Truitt and Noah Ross

Oh Noah

2011-06-02T10:57:00.001-07:00

Today Noah found my mascara and was not happy when I removed it from his kung-fu grip.He even got it in the back of his hair.

This was spaghetti night and noah decided to put the noodles, meat and sauce on his head. Niiiice.

Truitt and Noah's school program

2011-05-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Truitt and Noah performed their end of the year program last night. It was adorable. The theme was a Carnival and they had a blast! Noah's class song was "Dance like an animal". Every child dressed as an animal and Noah was a monkey. Truitt's class had a western theme and they danced to the song "Ice Cream Freeze". Both boys really know how to dance and and enjoyed being the center of attention. : ) I am so proud of them both.

Truitt is front and center, riding his horse. : )

This pose is for the line in the song..."now lets chill"

We love Mrs. Carol - one of Truitt's teachers.

Truitt's 4th birthday party

2011-05-02T19:53:00.001-07:00

Truitt is 4 years old on May 5th…4 years old! I can’t believe it. He brings us so much joy. He’s a funny kid that makes us laugh all the time. He loves music and enjoys dancing and performing. He’s smart and very observant. He is an awesome big brother and has a sensitive heart for others. What a blessing Joshua Truitt Ross is to my life!

Sunday was the much anticipated birthday party at Chuck e. Cheese’s. Last year we held our mostly out-door oriented party indoors because of an awful storm that later went on to cause the Nashville flood. This year we hoped for better…nope. We drove through a severe thunderstorm to get to the party and then listened to tornado sirens up until 10 minutes before the party started. : ) Almost everyone came to the party and Truitt had a great time. We found that he LOVES the games, but did not care for the life-sized mouse. Happy birthday Truitt!

Truitt and Logan

Best Buds - Truitt, Logan and Josh

He loved the horse game. Always so serious.

He did not like the truck...neither did Noah.

Logan, Truitt, Josh, Caleb, Kayla, Evelyn, and Noah

Yummy ice cream cake!

When Chuck e. came out Truitt went nuts. He was deathly afraid of him. Our hostess is begging him to participate. HA!

Truitt stayed in my lap until Chuck e. left the room.

"Stay away from this kid"

Truitt wanted to know where he was at all times.

Evelyn hiding from Chuck e. under our table

Caleb, Truitt and Logan

Dad caught quite a few tickets in the Ticket Blaster

Easter

2011-04-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am always excited for Easter to roll around. This year we have been focused on the story of Jesus leading up to Easter Sunday more than usual because we bought Resurrection Eggs. For the 12 days leading up to Easter we opened a new egg every morning and talked about the events leading up to Jesus rising from the grave. It has been fun and I think it captivated Truitt. He has wanted to read the story of Jesus dying on the cross every day for a while now. Here are some new pictures of the boys. If you ask Truitt what Easter is about he will tell/yell at you, "Jesus is ALIVE!"

Bunny tracks

The hunt

My new favorite flower, a Peony. FAN-TASTIC!

The boys 1st beach

2011-03-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we were all in Houston, TX visiting Josh's brother Jonathan and his family while we both spoke at a youth conference called Soul Link. It was a great and busy weekend. When we left to make our way home we stopped down in Galveston to let the boys visit the beach for the first time. It was priceless! Josh's family has been on many family vacations down in Galveston/crystal beach. Great memories. We took the ferry and then stayed about 30 minutes on crystal beach. Here are the pictures. Love, Kayci

It was very windy on the ferry

we saw one dolphin!

Truitt LOVED the beach

Noah, not so sure...

playing games

Josh had them wait til the last second and then they would run from the waves. There was a lot of squealing.

Noah loved running from the waves, until he fell and then he was not happy. : )

He kept saying "Owie, owie, owie!"

Good bye beach. We will be back!

Noah's First Haircut

2011-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today I did the un-thinkable; I took my boys to get their haircut...simultaneously. It was fantastic! Truitt settled in to his chair and watched Mater's Tall Tales on our portable DVD player. All the while, Noah was perfectly still and quite eating a sucker during the whole event. WOW! I will make sure to have 5 suckers at the ready every time we do this. : ) My boys are just so handsome!!

This is awesome. I NEVER get these at home.

This is really good. What do they put in this thing?

I think i just swallowed some of the stick

I'm finished? Great, can i get another one of these?

Truitt's new "Super Duper Fast" shoes

Action shot

Snow Day

2011-01-10T08:46:00.001-08:00

Last night it snowed about 4 inches. Noah and Truitt both suited up in their Cowboys gear and enjoyed the snow with Daddy.

Noah - 1 year 4 months, Truitt - 3 years 8 months

Our backyard

saying "Hi" to our neighbor

After about 10 minutes...this isn't so fun anymore

Our Cove

Of course, Mommy was inside with her new heater. : )

I've Got a Cravin'

2010-11-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

I know it's been 4 months since I posted and many of you would expect some recent pictures of the boys, but this post is urgent and pertains to another matter. This past weekend I spoke at the West Texas Girls' Conference in Abilene, TX. I had a blast with the 634 girls that attended. I was energized by their desire to love God with all they had and to go be Jesus in the world. The theme for the weekend was CRAVE. I spoke on craving the word, crave sharing Jesus with others and crave an intimate relationship with him. In preperation for this weekend I made a list of things I've craved since I was young. The list then morphed into a poem and finally, at 3 am one morning I woke up with the song "I've got a feelin'" by black eyed peas in my head. Jackpot! I changed the lyrics to the chorus of "I've got a feelin' " and here you have it...I've got a cravin'. Per request of some of the girls at the conference, and much to my embarrassment, the lyrics are below. Enjoy a laugh on me.

I've got a cravin'
Woo Hoo (the girls sang this part for me)

For some mexican food or some do-nut holes
a tall glass of milk with some oreos
a strong Mr. Right with a red red rose

Clap, clap, clap
I've got a cravin'
Woo Hoo

For a road trip to TX and BBQ
a parent to say "I believe in you"
when I was your age it was BIG, BIG boobs! (behind me, a picture of Dolly Parton)

Clap, clap, clap
I've got a cravin'
Woo Hoo

To be thin, to be trendy and funny
to lay on the beach when it's sunny
to love my new job and make tons of money

Clap, clap, clap
I've got a cravin'
Woo Hoo

For fajitas or sonic or snow cones
Chocolate chip cookies, an i phone
my name in bright lights for the big, big show

Clap, clap, clap
I've got a cravin'
Woo Hoo

For the Lord and to hear what he would say
at the end of the day, it's me he saved
and above all Lord, it's YOU I CRAVE!

Clap, clap, clap
I've got a feelin'
Woo Hoo
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good good night

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!

Truitt is growing up

2010-07-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Truitt is growing so fast. He will randomly say something completely grown-up and Josh and I will look at each other and burst out laughing. He has his moments when he wants to test the limits and then others when he gives me kisses and tells me, " I love you mom.". In his tiny hand, he holds the ability to melt my heart or drive me nuts! : ) I guess that's what love is supposed to look like, right?
My sweet Truitt loves swimming, playing outside with our neighbor - Hunter, eating peanut butter on a spoon, playing with cars or with Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, eating, chewing bubble gum, singing songs into the microphone, and playing the drums. He loves his little bro. One minute he's helping him and kissing his head, the next he's body slamming him on the floor and laughing hysterically. He has a good heart, something I prayed for a long time ago.
Thank you Lord Jesus, I am blessed.

the rapper

Safety first

Swimming with friends

making cookies with mom

Counting with Memaw

I love swim days!

First time down the slide...ever! Thanks Mrs. Lisa.

Sleep-over with cousin Jed. Sooo much fun...and trouble. : )

Truitt and friend Evelyn at the zoo

playing in Old Faithful outside the Teton Trek portion of the zoo

Noah at 11 months

2010-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Noah is 11 months and 8 days today. He is full of energy and squealing. He has the best smile and loves life. He is my joyful boy and I can't believe it's been almost a year! I thought I might share how he's grown.

