The Family Tullos

2008-01-31T17:24:00.000-06:00

NEW BLOG

2007-11-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

hey friends. i moved the tullos family blog to wordpress. oh well. the domain is still the same though.

thefamilytullos.com

2007-11-22T11:16:00.001-06:00

A friendly Thanksgiving reminder!

2007-11-21T08:33:00.001-06:00

happy thanksgiving...

King of Bed Head...

2007-11-20T08:48:00.001-06:00

bed head has never looked this cute...

Just wanted to say hello...

2007-11-19T16:50:00.000-06:00

have a great monday and tuesday!

Putting Your Best Face Forward...

2007-11-16T14:19:00.001-06:00

We got Whitaker his next level car seat yesterday, and now things are looking up! Its funny because the box said the car seat was for children 20 lbs and up and like 25 inches and up OR 1 year old.

Out of the three qualifications to ride in this car seat Whit only missed one of them! He's like 21lbs and 2ft 4in (not 28 inches. It sounds more manly) @ only 7.5 months old! Big boy...

WARNING: SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS AHEAD!!!

2007-11-15T10:47:00.000-06:00

Be prepared... I've got some spiritual thoughts to share...

Don't worry, this is not a "I can't believe how high gas prices are..." post. However, while I was filling up yesterday I had one of those, "I can't believe God spoke to you there..." moments. If you look closer at the second blurry picture you'll notice that it gives some instructions on how to operate the gas pump. I imagine that Exxon could have put a step by step how to fill you're car up with gas, but banking on the fact that most people aren't that ignorant and the fact that pumping gas isn't that difficult it appears that they decided instead to only a one step how too.

You know our lives are a lot like gas pumps. Not in the fact that we dispense overpriced chemicals, but when it comes down to it our lives aren't that complicated. What we do SO often is OVER-COMPLICATE things in our lives that just aren't that complicated. We add unnecessary drama and stress to very undramatic and non-stressful things.

I don't know why this happens, but since this is a spiritual post I'll drop a scripture on you:

"Then Jesus said, "This is what God wants you to do. Believe in the one that He sent."
John6:29

Right out of the gates you know this is an important scripture. Jesus (the savior of the world) is telling us what God (the creator of the world) wants us to do. Here comes God's "gas pump instruction list." If you're like me then you're expecting details. If this is what God wants me to do then I better get out my notebook and pen and get ready to write. But what does He do. He MAKES IT SIMPLE. He says you know what I want you to do, I just want you to believe in my son, the one I sent to bring you a choice at forever with me. In a sense He's saying you don't have to fear the worst and everything doesn't have to be a dramaFEST all the time.

If you take the time, like I had to recently, you'll quickly see that life is not that complicated. It's not always easy, but it really doesn't have to be so complicated.

Who's your husband and can he make a roux?

2007-11-09T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I saw the word GUMBO written on something at the office and i then decided that if I didnt go home and make some that I would go insane! So me and Whit whipped up the ROUX, put in the onions, chicken and sausage and a couple hours later we had a pot full of heaven on earth. I've eaten gumbo my entire life, so its hard to say that it was the bet gumbo ever... but it was pretty dad-gum close! We have boo-coo leftovers so come on by and get some if you want!

Oh yeah, almost forgot. This is Whit holding his own bottle while he was drinking it. He does that now.

Much love and Gumbo!

tt

IT'S COLD!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

So it's finally a little cold here in the dirty south! Check out the Pics. You know you wish you looked that good in a beanie!!! And you know you wish you looked as fine as that girl on the left. My family is so beautiful! All thats left to work on is ME!!!

Have a great day.
tt

ER International: Kathy's 3rd birthday

2007-11-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

ER International: Kathy's 3rd birthday

Check out our favorite missionary team in the World! Robyn's Nest and the Prince of Peace Orphanage in Honduras! Ernie & Robyn Breaux do an incredible job there in Honduras just changing the world of many children every day!

We love you guys!

Its gonna take a miracle...

2007-11-03T06:53:00.001-06:00

this morning we greeted our first customer at about 5:15 expecting a miracle...

the chapter 2 miracle offering is coming up next weekend (nov 10-11) at hpc and crystal and i are working hard to be as much apart of it as we can. we know that when you are expecting a miracle you have to expect to make a sacrifice, so we tried to get a little creative to add to ours!

several people donated items and they're selling pretty good, but heres the best thing that has happened so far... i dont know where they came from but we had a box of new tetament bibles and they caught this one ladies eye as she was leaving at about 5:47! she asked how much and i told her they cost nothing. she said well then ill take them all, my son is a councelor at a rehab facility and could give them to the young boys. i thought to myself how great is that! as she was leaving i told her, "you know it takes money to share it, but the gospels always free!"

that thought is why we are pumped to be apart of this miracle offering. its gonna cost a lot of money to build the hpc arena, but i get to help build it so the FREE message of jesus can be spread. what a priveledge!

expecting the miraculous...

tt

Our Blog-A-Licious Little Rooster

2007-11-01T11:49:00.000-06:00

no words could capture the cuteness of this boy! so, i wont try but you can check out more pics on the web album.

CLICK HERE!!!!

bluekardia...

2007-11-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

check out my boy dave songs blog...

More Killer Bees...

2007-10-31T12:08:00.001-06:00

Please join me in welcoming back to the blog everyones favorite bumble bee boy band, the killer bees!

We've got bee-cool (Dustin Alise), bee-ware (Steve Ware), bee-hind (Yours truly), bee-fine (Jacob Triche), and J-Beez (JP Brumfield).

