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!

Summer has begun...

Pictures from Anna while in softball playoffs:

Jordan supporting his Sissy.  He loves his Sissy SOOO much!



Anna and Jordan goofing around!



 Some pictures from Anna's graduation:

Jordan being patient during the graduation @ the Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville.

......and my sweet Gage!

Anna and some classmates after being inducted into the Hall of Fame :)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

This past week sure has gotten the best of me!! I can't believe that school is over and summer starts this Friday.  I have a to do list a mile long to get done before Friday at 3:00.  Some of which includes making stuff for my "new" 5th grade classroom.  I will be teaching 5th grade Math and have nothing but time to get things ready. I am thankful I have time before school starts to make everything. I also have to do the end of the year closing out everything. I have enjoyed teaching 2nd grade but am excited about 5th at this point. Can't really stay negative on something you can't change.  I have learned so much about myself this year.  I have been tested daily and have tried to handle myself like God would want me too.  No one is perfect and try to remind myself of that everyday.Needless to say, my friends have been picking me up a lot lately.

Some Jordanisms lately:

Jordan: Mommy I hear thunder.
Me: Jordan that is Jesus upstairs in heaven reminding us to do our best.
Jordan: HIDE, theres a man upstairs!

(playing on the floor with the boys and Jordan runs to the potty)
Me: (playing with Gage)  Gage I love you
Jordan: (yelling from the bathroom) Mommy I love you
Me: Jordan I love you too
Jordan: NO, I love you more mommy!!

I am  also very PROUD of my sister!

So proud of Anna, "Sissy"

Click on the link below:
 ICC adds two softball players

What a last couple of weeks it has been and to get everyone caught up.....

Well have been really busy the last couple of weeks! Our family has been busy & one thing that sure hasn't changed is LIFE sure isn't the one slowing down. Somethings that have been going on the last couple of weeks:

• I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Not only did I celebrate with my boys and their sweet card, I also got to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom, Jordan and Gage's Nana. Each visit with my mom, dad and sister I love!!
• We traveled to Columbus for Mother's Day weekend, which we also celebrated Jenna graduating from Mississippi University of Women and we also got to watch Anna play in the 3rd round of fast pitch playoffs in New Hope.
• I have been sick with a sinus infection and two ear infections this last week. Went to the Doctor and got a sinus shot, antibiotic, and a another prescription. Getting some relief but wished the antibiotic would work a little faster. Still have alot of pressure on my ears.
• Justin received some wonderful news that he is moving up from his middle school job to a high school position in Southaven.  He will be the new assistant basketball coach for Southaven High School.  He will be teaching and coaching with coaches that he previously played basketball with/against.  He has been looking forward to this opportunity to further his coaching career and get the experience needed for the high school level. 
• Anna, my sister, has also accepted scholarships for soccer and softball at Itawamba Community College!! I am so proud of her and can't wait to take Jordan and Gage to all of her games to support her and visit my old stomping grounds.
• I am now a NEW Mary Kay consultant. So call me for any of your beauty needs and we can make each other feel beautiful as we learn about the skin products together. 
• I have been busy painting canvases. Trying to make one of my hobbies into a business has been a challenge, but well on my way :) Looking for a catchy business name- Every little bit of extra helps our family
• Throughout each day, God reminds me in little ways that HE is in control and has blessed my family in so many ways.  Turning everything over to him sure helps relieve the everyday stresses of life. I am reminded of his unending love for me and my family daily!!
• Some of the canvases that I have painted: 

• Some of Anna's Senior pictures:

Family Pictures during Easter.....Jordan & Gage wouldn't smile for the camera :/

This was the best he would do....

Anna, "Nanna", Gage and me

Us with Pawpaw :)

without Jordan :(

Caught talking during the picture.

Gage :)

He is getting sooooo big and growing up too fast!!

Justin with Jordan and Gage.
"Daddy with his boys!"

Life lately.....

Well Jordan and Gage are doing better! Jordan is also doing better with his potty training.  Potty training has been one of the funniest things that I have ever had to experience with Jordan's hilarious comments about "stuff." Maintaining a smile and trying to remain as adult like as possible has been hard. Some of the funny conversations lately: 


Me: Jordan hurry, run make to the potty!
Jordan: Hurrrrry mommy! (as he runs with his big boy underwear pulled down around his ankles as we are rounding the corner of the bathroom)
Jordan: (sits and is out of breath) Mommy I missed, but my underwear is only wet a little. Buzz is still my friend. (this particular day he had Toy Story underwear)
Me: Joorrddaann!!
Jordan: Buzz is still my friend and I need candy!
       (he gets M&M's out of a M&M dispenser every time he is successful, and he NEEDS a lot of stuff here lately)


Every morning as Justin leaves for work Jordan yells "Love you, Miss you, See you, Byyyyeeee"


Justin: Jordan did  you have a good day?
Jordan: No
Justin: Why didn't you have a good day?
Jordan: I poo poo in my underwear. 
Justin: Why didn't you go to the potty?
Jordan: I was playing with my big truck and not want to go to the potty.


                     Gage napping:

and Jordan!! :)

                     Some canvases that I painted for sweet brothers.

More sweet canvases....I love them!!

Blessed beyond Measure!

    This past week has been really trying and difficult to get through.  Just the daily stresses of life that I try every minute to hand everything over to God to take care of, Jordan got sick Wednesday with the stomach virus and ran 103 to 104 degree temperature through last night. We also had to double breathing treatments and give him Singular to help him with allergies and breathing.  On top of Jordan getting sick, Gage started getting a cough and started running fever of 102 Friday night.  Around 1:30 in the morning, Justin was being being a wonderful husband and daddy, but Jordan wanted his mama and I had to get Gage as content as could be to get his fever down.  So I had Jordan on my right and Gage on my chest just a rocking! Thank you lord for Recliners.  Took Gage to the Dr. and they ran various test. (flu, rsv, checked blood count, and rinsed his left ear out) Gage ended up having a bad ear infection in his left ear and was placed on antibotics. I hope we are getting through with our illnesses so Justin and I can catch up on our finances. In the last week we have spent $600 on Dr. bills and medications.  Throughout all of our ups and downs, Justin and I are very blessed! We are blessed that we have two healthy boys with minor illnesses. We are blessed that at the end of a hard day/week we are depended on and can provide for our boys and each other.  We are very blessed to be called "mommy and daddy." I am reminded daily of how much God loves me and my sweet family.
~Thank you God for your son Jesus, our salvation, and listening to all of my prayers daily! Keep my family in your hands with your arms wrapped around us.  Lead, guide, and protect us! AMEN

More Canvases