Enjoying the Tooth puzzle at the children's museum.

Almost ALWAYS happy like this

eating grass

LOVES the water at the pool and bath time

He's a big boy. 75 percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. He's on course to be 6'2"!

He skipped crawling on his knees. He went straight from army crawl to bear crawl.

Cruisin'

Getting into trouble in the pantry

climbing the stairs

caught!

last time in the baby car seat

big boy car seat

my sweet boys

One of the few times he has used his knees to crawl

In his Batman jammies

pulling up and trying to escape the crib

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-15T08:37:00.001-07:00

Josh and I celebrated 8 years together on May 11th. We watched our wedding ceremony, still on VHS, and remembered that wonderful day that "we" began. Josh, you are my favorite. You are my best friend. You are my support. You are an incredible husband and father. You have a calling on your life that blows me away and keeps you up some nights. God is alive in you. I am blessed to call you mine. I love you.

Truitt's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

These pictures are FAR overdue, but here they are. Truitt's party was a blast and we enjoyed a sports themed party while a large storm/tornado warning was sounding outside. : ) We still had Bev and Rick there from TX and a large crowd show for his party.

Everyone wore there favorite team shirts and in lieu of presents brought donations to Touch-a-life, a foundation that rescues children from slavery in Ghana, Africa. http://www.touchalifekids.org/ We started out playing several sports (baseball, golf, basketball, etc), all of which were supposed to be played outside, but due to the torrential down-pour were played inside. Then we had every child receive a medal and run through a victory line as we cheered their personal name. That was my favorite part!! We enjoyed hot dogs and chips, and then proceeded to beat the unbreakable baseball pinata. Truitt felt very special and enjoyed being the center of attention. Happy birthday sweet boy.

The pictures are all out of order. I did let the kids try to break the pinata before I wore my arm out trying to break it. Josh had to finally rip it open. : )

The unbreakable pinata!

CANDY!!!

Truitt and some buddies decided to take a break from eating and throw all his clothes on the top bunk!! Oh boy!

The victory line

Notice the weather channel on the TV.

Party favor bag. Note: Kids love whistles for favors... Moms don't.

Sweet Truitt Moment

2010-05-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

taken last weekend before horse-back riding

Truitt raises his tiny blue Bible in one hand, then points to it with the other. He then, with bright eyes and a sincere tone says "That's a good story in there!"

Yes Lord Jesus, that's a mother's paycheck right there!

8 months

2010-04-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

caught him in the mid-blink

Noah will be 8 months tomorrow. Time has really flown by. I love the way he lights up when I enter the room. He is such a easy baby and I'm falling in love with him more and more with every passing hour. His new tricks are sitting up, 6 teeth, army crawling, eating baby food like a champ, and laughing A LOT at Truitt. Noah James Ross is truly a precious gift from God.

Baby dedication Sunday is this next Sunday and I'm looking forward to showing him off.

In the words of Pheobe from friends "He's my lobster" - we are together for life. : )

Have a great day. Love, Kayci

2010-04-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

My Easter hat

My boys

Easter Bunny tracks

The hunt

This Easter was an emotional one. Josh did an incredible job with the sermon, and only teared up once. His weren't the only tears shed that morning. We both cried through worship and shared a long hug after the service. The last song we sang was Mighty to Save and if I had any composure left at that point, I lost it. I thank God there is an Easter to celebrate. Jesus is RISEN! Because of Jesus we have HOPE...that's what Jenny's life song was all about any way. Rejoice, the grave is empty!!

Today, I will choose to serve you alone Lord. I will not serve another! - Kayci

My new hair-cut

2010-04-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked for pictures of my new hair-do, so here they are. This is the third time I've donated my hair to Locks-of-love and I couldn't wait to chop all that hair off. I love my short hair and plan to keep it short for a while. Have a good day everyone! - Kayci

Before...

Truitt took these pictures

Like the big box of diapers in the background??

Horseback riding

2010-04-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

Josh, Truitt, Kelley Rogers and Karen Rogers (my parents)

When my parents came for spring break we went horseback riding. I loved having them. In the days to come I have a million pictures to show you. Stay tuned for more blog posts of my precious boys and husband.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Easter and I can't wait! For me the holidays rank like this...#1 - Christmas, #2 - Easter, #3 - Thanksgiving, #4 - Halloween... I LOVE Easter. I'm sure it probably has something to do with the fact that I'm married to a pastor, but even before I married it was one of my favorite days of the year.
This year I'm especially emotional about Easter Sunday. I have so much to be thankful for, but of all the gifts I've been given, the empty tomb is my favorite. It's what I give my children when we pray in Jesus' name. It's what I give my husband when I'm submissive to him. It's what I give my friends when I'm patient and encouraging... It's Christ in me. Some may say that Christ was a great guy who did a lot of great things, had some powerful teachings and the world is a better place because he lived. But I, I say that he is exactly who he says he is - The Messiah. I feel that when you make that decision, to believe he was the CHRIST, that changes EVERYTHING. Your life should be different not just because he died, but because he is RISEN. Death couldn't hold him!
Death couldn't hold Jenny, my sister-in-law, either. I grieve the loss of her life here on earth tomorrow, but rejoice that she is alive because of Christ and living in heaven. Tomorrow will be hard and full of raw emotion, but I trust that the Joy of the Lord will be my strength.
If you're at Sycamore View tomorrow morning you'll be able to find me. I'll be the one with tears streaming, high hands praising and for the first time since I was a little girl...wearing a bright white hat.

I miss you Jenny...

Surreal

2010-02-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just feel numb. I can't believe my sweet Jenny is gone. Everything happened so fast. I don't even know what to write in this moment, but I feel enormous pain. I will write more later, but just know that the Ross family still needs your prayers. Thank you.
Any information you'll need to know is posted on the carepage.
https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates
It will be streamed live at 1 pm on the website below.
www.livestream.com/rhchurch

Josh will be doing most of the service.

Jesus, I still believe in you. You are still God and I trust you will hold me in the midst of all this pain. I wish you didn't trust me to mourn for your glory. I'm gonna need some major strength on this one. Give me the strength, wisdom and discernment to be what my husband needs of me today, tomorrow and the days to come.

-Kayci

Jenny Bizaillion

2010-02-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

I write today with a heavy heart. My sister-in-law, Jenny Bizaillion (yes, like a million bizillion), was hospitalized on February 4th from what was thought to be the flu. That night we found out that the diagnosis was severe sepsis, an infection in the blood. When you have an infection in your blood it can quickly get ugly. You can read the whole story on her carepage website. https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates

Jenny is Josh's older sister and a mighty woman of God. We have cried out to God for weeks now and he has performed miracles right before our eyes. This experience has been an awful roller coaster, but we have no choice but to hold on. I have witnessed my husband utterly broken at her bedside, on his knees with tears streaming. I have heard the sobs of a faithful mother praying, begging for her child's life. I have seen the unfailing love of a husband that can't imagine life without her. The list goes on...

We are exhausted in every way. We long to have Jenny back. We will be returning soon to see her. Her situation has worsened recently. The sepsis has moved to her brain. This information makes my stomach turn and my heart break. The anthem for this whole situation has been the song Mighty to Save. We have sung it over her time and time again. I find myself singing it in my car, home, shower when I just can't find anymore words to pray. Please pray on my behalf. We do serve a God who is mighty to save. For his GLORY he can save her!

Last night I went through my old texts and thought I'd share some of her words with you:

written after Christmas celebration -

"I love you precious sil!! (sister in law) It always pains me to leave your boys...tears have been shed!! (of course you and josh too but I got a special thing for T (truitt) and N (noah) : ) You are an awesome Momma!!"

written a few days before she got sick -

"I just ate a huge snickers in like 30 seconds and I did it all in honor of you!! I knew I needed to do that for you today : ) aren't you grateful??"

