Uncle Zach and Aunt Carissa

So I am several weeks behind on this post, but I wanted to share our special time that we had with my brother, Zach, and sister-in-law, Carissa.  We had the privilege of having them come visit us in March. Zach was here for almost a whole week so we got lots of time to show him around the city.  And when I say city I mean different parks, playgrounds and libraries, because that is just what we do around here :)

This was the first time they met Camden, and they sure were surprised by his chunkiness.  They also got some quality time with Parker.  Parker just loves having family in town.  He has so much fun playing with them and showing them all the fun things we do. 

We also did a few new things around Charlotte that we had never done before.  This is a park we had never visited and we are so glad we did!  I think it's so funny how every time people come into town we find something new to do that we didn't know about before.  I guess we often take advantage of living in a city and don't use it to its full potential. 

Once Aunt Carissa got here we took them to uptown (our downtown) to 7th Street Market.  Seriously, best latte ever.  We of course had no problem finishing ours off, and even scraped the mugs clean with the little spoons they gave us.  At least we didn't have to lick the mugs, right Riss? ;)   I just love this picture of them... The way that Parker is looking at Aunt Carissa just warms my heart. I think he's in love.

We ended the week with a service project at church.  We love taking our friends and family to experience the way God is moving through Elevation and some of things that we get to be a part of.

They ended their trip at our place on my birthday, which was such a special treat for me.  Philip also had many surprises planned for me that day, including a childless night out to a delicious dinner at Ruth's Chris. (A first time visit for him) and continuous videos from people that I love throughout the day.  Thanks to all that participated, and a special shout out to Philip who organized it all.  

We love visitors and welcome you to come see us :)  There are always new places to explore in this beautiful city.  Have a great rest of your week and happy late Easter.  

With Love, From Charlotte

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is a very special day for us, it is this guys' 28th birthday.

We have had such a good time celebrating him today, and hope that he has had a relaxing day.  The morning started out with giving him the opportunity to sleep in, (quite the luxury around this house)  and the boys and I decorated the downstairs for his big day.  We also went out to get his favorite Dunkin Donuts (Chocolate frosted sprinkles) and then made him some chorizzo to enjoy once he woke up.  We followed that up with a trip to the mall to spend some birthday money and a Chipotle Burrito. (Thanks Zach and Carissa!)  Now we are all relaxing and napping.  Tonight I have planned an evening out just the two of us, while some friends have offered to watch the boys.  (Thanks you Kelly and Chris!)

But what I really wanted to blog about today was how much I appreciate and love all that Philip is to me.  Philip and I met and then later started dating in high school, we were only 16 at the time, but I told him then that I would be his wife one day.  (Yes, 16 year old Philip was very freaked out by that) :)  Through many years of off and on dating, I am so grateful that he pursued me even when I didn't want to be or asked him not to.  I can't imagine doing life without him.  He is such an incredible man that I have had the opportunity to see so much growth and change in these last 14 years?!  Wow, That's officially half of our lives!  

As a husband Philip is right up there at the top.  He is our spiritual leader, and challenges me to learn and grow in my faith regularly.  He is the provider, he works so hard to make sure that we have a nice place to live, food on the table and more clothes than we need.  He includes me in making decisions, calls me out when that needs to happen (shocking I know!) and comforts me when I'm having a rough day.  He considers my needs and desires and we honestly have such a good time hanging out.  

As a dad Philip has blown me away and does continuously at how good of a dad he is.  Don't get me wrong, I have always known that he would be a great dad, but this guy is a natural.  He knows how to balance fun and adventure, with teaching and discipline.  Sometimes I don't know how he has the energy or patience to do all he does with our boys, but I know that I couldn't do it without him.  He is so intentional with making sure he spends the time that he has at home with each of our boys every opportunity he gets.  Thanks for being so invested in our kids babe,  I am so glad that they get to learn how to be the men they've been called to be from you!

This is one of our Fun Family Fridays.  Philip found a fun trail to take the boys on.  In this picture they are spying on the pretend bears and lions.  Parker loves "Adbentures with Daddy"

As a Man in Ministry Philip has had such an impact on so many people.  He is so gifted at encouraging and guiding people.  I love hearing him teach the Word, because he is so passionate about it.  He knows how to speak in such a way that makes God's Word apply to me, even if I can't always see it.  I have loved watching him grow in his new role at Elevation as an eGroups director.  Not only does he lead so many of the leaders within our church, but I see the ways that he communicates and impacts their lives each weekend.  

