The Vaughan's

Our Trip to Phoenix and the Boys' First Flight

2012-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

We had a blast last week visiting my sister, Morgan, and her husband out in Arizona. Jonathan stayed with my mom, and Caleb and Luke eagerly ventured out west with us. A few highlights from our trip...

The boys' FIRST airplane ride!

Looking for our airplane

Luke is buckled in and ready to go

Caleb's favorite thing about the airplane ride was the snack break

They LOVED going to the Train Park which included a train ride, carousel, huge playground, western town, model train museum, and a real train to browse inside.

Riding the kid train.

Hanging out with Aunt MoMo in the train museum.

The three story Phoenix Children's Museum was amazing!

Caleb called this the "pirate ship" and it was so tall it made my stomach turn so daddy went up!

"CACTUS!" We heard this over and over and over :-)

Caleb took his picture with the tallest cactus he could find to show his teachers and friends at school.

Desert Dirt

The boys didn't seem to mind the lack of grass. They could have dug in the dirt for hours in their aunt and uncle's backyard. There is something about little boys and dirt!

Headed to home sweet home

Why and How We're Celebrating Epiphany Today

2012-01-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

ABOUT EPIPHANY:
I'm not an expert on the liturgical calendar, but in studying it, I've found it a helpful tool in creating intentional times throughout the year that we remember and celebrate the life and ministry of Christ. Many Protestant churches don't celebrate the various seasons of the church calendar beyond Christmas and Easter, but there is a long history of using it in the Christian faith. "When most of the people in the church were poor and had no access to education, the church festivals and the cycle of the church year provided a vehicle for teaching the story of God and his actions in human history. Even in the Old Testament, the concept of sacred time became a vehicle for teaching the faith (for example, Exodus 12-13)." (Season of Epiphany - Bratcher) Since reading Noel Piper's book "Treasuring God in Your Traditions" I've become even more intentional in creating traditions and celebrations that tell a story as a way of teaching our kids the truths of God.
Before moving into the meaning of Epiphany, let me back up because you can't talk about Epiphany without talking first about Christmas. In the church we begin the Christmas season with Advent which is marked by expectation. We are anticipating the coming of Jesus. The traditional Christmas celebration begins on Dec 25 and according to the church calendar last for 12 Days of Christmas (ever wonder about the song!). It ends with Epiphany on January 6, today! Epiphany is the climax to the Advent/ Christmas season. The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." It's a time of focusing on the mission of the church in reaching others by "showing" Jesus as the Savior of all people. "As with most aspects of the Christian liturgical calendar, Epiphany has theological significance as a teaching tool in the church. The Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the child Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as "King" and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ. This act of worship by the Magi, which corresponded to Simeon’s blessing that this child Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32), was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few." (Bratcher)

EPIPHANY DEVOTIONAL: (beautifully sums up the heart of celebrating Epiphany.)

And suddenly - You appeared among us! You could have stood afar off, but You came in vulnerable love, revealing the nature of the Father. You proved once and for all that God's love "reaches to the heavens" by reaching from heaven to us. What an extraordinary act of abounding grace!
Your birth seemed insignificant, even trivial, to most of the world. Yet Simeon prophesied You would be "a light to the Gentiles"... and the Magi were the first to fulfill that word. Overwhelmed by Your royal yet modest love, they tenderly laid gifts at Your feet. They knelt down and worshipped You, "revealing" You to the world as Lord and King.
I will observe these days by asking for a personal epiphany, a sudden revelation of who You really are. By bowing down, laying my gifts at Your feet, and worshiping You, let me "reveal" You as the Savior of all people. - The Book of Worship (John Randall Dennis)

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS:

1. Read Matthew 2:1-12. Sing 'We Three Kings'

2. Make and decorate cardboard crowns and then act out the visit of the Magi

3. Let them pick out a special gift to give to someone that would honor that person as the Magi's brought gifts to honor Jesus

4. Pray for missionaries that are "revealing"to the nations Christ as King and Savior

5. Make a King Cake (a Mardi Gra tradition as well)

6. Make star shaped cookies to remember the star that the Magi followed to find Jesus

These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

Two of My Favorite Ladies

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Beth, Me, Brandi

This picture was taken New Year's Eve and got me thinking about how thankful I am for the special friendships I have with these two ladies. I will forever be grateful that Beth and Brandi took the time to invest in my life.

You don't realize how much you have to learn as a newlywed wife about what it really means to love your husband, and Beth took me under her wing to show me the ropes of being a godly wife. I would always leave her house so excited and inspired to get home and love/ serve my husband. She was also there to shine the light of truth speaking in grace when I was blind to my own faults.

I got to know Brandi around the time I was becoming a new mom. Not only does she have a heart for young mothers but she is full of parenting insight! On several occasions, she would call me with words of wisdom and encouragement when only the Holy Spirit could have known how desperately I needed it!

My time with them wasn't a Bible study though scripture almost always was naturally in our conversations. It wasn't a how to lecture though I got lots of great practical advice. It was all about our relationship. You see they made me love being a wife and mom. Their lives and their hearts for the roles of wife and mom as God designed were contagious. That's why it's said that discipleship is more caught than taught.

My husband and kids are probably the most thankful for Beth and Brandi! Having tangible, wise, godly women in your life is one of the most transformative things you can do. There are great female authors and speakers that have been very influential in my life as well, but if I had to choose, I'd go with Beth Bryson over a Beth Moore and Brandi Holbrook over a Stormie Omartian EVERY TIME! Praise God for discipleship and women willing to sacrifice their time and energy for the spiritual maturity of another!

Our Christmas Box

2011-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a blog written by Francine Rivers, our family decided to make a Christmas box for a homeless person and pray that the Lord would lead us to the right person. We went shopping at Target to find things we thought someone on the streets would need and would also put a smile on their face. We let the boys brainstorm about what they thought would make our recipient "feel special." They picked out some fun Christmas socks, gloves, a hat and also their favorite Christmas candy as well as some of our homemade Ginger bread cookies.

A few other items we included: bottle water, deoderent, first aid kit, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, gold bond powder, multi-vitamins, energy bars, and toothbrush/paste. We used a plastic shoebox that can be reused and will keep things dry.

We taped on top of the box coupons for two nights of food and lodging at the Memphis Union Mission. These are great to keep in your car for when you see panhandlers on the streets. You can purchase the coupons here. Hopefully this will give someone a safe, warm, peaceful place to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day night where the light and love of Christ is present.

