Happy Birthday Joe!

A Family Portrait

Why is it that the only family picture we have includes wings, suspenders and a big orange hat??


Actually, I think it speaks Rush pretty well!


Thanks Blair for the picture!

Clowns, Butterflies and Gnomes....oh my!

We had such a fun Halloween this year! We took the kids to Josh's for the annual Halloweenie Roast, which somehow gets better each and every year. We went trick or treating around his neighborhood and my sweet kids have shared their candy with me all week. The only bummer was that we did not get a single picture of them. Every picture that we took came out blurry! So, I borrowed these from my friend Meg, who took great shots!



Joe was a cute little clown. Very simple since he's so precious all on his own!



Jack was a garden gnome. Every time I looked at him, I cracked up laughing.
Just look at those eyebrows!



Addy was a sassy butterfly, as Jake liked to call her. She looked so beautiful, but she also still looked 6. Whew!

Overall, a wonderful night!

Joe's Walking!!

Joe started walking yesterday! He's up to about 10 steps right now, but I think he could do a lot more. He gets so tickled with himself and so excited that he basically throws himself onto the ground.




Can you believe my boy is going to be one in less than a month!?

6 years and counting

For those of you who got to be with Jake and I at the birth of Addy, the fact that she turns 6 years old today is extremely crazy. I wanted to share something that I find very funny about her. I went to take pictures of the kids yesterday and this is what I found...




Addy's new favorite thing to do is build massive Lincoln Log towers and play with Lego's. I guess that day she decided her masterpieces were photo worthy!







Then, thanks to her dad's rigorous training, she realized her lighting was not quite right and moved her creation into more natural lighting. Way to push her to be better, Jake.



Genius, pure genius.

2nd (to us) annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

Here's the letter that we are sending to friends and family to inform them of the JDRF Walk to cure diabetes. It should provide all the information you need.

Dear Friends and Family-

On January 21, 2008 our daughter Addy was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. It’s hard to believe that it has already been over a year and a half and that it’s once again time for the annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. Addy has continued to be amazingly courageous and we know that it is only through God’s strength that it is possible. Each day she has her finger pricked six or more times, and receives four insulin shots. She rarely complains, and besides actually sticking the needle in, she can do everything associated with the day-to-day details of her diabetes. At school, she leaves her class to check her sugar before recess, lunch and her bus ride home. She sometimes can’t participate in PE if her levels are too high or too low, and has to come home from school if her sugar levels get above 400. Addy is known and loved by everyone in the front office at her school. They can tell she is not feeling well because she doesn’t come skipping into the office like she normally does. All of them have art work she has colored for them hanging on their doors. She is this amazing little light that shines brightly, and we are so incredibly proud of her.

In all of this, Jake and I have chosen to look at her diagnosis as a blessing. We choose to take life one day at a time and not worry about the future. We trust God with Addy today. I have been reminded over and over that God knew she would have this disease and that her body is perfectly formed. Psalm 139:13,14 says, For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

While, Addy does have diabetes right now, I truly believe that one day there will be a cure…and that is where you come in. On October 17^th we will be participating in the JDRF Walk to cure diabetes. The walk will take place on the LSU campus and there will be food and games afterward. Anyone is welcome to walk with us in support of Addy and the other 3 million Americans who have Type 1 diabetes. We do have a new name this year. Although we love the creativity that brought about Team Addy we are very excited to announce our new team name is The A Team. Doesn’t Addy remind you so much of Mr. T? We also have team t-shirts this year. Jake and I are asking that you prayerfully consider donating financially to the JDRF, but you in no way have to donate in order to walk. T-shirts will be $10 and you can order one regardless if you are able or unable to walk with us on the 17th. Please let us know by October 1^st if you would like a T-shirt. You can register for the walk, donate online (which is tax-deductible), and learn more about the JDRF and diabetes at www.jdrf.org. Follow the Walk for a cure link in the center of the page. The simplest way to find our team is to click on Donate to a Walker (even if you aren’t donating), fill in “Cristy Rush” and “Louisiana” and then search. Please note also that when you sign up to walk it will ask you how much money you want to raise. Again, we are not pressuring anyone to give. Enter “0” if you choose not to donate. Please call me if you have any questions or concerns at 225-603-6943. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, for praying for our daughter and for being a part of our lives.

The Rush Family

Jacob, Cristy, Addy, Jack and Joe

And the winner is.....

ME!!!

