TEXAS

I just ordered this print from Etsy. We were having dinner Saturday night with a family from church and they had this picture hanging in their bathroom. Todd loved it! He thought it was just hysterical. So I ordered it for our new house. And that is our big news. We officially have a house to live in - not buying, but renting! It is quite a story about this house...and totally the Lord's provision. We are thankful beyond words. We should be unpacking boxes in about two weeks. Come visit us in Houston!

Connor

Today we stayed after church for a Newcomer Lunch. We figured that we are still fairly new to Grace Bible Church so we could certainly take advantage of this free meal. The pastor, West, asked everyone to introduce themselves, tell where he or she was from and how they found Grace Bible Church. Most of our kids had eaten and then run outside to play. Connor, however, was still at the table. When the introductions reached Connor, we assumed that we would just pass over him. He had different plans though. Boldly Connor began his introduction.

"Hi, my name is Bobby Bullfrog. Not Connor, it is Bobby Bullfrog. I am from Banana, Louisiana."

Then I interrupted and gently said, "Let's move on." Connor responded, "No, I have more to say." We did get him to end there, but later in the car he told me the rest of the speech he had prepared. It included a story of how he was hired at Grace Bible Church in Houston and that Todd was his assistant.

What a funny boy! When I told him that I was going to put this on the blog, he said, "Bring it!"

Colton

This was my conversation with Colton yesterday.

Colton: Mom, Van taught me how to tie my shoes!
Me: What about all the times that I have tried to teach you how to tie your shoes?
Colton: Failure.

Hi from Houston!

It has been awhile since I posted to the blog. Here are two recent highlights from the Rapps.

This guy is SIX months old! What a sweet, happy boy he is! Thanks to some new Houston friends, we have been able to borrow a baby swing and this exersaucer so that Holden has some entertainment. A few stats on Holden. He has two teeth that have come in on bottom. He is SO close to rolling over, but still hasn't mastered that trick yet. But the big news is that Holden is finally sleeping through the night! Mommy is very happy about that.
Connor has discovered his distinguished side. For the last two weeks he has been talking about what he wants to wear to my sister Alissa's wedding. The list includes: Derby hat, black tuxedo, white shirt, bowtie, white gloves, snazzy shoes and a diamond-tipped cane. Where does he get these ideas?! I managed to find him a Derby hat at a Halloween costume shop. He has worn it for two days straight.

Baby Dedication

Holden Elijah Rapp, you are a gift from our gracious God. What a privilege it was to dedicate you to the Lord this Sunday at our new church home. Your daddy shared briefly about your crazy birth and what he regularly prays for you and your siblings.

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.

 

With all the family on stage, we committed ourselves to raise you to know Jesus and then Pastor West Brazelton prayed for you. We love you Holden. We are so thankful you are part of our family!

 

We didn't get many pictures from the dedication...but here are a few. Carter acting funny beforehand.

Todd speaking, mom listening.

Brothers were laughing!

Time to pray - no closed eyes for Colton.

Leaving the stage with the whole gang.

Have your cake and eat it too!

Last week was the 10th anniversary of Grace Bible Church. They provided cake for everyone! Well....there was lots of cake left over and some of that cake came home with the Rapp family. The boys ate some and then laughed as they smeared the cake all over their faces!

That's Hunter in the front...acting dramatic.

Carter's Flag Football

Here are some photos from Carter's football game on Saturday. Here in Houston they name each of the kids' teams after an actual NFL team. Carter's team is the Cardinals...and he was not happy about that. He said that the luckiest kids are the ones who get to be the Texans. Several of the parents were sporting actual NFL gear so that the could match their son's team.

Each team has a Team Mom who coordinates snacks/ drinks for the sidelines/ banners for each game for the players to run through. Wow, it is exhausting just to be in the league and so different from Rec Plex sports in Branson. I am glad we get to do this though because Carter and Colton are loving their flag football experience! 

I think he looks so adorable in this picture the way he is standing.

Go Carter go!

His chance to run the ball.