If you're reading, please go to the carepage and pray specifically for the requests mentioned.

My prayer today:

Lord save her. Oh GOD I pray you'll do it soon!!! I trust you God! You are holy and righteous whether you grant my request or not. I will CHOOSE to praise you in this storm. I will sow in tears (psalm 126: 5) God, you have told us to cry out to you so I will BEAT DOWN YOUR DOOR begging you to save her. Why? For your glory to be revealed. Please don't make me mourn for your glory. God, have mercy.

- Kayci

Girls' weekend

2010-01-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

So much to say, so little time to write. My MLK holiday weekend was spent, as it is every year, with my ACU girl friends. We made a pact to save MLK holiday weekend every year for the girls. There are 15 of us in all, and 10 were able to come this year. I'm so gateful for my husband's sacrifice to keep Truitt and juggle being mom and dad for the weekend.

Noah's first flight

all my girls

little Eydie

yummy mexican food

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

I just woke up

Bev and Rick's House Christmas Eve. They got 4-5 inches.
Noah's first Christmas was a white one

Dallas Mavs wind suit

Jed, Jocelyn, Noah, Malaya and Truitt with Grammy

2009-12-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

Oh alright! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post new pictures. My camera batteries died and I seriously don't have any new pictures to share. I'll have to rely on my family members and the ones they took. The pictures above were taken in a beautiful park in downtown Memphis. This picture is on our family Christmas card this year.

I bought new batteries today so I'll have plenty of pictures to share of Noah's first Christmas. Such sweet memories! I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends.

Praise the LORD, for a child is born! The Messiah. The Savior, my savior! Hallelujah! Love, Kayci and the boys

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the Halloween program for Truitt's preschool. He was a Cowboy and Noah was the proud little brother as a Giraffe. Getting Truitt dressed was fun until the boots came on. He threw a major fit and when asked to sit by Noah and put his arm around him the tears ran harder. This picture was snapped in that moment.

My little cowboy

His program was cute, but he didn't do much until........ the Ghost busters theme song came on and then he was dancing/marching all the way out the gym.

Noah the Giraffe

oh no..falling...falling... can't stop it...

The wranglers and belt Truitt wore were Josh's when he was little. Did you catch the JOSHUA on the back of the belt? That happens to be Tuitt's first name as well. (no, not a Joshua truitt the second)

The belt buckle is, of course, the Alamo.

Happy Halloween everyone. Enjoy the pics!

I LOVE this holiday for the sheer fact of giving candy to children. I also love to see the creativity in the costumes. Happy Boo! - Kayci

What a blessing

2009-10-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

2 months old

2009-10-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Noah's two month birthday. I can't believe it! He's so big and the sweetest baby you could imagine. He's so quiet, sleeps well, and is starting to smile. We've had many visitors so I've been behind on blog posts. I'll be posting quite a few in the coming days. Beverly, Jenny and Malaya and my great Uncle Richard and Aunt Janet - Thanks for coming to visit! We loved every minute. Love, Kayci

Richard and Janet stopped in Memphis on their way to see grandchildren. I was so thankful. Truitt loved visiting their camper.

26 days old

2009-09-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

This sweet little outfit was given to us by a family from our church. How did they know it would be so perfect for him? One word...adorable!
Truitt REALLY needs a haircut. His blonde curls have recently become wings, and I wish I could have gotten him into the salon to see miss Kelly before yesterday. Yesterday was, of course, picture day. Oh boy, we may not be buying school pictures this go 'round. Ha. Enjoy your day. - Kayci

9/11

2009-09-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

I just caught part of the memorial service on Good Morning America for those lost on Sept. 11th. Wow, what an emotional morning. I remember exactly where I was when it happened. I entered the campus center at ACU and saw everyone huddled around a TV on the wall. At first I thought it was a special effects show, but when I realized this was real life panic set in and I HAD to find out immediately where my brother Korey was. My oldest brother worked for a financial firm based in NYC at the time and he had to make trips to NY often. Thankfully he was not on any of those planes, but could have been if the attacks had been two weeks earlier or later. I can't imagine the pain I would feel today if my wonderful older brother had died on a plane or one of the towers that day.

To those that did experience loss that day, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you, especially those children who lost a parent/s.

Where were you that day?

- Kayci

17 days old

2009-09-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Most recent news...my belly button fell off yesterday. : )

10 days old

2009-08-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

Martha - sister-in-law (but like a blood sister)

Keith - older brother

Today Noah is 10 days old. He is precious and happy much of the time. I did survive my first day yesterday by myself with both boys. I think I did pretty well. When my parents left on Saturday morning it took me a while for reality to set in - my mom and dad had left, the help was gone, they weren't on a quick run to the store. I cried my tears and took a deep breath. Josh HAS been a great help and there's no one else I'd rather raise a family with. Thank you Josh.

My brother Keith and his family (Martha, Reese, Anna Wren and Claire) came to visit all the way from Montgomery, Alabama! We loved having them here and it meant a lot that they came all that way. Thanks to all who have given food, time, prayers and gifts. My family has been blessed by your love. - Kayci

The story in pictures

2009-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday night we took Truitt out to Incredible Pizza for some family time

Last night as a family of three

Go time!

PROUD Momma

PROUD papa. born at 11:39am

That night when Truitt met Noah for the first time. Noah's gift to Truitt

"Hi oah, what doin'?"

"I hold him too"

Dressed to go home

Family of four - Surreal

welcome home party

Yummy cup cakes to celebrate and homemade ice cream

He's precious and trying to straighten out his days and nights right now. We are enjoying every minute, even the middle of the night. : )

Truitt's first day of school!! He had a great day!

He's part of the Busy Bee classroom this year.

He loves his lunch box. ha!

Precious Baby Noah

2009-08-25T10:21:00.001-07:00

Noah James Ross
Born 11:39 am on August 21st
7 lbs. 15 oz
21 inches

More pictures to come. Overwhelmed with love for this sweet boy. God you are so good to me. Humbled, Kayci

Fabulous Baby Shower

2009-08-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Two Sundays ago our church gave Noah a baby shower. All of my best Memphis friends were involved and made me feel so loved and special. The food was great and the presents were many and precious. I'm constantly reminded how blessed we are. Thanks to all involved with pulling the shower off, those that were able to come and those that sent a gift. I hope we all get to meet little Noah VERY soon. Just 8 more days until my due date!! Yippie! Love, Kayci
PS. I finished writing all of my thank you notes in a week!! I'm so proud of that. It took me a year to write my wedding notes. : )

Very pregnant - this was yesterday.

Beverly Ross (Mother-in-law) flower pinned on by a cute little paci clip

Jennifer Boring MADE those animals and they will be decor in Noah's nursery

best cake EVER! Costco's white cake with buttercream filling - YUMMO

again, incredible cake

All my wonderful hostesses -
back row - Stacy, Cari Beth, Lara
front - Jennifer, Ashley, Lawryn, Elizabeth

Even the chocolates were little animals. So cute!

I think I'll hang this outside our hospital room when we actually have him

I have such creative and fun friends.

Not so little Truitt

2009-08-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have 10 more days until my due date and I'm ready to have this baby! While I'm waiting, I'll consider the time I have with just Truitt a gift. He is such a sweet boy. Here are some recent pictures. I'll post pictures of the baby shower last weekend soon. Love, Kayci

Ready to catch with his glove while Grammy hits the ball

He can really hit that ball! "Truitt's turn!"

Swingin' for the fence

Welcome to the car wash. Yes, he lines them all up himself.

He loves the movie Cars and now loves to spray and wipe his cars down on our back patio

The incredible gift I received at the church Shower last weekend. The Graco Quatro Duo stroller! I know, your envious aren't you?