Killer Bees...

2007-10-27T18:48:00.001-06:00

randomness...

we had an amazing womens conference at our church this week and things got a little out of hand...

crystal planned all the preservice activities for the entire conference and one of them was the singing bee...

long story short, me, jp, steve, jacob and dustin acccepted the challenge of being the shows honey bee entertainment. complete with a choreographed dance to the jackson 5 and all!

this is one they'll be talking about for years to come!

i hope to have some video to post soon. it will be worth the wait!

tt

For Crystal's Aunt Susan...

2007-10-23T08:10:00.000-06:00

Please make a mental note of these FACTS before leaving those hater comments on the Purple and Gold Tigers of LSU!!! Notice the emphasis on FACTS.

USA Today Poll

1. Ohio State (58) 8-0 1,498

2. Boston College (2) 7-0 1,412

3. LSU 7-1 1,319

4. Oklahoma 7-1 1,306

5. Oregon 6-1 1,225

AP Top 25

1. Ohio State (57) 8-0 1,612

2. Boston College (2) 7-0 1,494

3. LSU (5) 7-1 1,479

4. Oklahoma 7-1 1,421

5. Oregon 6-1 1,355

BCS Standings

1. Ohio State

2. Boston College

3. LSU

4. Arizona State

5. Oregon

6. Oklahoma

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

and no, "geaux" is spelled correctly. thanks for your time.

tt

For Aunt Dinanne!!!

2007-10-21T08:12:00.001-06:00

this pic is for u aunt dinanne... u better leave me a comment now!

tt

Parents day out...

2007-10-21T00:22:00.001-06:00

thanks pete and nona for hanging with whit today so crystal and i could have the day to hang out at lsu and come to the game tonite. whitaker went to pineville to my my g-ma, mama t, and had a blast. kickoff is in 70 minutes and the air is thick with anticipation....

so, thats about it. pull for the tigers tonite. hopefully we'll get one back tonite against auburn.

signing off from section 301, row 23, seat 24... one of the best spots on this planet!

Deep Thoughts, Simple Words... (warning, long post ahead. but its worth it)

2007-10-16T08:02:00.001-06:00

This is a very short conversation that was had on one of our comment deals. I thought it was worth putting out there for discussion.

MIKE said...

hey u guys dont know me and i stumbeled on this blog by luck. now i see that u guys are deeply religious people. what i want to know is why? why are u putting so much faith in something and someone who u can t even prouve existes let alone have a impacte on ur life.i mean why are u belitteling ur selfes? it's ur hard work that got u here not god's good heart. i am not an atheiste but give ur selfes some credit and take controle of ur lifes. u will reek the benefits. u can do it while keeping ur fath but not by being a slave to it!

October 13, 2007 12:57 PM

Tullos Family said...

Mike
As a principle we don't argue about why we believe something. Nor do we claim that we're "religious"...we're just two people who were drowning in our own goodness and yet still so unhappy... all I will say is this: when you really encounter our Creator and our Savior like we have then we absolutely have no other desire in life then to surrender everything we have not to our faith but to the Living Savior Jesus Christ.

My good works are not enough to give me what I need. It's only by God's good heart that while I was lost at just the right time He rescued me!

I pray he would rock your world!

Thanks for the comment we appreciate your question and invite you to continue checking our blog as maybe we can help answer your questions with future blogs.

I will leave you with this question: can you give something to someone if they refuse to receive it?

CT

So I want to know what you think. Here's the deal, though. I don't want to know why you think Mike is wrong and thefamilytullos is right or vice versa. I'd just like to know what people who read this blog really think.

I read 1 Timothy 1:3-7 this morning and its pretty deep when you break it down, but there is one thought in there that gave me the idea for this post. When it comes to thinking and such about "religious" ideas there is a right way and a wrong way. Wrongly, heretical thinkers are moved by arrogance for what "they know" instead of humility in what "they think." Rightly, Christian thinkers thoughts are motivated by love. They think and "argue" in love and grace. They argue not to defeat the opposition, but to win that opponent over in love. So, YES, I am saying that it is possible for "Christians" to think and act "herretically"(don't know if thats a word). So, if you do post, please post out of love not out of arrogance. Sorry I went so deep so early... By the way, this is my answer to Mikes question...

My BEAUTIFUL son, Whitaker...

The beautiful sunrise that happens everyday...

My buddy, Hannon, who ALWAYS looks this cute. He carries his guitar with him to church because if he plays it just right he can always get his grandma to sing! He'll bust it out and start playing and then look at his grandmother and say, "Sing for me Big Mama, sing!" How could you not sing if you were Big Mama?

My answer to Mikes question is that there is no way that my hard work or intelligence could have come up with anything close to these things pictured above. So, no I don't deserve any credit only because I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING!!!

tt

Ready for Kickoff

2007-10-15T11:09:00.002-06:00

Whits ready for the Tigers to kick off against the Wildcats...

The question is, are you?

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

Its a bad day in Tiger Town...

2007-10-15T11:09:00.001-06:00

Just watch espn... You'll know why.

tt

Does this look comfy?

2007-10-15T11:06:00.001-06:00

Question of the day: Could you sleep like this?

Comment people...

In leu of...

2007-10-13T11:27:00.000-06:00

In leu of my Aunt Susan's blog about her favorite things I came up with my favorite things! So I came up with my 10 favorite things...here they are and why don't you leave a comment with your favorite things...it's kind of hard to come up with JUST 10...especially if you're a little dramatic like me and EVERYTHING is so great!