This is Philip at church one weekend, encouraging people to join a small group

Leading and encouraging our eGroup leaders on the Matthews location

As a Brother and a Son, Philip has always been so intentional with his family.  I love watching him form relationships with each person in our family.  He is so good at caring for each of them.  I often envy his ability to be so consistently intentional with our family.  He is so good at keeping in touch with each of them, and showing them that he cares for them. I think one of my favorite things to do is to watch him watch his family open up the Christmas gifts he got them.  I think he enjoys that more than opening his own gifts.  He is so thoughtful when it comes to giving something to someone, and he loves seeing the joy that comes with the gift.  Thank you for valuing our family!

 As a Friend, Philip is a keeper!  People have always been drawn to him.  He has always been a good friend to those around him, but lately I've been seeing a different side come out with his friends.  Not only does he have a good time and enjoy being around them, but I can see that the choices he's made as a husband and dad are admired and have been an example for those around him.  The way that he chooses to serve his family has been noticed and appreciated by those around him.  

As I didn't finish the blog before we left for our date I now have pictures from the evening. It was a kid free dinner and movie night! 

 This doesn't happen very often anymore, so it was welcomed for sure.  Philip, thank you for being the husband, dad, ministry man, brother, son and friend that you are to each of us. You are loved and appreciated!  

If you haven't had a chance to Facebook, call, text or send a fun video take a moment to do that, and let this guy know how much he means to you. 

With Love, From Charlotte

Being Stretched Beyond More than I Think I Can Handle

I'm not sure about you, but lately I have been having a difficult time having the energy to keep going. Do you ever go through a season in which you're not sure if you can continue doing what you are supposed to?  I feel like after becoming a mom, I have experienced this a little more frequently than prior to.  It probably definitely has to do with the lack of sleep that comes with young children, and perhaps the monotony that parenting can sometimes bring.  

However, in the last couple weeks, I realized that I needed a bit of encouragement as a mom.  What God did through the following week or so was just what I was longing for.  He provided so many reminders, big and small, that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be right now.  He has called me to care for and love on my two little guys in a way that no one else can.  He has entrusted me with them, even when I don't feel equipped or competent.  

If you aren't a mom I encourage you to encourage your own mom, or one that you know.  I've decided that being a mom is the hardest thing I have ever done.  Hands down. As I am learning how to deal with and confront these difficulties, I have learned that sometimes I just have a to look for the encouragement that God continuously puts in my path. 

So, just as God provided encouragement to me, I hope to do the same for you.  Here are the things that He put in front of me over the course of about a week or so.  

It all started with this book, Desperate by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson.

I am a part of a small group of moms at my church and we are currently reading it together.  It's a great title, many moms become desperate for encouragement, and also to realize that they aren't the only ones having these thoughts and feelings.  It is a great read for moms (especially with young kids) I know if you are in that situation you are laughing at me right now, trying to figure out when you would even have time to read and not fall asleep in the process.  I'm right there with you :)  You will not be disappointed if you decide to make time for it.  In fact it might even be helpful to do a study together with some other moms whether it be through a small group meeting or even through email!

This line in particular just reassured me in my feelings, "The lifetime commitment that is motherhood, will many days stretch you beyond what you think you can handle." Can I get an amen? In the midst of this time it can feel like I can't get out of bed one more time, or sing one more song, but then I step back, and I see my almost three month old in the background of this picture and see how at peace he is.  I don't just get out of bed just because, I get up to feed him and help him grow.  I sing one more song because that is the desire of my 2 year old's heart, even if it is a tactic to stall going to sleep just a little bit longer.  These are moments I don't get back, that one day I will wish I could.  

God also put a couple of blogs in my path for me to read and be encouraged by that week.  One was reposted by a friend on Facebook, the blog is titled,  Mommy Somebody Needs You.  It's a great read, and worth the time. I can relate to the writer, because as her kids have started saying that when the baby cries, Parker has started to say to me, "Mommy, you need to feed Camden, he's hungry.", whenever he cries.  Another blog was texted as a link by a fellow mommy friend. (Thanks Cara!) When Satan Steals Your Motherhood  I think my biggest take away from that one was when she said "Today? It is going to be okay. Take back your motherhood. It is a gift. Listen to the life-giver, NOT the liar." So many times we let the enemy's lies take over our minds.  I'd say it's about time that we don't let him win, but that we listen and pay attention to what God would have us hear.  

