TRIPLE A TEAM

The way she writes....

2012-01-25T22:24:00.002-06:00

Speaks right to my heart. The way she puts words into motion are spoken just for me. The way she simplifies, the way she guides me to yearn more of Christ. The way she celebrates life, encourages, and is brutally honest with struggles....
I thank you Mrs. Ann Voskamp............

The way you write is incredibly God honoring and draws me closer to Christ.

~Will I meditate on His Word or my worries?

~This is the resolution the new year needs — a revolution. A turning every day to Christ.

~Time memorizing Scriptures is perhaps more important than quiet time — because when we fill our hearts with His Word, we can fill all of our hours with His Word — and “quiet time” can then become all of our time.

~Living with a belief in God, this is very far from living with God as your Beloved.

~The answer to anxiety is always to exalt Christ.

~Everything absorbs into thanksgiving.

I've been thinking

2012-01-21T21:54:00.004-06:00

For some odd reason for over a week now, I've been tossing around the idea of having a Valentine's party at the house not just for my girl's but for them and some of their best girl friends. This would not only allow me to have some "Valentine fun" planned ideas with my own girls but a chance to interact and get to know their friends.
And how would I pull off a party for at least 10 girls all ranging from 6-10???? PINTEREST

Yes....the best cyber site since slice bread friends....not kidding! :)

So this is how it shall go, well at least for right now in my head. Annalise would be allowed 1 friend, Avery would be allowed 3 friends, and Addie can have 6 of her best buddies making a grand total of 10. I will have the party from 4-8 which would allow for dinner and a dessert of coarse! ;) Heart shaped pizzas, with an ice cream sundae bar with all the red, pink, and white fixings we can find.
The girls will make tie dye socks when they first arrive and then we'll do some fun Valentine game. And last but not least, some type of girl movie to hunker down before the night ends.
Peace "Love" and Party

I think it sounds good...I think it sounds fun!! My purpose is just to let the girl's do what they do best, love on friends and have some fun.
I would love to make this a tradition every year and I think that is what has been floating around in my head this past week. How can I embrace the girl's growing like weeds and my next season of life with them. Friends have become increasingly important yet our values of family time and fun are still high priority. So, why not combine the two?!?! It's time. I've always said that I wanted our home to be the place where my girl's friends wanted to be, the home where Ryan and I can help influence. So with that, I'll put my ideas into action this week and get this party planning started. I'm sure pictures are to come..stay tuned.

I'll never get tired

2012-01-12T11:11:00.004-06:00

I'll never get tired of seeing my 3 sweet growing girls look like this one last time before I go to bed!!!

My 3 sleeping beauties. :)

Fireworks, Friends, and a firepit

2012-01-06T22:40:00.003-06:00

A little late on the posting of our New Years Eve celebration but better late than never, right!?
Well, I did it... I finally got Ryan a fire pit for Christmas this year! It was my grand find this Christmas season getting it a whopping 50% off~ woohoo!!! ;) He loved it, I love it....and in fact the girls love it. So much so, that on New Years Eve, we loaded up the van and headed to Academy for us all to buy a "new fold-out chair" just for sitting around the fire pit! ;) LOL, its the simple things.
Well, after dinner that night, Ryan fired it up and we got our next door neighbors
(and good friends now) to join us in which they provided the fireworks for the kids and we provided the fire! :) YES, what would a fire pit be without smore fixins and Ryan with a beer and me and the neighbor friends with a glass of wine. Good times.
Aahhh.....there is just something about sitting by a fire.
Good conversations,
Laughs,
Warmth,
Memories...
It was a blast. It was relaxing. It was fun to sit and watch the girls with neighbor friends do sparklers, make a smore, laugh, and talk.
We wrapped up our night the last 5 minutes inside watching the famous ball drop from New York. This was the first time the girls stayed up until 11:00 without a complete meltdown from someone or being a total zombie!! ;)
Which reminds me once again...my girls are changing **SIGH**

And that my friends is for another post! I'm just soaking it all up as much as I can.

My Mom Rocks!!!

2012-01-03T22:29:00.003-06:00

And I have one amazing, joy-filled mom! Today is her birthday and I couldn't pass up a chance to brag a little on her. I love how not only is she my mom but friend and a wonderful Grammy to my girls. :) She's incredibly fun and creative, giver of time and all heart in everything she does for us. She blesses us all so much.
We love you mom (aka Grammy)!!! Happy Birthday.

A Year in Review...

2012-01-02T18:36:00.003-06:00

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34

Year 2011 might just go down as one of the biggest transitions in the Prater house. My husband leaving a mega-church, transitioning out of student ministry to Lead pastor, a move across Houston, rented our home out & rented one in Katy, and finally...starting a church.
From the huge announcement last January to Clear Creek Community Church that we were leaving, to the starting of weekly services for Cross Community this coming Sunday~ what a difference one year can be!
Not only did we transition our home, family, and church into a new city...the baby Prater girl started kindergarten and this mom began to work a little more.
We also were given, YES given, a new (used) car from Ryan's parents and high school buddies who put personal funds together to bless our family with a new vehicle. Amazing blessing beyond words!!!
2011 proved to us that God's guidance and hand has been faithful as we've journeyed through this move and prepping for the launch of Cross Community Church. I am beyond excited and ready for 2012. I am ready to see habits form in my own life this new year, to see God use not only our family but Cross Community to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to our new friends, neighbors, Katy, Houston, and the world.
I look back at 2011 and can't help but think of one word....Grateful.
Grateful for God's hand,
Grateful for financial means to move to Katy,
Grateful for new friends,
Grateful for support, love, & encouragement from family and old friends,
Grateful for the core team of Cross Community to do the hard work,
Grateful for my husbands laugh and fun spirit,
Grateful for our home,
Grateful for our health,
Grateful for the love, leadership, & support from Clear Creek to Cross Community,
and so much more.
Thank you 2011, a year I'll probably never forget.
 
“The LORD is my strength and my shield;   my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy,   and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7

Best Christmas Gift....EVER

2011-12-27T22:50:00.005-06:00

My best Christmas gift ever came to me on December 26th, 2001! A dark headed, 6 pounds 9 ounce beautiful baby girl~my first girl, Addie Noel. :)
My dark headed, Christmas baby girl is double digits now~the big 10...yikes! I can't believe 10 years have gone by so fast, yet they have been a blast. I've treasured every minute being a stay at home mom and sacrificing a lot to be with this girl as she has grown.

Happy 10th Birthday to my big girl, Addie. I LOVE YOU so so much. :) Praying God continues to use you mighty for Him.
We love you.
Mom

From our Family to Yours....

2011-12-20T23:32:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Ryan, Kara, Addie, Avery, & Annalise Prater
2011

Christmas Fun!!!

2011-12-20T23:06:00.003-06:00

I LOVE, LOVE this time of year. Having lots of fun in the Praters for sure. :)

1. Christmas shopping
2. looking at Christmas lights around town
3. Getting Christmas cards in the mail everyday
4. Advent calendars
5. reading the birth of Jesus as a family at night all piled up on one bed
6. the cheerful songs of Christmas music
7. a glowing Christmas tree in a completely dark home
8. Christmas movies with my girls
9. endless holiday treats that are constant in our home
10. Christmas Eve service with my church
11. wrapping gifts with my husband
12. holiday dinner with your best girl friends
13. collecting all the stocking stuffers for my girls
14. Operation Christmas child box
15. new pjs for the girls

...And, SO many more!! It's fun just writing them down. I love the Christmas season and hope you too are finding new reasons to celebrate this Holy season. :)

November update...o wait, it's already December

2011-12-17T22:44:00.003-06:00

Whew....One word!! Wow, it has been incredible busy settling down to life in Katy and the demands to starting up a church with your husband! I can't even hardly remember November besides a trip to TX panhandle that brought me some of my favorite weather...cold! ;) Then, between subbing and constantly hosting something at our home for church, we were volunteering in the schools, and for me just keeping my head on top of water with 3 girls, schedules, homework, and did I mention my kindergartner has homework?!?! Needless to say, November came and went, and we are already have way into December.
Cross Community Church is doing well, we added another family in November so right now for our "core group" we are at 9 families & too many kids that we literally could already have a peewee school!!! LOL :) I'm excited to announce that we will have our first "public" service this Christmas Eve at Cimarron Elementary, my girl's school. We are SO Excited to celebrate our first Christmas with some friends and neighbors the core group has been investing in. After Christmas Eve, we will meet starting in January. August will be our big "Launch" as they call in church world where its a HUGE push to public and the church has to be ready on so many levels. It has been hard....but so fun. I am getting gray hair and Ryan is still losing his. ;)
Girls are growing like crazy...2 of them already letting go of their blankies but needing me in so many other ways. Its a weird dynamic going on but I am trying to enjoy and embrace the good growth.
I caught a super cute pic of the girls so I'll be posting soon. Its a perfect example and snapshot of all 3 personalities.
Well, it's off to bed I go....although sitting here with all lights off except the Christmas tree next me makes me happy. I sure do hope to post more...tomorrow. :)

My Avery Girl's Birthday

2011-11-05T21:49:00.004-05:00

On October 29, 2003..the Lord blessed our family with our second girl! Avery Rian truly has a heart of gold, the sweetest & kindess spirit, and lover of our family. I love every ounce of that girl beyond belief. I thank my God for her life.
Happy 8th Birthday my Avery girl!! :)

Last Saturday, Avery and her 2 best friends~Kennedi and Brighton, along with Addie and Annalise had a pedicure all together to celebrate Avery's birthday. What else would a 8 yr old girl love but have leopard printed on the toes and be pampered while doing it?!?! ;) We topped off her "fancy" day with cupcakes at Ooh La La. :)
She beamed the whole time and I think it might be one birthday she wont forget.
Best friends and pretty toes....Happy Birthday Avery.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:27:00.004-05:00

And so we have....

Annalise, the Poodle

Avery, the Angel

Addie, the POP Dancer

We had a GREAT night! Our new neighborhood was rockin last night. There were a total of 3 homes that had a haunted house type theme going on and then there were just tons of people walking the area. Just might be, our best Halloween yet.
Hope yours was super SWEET!

Go Big RED!!

2011-10-31T21:55:00.004-05:00

Katy...Tigers....Katy...Tigers....Katy...Tigers

The Praters love football! Both of us growing up in West TX, Ryan being a quarterback in high school and college, and me cheering on a huge 5A high school....both of us appreciate tradition and some great high school football.
This past weekend, we headed out again to support the undefeated Katy High. It was a blast and Beautiful day. Big blue sky and temps in the upper 50s! :) Awesome. I LOVED it.
Here are some fun pics of all the Prater clan cheering on Big Red. Enjoy.

I am in LOVE....

2011-10-23T14:37:00.004-05:00

with Pinterest! Yes, I am. The online catalog that just made my life a little more organized, creative, and a whole new menu for my family. Pinterest is so fun!! :)

By far, my favorite past time right now is getting my comfy pj pants on, the laptop on my lap, & go a looking. I have been able to find some awesome and easy recipes and great, creative ways to decorate my new home for Christmas.
For example, due to the fact our new home has a wrap around fireplace mantle...I needed ideas of how to decorate this baby for Christmas. I typed in Christmas mantle decorating into pinterest and BAM.... I got tons of wonderful, yet simple, easy ideas with items like mason jars, balls, lanterns, and so much more. :) WOW!

So, thank you Pinterest for new decorating ideas, new meals for my family, creative gifts, easy do it yourself projects, and my favorite....CHRISTMAS ideas.
I LOVE u! ;)

Down on the Farm Birthday

2011-10-06T09:40:00.006-05:00

I really don't like dropping a lot of money on a birthday party, never have! I've always kinda leaned more to the "experience" so more memories can be made for my girls. I want them to look back and remember more family experiences for their birthdays instead of some random year at another gymnastic place or chuck e cheeses.
So, for Annalise's birthday we spent some time down on the farm...Dewberry Farm that is, in Brookshire, TX. It literally is like 20 minutes from Katy. Country land, hay stacks, fort, animals, corn maze, and a big pumpkin patch. What else could a little 6 year old "active" little girl want?!?! ;)
It was a blast! Ryan went down the roller slide and I rode in the tractor barrel train. :) Fun times as a family and the day was absolutely perfect!!! Woke up to a sunny, cool morning of 57 degrees and by the time we left the farm it was 83 degrees!
AWWWEEESome! Loved every minute of the birthday celebration down on the farm.
Here are some pictures. :)

(Ha~Ryan won the pig call at the pig races...total youth minister still in him) :)

Annalise Grace

2011-09-29T20:40:00.005-05:00

Annalise Grace- 1 day old!

