekend, and I had a friend ask "Did you just love the time you got to yourself?" I replied brutally honestly, "No, I suck at being alone." But, that weekend made me start to think about why I hate being alone so much, and what I could do about it.

The why was the convicting part. The silence of being alone in my house usually leads to filling my time and home with useless, meaningless noise. The TV, the radio, a movie, etc. I suddenly find that my email needs to be checked countless times, and facebook needs to be thoroughly stalked, and before I know it I have wasted hours on the computer or watching meaningless TV. And when that isn't enough, I get in the car and drive... I drive to the store to shop for things I don't need, or to get something to eat that I easily could have made at home. So what happens when the noise and business stops? Silence, which leads to my wild imagination wondering if that creak I heard was someone trying to get into my house, and if it is can I get to my phone in time to call 911 or get to my gun in time to scare them off.... Or even worse, I have found that I allow the silence a time for me to dwell on mistakes I have made, sins I have committed. I find myself doubting that I am forgiven, or even lovable. In the light of day, when all is well and the noise is plentiful this seems ridiculous, and logically I know this; however, logic doesn't play a large part in the thought process when you let the enemy into your mind.
So what can I do about this?

First things first, I acknowledged that time alone can be a blessing. Not because I wouldn't rather spend time cuddling and playing with the kids, or doing things with my husband, but because it is a time I can be productive and focused to a degree I can't when my attention is divided. This past weekend the kids were gone, and Zach left for a 4-day weekend. Yes, I had time to spend with friends and do activities, but I also accomplished things that needed to get done. I did not sit idle with nothingness. In the evening, when the deafening silence is the worst, I filled my time with God's word, and prayer. It was a true comfort and joy to read the Bible and spend so much time in conversation with my Lord. I also read... just for fun! I haven't done that since probably last summer! These activities sound as though they should be easy and logical choices for a Christian. But sometimes when your are so filled with silence it can be terrifying and it seems easier to be idle, or busy with nonsense. I can attest to the fact that filling your time with God's word, and tasks that better your home and family are so much more rewarding and encouraging!

I was so grateful when Zach got back Monday, but the weekend was not a waste, as they have been in the past. This is probably a post I will have to come back to periodically when I am alone, to remind myself what the Lord truly desires for me. "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27)

I can do this!

A Two Pounder

2011-06-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

Well, there is good news and bad news....

The good news is, it looks as though we have finally moved beyond papaya (which is good because I never saw any at the grocery stores) and I am now carrying around inside of me an eggplant sized baby. "The Bump" also says that the baby is somewhere between 1.5 and 2.2 lbs! I would like to blame that on my boost in weight gain, but let's be honest it probably has more to do with the cinnamon roll I indulged in than the tiny baby :)... Oh well, I'd do it again, and I'd eat that New York Super Fudge Chunk as well!

The bad news, no one in my family actually likes to eat eggplant so we won't be enjoying this piece of produce the next few weeks. Guess we'll have to wait and see what is in store for us in the next few weeks.

Falling behind...

2011-05-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I fell a week behind. Last week at 21 weeks our cub was approximately the size of a banana, and he certainly has started acting b-a-n-a-n-a-s! Lots of wiggling and kicking going on in there.

On this week's fruit photo is labeled "month 5"... MONTH 5?!?!?! When did that happen? I mean seriously, where has the time gone. I am just now getting to enjoying my baby bump and all the twitches, actually feel like movement of my cub... Not to mention it would be helpful to have a mattress for this kid's crib. Oh well, that's what the summer's for I guess. Anyone like to paint? Regardless of my momentary freak outs of not having enough time I still need to find time to search for our cub-sized produce. This week will be a little more difficult to find our "cub is" produce, though. I am not sure papayas are wildly available in the metropolis of Abilene! :) I will still try and find one though, I may have to settle for the photo and some papaya juice from H-E-B. We shall see.

