My Little Family I love!

My entire family together for the first time in 7 years! I think Lou sure enhances our family. My Mom's prayers were answered to have her family home with her for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed our time with the family. And huge thanks to Char for hooking us up with a gym to play basketball in. We know JaMarcus sure has a love for the sport. Thanks again!

Blog Neglect

Hello...

I hope all is well with everyone. I apologize I have been negecting the BLOG! Our family has been a little overwhelmed with life, and we have not found that happy balance to get everything accomplished.

Lou - Is doing amazing with his job! He has only been working with the company since September, and has already been asked to enroll in their Leadership Program, so with in 2 years he will be a managing partner/trainer. I can't state it enough, he has found a great career fit. He seems happy with his job...If only I could be more of a help/support to him...Why:I have been burried with the worries of work: I have taken on new responsibilites at work: I'm working as the NCAA Certification Specialist in the Registrar's Office (interm). I'm taking over for an individual who has been in this position for the last 20 years, and has worked in the Registrar's Office for 30 years. I'm currently interm, because they have to post the job officially, and a lot more details that I won't bother with. So, long story short: I have never felt so hated in my entire life: my current co-works hate me becuase I have been placed in the position but, have not been at BSU for very long: They feel they would be more qualified. I also, have the stress of working with the Athltics Department (I remember why I'm not in the field anymore) I have a family now, who needs my time and attention. I'm a complete outsider and not loved by any department. It's frustrating. But, I have faith I will get through this. I just have to keep reminding myself: ROMANS 8:31 Hope all is well with each of you and your families: I'll post again soon, very soon, with pictures!!!!

JaMarcus is growing so much! I can't believe it he talks/ runs / dances/loves phones/books/ and balls. He throws anything... Or should I say he launches anything. Watch-out for the bottle of baby powder. The other day he took a full bottle of baby powder, and threw it clear across the room. I was stunned, it is heavy! When he throws he pulls it back past his ear and then Voom... it's gone!

I'll do a quick report on Thanksgiving. We last minute went to my family's house for Thanksgiving: All my family was home, WOW there are a bunch of us! Thanksgivng morning we went to my sister Char's School and played basketball in the gym. JaMarcus was a natural. He would take the basketball bend down, then stand up and try to throw the ball through the hoop. He would only get there if he had some help of his All-Star Dad. Our family also tried to play a game of Basketball, Lou would put it into gear if the opposing team (my team) was showing him up a bit. But Lou was the "real" basketball star of the game. Later in the after-noon we took family pictures, it has been a while since our last family picture, and the family has grown the last 7 years. We enjoyed a great thanksgiving dinner that evening. And our family traveld back to Boise Friday. We enjoyed being with the family, and wanted it to stay that way: Plus we were able to have a weekend and were able to enjoy the holidy festivities of Boise: Parade/Tree Lighting/Stampede Opening Basketball Game!

Days Without Dad- Husband

This last week, Lou went to Rock Island, Illinois, for work trainning. Wow! I have a huge respect for single parents! JaMarcus did not go to bed until 10:30-11:00 each night.. he tried to stay up for Dad to come home....So, we had a long 4 nights and 5 days.... We survived! And we were both excited for him to come home! And thankful for the last 2 nights of full sleep!

Lou still loves his job/career... We still love our new church home. And I still like my job but, hate being away from JaMarcus. I thought it would get easier being away from JaMarcus durring the work week, but it gets harder and harder each day/week/month. I'm pretty sure I drive Lou and Angela (my friend who watches JaMarcus) crazy... with my "mad mind mommy moments". Just pray for me!

Just want to thank Lou for our Family Night ... Last Friday... Lou and JaMarcus picked me up from work and we went Down-Town for Dinner. It was nice ( I wanted Mexican.. but enjoyed the itallian food we ate.) The best part of the whole night... was our after dinner walk. JaMarcus thought he was so cool because we let him walk down the sidwalks of down-town. He waved at all the ladies and stopped to watch the baseball game on the T.V. I was in total awe of my little one. A bit upset that I was over-looked (people only noticed Lou and JaMarcus) not me the Mom and Wife!