My spunky, yet full of life little girls turned 6 today! She truly has such a joyful spirit about her that is contagious. There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't make us laugh. Annalise LOVES life and every day she teaches me to live it the fullest and have fun doing it.

Happy 6th Birthday to our 3rd daughter, Annalise Grace! :)

(Taco Bell for lunch with mom~ but mom didn't eat Taco Bell ) ;)

(Build a Bear tonight with money from Aunt Trudy~ Thank you Aunt Trudy, she was so proud to hand the lady her birthday money) :)

Happy Birthday to my Man

2011-09-27T20:27:00.004-05:00

Well, Fall is here and that means a lot of things for the Prater household but one being, the family birthdays have begun.
Friday, Sept. 23, Ryan turned the big 37!!!

This man still can make me laugh like no other, smile, and make my heart skip a beat (especially in his boots and jeans.) :)
So thankful to God for an amazing and godly husband, daddy to my 3 girls, fun friend, and awesome pastor.

Happy Birthday to my Man....I love ya Ryan!

Pumpkin Muffins (from scratch)

2011-09-18T14:36:00.003-05:00

I love pumpkin...well almost everything pumpkin. I do not like pumpkin pie or pumpkin candles but pumpkin muffin, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin pancakes are a favorite for sure!! Friday night, I took out one of my favorite cook books (Junior League of Abilene), one that has some amazing from scratch recipes and kicked off my crave for FALL by making the family some pumpkin muffins.
Here is the recipe, thought I would share. Enjoy...they were delicious!

Pumpkin Muffins/2
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 small can pumpkin
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
4 eggs

Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and mix well. Add the pumpkin, oil, and eggs. Beat 1 minute. Spoon into greased muffin pan.
Bake a 325 degrees fir 15-20 minutes or until done.

You can also...
*Bake in a bundt pan in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour.

I can feel it

2011-09-16T09:03:00.005-05:00

Its like right there! The ending of a scorcher and dry summer and now we are slowly getting to embrace the cool mornings! Ahhh :)
I.Love.Fall
And I can feel it, it is almost here, and it feels good.
I have to admit that yesterday Mr Al Rocker on the Today show was kindly showing the map of the US and the states that were already feeling cooler temps this week and I was JEALOUS! Then, on facebook last night, some friends were sharing the rain, the cool front, and their glee of what they were experiencing as the front pushed through. Again, jealous! ;)
Yesterday brought this Fall longing and so I ended up buying a huge order of Scentsy products to get me stocked up for the holidays and change of seasons. Then, in my grocery cart yesterday sat the peppermint mocha coffee creamer. I love that stuff! And even though its been out like all year long, I only buy it in the Fall.
So, today I am grateful for the cool mornings Katy TX has brought me!!! Because right now....I can feel it, FALL is coming! :)

9-11

2011-09-11T14:28:00.008-05:00

10 Year Anniversary~We will never forget!

"God so loved us and hates suffering that he was willing to come down and get involved in it." #Jesus #theCross
~Tim Keller

Captivated by their stories

2011-09-07T14:46:00.004-05:00

As the 10 anniversary of 9/11 approaches, I have been glued to the stories being shared on TV and on the web. I love stories....and don't we all have a story to tell....don't we all come together during a suffering, or catastrophic event to be a helping hand?! Because even with one hand of help, there is hope. You are not alone.
Our stories start weaving together.
September 11, 2001~ I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with Addie, teaching at ST. John's Episcopal School in Abilene. We were all in chapel that morning when our business lady who was in front of me, turned around and told me the twin towers in NYC had been hit by a plane. I remember when my school kids went to an enrichment, I was standing in the library with many other teachers watching this tragedy unfold on TV and we were all crying. I couldn't believe what I was watching...I remember thinking, I'm scared to now bring a little girl into this world!
As I type this, I can still see everything vividly in my mind.
So now, 10 years removed, I am still captivated by stories, heroic ones, sad ones, the rebuilding of the memorial, and how people have changed or have been moved to start a cause because of their loss.
A story shared on the Today show was on a husband who lost his wife in the World Trade Center leaving him with a 2 year old girl and newborn down syndrome little boy. Their story was beautiful of how this single dad has pressed forward raising these kids. The 12 year old girl was asked, "what would you say to your mom", she replied and crying "I would ask her, what are we going to do today together?" She longed just for the presence of her mom and a daily, simple life with her mom.
It was so touching.
Or this story...please take time to watch this video, it is incredible. I saw in early Saturday morning on ESPN, Ryan and I both were crying on the couch together. It truly is another wonderful story!!!!
May we never forget that day when so many of them face it every single day!

My Heart is heavy

2011-09-06T20:58:00.004-05:00

I am incredible saddened by the devastation this great state of TX is experiencing due to all these wild fires! Although we woke up to a beautiful blue, clear, no humidity Texas sky filled with a northern chill, I was reminded this afternoon with the haze and smell of smoke coming from Magnolia, TX that lots of devastation is happening all around. Last night, I laid in bed lights totally out, Ryan already asleep and I prayed for rain for our land. I prayed only for the wild fires, the people, our land, the fire fighters, the animals.
My heart was heavy!
People less than 2 hours away are losing everything...wildlife are in danger......some lives have been lost.....people are letting go of their life stock so they can escape......people are sleeping in trucks & animals in trailers, beautiful TX lands are being charred down to nothing......and firemen are working endlessly to put out these fires.
It's heart breaking.
I want to help....just trying to figure out how and what that en tells. Today, the Katy ISD posted on FB ways to start donating. I'll start there. I've got some other ideas too. I'll begin again tonight, praying for rain, praying for these fires to diminish, praying hands and feet rise up and help neighbors of this great state!
Join me in praying...and maybe moving into action~

Its ALL new, but it is Good

2011-08-29T13:33:00.003-05:00

A new home~
A new city~
A new school for my girls~
A new school time (8:20-3:40)~
A new school district with a lot of school pride~
A new grocery store~
A new hair stylist~
A new favorite local eat~
New neighbors~
New church~
New friends~

And so the list could go!!! Its funny how my IPhone map has become my best friend as I learn all the new places and how to get around Katy. ;)
So life in Katy has been about a month, and my home is finally feeling like home. Everything is up on the walls and in place. One of the newest things I almost love best..... is the long bar and tall bar stools where 3 beautiful girls sit every morning before school as I scurry around in the kitchen.
We have already had some really good conversations. It is good! :)

A man and a dog

2011-08-25T15:07:00.005-05:00

Because men and women fight for my freedom every.single.day....and because I'm an animal lover...you have to see this!

(you might want to you tube it, you can't see all of the dog)
The photo showing the bond between felled Navy SEAL Jon Tomlinson and his dog Hawkeye has captured the attention of the Web.

The soldier was one of 38 killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 6 when a rocket-propelled grenade took out a U.S. Chinook helicopter. He was mourned at a service in Rockford, Iowa, attended by 1,500 family members and friends, and Tomlinson's loyal canine companion.

The Labrador retriever was such an important part of Tomlinson's life that the San Diego resident called his dog "son."

When Tomlinson's friend Scott Nichols walked to the front of the room to give his eulogy, Hawkeye followed. As Nichols spoke, Hawkeye dropped to the ground at the foot of the casket and, according to observers, heaved a big sigh. The loyal pooch would not leave his owner's casket during the funeral.

The video clip of the mourning dog seen here has already received more than 113,000 views.

And then there was 3!!!!

2011-08-23T09:36:00.006-05:00

Yes, all 3 girls in school!! I can't believe it. The year 2005 seems like yesterday and now the last Prater girl is going to big school. Wow!

4th, 2nd, Kindergarten....my girls! So here they are, one of my greatest joys and blessings. I come to this year thankful and grateful for the 9 years I've been home with them. The huge sacrifices made, the time, the endless memories. Thank you Lord for the time with my girls. :)

First day of school 2011-2012

(Grammy always makes it to first day of Kindergarten-Annalise's turn now!!)

What my soul craves this very moment.....

2011-08-18T20:47:00.003-05:00

~ A routine....
~ early mornings in my bible again....
~ Cooler weather~ Fall~ a very BIG hope its a cold winter....
~ a date night with my hubby....
~ instant friendships for my girls as they start a new year at a new school....

These past 3 weeks of this summer have been incredible busy, non-stop, and truly just hard work as we packed up a house in League City and moved across Houston to Katy and unpacked into our new home. And along with that, life didn't stop like church world and seeing family and registering your girls for a new school district. My days have been filled with A LOT. I'm tired, but I'm incredible thankful and grateful for all that has happened in these weeks.
So right now, I find some peace and rest writing on my blog and reading some blogs.
This is nice.... :)

House Update

2011-08-04T23:38:00.003-05:00

Wow, I've never intended my summer to be consumed with trying to sell a home but it sure was! Wow, so glad it is over....no we didn't sell our home but we did lease it out for a year. Praise God! My prayer through all this transition into church planting world has been that my girls would start school in Katy. Such a HUGE answer to prayer~ we just needed to start life in Katy. All summer, we have been commuting on Sunday for Cross Community because well, the church plant has begun and we are in the process of building the "core team". So, life in 2 cities as pretty much consumed a lot of our time. So, I am excited to tell you that someone put an offer of lease on our home last week and we signed on a lease home there in Katy yesterday.
Back at the end of June, we had someone put an offer on our home to buy but they wanted A LOT of money to be brought to the table. We knew with the crazy market and type of loan we had on the house we needed to have quite a bit saved and we did, it's just they needed so much help that we would of ended up in an apartment over in Katy because we emptied our entire savings. We were not at peace with that decision, so we declined the offer that was presented. Another continued blessing came again in 4 weeks, we had this offer to lease. We took it! It lined up and was perfect in many ways. God is good~always! :)
So, now we press forward and move out of our League City home this Saturday...Yes! I will have packed this home in 4 days...yes a 4 bedroom, 2100 sq ft home but I am thankful we have lived simple. It pays off now! ;) Seriously though, I am just thankful to be packing a home so we can at least get one year under us and continue to work hard in starting the church in Katy. Thank You Lord! :)

A Dollar of FUN

2011-07-20T16:08:00.004-05:00

Yep, here is what 3 cans of silly string from the Dollar store can do with 3 silly girls...Endless laughs and fun! :)

I put those running shoes back on!!!

2011-07-19T21:56:00.003-05:00

Due to the fact I have like major transitions going on in my life right now...
~church planting
~trying to sale a house
~trying to find a house to rent
~baby girl starting Kindergarten
~turned 35
~and these are just a few ;)
I put on the old running shoes and started back to running to channel some of my stress during these life changes. It has been great! I feel great! I started running this summer and have built myself up to running a mile 3 times a week. I love it. :)
My goal for the summer is to stay consistent and just maintain a routine to get stronger and build up strength. I hope to gear myself up by Fall when temps are a little cooler in Houston and push myself for two miles 3 times a week.
I have to brag on myself because I have never kept up with running like I have now. I feel more determined or maybe its just my mind and body need it at this age of life!!! lol ;)
So, to all my friends and family out there, next time you see me help keep me accountable to my running......And just ask me if those running shoes are still on! :)

Annual Girls Getaway

2011-07-18T10:11:00.006-05:00

Myself and 3 other very dear friends loaded up in a Tahoe and headed to the TX hill country for 4 days! This was our annual girls trip that allows for a lot of FUN time with one another & absolutely NO responsibilities. These 3 women have an incredible HUGE heart for the Lord and love being a wife/mom. When we gather, we tell endless stories, parenting advice, dig deep into our personal lives...basically spur one another on. IT.WAS.AMAZING!!! I love these girls deep, they love me deep, and all of them are pastor wives so we really can relate on many levels.
What can rejuvenate and refill a girl???? :)
~floating 2 days on the Guadalupe River with 3 best friends
~a trip to Fredericksburg, TX for a little shopping
~total chick food so we don't have to cook...salad and wraps! LOL ;)
~a good tan
~endless laughs and new bonds
~parenting advice
~deep, strong friendships that dig deep into one another to be better women

Loved my girl's getaway..So fun. I want to give a shout of thanks to my dear husband who took on all 3 girls so I could go. I love you Ryan Prater...you truly serve me in so many ways!