After carefully considering all 3 names that were suggested as our new team name for the annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, I went out on a limb and came up with my own. Although I loved the suggestions of Team Kick-Diabetes-in-the-Face (Drew), Curb-stomp Diabetes (Jake) and Addy's Team (Ernie), they either seemed a little too drastic for kid's t-shirts or eerily familiar.
So, without further ado, our new team name is.....

the A team!

Simple and to the point, but still conveys a strong image. Mohawks and gold chains anyone??

Ashely Hawthorne designed our t-shirts for us and I believe she did an amazing job of making them exemplify Addy's personality.



Psalm 139:13,14 (which is on the bottom of the shirt) has really been on my heart for Addy this year. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. It is a reminder that God knew Addy would have this disease and that every part of her was perfectly put together. Perfectly! And it is also a reminder that in all the high's and low's of diabetes, we will praise Him.

Tomorrow I'll post the details for the walk.

Joe's got Talent

I'm not sure when it happened, but sometime within the last week, Joe's hair started getting curly!



...and he started standing on his own!





....and climbing on everything that I have deemed "un-safe!"






This one is for all of you who only know the serious Joe. See, he does smile!




Isn't he cute?!

Continue Praying

I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers for my family over the last week. Please, please continue to pray for my sister and her kids Nathan, Lily and Logan. Specifically, that Misty will feel God's strength and peace and as she continues to mourn the loss of her husband. And for myself, that I wouldn't speak out of emotion to her, but that I would only speak God's truth.

Black and White (and color)

I have a new old past time that I can't believe I forgot about. I've recently discovered that all my old favorite movies live together on a wonderful channel called Turner Classic Movies.


Here's a new one that I just discovered:

Roman Holiday, which introduced Audrey Hepburn in 1953. It was so cute and cleverly done. I love that they kissed only twice, but didn't even need that to show that they were in love.



An Affair to Remember (1957) with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. I have loved this movie for a long time. They fall in love on a cruise from Europe to New York and agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in 6 months if they still want to be with each other. Quirky and touching all at the same time.


Then there is this type of movie:

The Gidget movies started in 1959. I mean who doesn't like a good surfing and teenage romance movie? They were just so much fun.

I'm also ashamed to say that my mom and I watched most of the Elvis Presley movies. Each year they would have a marathon on TV and we'd tune in!

Then there are these:


Natalie Wood in West Side Story (1961) was just beautiful. And although I didn't understand everything about South Pacific (1958) at the time, the music was lovely.

I sang chorus at our high school's production of both of those musicals and still to this day can remember the lyrics to most of the songs. Betcha didn't know that about me!

Sidenote: I just tried "Gonna wash that man right outta my hair" on jack and he smiled at me weirdly. I think I'm going to keep that hidden talent all to myself.

Each day, every moment

Addy started 1st grade today! . I had to put an exclamation point and a period after that sentence. The exclamation point because she was beyond excited and that makes me happy for her. The period because I have a little Addy sized hole in my house during the day now.


Pray for me!!



Addy begged to ride the bus to and from school this year, so we're trying it out this week to see how it goes. She looks so small getting on that bus.



Jack portrayed how I felt when Addy left on the bus. He let it out for both of us!


Then, to further help me, he ate toothpaste and started complaining that he didn't "felt better." After a quick call to poison control, we waited for him to throw up while snuggled on the couch together. Nothing like a good poison scare to take your mind off the sadness. He's completely fine, by the way.

Each step of her getting older seems so much harder than I thought it could be. I am reminded anew to treasure each day, every moment that I have with her. And poor Jack and Joe...hope they like quality time with their mom! I'll be like that creepy little mom from the children's book, I'll love you forever, who sneaks in her grown son's room to rock him while he's asleep.

Jake's twin

Look at this girl....she's a little Jake in the making! She 100% cracks me up!


I threw this one in just for fun!

Fishing, Cow Pastures and Chicken Houses

For those of you who don't know my grandma passed away this summer, and I wanted to share a few things that I will miss most about her.

--We called her Grandma Hubert. Hubert is my grandpa's name, but she wanted us to call her his name because that is what her mom did.

--She could make any meal country. I grew up picking vegetables from her garden and eating them that same day. Stewed okra and tomatoes, smothered squash, fresh green beans. And the sweetest tea you have ever drank. Although, in retrospect, it was so sweet it might be the reason I drink unsweet tea now.

--She giggled at everything. Like a little child giggles.

--She was sweet and kind and never wanted anyone to feel sad. She would hurt when someone she loved hurt.

--She would always, always ask about Jake the second we got on the phone.