As Francine Rivers did, I wrote the following on an index ca, let the boys color the back of it, and placed it in the box:

“The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By HIS mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is HIS faithfulness; HIS mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘This LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in HIM.’” Lamentations 3:19-20

We have the box in our car today as we're out and about and trusting the Spirit to lead. I hope you will pray with us and even join us in this new Christmas Eve tradition!

This night 7 years ago changed my life

2011-12-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

On December 23 seven years ago Kennon asked me to be his wife, and every year since has only gotten better. I know we all think our proposal story is the greatest and rightly should! If you would enjoy hearing another one that is also kind of a tear jerker, here is ours as I wrote it soon after we were engaged.

Kennon LOVES surprises and made sure this was the best one ever! Clueless to what was coming... I headed to Memphis December 23 for a white elephant Christmas party with all Kennon's friends. We were leaving the party early, but the host (Chris Hill) insisted we still pick a gift. Kennon, appearing to randomly grab a bag, unwrapped a simple, red Christmas ornament. A friend pointedly told Kennon looks can be deceiving and not to judge a book by its cover. After getting in the car, I started shaking the ornament and popped the top but stated I didn't see a thing. Kennon said, "Are you sure? I think maybe I see something!" After a couple of looks, I found a small note inside. "Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart... proceed to Wilson Chapel where you'll find your gift" I excitedly thought it was a scavenger hunt for the Christmas party.

Upon arriving at the chapel we found a shoe box with a hammer and another red ornament reading "Remember When..." Breaking the ornament, I found another note. "Let's walk down memory lane and remember God's faithfulness in our relationship." The chapel doors were open with candles lining the center aisle and hanging down the pews were 7 red stockings and 7 red ornaments representing the 7 months we'd been dating. Every stocking held unique memorabilia from things we'd done each month and after breaking each ornament...inside were two pieces of paper...a red paper with a scripture for me to read and a green one with a Psalm for Kennon to read.

After the last ornament, Kennon told me he wanted to look back and thank God together for what He'd done in our relationship and for the future. So we went down to the front of the church and knelt at the alter to pray. Before praying, he pulled a piece of paper out of his Bible and shared with me a list he had made a few years ago of Biblical "must haves" for his wife and a list of "icing" traits. After thanking the Lord for His faithfulness and asking his continued blessing and guidance in our relationship, Kennon took my hand to lead me up the steps of the front platform.

He begin to tell me why this chapel was so special to him. His father passed away when he was in high school, and Wilson Chapel was where the memorial service took place. He pointed to where he had sat during that very service thinking of how he was losing his best friend. Then Kennon turned to me and said how special it would be to gain his new best friend for the rest of his life in this same place. He read Genesis 2 about the Lord taking a rib from the man to fashion the woman and creating her as a helpmate for him. Suddenly Kennon was on one knee proposing! After about 2 seconds of absorbing the utter joy and surrealness of the moment, I confidently and excitedly exclaimed YES!

Before leaving the chapel, Kennon told me he had one more thing to give me. Knowing how much I love to journal, he had a baby blue leather journal with "Kathryn Vaughan" on the front cover. He had written me a note on the first page that the gift was for me to record every special moment of our engagement.

When we got back to his house, he opened the front door and shouted "she said yes!" as our families starting cheering. In shock I stood staring into a video camera surrounded by my family, his family, and Emily Brooks who had first introduced us. The perfect ending with our families...to a perfect night that was the beginning of becoming our own family.

Sixty-three Years of Marriage & Capturing a Family Legacy

2011-12-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

My grandparents recently celebrated 63 years of marriage! A few years ago I video taped an interview with Papa and Mimi. In a time where divorce due to "irreconcilable differences"plague our country, my grandparents passed on some wise words to me and my siblings on what it takes to develop a marriage that will last a lifetime. Celebrity Scarlet Johansson was quoted on ending her three-year marriage to Ryan Reynolds saying, "I wasn't fully aware of the peaks and valleys. I wasn't prepared to hunker down and do the work." She got one thing right. Marriage is work. Love is so much more than a feeling. Love is an act of the will accompanied by emotion that leads to action on behalf of its object. Below is a clip of my grandparents talking about their marriage. You will want to get a kleenex before you watch!

Papa is currently in the last stage of Alzheimer's. He doesn't know any of us, even Mimi. He is still as kind and sweet natured as ever, but it breaks my heart to see him unable to complete a sentence, a phrase, a thought. He keeps asking to go home... his childhood home. After spending a few weeks under observation by Alzheimer's specialists, it was recommended he go to an Alzheimer's home. But Mimi said she couldn't live with herself if we didn't let her bring him home and try one more time at caring for him herself. Mimi has always been the picture of faith, and this is the first time I can ever remember seeing her discouraged. But she asks for our prayers, presses on, and shows us all a picture of true love. Love that is a selfless action grounded in commitment and faith and yes still accompanied by emotion. I am so thankful my dear Papa has her as his wife, and I'm thankful for the standard and example she is setting for me.

If your elderly loved ones are still alive I hope you too will consider creating a video legacy of memories that can be passed down to future generations. I am so grateful I made our video before Papa's Alzheimer's set in. A few questions I asked them included: What was your home like growing up? What were your parents like and how did they meet? I also had them tell me every one's full names and asked questions about their great grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins. How did you come to know Christ? What did you do for fun growing up? How much did things cost? What were the major technological advances in your generation? How did you meet? What have been the greatest joys and greatest struggles in your marriage? What advice would you say to every future generation of your family legacy? So many others questions will naturally snowball.

Take advantage of the holidays with family and make some memorials to pass on to future generations!

Got moves like his daddy!

2011-12-06T00:15:00.001-08:00

Luke could not leave the Children's Museum until he got to hit the disco room. Break it down Luke!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T05:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanking God for our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and the many many blessings in our life especially family and friends!

We went on our own pre-Thanksgiving turkey trot to prepare for the feast with Kennon's family.

Kennon's Family:

Mamadoll, Harrison, Ben and Lauren, Mary Paige and Elizabeth, Emily and Daniel, Luke, Me, Caleb, and Kennon

This little guy was napping and missed the big family photo

Mamadoll and the grandkids

Caleb, Luke, Mary Paige, and Elizabeth loved Mamdoll's new chalk wall

The boys' Thanksgiving art work

Making Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Our Thanksgiving Tree Tradition: Count Your Blessings

Resource for Advent Traditions

2011-11-17T12:14:00.001-08:00

I recently taught a seminar on discipling your small children and shared how we do our family devotions each night and also talked a lot about making special traditions in your home. I recently ordered a little booklet called Advent and Christmas in Family Worship. I'm excited to use the readings and hymns during our family devotions and the other activities to make Advent a special and fun time. Every day of Advent we want to be reminding the kids why we celebrate Christmas and build their excitement each day for Jesus' birthday!
The booklet includes:

Devotional readings and discussions for each day during the 4 weeks of Advent
Hymns and carols that coordinate with each reading
An explanation of the Advent season and Advent Wreaths
Fun Advent Projects and crafts to to with the kids

I purchased it from www.doorposts.com, a great web site for Bible-based parenting and character training material. (This is also where I also got our "If-Then" and "Blessing" charts which I showed in the seminar.) If you're interested, you could probably still get the Advent booklet here before December 1, and it's on sale right now!
Happy Holidays!