Camp with Dad

2011-07-04T11:06:00.005-05:00

Wow, what a week! Last week, we got to trek along with Ryan to help with a youth camp on Lake Brownwood. It.was.a.blast!!! :) This year, Ryan was not there as the youth pastor but as the director of the camp. Now every summer, Ryan will get to be a director for a Horizon summer camp which is so awesome! Not only is it super fun & we get paid for a fun week, but it does allow Ryan to keep his hand in youth as we journey on into starting a church. :) And we get to go tag along so it is a huge blessing in so many ways. Yes, it was super hot but every part of it was fun. I loved watching our girls be loved on by godly college girls working the camp and the youth girls. I pray it was a visual impact to my girls and their hearts. Biggest news on our end...Avery accepted Jesus as her forever friend during worship. Woohoo!!! :) More on that in my next post.
Here are so fun pics of our week at camp. Enjoy. :)

Taking Full Advantage

2011-06-21T21:47:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to take full advantage of the fact that I live 5 minutes from the Kemah Boardwalk right on Galveston Bay! :) Because soon, very soon...my home will not sit 5 minutes away but rather over an hour away when we move!
So today, I loaded up the girls this afternoon since the rain came and went way to fast and let them play in the water area. They lasted a whopping 40 minutes but we walked around, and visited the Aquarium and even ended our time there at the candy store. :)Fun stuff...and all free besides the sweet stuff! ;)

A Unforgettable Blessing

2011-06-17T14:41:00.006-05:00

It was an incredible day...unbelievable actually! After the wedding in Abilene, we loaded up the van and headed on up North to Tulia (Ryan's hometown) late Saturday night. It was a nice drive in West TX and easy...nothing like driving I45 that's for sure. ;) We had decided to go to Tulia since we were already have way there and Ryan was preaching on Sunday at his home town church. He was also doing some fundraising for Cross Community. We were asking First Baptist Tulia to partner with us for prayer partners and financial giving to help start the church and for year 2! We had 3 families sign up to give monthly which is GREAT but we had a lot of BIG one time gifts. We raised close to $2000 and that didn't include the love offering and more cards that were filled out! Such a blessing to have many people..Rural, country people understand the need for church planting, love on Ryan, and give financially to start up church that is 10 hours away. So Awesome!

Another reason Sunday was a very blessed day....Ryan was given a CAR! Yes, A CAR! :D
I could not believe it, neither could Ryan~we were in complete shock. After the service on Sunday, Ryan's dad (Donnie) kept telling us that he had something to show in his car. We were like ok, then kept talking and hugging people, greeting the folks in the lobby of the church. Donnie was like so eager and so excited and kept drawing us out of the church. As we walked to his car, he looked at Ryan and crying he said, I would like to hand you the keys to your new car!!! WHAT~ pretty much shocked us beyond words..literally! ;) lol
I started to cry, Ryan cried, Ryan's best buddy from high school was out there taking pictures of us crying, Ryan hugged him. You see, Robert (the high school buddy) is a car dealer in Lubbock and he and Donnie got together 2 weeks ago and made a plan to buy us this car.
Donnie had set aside some money and told Robert he had a certain amount of money he could spend to buy and car and help bless us on this new journey. Then, Robert said, I'll match it! Match it...really~ so incredible!! You see, every year Ryan has a guys weekend up in Lake Grandbury/Stephenville area where he and 5 other best friends from high school meet up. These guys are pretty tight and have known each other a long time. Truly great friends. Well, Robert is one of these buds and he ended up calling the other 4 friends from high school and asked if they would like to help bless Ryan. All of them stacked hands and within 2 days, those guys sent in $10,000. NOT KIDDING Those friends raised all that money and then Donnie and Robert combined their financial gifts and bought the car! Wow, I'm still in shock and completely filled with gratitude. These people have blessed our family beyond Huge! :)
Ryan drives a 1997 Honda Passport that has been a good car but needless to say, 3 windows broken, the sun roof leaks way to much air and is loud...the car is old! LOL
So this new and paid for car is a huge blessing and it really isn't a car but a minivan. It is a 2008 fully loaded Uplander. It has a dvd player, rear air, electric door, and a lot of room. The girls think they are high class now~its so fun! lol ;)

So, Ryan has graciously given me the minivan and he drives old blue (our other minivan) now! What a man. :) We are excited to give away Ryan's car to a family if they want it. We will be presenting it to them and ask if they would like to have it for their boys. They have 2 high school boys and neither have a car. I would love for them to have this Passport~it would be a perfect for a high school boy.:)

So~ Here it is. We are so incredibly grateful! God is good.

Prverbs 11:25
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Summer Trips have begun...

2011-06-16T18:46:00.006-05:00

Wow, I have not intended to be away from my blogging like I have but so much is going on with life transitions and then our summer trips have begun.
Last Thursday, we headed out to Abilene, TX~ our old stomping grounds. Ryan and I went to college there and lived our first 5 years of marriage in Abilene so it is a pretty special town. Lots and lots of memories!!! :) We headed north to see family and attended a wedding of our dear friend Kimberly. She was in Ryan's youth group while we were on staff at a church in Abilene and we have stayed in touch with her all these years. To our luck, Kimberly is living in Houston so we have been able to see and talk with her some. She married the University of Houston quarterback so the wedding had some football theme to it and it was so cute. The wedding was so fun and so PRETTY and so BIG!!! Almost 500 in attendance so needless to say, very elegant and I'm saving my pennies now!! ;)

While in Abilene, we stayed at my aunts house in which she has a pool and the girls just swam, and swam, and swam! :) My sister drove over from Dallas with her kids so we could spend some time together and for the kids to play. Always a treat when we can get together....I sure do wish we could be around each other more!
Friday night, we hit Perini Steakhouse Ranch right out of the Texas Monthly magazine. This little hole in the wall place is in Buffalo Gap (probably 15 minutes) from Abilene and it is delicious! Such good food~ such a treat when the steak costs $27! :)
Then, the weekend was topped off with a fall from Avery girl on my aunts REAL hardwood floors that busted her chin. 8 stitches later and a big bandage...all is well. She was a trooper and strong little girl to get shots and all stitched up! She looked super cute in her pretty dress and a big o bandage on the chin for the wedding. LOL
YES, this all took place hours before the big wedding in Abilene...not kidding! ;)

Here are some fun pics of the crew swimming! I've got some amazing news in my next blog post~stayed tuned. :)

Summer...is Here!

2011-06-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

Summer is here not because it has already hit 100 degrees to many times but because we are in full summer mode in the Prater household! ;)
No more alarm clocks..
No more schedules...
Late nights...
Sleeping in until 8 or 9...
Swimming...
Family Sonic runs...
Family games...
and the one thing I love~Traveling

I love summer for a lot of reasons. For me, it's a time to relax and rest up, literally have no agendas, be flexible, and see family.

I hope you are all off to a wonderful start. Summer 2011 has begun! :)

Look at this Girl.....

2011-05-19T19:10:00.004-05:00

She's a pre-school graduate! ;) Hello Kindergarten...or should I say watch out Kindergarten. LOL :)

We are so proud of our Annalise Grace!

13 Years!

2011-05-17T21:47:00.003-05:00

On May 16, 1998 at 2:00 pm in Hardin-Simmons Logsdon Chapel, I said I DO to the love of my life! I am so blessed to have Ryan, my best friend, by my side.
I love how he still can make me laugh like no one else and his strong hugs that embrace me daily....I am having the time of my life.

I found the One My Heart Loves
Song of Solomon 3:4

(Here are 13 highlights that have happened in our 13 years of marriage~Ryan and I came up with this list together on our anniversary dinner date on Monday night) ;)

1. the birth of all 3 girls

2. Addie accepted Christ as her Savior

3. Our trip to Hawaii (1 year anniversary)

4. our 850 sq foot rent house that literally had no hallways
(I could plug my vacuum into one outlet and vacuum the entire house) :) so funny

5. our trip Jackson Hole~horse back riding, riding the river, hiking around

6. our financial move from our Meadowbend home to our current home where we were able to pay off all debts

7. Washington D.C trip together with some youth

8. Nashville trip for our 10 year anniversary

9. walks around this beautiful old neighborhood with huge homes, where our small rent home sat in Abilene, TX...we walked and dreamed together

10. connections to some amazing church staff both for Ryan and I that have become very sweet, dear friends

11. our many, many bed and breakfast we have visited

12. living completely debt free besides our home mortgage

13. the many trips to Destin, Florida with all the girls (they love the beach)

*As you can tell, Ryan and I love to travel, go, or take trips. Our continued goal as we move toward life in Katy, is to live small so we can take the girls and our own trips to many more places! * :)

Playing Catch Up.....with Pictures!

2011-05-15T21:46:00.011-05:00

Well, lets see...it has been over a month since I've posted any pictures, recent ones of the Prater happenings so here's a little glimpse of our life...picture style! ;)
Enjoy!
Easter 2011

Mother's Day Tea at Peewee School

Mother's Day Fun Pics on the Couch

A weekend to Remember

2011-05-09T14:37:00.003-05:00

One thing that makes a momma feel special is a whole weekend of family celebration! :)
My mother's day weekend started off with such a fun Friday night. Ryan grilled us up some grilled chicken with BBQ on it and sprinkled blue cheese...it was so yummy! I love grilled chicken and this was probably one of the best he's made yet. :) Then, we all loaded up in the Passport with Obi-Wan (our 90 lb cattle dog) and headed over to Seabrook Trails and walked for over an hour. So fun, as a lot of people have been talking about these trails so we hit them before we exit this side of Houston and can't take advantage of the local stuff. The weather that night was amazing! So cool, basically perfect for a evening walk right off the Galveston Bay. We ended the night with apple crumb cobbler and ice cream! :) Enough said!!!
Saturday was almost perfect...if not!!! Ryan cooked up some chocolate chip pancakes and then we grabbed the beach towels, beach toys, and boogie boards and hit the beach down in Galveston. A day at the beach wouldn't be complete without a stop at our favorite eats..The Spot! Love that place...it sits right off from the beach and the views from the balcony are great, plus the food is AWESOME. They have amazing burgers and fried onion rings...Mmmmm! Love it. So, we spent all afternoon down on the beach and topped it off with a walk on the Strand and ice cream at La Kings old fashion soda/taffy shop. It was a blast! The girls didn't ever get off the boogie boards and Ryan and I weren't a nervous wreck because they are FINALLY at a doable age to totally enjoy every part of the beach. Its funny how ages 9,7, & 5 seem to get more and more fun. :)
And to my surprise...Ryan bought me a new iPhone since my last one took flight out of my car in December(had a cheap case around it) and busted the screen. It worked so I continued using it with no complaints but my sweet hubby used his upgrade to get me a new one. No, I didn't get the 4G, just replaced my 3GS and today made it complete by buying a Otter Box case around it (way more protection than my last). I'm not chancing this one. ;)

Wow, I spent the first weekend in May with my sister and mom in Canton and this past weekend, I spent the entire time with my girls and Ryan. I am blessed and so grateful for all the laughs, memories, gifts, and time shared this Mother's Day.
Hope you too had on amazing, blessed Mother's Day! Much Love.

Less than 28 days....

2011-05-04T14:36:00.004-05:00

~We will officially 100% be church planters :)
~We will no longer be members of or attend Clear Creek Community Church
~We will be members of Cross Community Church of Katy
~Ryan will pack up his office for the last time as a youth minister
~Ryan's office will be a laptop, Starbucks, and many, many meetings
~We will start doing as much life as possible in Katy until the house sells
~We will hopefully be packing up our home in League City
~We will plug into city life in the greater Katy area
~We will be a church of 10 as of now
~We will challenge missional people to GO help make Cross Community happen

~But most importantly....we ask our family and friends to pray, pray for this church, our family, and the city of Katy! Very exciting but hard days are ahead and we would love your encouragement and prayer for this journey. :) Thank you!