--They lived on the most amazing farm. I'm sad that my kids won't grow up fishing in the pond, hiking the cow pastures and playing hide and seek in the chicken houses.

--She played bingo and cards at least 4 nights a week. And she was serious about it.

--She loved to dance and she was really good at it. She and my grandpa would get out there and dance. And not to the slow stuff either.

--There was not one moment that I didn't know how much she loved me. Anytime I saw her or got off the phone with her she would tell me multiple times how proud she was of me and how much she loved me.

--And most important...she loved the Lord. She trusted Him and never lost faith.

So tonight I cried. For the first time really since she died. Not from writing this post, but realizing that I had lost a candid picture of her that was only on my phone. My phone literally fell in two pieces today (thanks to dropping it one to many times and a mighty pull by jack jack) and this picture that I had taken of her laughing at me was gone. It's the little things isn't it?

I wanted to share so that I don't forget. I wanted to share so that you might glimpse a little bit of my history and I wanted to share so that you might see where little pieces of "me" come from.

I need some clever people

Last year, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the walk to find a cure for diabetes with the JDRF. Many of you walked in support of Addy and we had such a great time. Our team name last year was....get ready for it, Team Addy. This year we're wanting to change it up a little. Make the name reflect our little girl somehow.

So that is where you guys come in to play. We are going to have a contest to come up with our new team name. Comment on this post with your ideas and Jake and I will choose the winner sometime in mid-August. The winner, will not only get the team name on our T-shirts, but will also get their T-shirt for free! So get your thinking caps on and come up with something clever for us!

Here are a few pictures from last year:


Team Addy right before the walk

Team Addy walking while giving a big thumbs up!


Addy girl enjoying the activities after the walk. She's so cute!


By the way, for those of you who like to plan ahead, the walk will be on October 17th this year

Three kids....Three different parenting styles--Joe

Since Joe is only 8 months old, I don't know completely what he will be like. What I have gotten to experience with his little personality I am very excited about. Joe is a mommas boy. He is happiest curled up in my lap. Not sitting on the ground beside me, but center of the lap and within pulling distance of my hair. He's fine around other people, as long as he can't see me in the room. When I look at Joe I see an old man in a babies body. He is so serious, and a lot of time I will look up to find he has been studying me intently. He is also his own little man. While Addy and Jack have blond, curly hair, Joe's is brown with a few waves. His grin is amazing and I could literally sit and stare at him all day long. Joe Hoyt was named in honor of my grandpa, Hubert Hoyt. Joe was born on the day that my grandpa passed away, and brought some sunshine to that day for my grandma. I like to think that he will always be like that. Someone who listens wholeheartedly and then has just the right thing to say or do.

Perhaps in two years I'll be able to talk about how I discipline Joe. I like to think; however, that he'll stay a perfect little angel!

My prayers for Joe is that he would choose to study the Word more than he would choose to study the world. That he will maintain his individuality while still being content to honor God and respect authority. I pray that he will listen to those who ask for his ear and that he will always be able to point the lost toward God. I pray that he will see beyond what he knows and trust wholly that the Lord's plan for his life is good and true. I pray that he would have strength of character and a humble heart. That he will always feel loved by us, but will know there is One who loves him more.

He is my sweet, sweet baby, and I love him.

I didn't forget

I haven't forgotten about my third child! We've been out of town and I didn't have a lot of computer time. Baby Joe will be coming in the next few days. Stay tuned....

Three kids....Three different parenting styles--Jack

Jack. For most of you I could stop right there and big smiles would come to your faces. I have never met someone who loves life more than him. He is my people person and seems to draw everyone into his happy circle. We'll pass old women in a store and he'll yell, "Hi Grandma" and they will stop in surprise and then begin to have an animated conversation with him. He is very touchy and likes to make sure I'm paying attention to what he is saying by touching my face and pulling it toward him. He gives hugs and kisses and is just so incredibly loving. He never stops moving either. He is always running (I should say bouncing) and finding something to get into. He spends his time playing trains and matchbox cars and following his sister around. He loves to wrestle and jump on his daddy. He plays in his poop and drinks rainwater off the trampoline. Well, those were only one time occurrences, but it's something like that everyday! His personality is infectious and it is truly hard to say no to curly blond hair, big blue eyes and his impish little grin!

When my little Jack is in trouble, all I have to do is look at him and he begins to cry. He is heartbroken if I am angry with him and devastated if the crime warrants a spanking. Sometimes, since he can't sit still, I will hold him in my lap and not look at him for a time out. He doesn't like not being able to play and so it does work for him. Then I turn him around to face me and remind him of why he was in time out and his eyes drop and we hug. I always make sure to hug him after he is in trouble because "little bit" needs to be reminded that he is loved.