Vaughan Birthdays!

2011-11-10T13:25:00.001-08:00

Jonathan turned ONE on Halloween!

Birthday boy

The whole neighborhood was celebrating on Jonathan's birthday with candy for everyone :-) Caleb wanted to be a pirate this year. Luke was a race car driver (with a pirate sword), and Jonathan was Superman.

Pirate Caleb in the neighbor's tree.

Luke ready for the Indy 500

Lil Superman Vaughan

Flying high with daddy.

The birthday boy ready for bed.

Clip from Jonathan's Birthday

Caleb turned FOUR on November 7!

He has really been into pirates this year, so we went with a pirate themed birthday party. We had a backyard full of his fellow "crew mates" to help him go on a birthday treasure hunt.

Caleb had so much fun filling Loot Bags for all his friends.

We then put all the Loot Bags in a Treasure Chest for daddy to bury for the treasure hunt.

The pirates found the treasure chest!

Caleb with half his crew filling their Loot Bags with gold coins from the rock pit.

Next they had to bomb the sea montser with water balloons from the ship to get away with their Loot.

I blew up a nearly life size poster photo of Caleb in his pirate costume, and they played pin the patch on the pirate. Trey nailed it!

Caleb said his favorite part of the party was the pirate ship birthday cake with the Veggie Tale Pirates Who Don't Do Anything aboard! And no, I did not make this amazing cake! You can't see it but on the front of the sail it says "Happy Birthday Caleb" and the top sail has a "4" on it.

Caleb decided to take his favorite Gibson's Donuts (sprinkles) to school for his birthday treat to share.

Clip from Caleb's Birthday

DownLine Summit: Women of Legacy

2011-10-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about the DownLine Women's Summit this weekend in Memphis at Faith Baptist Church! I have had the privilege of hearing all the main stage speakers, and they each have a unique and gifted ability to teach in a way that moves your heart AND your mind toward the things of God. To learn more about Vicki Courtney, Carol Kent, Donna Gaines, Ariyana Rimson, and Cheri Holcomb; the schedule for the weekend; and how to register click here.

My husband founded DownLine Ministries, and it has been a great privilege and blessing to watch the Lord grow the ministry and see people's lives changed as they catch the vision for discipleship and experience the radical growth and maturity in Christ it produces. I'm looking forward to emceeing the conference with my friend Ariyana Rimson who co-directs the DownLine Emerging Leaders program. We're going to have a great time as we're refreshed, revived, and hear from the Lord through these women on how to leave a lasting legacy in other women and our own children.

Donna, Vicki, and I will be teaching in workshops on discipling your children in different seasons. I'm looking forward to sharing some things Kennon and I have done even in this young season to be intentional discipling our toddler/ preschool age boys. It's been a learning experience but lots of fun. I'll share the Biblical principles that inspire and guide our day to day routines and many of our daily, weekly, and yearly traditions that keep pointing our kiddos to Christ. We'll talk about discipline and honor and cultivating a home of worship. I've found in this season of parenting small children, we have to keep a vision before us so that we're parenting proactively. Reactive parenting wears you down real fast... I've been there and still fight not to go there! Psychologists say 1-4 are the most formative years in a child's life, and we'll talk about how to lay a firm foundation in our young children. Vicki is doing a seminar on discipling your tweens and Donna on discipling your teens. So there is something for all you moms!

If you can make it happen, this Summit will be a blessing not just for a weekend refreshing but for years to come! Hope to see you ladies there!

So how are ya'll...

2011-09-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to a close and everyone getting into a fall routine, we're running into friends we've missed seeing and the question "so how are ya'll" seems to be at the start of every conversation. So here is my photo answer/ update from the Vaughan household :-)

Luke turned 2 years old on August 12!

Caleb started PreK at PDS where his daddy went to school! He goes from 8-11am everyday and is loving it. This was the biggest change for us because it thrust us into a whole new routine! Here we are on his first day of school!

Here he is reading his new class rules. He is a total Type A!

They have a class puppy named Chocolate, and Caleb got to bring him home a couple of weeks ago. This confirmed he is destined to have a dog... as soon as he is big enough to take care of it!

Here is Caleb with his PreK class and wonderful teachers, Mrs. Kilgore and Mrs. Gruby. He is front row second from the right.

Luke started Parents Day Out once a week and loves wearing his new backpack like a big boy.

We recently went out to a friend's farm to see cows, horses, chickens, and tractors, and do a little fishing! Wide open spaces. Could not have been more fun!

Auburn football has started...

With slightly cooler weather, we've been spending lots of time outside...

Megan or "Mae Mae" (here with Jonathan at our neighborhood cove Labor Day party)has been living with us over a year now. She is a sweet blessing in our lives and undoubtedly simply part of our family.

Family Devotion

2011-09-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Some people have asked what we're using for our family devotion times. When we started this, it was a process of learning what worked best for our boys in their current stage (4,2, and 1 yr). Family Devotion is after dinner each night before we leave the table. We tried going to the den, but there were too many distractions, and when little boys get in a wide open space, they instictivly seem prone to roam! Family Devotion includes 5 things led by my husband and done in the following order: a hymn, Bible story, catechism, memory verses, and prayer; and we try to keep it to 15 min. Two resources guide our time: Truth and Grace Memory Book and The Rhyme Bible. The Memory Book offers age appropriate hymns, catechism questions, and scripture memory. We wanted to take them through the Bible chronologically in story fashion. In the beginning, I was really excited to use a book that included 365 stories and did just that; however, it was too mature for my kids. Then we tried another popular children's Bible which they weren't quite ready for yet either. We decided to stick with The Rhyme Bible. It holds their attention well, they love the pictures, and they can easily learn the stories by remembering the rhymes. Our main goal during family devotion is that we read through the Bible and not just Bible stories at random, so they begin to learn the order of events and see how God's story fits together. As we finish the Rhyme Bible, we'll move on to The Read and Share Bible. There are lots of great children's Bibles, so I would suggest finding one your kids enjoy!