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

1000 gifts continued....

2011-05-02T16:03:00.003-05:00

~Ann Voskamp~
Maybe only these two words that I could say a thousand times, everywhere, till I become them, enfold them, live them in a thousand, endless ways?
THANK YOU

61. A girl's weekend away to Canton, TX for our annual Mother's Day trip of shopping with only my mom and sister.

62. A safe airplane ride that allowed for a 5 hour trip turn into only 2 hours!

63. Girl's night out with Kim, Kayla, and Jennefer that provides endless laughs and encouragement.

64. the health of my girls

65. the promise from Easter that God is constantly making all things new.
"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new."
Revelation 21:5

66. new vintage style tops I found on my shopping spree this weekend

67. my hubby, 3 girls, and snow cones sitting around a table eating them & talking

68. the many, many buyers that are coming to look at our home for possible purchase

69. my husbands arms

70. signing up Addie for her first summer church camp ever & her smile beam from ear to ear with excitement

Conversations with Addie

2011-04-26T21:10:00.006-05:00

Wow, my first girl is growing fast and I know that, and I really can see that on a daily basis but sometimes....its our conversations that hit me hard and I realize that I really, really love the "big girl" she is becoming! ;)
Upon putting her to bed on Monday night early (because its TAKS week), she starts talking to me about her really good friend, a non-christian. She tells me that her friend wants Addie to pray at lunch and I asked Addie...did you??? Addie replys, yes, well ok- and Addie said but what was cool is that people asked me what I was doing. :) YEA!!!
Then, she tells me a five minute conversation that would be WAY long to retell but in a nutshell, her same friend has been asking a lot of God questions. Why this, Why that, etc. So, we chatted awhile about it and I was very surprised how she handled and answered some of the God questions. I kept thinking to myself...I am so proud of her...I am so thankful she's putting her faith into action...I am so thankful she shares her faith....I am happy she is confident in talking about God even though she didn't have all the answers...I Love how she is becoming into her own~the very knit of God's hands! :) I couldn't be more proud in so many ways.

I knew Addie Noel would be unique...she always has been in so many ways. My very serious child, the analyzer, the compassionate, and being born the day after Christmas I knew raising this child would be joyful.
So, as my Addie girl grows, learns, and still is being molded, I thank God for her life and pray He would use her in her very unique ways.

How Great

2011-04-25T09:47:00.003-05:00

Because I love God, Because she is one of my favorite singers, Because there is a family that will bury their child today, Because we find hope in the Resurrected Christ, Because life is crazy, Because I love being a mom, Because He loves us!!!!

Enjoy...I promise you don't want to miss her singing this! :)
(pause my music first)

The girl's will play

2011-04-15T16:30:00.004-05:00

Yep, while dad's away....the girl's will play! :) Well, the month of April is upon us and it is one crazy month. Ryan is gone this month quite a bit but all for good causes, especially when he brings home a bonus paycheck. ;)
Last weekend, Ryan was up in Arlington, TX leading out a discipleship weekend. It's always kinda weird when my side kick is gone from me, I really miss his laughs & talks even if its just running errands or hang time at the house. Anyway...the girls and I took off to the mall after school and did a little shopping and came home for a dinner and a movie. Saturday, I treated them to Soul Surfer at the theatre. Wow, that was a huge surprise on how good the movie was and details of Bethany Hamilton's life before and after the shark attack. It's a must see movie about a christian girl raised in a christian home who finds an amazing determination and will & realizes how God can use her. GO see it...its a must see movie full price. :)
Well, this weekend, Ryan was at his guys weekend that is planned every April with his good friends from high school. So, this year my mom decided to come down and bring my sister's kids so we hit the town once again this weekend! ;) Grammy treated everyone to the 3-D movie RIO and Saturday was a full day at Kemah Boardwalk! We bought the wristbands for all the kids so my mom and I literally just walked and watched the kids go from ride to ride to ride. It was super fun, especially when I finally got some sun on my white arms and legs. Easy way to soak up the sun but what was more awesome was the weather! It was a perfect day...sunny skies, crisp cool 70s with NO humidity. LOVED every minute of it!
Ahhh, it was a fast weekend~always is when we have family come see us. I seems to just fly by but I am so very thankful for the laughs, and simple things that make it extra special.
It Was A Great Weekend!!! :)

1000 Gifts continued....

2011-04-04T13:59:00.002-05:00

"God is always good and I am always loved. Everything is Eucharisteo."~Ann Voskamp

51. Fresh flowers sitting in front of the home

52. 3 girls smiles that beam from ear to ear on a Kemah boardwalk ride

53. a horse that nudges me at the rodeo to be petted, & I did... a good while

54. family dinner with friends on Fridays that provide endless laughs

55. my husband wearing his cap backwards

56. a preschool girl who gentle whispers to me..."i love you, Ms Kara"

57. apple cider vinegar & its health benefits

58. conversations with my 9 yr old girl (Addie) about becoming a woman

59. dinner with Ryan after the girl's have gone to bed

60. Pedicure...aka pretty toes

I Really Like this song....

2011-04-04T08:48:00.002-05:00

I'll always be a country music fan and it's to no surprise that the Academy of Country Music Awards were on last night & I tuned in! :)
I was so hoping this song would be preformed by Ronnie Dunn live...and it was!
So awesome, and so good. Here is a video of the lyrics, which are really touching.
Enjoy all my country fan lovers! ;)

My brain hurts

2011-04-03T16:11:00.004-05:00

It really does! In honesty terms, I've been a little anxious with trying to figure out the whole "where are we gonna live" feeling once our house sales here in League City. Will we rent, house or apartment, buy a home, will it be South side or North side (big deal in Katy area), will my kids go to schools that feed Katy high, or not, will proximity really matter at first for our family, or just being missional no matter where,etc, etc....
Seriously, is it something I really need to be focusing on right now...NO! It's just that I am a planner, I like to be prepared, have a plan, have options, have a least a little bit of an idea. I am finding out that my control is becoming less and less in this whole transition to church planting world. One of my prayers for myself has been that I knew these loads would be heavy to my mind and heart; therefore, I would have to and WANT to lay it at Gods feet. There is no way I can carry all these "things" that have quickly become major transitions in my life.
I'm reminded that today, again, sitting in church listening to the sermon on Gospel Community~ living a life that not only KNOWS the gospel but LIVES it in their life too. So, how do I live that out in this transitional time, in many areas in my life??? Continue to lean into God's word, His promises, His grace...especially when I start letting anxieties of the "unknown" to rule my thoughts.
May I rest in Him alone and remember this quote by pastor Rick Warren (the guy who wrote Purpose Driven Life)
~Reject panic with praise. Replace worry with worship. Relieve anxiety with adoration.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-04-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

A big Happy Anniversary...happy 39 years to my mom and dad today! Yes, it's April Fools Day, but it is a special day that mom and dad share and a day I remember how grateful I am for the long, hard commitment they have made to one another.
What a great example for us all. We love you bunches! :)

Flights Booked!!

2011-03-30T10:38:00.002-05:00

Today I booked my flight to Dallas for our new annual Mother's Day weekend at Canton, TX! :) Last year for mother's day, my sister and I surprised my mom with a hotel and day at Canton just us 3! Canton is this massive place that has trade days/flea markets in which you can find about almost anything you could possible want. Seriously, it has food, furniture, clothes, plants, home decor, candles, and anything else that makes a girl giddy for a major good deal!! :)

Well, this year I booked a flight to save on the time and now that gas is so expensive and costs me $57 to fill up the van, I found great deals on flights! In fact, coming home, I got the ticket for $49 which was so awesome....savings on time and money.
I can't wait to for this weekend. My sister, my mom, no kids, yummy food, and incredible flea market finds. Let the countdown begin.... :)

We Have a Name....

2011-03-22T20:50:00.003-05:00

Yep...Ryan finally named the church we will plant in Katy, Tx~

Cross Community Church
I absolutely love it! I think saying Cross Community of Katy just sounds so..right!
So, now that Ryan finally landed a name, we will soon set up a site where many of our friends and family can follow our church planting journey and know specific ways of how to partner with us in prayer.

I promise to pass along the website/blog very soon so you all can join. Thanks already for all the love, prayers, and encouragement with starting up this new church...
Cross Community Church! :)

The Fly By Spring Break

2011-03-20T09:08:00.006-05:00

Wow, I can't believe Spring Break is already over! It flew by so fast but I guess that's what happens when you are having lots of fun and do a little traveling. :)
We started off in the Dallas area with my family and had a great visit with a lot of my aunts and uncles and my grandparents and a little trip downtown to the Ft. Worth Stockyards.
We headed home on Monday only to welcome Ryan's parents here for the rest of the week. We went to the Houston rodeo, Kemah Boardwalk(don't even ask...a local should know better) lol ;) , and Froberg's Farm in Alvin to pick strawberries! It was a FULL week, but amazing. The weather was nice and so was the down time. Here are some pics of all the happenings of our Spring Break. Enjoy. :)
The Ft Worth Stockyards

Houston Rodeo

Waiting on Miranda Lambert concert

Spring Means...

2011-03-07T10:04:00.002-06:00

All things new and fun! :) For being a girl who loves winter, this year I've really been ready for Spring and not sure why!? I think my soul is craving what Spring ushers in our lives. A time for growth, time of blooms & vibrant colors, time with family, breaks in school, schedules, routines, and celebration of Easter.
The cool mornings and sunny, warm blue afternoon skies have been refreshing and have made me look forward to Spring Break with my girls!
Last year, we took the girl's to Sea World so this year we are doing all things Rodeo/Texas style! ;) While we are at my parents house, we are taking the girls to Ft Worth Stockyards and then coming home to enjoy the Rodeo festivities here in Houston. I think I'm more excited than my girls about the Stockyards! LOL :) I haven't been there since Ryan and I were dating and now there is so much more in downtown Ft Worth. Best part...free activities all day Saturday! :)
So~ since Spring is in the air down here in South TX, I hope these days bring you smiles and warmth, days outside, and time with family. Let me know some fun things you have planned..even if its totally no plans at all! ;) Enjoy your Spring Break friends and family.

1000 gifts continued

2011-03-06T21:34:00.004-06:00

"To Learn to be Grateful and Happy, whether hands full or hands empty. That is the secret worth spending a life on learning."~ Ann Voskamp

41. A field trip with my middle child and her first grade class at the zoo, sitting outside, over the pond, eating a picnic, giggles, animals, beautiful scenery

42. A 24 hr trip to see my pop pop celebrate his 80th birthday and his smile

43. The crisp coolness of winter leaving and sunny warm afternoons that Spring is bringing

44. A smile and hug from a friend at church today who could make a trip home all the way from Saudi Arabia~still praying for the Perry family :) So good to see them!