My prayers for Jack is that he would be able to use his outgoing personality to reach people for Christ. That he would always be sensitive to people's needs when they open up to him. I pray that he will desire to walk the straight and narrow while continuing to be larger than life. And that God would press on his heart the dire need for unselfish servants in this world. I pray that he would be filled with the knowledge of who he is in Christ and that when things come naturally or easy for him that he would act with humility. I desire for him to jump without hesitation when the Lord says, "go." That he will always feel loved by us, but will know there is One who loves him more.

He is my precious little man, and I love him.

Three kids....Three different parenting styles--Addy

Addy is my independent, strong willed child. She sticks to her guns and will question authority when she thinks she is right. She is a little shy in social settings, but quickly makes herself at home after 5 minutes. She loves to wear dresses and fix her hair "in a style." She is brave and cautious at the same time. She is one of the strongest people that I know because she faces needles and finger pricks everyday and rarely complains. She is beginning to know and understand Jesus and it is so incredibly sweet to watch. She loves her brothers, but would rather do her own thing. She has a roomful of toys, but would prefer to color or paint. She laughs and tells jokes. She is forever smiling. She dances and sings when she is happy, and cries when her brothers are hurt. She loves school, but gets in trouble for talking.

Spankings, time outs, taking away privileges don't work for her. What does work is encouragement when she does right, and staying consistent in what we expect of her. For a long time I thought that nothing that we were doing was working, but I can see now that God has slowly been chipping away at the pride that keeps her from listening. And that things we thought went in one ear and out the other have actually sunk in

My prayers for Ad is that she would learn to channel her strong will and independence. That it means never compromising her beliefs in Jesus Christ and standing strong under trials. That she would learn to put others before herself and understand the true value of being a servant. That she would understand that beauty goes beyond frilly dresses and bows and is a matter of the heart. That she would desire to be a wife and mother. That she will always feel loved by us, but will know there is One who loves her more.

She is my beautiful little princess and I love her.

That's Crazy!!

Today was Addy's last day of kindergarten! My 5 year old daughter finished kindergarten today! I don't know how else to say it so that I can wrap my head around that thought. I have a child that has completed a grade. I thought her going to school was tough, but the fact that she completed a grade and is moving on to the next one is so much harder to swallow. Why is that?

She is such an amazing little girl. There is not a person untouched by her bubbly personality in the office at her school--Prairieville Primary. In fact, they can tell she is not feeling well when she doesn't skip or dance into their office. Their walls are covered with her art work and coloring pages. She is a happy constant in their day to day.

Another reason she is amazing is the way she took off in swim lessons these last few weeks. Her report card from her instructor said that, "Adelyn showed the most progress out of all his students. She has an excellent back stroke for her level. Awesome job!!" I mean what kind of boy puts lots of exclamation marks unless he really means them! I was just so proud of her.

Forgive everyone yelling in the background please. There was this little boy who kept jumping in and he kept freaking everyone out each time.

I am so excited about what this summer holds for us. It will be the first time that I will actually have all three kids together for an extended period of time and I am looking forward to the fun that we are going to have.

And then off to first grade.....

Not for the Squeamish....

So my eldest son played in his poop this week. I was too mad to record the damage done to his room, but I'll let you imagine what it looked like after you see the video.

Easter Morning

Jack was soooo excited every time he found an egg! It's blurry, but it captures his expression so well.

Beautiful Joe!

Addy had so much fun discovering that the Easter bunny left an egg with her name on it! And she's a good hunter.

My kids! They are an amazing three.

Feeling like eeyore today!