Cantaloupe

2011-05-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

As we stroll down the produce aisle we find that our little cub is a cantaloupe. The kids were a tad disappointed in the cub's development this week. Mainly because we make a snack, side dish, or a meal out of what the cub "is." Turns out Sissy and Bubba are not fans of cantaloupe. Oh well, hopefully next week will be more appetizing to them. :)

No more guessing...

2011-04-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sugar and spice and everything nice
This is what little girls are made of....

However, come September 2011, the Fulton household will be full of

Slime, snail, and puppy dog tails!

According to our ultrasound tech she is 99.99% certain that

IT'S A BOY!!!

Never a dull moment

2011-04-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was going along, like any other typical Wednesday: doing laundry, dishes, and other around the house chores. In the afternoon the phone rings and caller ID informs me that it is Wylie ISD. This typically means I have a child throwing up, or lying down with a fever in the nurses offices at one of the campuses. Today, however, turned out to be a little different.

"Hi is this Katie?" (They call so often the school nurse is comfortable enough to call me by my first name)

"Yes it is."

"This is Sandy, the nurse at the Elementary school. I have Branden with me, and he had an accident at recess. He fell on his chin..." That's all she had to say, I knew exactly what was coming next. When Branden was about 22 months old he had fallen and split his chin. It was able to be butterfly bandaged and we avoided stitches.... According to the nurse, we weren't getting away that lucky this time.

Here was my dilemma, I was without a car.... Because of the hailstorm, Zach's car was being repaired, and he had my car at work. Luckily we have terrific friends, and I was able to call up a friend a couple blocks away and she swooped in to pick me up and took Bubba and I to the ER. Meanwhile I had to call the Intermediate school to explain that Kristyn couldn't ride the bus home. Another blessing in friendship came through and Kristyn was picked up after school, while Branden was being sewed up.

We were in and out of the ER in two hours, which I thought was pretty good. And he made out with 6 stitches, and a great story to tell his friends. As he left for school this morning he was blushing at the idea that the girls would want to take care of him! :)

Boys and their scars!

Waiting patiently for the nurse to come back and numb his chin

It was worse than it looks... trust me.

A numbing agent applied before the shot of lidocaine.

Ended the visit with six stitches! He was very strong and brave!!!

Mango says No!

2011-04-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else remember that SNL skit with Chris Kattan, as Mango? As ridiculous as it was, I always laughed hysterically... So I thought of Chris Kattan in short shorts, and a bright hat as I read what our Cub was this week.

Wow, look at that, 6 inches!!! Mango isn't saying no to much according to my ever growing appetite!

Easter Weekend 2011

2011-04-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a blessed weekend we had! Zach's parents came into town and we got to spend the day with them Friday, while the kids made up a snow day at school. Zach and his dad got a round of golf in, while Mom and I did some Easter Dinner shopping, and then waited for the kids to come home. They were thrilled to come home to their Farmor (Swedish for father's mother, and what they call Zach's mom), and were also happy that I suggested Shaved Ice for an afternoon snack. (This was such a hug hit, Farmor and I repeated the trip Saturday afternoon after stopping at HEB for some dinner groceries)

Saturday Farmor, with the help of Branden, made plattar, small thin Swedish Pancakes. They were delicious, and I perfected my ability to flip the pancakes... These particular ones are quite tricky! Then we ventured to downtown Abilene.

The first stop was the Grace Museum... The children's section was a huge success!

The kids got in touch with the Fine Arts!

Kristyn definitely has a flare for the dramatic... I have no idea where she gets that from (wink, wink)

Branden enjoyed playing this fun musical instrument... He wanted to play it all on his own! After The Grace we enjoyed some terrific art at the NCCIL, walked through the 12th Armored Division Museum and tried to take a look at Relics, but it was closed for the Easter weekend.

After walking around downtown we enjoyed lunch at Cypress Street Station.

Saturday night we enjoyed dinner at home and terrific company. Then rested up to celebrate our risen Savior at church Sunday morning. Zach woke up extra early to help out for breakfast at our church. After a great service we headed home and took a few family photos.