So here's Tyler's:
1. Saturday Night in LSU Tiger Stadium
2. Being apart of 100+ baptism service
3. Smelling freshly cut wood
4. Anonymous yard edgings
5. Sandwiches with lots of meat on them
6. Whitaker's subtle way of getting my attention
7. Whitaker's diaper only outfit
8. Eating ice cold watermellon next to a slow moving creek with the sun hitting my back and spitting seeds in the water
9. The feeling of relief after holding the urge to go to the bathroom for too long.
10. The look on Crystal's face on the rare occasion that I clean the house.

And mine...
1. My son's exuberant smile when I go get him out of bed in the morning!
2. The shopping on Newbury St. in Boston.
3. My Aldo black flats.
4. ALDO in general!
5. The knock out roses in my front flowerbeds!
6. Orange Pledge spray and the way it makes my couches shine!
7. Our LIVE THE DREAM women's conference...check it out at http://livethedream.healingplacechurch.org/
8. Gap's Basic T-s...my lightpink one with the small pocket...its my favorite thing to wear on my day off!
9. Starbucks...white chocolate mocah!
10. The Message Bible. Every verse speaks directly to my spirit!

Changes, Changes, Changes...

2007-10-12T12:13:00.000-06:00

Hola. No pictures for this one, but just wanted to make everyone and anyone aware that there have been some changes to thefamilytullos.blogspot.com

I decided to to remove some of the links I've had on the "Our People" section. Its nothing personal, but I just got bored waiting on new posts. If youve noticed your link missing then that means that you suck at blogging (KAYCEE SMITH!!!!) Just joking, but seriously...

After cutting back the slackers, I decided to add some frequent commentors. So it just goes to show you that you always reap what you sow!

So, if you get a chance check out Crystals Aunt, Susan Packard and one of our incredible Pathfinders and HPC servants, Amanda Graeser. Now listen ladies... the pressure is on and the world is reading. Hope you did your finger workouts today! Get to typing.

Late.
tt

Full of Poo

2007-10-09T10:09:00.001-06:00

now thats a lot of poo...

i emptied whitakers diaper genie last night and then caught a quick workout with what i removed! i didnt have a scale to weigh it on, but i would estimate at least 16-23 lbs. seriously... stacked up and standing up on end it was like 2.5 ft tall. seriously...

now youre probably wondering why we spent so much time handeling this bag of poo. in real time it was about 2 minutes b/c the stink was unbearable. its amazing that something so foul smelling can come from something so sweet. truly a miracle of the lord!

anyway, hope you had a quick laugh today and on a lighter note, whitakers grammy will be here this afternoon for a few days! check back for pics...

late. tt

Shaggy Hair

2007-09-30T15:41:00.000-06:00

I love my little boy! He's getting so much personality these days...and I have to admit already a few little, very gentle :) swats on his leg...he throws fits when I lay him down for a nap...just too much to see and do I guess!

I am constantly amazed how much hair he keeps growing! He'll have a full head of it in not too long and I can't wait until it's long and shaggy! I love LITTLE boys with long hair...little boys only though!

Speaking of hair I was thinking the other day about that verse in the B-I-B-L-E (...yes that's the book for me...) that says God knows the exact number of hairs on my head...and then the one about why worry about anything because He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field (it might be the same verse)...so how much more will he take care of us??

Now think about Whitaker's growing hair, the flowers in this picture and the birds eating the bird seed in my backyard and ask yourself this question, "What am I worried about?" I asked myself this question and then I heard the Lord just say..."BREATHE!"

Just like the flowers are dependent on me watering them, the birds dependent on me putting seed out there, and Whitaker dependent on me taking care of him...we should be dependent on God! When we worry to the point where we take control of our lives...oooh you better be careful! I want to always stay in a place where I need Him!

If you haven't in a while...repeat these words with me..."I NEED GOD!"

Wasn't that refreshing! Probably about as refreshing as the 70 degree weather we in South Louisiana have been waking up to these days! Now rest assured that God will come to your aid...just continue to put yourself out there! He loves everything about you...even you guys with long shaggy hair!

Check out the new pics of our little man in our album...Just one fall day...

Crys

What a Week!!!

2007-09-29T09:22:00.000-06:00

Hey guys...

So sorry for the lack of posts/pics this week. It was a crazy week. Started Monday at the Doctors office with Whit and after that it was kind of a blur. However, I did manage to sneak some cool pics. Check them out

Whit at the Doc..

Saints vs. Titans Game (Titans Win)

Hanging out with Kevin Mawae after the game

More chilin...

LSU Hall of Fame Gala at the PMAC. They inducted Kevin in and I was excited to be there. I sat at the table next to Billy Cannon. If you dont know who that is, Google him...

Whit drives like his mom... Enough said about that it think!!!

Thanks. Love yall. Late.
tt

Novalee Michelle and a trip to the Dr.

2007-09-24T13:31:00.001-06:00

this is novalee michelle gros. she is the beautiful baby girl of our good friends rob and michelle gros, born september 22 and bringing stats of 21 in and 8lbs 5ozs. were so proud for them

My Boston Red Socks!

2007-09-16T22:50:00.000-06:00

This is an old pic from when we were in Boston in late August, but I just got it off Meghann's camera...when I took it my heart definitely melted into a pile of mush!

More of these pics are located in our Boston & Pensacola web album so check it out and prepare to tear up a little bit when you see Whitaker and daddy in matching Red Socks baseball caps...you can't even imagine how much I paid the local vendor for Whitaker's cap...but it was sooo worth it!

