Merry Christmas!!

Here's a few pictures from the past month. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Card Family Picture

Waiting to see the neighborhood Santa while dropping off food for the needy.

Ella is not sure what to think of this Santa with his beard falling off.

Walking home from seeing Santa.

Neighbor Jan invited Lily and Rachel over to decorate a Gingerbread house.

The finished product!!

Rachel's Brownie troop walked in the Wake Forest Christmas Parade...here she is waiting for the parade to start with a couple fellow Brownies.

Rachel's cheering section...including 2 of my sisters, Elaine and Crista. My mom was also there, but was taking the picture.

It's hard to see Rachel, but she is right in the middle of this picture...red sleeves.

Rob and I at our church Christmas dinner/ concert.

My decorated table for Redeemer's Christmas dinner.

Rachel invited some school friends over to decorate cookies!

Lily decorates cookies with her 2 "best buds" - Caroline and William

Sporting new reversible vests from Great Grandmommy, while waiting for sleigh ride.

Horse that pulled sleigh. Rachel was excited to sit up front with the driver.

On a sleigh ride.

Our girls with Laster girls - Caroline and Catie - at Kanki....our 3rd time celebrating Christmas with the Lasters at Kanki. The first time we went, Lily and Caroline were in utero. We filled up the entire table this time.

Sweet sisters during our Christmas movie marathon.

Christmas eve - we let the girls open one present each...their Christmas PJs. Rachel had requested that they have some with feet in them. Lily and Ella try theirs on here.

I'm finally done playing Santa, and the stocking holders won't hold the filled stockings.

A close up of what Santa brought...Diamond Castle Barbies.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

We love you!

Christmas Letter 2008

Dear Friends and Family,
“Indeed, in our hearts we have felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our HOPE that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. “ 2 Corinthians 1:9-11.

I realize this may be an odd way to start a Christmas letter, but it really sums up our year. In past letters, I have often talked about the changes going on in the Chapman family, but this year I wanted to focus on the constant thing in our lives that has held us up. It has been a difficult year, with loosing my Dad to brain cancer in March (just 7 months after his diagnosis). Our constant has been Christ alone. We continue to hope in him as our deliverer, knowing that he does not spare us from hard times, but he is with us in those troubles (Psalm 91:15). We have seen him work through his people, the body of Christ, and we are so thankful for your prayers on our behalf. They have kept us going more than you may realize. So, as we approach the celebration of his birth, we give praise to God for the coming of Christ, the hope that he will continue to sustain us, and the promise of being with him for eternity.

Of course the other “constants” in our lives are our three wonderful daughters, who are more than willing to keep us grounded in reality. J

Rachel took another semester of dance in the Spring and was so glad to dance to the “Nutcracker Suite” for her performance – it’s been one of her favorites (thanks to Grandaddy Chapman) since she was 2. Rachel turned 6 in August and invited a few friends to go horseback riding to celebrate. She LOVES horses!! A few days later, Rachel started 1st grade at Lynn Rd. Elementary, and again we have been blessed with a great teacher for her. Although she didn’t have anyone in her 1st grade class from her K class last year, she was not fazed by it at all, as she told us who all the other kids were and which K class they were in last year. Apparently, she knows everyone in her grade (about 100 kids) – sounds a bit like her Papa. J Rachel was excited to play soccer this fall, after hearing about how much her Daddy played growing up. She really improved over the season, and will play again in the Spring. Rachel also began Girl Scouts, as a Brownie, in September. She has already had her first overnight camp out, where she learned to fish and canoe. Most recently, Rachel has told us she wants to be a “Rock Star” when she grows up, and she loves to practice her performances.

Lily is still our silly girl. She could probably be a comedian when she grows up with all the one-liners she comes up with. And she is always doing silly things. For instance, she wore a beaded necklace around her shoulders, hanging down under her arms and around her back for a week, saying quite seriously that it was her “backpack”. Lily turned 3 in April, but is already planning her birthday parties for when she turns 4 and 5. J Lily also took dance class in the Spring and loved it. She is taking a break from dancing right now, as she just started preschool in September. She is in class 2 days a week, with her 2 best friends, who also go to our church. She has loved getting to know other kids as well. Everywhere we go, Lily can be heard singing; sometimes she sings real songs, and at other times, she just makes up her own words. I love that she always has a song in her heart. Most of the time, she is still our “flower child” and floats along with whatever we are doing.

Ella turned 1 in July, and is doing things her own way. Once she finally figured out crawling (if you can call scooting on your bottom with one leg in front “crawling”), she didn’t waste any time, and was walking before her first birthday. She is definitely our spunky one, and not only tries to keep up with her sisters, but is determined to compete with them as well. She holds her own, whether it is “fighting” for toys or food – often opening the cabinets to get the snack she wants. While she has been saying a few words for months, she has recently started saying a whole lot more, including calling Lily “Ella”. I guess we can’t blame her since we can’t call our kids the right names half the time. J Ella enjoys being outside whenever possible, even if that means dragging “greeny” (her little blanket my sister Crista made) through the dirt. She doesn’t go anywhere without her “nee nee.” With her darker hair and curls in the back, she has her own look, and her own little personality to match. We enjoy her sweet little hugs and kisses for all her family.

