A New Life

Well life has been crazy since the last post. Here is a little recap of the Webster Life the past few months!

My last post, I posted about Senior Sunday coming up. The next weekend after Senior Sunday, Aaron, Brody, and I headed to Bentonville, AR to interview for the youth pastor position at Bentonville Church of the Nazarene. This was an interview we had bathed in prayer.

It was a good weekend. It was very busy. We liked the town and the people were very nice. Aaron was fairly certain by the time we left that we needed to come to Bentonville to start ministry here. I, on the other hand, was a little unsure. The town was small, I would have to leave the students that I adore and have built great relationships with, leave friends in Houston, leave my job, etc. But as I prayed the Lord showed me that these were all excuses about ME and MY insecurities. None of them were about God and Him not wanting us to come - but about me being nervous. After a lot of prayer, I felt the same peace as Aaron that we needed to come to Bentonville.

The next Sunday we told the church and our students, one of the hardest things we have had to do! I think it came as a shock to many and not a lot was said that day.

School ended and we headed to camp! Camp was a great week!! It was also one of the hardest weeks I have had in a while. It was really hard going through it knowing it was our last with TSM students. Many tears were shed and that week Aaron and I both "let go".

After getting back from camp, the next week was spent packing the house up. Boy do we have alot of "stuff". I tried to get rid of lots of things! I still feel like I have so much. My mom came that week and helped a lot! My dad came at the end of the week and it was great spending time with him. This week I also had a job interview and got a job at Lincoln Junior High over a phone interview. Totally a God thing!! For every job, there are 200 applicants. I am so blessed to have this job!! Thank you Lord for providing! We also had a wonderful going away party! Thanks to all who helped make that possible and who came!

Then we headed to Jacksonville, FL for a family vacation, just the 3 of us. Thanks Kayce for letting us stay with you!! We did a lot of relaxation and much needed recouping!! After a week in FL we headed home!!

We got home and got in full swing of finishing packing and cleaning. We packed our truck up Monday June 25th and went to Dallas that night. Thanks to all who helped!! You made it so much quicker! We arrived in Bentonville the afternoon of June 26th. We moved in June 27th. Thanks for all the help - it was done in 1 hour!!! With the help of Aaron's parents, our house was set up by June 29th!! And Kourt, Nat, and Lisa stopped by on Saturday along with Jared and that was just great!

We have been in Bentonville a little over a week now and already have fallen in love with this town. It is much smaller than Houston but that is a good thing! :) You can get practically anywhere in 15 minutes TOPS! The people here are so NICE!! We have said over and over we just cannot get over how nice people are here. For instance, at the fireworks show last night we met a couple. After 1 hour of talking they gave us their number, said drop by to swim anytime, and if we ever need dinner just call and say we are on the way and they will have dinner ready when we get there. Really? Who are these people?? :) The people are just awesome and the community feeling is so great! Now, dont get me wrong. We loved the people in Houston!!! We just really like the atmosphere here!

The Lord has confirmed to us many times that we are right were He wants us!! We feel confident we made the right decision in our move. Although it was SUPER difficult to leave the people in Houston, we know we followed the Lord and that offers a peace that cannot be compared or given any other way than through Jesus! We are SO excited to be in Bentonville and get to know the people here and see what the Lord will do through us here!

Well thats a recap of our life!! Enjoy!

Karlee

Life Lately

Well life has been busy lately, as usual. We have had a lot of church events. I have had a lot of cheer stuff going on. And we have a  7 month old - that in and of itself will keep you busy!

Parent Life: I am really looking forward to summer to slow down a little and just have time with my boy. We have really been fighting naps lately so hopefully I can conquer that issue this summer. MDO days are very hard - he hardly sleep at all during the day on Tuesday's/Thursday's. Last night I was just holding him a little bit before his bedtime feeding. He was facing out in my lap "watching" tv with us. He layed his head back and passed out. He is so tired on those days. I am not really sure how to fix this because MDO has lots of noise and he just cant sleep. There isnt really anything to fix this - you cannot silence other babies just so he can sleep. So we are just dealing with it. We are trying to figure out a good schedule every other day where he gets 2 good naps but have not found one yet but hopefully will soon.

We are trying to slowly introduce "real" food to B and not baby food. He gags a lot when we do this and frankly it scares me to death. I know we have to for him to get used to it, but he hates new textures and just gags and chokes. I hate it, but we are doing it slowly with tiny bits of food. Hopefully he willl quit that soon!!