45. Natural sunlight and windows opened

46. Jeans and flip flops

47. People living on mission who feel called to live SENT and help us plant a church

48. Endless giggles on the trampoline

49. My husband who truly enjoys shopping and shopping with me

50. Time Away from school that comes to help break routine, schedules, and allow time for rest, family, and adventures

Last WeeK Wrap-Up

2011-02-28T09:50:00.007-06:00

Wow, Spring is in the air...and I can't believe it's 2 weeks until Spring Break! And, I can't believe last week came and went very fast! Last Monday, we met with the our realtor to get the house on the market and start moving this thing so we can Move! We had it for sale by owner since mid January but we had decided it was time to sale by realtor so we can show this home and move by summer!
Then, beside our normal work week, I had to clean the house so it was ready for the pictures to be placed on HAR.com..that was a task in itself! Wednesday was Avery's field trip to the Zoo which I wouldn't miss..a day with my Avery girl and animals! :) We also had Skate Night on Thursday and Addie wanted to bring a friend so we all loaded up went to Chick-Fil-a and skate night. :) This year, Avery and Addie both have really blossomed their friendships and we love having them come over and hang out at the house or even load up and go places with our family! I want our family to be the "house" the girls want to be at...Ryan and I want to be the influencer in these girl's lives. It's fun and I have a feeling this is the beginning of our future. :)
On Saturday, the girl's and I headed out of town to Dallas area for literally a 24 hour trip for my pop pop's 80th birthday surprise. It was hard to make this trip in a 24 hr time span but I had to because these huge occasions don't happen all the time and you can't get them back! Plus, Pop Pop has already survived colon cancer and emphysema so making it to 80 was huge!
So, needless to say..it is Monday and I'm moving slow but I remember how grateful I am for many things this morning.
~I made a safe trip to Dallas and back
~I saw Pop Pop & celebrate his 80 yrs of life
~Our house is on the market via realtor
~we had 3 showings on the home this weekend after 1 week on the market

Here are some pictures from our adventures last week. Wishing everyone a happy week and Monday. :)

1st grade field trip- Houston Zoo
(i love this first pic..he's so cute..i love animals ;) )

Skate Night

Pop Pop turns 80! (my dad's dad)

Some Good Eats

2011-02-23T20:09:00.003-06:00

OK, let me just tell you that I would return to this Bed & Breakfast again all for the fabulous breakfast this inn keeper made! It was DELICIOUS friends, I mean like 2 new things that I've had never had before and a breakfast table set for kings and queens. ;)
On Friday morning, Judy (the inn keeper, hostess at Lamb's Rest Inn) served up a warm type of yogurt that was molded, served upside down with a fruit sauce over it. Then, she brought out a pancake bowl! Yes, a pancake bowl that was huge and you served up some cinnamon cooked apples and a little bit of syrup....awww, it was sooo good! I loved how unique her food items were but that was nothing because Saturday was AMAZING!
Ms. Judy started us off with a skinned pear that was cored out and stuffed with cream cheese (my favorite) and then cooked. It was so, so good. Then, they took that plate and served us scrambled eggs, peppered bacon, polenta, coffee cake, and then some breakfast rolls!!! Yes, I stuffed myself as much as I could and everything was so YUMMY. Ms Judy definitely has a gift in cooking. I loved her polenta which is like a grit but made with stone corn meal and she even cooked hers up with some cheese. I had never had polenta and I LOVED it! I'm gonna try and find it at our Kroger Signature and serve some up especially after finding out its high in fiber and iron. :) Next, I've never had a pancake bowl or a cooked pear especially stuffed with cream cheese. It probably was one of the best places I've eaten a breakfast at! (and i've eaten in Hawaii) ;) Ms. Judy and Mr. George have owned this B&B for 16 years after retiring from down here in Houston. Now, they are looking to retire for real they told us so they are trying to sell their B&B. I told them that I am going to try and get back before they "really retire" to enjoy once more their amazing hospitality and food!
So, yep, I probably gained a couple of pounds in those 3 days there but I loved how we really experienced a gourmet breakfast in every way! If you are ever in Gruene, TX anytime soon, stay at Lamb's Rest Inn... I promise, you'll experience some Good Eats! :)

Our Getaway

2011-02-21T21:04:00.007-06:00

Ryan and I took off early Thursday morning and headed out to Gruene, TX! I couldn't wait to not only get away by ourselves for 3 days but to experience a new place in the Hill Country. I love the Hill Country, land, river, and anything TX theme rustic type, atmosphere and Gruene greatly met all those expectations and MORE! We had a blast...talking, laughing, sitting on the deck by the river, loving the HUGE gourmet breakfasts that were served, and so much more. :)
I am so thankful for my mom who came down and took care of the home and girls so we could get out of town and into a bed & breakfast in the Hill Country~our favorite!
So here are some pictures of our little getaway! It's a must place to go if you've never been. So, so fun with lots and lots of yummy food and a hop, skip and jump from New Braunfels! I really can't wait to go back~~~~~soon, I hope. :)

(View from back porch looking out toward river)

(Lambs Rest Inn- view from deck by the river)

(view of the river on the deck)

1000 gifts continued...

2011-02-15T21:22:00.003-06:00

Because I will probably never be able to post this on a Monday...my weekly 1000 gifts shall come on any day of the week! ;)
Here are more of my 1000 gifts.

21. The sunny blue sky today

22. Little girls that will come curl up on my lap on the couch

23. Family Valentines at the girl's favorite restaurant~Texas Roadhouse

24. A mom that comes down for 3 days to take care of the girls so Ryan and I can take a mini-trip

25. Our mini-trip this week to Gruene, TX for a 3 day getaway without kids

26. The Hill Country of TX which I love and getting to experience a new place just me and Ryan

27. The yumminess of girl scout cookies

28. 3 girls sound asleep in their bed looking so peaceful

29. Girl's night out for pizza when daddy's out of town

30. The smell of a clean set of sheets

31. A God that always provides my every need

32. 2 Families that will now go with us from League City to help start the church in Katy, TX

33. The mentoring and leadership our church has given Ryan and I

34. My cat Hershel who rubs my toes

35. Ryan's funny antics that make me laugh...a lot

36. Making dinner for dear friends who just had babies

37. Running into sweet friends at the store that allows time for catching up

38. The telephone talks to my sister

39. The cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings

40. The book club formed with Jen, Kayla, Kim on this amazing book

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T20:01:00.003-06:00

Wishing all our friends and family lots of Love and Laughter this Valentine's Day from the Praters!

Much Love~

At Texas Roadhouse :)

What's Your Favorite????

2011-02-12T21:11:00.001-06:00

Its that time of year that if you were trying to exercise, stay thin, or at least watch your portion controls....it's out the window because Girl Scout cookies are in! ;) I love these little cookies and I really can't believe I spend 3.50 on a box.
Well, $17 later, I have 5 boxes ordered 2 which have already been delivered and 1 box that has already been open. :) So, as I sit here drinking a cup of coffee and eating ONE thin mint, I ask...What is Your Favorite girl scout cookie???? What is the one you just can't get enough? Mine???
Thin Mints
Peanut Butter
Lemonades
Thin Mints
Peanut Butter
Lemonades

Yep, you get the picture! :) So now your turn...which little scrumptious cookie can you just not help but eat, and eat, and eat????

A Satruday Morning Must

2011-02-11T21:57:00.004-06:00

The other day, I had food network on and I was actually sitting down to watch it unlike having it on while I start getting things around for dinner and signing folders, checking homework, etc and I saw a must make breakfast recipe!
Saturday mornings are usually a huge breakfast day for the family. I always try to have pancakes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, or even homemade monkey bread or something just extra special to help start the weekend off scrumptious! One thing about my girls, is they are HUGE breakfast eaters which makes it fun.
So, when I sat watching the food network with Down Home with the Neelys and they had a breakfast recipe, I perked up. I always like a new breakfast idea. It was called Banana Stuffed French Toast...ummm YUMMO! :) Who doesn't like a big piece of bread dipped in cream & cinnamon and stuffed with mashed bananas and cream cheese! Friends...stuffed with cream cheese!! What is cream cheese not good with?!?! :)
So here is the recipe straight from the website. I hope to make this very soon and give a report back. :)

Banana Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients

* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup light brown sugar
* Pinch ground cinnamon
* 3 ripe bananas, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
* 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
* 1 large unsliced loaf French bread, bread cut into 8 slices
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 1/2 cups whole milk
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon rum extract
* Nonstick cooking spray
* Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
* Maple syrup, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once butter is melted add the brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts into the butter and becomes a sauce. Add bananas and toss together. Let cook until the bananas are soft and incorporated into the sauce. Remove to a bowl and let cool completely. Once cool, add cream cheese and mash with a wooden spoon.

Using a paring knife, cut a 2-inch-long slits in 1 side of each bread slice, cutting 3/4 of way through bread and creating pocket that leaves 3 sides of bread intact. Divide banana mixture equally among the bread pockets.

In a large bowl, add eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon and rum and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish. Put the bread into the egg mixture and let soak for 3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the bread from egg mixture, using a spatula, letting the excess drain off.

Spray a wire rack with nonstick spray and put the rack on a baking sheet. Put the bread on the rack and transfer to the oven.

Bake the French toast until it is golden brown and filling is hot, about 25 minutes. Transfer the toast on a serving platter and garnish with confectioners' sugar and maple syrup

My One Thousand Gifts

2011-02-09T14:01:00.006-06:00

So many of you know that I am currently reading this book with 3 very dear friends, Ann Voskamps book A Thousand Gifts~ A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.
My, o my... it has already been an amazing read! This book beams with wisdom and digs deep into the heart of women and what we truly struggle with in so many ways, discontent! But, we are to live a life overflowing in gratitude right where we are! After reading chapter 3, I was inspired to start my own 1000 gifts...my heart of gratitude, after all, she highly encourages that dare to be FUllY alive... to live FULL ..FULL of gratitude! So here today, I begin...my 1000 Gifts, my journal of the gifts God has graciously bestowed upon me. (I will post weekly)

1. A new year of hope and joys.

2. A husband that has an amazing servant heart and loves & cherishes me and our marriage greatly that I love more and more with each passing day.

3. 3 Healthy, beautiful girls that have captured my heart and who I absolutely adore.

4. A warm home that is already way more than what I really need.

5. A warm cup of coffee made by Ryan that greets me each morning.

6. My 2 fuzzy cats and 90lb dog that make me smile.

7. Clean water.

8. Warm jeans straight out of the dryer!

9. A burning candle filling a room with my favorite scents.

10. A cup of green tea at night, curled up on the couch and conversations with Ryan.

11. Late night walks with my 90 lb dog and the prayer time that comes with the peace and quiet and night.

12. A hot bath.

13. Amazing friends that spur and encourage me on.

14. My church and the body of believers that have helped stretch and grow me spiritually.

15. My 3 girls laughter.

16. The chance to learn more by reading the bible chronologically in a year.

17. Ryan who greets me always with a hug and kiss..a husband who loves to hug!

18. Dinner conversations around the table with my 3 girls..its amazing what lessons/discipleship happens around the meal

19. Fun hats because it makes life easier with the hair

20. A sisterly embrace and laughter after a disagreement...always brings a smile.

Could this be the Day?

2011-02-03T09:30:00.003-06:00

The day that my girls get to see snow!? And by snow, I mean enough to at least make a mini-snowman! LOL ;) Addie and Avery so excitedly put on their fuzzy scarves and hats on the way out the door this morning to school and I couldn't help but think....come on moisture bring us some snow! Not ice or sleet, some white SNOW! :) Then, poor Annalise has been asking like every day.."Is this the day its gonna snow"? "mom, today is it gonna snow"? :) She's already claiming it so I sure do hope so.
I have to admit that I do love the cold and some snow but I really don't want all that mess that my family in Dallas area and Abilene have been experiencing. They are all on day 3 of no work/school and starting to get cabin fever. That is not fun when you are not use to this dramatic arctic weather.
So, as we all anxiously wait for this winter mix that's headed our way, I hope you all stay warm, get some down time with the family, and really enjoy our chance for a real winter/snowy type of day! :)

Mini Ryan

2011-02-01T20:36:00.005-06:00

Annalise Grace Prater was born into this Prater family a spunky little girl who is a true joy! :) When you are around her or talk to her, you can't help but smile because this sweet girl oozes joy out of her and she is always smiling!! She truly has a fun spirit and reminds me a lot of her daddy!
Her smile,
Her laugh,
her dance moves,
her strong will,
her optimistic attitude,
her toots & burps,
and most of all her sensitive heart.
She is a mini Ryan for sure! On Thursday at PeeWee school, it was donuts with dad. I loved walking across the room to them as I was snapping pictures of my own class to see these two crazies of the family making memories.
I love Annalise and I love how she is totally becoming more and more funny just like her daddy. :)

The First of Many

2011-01-31T10:14:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend, Addie and Avery (my 7 and 9 yr old), spent the night away from home at a friend's house. It was weird to have them BOTH gone. They stayed together (double sleepover) at their friends house so they were with each other. Addie has stayed away from home but Avery hasn't. Avery has only been left with my sister or my mom and dad so it was REALLY weird for her to be away from home. I think I found a lot of comfort in knowing she was with Addie. Addie is like a little momma so I knew big sister would be there for her.
So, I know this is my future! My girls sleeping away from home and sleepover parties at our own home are quickly approaching but it does seem weird. At times, I look at the girls and think they are still little and that I have to do EVERYTHING for them...AND then, I look at them again and realize, my sweet peas or growing up and becoming more and more independent. It is fun, it is nice, it is a new season, it does allow more freedom, new family adventures, etc etc.
I want to be a mom that doesn't hold "tight fists" to my girls and start letting my girls expand those wings a little bit. I want to be a mom who welcomes kids into my home for sleepover and fun times. It's here, it's upon me and as weird as it feels I embrace it with confidence and use it wisely.
Two things this new season has allowed for me personally, is to pray more and invite these non-churched friends of Addie and Avery to our church. As, I climbed into bed on Saturday night, I prayed for Addie and Avery, their protection and friendships. When I picked the girls up Sunday morning and had 5 girls loaded in the van, I smiled. I thought to myself...this is the first of many! This is what friendships are becoming for my girls~sleepovers, late nights, eating pizza and drinking dr pepper, funny stories to me in the van, and most importantly having my girls and their non-churched friends going to church!
It was very good and I hope the first of many, many more! :)

Snicker Pie

2011-01-26T16:54:00.002-06:00

This post is dedicated to Stephanie Thomason! :)
(because she posted a recipe for peanut butter pie~yummy!)