A few other things that I found encouragement from are small, but totally helpful.  I love Real Simple the magazine.  I am also several months behind in reading them, but one afternoon both boys happened to be napping, so I stole a few moments to read through this.  The whole issue was about learning to balance your life.  

 Obviously this is not the Word of God, but there were some very helpful and practical tips in keeping up with the house, kids and taking care of myself.  So if you happen to see this at a doctors office give it a quick browse!

And of course, I can't forget about good ole' coffee, because without that and God's Word, I'm sure I could not make it through the day.  I find joy in that first every sip, and if that makes my mornings a little bit easier, and mommy a little bit nicer I say go for it!

Here are some sweet shots of my boys throughout the week.  Sometimes all I need to do is remind myself who I am doing this for.  When I make the effort to take a step back and appreciate all that I have been blessed with, it makes cleaning up the toy room (or the clubhouse as we refer to it in our home) for the 3rd time that day, a little easier.  

 I can't imagine doing this alone.  I am so glad that I have my best friend, Philip, to support and encourage me throughout this season too!  I feel so blessed to have someone I can express my very emotional self to, and depend on when I need a few moments to breathe.  In fact, he's the one checking on and taking care of the boys as I write this blog. Thanks babe, I could't do this without you.

We know that it is our responsibility and honor to raise these boys keeping in mind that one day they will be someone's husband and father.  We try to do our best to help develop them into men that resemble Christ and can lead a household in the way God has called them to.  We are called to prepare them for those precious responsibilities.  That is quite the task!  

As I finish writing this blog, I hear Parker waking up from his nap, and Camden starting to squirm and stretch as he prepares to eat... again.  But I remind myself that this is a season and time that will soon pass and will continue to seek out encouragement as I find myself in those stretching moments.  I hope you will do the same!

With Love, From Charlotte.

Grandpa Jesse Garza

I would like to dedicate this post to a very special man, Jesus (Jesse) Garza.

 He is Philip's grandpa.  He was a wonderfully witty, generous, loving and deeply caring grandpa to my husband and myself, and great grandpa to my two boys.  He was a great story teller, and a great player of many card games and of course Mexican Bingo.  I have many fond memories of this man and he will be greatly missed!

This past week our family went home to Sierra Vista to celebrate Jesse's life.  He passed away on February 8, 2014 at the age of 91.  I have had the privilege of getting to know Jesse for about the last 4 years.  Before that I actually stayed at his house once.  Philip, myself and two good friends, Cara and Kelsey were going to see a musical up in LA, and ended up staying with Philip's grandparents because they lived so close.  That was my first real interaction with him, and I remember so clearly playing Bingo and listening to his fascinating stories of the "good ole days".  From that first meeting I knew that he cared about Philip very much.  He always called him "son".  "If you ever need anything, let me know son".  He was always so willing and ready to help.

About 4 years ago he and his wife Angie moved to Sierra Vista.  We were so excited that they lived closer.  Every other week we had family dinner, and it was always so nice to know they would be there, and we would have a chance to just spend some more time with them.  Grandpa Jesse also loved his great grandson Parker.  He always told me to make sure I took good care of his great Grandson.

On our trip home this last week it was a bittersweet time.  We got to see lots of family and friends that we've been missing dearly, and got to show the new little addition (Camden) off to everyone.  But we were there to also say goodbye to a dearly loved man.  In all of that, the service that we had for him was beautiful.  It was so personal, which I loved.  I think if you came to that service you probably left feeling like you knew a lot more about him than when you arrived.  Philip did the message for the service. I think Grandpa would have appreciated that very much, as I'm sure Grandma Angie did too.

The following day we also had a military service for him.  Since he was a veteran they offer that, and even have a flag ceremony for him, and presented it to Grandma at the end.

 I love that I grew up in a military town.  I have learned to have an appreciation for the military, and the sacrifice these men and women make that I'm not sure I would not have learned somewhere else.

Throughout the weekend, we not only got to spend time with our parents, grandma Angie, and Uncle Isaac, but we also got to visit with my grandma, who was able to meet Camden for the first time too.  These are truly precious moments that I will hold on to for a long time.