Crys

Carrotts anyone??

2007-09-16T21:11:00.000-06:00

Whitaker started his first pureed baby food tonight...we started him with veggies because that's what all the baby books tell you to do...like I have a clue!

So anyways...carrotts tonight...I think he liked them but most of it was played with...but that's okay...it was sooooo cute!

Enjoy the pic and check out our web albums to see more random pics we've taken over the past 2 weeks!

Love you all dearly
Mama C

Its a great feeling...

2007-09-16T18:19:00.001-06:00

saw this in a cvs the other day and not only did it make me laugh it made me think. it doesnt happen often but i had the thought that somtimes in our world we have these little nagging things that we cant get rid of and we'll look to all sorts of things to FREE us of them, but a lot of times those quick fixes end up getting us less free.

you know there is only one thing that can really bring true freedom.... read 2 corinthians 3:16-18 out of the message if u get a chance. it pretty much sums it up with this thought. "and when god is personally present, a living spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. we are free of it."

so maybe one day we can take your picture with a cheesy smile and label your box with __(fill in blank)__FREE!!!!

its a great train, so why dont we get off of whichever one we're riding and hop on board!

love you.

tt

Splish Splash I was Taking a ...

2007-09-08T09:58:00.001-06:00

Does it get any cuter than that? I had just enough time to grab the phone and take a picture while Whitaker was holding on tight to the tub! He probably would have played in there all day if I had let him. Now you're wondering, "Well, why didn't you let him then?"

He had to get out and get dressed b/c he is leaving this morning with Pete and Nona heading for Pensacola, FL. We are going on family vacation next week and Whitaker is heading up today with the gparents. Crys and I will be leaving tomorrow after church and meeting up with them.

So, hopefully will have some good pics to post this week. Miss ya'll and have a great week without us! Late.

tt

Love Extravagantly

2007-09-03T10:19:00.000-06:00

We don't see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward the consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

I Corinithians 13:12-13 THE MESSAGE

We have three things to do while we're on this Earth. I love God. He makes things so simple. How, then, do we mess such simple things up? He gives us three simple tasks: trust steadily, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.

I don't know about you but I want to make sure that if I only have three things to do I want to do them right! Sadly, though my trust is at times unstable, my hope crooked and my love at its best pretty thrifty...only giving it to those who love me back!

My challenge today: accomplish these simple three tasks. Everything else is just petty. Who is that person whom you just have a hard time trusting? Hoping in? Loving? That's probably the place to start.
Crystal

SERVOLUTION

2007-09-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

First LSU Game of My Life

2007-09-01T21:22:00.000-06:00

Thursday was a very special day! First, it marked the one year anniversary since we've been knowing of our first born son! One year ago Thursday, I officially found out that I was pregnant at my doctor's office. I had taken an at home pregnancy test the night before at like midnight and when two tests both came back positive I rushed to the doctor's office the next morning and took a blood test! They called me with the very positive results around 12pm noon. That day was also Kaycee's 23rd birthday. She and I began the day with a very brisk walk and then breakfast at Waffle House after morning prayer at HPC. The news bursted inside of me and I told Kaycee the "secret" news over breakfast! I couldn't hold it in! She was the first one besides me to know I was going to be a mom...anyways, that day went by like a blur...I couldn't wait to tell Tyler but I wanted to do more than just "tell" him. So as soon as the doctor called I rushed to the LSU store and then to Hallmark so that I could tell him he was going to be a daddy in the perfect way. I grabbed baby LSU booties and a card and then put a big purple bow on them! I waited until dinner. For dinner, we went to Bone Fish Girll to celebrate Kaycee's birthday. My heart pounded all through dinner! I couldn't wait...finally the check came. As everyone funneled out of the restaurant I stalled pretending to be unable to find my purse. There was absolutely no one left in the restaurant except for me and Tyler...perfect setting! I put the booties down on the table, and gave him the card. I watched him read the card that said, "surprise...we're expecting!" completely unaware of what was about to hit him. I just had the biggest grin on my face as tears filled my eyes...he looked up and said, "wait what?" I nodded and said "we're going to have a baby!" and rushed him with a giant bear hug...that's when we both started crying, kissing and hugging right there in BoneFish Grill! Happy Birthday Kaycee!

Okay fastforward 12 months...Kaycee decided she wanted to go to BoneFish again. Not only was Thursday the anniversary of finding out we were going to be parents and Kaycee's birthday but August 30th happened to be the first LSU game of the 2007 season. LSU vs Mississippi State at Mississippi State. LSU killed them 45 to 0 so great start! We were just lucky that the baby booties I bought a year ago still fit Whitaker...and barely! He wore them with his LSU onsie Aunt Meg got him for my baby shower! It was a fun night and Whitaker, as you can tell from the pic was loving it too! He and daddy watched the game together...I had to rush him into the bedroom where Tyler was so Tyler could hold him during the kick off...we ate a slammin dinner, and we celebrated yet another great year of our favorite cousin's life...no offense to any of our other fantastic cousins...we love you all!

So long story to say...enjoy the cutest picture of our cutest son ever!

Crystal

Just a friendly reminder from the Tullos's

2007-08-28T19:13:00.000-06:00

This is just a friendly reminder for all you church folks out there. Please keep this in mind the next time you decide to get rowdy in your churches foyer! Thanks for giving this your attention.

Late.

tt

my lil pony??