Family Devotion has now become such a natural part of our nightly routine that if anyone tries to leave the diner table early, Caleb shouts, "Whoa! We have not done family devotion!" With three small children, it took some effort to add this to our routine. And honestly, it took awhile to get in the habit of doing it nightly. I remember the first week, we only had it 3 nights, and I thought this will never work with my kids in this season! They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so the most important thing is start and don't give up! Kids learn best through repetition and regularity! Before you know it, family devotion time will be as natural as brushing your teeth!

I'll be sharing about other things we do to disciple our kids in a seminar at the Downline Women's Summit October 28-29 on Discipling Your Young Children. I don't have it near all figured out, but I'm excited to share the principles and Biblical truths in this area that motivate, challenge, and inspire me along with some practical things we've tried. The three main books I'll be drawing from are Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham, Discipleship in the Home by Matt Friedeman, and Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper. All wise people who have discipled their children well!

Mothers and the Gospel

2011-08-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of ; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their crosss and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:37-39

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Matthew 19:29-30

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26-27

I read these verses in college and can remembering explaining them to a friend who had just become a believer and dearly loved her non-Christian family. I told her she wasn't to literally hate her family. On the contrary she was to love them with the sacrificial, servant love of Christ that they might see Him in her. She must be willing to choose Christ over her family if necessary. To follow him whole heartedly no matter what her family may think or do, and even leave her family should Christ call her elsewhere for the sake of the gospel.

I didn't blink an eye. I had a very close relationship with my family but was young and excited to go wherever He might lead. I was the child then, but now I am the parent.

I pray for my kids daily. For their salvation, their spouses, their character, their hearts to love God and serve him wholeheartedly all of their days. And yes, I want them to do great things that impact the Kingdom of God. After all, that is what discipling your kids is all about. Raising godly men and women that we can launch into this world for His glory. I must confess that I read a prayer the other day that shook me up as a mother. It reminded me of the above verses; only now they were not so easy to apply. Here is that prayer taken from Matt Friedeman's book, Discipleship in the Home. (He prays this and similar prayers with his kids)

And Lord, if you've got a tough place in the world and you don't know who you are ever going to get to go there, I've got this feeling that Hannah is going to be ready to go if you want her to be there. You've made her into that kind of girl - brave, bold, willing to go anywhere and do anything for Jesus.
And for that tough place in Eastern Europe that you need someone to sacrifice their life for - Elijah has been given that kind of courage. Just ask him to see what happens.
And Lord, my bet is there is some jungle in South America that needs a young man who will not turn back when the going gets tough. Caleb was a spy in the Old Testament that was worth his mettle - send the boy in this family who is a lot like him.
And for Joshua, my son who was named for one of the greatest leaders of all time... he's got what it takes to be a great leader anywhere you need him in our world. Alaska? China? Kenya? Mexico? Mississippi? Challenge my Joshua to be a leader. I think he's going to be willing to answer your call.
And Lord, for Isaiah and for Zeke, send them, and all my kids, on a great adventure for God. They want a challenge. Lord, an exciting life. Give it to them!

[This prayer] says something about our children, to our children: that they are brave and that their God and their daddy expect them to answer God's call no matter how challenging it may be.

I tried to pray, "God, should you call any of my sons to a difficult, even dangerous place for the sake of the gospel, no matter how far away, prepare my sons' hearts to answer the call and say send me." I literally could barely speak the words as I choked up over the thought of my boys (now 4, 2, and 1 yr) one day moving across the world, rarely seeing them, and possibly even living in danger. It's a lot for a mother's heart. But these questions were heavy on me, "Do I love the gospel more than my children? Do I really trust God with my boys? Do I really believe they belong to him? Am I truly raising them as disciples to one day send out?"

I pray God is gracious with me and helps me daily answer with a wholehearted resounding YES and raise my children in the light of it.

Neighborhood Boys

2011-07-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our home about a year and a half ago, we knew the two brothers next door were older than Caleb and Luke by six years. You tend to think it would be ideal if your kids had next door neighbor friends close in age to grow up with, but now I wouldn't trade Will and Sam for any 2 and 4 year olds! To my surprise they have been one of the greatest blessings of moving into this house. They are kind, patient, polite, and genuinely love playing with Caleb and Luke. I don't quite understand but am thankful because it makes my boys feel so special.Just today, Will came knocking on our door asking if Caleb and Luke could come out to play! I'm reading Boys Should Be Boys by Dr. Meg Meeker and something she wrote made me think about our neighbor friends. She writes, "...what young boys need - and what they can get when they play on their own in the neighborhood - is a mixture of older boys and younger boys." I never thought much about it, but my boys are seeing older "peers" model kindness, leadership, initiative, respect, and a bunch of other great character qualities. I hope as they grow, they show the same kindness to small children that has been shown to them!

My Q/A Time with STUMO ladies

2011-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

This past week Kennon spoke to STUMO students in Destin, FL, and I was invited to spend some time with the ladies doing a little Q/A about being a wife and mom, discipleship in the home, and ministry with Kennon. They asked some great questions which I tried to answer a little more fully here.

We know there is no formula for discipleship, but are there some foundational goals you always have for the girls you disciple?

There is no one-size fits all formula because every woman is unique in her gifts, struggles, season of life, and maturity level. However, I do try to make sure each woman I spend time with grows in several important areas.

a) Quiet time – what it can look like and consistently experiencing one

b) Prayer – ACTS style (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), we have times of intercessory prayer and often do popcorn praise

c) Inductive Bible Study – Observation, Interpretation (how to use commentaries, dictionaries, maps, etc) Application

d) Goal Setting- life mission/ vision, short, and long term goals

e) Scripture Memory – discuss what accountability “with teeth” looks like for her

f) Accountability – experience times of confession and repentance

g) Evangelism – confident in how to share and actually doing it

h) Discipleship – defined and how it becomes a way of life

i) Spiritual Gifts Test/ Serving in local church

j) Missions – I use Voice of the Martyrs, WORLD, and Operation World to know how to pray for current foreign issues and believers around the world

This is not an exhaustive list but includes what I believe are some of the foundational components of discipleship.

How long do you disciple a girl?

There isn’t a hard line. I consider the girl’s maturity, season of life, and our chemistry. I would shoot for a minimum of 9-12 months with a young lady; it takes time to develop trust and a level of vulnerability, which is vital for a close relationship. I have experienced a three-year discipleship relationship, and the sweetest blessing in that context is you get to be a part of great maturity and major victories that can only happen over time. Another gage for how long to disciple someone is how well she knows you! In 2 Timothy 3:10-11 Paul tells us that Timothy knew all about Paul’s way of life. He had spent enough time with Paul to know Paul’s teaching, his conduct, his aim in life, his faith, his persecutions, and how God rescued him.