Truitt had to go for a ride around the living room after having eaten an Oreo. : )

Belly pictures

2009-08-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

As requested, here I am big and pregnant. I am due two weeks from today. Woo Hoo! - Kayci

Baby Noah James

2009-07-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

We have decided to name our next son, Noah James. He is due on August 26th and has been very active lately. Noah is not a family name, but neither is Truitt. We just like them. My parents were kind enough to buy us Noah's baby bedding so for all my girl friends out there, here's the beginning of the nursery. The bedding is from Kids Line and is called 123 Jungle. It has monkey's Elephants and Giraffes. I just painted the room today. The Accent wall is a darker, fresh green (Peter Pan) and the rest of them are a lighter green (vacation island). I think the room is turning out perfectly and I can't wait to get everything situated. It won't be long now! Less than 6 weeks.

My prayer for Noah right now:

I pray that when the world around you is void of faith in the one true God you will stand strong. I pray that as the eyes of the Lord roam this earth he will find that you have an incredible faith, even if you feel alone or persecuted because of it. I pray you will be a man of courage and dare to be a change agent in this world for Christ. I believe in you, and that you will move mountains with your faith. I'm already so thankful for what God has created you to be, and the blessing you will be to me, our family and the world. You will have the chance to do something completely daring with your life - to choose Christ. I pray you will. If you do, I pray you will be remembered, just like Noah in the bible, as a man not only of great faith but of action.

I love you already baby boy. - Mommy

window valance

Fun in the sun

2009-07-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

This summer Truitt and I are staying cool by swimming at a friend's house or going to this fantastic sprinkler park in Collierville. It's free and all the sprinklers are set on a timer so Truitt can get in the mix when it's not spraying so hard. He loved it and so did I. (Notice that I left out the picture of me in my maternity swimsuit. He he.)

Toddler area where we spent most of our time

My sweet little surfer

Truitt is also enjoying the new swing set Grammy and Grampy gave us. Josh and Clark Packer built most of it together and then Josh finished it up with a neighbor's help. Truitt loves it and we are so thankful for this great gift. It's hot here in Memphis, but it sure gives us a fun place to play in the morning and evening. On the second day of building this swing set Truitt woke up and grabbed his plastic dancing Handy Manny tools and proceeded to march out the back door to offer his expertise. He took one step outside and said "Hey Daddy, I help!" It was a huge task to try and keep Truitt occupied while Daddy was near by and working with fun tools. : ) We are so blessed!

enjoying a ice-pop

laughing

more of the same

Daddy was exhausted, but I was so proud that he built this huge thing that I made him take this picture. : )

The back of the set. His little picnic table.

As Truitt would say... "Ta-Da!"

Stories

2009-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of the babies

Truitt loves to tell stories. Some of them we understand and some of them we don't. We went to the zoo a while back and got to hear about the Giraffes from their keeper. We learned a lot about them and got to watch them eat from her hand. Very cool! Did you know that Giraffes have a heart the size of a basketball? They need one that big to pump the blood all the way up that long neck. Makes sense right? Well, we learned about the Giraffes that day, including the two babies, in a very memorable way. A few days later Truitt started telling a story and these were the words we were able to pick out - Giraffes...."mannas"...."apples"...."gass"..."loooooong net".... and "baby". Translation: We saw Giraffes eating bananas, apples and grass. They had long necks and there were two babies. When we ask him to tell us a story he normally picks this one and starts with the words "A story" (big sigh), and then the scenario above unfolds.

The other story he likes to tell is the one about Babe Ruth his daddy told him. He knows all the details, where the sound effects go and about the turtle that saw the home run ball and said "Yeah Ruth!" What? You didn't know there was a turtle in the story...well, you need to check your sources. : ) He has a great imagination. We are so thankful. Have a great day! Love, Kayci

Big boy bed

2009-07-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Truitt's old crib and bedding

Sleeping in his new bunk bed

Spaghetti night. Thanks for at least trying to use a fork. : )

Truitt has now started sleeping in his big boy bed. We are very proud of him and he is very proud of himself. He has figured out that he's not contained anymore and that's a little hard. Anyone have any advice on how to keep him in his bed when we are trying to get him down for nap time or bedtime? - Kayci

PS. We ate spaghetti last night and he was an adorable mess. He used a saltine cracker to scoop the spaghetti up and then almost none of it would make it to his mouth. Ha!

Ross family vacation

2009-07-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

all of us in a 15 passenger van making memories.

Went on a safari at Fossil Rim where you feed the animals out your window.
Jocelyn enjoying the guacamole at Joe T. Garcia in downtown Ft. Worth

Cousins riding a horse at a restaurant. Malaya, Jed and Truitt

Manatee upside-down eating lettuce at the Dallas Aquarium. Cool!

Josh, Truitt and I traveled to Texas last week for the Ross family stay-cation. Home base was Josh's parents' house in Decatur, TX and we visited all kinds of cool places during the week. Here are a few pictures. I will go into better detail later. Love, Kayci

Momma, I swim. I fun!

2009-06-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends Lara Packer worked a miracle and got Truitt to swim last week. He had so much fun getting wet. He kept saying, "Momma, I swim. I fun!" He had so much fun he fell asleep in the car on the way home. I think this will be one of my most memorable summers with Truitt. He is at such a fun age. I plan to soak up every bit of it just being us three for 10 more weeks.

3 Birthday parties

2009-06-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Luke, Lindsay and little Avery Norsworthy joined us

He LOVES playing with older cousin Malaya

Aunt Jenny

Josh's grandma - "B"

We are so thankful that some Rogers cousins could be there too. Aunt Amy, Cousin Camden and Cousin Maddox

Truitt got to celebrate three times that he was turning two. His birthday is May 5th, 2007. Yes, he's a Cinco De Mayo kid! We love that about him. He loves the birthday song since it has his name in it. I'm sure he'll expect to have 3 parties next year as well. : )

1st, he celebrated with his classmates at Mother's Day Out before we left for vacation. (do-nut holes and juice) Sorry, only captured on video.

2nd, He celebrated at Memaw and Papa's house in Lubbock, TX with a few friends from their church. (He got a big red wagon from Memaw and Papa!!) Sorry, didn't know that there were no batteries in the camera until the party had already begun.

3rd, he celebrated his birthday in Decatur, TX at Grammy and Grampy's house with friends and family in the DFW area. See pictures.

I can't imagine life without little Truitt. He is such joy to me. He's really developing a personality and loves to talk. He laughs all the time and I hope that he will never grow tired of telling me that he loves to learn about "He-zus" (Jesus).

Happy birthday my love. You are the most precious little boy in my world right now. You are going to make a great big brother.

Pepperdine

2009-06-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

looking out from the middle of campus

buildings on campus

One of my favorite trees. It's huge!

View of the ocean from right beside that same tree

View from campus center walking toward the chapel and ocean

Gorgeous Chapel!

The famous cross at the front of campus

Yes, that's the ocean

When you look at the back of campus you see beautiful mountains. If you can see past the construction going on. : )

We loved our time at the Pepperdine Lectures. Josh was a key note speaker and did a great job. I taught a class and enjoyed making new friends and encouraging others as I was encouraged. We enjoyed seeing friends and family, and soaked up the beauty. I got to see my best friend, Adrienne and her husband Nathan when we were there. I was also blessed to spend time with my grandparents Billy and Melba Burr. I was so thankful that they were so proud of both Josh and I. There are quite a lot of stairs on campus, so being pregnant and climbing those stairs was tough, but really fun. I loved visiting Pepperdine.

I am so glad I went to ACU. I wouldn't change that decision for the world. Looking back, I wish I would have at least spent a summer in CA. : )

That was the first leg of the trip. More to come...

Happy 2nd birthday Truitt

2009-06-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

While we were out of town for...well, forever, Truitt turned 2 years old. Here are a few pics. Our home computer is dying so I haven't been able to post the million pics I have to share. I have to wait for Josh's computer. I'll post the rest soon. Good to be home. : ) - Kayci and Truitt

Sportin' the Old School

2009-04-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember the old school rap group Run DMC? I was really proud that I found this shirt and thought daddy would be really proud of my find. I hope it makes you smile and laugh. You can find it at Old Navy. - Kayci

Easter pictures

2009-04-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

All dressed up - so handsome!