2007-08-26T14:24:00.001-06:00

random post... this is a picture of a horse that is painted in a wall mural in one of the nursery rooms at church. the room is called the barn room if you can imagine that!

anyway, that horse scaes me to death. i have nightmares about this horse. if i ever saw a horse that was possesed by a demon it would most likely look like this horse. you know the scariest part about this animal is that no matter where you go in this room the horse is watching you. freaky, i know...

the sad part is that 4 year olds love this horse that this 24 year old cant be alone in the same room with. laugh if u want, but there are two things i dont joke about... 1) all clowns and 2) demon possesed horses in nurserys.

good luck sleeping...

We're going home...

2007-08-20T10:32:00.001-06:00

Today we are heading home from an amazing vacation. We have had the best time in Boston. It had everything... good food (except the seafood!), plenty to do and see, and tons of adventure (ask crystal about the subway!).

It is a definate "come back to visit" city. In my humble but accurate opinion, Boston smokes NYC (sorry Cara)! This city is so clean, it doesnt smell like armpits and feet, and despite popular opinion the New Englanders are so nice (unlike the people of NYC except Cara).

We just hope next time you come with us! Talk to yall tommorow.

tt

Go Titans?

2007-08-17T20:45:00.001-06:00

So, funny thing happened tonight. we are in beantown and i "surprised" the family with some tickets to the patriots vs. titans preseason game. great idea, right? well we get on a train and head to foxboro and as soon as we step out the train the heavens open up and it starts to pour! we all get soaked and by the time we climb up the equivilent of mt everests lower peak we're so tired and so cold that we left and went to wait on the train. in fact, im laying here on this train waiting for this stupid game to end so that we can go as i blog! the only catch is there is one train in and one train out. and it doesnt leave until after the games over. can someone say hello saturday...

Definition of Rude...

2007-08-17T08:13:00.001-06:00

If you happen to be browsing the dictionary later today, will you do me a favor? Look up the word "rude" and see if they have a picture of this guy.

Oh, you dont recognise him? Well he must have been close friends with Crystal at some point because he felt like it would be cool if he laid in her lap on the plane the entire way to Boston.

Despite the lack of room, all the baby stuff, the baby, and sitting next to me I was reminded of just how gracious my wife is. There were a few "accidental" pushes of his chair, but once we realized he wasnt budging Crystal just sucked it up and made the most of it.

I love that woman...

A Blast From the Past...

2007-08-16T20:54:00.001-06:00

Can somebody say Super Mario Brothers 3!!! Crystal and I went for dinner at our friends Doug and Connies house and somehow we got on the topic of smb3.

So somehow we got Paintball Lance over with his NES and I couldnt get Crystal off the thing.

If you remember NES and SMB's the leave Mario some comment love!

If You Haven't Laughed Today.

2007-08-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

All you have to do is watch...

tt

Pray for Oliver...

2007-08-14T20:00:00.000-06:00

I just heard from some friends, Blair and Melissa Gremillion, that some other friends of ours Trey and Lacy Prats brand new baby Oliver is in NICU waiting to have some surgery tomorrow. Please take some time and pray for Oliver tomorrow. You can read updates on him and mom and dad and his blog, Olivers miracle.

Just Watching Some TV...

2007-08-13T09:16:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Whitaker wanted to watch the PGA Championship, so he picked up the remote and hopped on the couch and made it happen!
Ok, maybe there was a little less picking and hopping that happened in that story, but he did sit up all by himself! He's getting way to big, but he's getting cuter everyday!

The Calm Before the Storm

2007-08-10T06:45:00.000-06:00

What a crazy 10 weeks its been! With Navigate coming to a close this Saturday night with graduation, Tyler just getting back from the 8 day mission trip to Mexico, over 1000 kids at our SUBMERGE summer camp...it's been a summer to remember! We saw huge growth in the maturity of our students, growth in the passion of our leaders, and an annointing that just rested on PathFinders altogether! Youth ministry...what a funny thing...you never know which seeds are planted, but when you get a glimpse of that first tiny sprout peeking its head up over the soil...it's a beautiful thing! We've seen a few of those tiny sprouts this summer in some of our students...and that is enough to keep us going!

As I was praying this morning, I heard God say the following little excerpt and I wrote it down, and I thought you might need to hear it as well:

"I command you today to not turn to the right or to the left, but to stay straight on the path. Although obscure and foolish, this road leads to abudant life. Stick the course and run your race. Don't let fear, intimidation, apathy or laziness keep you from pursuing the Sacred. Do all you must to reach one more. Hold nothing back, leave nothing at the altar. Burn all of it. Don't waste any part of the fattened calf for all of it was meant to be enjoyed. Taste and see that I have given you all that is good. Have you taken time to enjoy...to just sit in my greatness? All I have is just waiting. Who will seek it? Who will grab it? Who will claim what is justly there's?

I, the Lord am speaking today.

The Calm Before the Storm is now. Will you enjoy and embrace your rightful peace?"

Selah."

Running towards the Sacred...Crystal

south louisiana heat

2007-08-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

After the past 7 days, I now have a new respect for single moms and for moms who their husbands travel alot...

Tyler's been in Mexico with our PathFinder students for the past 7 days on a mission trip...from everything I've heard it's been incredible! In fact, at about 6:30pm tonight he will be preaching (with a translator) to about 300 Spanish jhighers! So say a quick little prayer that everyone who hears it will just be transformed!

Anyways, Whitaker and I have had a fun week together. Currently, he and I are in Montclaire, NJ visiting Cara. We've been lazy today and tomorrow we're heading to NYC to go shopping in SOHO...then the glorious day...we get to see daddy!