Before beginning a discipleship group or relationship, I always set clear expectations for what I’ll ask of her in this growth process and make sure she is willing and able to commit. We also set a clear timetable for how long we’ll be meeting. After that time period ends, we evaluate what the next best step is for her.

After discipling girls for years, how do you “keep up” with them all?

I got great advice from Jani Ortlund on this. However many girls you are discipling, you are “all there” for them. After their season with you is done, they should know you will always be a resource and encouragement for them. However, now the majority of your time will be with the next girl/s God brings into your life. You must be fully invested in whoever you are currently discipling.

What advice would you give a woman in her single season?

Make the most of it! 1 Corinthians 7:34 says, “An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world – how she can please her husband.” When you are married, your priorities are God, husband, children, and then ministry. When you are single, you are free for the most part to serve God without responsibility to anyone else. I’ve never forgotten reading, “If you want to serve Christ, stay single; if you want to be like Christ, get married.” There is a lot of truth in that statement!

I would also tell single women to be intentional about learning from godly, married women, so when you marry one day, it’s not a major life change. You’ve already seen submission fleshed out in a marriage. You know how to manage a home and care for children. Educate yourself in how to budget, grocery shop, and clean. Practice hospitality now. Be serving and growing in a local church. What a crown you will be for a husband one day! Proverbs 31:4 says, “She does him good and not harm ALL the days of her life.” This insinuates before she has even met him, she is guarding her purity and building her character, her reputation, and her skills, all of which will be of great honor to her future husband.

Your husband travels to speak locally, nationally, and internationally. Do you go with him? How do you handle his schedule?

Most of the time when he travels I hold down the fort at home since we have three little ones. He always discusses any speaking opportunities with me, and he has boundaries to protect our family time. He is crazy about our boys, and they get lots of daddy time. We also feel strongly about making sure we keep a weekly date night for the health of our relationship. Something else that has been helpful is syncing our calendars each week to make sure we’re on the same page. This really helps us avoid miscommunication and unfair expectations. One of my main roles is to manage our home and make sure it's a place he can't wait to come home to whether he's just been at the office or abroad!

What does it look like to disciple your kids?

There are different seasons of discipling children. A great book on the topic is Family-Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. We use several resources with our small children. The Truth and Grace Memory book is great for catechism. It’s amazing what sponges little minds are. We spin a globe at night, and the boys get to put their finger on a country that they then pray for. I use Voice of the Martyrs (free publication) to show them pictures of people in other countries that need our prayers. We also have some great children’s’ Bibles (Rhyme Bible, Jesus Storybook Bible, Read Aloud Bible Stories). Hide Em In Your Heart and Seeds Family Worship are fun upbeat albums for kids that help them learn scripture. Treasuring God In Our Traditions by Noel Piper is a wonderful book at bringing Christ into not only special holidays but into everyday family traditions that reflect Him. Kennon and I have special prayers we pray over each boy every night before bed. I go through 3-4 scriptures that they have memorize just by hearing me pray it over them regularly. By God’s grace we try to be sensitive to teachable moments throughout the day, and we hope they experience and see the gospel daily simply by being with us (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).

What has discipleship looked like in the different seasons of your life?

A few examples…When I was a senior in college I discipled a group of six girls. I wrote the study, met with them as a group and individually once a week. It took a LOT of time. But I was single, ministry was a priority, and it was very rewarding. During my single, professional career, I met after work or on the weekend for coffee with a young girl, and we read through Watchman Nee’s Sit, Walk, Stand while inductively studying Ephesians. As a wife and new mom, I met one night a week, every other week with two ladies and on the in-between weeks, we met for “dinner and doctrine” with Kennon and the young men he was discipling which was a lot of fun! After I had two children, I led a discipleship group once a week in the mid-morning while the oldest was at Parent’s Day Out and the baby slept. We went through a Precept John study I had already done. Discipleship is never convenient or easy; it requires giving up one of our most precious commodities, time. The beauty of it is that helping someone else grow in Christ inevitably matures you at the same time.

Anther point I want to make is that most of the time I’ve been able to maintain a “continual flow,” pouring out as I’m poured into. However, in some seasons having someone who was investing in me and having a group of women I was pouring into came at different times. As a newlywed, I experienced a lot of change in a new city with a new role, and I didn’t know many people. There was a woman who discipled me specifically in how to become an excellent wife. It was a season of being poured into until the Lord brought younger women into my life. Also, with my third baby coming barely 15 months after the second, I took about a year off from discipling girls. My kids and husband needed every ounce of energy I could muster. When the youngest turned 6 months, the Lord begin to stir my heart with a longing for discipleship ministry. Discipleship is intentional but not forced. It is motivated by a longing to help people know, grow, and experience the gospel! Always remember to pray that God’s sovereign hand would open your eyes to the women He places in your life!

Cool Dudes

2011-06-07T19:06:00.001-07:00

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

Chillin in our shades...

Looking cool in our baseball hats...

Climbing trees...

Working our muscles...

Enjoying the patio breeze...

Jonathan's Dedication

2011-05-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday at church was Jonathan's dedication, and it was a special time to ask for the Lord's hand and blessing on his life. Jonathan means "gift" and we believe that our third son is just that, a gift, not just to Kennon and I, but a gift to our family, and specifically to his brothers. Our prayer is that Jonathan, like his namesake in Scripture, would be both a fierce warrior, zealous for the Lord, and at the same time a trustworthy friend to his brothers, tender hearted and loving. Alexander is Kennon's middle name as well as that of his maternal grandfather, a man who Kennon often describes as one of the most gentle, wise, and Christlike men he's ever known.

Prov.17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother in born for adversity." We thank God for the "gift" of Jonathan, and the special bond of friendship found among brothers.

Jonathan, Caleb, and Luke with their cousins, Elizabeth, Harrison, and Mary Paige

Time to be outside

2011-03-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Crash Pile

2011-02-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

In the last chapter of Motherhood in the Trenches, Rachel talks about making a "crash pile" for her kids, and I totally borrowed the idea a few weeks ago when we were snowed in. The boys LOVED it! Here's how it works... you make a huge pile of pillows, comforters, throws, and any other miscellaneous soft blankets. Then show the kids their running route and tell them to take off!

Of course they are bound to get thirsty during all those sprints, so we set up a little refreshment table for between run thirst quenching. However Luke decided he needed a solid refreshment break.