Rob continues to work at NCSU’s McKimmon Center. He has enjoyed having some new challenges with developing online courses, editing/ producing promotional DVDs, and other “IT” projects. This is Rob’s ninth year working part time for CanesVision, the production crew, or “Jumbotron Team”, for sporting events at the RBC Center, including Carolina Hurricanes Hockey, NC State University Football, and NC State Basketball. For at least the 3rd time, Rob was recently given the “Team Spirit” award. When he is not working, Rob loves spending time with family – he is such a good Daddy to our girls, and is the calm voice among the frequent “drama” in the house. He has also enjoyed being the assistant coach for Rachel’s soccer team.

I, (Becky), ended my job at UNC’s Center for Development and Learning in August, so that I could be at home more with the girls. Between taking the girls to school and preschool, soccer games, Girls Scouts, volunteering at Rachel’s school, Moms in Touch, Bible Study, WIC Council (Women in the Church), singing on worship team, volunteering at Wake Med and developing my doula business, I have quickly filled my schedule, but I have loved every minute of it!! I have found such joy and comfort through song in the months since my Dad passed; I especially feel a closeness with him when worshipping in church on Sunday mornings. One of my favorite songs that alludes to this is by Jars of Clay; their song “Let us Love and Sing and Wonder” says:

Let us praise and join the chorusOf the saints enthroned on highHere they trusted him before usNow their praises fill the sky

I love the image that we are joining with my Dad, my sister Leah, my grandparents, and all that have gone before us, as they praise and worship our Heavenly Father. What a comfort to know we will be reunited with them one day.

A few other family highlights from our year…
In early March, a week after my Dad went under the care of hospice, our entire family (17 of us at the time), took a trip to the mountains of Boone for a few days. It was such a nice time, especially as we have loved taking family trips there for several years (and Boone is where I went to college). Of course we had to take a trip into Blowing Rock for the famous Kilwins’ ice cream – my Dad’s favorite!! Rob, the girls and I spent every weekend in March in Huntersville. We are so thankful to the Fuseliers (my parents’ sweet friends, and now ours) for letting all 5 of us stay with them every time. This was also a special time of visiting with many family friends who had also come to see my Dad. A few weeks later, we were all together again at my parents house to celebrate Easter. This was the last time we would all be together.

In April, we participated in the “Angels Among Us” 5K/ Family Walk to raise money for the Brain Tumor Center at Duke, where my Dad had his surgery and received treatment. Although it was just a few weeks after my Dad had died, it was a great experience to be involved in this great cause. Our team “Helton’s HOPE” plans to participate again in April 2009.

In May, along with Rob’s parents and sister, we went to Disney World. It was a wonderful trip, although not really “relaxing” vacation, since we tried to cram so much into just a few days. Of course the girls all loved seeing their favorite Disney characters, and it was nice to get away for a little while. We were able to visit with some of my Mom’s family in Tallahassee on the drive down to Orlando.

In September, all 3 girls were flower girls in a wedding in Atlanta. The bride, Audrey, is the daughter of long time family friends, the Mendozas. Had my Dad still been with us, he would’ve officiated the wedding. Although he wasn’t, Audrey still wanted to have part of the Helton family in the wedding – we were honored. Lily threw petals down the aisle, while Rachel pulled Ella in a wagon. They were simply adorable and did a great job!! After the wedding, we headed up to Chattanooga/ Signal Mountain to visit with Rob’s grandmother. It was a special time with her, as well as Rob’s cousin Sara Merkle and her family. We were also able to see college friends, the Scotts, and their newborn baby, who they adopted in July.


In reflecting on my Dad’s life, I think my brother-in-law Daryl summed it up well, when speaking at the funeral. “He loved God. He loved People. In that order.” What a legacy he leaves!! I often wonder if I will be able to teach my girls the things that were most important to my Dad. Last week, I was full of pride when Rachel and I had a discussion about sharing the news of Christ. She said, “That’s why Papa went all over the world. To tell people everywhere about God. He loved God so much that he wanted everyone to know about him.” What else can you ask for?? J Well, Rachel had another comment to add to that….”I think I know why Papa loved God so much…because he made ice cream!!” Yup, that’s my Dad’s legacy – He loved God. He loved people. And he loved ice cream.

We are so blessed by all of you – not only your friendship, but your prayers, and your graciousness to serve us this year. We pray that you receive God’s richest blessings this Christmas season and all year long. May he be your constant as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Much love,
Becky

Horses and Soccer

On Friday, August 22, we celebrated Rachel's 6th birthday! She invited 5 friends to come to a farm and go horseback riding! (she was inspired by PBS show "Saddle Club"....this is what happens when you don't have cable.) Rachel's actual birthday was Sat., August 23, but she was playing in her 1st soccer game that day. Enjoy pics from both below.