He is getting closer to crawling. People ask me a lot if he is yet. Nope hes not. Sometimes I feel like people are thinking - whats wrong with your kid, he should be crawling by now. But hes not and its ok. He will learn and get the hang of it. He has met all other milestones and I am sure he will with this one. It may take him a little longer than "usual" but its ok. I mean if my thighs were the size of mountains and I had no knees it would be hard for me to crawl too.

Aaron and I love being parents but we love just us time too. After we put B down about 730, 745 we relax on the couch together and enjoy some tv. I usually fall alseep on the couch. I am so exhausted by then I just cant keep my eyes open - but I do it so we can have us time to nurter our relationship. We enjoy talks at this time of night too and just being "us".

Youth Life: Senior Sunday is coming up. This Sunday is always sad and especially will be this year. Three girls that I have grown to love and adore are graduating and leaving me :( I am so excited for them and their new adventure but sad for me that I wont see them every week. I often refer to them as "my girls". I am very protective of them and they mean so much to me! I love you Kourtney, Natalie, and Lisa!!

Being a youth pastor's wife can be very hard. We spend many evenings not at home as a family of 3 but at church as a family of 50-75. Sometimes I just want a whole week at home every evening just the 3 of us. But then I get to church and see the faces of those students and interact with them and I get so blessed and I remember how much I love to be a part of their lives and my whole attitude and feelings change! I feel so blessed that they let me in their life and let me take the journey of their youth with them. Being a youth pastor's wife doesnt mean that I have my job and Aaron has his. It means I have my job and we both have his. It is a partnership. Although it is exhausting at times having my own job, being a mommy, and doing so much with his, it is so rewarding. I wouldnt change being a part of those students lives for anything! They bless me all the time and it is such a gift! I hope I have made a positive impact in the lives of these students! They surely have on mine! Love you guys! And I am so blessed to be a part of your lives! Cant wait to see you keep growing and living life and to be a part of it!

Thats all for now! See you soon!

Thanks Mom

This blog is simply to say thanks to my mom!
Thanks mom for:
1) loving me when i wasnt lovable
2) loving me and all my personality quirks
3) understanding me
4) being there for me whenever I possibly needed you
5) making every effort to always be where i needed you when i needed you there
6) helping me become a better mom
7) watching me become a mom
8) supporting me in anything I ever wanted to do
9) giving me everything I wanted or needed
10) dreaming big dreams with me
11) helping me through the best of times and the worst of time
12) holding me all the times I cried
13) holding me all the times I laughed
14) those evenings at home with dinner, laughs, and movies...just the 2 of us
15) road trips the two of us
16) all our "talks"
17) forgiving me
18) trusting me
19) being my #1 fan
20) being my best friend
21) teaching me what a Godly woman looks like
22) teaching me what a Godly mother looks like
23) teaching me to be unselfish
24) teaching me how to put others first
25) so much more I could put - but these stick out to me

I love you mama! I just dont tell you that enough and I am sorry. You mean the world to me. I know we have had ups and downs but 1 thing will never change....you are my mom and best friend and I would not change that for anything in the world! I muff you mama!

Crazy Busy

So, I have not blogged lately like I like to. Life has really been crazy busy this semester! We have had youth stuff back-to-back-to-back. I have had cheer stuff a ton lately with try-outs and new squad things along with my old squad end of the year things. Plus fitting in family time! Its crazy around the Webster house. Most weeks, we have something going on every night of the week. BUT after these next 2 weeks things will hopefully slow down a little. Poor B is on the go all the time. He needs some normalicy too!

Life has been good though! B is doing well. He still has a bit of a cough but is overall well. He has started not taking naps very well in the day. "normally" he takes about a 45 minute nap in the morning and about a 2 - 2:30 hour nap in the afternoon so sleeping about 2:30 - 3 hours a day in naps.Lately he has been only sleeping 30 - 1:30 minutes of naps a day. I think he may be teething and his gums may hurt so maybe that is why? Or maybe it is just a phase? I use orajel when I think his mouth hurts and it seems to help but it is weird. Just like one day he stopped. And then by about 5-6 he is getting GRUMPY! He is also waking up consistently about 430 (which we try to just let him put himself back to sleep). Then sometime between 5 and 545. This one is hard. He WONT put himself back to sleep. So we give him his paci, rock him, etc. We are trying to get him to go until at least 6 for breakfast because the doctor really wants us to get on a "normal" schedule of breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner if we can. So we are trying - but I feel bad because I feel like maybe he is hungry and I am just not feeding him. SO should I feed him that early??? then his lunch is at like 10?? Just trying to figure it all out!