Motherhood in the Trenches

2011-01-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged since Jonathan was born; we've been in survival mode over here. But I recently told a friend I'm so close to crossing over the line between surviving and thriving! Jonathan has started sleeping 8 hours which is a game changer and everyone is finally well, knock on wood. In the last month ...mastitus twice (flu like infection from breastfeeding- awful, awful, awful); EAR INFECTIONS; collected poop samples; surgery for tubes; Luke gets stomach bug; 24 hours later mommy gets stomach bug; 10 hours after mommy, daddy gets stomach bug; 2 hours after daddy, Caleb gets stomach bug; Jonathan continues to insist on eating frequently; daddy brings home cold/ sinus thing from jury duty; mom gets it; Caleb gets it; Luke gets it. Like most moms with little ones, everyday I'm either pooped on, peed on, spit up on, snot on, or thrown up all over, and some days all of the above times 3. My washing machine never sleeps anymore either.

It's exhausting. But I really do LOVE being mom to these little boys more than anything and God has given me a fresh perspective. I've been reading a new book out, Loving The Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic. My kids are 3, 1.5, and 11 weeks; she has 5 under 5 (someone always has it harder than you!) It has short, easy to read chapters and has been the encouragement and push I needed to carpe diem these long days and not lose sight of what God has me doing with his little sheep. Jankovic reminded me it's not their fault there are three of them making things exponentially harder. It's my responsibility to deal with it and nurture them as individuals. "Individually they are being precious, curious, and excited. As their mother, I am responsible to see them individually, even when they are presenting themselves to me en masse(p.52)" I.e. Caleb is trying to get himself a snack and spilling food everywhere, Luke is crying because he fell trying to climb up a chair and reach his blanket, Jonathan is crying because he needed a diaper change 10 minutes ago while I'm trying to get something edible together for everyone. Lord help me not get overwhelmed and stressed in those many moments of exponential chaos but see and help them each through your loving, patient eyes.

For a young mom, Jankovic has so much practical wisdom and advice, plus great stories that will make you laugh and cry! If you have young children, it's a must read and will take 5 minutes or less a day!

An Eventful Halloween

2010-11-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 31, 2010...

1:40 am - Water breaks

2:00 am - Arrive at hospital

4:35 am - welcome Jonathan Alexander Vaughan

8.5 lbs, 20 inches

Caleb and Luke meet their little brother Jonathan

5:30 pm - Trick or Treat Time!

Two little Auburn tigers say War Eagle!

Hear me "ROAR" for candy

The due date came...

2010-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

... and it went. October 23 was the estimated arrival day for Jonathan, but apparently he is still very comfortable right where he is inside mom. We're trying to give him as much time to come on his on because induction is not an option since I'm trying to have a VBAC (vaginal delivery after c-section). Caleb was a c-section, and Luke was a VBAC. After having gone through both, for me the delivery and recovery experiences were night and day different. Though I'm so thankful for medical advances and the option of a c-section to allow for a healthy baby, I'm going to have three little boys under three, and it would be a great blessing to not tack on recovering from a major surgery. After meeting with my doctor yesterday, he decided we could schedule the c-section for as late as November 4. Not that I want to go that long but in hopes of giving my body more time to go into labor naturally allowing for the VBAC.

Everyday feels like an emotional roller coaster... waiting, hoping, expecting... and the day ends. However, he will be here within a week which is so exciting! Thank you for all your prayers; please continue to pray that the Lord would move this child to come quickly!!!

Fall Fun

2010-10-21T19:50:00.001-07:00

Touchdown Dance

2010-10-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Game Day

2010-10-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

We had a little mini family reunion in Starkville a couple of weeks ago, and we all spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon on the front porch or in the front yard! Football, baseball, golf... the boys had a blast... being boys!

Present, Past, Future

Caleb explaining to Aunt MoMo what a "post-corner" route looks like

Victory Growls

True champions must stay hydrated

Plant with the left, turn on the right, follow through...Kennon is planning our retirement :-)

Grandad and Luke talkin shop before kick off

Finally... a name

2010-09-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

One of our pastors made the comment that identity determines biography. I thought that statement defined well mine and Kennon's thinking in the naming of our children. We did not set out to start a tradition of giving all our children Bible names. Our first son is named after the Biblical character Caleb, a man whose faith and zeal for God helped lead God's people into the Promised Land, a man full of passion, humility, and faith; a man who encouraged Joshua and stood strong in the face of sin. Our second son, Luke, was named after a doctor, turned missionary, turned historian who inked over 1/4 of the New Testament out of love for one man and a desire for him to know and embrace the gospel.

One of the qualities I really appreciate in my husband is he is an amazing storyteller. He can make the Bible come to life in an inspirational and relevant way no matter your age, and when he tells our sons the stories of their namesakes, our prayer is they will identify with and be inspired by the legacy of these godly, passionate men that the Lord used to change the world. So you see we couldn't let this third boy not have his own character story!

After eight months of many name lists, we've decided to call this third little boy.... Jonathan Alexander Vaughan.

As Francine Rivers writes in the historical novel, The Prince, "Jonathan's legacy was faithfulness. He was obedient to God at all costs, a loyal servant and regent of Israel. He was a trustworthy friend, an honorable son, and a protective father. He willingly accepted the course God charted for him and embraced his faith with all his might." As I finished reading this short book and the scriptures on Jonathan's life in a new light (1 and 2 Samuel), tears rolled down my cheeks at the loyalty, humility, and faithfulness to God and others that this man possessed. We pray our Jonathan would possess the same kind of character.

Alexander is Kennon's middle name as well as his maternal grandfather's middle name who Kennon often describes as one of the most gentle, wise, and Christlike men he's ever known.

Luke's Birthday!

2010-08-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe on August 12 our little Luke turned one! Below our some pictures from his first birthday and then a highlight video of his first year of life ending with some birthday party footage. It was really hard cutting down the full 25 minute version into 6 minutes which for a whole year isn't too bad! It's so fun to look back at all the sweet and funny moments and amazing changes that take place over 12 months of growing and learning in a little person. We are oh so thankful to God for entrusting us with this wonderful little man who like his brother makes our hearts ache we love him so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

Luke's favorite place to be right now... with his daddy

Luke's First Year

August 12, 2009 - August 14, 2010

Beach Trip

2010-08-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Caleb had his first real beach experience! We had a blast hanging out with our Birmingham friends Mr. Burton, Mrs. Allie, and Coleson!

Caleb's first time in the ocean!