I made a barn cake with horse cupcakes around it. A few extra cupcakes said "Happy Birthday Rachel", with 2 cupcakes for candles on either side.
Rachel on her horse, before the trail ride (led by a guide).
Rachel with her friends...and yes, the girl on the end is only 6 as well...her family is tall.
Warming up before the game with Daddy.

Rachel's team won by at least 6 goals (they don't really keep score at this level, so we were trying to keep track). It could've been more, had her team not been competing for the ball between themselves, as pictured here. This is one instance where Rachel had "an assist" rather than a goal. She was tired, but had fun.

What? I have a blog?

Oh yeah, this is it. I forgot about ol' blog! Anyway, here's some pictures from Ella's birthday party....last month! Sorry for the delay.

Rachel and Lily picked the "Bbay Einstein" theme. I made character cupcakes...the lion, the dragon, baby neptune (sea turtle), and the duck. I also had 5 cupcakes at the bottom of the caterpillar. Rachel selected the caterpillar's face to be the one for Ella to eat since it was the only one of its kind. How sweet!!

Lily, me, Rob, Rachel, and Gramma (my mom) help Ella celebrate!

Big Blue eyes enjoys her cupcake!

Ella get s little upset when she has to share with her friends....here, her 2 best buds, Zachary and Josiah (one month older than her) play with her toys.

Josiah and Ella spent a lot of time hangin; out at the snack table...those goldfish were good!!

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet Eleanor Rose! Something tells me, she's gonna be the one fiesty one, especially as she tries to keep up with 2 older sisters. Watch out!!

More pictures

No, it's not your imagination...I am actually posting 2 times in the same day. I know, I didn't write for 2 months, and then I go and do this...just trying to keep you on your toes. : )
So, here are a few more pics from the last couple of months...

Ella "helping" to pick strawberries.

Ra and Lil showing off their baskets full of berries.

Ra and Lil being silly with their scarf and hat...on a 100 degree day!!!

Gymnastics portion of "Big Show" Performance at the Little Gym.
Our little dancer. This year, Rachel's class danced ballet to the "Nutcracker Suite" and tapped to "Rockin' Robin".
Lily - being a ham - just before her big performance.
Lily's class did a routine to "Oh Where, oh where has my little dog gone?"...here she is showing her "ears cut short" and wagging her "tail cut long".
Flowers from Grandmommy and Grandaddy!!





In addition 3 trips in June to my mom's to work on her house (to get it ready to sell), we did a little home project ourselves. Here are some pics of our new tile in the downstairs kids' room and half bath. We had someone lay the tile, but we pulled up carpet, painted baseboards, etc. ourselves.




new faucet, too!! Now the water won't spray when you turn it on. yay!!

Rach and Lils greeting Gramma at the train station on a recent visit. They were so excited to see her!!

Alrighty, folks, well I have procrasinated enough on my work for now...gotta wrap this up. By the way, Ella turns one in just 2 days!! So, I will have to put some pics up of her soon. Hopefully, I won't be 2 months late, next time.

Thanks for checking in with us.

Blessing to you, friends!

Lots of Pictures...

Okay, so I have been a horrible blogger lately...or, really, just a non-blogger. So, rather than list everything we've been up to in the last few months, I'll just let you see.


First of all, we went to Disney World in May. SOOO much fun, but a bit crazy trying to fit everything in in such a short time; we've already decided we'll have to stay longer next time. Rob's parents, and his sister Jane went along with us.

Lily and Rachel with Ariel (this was the longest we waited to see a character...over an hour...but she is the girls' favorite!!)

Storytime with Belle in the Garden next to the Castle. Belle pulls kids up on stage to help act out her story. VERY fun!!

Rachel and Lily create their own ears...they chose the style, the ears (well, they were out of the pink fluffy ears), and a patch. You can't tell from this pic, but Rachel's has pink fur around the edges, and Lily's reminds me of a disco ball since it's a bit irridescent.

On the ferry from Fort Wilderness (we stayed in the cabins there) to Magic Kingdom.

Breakfast with Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. Mary Poppins and Tigger and Pooh were also there. YUMMY food too!!

The famous picture of the family in front of the castle at Magic Kingdom. Too bad Ella wasn't looking.

Ella, hangin' out in the Ergo on my back, with her new ears.

Me, Ella, Jane, Lily, Sally (hiding behind Lily), and Rachel at DinoLand in Animal Kingdom.

Rachel was just barely tall enough for some of the rides, but did all the big roller coasters we did - Splash Mtn., Space Mtn., Expedition Everest, and Thunder Mt. Railroad (her favorite). Lily loved the Magic Carpet Ride (or "Jasmine" as she called it) and Small World. She was disappointed that Cinderella's Carousel was closed but is looking forward to riding it, along with the "big people" rides next time we go.

More pics coming....stay tuned!!