So...it's been a day today. We had an amazing weekend, but oh so busy. Zoo with Jake on Friday. Saturday morning we had an Easter egg hunt with the Ring. Saturday night was dinner with Angie, Reid and the boys. Sunday morning we hunted eggs and had Orphan Easter '09 with our friends and church Sunday night. It was so full...of fun, sun and family and friends! Today, we are all tired. Jack woke up from his nap on Easter with fever and today spiked at 104.7. I would have ignored that had he not spent all morning on my lap in tears or on the ground screaming because he couldn't get anything to go his way. And if you know my Jack, that is not him. Off to the doctor we went to discover that he has strep throat and double ear infection. Poor buddy!
Addy, sweet girl, went all weekend....without naps and with late bedtimes. She was exhausted today and had the mood to go along with it. She wanted to play, but not on her own. She wanted something to do, but couldn't come up with the perfect game. She irritated Jack, but loved on Joe. She just overall had a tough listening day, with high sugars to boot. I'll tell you that a new bag of pipe cleaners saved the day, as well as her new kick ball that the Easter bunny brought.
And Joe....smiley Joe. He cooed and laughed at Jack's crying. Kicked his little legs as hard as he could anytime Addy ran into the room. Smells so sweet and is sometimes my escape from those who can talk. Is that too harsh to say??
So, it was a day. I think I said that already, but wanted to say it again. I would catch myself saying in my head...in a Eeyore like voice. "Can't believe he's crying again." "Wish all this laundry would just disappear." "Wish that I could catch a break today." Many things like that. Sometimes I think that if I don't say them out loud then I can't really mean them. But I did. I wanted an easy road today. I wanted to take a book to Starbucks, grab a Chi creme frappachino and read for three hours straight.
And just when I thought that this strained patient mother would turn ugly, the Lord tugged at my heart. He reminded me that I hadn't spent time in the Word today. That my desperate prayers of "Help me to have patience" were not cutting it and I needed to really talk to Him. And at last....there was peace.

Joe's talking!

It's really hard to see, but Joe is talking up a storm to our couch.

My little alien!!

Selsum Blue for cradle cap in case you were wondering!

Addy girl

There are many times where I feel that my parenting comes back void. I either get blank looks or hands on the hips attitude. Many times, I have cried to Jake that I am not making a difference and our sweet girl is becoming... not quite as sweet. I love it when God shows me that even when I am not working on her heart, that He always is.

Almost three months ago, Addy was playing with her cousins in her Papaw's backyard. There was a turtle shell that had been put aside for Cole as a present and he was showing everyone else what it looked like. Addy took the turtle shell, and although playing, hit it and crushed it. There was not any remorse shown. She was defiant and angry. We made her apologize to Cole and Papaw, but have not mentioned it since.

Two days ago she starts a massive art project. It is a turtle swimming on top of the water and has a little head peeking up. It is adorable. I asked her what she was making (she probably thinks I am stupid half the time!) and she tells me that she is making a turtle for her cousin Cole because she broke his and was really sad.

I didn't think she had even remembered and here was the Lord quietly working on her heart.

What is lazy???

Most of the time I am a pretty easy going person. I roll with the punches and spur of the moments don't faze me. It's a really good trait to have with three kids who are full of life and energy! Lately; however, there have been little "stressors" that have popped up. A list of things that I wish that I would do and/or need to do that I don't make time for.

1) make a budget (probably a really good one!)

2) organize photos from the last 2 years

3) start a photo album for jack

4)...start one for Joe

5) write thank you's

6) practice the piano

7) study the Word more

All of the items above are legitimate things to want to do. None of them are super complicated, but there is something that holds me back from even attempting to do them or do more. I know that I am in a unique season of life. That I have 3 children under the age of 5, one being a newborn. That there are necessary needs that have to be met every day. Taking Addy to school, playing with jack, feeding Joe, cleaning, laundry, supper, etc. That the time that I have at night (after the two oldest are in bed) is to be treasured time with my husband.

But, I feel lazy that my list doesn't get done. That the time I have at night without kids and after Jake goes to bed should be used more wisely instead of watching TV. Where is the happy medium??

Here is what I have decided: I will do what I can do without feeling overwhelmed and be satisfied!

If the kids go to bed and I watch TV. awesome. If the kids go to bed and I decide to pay bills and balance the "checkbook." awesome. If the kids go to bed and Joe decides that 9:00 is his bed time also, and I go to bed. awesomer!

All that said...I think just realizing there are things that I would like to do helps me to be just a little more proactive on getting them done.

Take this post. I wrote this entry almost 15 days ago and was going to come back and edit it. 15 days later, here I am. But, I have a budget in line and Jake organized the photos on our hard drive!! Who knew!

This goes out to all my fans (or family) who love me despite my faults

I really admire people who post pictures of their kids, send out thank you notes the next day and mail birthday cards off on time. I desire to be that type of person. I really do. However, I am not. I currently have a large pile of thank you cards to finish from the birth of Joe, my sister's birthday card on the kitchen table and 3, count 'em 3, Christmas presents that still have not been mailed. It truly is a horrible trait to have!

This blog is my attempt at fixing a few of my ways. I will attempt to post pictures of the kids going through life, silly comments they make and their overall well being and you can sit back and enjoy life as viewed by Addy, Jack and Joe.

Love you guys!

Baby Joe