We also spent some much needed time with good friends!  Parker got to see old friends...

and Camden got to meet his future wife.  Yes, he looks like he could eat her for lunch, but they are only 5 weeks a part, so they won't look so different when they are 40 and allowed to date each other ;)

 

Overall, we are so thankful for this unexpected trip home and the opportunity to celebrate Grandpa Jesse.  It wore us all out I think....

But we are back home and getting back into the swing of things.  Charlotte is starting to warm up after our big snowstorm, and we are looking forward to a visit from Uncle Zach and Aunt Carissa mid March! Happy Sunday and don't forget to thank God for freedom and grace in Him.

With Love, From Charlotte

Cousin Adi

Here at the Engle household we have had some visitors come through lately.  It started off with my parents and brother, Isaac two days after Camden was born.  The reason you haven't hear of it is because it was a whirlwind of a visit... It's hard for me to remember or record anything the week after a newborn has arrived, mostly because I am walking around like a zombie as I am trying to remember how to do this brand new baby thing.  Healing from labor and delivery is, at least for me, difficult.  I am trying to juggle wanting to cuddle with the new baby, spend time with the older sibling, and letting my body heal from the long journey it's just been on.  Plus I hadn't slept in days and any time I  sat down my eyes just closed on their own!  Anyways, that's not why I'm writing this... sorry, 4 weeks of broken/little sleep = rambling while blogging I guess :)

Back to the topic!!  My parents and Isaac were here for a full week to help make that first week home a little easier.  In fact, they made it much easier.  I didn't cook, clean, or even pick up after myself or family the whole time they were here.  I also changed very few diapers, and my parents even took shifts throughout the night with Camden while I slept!  Not only that but they got up with Parker in the morning so we could sleep.  Now that I think about it, I got more sleep that week than I am now!  Plus, when they left, I had a stocked fridge and freezer, a spotless house, and a nice stash of double stuffed Oreos in the cupboard.

Two weeks later we were blessed to have my sister, Sarah, and her three year old daughter, Adi, come visit for a few days.  We had so much fun watching Parker and Adi get to play together while they were here.  As soon as Adi walked in the door, Parker wanting nothing more than to give her hugs and play with "cousin Adi".  We went to a playground, made pizzas at home, took them to church, and ran errands together.

 Luckily Sarah was up for helping me get some things done around town.  Although I do have to say running errands isn't easy with a newborn, 2 and 3 year old.  She also made meals leaving lots of leftovers and cleaned my house again before leaving.  I haven't cleaned my house in so long!!  I love it!

We played at home throughout the weekend too.  They were troopers the whole time, and were able to resolve any and all issues 2 and 3 year olds have with each other.  We had many conversations go this way over the weekend.

Someone crying...
Adi-"Mommy, Parker took my coloring book"
Sarah/Angela-"Parker, Come here please. You can't take other people's toys without asking and having permission first, Now ask Adi if you can share please"
Parker-"Adi, Share Please"
Adi-"Ok"

Two minutes later, Someone crying....



You get the drift :)  As tiring as young kids can be, I wouldn't have traded any of it just to be able to see parker and Adi get to know each other just a little bit better.  I have such fond memories of playing hours on end with my cousins, and because of that we are still good friends.  I pray that my kids have similar memories with their cousins.  After we dropped Sarah and Adi off at the airport, tears were shed by all, and we are still talking about the fun we had, and how we want to play more.

Luckily, we can Face Time our family so that these moments of spending time together don't seem so far apart.  We hope you can take some time to appreciate your family, and get those kids together with their cousins!!   It's not always the case to have built in friends like that.

We miss you all and hope you find joy in each day.

With Love, From Charlotte

The Greatest Christmas Gift...

Well, after a long break of blogging (I truly do apologize) I wanted to update you on the many exciting things that are happening in our lives.  We have had an amazing and very busy last month.  I am sure many of you can relate to the business of the season.

Towards the middle of December we began to wrap up our Prodigy season here at Elevation.  As it came to a close we awaited word to see if they would offer Philip a permanent position.  It was a very exciting and wonderful day to find out that yes, they would be asking Philip to fill a position as the eGroups director at the Matthews campus.  This was the campus that we spent the last three months of Prodigy at, and it had truly become home for us.  We have been loved on and taken care of here and are so excited to say that we have accepted the offer!  Philip will be over-seeing all of the groups at the Matthews campus, but will also be helping care for the people of the campus.  He has been asked to help in developing and growing the leaders of the campus and help with the opening and closing on stage some weekends.