School is almost out! Yahoo!! 37 more days. Cannot wait for a summer with B! the Lord has really helped me being back at work. I still want to be home but he has helped me get through it much easier than I was! Being busy at work helps the days go quick too!

I have gotten a new photography website and been trying to promote that more too! I would LOVE to do that full time but would have to really make business booming before I took that leap! But even if I dont, i LOVe it and doing it on the side is fun too!! Head to here to check out my work!

Well hopefully I can blog more! Once life settles down!

Karlee

It is Well

Lately, the Lord has really been speaking to my heart. Here's what He has been saying.

As you probably know, and you are probably tired of hearing about it, working has been rough for me. It is really hard for me to get up in the morning and leave my little boy at home knowing I wont be with him that day. I feel like I am missing out on so much of his little life and his growth. There are many days I just cry thinking about it because it really does make me so sad. I know some moms say - I would never want to stay home, but that just isnt me. I would LOVE so much to be home with my little man.

The Lord has reminded me many times over the last few weeks that he works out things for "good" for me. Where I am at, meaning working, is exactly where He wants me. Although it isnt necessarily where I would choose now, I know that He has a plan for me and there is a reason He has me working. I have also realized that I have been a little selfish. Many people in the US would die to have a job and I have one and here I am complaining about it. So thank you Lord for my job, the opportunity to work and help provide for my family, and for forgiving me for being selfish.

Dont get me wrong, it is still hard for me to work everyday and leave him. If I had my choice, I would choose to work from home and still be financially secure by working from home. But the fact is, that isnt where God has me and I am learning to accept it and realize that His plan is PERFECT! Even though I dont understand or know His plan, He has me where I am for a reason and that reason is not to upset me. It is GOOD for me! I am thankful for that! I accept it!

I read this morning in Jesus Calling this: "I am above all things: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever changing world. When you behold my Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms. This is the way of Peace, living in the Light of My Presence. I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus. When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say "Help me, Jesus!" and I will draw you back to Me. If you have to say that a thousand times daily, don't be discouraged. I know your weakness, and I meet you in that very place."

Hello! Was that written just for me?? I think so! I dont believe its a mistake I read that today. I really needed those words. So instead of focusing on the fact that I am not a stay-at-home mom, I am really going to work on focusing on God's blessings and just Him!

The verse that go with this were Ephesians 2:6 and Matthew 14:28-32. Both great verses but Matthew really spoke to me. It says "Then Peter called to him, "Lord if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" When they climbed back in the boat, the wind stopped."

I capitalized immediately because that word hit me this morning. Even through Peter's doubt and questioning towards God, he IMMEDIATELY reached for him. He didnt think about, didnt say Peter we need to talk first, didnt say Peter ask me to forgive you first. Nothing. It was immediate! I think about a time Brody was sitting in my lap and arched backwards and started falling backwards. I IMMEDIATELY reached for him. No thought, no questioning, it was INSTANT! I wanted to make sure he didnt hit his head. That is what Jesus did. IMMEDIATELY reached for Peter. He IMMEDIATELY reaches for me when I call. Even through my selfishness and questioning Him and His plan and wondering why He hasnt allowed me to stay home, the instant I call for Him He reaches for me. WOW! Now that is one great God I serve. Thank you Lord for looking past my faults and reaching for me anyway!! Thank you for not holding my selfishness against me. I am sorry Lord and I am so thankful you look past my faults and always reach out your hand for me anyways! I love you Lord!

So, I type all of this to say, It is well with my soul. I know God has a purpose and plan for my life and the life of my family. I choose to accept it and accept where He has me right now in my life. I know it is a perfect plan and I choose to enjoy it and live life now with what the Lord has blessed my family with. Maybe one day I can stay home, but I am no longer going to live everyday wishing I was home and miss the blessings of God.

It is well.

Kar

Randomness called "Karlee's head"

Well, my thoughts are kind of everywhere this month. Therefore my blog will kind of be everywhere! Aaron and I will be talking and I will say something "random" and he will say, "where in the world did that come from?" My mind goes a million miles a minute from one thing to the next. Here is a little look :)

I am really learning how to be a Mary this month. Here is the passage that keeps coming to my mind over and over.

Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

You see I am very much a Martha! I like to have a clean house and be organized and have laundry done and all the good things that come along with taking care of a house. This month I have learned, yes those are important but not as important as time with my wonderful husband and my precious baby boy. It is a hard thing for me to get used to but I am. So, if you come to my house, you might find dirty dishes in the sink, or laundry in the laundry room, or a bed that is unmade, or a bathroom counter that isnt spotless, but you WILL find me laughing and tickling my little boy, talking to my husband, and enjoying my little family. You will find me doing the important things in life - time with my boys.