Alright... one last gripe! I was warned but did not think it would happen to me (I was in denial) but reality has hit..... I cannot stand it when people ask me if I adopted JaMarcus. So, in case anyone thinks I adopted JaMarcus.... I didn't he is mine.... I did not get this lovely body... without pregnancy! And doesn't he look like me?

Pray all is well with each of you!!!!!

ON THE MOVE...

Alright so JaMarcus has been walking since August 14th! I know he is a pro at it now that I am writing about it a month later! He is even happier (didn't know it was possible) since he has been walking and discovering more about his world! He is keeping his Mom and Dad busy! And his newest thing! FOOTBALL STANCE! Last friday night (Sept 12) I had a work picnic and there were kids practicing grid kid football at the park. JaMarcus was mezmorized he watched them intently... so Satruday and Sunday football was on in the house.. And we noticed that when the players would go to the line of scrimmage JaMarcus would bend-down and put one hand down in front of him... So, we now ask JaMarcus to "do the football stance" and he drops down into position.. then he jumps up and claps... I guess I got my future Florida Full-Back after-all.

Louis: (Jamar) has found the career that he has been looking for: September 2nd Lou started a new job as an Financial Advisor for Modern Woodmen of America. I have never seen Lou so happy. He goes to work happy, comes home happy, and is happy when he calls me in the middle of the day! Lou gets to start each day at work with the pledge of allegiance and a group prayer. Lou meets new clients and if he is not able to help them in the money world he is able to help them with their spiritual world... he has been able to pray with individuals and give them a boost just by getting to know the Jesus that is inside of him. Lou has really found a good fit for himself.

Our family has also taken a big leap of faith! After faithful prayer/fasting / and searching God's word we have decided to attend another church. This has been the most difficult decision Lou has made for our family since we have been married. We have been attending Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ (Boise). When we lived in Idaho Falls we attended New Covenant Church of God in Christ. We learned a lot, grew a bunch spiritually, and made many new friendships (which made leaving even harder) we tried to find every reason to stay and continue even though we knew it was not right for us to stay. I had been batteling with this since Janurary and Lou the last few months. So, not a quick choice by any means. But, we have moved to another level in spirituality. We are being held to a higher accountability. We are building a better relationship with Christ and learning his stories. We are learning and understanding the bible, moving away from people/relegion and moving more toward relationship, which we had lost our focus: Our focus was on Lou getting his Ministers Lisence. We were working on that, and so we lost what it is all about: Jesus and the "good news" We need to re-focus on Jesus, and so we took a leap of faith! And I understand the scripture: "His Yoke is Easy and his Burden is Light". Sunday was our first day at the new church:Trinity Fellowship. It was the first Sunday in two years that I felt church was not a burden. I could write about this and could say more.. but God Answered my prayer: And my burden is light!

JaMarcus In Action

Check out our videos of JaMarcus! This is JaMarcus and his friend Sydnee. Sydnee's Mom watches JaMarcus while his Mom and Dad are at work. JaMarcus really likes to go hang out with Sydnee. The first video, JaMarcus is being a bit of a bully. And the second video... his soft-side comes out. Sydnee is a week older than JaMarcus.

Huge thanks to Pete and Angela for the videos/pictures. And also a huge thanks to you Angela for taking such great care of JaMarcus. We know he is in good watch and care and we appreciate you so much!

Tears of Joy

I was just reading a few of my past blogs...and I'm just so amazed at how God has blessed me and my family. I don't know how to express it... I hold back so much of the Journey that Lou and I have been on/through the past 3 years... because of embarassment/pride/etc... but one day you'll all read it in a book.

JaMarcus update.. Joys that brought tears to my eyes... About a month ago, JaMarcus and I were just chillin' on the couch, and he out of no where got the giggles... He was laughing so hard (the deep gut belly kind of laugh) that he puked... And then he kept on laughing... I was laughing right along with him, just brought tears of happiness that just his mom could make him laugh, and to realize that God gave me what I asked for... A Happy Healthy Baby. So, last week, I think last week.... I don't know it was still July... JaMarcus took his first real steps.. He has been wanting to walk for a long time but just has not wanted to let go... Well, he finally let go... He took 3 steps towards me from the couch to Mom over and over.. then Dad came home and JaMarcus showed off his new stuff.... I just cried.... He still likes to take a step or two fall to his bum... and then he scoots to wherever he can stand up... Ohh... did I not let that seceret out? My little boy scoots... not much of a crawler but scoots on him bum all over the place.. He's pretty fast too... If we can figure it out we'll put a snap-it on the blog for you all to view.