Not only were we blessed with a job, but on Christmas Day we got a wonderful gift.  In fact it's the greatest Christmas Gift Philip and I have ever received! The gift of our second son, Camden Charles Engle.  That's right December 25th, at 9:22 PM weighing in at 7 pounds 11 ounces,  and 20 inches long.

We had enjoyed a wonderful Christmas morning, filled with the Christmas Story acted out by our nativity scene for Parker, presents, Skyping with both sets of families, and of course some afternoon naps had by all.

I made a pot roast with potatoes for our Christmas dinner, and as I called the boys to come eat, I was hit with my first contraction.  (This started at 5PM)  Philip and Parker came into the kitchen to eat dinner when I told Philip it was time!  We called our friends, Stephanie and Skyler, and they graciously left their family gathering and came to get the little man so we could head to the hospital.  When we got there at 6, they told me I was 3 cm, and that I could stay.  They admitted me, and by 7:30 I had progressed to 6 cm,  and they had decided to call the doctor and have her come to the hospital.  At around 8:00 I was 8 cm and the doctor had broken my water.  I was ready to push by about 9:15, I pushed for three contractions and our bundle was here by 9:22!!  It was an incredibly fast labor and delivery, but I have to say that I am very grateful.

Today Camden is four weeks old.

I can't believe it!  He is chunky, he loves to eat, and poops around the clock :)

Parker has learned how to be gentle with him, (most of the time) he loves holding him and giving him hugs and kisses.  He also loves to have Camden lay in his bed while we read stories and sing songs right before bedtime.

He is learning how to share mommy and daddy, but I think in time, he will get it.

I love all three of these boys, and I can't believe that I get to serve and love on them.  Some days it's the hardest thing I've ever done. In fact right now, my eyes slowly keep closing on me.  But I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. God has called me to this right now, and I don't want to take it for granted!

Showers of Blessings

I know, I know... It's been a while since the last post. Sometimes it feels like there are not enough days in the week or hours in the day! Maybe it's just that everything is taking  me longer and longer to accomplish. As my body is stretching and growing, it just doesn't have the ability to move as quickly and swiftly as it used to. 

I do have to say these last couple of weeks of pregnancy have provided me with a good reminder that I need to slow down. I have to remind myself that it's ok if I don't say yes to every invitation, or bake every type of cookie on my Pinterest board. Especially because I might will be the one to eat them all! Its comforting to know that my biggest responsibility right now is to my family and keeping Camden happy and healthy.

One invitation that I knew I didn't want to turn down though was the one for my baby shower! A few friends of mine got together to plan and throw my shower. It was perfect. I got to spend the morning with women that I have grown to love and appreciate over the last few months. We talked, enjoyed some games, ate, laughed and prayed. They all laid their hands on my belly and prayed over me and Camden. It is so fun to be a part of a group of friends that take the time to do that. What a blessing!

These ladies showered us with diapers,wipes, clothes, lotions, shampoos and lots of other baby necessities. It's amazing how much stuff you use and need for such a tiny human being. I feel so blessed to have these women do something special like this for us.

Another event that Philip and I didn't want to miss was our prodigy Christmas party. We had a night where the other guys in the prodigy program and their spouses decided to have dinner together, and then have a small gift exchange afterwards. It was a night full of delicious Italian food, laughter and encouraging one another. Going through something like the prodigy program is one of those things that you can't fully understand unless you go through it also. It is such a blessing to know that we have been able to do that with this wonderful group of people.  They have helped make this experience one that we will look back on and never forget.

As this season of prodigy ends, and we gear up for the next season of 3 AM feedings and dirty diapers, I can't help but wonder if God has been using these last six months to help prepare us for what this next season holds in store. I can't tell you right now what that even looks like. But I do pray that God will use the many things we've learned and the friends we've made to continue to grow, shape and mold us into His image.

I pray that you will take a few minutes to look at the way that God may have showered you with blessings in this last season, and how he might use them in the next. Hey, maybe you could even take some advice from this very pregnant mama and waddle through these next couple weeks rather than run.  When you slow down and remove things that don't matter as much,  its easier to see where and how He's working!

With Love, From Charlotte