I posted a note to facebook about prayer. How I was going to pray more for people. I really have this month. It is such a joy. The peace that Jesus brings when you pray to Him is so great. (This is in no way to brag that I pray a lot but to show my Jesus off) I have had the privilege (anytime I get to go to the Father on behalf of someone else its a privilege) of prayer for sick people, for sick babies, for marriages, for healing, for peace, for direction, for changes in hearts, for youth, for financial issues, for school, and many things. I have gotten to see some of these prayers answered and some not. BUT I know God hears them all. If you have anything you would like prayer for, please let me know. I want to lift you up to our Lord.

I am enjoying my little boy so much and watching him grow! Here is a little of what he is doing: talking up a storm, grabbing and eating his feet, almost putting his paci in his mouth by himself, laughing, almost sitting up on his own, reaching for toys, sleeping through the night without swaddle, and growing like a weed! He is almost 16 pounds! I never knew I could love a little boy as much as I love him! Being a mom is one of the greatest blessing I have ever had!!

Working is really hard for me. I know people say that it gets better and I guess it has. I dont cry everyday when I leave him and I dont cry at work but I miss him so terribly much all day. It makes me so sad when I see stay at home moms pictures on facebook of their days - going to the store, play dates, picnics with their kids, etc. I am missing out on all of that and it breaks my heart. I broke down yesterday. I cried all the way home and until Brody got home with Aaron and some after he was home. I cannot even really explain how much I want to work from home. Right now, I have not been able to do that. Maybe one day the Lord will bless us in that way and allow me to work from home and still make the income that we need for our financial stability. Praying at least!

Sometimes I just stare at Brody. I want to soak in every second I have with him because I know it will go by so fast!!! I try to enjoy each and every second with him before he is going off to college!

I love my husband. He is so supportive and such a good daddy! I am so lucky to have him in my life!

I have been doing some more pictures. I have not been doing a ton simply because I dont have a ton of extra time and the extra time I do have, I want to spend with my family. It is hard though because I love doing pictures but I also love that time with my little family.

There is a look into the randomness of my mind this month! Have a great day!

Resolution Progress

Well, I cannot believe the first month of 2012 is over!!! It went by slow but fast....weird how time does that!

Well here is how I did on my resolutions:

1) Get closer to God! This is the most important to me! B+

I feel like I am reading the BIble more and praying more but I could still improve!

2) Read the whole Bible. I have tried doing this several times but have not succeeded - I hope to this year! C

I am working on this with the 1 year Bible but I am already behind...im trying to catch up!

3) Go on 1 date a month with my husband and be intentional about growing our relationship. A+

We went on our January date! We went to Los Cucos, got a Chick-Fil-A shake, and Best Buy! I surprised him with an iPad 2! :)

4) Run a 5K without stopping - I am doing Couch to 5K to try and accomplish this! A-

Aaron and I have been doing really well with our couch to 5k! Im working on it!

5) Get more organized and stay organized!!! I feel like I have always been somewhat organized. Since Brody has come we just have so MUCH stuff. I want to get rid of a lot and declutter and organize. I mean like labeled tubs the works! This will be a slow work in progress but I will get there! C+

I have organized some things but i just dont have a ton of time to do a whole lot!

6) Lose the last 7-9 pounds of baby weight. This is hard since I am breastfeeding but I hope to! F

I havent lost any weight in Jan. I actually have gained - boo

7) Encourage at least 1 person a week. B+

I am trying hard to do this!

8) Send more mail. F

I sent no mail this month :(

9) Save as much money as possible!B+

I feel like we saved more than we did last month! Improvement!

10) Read 10 books. I usually read 4-5, so I am doubling it this year! A++

I have already read 2 and working on my 3rd and its only Feb 1st!

11) Be more open and honest about my feelings. I tend to keep them to myself sometimes. B+

I am really working on this and getting better but still need work.

12) Pray more and listen more when I pray!!! A+

I am praying way more than I was and it is awesome!! Love talking to God!

13) Worry less! B-

I am worrying less but still too much! The Bible says dont worry about ANYTHING!

14) Keep track of Brody's growth and changes in pictures.C+

Not doing great on pictures this month - i forget :(

15) Journal to Brody more. C+

I havent done much journaling this month :(

So there you have it. My resolutions 1 month in