Daddy, Caleb, Burton, and Coleson rafting high seas

Burton, Coleson, Caleb, and Daddy work on a sand castle

Daddy and Caleb after a swim in the pool

Reading on the way home...zzz

Happy Birthday Nana

2010-08-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Trip to Grandad and Nana's

2010-07-24T13:23:00.001-07:00

Summary video of fun times at Grandad and Nana's... Caleb intro's with Amazing Grace at the beloved Hooks piano...Luke claps as Caleb shows off some dance moves... Luke practices walking with Nana's help... Caleb shows Papa his throwing arm then how fast he can push Luke on his horse...lunch break with Chik-fil-a sauce to help get our veggies down... Thanks to Nana and Grandad for letting us take over their home for a week!

Here are some older clips that I put together while making the above video... Kennon and the boys

Family Worship Resources

2010-07-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just found some great resources for cultivating family worship...

Catechisms and scriptures set to music are definitely more fun and almost impossible not to memorize! I already can't get them out of my head! Stylistically these two albums are VERY different. Check out the tunes...

Also Seeds Family Worship has a great resource page including books, Bibles, online resources, etc. I've copied some of their recommendations below. It includes some of my favorites which I've marked in blue.

Books On Family Worship

Family Worship: In the Bible, in History & in the Home, Donald S. Whitney
Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God, Voddie Baucham, Jr.
Making a Home for Faith, Elizabeth F. Caldwell
Rediscovering the Lost Treasure of Family Worship, Jerry Marcellino
Teaching Kids Authentic Worship: How to Keep Them Close to God for Life, Kathleen Chapman
Thoughts on Family Worship, James W. Alexander
The Family Worship Book, Terry L. Johnson
Raising Children to Adore God, Patrick Kavanaugh
The Joy of Family Worship: A Key to Healthy Body Life (CD), R.C. Sproul, Jr.
Family Worship (CD), Jean Henri Merle d’Aubigné

Bibles to Grow Up With

The Baby Bible Storybook (Ages Baby-Preschool), Robbin Currie and Cindy Adams
The Beginners Bible (Ages 4-8), Kelly Pulley
My First Study Bible (Ages 4-8), Paul J. Loth
Picture That! Bible Storybook (Ages 4-8), Tracy Harrast (Author) and Garry Colby (Illustrator)
Jesus Story Book Bible (Ages 4-8), Sally Lloyd-Jones
Day byDay Begin-to-Read Bible (Ages 4-8), Karyn Henley
The Adventure Bible for Young Readers (Ages 6-9), Lawrence O. Richards (Author), Sue W. Richards (Author), Jim Madsen (Illustrator)
Day by Day Kids’ Bible: The Bible for Young Readers (Ages 9-12), Karyn Henley

Books to Use with the Whole Family

Jesus Story Book Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Big Book of Questions and Answers, Sinclair Ferguson
Big Book of Questions about Jesus, Sinclair Ferguson
A House for My Name, Peter J. Leithart
Truth & Grace Memory Book (#1, #2, #3), Tom Ascol
The Advent Book, created by Jack & Kathy Stockman
This Is What I Pray Today: Divine Hours Prayers for Children, Phyllis Tickle
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime, Phyllis Tickle
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime, Phyllis Tickle
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime, Phyllis Tickle

Links to Online Resources for Family Worship

Center for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood

MP3s and Videos on Family Worship

Books on Parenting

Grace Based Parenting, Tim Kimmel
Heirs of the Covenant: Leaving a Legacy of Faith for the Next Generation, Susan Hunt

Online Radio for the Whole Family

HisKids.net - www.hiskids.net HisKids.net has done a fantastic job of putting the best in children’s Christian programming all in one place. It’s one place online you know provides safe content for your family. From programs to music, there is so much on the site.

Videos to Facilitate Family Learning

Modern Parables – www.modernparable.com/ Thomas Purifoy and his company have masterfully filmed modern versions of the parables of Jesus. Jesus always communicated hard truths through parables. These films remind you just how true the parables are for today. The single parable editions come with suggestions for how to use the films with your family. These films will spark great conversation and drive your family to more deeply study the Bible.

Additional Resources We've Used:

Catechism For Children - Children's Ministry International (great resources)
Voice of the Martyrs - free publication, not designed for kids but we use with Caleb the "Who Will You Pray For Today?" map they send to pray for countries that are restricted or hostile toward Christianity
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in You and Your Kids by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller (a dear friend and great mom of four recommended this book on teaching your kids about treating each other with honor, great principle for adult relationships too!)
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp (another great parenting book)

Would love to hear what recommendations you have and will post here:

Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos

Handyman

2010-06-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

Baseball with daddy

2010-06-29T13:48:00.001-07:00

Kennon joined a men's city league baseball team for part of the summer, and Caleb was begging to go on the field and play ball with daddy during the game. After it was over, he finally got his shot!

Tee up...

keep your eye on the ball...

slide...

then up and dust it off like a little champ!

Baby Vaughan #3 is a little...

2010-06-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we decided it would be a perfect time to tell our parents the gender of baby Vaughan #3! Everyone guessed girl... and everyone was in for a surprise!

I'm due October 23. Luke will turn one August 12, and Caleb will turn three November 7, so they will all be very close in age. We couldn't be more excited about our three little musketeers!

Pickwick Lake

2010-06-12T06:24:00.001-07:00

For Aunt Morgan and Uncle Daniel

2010-05-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is mostly for Morgan and Daniel since they have not seen Luke since Christmas! He wasn't even able to sit up by himself then and now at 9 1/2 months he's all over the place. Amazing how much change happens in the first year of a child's life! Love and miss ya'll!

Summer time

2010-05-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

First swim of the summer with Caleb's cousins.

Playing soccer with Aunt Em, Mary Paige, and Elizabeth. Caleb decides to bring some "tackle" to the game.

"Little Caleb"

2010-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this song called "Little Caleb." The artist is a local Memphis girl who wrote the song speficially for mothers as a Mother's Day gift. It was inspired by her close friend's son, Caleb. Of course it has special significance for me, but you can insert any child's name, and I don't know what mother wouldn't be moved. Though Myla is not a mom, she tried to imagine what it would "feel like to have a child and watch him grow up, see him smile for the first time, feel your heart stretch until it almost hurts, and be really really tired like the only kind of tired that comes after so many sleepless nights and being worried about him that something will hurt him, praying nothing hurts him and knowing inevitably something will, and hoping all his dreams come true."

A mother's love really is amazing. When I had Caleb, I understood God's love in a whole new way. Your heart literally does ache you love this precious, innocent little person SO MUCH that you literally would lay down your life for him or her. To imagine that God loves me like that and even more is crazy...crazy love!

Happy Mother's Day week!