Tyler gets home at about 3am on Tuesday morning and our flight flies in at 10am in New Orleans so we'll have a fun Tuesday afternoon! I can not wait...and I know Whitaker's having daddy withdrawl too! So here goes the countdown...

41 hours...every minute drags on like the last drop of south louisana heat!

Until then enjoy some pics of Whitaker that I took this week and there's a lot more in the photo album!

Working on some Solids

2007-07-28T13:07:00.001-06:00

Today Whit ate his first bowl of solid rice cereal! Everything went good and he ate almost all of it! Enjoy the pictures.

Oh What a Night...

2007-07-25T16:35:00.001-06:00

Monday was crazy day, to say the least.

We started our day being with our dear friend Darelle Deslatte in Centerville, LA at her fathers funeral. We love Darelle so much and wouldnt have been anywhere else for her when she needed it.

On the ride home is when things got interesting. I started feeling real bad and had been having a hard time catching a deep breath. As soon as we got home I went and laid down. It wasnt much later that I found out I had a 102 temp and was till having a hard time breathing. So the doctor said I should go to the ER.

Long story short we went in with a scare of menengitis, pnuemonia, or paulsy (spell?) and we left about 6 hours later with "what must have been some sort of viral infection."

It didnt take long after we got there for Crystal to rally the troops and start praying me through this. What started out as menengitis Monday night, add loads of prayer, has ended up as feeling great on Wednesday afternoon! (Can I have a good Amen).

So, thanks to my awesome wife, my incredible family, and my irreplaceable friends for all your thoughts and prayers. I love you all!

tt

Rejoice people, Rejoice!!!

2007-07-16T10:08:00.002-06:00

What once was lost now is found. The prodigal camera has come home. Put in some fresh batteries and get ready to strike a pose b/c our camera has come home!!!

While we were cleaning up our room this morning, Crystal moved the ottoman at the foot of our bed and shazam there it was! I think its perfectly fitting for Crystal to be the one to find it seeing as how she is the one who lost it (Lord, please dont let Crystal read this post. Please.).

Regardless, our camera is home safe and sound. Now, if you'll excuse me I've got a fattened calf to go kill for supper (Briggs, you better watch out!).

tt

Rejoice people, Rejoice!!!

2007-07-16T10:08:00.001-06:00

What an Afternoon at Navigate!

2007-07-15T09:59:00.001-06:00

Friday was a crazy day... It really just capped off a crazy week! Our Navigate world changers served at VBS all week long and did an awesome job loving on the kids of HPC. Some of them helped cook and prepare 1100 tacos for all the VBS'ers. It was crazy.
Cool thing about it was that the kids were invited to have lunch with Pastor Dino. It was an incredible day. Enjoy the pictures.
tt

I Love My Wife

2007-07-11T11:14:00.001-06:00

This is an action shot of Crystal at the office today. She is so amazing. Somehow she balances full-time ministry, full-time family, full-time mommy, and full-time wifey and is amazing at them all.

When I looked at her today I was reminded of how amazing God's grace really is. Just like everything else, I don't deserve her but somehow in the depths of God's unfailing love He gave her to me.

I'm reminded everyday about the goodness of my God when I look at my wife.

I Love Crystal...

tt

HIS ARM

2007-07-11T08:47:00.000-06:00

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.

The Strong Right Arm of the Lord has done glorious thing!
The Strong Right Arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.
The Strong Right Arm of the Lord has done glorious thing!

I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done. Psalms 118:15

What an incredible promise we see in God's Word in Psalms 118:15 and following! Are you being held by the strong, right arm of the Lord today? His arm is #1: Strong...mighty, conquering, forceful and powerful...strong enough to hold you and all your issues! He holds you with his RIGHT arm...not his left...in otherwords, it's His strongest possible, His most accurate, comfortable, and in control arm!

I heard a cry from God this morning...maybe you hear it too. Wherever you are, and whichever circumstance you're in know that God is searching for you and wants to hold you in His strong, right arm!

Oh that my people would hear from me--
That they would expect to hear my voice.

Open your ears today--don't be deaf!
For I am calling out as a frantic mother for her lost child.

Do you hear the desparation in my cry?
I am searching--desparately, hopelessly.

I need to find you!
I won't rest until you're back safely in my arms!

If only you would just respond to me--
Give me something, anything--a whisper, a faint cry for help!

I just need to know where you are.
Do you need me? Do you want me to find you?

Come to me my child--
My heart is broken--desparately in need!

Time will stand still until you answer.
The Earth will not fade until you call out to me, and you fall into my arms.

Answer me when I call.
Selah.

-crystal

New Links Added...

2007-07-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

This is a link to an awesome blog. Dan Ohlerking is the man. He's a great husband, dad (with like 187 kids), and world changer. He also looks a lot like me, so you know he's handsome. Check out some of his thoughts at danohlerking.com

This is a link to another awesome blog. Josh-Bob is the man. He plays guitar like a mammy and beyond that he loves god and serves His church relentlessly. Plus, he blogs like every 15 minutes so if you are ever bored check him out at josh-bob.com.

Thats all for now people. Get back to work...

tt

Is That a Walker?

2007-07-10T13:45:00.001-06:00

This is what we saw we went to pick whit up from nursury today. He was sitting up in a walker all by himself and was loving it. The incredible nursury team said he had been reaching out for and playing with the toys on it all afternoon and loving every minute of it!

Our little man is getting bigger!!! I love it.