Dancing

The Easter Bunny came to see us! He left tracks.

Truitt's Easter basket included a little "canny", as Truitt would say it, and some bubbles!

We had an unforgettable service at Sycamore View and hope you were reminded just how incredible it is that we serve a RISEN savior!! Glory to his name! - Kayci and Truitt

It's a...BOY!

2009-04-08T13:40:00.001-07:00

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and carrying a baby boy due on August 26th. Every indicator you can imagine points to a healthy baby and healthy mommy.

Daddy guessed correctly this time. We both are thrilled that Truitt will have a little brother. We don't have a name yet, but we are working on it. We'll let you know when we've got one decided. Soon the Ross family will be 4. Can't wait! - Kayci

Adorable Truitt, Mavs game and girlfriends

2009-04-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Truitt saying "Aw, Man!" with a snap.

When the Mavs came to town we got to go early and meet some of the players. It was incredible! Is Truitt not the CUTEST! That head band is hilarious. Look at those ears!

Boy their tall!

quick shot with Mavs owner - Mark Cuban

Got to meet Dirk

Taken right after Dirk's mammoth hand tousled Truitt's hair. Camera wouldn't take fast enough.

Got to meet Josh Howard

Shoot around

The woman in yellow and the man on her right (stripes) - look familiar?

It's the Neeley's, from the Food Network show Down Home with the Neeleys.

She had just caught a loose ball during the game and then seriously, STOOD UP and tried to shoot it from her seat!! HILARIOUS. She's re-telling the story in this picture.

Dinner with my girlfriends - Jennifer, Lawryn and Stacy

I know, I know, it's been forever since I posted anything. I've been busy. Sorry. I will be posting tomorrow for sure. We are having our sonogram tomorrow to find out if the baby is a boy or girl!! Check in tomorrow after lunch. Happy day to you! - Kayci

Imagination and house

2009-03-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Truitt is starting to develop quite an imagination. He is precious and loves his baby sheep. I think he's in a "boat" here with sheep. Sheep also likes to take naps, eat oranges, drink milk and read the bible with Truitt.

My wonderful friend Lawryn came over today and helped me put scriptures up on my wall. She has a gift in decor and design. She would disagree though, because she's humble like that. : ) Here they are. I love them!

Love, Kayci and Truitt

Little T

2009-03-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dressed in camo for Mr. Tom's send-off for his tour of duty. Thank you Mr. Tom for your service! We'll miss you.

Truitt walked around the house like Linus from Charlie Brown yesterday.

Heading into daddy's closet to play, dragging blanket and sucking thumb.

Truitt is like his mother - he likes all his ducks in a row.

Instead of "Quack" he yells "tack, tack, tack!" Guess who the momma duck is, yep, the big fat blue one. HA!

Well, Truitt is growing up too fast. Seeing these pictures makes it all the more real. He sat a stuffed sheep down on the couch and read the "bible" to her last night. Precious! (which is really a small book about Alaska's bears) He would turn her face so she could see and then he would talk through every page.

My belly is growing and our last check up showed everything moving along smoothly. We will know on April 9th what the sex of the baby is. Go ahead and make your predictions now.

Will it be a boy or a girl?

Cupcakes and Sylvia

2009-03-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

My neighbor Luke gave me a cupcake and we had so much fun eating them.

Luke - one of our sweet next door neighbors.

Sylvia is a student at ACU and a friend from when we were in Houston. She stopped by on her way to Nashville for Spring Break. Thanks Sylvia!

Another Snow day in Memphis

2009-03-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

our backyard

Playing in the snow. (notice how mommy is INside)

Look at our cool new dishwasher! Mommy is SO excited!

Lovin' those hand-me-downs from cousin Camden

So much fun to watch him grow. He is talking like crazy and loves to read and sing. Love you, Kayci

SVCC Women's Breakfast

2009-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure and honor of speaking to the women who attended a women's ministry breakfast at our church. I had so much fun speaking to them about what the Lord has done in my life, and I mentioned some practical things they could do to put themselves in a better position to soak up God's love. I also mentioned some practical ways we can serve in love. Many have asked for that information, so here it is.

Read the book of 1 John - It's nickname is the love book. : )
Download these christian songs onto your ipod or get one of these CDs:

"By Your Side" - Tenth Avenue North
"Your Love is Strong" - Jon Foreman
"Give Me Your Eyes" - Brandon Heath
"Made to Love You" - Toby Mac (this one is Hip-Hop music)

3. Make a "Manna Bag" for someone that's hungry. If your heading downtown to the zoo or running errands ask your kids to help you make a few and then you'll be ready to help someone in need. If you'd like you can print some info about downtown church, our church, Hope Works, food pantry locations and clothing locations. You could also just write them a note about how much God loves them and that's why you and your kids put this bag together in love. Here are the contents of this "Manna Bag". If you do hand these bags out while your kids are with you be ready for a great conversation about serving others in love.

Place the following items in a gallon size Ziploc bag:

small bottle of water
ready to eat tuna lunch box (lunchable, PB&J sandwich, etc.)
individual bag of chips
individual bag of cookies, sucker, etc.
Peanut butter crackers

If you are going on a picnic anyway, just pack an extra lunch and hand it out to someone in need. This is such a great learning opportunity to show your kids that we love others and they get to help. All you have to do is pass it out your car window.

If you are the type that sees hungry all over the place and don't have the chance to keep all that in your car, here's an idea. Buy water bottles in bulk and just keep 20 of them in your car at once. The bible says to give a cup of cold water in his name - all you have to do is pass it out the window. You'll never be caught feeling like you could have helped if you just had the money or food on you. You were proactive about serving the needy and planned to serve when the opportunity arose.

That's what I mentioned during the talk, but there are lots of ways to soak up God's love and by doing that my prayer is that our gut reaction to anyone standing in front of us will be LOVE.

- Kayci

Truitt and baby

2009-02-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

Truitt at Cheese Cake Corner showing off

My friend Kara and (Lucas in belly). Isn't she so cute prego! I'm past my first Tri-mester and I'm really showing.

- Kayci

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Valentine

Loving those conversation hearts

Daddy came to my party at school. (listening intently to Mrs. Rosie)

Highlight of the day was giving valentine's away

Playing a game-find the Purple Hearts around the room for an m&m. (color of the month and shape of the month)

We love our teachers Mrs. Rosie and Ms. Sheryl! Thank you for the fantastic party! Happy love day! - Truitt

"Indulge" - Mid-South Girls' Conference

2009-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share a few pictures of the conference with you. Most of these are of me, sorry. The theme was "Indulge in God's extravagant love for you." A one day event that took months to plan, but every minute and detail was worth it! God was glorified! - Kayci

300+ girls came and it was only the first year!

yes, that's a big piece of chocolate cake on the stage! Ha!

Camp Ross

2009-02-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Singing along to Toby Mac with his new microphone

I had my first haircut last week. I was a little annoyed during the event so here's an "after" picture.

We set up a tent in our living room. Isn't it AWESOME!

Me and my mom. She kept getting blankets so I brought my contribution.

Is my dad not the BEST? He's my jungle gym! Wh..wh..wh.. WHOA!

Let's have Camp Ross every night! - Truitt

Almost 21 months

2009-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Rosie and Mrs. Sheryl from day school - Incredible teachers!

The Graham family owns a house on a golf course and allowed me to use their sun room for planning, prayer and writing my talks for the girls' conference. I used it on my birthday, the 22nd, and it was a highlight for me. Thank you!

The view is beautiful and serene

This was my spot. That and the couple of ceramic floor tiles I had my face on, overwhelmed in prayer. Ha!