PERFECT 1st BIRTHDAY!!

JaMarcus is off to a great start with great birthdays! The day was perfect! Grandma Andrus Aunt Char, Aunt Steph, Cousins: Matasia, Keysha, Alyssa, and Jacklyn... drove up from Idaho Falls to shower him with gifts, then we went to the Mall... to get JaMarcus' pictures taken for the big day, we met Grandma Gert and Grandpa Ben (who had driven up from Henderson, NV ) and the Grandma's watched as JaMarcus grinned big for the camera...he loved to smile, giggle, and play, and cried when the photo shoot was over (He must take after his Dad...when it comes to pictures... loves the camera... and always a great picture). After pictures we neglected Dad who was at work (forgot to take him lunch) and we went Down Town for birthday lunch at the Spaghetti Factory...JaMarcus had a great time making an enormous mess... and eating birthday ice-cream. We then went to the park... and some took a nap after the spaghettii lunch and some of us went on a walk...to the friendship bridge.. the brige that goes over the river from the park the the Boise State Camupus to see where I work.... Then it was time to take Lou (the Dad) some lunch... Family visited for a minute and then they were off back to Idaho Falls, and JaMarcus took a quick nap... and his Parents watched the New York Yankees win there game! Then we prepared for the night party at the Boise Hawks Baseball Game. We had many friends show up for the party. The birthday cakes were perfect!!!! Yvonne made the birthday cakes and JaMarcus was covered in cake from head to toe... His Dad pushed his face right into the center of his cake...Poor kid.... JaMarcus got game recognition and was a the star of the night. The game was exciting... and the Boise Hawks won the game... ending the perfect 1st Birthday!

MOVED

Greetings-

I know I've been neglecting the blog... but we are all moved in and setteled in our new home. We have been blessed and appreciate this home so much. I"ll get some pictures up in a week or two (So I guess next month is more likely).

My job is going well at Boise State, I have learned a lot the last month but have a lot more to learn. It is hard being away from JaMarcus for so long, but we have him on the waiting list for the Children's Center at Boise State... So, all prayers are welcome, in helping him to get in. Babysitter-Bouncing is taking a toll on all of us, thankfully it is only Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday - Because Dad (Lou) is with him on Thursday /Friday.

Lou started his on-field announcing for the Boise Hawks (The AAA Baseball Team for Boise)... And he is beyond great! The Crowd/ Season Ticket Holders/ Staff/ General Manager, love him and the excitement he brings to the field! Lou loves it himself.... JaMarcus and I have been to a few games, and are looking forward to a fun-filled baseball summer...In fact that is where we are going to spend his 1st Birthday Party...at the Baseball Park. We have a few pictures attached... ENJOY>>>>>

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

BLESSINGS OVERFLOW

Many new blessings in our family. I am going to start a new job May 27th. I will be working at Boise State University evaluating transcripts...it's a Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 job! This will be new for me going from 7am-12pm, to all day long. I'll be missing lots of time with my boys... Louis has started a new position at his job as well as new hours.He is working at Furniture Row in Sales, and working toward a management position.. He has Wednesday mornings off and Thursday/Friday's... So, He will be watching JaMarcus at those times, and JaMarcus is going to have his first baby sitter, a friend of mine is going to watch JaMarcus on Monday and Tuesdays... She has a little girl who is a week older than JaMarcus... I just pray JaMarcus does not bully her.... He is so big and does not realize his strength sometimes... I would hate for him to get kicked out! But, I bet he'll be just fine! Who know's about his mom... she is going to miss him so much... as well as Lou... But, benefits and money are a blessing to us at this time.