Overjoyed... tt

Whitaker's First Trip to Texas

2007-07-09T13:58:00.000-06:00

Well...we're just about to pack up and head out to the Amarillo International Airport to depart for the homeland...we had so much fun playing in my home state, Amarillo, TX. It's been a great, relaxing time here in Texas! Things are so peaceful here...you forget what a beautiful sunset looks like behind all those trees in Baton Rouge! He got to meet even more family this trip...most of Tommy's family, some of the Packard side, some of my mom's family he hadn't met yet...he still hasn't met any of Luain's family! Hopefully during Christmas he'll meet all the Krugs! Thank you so much to my mom and Tommy for flying us down here! It was a blast, and a much needed visit!

I think Tyler survived the saddest day of 2007 and I know he's enjoyed his manly time alone...he played golf twice, went and saw Live Free, Die Hard with his dad after gorging himself with some good ribs his dad grilled! Get ready daddy, you're on diaper duty when we get home! We've missed you and can't wait to see you tonight!

The Saddest Day of 2007...

2007-07-06T10:28:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting in my car in the parking garage of the NO international airport fighting back the tears. Today is by far the saddest day of (if not my life) then 2007 at least. I just put Crystal and Whitaker on a plane heading for Amarillo. I didnt know it would be this bad. All I have to say is that Southwest better take care of my people or it's on like donkey kong.
I love them so much and cant wait until they get home.
tt

Fresh Whit Picture

2007-07-04T13:45:00.001-06:00

here is a fresh whit pic. expect many more very soon!

We saved the best for LAST!!!

2007-07-04T11:37:00.001-06:00

Whitaker finally met his only legitimate uncle (apologies to all of whits other great "uncles") Uncle Neil Packard. That is his new official title. UNCLE!!! Late.
tt

2007-07-04T11:10:00.001-06:00

Claim code

The Brand New Me...

2007-06-22T07:45:00.000-06:00

What you're looking at is someone on the loosing side of any easy bet...

2 weeks ago I made a deal with our students that if 110 students signed up for summer camp that I would shave my head. Knowing that at the time of the bet there was only 60 students signed up and the possibility of them nearly doubling in size was next to impossible.

Well, as of this morning we are bringing 141 j-high students from 3 different campuses to summer camp!! How incredible is that. Including leaders we are bringing somewhere around 175 people for an awesome week at the beach.

It's gonna be amazing...

SUBMERGE!!!

2007-06-20T09:24:00.000-06:00

The countdown is getting closer and closer...

5 days until Submerge '07. We can't wait. Imagine this with me if you will...

1000 junior-high students and leaders passionately seeking to submerge themselves in the deep things of God. For 4 days these young men and women will be totally wrecked by the presence of Jesus. I cant imagine being any place better than that.

By the way, I am shaving my head tonight. Pics to come tommorow. It's a long story.

tt

Fajita Baby...

2007-06-19T12:17:00.000-06:00

this one should make you laugh...

what can we say, he's got a northern mexican mom!!!

tt

I love my church…

2007-06-14T08:48:00.000-06:00

Today started out with a rude awakening. I can’t say that I was pumped about the 5 million phones calls that started about 5 am. I was testing the snooze function on my alarm clock when the calls started, so I’m sure I sent several of the callers to voicemail thinking it was the alarm! When I finally realized that people were calling I answered and it was several of our crazy Navigate summer session students wondering where I was. Very sarcastically I gave them the obvious answer and they informed that I should get up b/c I was taking them to a homeless outreach in the inner-city. This being news to me got me out the bed and ready to go in no time!

I think it is so cool that I go to a church that not only cares about the poor, but acts on it. I love it that when I tell people that I go the Healing Place Church they identify us as the church that gives stuff away or as the church they saw feeding about 50 homeless men and women breakfast on Florida St. I’ve seen a lot of people care about what god cares about, but I am so thankful that I am a apart of a church that does something about.

Guys like Craig Boutte and JP Brumfield who coordinate and facilitate things like this all day everyday are some of my heroes.

What started as a rude awakening this morning put me in a place to really see men being the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s an image I wont soon forget.

Check out a couple of pictures from the outreach courtesy of my boy Eddie G.

Summer, Swimming, and Smiles!!!

2007-06-11T20:17:00.000-06:00

I could describe all this, but sometimes you just need to enjoy the view!!! Love ya'll. Late.

tt

Get Your Fixes...

2007-06-07T09:14:00.000-06:00

Alright, we borrowed a camera this morning b/c honestly the angry phone calls are getting a little violent and scary. So, to all you angry phone callers please quit leaving anonymous threatining voicemails on my wifes phone. Get your fixes for this week and we'll work on finding a camera next week to borrow again.

One quick thought: MOST TIMES YOU ARE THE BEST SOLUTION TO YOUR OWN PROBLEM!!! So having said that I would like to remind all you angry picture people that donations are being accepted in memory of the lost camera @ 16743 Highland Club Ave. BR, LA 70817! Just joking, but seriously...

Here you go.

It troubles me to announce...

2007-06-06T06:09:00.001-06:00

It troubles me to announce the recent departure of our faithful fujifilm digital camera. It was a good camera. Took pictures, had great flash options, and could even reduce red-eye. However, that camera is no longer with us. It was tragically misplaced Thursday May 24, 2007 @ appx. 8:30 am. It is proceeded in departure by 9 of Crystals cell phones, and 2 of Tylers that Crystal dropped in water. We will miss you our dear Fuji, we will miss you.