Thank you God for sending these ducks just for me! : )

Truitt will be 21 months old on Feb. 5th! He is growing so fast and speaking many words. These are some of his favorites: "candy", "me-ow", "'gain" - as in read that book again, "Elmo", "Moo", "two-it" - his name, "no", "pees" - please, "pay" - play, "bops" - Doodle Bops, "Barn" - Barney and "mac" for Toby Mac. We are really working on counting this week. He loves the number 2. When we count to three together he says, "two, two, tee!" Highlight: I caught him doing the song "If You're Happy and You Know it" on video. Like a true preacher's kid, you'll never hear a child yell AMEN louder than ours and with such enthusiasm. I will find a way to get it on this blog for you to see and hear, asap.

I spoke at the Mid-South Girls Conference last weekend and had a blast. Thank you for your prayers for health, God granted me that. I felt great and I feel God was glorified through me. What a gift he gave me being with those girls! I loved it and give major thanks to those who ran the whole event, fantastic job!

Josh and I go to the doctor on Thursday for a check-up on baby. We will have a sonogram to hear the heartbeat! We'll let you know how it goes.

Love, Kayci and Truitt

Truitt's First Snow

2009-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

Our front yard this morning
Very first encounter with snow! Funny he wore his snowflake pjs last night. : )
Not exactly knowing what to do with snow

saying "snow"

our front yard before we left for school

The community swing set next to our house.

Girls' trip in Paris, TX. Left to right: Jaymie, Tamara, Kate, Kami, Beth, Mindi and me. Not pictured here - Mary, she had to leave early. There are about 15 of us, but not everyone could make it.

Big News

2009-01-12T20:01:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard, we are pregnant! We are about 8 weeks along and I'm dealing with daily nausea. Through it all I'm still thankful for this child, but hopefully the nausea will cease soon. Our families are incredibly supportive and we are excited about bringing a new baby into the world around August 26th. I'll keep you updated as the story develops. We had a great Christmas in Lubbock, TX and then enjoyed time with Josh's family shortly there after. We had the pleasure of spending time with our dear friends, the Robertson family, who've just gained a newborn, Richard "Joshua" Robertson. He is precious and we are so proud of their whole family. Baby and mommy are doing great! Here are some random pictures for your enjoyment. One of my new goals is to be better at posting pictures on this blog so that I won't get scolded by Debbie Ketchersid when I visit home. : )
Love, Kayci and Truitt

Truitt on Christmas morning - he received a talking Elmo! He loved all his presents from cousins and family. He loves his drum set His first Mavericks game. They came to town to play the Grizzlies. The Mavs lost. His new dance move. He'll "wave his hands in the air, like he just don't care"... ... and then freeze and point at daddy or mommy. SOOOO cute!

New happenings

2008-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Shout out to Laure Tucker (Houston) The cake went over very well! Your the best! Like I've always said, I'd love to be you when I grow up. :)

Check out our new red drapes. Yes, we moved in 6 months ago, but I'm just getting around to it.

Let us know when you want to come stay at the Ross B&B. We'd love to have most of you. : )
Love, Kayci

Christmas time is here!

2008-12-10T13:25:00.001-08:00

Precious

This was Josh's little chair growing up.

Truitt pulled it right up to the tree

Sometimes I just sit and stare at it. Ahh, the magic of Christmas

Reading/singing from his Jesus Loves me book.

Have a great day. Love, Kayci and Truitt

Sweet family Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Jed and Truitt "preaching" on top of grandma's fireplace

Jed, Malaya, Jocelyn and Truitt in matching Christmas PJs

Jocelyn. Precious!

Buddies forever

The whole family

Jenny, David, Malaya, Rick, Beverly, Jed, Jonathan, Jocelyn, Jennifer, Kayci, Truitt and Josh

Not the best picture or the most flattering for me, but these are my peeps.

I LOVED Thanksgiving and I hope you did too. Love, Kayci

Truitt's first horse ride

2008-11-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today Josh and I were blessed to go horse back riding with John French. Kerri watched Truitt for us while John gave us a highlight tour of his 48 acres. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I got a movie clip of Truitt's first horse ride. If there were sound on this video you would know that he did NOT want to get off. I think he was pretty impressed with a real-live "horsie". Thanks again French family for everything. Love, Kayci

Fall

2008-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Seriously, the camera can't capture the beauty I've seen

Fall is my new favorite season. I grew up in Lubbock, where the leaves don't really change colors before they fall, they just dry up and get blown off the limb. My favorite thing about TN so far is the change of season. I LOVE FALL!! The leaves are gorgeous and I can't help but comment 10-15 times a day on the pretty colors. They are so vibrant and diverse. I love it. I imagine the kingdom of God to be much like the pictures you've seen here today, beauty in diversity. - Kayci

Fall picture palooza

2008-11-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

Is that not the cutest patootie you've ever seen!
These were Josh's jeans when he was little.

My favorite picture lately!

I sewed that belt myself!

Husker jogging suit. Adorable!

These are the pumpkins I picked.

Halloween night - trick or treating as a Dallas Mav

Treated with Mom, Dad and Laura Packer.

My fellow treaters/neighbors - Truitt, Luke (elmo) and Hunter (football player)

Thank you for the AWESOME outfit Nathan and Adrienne.

It was a perfect fit for Halloween.

Class party at Mothers Day out. The priest.

Fun picture of Truitt's crazy hair after a nap.

We've had a happy fall. We hope you have too. Love, Kayci and Truitt

Peace be with you

2008-10-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Halloween costume for Trunk and Treat at church

Yes, that's a glow-in-the-dark cross around his neck. He he.

I asked Truitt what he wanted to be for Halloween and his answer was "Da-dee", so since preachers don't really have a uniform, the next best thing was a priest! I just sewed a white piece of cloth onto his turtle neck and bought a cross from a coin toy machine at Kroger. I think this costume idea might have been my most creative yet. HA!
Peace, Kayci and Truitt

Cookies and a Mohawk

2008-10-07T10:45:00.001-07:00

My mom let me eat a chocolate chip cookie after breakfast

would you like some?

Are you sure? It's good.

umm umm!

Watch this! This is how I tell my mom I'm finished. It makes her mad.

Watch out!

Trouble is my middle name! he he.

Look I finally have enough hair for a Mohawk!

A great day

2008-09-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today we had a great day. Truitt, Josh and I went to the Memphis zoo. It was a perfect day and we got to see a lot of animals. I think our favorite was the polar bear swimming in his tank. SOOOO cool! Here's a picture of T taking a dip in the wishing fountain when we were about to leave. Very sweet! - Kayci

Our home

2008-09-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked if we are settled-in here in Memphis, and to that I would say yes. I've learned that some things just make you feel more at home. I have to give major praise to my friends Jennifer Boring and Lawryn Birdwell for doing the sewing. THANK YOU!! I love them! These curtains are hung by drawer hardware and they look so beautiful when the sun shines through. Here's a part of our home. Many of you have shared your home with us and I wanted to share a bit of ours with you. Love, Kayci
PS. Since this blog is really about Truitt, I guess I should mention his thoughts on these curtains..."uh oh". Not surprising, since that's his favorite word right now.

Artwork, growing and climbing

2008-09-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Truitt's first masterpiece! Magnificent!

Excited about Bible class

Mom, come on!

Yes, he did this himself and then couldn't get out. HA!

I think he'll stick with the lower shelf, it's easier to get out of.

My sweet little boy

2008-09-02T20:39:00.003-07:00

My friend Sarah Campbell took these pictures and I'm so grateful! Thanks Sarah. - Kayci

Who do you think he looks like, Josh or Kayci?

A LOT of pictures

2008-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Kara and I at the entrance

It rained off and on the whole afternoon

Cinderela's Castle - Majestic

The sword in the stone

The famous boat ride - It's a small world

Cinderella herself - beautiful!