Listen here: http://mylasmith.bandcamp.com/

Little Caleb
Music and Lyrics: Myla Smith
© 2010 Sweeter Green Music

Little Caleb
Little Caleb
Oh Little Caleb, thought that I knew before
Then I saw you
When I saw you
The minute I saw you I knew what my heart was for

Every day makes you older
I get older too
Every morning the sky is falling down
The world is new

Got a right arm
Got a left one too
Tuck you in tight every night in your room
When these arms
Wrap around you
You won’t have to wonder who is holding whom

Every day we are learning
Learning we were wrong
Every morning you’re back where you started
And right where you belong

I am tall
Love is taller
Twenty feet taller, no matter where you stand
I am tall
When you’re taller, Caleb
You can still reach up; I’ll give you my hand

Every day makes you older
I get older too
Every morning the sky is falling down
The sky is falling down
The sky is falling
The world is new

On a rainy day...

2010-05-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Making brownie cookies

Luke's Dedication

2010-04-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

"Luke" was given his name after the Gentile doctor turned missionary turned historian who inked over 1/4 of the New Testament out of love and commitment to the spiritual welfare of one man, Theophilus. His middle name is "Hooks" after my father, Bobby Hooks, who Kennon and I both would tell you is one of the most gentle and godly men that we have ever known. Our great hope is that Luke would become like his namesakes, having a heart for other people to know Jesus and growing into a noble man of God. Our dedication verse is from Luke's Gospel account, Chapter 2, verse 52, "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Our prayer is Luke would also grow in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man.

Nobody better mess with my little brother!

Look dad, I found a new hat! You and Luke can have one too!

The Boys Are Back

2010-03-18T20:07:00.001-07:00

With some extra hands taking care of the boys at my parents' house this past week, I had time to put together a little clip of some Caleb and Luke moments. Luke is really trying to crawl. He rolls and scoots and sometimes can end up in funny places like under the couch. But never fear Caleb is always there to help him get "unstuck" and like a good big brother is trying to help Luke learn to crawl! I remember my sister-in-law telling me that having them close together (21 months apart) is a difficult transition in the beginning but around six months, it gets so fun. Luke is 7 months now, and I can totally see what she meant. The fun is just beginning, and I love watching them interact more :-)

Luke is interested in Caleb's puzzle.

Caleb gets Luke his own puzzle.

Luke has been trying to tell me that he is too big for the baby bouncy seat and to please stop putting him in it. He starts out sitting upright, then rolls over onto his tummy and scoots all the way down onto the floor. Every time.

Bob the Snowman

2010-02-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Meet Bob, our first snowman friend

Snowball fight!

Great Quote

2010-02-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

"They [her kids] need to know something very important: When there is a crisis in history and a great battle that needs to be fought, you need to be a part of it, and not standing on the sidelines."

- Marjorie Dannenfelser, WORLD, Jan. 30, 2010 (President and chairman of the board of the Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life organization)

D-group Boys

2010-01-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

On Thursday mornings the "boys"come over for discipleship group with Kennon and meet out in the pool house. Caleb gets to go too. He packs his book bag FULL of books to take with him. He does really well for almost the first hour, and it's so great for him to be around these great young men who love the Lord. Here he is waiting for the boys to arrive...

Let it snow!

2010-01-29T18:45:00.001-08:00

No snow here... just a current pic of Luke chillin in the cuddler

Favorite Christmas Pics

2010-01-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm WAY behind on updates but here were a couple of my favorite Christmas pictures.

Matching Christmas PJs

Caleb looks so peaceful sleeping here, but sadly he had a terrible ear infection on Christmas and didn't feel like doing anything. It was really bad and just so so sad. Praise the Lord after months of infections with hardly any relief he finally got tubes a few weeks ago and is an entirely new child!

Christmas Outfits

2009-12-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

Tryin to get a picture for Mamadoll and Nana to use in their Christmas cards...Working it solo, this was the best I could do! Not bad for only a split second of stillness...

Caleb is TWO!

2009-11-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Our family celebrated Caleb's second birthday this past Saturday with a Noah's Ark Animals party. So fun!!!

Jamm'n

2009-11-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

So we're in the car on a road trip, and when Kennon turns on the radio, Love Shack is playing. I turn around and Caleb is jamm'n! It was so funny! Marylea you're going love this!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

This was Caleb's first trick or treat experience! He picked out a race car driver uniform for his costume. We were suppose to be out of town and at the last minute had a change of plans. We rushed to get him a costume and though there wasn't much left to choose from, I think his outfit turned out pretty cute... I mean cool!

Caleb and Mommy

Caleb and Daddy

Ready to go...

Ringing the doorbell...anybody home?

Trick or Treat!

CANDY!

Aunt Momo wanted to know if he could really say trick or treat...

Minivan Mom

2009-10-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm officially a minivan mom!! We just got a Honda Odyssey, and I LOVE it!!! My husband is the absolute best! He did a lot of research and put on his amazing wheel'n and deal'n hat. It drives like a car, has power doors that slide right open for me to quickly get the kids inside, and came with a built-in dvd player - perfect for road trips!

Weekend Fun with the Cousins

2009-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Caleb's cousins Mary Paige and Elizabeth came to spend the night and play at mamadoll's house this weekend! I broke the fun down into several video clips. Thought you aunts and uncles would appreciate a little footage! Also added some cute pics below!

Friday Night - Sonic for dinner

Friday Night (continued...) little playtime before bed

Saturday - Mary Paige helps Caleb practice his animal names... go-gurt snacks... jumping on the bed...playing outside...stroller ride... bye bye!

Sunday - Mary Paige turned 4 years old! I only was able to get the end of the party but still caught some cute moments!

Pics from the weekend:

Granddad Visits

2009-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Granddad was in town for the day and stopped by to say hello!

The Boys

2009-10-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Daddy and his little buddies

Caleb loves holding his little brother... "hold, hold!"

Little Luke

2009-10-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Caleb moments

2009-09-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

Home from the hospital

2009-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Luke Hooks Vaughan

2009-08-15T13:54:00.001-07:00

8-12-09

7 lbs 15 oz.

20.5 in.

View more photos on Flickr Set: Luke Hooks Vaughan

Caleb Playing T-ball

2009-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Caleb's First Horse

2009-08-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Skyping

2009-07-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

Caleb thinks the computer is synonymous with Skyping Aunt MoMo

Latest Caleb Pics...

2009-07-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Don't anybody mess with my chocolate cupcake!

After playing a game of basketball outside with grandad in Mississippi July heat!

Mom says this hat shows off my blue eyes.

Dad and I are buddies!

Nothing like watching a little Sesame Street while getting a back rub!

I love hats!!!