We are also going to move!! We found a house to rent...It's perfect for us and we are looking forward to the extra room, because JaMarcus is all over the place. Not walking by himself but with objects! I believe they call it cruising! So, we have a cruiser!

But, I am so grateful for all of these wonderful new blessings in our lives!!! Just be patient and you'll be blessed as well and will appreciate it so much more!!

Louis J. Sheppard

Louis J Sheppard is my husband...and JaMarcus Dad. And most recently Louis was appointed as Minister in our church. Miracle Temple Church of God In Christ. Louis has worked hard, has been patient, and has been a dillegent servant of the Lord and the time has come that Lou has been appointed and has accepted the call to the Ministry. I don't think Lou even reads this blog but I want him to know that I love him, and am so blessed to be with a man who puts God first in his Life, who listens and heeds his words.

Louis is the best dad to JaMarcus! I don't know how to explain but, Lou would do anything for that little boy...and wants to give him the best of everything. Lou wants to give and do the best for myself as well. And again I'm blessed to have him as my husband.

Lou -JaMarcus and I are excited for you and your new role and we want you to know we support you and our prayers are with you daily-

JaMarcus World

JaMarcus Loves His Baskets! Weather it's a laundry basket or a toy box/basket JaMarcus could play all day long in a Basket.

Today was JaMarcus' 9 month check -up. He weighs 23lbs. He feels like 32lbs. So we were suprised with the weight. He is 28 inches long and is still our healthy happy baby boy.

Dad really was and is his first word. He knows the face to the name. We were attending our baby class last month and as soon as Dad walked into the room (he came in later...because he was parking the car) and a big smile came upon JaMarcus' face and he shouted Da Da Dad...All of the other parents looked at JaMarcus and were so amazed as was his Mom, and his Dad was as proud as could be.

JaMarcus tends to be a big of a bully... We were at our baby class last month (again) and JaMarucs was playing on the floor with some toys, and other babbies his own age were playing as well. One little girl kept walking past JaMarcus...Well, since JaMarcus can't walk and she could he decided to grab the girl and toss her to the floor... Then he just laughed... and the little girl got up and walked away like nothing had happened. His hands seem to be bigger than others so he is always grabbing a bit harder than others... The little Big Bully.

JaMarcus is learing so much and suprises us with new things every day, every hour and every minute...he gives us more personality/interests/movements/etc... It is such a great joy to have him in our lives!

Dah Dah Dah Dah Dah Dah Dah

JaMarcus' new favorite word: DAH DAH DAH! I try each day to help him say Ma Ma Ma Ma... he watches me intently and then says Dah Dah Dah.. and then starts to laugh! I guess that is what happens when he gets to spend Monday-Friday Morning's with his Dad!

6 Months Old!!!

January 5th JaMarcus tuned 6 months old! I can't believe he has been with us for 1/2 a year! He now weighs 20lbs 2 oz and is 27 inches long! He has two teeth and has started eating baby cereal - applesauce-peaches-prunes- and juice. He is a happy healthy baby! Just what we have prayed for and continue to pray for! And we are still being blessed! We can't imagine life without our little JaMarcus!

The Real Show Case!

Janurary 14th-17th Idaho Stampede hosted the NBA D-League ShowCase There are 14 Development League Teams and each is affiliated with an NBA Team. We (The Idaho Stampede) are affiliated with the Seattle Super-Sonics and the Portland Trail Blazers. The ShowCase gives all 14 teams a chance to play and NBA scouts and general managers are there to watch all the action. So, everyone gets a chance to "Show-Off" Well, JaMarcus was the Real ShowCase... I had to work 10 of the 14 games, and Lou and JaMarcus were troopers and attended all the games with me. JaMarcus and Lou had court-side seats for each game, and were able to get the because JaMarcus is such a cutie and was into the game... Many NBA "upities" could not get over how a 6 months old was into the game... watching the action up and down the court.. moving his head back and forth and back and forth. He was on the Jumbotron each game and was in all reality the highlight of the Show-Case.. I got free meals, because of my little one, and made so many contacts.. and was referred to as JaMarcus Mom! So crazy but a proud Mom and Wife I am!!