Ursela from Little Mermaid

Minnie Mouse

Playing it cool

We LOVED Disney world! It was a long day, but so worth it! It did rain a bit, but we had great attitudes through it all. I know that I'm 27, but here's what I thought...
The castle really is huge and amazing
I met Mickey and Minnie Mouse
Space Mountain is the best ride
The parade at the end of the day is GREAT! I seriously lost my breath when I saw Cinderella. She's gorgeous!
The fireworks set to all of your favorite Disney songs, no matter how old you are, makes you believe in wishes all over again.

Thanks Disney! I can't wait to take Truitt! - Kayci

***For all of you people that have been to Disney World, here are all the attractions we visited...
Space Mountain, Splash mountain, carousel of progress, buzz lightyear's space ranger spin, Stitch's great escape, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, It's a small world, Mad Tea party, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Swiss Family Treehouse, parade and fireworks show. Whew! What an incredible day. What was your favorite part of Disney World?

First day of school 2008

2008-08-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Me and my lunch box

Isn't he handsome on his first day of school?

Truitt started Mothers day out school today. His teachers were so happy he came! He'll go every Tuesday and Thursday. Since I was raised by two teachers education is VERY important to me. I was so excited that I giggled several times at meet the teacher night. : ) These are some of the things he's learning about this week and in September during "circle" time.

Color of the month - Red (Elmo, apple, fire trucks)

Shape of the month - Square

Nursery Rhyme of the month - Jack and Jill

Bible Story of the month - Creation

And tons of songs (he loves music and dancing)

I didn't cry when we dropped him off, but I'm sure I will when it's time for Kindergarten!

My prayer is that he'll mind his manners. - Kayci

Post vacation de-tox

2008-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

What have you done with GRAMMY!!!!!!

Wearing the present we got him from Disney World - mickey shirt and crocs
They have Mickey holes!

He's playing under the chairs in his batman outfit.

We returned from the beach last Monday. Josh and I had a great trip with our friends, the Graves, while Truitt stayed with his Grammy and Grampy in Texas. (Josh's parents)
While in FL, we went to Disney World and loved it. We brought T back a super cute Mickey shirt and the most adorable crocs you've ever seen! When I showed him the Mickey shirt he walked over and open-mouth kissed mickey right on the lips. : ) It didn't take long for Truitt to realize that something was terribly wrong with our house, Grammy and Grampy were missing. He has been horrible since we got home and after the third day I called Beverly and asked what the deal was, this was her response, "Oh, that's easy, carry him all day long and give him whatever he wants!" OOOOOOH now I see. I think most of it is now out of his system.
We went to our first "meet the teacher" night last Thursday and we can't wait to start school. Truitt is a monkey in SVC Mothers' day out program and I was down right gitty hearing about all that he will learn and the friends he will make. I'm going shopping for a lunch box tomorrow!
Lastly, we enjoyed a visit from our friends Kevin and Sarah Campbell last week. They came all the way from Abilene, TX and we loved every minute we had with them. They are some of our dearest friends and we are blessed to have them in our lives. Thanks for coming guys!

Whew, it's been a crazy week. I'll have more pictures for you soon from our vacation and Truitt's first week of school. Love, Kayci and Truitt

Sippy cup

2008-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

sippy cup success

little cardinals fan - he's hit himself with that bat many times already

in trouble - don't miss the one he's chewing on

Monday, August 4th, will forever go down as a happy day in my life. I have been trying to get Truitt to take a sippy cup for months and he finally gave in. I guess it just had to be his idea for him to do it. (I don't know anyone else in his family like that, do you? : )) I snapped a picture so that you could see his sweet little face. Aww! The mothers' day out program asked that he have a sippy cup, so I have been racing the clock and beat it by two weeks. He also has a doctor's appointment today with Dr. Bubba, yep that's his nickname, so I'll update you on his growth.

I love all of you that read this blog. Thank you for staying in touch. Let me know you're out there so I can tell T that you're checking in on him. Love, Kayci and Truitt

Look at my muscles

2008-08-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

New trick: flexing so hard that he shakes. HA!

yes, this outfit even has a cape

Sitting in his favorite chair from great uncle poncho

cousins came to visit for a day
Uncle Keith, Truitt, Anna Wren, Claire, Reese and Aunt Martha

The cutest flip flops EVER - Thank you Miss Jenny Thompson.

Speaking at Pepperdine lectureship

2008-07-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

The following is a post I wrote on 6/24, but I got in trouble for announcing it to the world before it was public knowledge. He received his packet yesterday so I figure this is my chance. Josh, I know you are embarrassed that I'm bragging about you on the Internet, but I just can't help it.
I'm so proud to be your wife. I'm proud of the husband, father and pastor you have chosen to be. This life is full of choices and situations and because you are humble and seek the face of God you have chosen wisely most of the time. : ) God is good in you.
Today, Josh was asked to be a keynote speaker at Pepperdine lectureship. I'm blown away at this opportunity. God has gifted you Josh Ross. I'm so proud of you and that fact that you are so humble about this.
I love the image painted with words by a well-known author about spiritual gifts- that in life we all play an instrument that we were made to play beautifully, with all our heart, loud and strong. So my word to you Josh Ross, is to play on.
Love, Kayci

Visitors from New Zealand

2008-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

left to right: Bonnie, Bailey, Troy, Emily and Taylor and baby on the way!

T at Chili's

Chilin' on the couch

Bailey and T in the pool

Guys night to St. Louis Cardinals game

Lunch at Big Foot Cafe'

The Sasquach burger - 4 lb. burger - couldn't finish it

Taylor's half

Highlight of Kayci's day - making s'mores at your table!!!

Josh and Robertsons went to civil rights museum and MLK memorial

Sunset from roof of Peabody hotel
Our friends, the Robertson's, came to visit us last week and we loved every second of it. They are currently missionaries in Auckland, New Zealand. They have three fantastic kids and one on the way!!! We met while Josh and Troy were serving a church in Ballinger, TX and have stayed best friends since. Thank you for coming to visit Robertson family. We loved it! Truitt really misses you. Love, Kayci and Truitt

Memphis attractions

2008-06-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

The front of Elvis' house

one of his many awesome cars

Truitt "helping" daddy mow the yard. So cute!

The Peabody ducks

Entrace to Memphis Zoo

bald eagles (they mate for life and return to the same nest every year)

black leopard and look closely for the one asleep above

Watching intently while the Sea lions did their show

Andre

Chloe is waving to us as the balances her 2 tons of weight on
her front fins.
While Memaw and Papa were here to visit we did a lot of tourist things. We had so much fun!! One of my favorites was the Memphis Zoo!! It was one of the best zoos I've ever been to. So, here are some pictures for you to enjoy and a list of the main things we did while they were here.

1. Graceland
2. Marching ducks at the Peabody hotel and picnic in the park
3. They visited our new church
4. Chilled at the house and then Josh and Papa put the patio furniture together
5. Visited the Zoo and then ate downtown at Rendezvous (famous for dry ribs)
6. Wednesday night church

We played games, relaxed, watched golf with the rest of the world and then clapped with Truitt.
Thank you Lord for family. - Kayci

more camping photos

2008-06-18T08:36:00.001-07:00

helping cook breakfast

he loved getting his hands cold and then going in again

Mimi and Pa spent the morning with us - so fun

T loved the stairs in the camper and playing with a pink golf ball

Mimi reading him a book about Bob the fish

Thanks again to Memaw and Papa for putting up with us for a week before we moved. We loved it and Truitt loved his first camping experience. We look forward to more trips in the future.

finally, a new post

2008-06-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

Our new house in Arlington, TN

before we moved in - formal dining room and entry way

Our campsite at Palo Duro Canyon (second largest in US)

Going natural and playing in the dirt

perfect pjs - Nature explorer!

Thank you for being so patient in waiting for a new post from Truitt and I. We've been busy setting up house and enjoying Memaw and Papa at our house.

Here are some pictures of T's first camping trip and our new house. Enjoy.

PS. A special shout-out to Kevin South for helping us get our Internet up and running, thanks!