Snicker Pie

8 oz cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter

Beat those 3 ingredients together until creamy.

Add:
16 oz cool whip, thawed
5 regular size Snicker bars chopped up

Pour into 2 graham cracker crusts and chill.

Enjoy! :)

So why Katy, TX????

2011-01-24T11:43:00.007-06:00

Our adventure in church planting has hit the ground and as we were only lacing up our shoes and doing prep work...now, we have begun running this long marathon that is ahead! So.much.is.going.on!!!

So why Katy, TX? Some of you have probably wondered well how and why did the Praters choose Katy, why in Houston, why not an area around League City, etc. Well, as we ventured out into this "church planting" world, one thing is certain, it brought us praying deeply for what God would really wanted to do with our family. Once we felt the calling to 100% further God's kingdom by church planting, the next big step was "where." With advice and mentoring from many, many people especially previous church planters, majority of them said you go by how you "feel" at the place. Do you see yourself there 20+ years, do you find the area a place you would raise your family, etc.
Well on a whim, Ryan and I went Katy and we were like whoah! This city reminded us a lot like Abilene (where we went to college and lived 5 yrs before League City). It was small town feel, rallied around high school sports, very school spirited, it actually has land around it- country land that is (a favorite of ours ;) ) it has great school system, great growth happening in the city, all city perks, shopping, hospitals, but most of all its now ranked as top US city in growth with schools and new homes~ a great place to launch a church plant, on the North side of Katy! South side as a ton of church plants and all the new "sexy" new things but North Katy, aka, the Old Katy as they call it is a little more traditional and lacks for a new, modern gospel-centered church. This area is in need of a church making an impact for all the new growth now happening on the North side.
We are very excited! We are excited to see how God will use this church plant and help reach North Katy, maybe all the way up toward Cy-Fair area. ;)

We wanted to take the mission of Clear Creek and help reach Houston and surrounding areas for the gospel and Katy fit us greatly! Not Pearland, Not Alvin, Not Bay City, Not anywhere South of the Beltway for that matter. There is nothing wrong with any of those cities, it just wasn't our fit.
So, a lot of work has been done, a lot of work is being done, and there is still so much to be done. Please be in prayer for our family as we take this step of faith.
This Friday, we have our first "interest" mission/vision meeting in Katy with people who live North side but travel south for church. As of now, 24 people have been invited and RSVP so this is very exciting. Pray for Friday, Pray for Ryan has he gives vision to what this church shall exist for. Thank you so very much.

*btw..I keep saying "church" because the name is still in forming process ;)
*we will have a family church planting blog but due to sickness this weekend, I didn't get it made...coming soon. :)

I was a no show...

2011-01-22T17:29:00.005-06:00

You see, I have these 3 girl friends who I went on a trip with the summer (Fandanga) and bonded greatly. There is something to be said about a 3 day trip, a river, girl food, girl talk, encouragement on being better wives/moms, and shopping!
Well, now the "Fandanga Four" as I call us, meet every month with our families at La Brisa Mexican food to catch up and touch base. The funny thing is that we all go to the same church which our husbands all serve on staff and live within 5 minutes of one another. However, life, work, wife, mom duties, etc etc...we basically never see one another except passing at church (in which we always almost still a hug) ;)

Well, last night was our 6 months since our Fandanga trip~the half a year marker~ a very nice dinner date in Houston. Remind you...this was planned over a month ago!!! Well, wouldn't you know...Addie comes home sick from school on Wednesday and Thursday I get her into the Dr in which they confirmed strep. Uggg...I was like, I can't not get sick and yep, Thursday night I had a massive headache and achy feel only to wake up Friday thinking, I have to get to the Dr. So, I made an appointment and they swabbed me for strep and flu both were negative but she went ahead and put me on a antibiotic since my throat was red and I had been exposed to strep. Cool...I had no fever, my aches were gone, no strep..I am a go for our group date night! Nope, at 2:30 yesterday, I spiked a high fever and had a white puss pockets forming on my throat. I was like how in the world do I not have strep, I can't even swallow or talk!!!
So, I was a no show for group night on Friday. I was so very sad. I was depressed. I had made a special treat for each of them. I was missing out on laughter. I was missing out on good food. I was missing out a night out in the city with my husband.
I was depressed.

Today, I have sat all day long on the couch trying to drink some fluids because I know it will help me but every time I swallow it feels like stickers are in my throat! I am so irritated as I have taken 3 rounds of my antibiotic and seems to barely be kicking in. *sigh*
On a brighter note...I've watched HGTV the entire day and have been inspired how much work and projects we can do to sell this home and decorate our new in Katy!!! lol :)

Can't Wait to Read...

2011-01-17T16:58:00.004-06:00

One Thousand Gifts A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are
By Ann Voskamp

Awhile back, I mentioned Ann and her blog as a "must follow" and friends, I Mean It! She has an incredible gift of words and her wisdom and writing is so heart felt. Amazing!
I pre-ordered her book a couple of weeks ago and the big announcement came today that it should be in soon. Yea, I can't wait to get my hands on it. :) I am reading this book with 3 very dear friends who love the Lord deeply and their husbands and families. I truly am so excited to dig down into this book with J, K, and K.

So hop on over to www.aholyexperience.com to check out Mrs. Ann Voskamp if you haven't. For now...you can watch her video from her blog about the book right here~ she is so captivating. Enjoy my friends, Happy Monday!

God's Calling

2011-01-16T15:17:00.003-06:00

Yep, its is official after a 2 year journey...God has called our family into church planting. Yep, Ryan will start a church in Katy, TX by summer! :) This Spring he will be making the transition out of jr high into church planting with 100% backing from Clear Creek. They will become our sending church.

After 13 years in Jr high ministry and 8 years at Clear Creek Community Church, God is calling our family to help Clear Creek's mission to reach Houston and surrounding area for the gospel through church planting. So, after 2 years of praying, seeking, being mentored, reading, searching, more praying, we knew this is where and how God would use our family.

So that is our news, it has been a very emotional week but I promise more is to come on our new journey! :) Also, I'll be putting together the family church planting blog so you can follow our journey before, current, and move to Katy.

So stay tuned....there is definitely more to come!

And so it was...

2011-01-09T20:18:00.003-06:00

Tonight...I held the 8 week old baby girl who's parents(Matrix Ministry volunteers) who sat next to me could enjoy the volunteer dinner and I enjoyed feeding little Harper girl her dinner!! :)

And then...

Ryan told the Matrix ministry our news...
He cried...
They cried...
I stared at the sweet baby girl's face not to completely lose it...
Ryan gave his heart...
and he cried...
Ryan gave vision for our church...
and they cried....
I cried...
We were blessed with words of "hey, we love you" to my husband...
I smiled...
They asked questions...
Ryan answered....
Thankful for the night....
They blessed us with a circled prayer and hands on us...
I cried.....
They cried...
Thankful for men and women on mission for God....
Blessed....
Exhausted....
Loved....

The "Arctic" Blast...

2011-01-07T09:32:00.005-06:00

So Northerners would truly laugh at us South Texans! I mean the talk of the town is that there will be an Arctic blast hit us by Sunday. ;) And by arctic blast, they are saying temps in low 40s during the day and then low 30s at night!!! LOL Yes, that truly is cold for us South Texans who have thin blood and I am sad to admit I am included in that category. My sister laughs at Ryan and I because we love the cold so much and God moved our path down to South TX 8 years ago that gets very little cold weather. hehe Now coming from Abilene, TX (central TX) its not that it was really cold, but we did have the big coats, snow, ice, and an actual winter! I miss the cold terribly because its not that I just love to freeze and rattle my bones but I love the whole layering winter look...scarves, jackets, fun vests and hats, boots, fuzzy socks, fireplaces,and warm pj's, etc. We get to wear those fun items ummmm like maybe 1 month!!! ;) Then the white snow is so beautiful and peaceful! There is just something about when snow falls from the sky...a very unique peace comes over you as you watch from the other side of the window.

Ryan and I hope that in 2 years or so, we can make a family trip to Colorado and take all the girls skiing. We want it to be a good experience and we think if we can get Annalise to 1st grade all girls would at least be able to withstand the demands and hardness of snow skiing and a true winter. I look forward to that trip someday, and a cabin nestled in the snow covered mountains! :)
Until then....I will enjoy this arctic blast that's is upon us this next week. I'll definitely be breaking out all my winter clothing and cooking up some yummy warm soups/stews and tasty grilled cheeses.
Brrrr.....stay warm!! :)

Some Goals

2011-01-05T13:45:00.004-06:00

As a new year starts, I wanted some goals for myself and I knew if I wrote them down or at least blogged they would start to take root & I would become disciplined to begin asap! :)
So here goes, to a new year, to some goals...may I grow as a woman/wife/mom & follower of Jesus Christ my Lord!

*strengthen my prayer life

*Read the whole bible in a year (have a tool, to help me greatly!)

*read a least a book a month or every other month (ones that will strengthen my character, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ, as a mom, wife, etc)

*don't waste time on Facebook besides wishing people happy birthdays, sharing photos for family & friends

*post updates on my blog more regularly, especially the journey we are upon!

*have more patience with my girls

*let my house/laundry not hold me captive to the "it always has to be done" feel

*to not let the cleanliness of my house make me have worth as a mom

*be a better friend with my time

*host people into my home more often

*save $100 a month from my paycheck now until Dec. so I can surprise the girls a trip to Disney World next Christmas!

*find a job at least 4 days wk & flexible to my girls when my baby girl starts kindergarten next school year

*Love more

Best of 2010 for the Praters

2011-01-04T09:54:00.003-06:00

Here are a little "highlights" of year 2010 for my family!

1. Addie accepts Christ as her Lord & Savior!
2. Addie is baptized by Ryan
3. first family visit to Sea World
4. I begin working last January & this Fall which has been a blessing
5. I turned 35! :) & :/
6. We made many, many small travel trips as a family this summer/Fall
7. Celebrated 12 years of marriage!
8. My oldest girl turned 9, middle girl 7, and baby girl 5! (wow, can't believe it)
9. We saw Charlie Brown on Ice & Nutcracker over the holiday season
10. Big decision made after a 2 year process (being revealed next week)! ;)

A decade ended and new one begins! I actually remember the year 2000 when it all began! Ryan and I were in Houston (weird, huh?) with the youth group from Abilene at a huge youth rally for it turning Y2k! Who would of thought the next year & being 6 weeks pregnant we would come help with the flood of tropical storm Allison, and then God would call us to League City in 2002! Wow, I look back at how this decade begin and it doesn't seem that long ago. Crazy...
I look forward to what God will do and use in this new year and new decade! :)

2010 Wrap-Up in Pictures

2011-01-03T19:55:00.009-06:00

Wow, I can't believe its been so long since my last posting. I was enjoying all the holiday festivities along with family in town and a trip to Dallas to see mine! Also, Addie's 9th birthday was thrown right in the middle of all that so needless to say, we were having some fun! :) I thought I would share some of our family fun and wrap-up of 2010 via pictures.
Tomorrow, I'll share all the Prater highlights of year 2010! Stay tuned! :)

The Nutcracker
(the girls with their cousin- Mackenzi)

(Ryan's sister's family- Mindy, James, & Mackenzi)

(Ryan with his mom & sister)

(Ryan with his dad)

(Addie's birthday night with her favorite girls at our house)

(Actual birthday "day" with cousin at Sprinkles Ice Cream)

(Christmas in Dallas at Grammy/Grandpa's house w/ my sister's kids)

It was a wonderful Christmas season! Hope you too were blessed with many family hugs, yummy food, and most of all the celebration of our Savior's birth! :)

A Must Follow...