After our photo shoot we had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

They were very eager to find the eggs... Zach hid them really well.

And of course you know this South Texas girl has to keep the tradition of cascarones going with her own kiddos!

We even got the Georgia boy in on our fun! :)

I'm pretty sure I was finding confetti in my hair Monday morning!

After the "egg"citement (sorry I couldn't resist) we finished preparing our Easter dinner and: Leg of Lamb, Au Gratin Potatoes (They were extra cheesy), Pineapple Casserole, Spinach and Strawberry Salad, Cherry Pie & Strawberry Pie with homemade whipped cream. It was a delicious feast! After our dinner we watched as the clouds rolled in. We were a bit skeptical, since we have seen the clouds and lightning, and heard the thunder, but have not seen rain in quite a long time... In fact, we have probably seen snow more recently than we have seen rain. It did indeed rain however, and it didn't stop there. We were treated to a hail storm. We watched, entertained from the safety of our kitchen window as the golf ball sized hail fell onto the trampoline and bounced really high... But you know what they say about hail, "it's all fun and games until someone loses a back windshield." Well, I don't think it's really a saying, but it is now in the Fulton house! :)

It's better than one of our house windows, and no one was hurt. Praise the Lord for the much needed rain.

After dinner, the weather excitement and bath time the kids treated us to a puppet show.

All in all we had an amazing Easter weekend. We were so grateful and blessed to have our family here to celebrate with us!

Rejoice, rejoice oh Christians lift up your voice and sing

Eternal Hallelujah to Jesus Christ the King

The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find

None other is so loving, so good and kind

He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today!...

You ask me how I know He lives

He lives within my heart!

To Hear Him Say My Name

2011-04-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if I learn more than my Sparkies during AWANA on Wednesday nights.

Since last night was the Wednesday before Easter, I thought that it would be appropriate to give a lesson on the resurrection on Jesus. As Christians we know that dying on the cross, while unfair and cruel, was not the miracle that gives us eternal life. It is the fact Jesus did not stay dead, but on the third day, rose from the dead and spoke to Mary Magdalene.

What amazes me, is that a story I have heard my entire life, can teach me something new, or remind me of something different each time I read it. This leads me to what I learned last night.

Mary was the first of Jesus's followers to discover that the tomb was empty. She was devastated. She assumed his body had been stolen. If I was Mary, I would've been beside myself, trying to figure out a way to put my Lord back in his proper resting place. I would've been furious thinking, "can't they leave him alone, even in death?" She tells the disciples, and Peter and another disciple come to see for themselves. After they see what Mary said was true, they go back to their homes, but Mary stays outside the tomb weeping. I don't imagine these are small "ladylike" tears either. I imagine they are tears like raindrops flowing from her eyes. Then angels appear to her, and then a gardener (or so she thinks) approaches her and asks her "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" This is not a gardener, but Jesus Himself! She doesn't recognize Him, instead asks him to give her the body and she'll take care of it. Mary is so distracted with her grief that she doesn't recognize her Savior as He is standing in front of her. But then the best part of this story happens (in my opinion). He speaks to her again, and she recognizes Him. It must have been the most beautiful word she had ever heard, and she knew that this was not a gardener but Jesus Christ! Jesus said

"Mary"

He said her name and she knew who He was. Oh the overwhelming peace and joy she must have felt to hear His voice saying her name.

It made me think, who's voice do I recognize above all else? My husband, my children, my parents, my sisters... People I have close relationships with. I invest time in building and deepening these relationships. Would I recognize The Lord's voice if He said my name? I would hope so, but to be certain I must invest in deepening my relationship with Him. I want more than anything to hear Him say my name, and know with such certainty that it is my Lord speaking to me. My desire is to know Him, the way Mary knew Him. To trust Him and hear His voice, and recognize it when He calls...

Thank you Lord, for the miracle of Easter, so that I have the freedom to approach You and know You so intimately.