ok, so I have fallen way behind on updating our family's blog, but I will have plenty of time to catch up since my first offical day of Summer starts tomorrow! So Let me catch everyone up with pictures, funny quotes from Jordan, and Gage just being Gage! (It always seems that we have more pictures of Jordan than Gage. So, I will refrain from posting them all. Gage just

Jordan and Anna at Easter!

Jordan with his daddy's tux tie on at Andrew and Julie's wedding :)
Such a fun simple and fun wedding!

Gage in the car on the way to church for Easter!

Jordan posing for his GAP shoot! We sent his pictures to GAP and they chose 5 of his pictures to judge!

Gage just being Gage!

 

updated church directory pictures:)

The things that make my heart overflow and skip beats...

1. Jordan always saying "Mommy....,Mommy...I luv you sooo much"

2. Gage walking to Jordan and giving him hugs....until Jordan falls on top of him while hugging :)

3. Gage's sweet kisses and hugs

 4. My God's unconditional love and blessings upon my family!

5. Justin, my best friend, daddy to "BOTH" of my boys, and soulmate

6. Struggles, triumphs, lessons and GRACE

7. Spending time with my family, mom, dad and sister (making memories)

Gage 11 months old/ Jordan 3 years old

My family :)

Lessons Day to Day...

      I have had to learn to hand everything to God and let him be in total control of everything.  I seem to struggle daily with letting go of everyday stresses with bills, money, school stress from parents and students, and just LIFE and trying to get ahead.  I have handed over everything to God and am perfectly content with my family, job, and LIFE! I found this article in which someone else had posted.  It should inspire others to strengthen their relationship with God. The Article is below:

     Justin and I got in a conversation about Tebow and sports as it plays a big role in our Life. I was telling Justin that I had read an article the other day talking about the game where Tebow wore the eye patches that read John 3:16, there were 92 milion people around the world googled the verse, bible, and Tebow on the internet.  I had mixed feeling of being overwhelmed with sadness and joy! My sadness came from thinking that 92 million people didn't know what John 3:16 says ("For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that who ever believes in him should not parish but have everlasting life"). Then this overwhelming feeling of JOY and HAPPINESS filled my heart to think that Tebow had such an effect on others to share the word of God! What a testimony he has already shared but continues to share with us daily!

      Justin mentioned that he and other coaches at work had talked about how sports is something extracurricular that God probally doesn't care a lot about, winning football games sure doesn't matter! As Justin continued to talk he said that other coaches agreed that Tebow has taken a stand for Christ and he has been able to witness to millions.  Anyone that knows what has been going on in the NFL know that the Broncos haven't wanted Tebow to start and he has been catching all kind of negative comments. However, Justin was mentioning that he hasn't been playing awesome but in the end he always seems to get the job done! We have both agreed that Tebow takes his time out of every minute he gets to glorify God. We feel that God is making Tebow an example! There is all kind of adversity when you are a faithful Christian, however, in the end all that matters is that the glory and praise go to God! Tebow is a wonderful example of a faithful Christian.  He doesn't let the fame and other NFL players steer him off track!!

     I found the perfect verse that fits perfect for this situation and with some of the struggles that I find us in at times.  "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich.... "-Proverbs 10:22 We are blessed beyond measure and couldnt ask for anything more other than a stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior! Just felt inspired to share! Makes me feel like I am Tim Tebow and there will be millions affected by this post ;)

wow.....our life in a flash!!

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

Jeremiah 26:14

WoW! Where to begin to catch everyone up since my last post. We have been very busy with all of our schedules.  We ended the summer happy and tired as we stayed on the road. We went to Destin and Gatlinburg and had a blast.  August has gone by soo fast! Jordan started his preschool program @ Lake Cormorant High School. Justin started his new job @ Southaven High School and I started teaching 5th grade at Lake Cormorant Elementary. (and Gage is still with our wonderful sitter) Time is flying by as my little boy, Jordan is learning new things each day! He impresses me each day with all the stuff that he is learning and coming home and telling me after school! More intresting things:

• Jordan's first week of school, he put the biggest "little" boys in a head lock at recess and wouldn't let him go. Teacher thought it was funny and daddy was proud.....I was the one that had to have the TALK with him.

• Justin has duty at every home football game. We attended our first Southaven High School football game last night. Jordan ran aroud and acted like a football player.
• I am learning to love 5th grade...if only my students would love math. They love science and some love Math,but I just need more effort. (....I have plenty of 'God Bless-ems' as I would like to call it)
• Gage is crawling and is into everything! He is pulling up and says BaBaBa all of the time. He is 9 months old.

• Have been taking orders for canvases for Christmas already. I am very thankful and blessed that others have loved my canvases so much that they continue to place orders.

This morning as Jordan was watching t.v. I wanted to play and kept messing with him. He looked at me and said, "Mommy quit 'aggrabating' me!" We haven't laughed that hard in a while!!

A little bit of everything.....

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. I'll make sure you won't be disappointed.

 Jeremiah 29: 11-14

    Our summer has been jammed packed and we have been on the go nonstop!! I wouldn't wish it away for anything!! Justin has been working with his new bunch of boys at Southaven High School.  This has taken him away from us more during the month of June but July it should be just us as we go on our family vacations! I have been enjoying every single day with my precious boys!! Jordan is saying all kind of stuff and Gage just watches, laughs and coos. Jordan is a wonderful big brother! He plays with Gage already and itches at the day just wanting Gage to be able to run around with him and play. I wish I could slow down time.  As I enjoy every minute of putting my boys to bed and awakening to "Mommy" or a sweet giggle, they are growing and changing over night!!

    Justin got me a Nook Color the other day :) A very nice surprise I might add!! I have enjoyed every little second that I have of reading.  Jordan likes to play games on it and calls them "video games" and I enjoy my books. I have finished 'Heaven is for Real'. It is a wonderful book that makes you visualize what heaven will be like one day!! It took me 2 days to read the book and I cried the whole two days!! It is wonderful! My hormones could be messed up after birthing 2 boys, but it is an extremely wonderful book.  The next book that I am going to start is 'The Help'. Enough Rambling.....Here are some pictures of my sweet Gage :)!!!!

  

Click on link below to see more canvases :)

Lately, I have been extremely busy painting canvases.  I have started my own part time business called "Dots-N-More"~Paintings by Amanda.  I also have a facebook website Dots-N-More~Paintings by Amanda. Find me on facebook and Like to see more canvases or follow me on my blog www.canvasesbyamanda.blogspot.com. You can place an order anytime by messaging me or sending an email to amanda.mcmurphy2@att.net.

My little Bulldog fan...

Jordan keeps us on our toes each and everyday.  This video is from Anna's graduation at the Humphrey Colliseum.  During graduation Jordan thought he would add his own spin to things.  As students were called to recieve their diploma, Jordan started yelling "Go State!" I love my little Bulldog fan!