2010-12-21T09:25:00.005-06:00

I promise you will be drawn in by her passion for Jesus, her words, her encouragement, her language, her style of writing, and most of all her love for her children and being a mom, wife, & how that all fits into our crazy busy everyday life!

Please meet Ann Voskamp and her website is www.aholyexperience.com. I was introduced to her awhile back when I visited the incourage website. I enjoyed her posts greatly. Now, she has written a book that a dear friend came to me and ask to read it together and then come together & share our thoughts/experiences as we read the book. I was thrilled because I had just read about the book a couple days earlier on another blog site where I thought to myself...this book will be a must read. :)
The book is called A Thousand Gifts~ A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.

So hop over to her website to see the book, to meet Mrs. Ann Voskamp...I now have her on my blog roll so you can visit. I promise you will wish you would of followed her longer...you'll be captivated by her love, you'll read older posts, you'll love the blog!

Enjoy it greatly....It's a Must Follow! :)

The Change...

2010-12-16T21:54:00.004-06:00

Because I don't have enough change going on in my life right now (more posts in January on that matter).....
I totally cut my bangs on Tuesday by myself!!! Yep, I was like well I need a haircut and I really don't have time until the first of the year so lets just chop these these long layered bangs right off. hahaha ;) I kinda like the "new" look. It makes me feel different and good and I like how that feels.

Ryan and I had a dinner date in Houston and someone got a snapshot of us at the dinner table so here's a sneak peek of the "Change." :)

Let the Crazy Week Begin....

2010-12-12T21:37:00.004-06:00

Yep, the last week of the Fall semester!! I seriously, really can't believe it is here. The Fall is my favorite and it goes by soo fast!
Well, this is the week that I live on coffee, diet Dr Pepper, and all my vitamins to help keep me trekking through 3 girls schedule and mine and Ryans. Here we go...

Monday night-dinner in Sugarland with Acts 29 pastors

Tuesday- work, Holiday lunch with Addie & Avery

Wednesday- Addie Polar Express day

Thursday- Avery Polar Express day, Addie Christmas party, work and my own preschool class Christmas party

Friday- Avery Christmas party, Addie pizza party, Ryan in Houston (pastor stuff)

Crazy but I love this time of year and all the fun, extra stuff I get to do and experience with my girls. Its always so busy but so fun. :)

I hope you are all having an incredible Christmas season too. Have a great week!

Everthing is Better with Cream Cheese

2010-12-07T15:52:00.006-06:00

OK, so this time of year, I consume way to much cream cheese! Just this past weekend I had it on Saturday and Sunday night!! Yikes.. but it is good and just about anything that goes on it, in it, around it, baked with it, is delicious. :)
Here are some of my favorite ways and a must for me during the Christmas season.

Cream cheese with hot green pepper jelly on top
Cream cheese whipped with candied jalapenos
Cheese Logs
Cream cheese with Raspberry Chiptole sauce on top
(oh my, this is divine..get the Fisher brand & its w/ the barbecue sauces in the grocery store-promise you will love it)

Yep, I could pretty much eat those cream cheese appetizers every day this time of year. SOOOOO yummy! Another favorite is any type of cream cheese dessert. ;)

Seriously is there anything that doesn't taste good with cream cheese????

City of Silver Dreams

2010-12-06T13:45:00.004-06:00

I love the cold,
I love the snow.

I love the city lights,
and the country's moon that shines bright!

I love Christmas,
the sights, smells, and ringing bells.

Thankful for the lights aglow
and the warm, caring souls.

(Yes, I totally just made that up as I was typing! hahaha):)

Here is a song by Sugarland (country group) sorry, yes country song again. LOL ;) I LOVE it and someone put a really cool video on youtube up so I copied it to share. Its the only one so I hope you enjoy the pics of some cute complete stranger girls that captivated some city pictures of NY. They are cool.
*pause my music first*
The song is called City of Silver Dreams. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

My holiday week at home...

2010-12-03T20:00:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving week was wonderful! I love going home and get to spend unlimited time with my parents and my sister & her family. :) We always have lots of fun, hit the shops, and try to pack as much as we can into that week we are all together.
I got to celebrate my 35th birthday with my family which is always extra sweet. I got lots of unique goodies but most importantly I ate one of my favorite places Pei Wei with EVERYONE and the company at my birthday lunch was the best part of my day and best gift! I love having my birthday near Thanksgiving especially when I'm with my mom and dad. :)
On Wednesday, we bought tickets to the Ice show at the Gaylord Texan. That hotel is so pretty and amazingly too big but o so pretty! ;) The theme at Ice was Charlie Brown Christmas which was so awesome...the girls loved and we bundled up in the parkas for that chilly exhibit.
We finished the week celebrating Thanksgiving with my many cousins and aunts and uncles that all live up in the Dallas area. My sister hosted Thanksgiving at her house and it was sooo nice to catch up with my dad's side of the family...49 there to be exact. LOL Dad has 4 sisters so there are a lot of cousins who have had a lot of babies!!! :D I told Ryan that we truly are the black sheep of the family as we are the only ones on my dad's side of the family that doesn't live in North TX! I often wonder why God never led our path to that area of TX due to so many family members there but I am sure thankful for many amazing years down here in the Houston area. :) I love my South Texans!!
It was a wonderful, blessed week. I spent 5 full days there with mom and dad and spent some much quality time with my sister (my other best friend).
Here are some random pics throughout the week.
I hope you all had a wonderful, fun-filled yet relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.
We all have so much to be thankful for! :)

December 1st Tradition

2010-12-01T19:06:00.004-06:00

Advent Calendars

On December 1st, I always surprise my girls with their Advent calendars! :) I started this a couple of years ago and they absolutely love it...and I always LOVE their faces!!! Its a true joy see them so excited about our little tradition on December 1st when they come home from school. May the countdown to Christmas officially begin!
Woohoo. :)

Happy Thanksgiving Friends

2010-11-21T15:05:00.002-06:00

I hope you all have a wonderful & joyful Thanksgiving!
Be Blessed! :)
Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."

For Everything Give Thanks

For all that God in mercy sends;
For health and children, home and friends,
For comfort in the time of need,
For every kindly word and deed,
For happy thoughts and holy talk,
For guidance in our daily walk,
FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

For beauty in this world of ours,
For verdant grass and lovely flowers,
For song of birds, for hum of bees,
For refreshing summer breeze,
For hill and plain, for streams and wood,
For the great ocean's mighty flood,
FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

For sweet sleep which comes with night,
For the returning morning's light,
For the bright sun that shines on high,
For the stars glittering in the sky,
For these and everything we see,
O Lord, our hearts we lift to thee.
FOR EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

~H.I. Tupper

Stuffed

2010-11-19T10:48:00.002-06:00

The stuff I like to stuff myself with until I am totally stuffed!!!! ;)

Cranberry Salad
Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole (the one that taste like candy..yep, that one)
Broccoli/Cheese & Rice casserole
Endless rolls
and one of my favorite...my mom's cheese logs

Love, love these foods! I can't wait until this time next week, I am so eating the major left overs from Thanksgiving day. :)
YEP, these are the foods, I'll go back for over and over again until I'm so very stuffed! :)

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-11-13T09:06:00.002-06:00

in my home! :) I spent most of the day yesterday pulling down some of the Christmas boxes and started decorating my mantle and t.v. entertainment center! I had my little 5 year old helper, Annalise, helping me undo boxes. She was beaming ear to ear and singing right along with me as we had Christmas music in the background. :)
I love this time of year so I always try to get most of my decorations up before we leave for Thanksgiving holidays! We are always away the whole week of Thanksgiving since the girls get a whole week of no school and Ryan has absolutely no responsibilities in church life. So, I like to get all my Christmas decorations up on the inside and outside so all we have to do when we return from Thanksgiving break is put up our tree! I LOVE this time of year and the joy it brings so I'm like bring on the jolly. ;) I try to do this as early as I can without totally getting the "look" and "question" (are you already getting the Christmas decorations down) from my hubby! The funny thing is that early in our marriage Ryan would never listen to Christmas music until Thanksgiving was over....well, now he kindly enjoys my cheer WAY before Thanksgiving! ;)
So, snow village is up, along with some holly & berries, and my David Frykman Santa's and I still have a lot more but I sure do like the feel so far! My favorite part was when Addie and Avery walked through the door yesterday and beamed too from ear to ear and said.."I love Christmas". Made mommy's heart happy! :)
Hope you all are getting ready and excited for what this Christmas season will bring. Tis the Season!

A little Country...

2010-11-11T16:31:00.004-06:00

A little Country Music, please! :) I love it! And a favorite thing I like to do is to watch any of the Country music award shows on tv. Its like a free concert of all the most popular artists in a 2 hour time span. :) I like to hear the new songs, see them sing their most popular, or all the beautiful dresses that are worn that night. Fun stuff!
Well one of my favorite bands, Lady Antebellum sang a GREAT song last night...it was awesome, totally loved it. I was like, whelp, I'll be downloading that onto itunes!
So here it is..enjoy it. :) It's called Hello World!

Endless Fall favorite dinners

2010-11-10T16:42:00.002-06:00

I love to cook, try new things, and like my previous post on my favorite magazine, I love to find new yummy food ideas that my family will actually try! (not stare at and say whats that?!) ;)
This time of year...I love to use the crock pot as much as I can or my big dutch oven cookware to make soups, stews, or anything else that makes for a scrumptious Fall dinner.
Here are some favorites that I don't let a Fall/Winter go by without putting this on the dinner table! :)
Taco Soup
Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken Pot Pie
Beef Tortilla Soup
Chili...(OF COURSE, I'm Texan) ;)
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

I LOVE how this time of year, it just makes dinner life a little more simple and doable. It seems like you can get away with a bowl of soup and salad more. :)
I look forward to many more dinners like these above and starting it out tonight with some Chicken and Dumplings!!!!
OH..and a little CMA awards...Yeehaw yall! Have a great dinner! :)

A Favorite

2010-11-04T17:42:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is curl up to my favorite magazine which would be....
Southern Living

Totally love everything about this magazine especially around the Fall/Winter time and Holidays! :) It gives you amazing recipes and crafty decoration ideas, must see small town places, best travel for Fall foliage, and anything else that just makes this time of year wonderful. My mom bought me this subscription and its the gift that just keeps on giving. When I get in the mail...I literally can't wait to sit down & curl up on the couch and read from front to cover.
Anybody else have a favorite magazine that's a must read or an excuse to have down time?? Please share... if not, at least get the November and December edition of Southern Living. I know you wont be disappointed. :)

The Most Interesting Weekend Ever....