Tennessee

2008-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

We have moved in and are almost settled in our new home in Memphis, TN. We do not have Internet service in our new home yet, but when we do I'll give you some pictures from our travels. We have felt so loved and welcome here at Sycamore View. Thank you friends and family for your prayers, love and support.
Love, Kayci and Truitt

On the road

2008-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

We are on the road visiting family between Houston and Memphis. Our first stop was Decatur to visit Josh's parents and family. Then, we drove on to Abilene where Josh preached at Highland and we were blessed to see many old friends while we were there. Next, we drove on to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, TX. We loved it! I think Truitt is going to be a GREAT camper. I'll try to provide pictures soon. We are now in Lubbock, TX visiting my parents and enjoy west Texas. Whew! what a trip!

________________

May 10th was Truitt's birthday party and the next day was mother's day/our 6 yr anniversary. Needless to say, in the midst of party and packing we didn't get to celebrate. So, last night we left Truitt with Memaw and Papa and just played. We played Putt-putt and I beat him by one stroke and then he INSISTED that we play another game so that he could restore is pride. Ski-ball was the choice and AGAIN I beat him. Not by a little, but a lot! The score was 25,000 to 1200! Victory, sweet victory! Then we were off to a famous steak place called Cagle's steak house and I ate the best steak I've eaten in a LONG time. I don't know what they do to it, but it was great. We stayed in the exact same room we did on our wedding night and slept-in this morning to my hearts delight! Josh Ross, you are a great husband and I'm so thankful that I married a romantic like you. Thank you for loving me. Happy late anniversary.

Kayci

Party Pictures

2008-05-13T13:57:00.001-07:00

Look at those sweet eyes!

The party was great! He started really walking the day of his party. Happy birthday Truitt!!
Love, mommy

My mother

2008-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Karen Rogers is classy, real and fabulous! She loves the Lord and has spent plenty of hours loving me and my two older brothers. She is a kindergarten teacher, bible class teacher, wife, friend, mentor, etc. She conquers many tasks every week, with a smile. She is truly remarkable. I love her and thank her today for all the late nights staying up to talk after dates, cheering for me at all my sporting events, loads of laundry, dishes, nursing me back to health, spankings, and spirtitual conversations. I love you mom. I'd pick you a million times over!

My father did the sweetest thing. At the link below you'll find an article in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal about my mother. My father was allowed to share with this reporter what my mother means to him and what he loves the most about her. Mom, enjoy your article.
http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/051008/rel_277600489.shtml

Mom, as the bible says, a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Enjoy the praise from the "city gates" today. I love you. - Kayci

Happy Birthday Truitt

2008-05-05T09:46:00.001-07:00

A year ago today

Birthday pancakes!

Over the past week he took three little steps toward grammy. We wanted to catch him on tape doing it again, but of course he wouldn't. He'll be walking soon.

Today is Truitt's birthday!! We are so thankful he's our son and the Lord blessed us with his life. Thanks to all that have already called and wished him a happy birthday. Enjoy the pictures and have a great Cinco de Mayo! Love, Kayci

Sweet T

2008-04-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

I like to call Truitt "Sweet tea" since he's just so cute and sweet toward everyone. I am posting this picture knowing that I've shown this to you before, but it's one of my favorites. If you are from Memphis and reading my blog I can't wait for you to meet him.

His new tricks are dancing the twist and patting his own mouth while he yells, like an Indian. He is very close to walking, but sees no need because he can get there just as fast or faster crawling. His birthday is coming up on the 5th and I'm trying to decide if there should be a pinata. What do you think?

- Kayci

Emotional

2008-04-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today was an emotional day. Josh and I announced that we are leaving our sweet church here in Houston, TX. We are moving, in June, to Memphis, TN. We are excited about the opportunity and I know I'm going to love it there, but today is sad. I just wanted you to know our news and to pray for our transition. For now, I'm exhausted because I cried my eyes out in front of the WHOLE ENTIRE CHURCH today.
Thank you for your kindness and sincere well-wishes Southwest Central Church.
Thank you Sycamore View Church in Memphis, for loving us already and for your encouragement.

Love, Kayci

I love my husband

2008-04-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite

Josh gave me a great gift when we returned from Lubbock. He had cleaned the house, made dinner and bought me TULIPS!! Here are pictures so that you can see how beautiful they are. Every time I see them, I smile. Thank you Josh! He comes home tonight from Michigan! I'm so excited! Josh, I love the way you love me. - Kayci

Transportation Parade

2008-04-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

When we were in Lubbock, TX Truitt and I got to attend the annual Kindergarten Transportation Parade. These kids spend time in the classroom learning about transportation, terrain, and all had their own cute little driver's license. The celebration at the end of this unit is a parade where they show off their car/plane/boat/tank... by marching down the halls of the school. All of the other kids in 1st - 4th grade came out and cheered them on. Sooo cute!

This one little boy has a plane and I got a shot of all the 1st graders cheering him on. He was the last one in line. Adorable.

Our trip to Lubbock

2008-04-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Handsome boy

1st Easter! The Easter bunny came to visit him in Lubbock.

Visiting a school for the first time. Memaw teaches here.

Relaxation.

Truitt and I went to Lubbock this past week. We had fun with Memaw and Papa. Truitt and I hung out with Papa most of the day and then Memaw joined us at night after school. We had a great time and can't wait to see them in May for T's birthday party.

- Kayci

love is in the air

2008-03-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Reese, enjoying her foot rub.

Truitt rubbing her feet. The camera just wasn't fast enough.

Hello all. We had a great week last week! Truitt's friend Reese and her parents came to stay with us Wednesday - Sunday. We had so much fun! We visited the rodeo and the babies danced to Old McDonald in their diapers. Truitt already really misses his friend.

One of the best memories was made on a morning when Truitt and Reese were sitting on the couch and Reese leaned back and stuck her feet in Truitt's lap. Truitt just reached out and started massaging her feet! It was soooo cute! We were laughing so hard. She just leaned back and put her hands behind her head and enjoyed it. HA! So fun. She also liked to point out T's mouth and Truitt would curiously open up his mouth and bit down on her finger like a french fry. HA!

GREAT MEMORIES! We love you Matt, Jenna and Reese Katherine Cope

New Tricks

2008-03-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

clapping

cruising with his walker

listening intently to daddy

Happy Birthday Grammy!

2008-03-07T09:11:00.001-08:00

I love you! - Truitt

Kisses 25 cents

2008-02-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

"mommy, I'll give you 5 free, but that's all."

These pictures where from Valentine's day.

snapshots

2008-02-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

I love my grampy!

2008-02-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

bath time

My very first Basketball game. Go Malaya!

I love watching the fire with Grampy.

Truitt and I got to spend last weekend with Rick and Bev and enjoyed every minute. We even got to see his cousin Malaya play basketball! Here are some pics to enjoy. I'm so sorry the pictures are so small. I got them from another camera and don't know how to fix them. - Kayci

9 months old

2008-02-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has flown by. Moms everywhere have told me that it goes fast and I believe them. I have tried to live in the moment with each little phase Truitt goes through and I think the one he's in right now is my favorite. He is exploring by crawling and pulling up, and he loves to hear himself yell. : ) He is very proud of his voice and wants everyone to hear him. He laughs all the time and loves to play games. He's still working on some teeth. He has his two center bottom teeth and a jagged top tooth coming in. He loves to hear his name and play peek-a-boo. I'm going to soak this up until he can walk and then there will be no rest for the weary. : )

Here are his stats:
26 1/4 in. tall (so he's short for his age, he makes up for it in personality)
17 lbs. 5 oz. (above par for this birth weight)

Happy 9 month birthday Truitt!

- Kayci

Pictures of Truitt

2008-01-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here I am wearing daddy's shirt from when he was little like me. I guess I'm a Joshua too, Joshua "Truitt" Ross.

My very first package in the mail addressed to me!!
Thanks Memaw and Papa Rog