2010-11-03T08:47:00.006-05:00

OK, first off, you have to know that I start my weekends on Thursday night! ;) I work 2 days a week and when my Thursday is over and because Ryan has Fridays off, I officially count it my weekend! :) Now, last Thursday, I had this grand idea that we should do a fun, family night something out of our "routine" to help break the mundane of a week...plus it would kick off my Avery girl's birthday the next day.
So, I made one of our favorite dinners, sliders (mini hamburgers on Hawaiian bread rolls, fresh fruit, & french fries), then we carved our family pumpkin for Halloween. It was a fun, good night until about 7:30 when Avery started complaining of a major tummy ache. I was like O NO....because deep down in me, i knew that the stomach bug had been going around like crazy in first grade! Well, my feeling was confirmed after 5 throw up sessions, Avery was sick. Therefore, this meant, my sweet angel girl missed her birthday at school..she was so so sad! :( She missed passing out her pumpkin cookies, dressing up for costume day, and the Halloween party. Such a bummer of a day to miss for sure!
Then, by Friday afternoon she was TONS better, so I decided for sure to go with Ryan to his retreat in Huntsville so we could all get away..and hopefully away from the germs.
Ryan convinces me that since she was tons better we would stop in The Woodlands eat at a favorite place, celebrate Avery & let her open her gifts and then keep going to Forest Glen Camp in Huntsville. We ate at Salt Grass and it was so yummy like normal & my Avery was doing great almost like she hadn't ever been sick and she absolutely loved the gift we gave her, a pillow pet! :)
Now, we are at Forest Glen in Huntsville which is beautiful and nestled amongst the Sam Houston National Forest. Very pretty and mountain like feel..without the mountains. ;) So pretty nonetheless. I was thinking wow, this will be fun. Well, we get to the cabin (thinking its totally furnished w/ linens, etc because that's what my hubby thought too & we packed in hurry because i decided last minute to go with him) and what do you know...a cabin with a tiny bathroom, a loft, and like eight bunk beds that were not furnished with linens!!! ;-/ I was like, o this isn't good, how can we make the 2 pillows and 1 sleeping bag that we brought with us work for 5 people???
So, we go to the office who graciously laughed at us and said its very common for the speaker of the camp or other volunteers to come with out any details or NO instructions that the cabins are unfurnished besides a bed, toilet, and shower! We got linens, blankets, and pillows, and we laughed & kept telling ourselves..memories, memories. :) It ended up being a fun little cabin all packed in one room with Ryan on the top bunk, Annalise, Addie and me beneath him on the full bunk, and Avery next two us on her bunk. I felt like little house on the prairie as we fell asleep..Goodnight Pa, Goodnight Ma..etc. LOL :D

The next day was awesome. Ryan spoke 3 times for the camp (Sugarland Baptist Church and Jersey Village Baptist Church) and me and the girls just enjoyed the camp. A huge playground, canoed, walking in the forest. It was a nice, family day. So we headed home and arrived back to League City by 10 pm, got the girls to bed and wouldn't ya know...Addie wakes us up at 3 saying her tummy hurt! I was like are you kidding me??? NO, not again, I thought we were in the clear. But it was confirmed the tummy bug hit her & I was totally convinced the bug came from school since now they were the only ones who had gotten it. Yep, its Halloween and she's down for the count. It was so sad, she didn't throw up as much as Avery but had a fever! :(

Tag team it became, Ryan took Annalise and Avery trick or treating and I stayed home with Addie and passed out candy. It had been a crazy weekend! Between the getaway, the cleaning, laundry and a whole can of Lysol...I was done. But it gets better, by 3 am that night, Ryan wakes up sick! Yep, I officially handed him more Lysol and wipes and said I'm headed to the couch. My entire Monday consisted of cleaning every linen, comforter and all, bathrooms, doorknobs, light switches, etc etc to rid this nasty bug out of our home. I happy to report that Super Momma and Super Annalise did not get the bug! :) WE celebrated that for sure. And Annalise, she is such the busy body and bullet, that I don't think the germ can ever land on that girl because she is in constant motion. LOL
All is well and I'm sure I have the cleanest house in South Shore Village. ;)
So..it truly was the most interesting weekend ever that felt like it lasted forever!
Here are some pictures of the girls at Halloween...I even got one of Addie sound asleep on the couch. :) Hope you all had a fun weekend & got some yummy treats.

Happy Birthday Avery!

2010-10-29T10:59:00.003-05:00

Today, 7 years ago, my second daughter sweet Avery Rian came into the world! :)
By far, she has been my girl who has grown and changed the most in her looks.
Truly she has always been the quiet, gentle girl with a very joyous spirit and is always smiling. That girl is so, so sweet! I love everything about her and I thank God for her life and can't wait to see how she continues to grow and how God will use her unique personality.
Happy 7th Birthday my Avery girl! Mom and Dad love you beyond words!! :)

Population Me

2010-10-27T13:25:00.005-05:00

Wow, have you heard this song by Matthew West? Population me is AWESOME...totally love it and this past Sunday our church played on stage so I had to share it. :)
We are doing a series at Clear Creek about being SENT people..missionaries. Missionaries across your street, your workplace, your home, your family, in your community, and across Houston, and the world! SENT people to spread the gospel, the good news of Christ and what He's done on the cross for us.
LOVE, LOVE, this series and the boldness it proclaims for Ryan and I are currently taking big steps as SENT people!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20

*Pause my music before you watch the video....I know you will just love it. :)

Avery's Artwork

2010-10-25T09:06:00.002-05:00

Last year in Kindergarten, Avery created an art piece of her face. The art teacher, Ms. Low stopped me a couple of weeks ago at the school and showed me Avery's art piece and why she had saved it. Ms. Low wanted to put her art piece in the Reflections Celebration put on by the school district for this year. :)
Yes, Avery's art work was one of 300 in the whole school district that was picked to be put on display during the "art" celebration.
We loaded up Saturday morning to celebrate Avery's creativity. It was a blast. The girl's did some art and got their faces painted but the funnest part was walking around looking at the creativity of all the children. The best and proudest moment was seeing Avery's artwork hang there, with a ribbon, with her smiley face
(her portrait) and looking down at Avery who was beaming! Her creation was a true reflection of Avery's spirit. Always joyful, always smiling, loves life, and such a sweet heart! :)
Here's a picture of her masterpiece.

Dangerously So Good...

2010-10-18T17:05:00.004-05:00

Yep, the most dangerous thing in my household these days are.... those famous Coffee-Mate Creamers! ;)
O yes, right now in my fridge, I have french vanilla, peppermint mocha, gingerbread, and sugar & spice! Let me tell you, I about drool when it gets this time of the year and I know the grocery stores will be stocked with these yummy coffee treats! I am sucker for the holiday ones... they are just to yummy. SO, just like my previous post with all the birthday cakes and ice cream, these high calorie flavorings to my coffee are not helping me either! LOL :)

Check this out...they even have recipe for these creamers! CRAZY...but I'm sure so good. Gonna give this a try soon. :)

Frozen Vanilla Cappuccino
If you like your cappuccinos cold, try this frozen vanilla version.

Yield: 2
Ingredients:
2 cups ice cubes
1 1/2 cups strong coffee, chilled
1/4 cup French Vanilla Flavor NESTLÉ COFFEE-MATE Liquid Coffee Creamer
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Instructions:

PLACE ice, coffee, Coffee-mate and sugar in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses; sprinkle with cinnamon.

Birthday Craziness!

2010-10-17T20:48:00.004-05:00

Its about this time every year that I am reminded why we save (starting in summer) for all the family birthdays for the Fall/Winter because ummmmmm, like my entire family and Ryan's have Fall Birthdays! NOT kidding friends!! I'll just break it down for ya. ;)

August- My Dad
Sept.- My Brother-n-law, My mother-n-law, Ryan, & Annalise
Oct.- My sister, Avery, and Father-n-law
Nov.- My sister-n-law & her husband, Mine
Dec.- Addie's, and 2 Nieces
Jan.- My Mom

Seriously...it's like my entire family on both sides except my sister's son, Chandler who has a June birthday! Crazy! It sure does make for lots of fun which is all fine and dandy but it sure is hard to keep the curves looking good when you are constantly eating cake and ice cream! LOL Then, you got the Halloween candy creeping in followed by the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner ever and finally all the Christmas treats and sweets. :) I'm telling ya, its a killer!

So, next weekend I'll host a "all girl" party for Avery where once again there will be a sundae ice cream bar, popcorn, and pinata! And once again, I'm looking forward to packing that pinata with every single piece of candy I adore. ;) LOL

Fall....Oh, how I love thee....

2010-10-15T11:29:00.002-05:00

Yea, if you know me even a little or a lot, the season Fall is one of my favorite! I love everything about and one of the grandest parts is that 2 of my 3 girls were born in Fall and the other being born in Winter! (which is a favorite too) :)

These past weeks in South Texas have been amazing! I am totally loving the low humidity and bright blue, sunny days. Its a nice break when you come off such a sticky, steamy Summer. Its such a freshness to the soul to get outside more and see people decorate their home with warm colors and scents. I love it & a total sucker for it too.

I hope these Fall days are bringing you joy and you find time to enjoy the surroundings wherever you are. :)
Happy Friday to some of my favorite people!

Addie's Baptism

2010-10-11T11:13:00.007-05:00

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
—John 3:16-17

It was an amazing weekend! My sweet, Addie Noel, was baptized Friday night by Ryan. Many family and friends came out to watch Addie. It was so incredible to stand up there and watch Ryan baptize our first daughter. I am thankful for a God who saves and uses ordinary people and children to further His kingdom. I am so excited to watch Addie grow in the Lord and truly become a servant.
We Love you Addie and are so, so very proud! :)

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
—John 1:12

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
—John 14:6

The Overdue Birthday!!!

2010-10-03T21:21:00.006-05:00

With a very, crazy, yet very fun packed week and weekend, I am way overdue posting my Happy Birthday to my little fireball, Annalise!
Annalise was born into this world on September 29th and was the completion of the Prater household. My 3rd girl...wow, what a bullet she has been! :) I often wonder how a little girl that size can make me so mad and turn around and make me laugh so hard. She is a sweetheart and loves to have fun. I enjoy your happy heart and she lights up this house with her contagious joyful spirit.
I thank God for her life...Annalise, you are super special!

Happy 5th Birthday Annalise! Mom and Dad love you so much! :)

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-09-23T21:18:00.005-05:00

Happy 36th Birthday to the most wonderful, most incredible, and love of my life..Ryan.

Life is more fun sharing it with you. I can't wait to see what blessings God brings into your life in this next year and the many years after.
You are a blessing to so many and just like the Martina McBride song says...
"Everybody calls you amazing...and I just call you MINE."

I love you tons!! Happy Birthday RYAN. :)

I just had to share...

2010-09-18T21:20:00.006-05:00

Ok, I am sitting on the floor in the living room on a Saturday night watching Texas/Texas Tech football & using my husband's laptop do get some blogging in. Then, I found some very old pics of us as a family and of the girls on his computer. I had to share them!!!
CRAZY...time goes by so unfairly too fast. Enjoy these funny pics. ;)
(Family pic @church 2005)

(Annalise -1 day old @hospital

(hospital pic-1st time girls saw me & annalise in hospital)

(avery & addie-2004)

(annalise- my paci girl walking around)

(avery-2005)

(the girls- pregnant w/ annalise)

(avery & addie)

Fun stuff! Miss all those crazy days but soaking up this new journey. Reminds me to keep taking lots of pics! ;)

Secretariat

2010-09-18T20:44:00.007-05:00

I can't wait to see this new Disney movie coming out in October. I'm not sure if little Annalise can handle a movie that's based on a true story and with no animation but I really think Addie and Avery will love it. We are big time animal lovers and they've already mentioned how much they really want to see Secretariat. I think it will be a perfect family (or at least a big girl) date! Enjoy the trailer. :)

It's Happening..

2010-09-17T10:26:00.004-05:00

And what's happening is God's work right in front of my eyes! Even looking back over the past 3 months, I can see how God is weaving my family for His kingdom.
It has been an amazing journey just to seek God more, spend time in His word more, and really pray together as a couple for our future. Now, its exciting to see those fruits and obedience come into the light and God show us little glimpses of confirmation and happenings! And to top it off, our church is doing a series on knowing God's Will for your life. It couldn't be the more perfect timing as we take big steps & risks for God.
Our lives are to be set apart completely for God. I find more truth in that each day. You actually feel your selfish desires start to diminish as you feel and see God use people, places, and others hearts and lives to confirm that He takes care of our every need and even our future!

I am reminded of these verses and I pray it to brings you hope this day and for your future.
Happy Friday! :)

""Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
~Psalm 37:4

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks him."
~Lamentations 3:25