Donations in memory of this fantastic camera can be mailed to:

Beloved Fujifilm
16743 Highland Club Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

Below is the last picture it took...

Where is my camera?

2007-05-30T13:38:00.000-06:00

So, I realize that it has been a while since my last post, but I have a very good reason why. I DONT KNOW WHERE THE CAMERA IS!!! Have you seen it? There is plenty of things that have happend that are blog worthy, but I havent been able to capture them on film which is really the only reason why anyone looks at this blog.

So, I have a challenge. Whoever thinks they may know where my camera is and can comment me its location and who is the closest will get a picture of themselves on the blog and 1000 cool points. I know, it's worth it...

Love ya'll. Help me find my camera.

tt

Before and After...

2007-05-24T10:51:00.001-06:00

Shae before the cheesecake...

Shae after the cheececake...

Monday was a great day and the start of a great week. Around lunch time, Crystals Grandma and her husband Bill rolled in to Baton Rouge for a little visit. They were followed by Kaycee's dad (Rick) and brother (Jake) and then Kaycee's mom (Debra) and other brother (Shae). Kaycee graduated from Elevate, the internship program at HPC. They were all here for that and we had an awesome week hanging out and what not. You can check out the pics from the weeks activities by clicking here.

or... http://picasaweb.google.com/thefamilytullos/GrandmaBillDebraRickJakeAndShaeSVisit

Hope your week was as great as ours...
t-c-w

You should read this...

2007-05-23T14:58:00.000-06:00

Searching For God Knows What... by Donald Miller

this post has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that I just read this book and I think that you should too.

Buy it here...

late.
tt

Isaiah 52:7 and a trip to the doctor...

2007-05-22T14:34:00.000-06:00

Great news today. Whitaker and Crystal went to see Dr. Brumnd (spell?) today who happens to be the greatest pediatrician in the entire world. Today was the 2 month old check up (i know, he's two months old) and he had to get his shots. Crystal said he was awesome while the doctor checked him out, but when he got his shots he cried...BIG TIME!!! Naturally, she cried too.

But here are his stats:
Weight: 13 lbs 2.5 ozs
Length: 24 inches
Size Percentile: 90th (meaning he HUGE!!!)
Overall diagnosis: He's perfect (quote from the doctor)

Isnt it amazing what God can do?

In lew of Whit's Dr.'s visit, I thought of a picture and a scripture...

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"

Isaiah 52:7

My kid has huge feet. At first I thought that that would be a bad thing. I thought he would never be able to find shoes his size at stores. I thought that he might be called clown foot when he got to j-high. I basically thought, "Oh no, he's going to have to deal with the stuff that I had to deal with b/c of huge feet." And then I thought thats probably true, but thank God those big feet are going to be blesed. Thank God that his feet will carry the good news of salvation and peace. Thank God that those big ole feet will be seen as beautiful by his savior. Thank God for his feet.

So, the question is, what do your feet look like?

tt

p.s. we changed the color of the post fonts so that NONA could read w/o squinting. you're welcome NONA. love you

Whitakers first online video...

2007-05-18T08:06:00.001-06:00

I apologize for the couple day delay in posting. So to make up for it check out this video of everyones favorite little man. Hopefully it works! I'm just figuring out how to do the videos on here, so I plan to keep them coming. Late.
tt

What a Weekend!!!

2007-05-15T16:05:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics from the weekend!!! It was a great time. Thursday was Byrd's (Whit's Godfather) birthday so we went and got some steak!!! Friday was a supper club crawfish boil (chef tyler showed up)! Saturday was pre-birthday birthday celebration for Nona, and Aunt Di-nanne, Papa, and Nancy came in and we ate boiled crawfish again! Then it was all wrapped up with an intesting mothers day on Sunday, which was Crystal's first one (more pictures coming soon from that), and last but not least an awesomely fun trip to the doctor. Hope you enjoy. click the link below to go to the photo album from the weekend. Leave some comments. Late.

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefamilytullos/ByrdsBDayCrawfishBoilNonaSBDayMothersDayAndDoctorsDay

tt

Deep Thoughts from the Shallow End...(PSALM 107)

2007-05-11T13:40:00.000-06:00

PSALM 107

Psalm 107:2 "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies."

Alright, I have been silent long enough. I love posting stuff about Whitaker, but I've got something on my mind and I can't keep it to myself anymore.

I read Psalm 107 this morning and my whole day has been wrecked since then. And since I have been redeemed then I decided that I better speak out and tell others about it. You happen to fall into the "others" category today.

Verses 4-9 say:
"Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

I read these scriptures this morning and I had one thought that I haven't been able to shake all day. I thought to myself, "You know after these people cried out to God I wondered who He used to 'rescue them from their distress. I wonder who it was that God allowed to see their signal flare from their place of desperation. I wonder who God used to answer their prayer."

I don't know if I could quantify it, but reading this scripture made me wonder how many distress calls he's allowed me to see that I have either missed or ignored or been to busy for and how many people I could have "led to safety" or "pulled out of the pit of despair". I wondered how many people could have been "praising the Lord" or "found satisfaction" in Him alone. I wondered if I missed it yesterday when the homeless guy pushing his dog around in a "borrowed" grocery cart came walking up to the store I was in. I wonder if he needed rescue. I don't know, but I'm thankful that God didn't help me keep count of all this misses I've had. Isn't it funny... it's easy to count the wins and even easier to forget the loses.

I don't know where you are right now, but I know that where ever you are that we as followers of Christ are called to be this for God's children. Whether that child is 8 years old and lives in our house, 18 and in our highschool or 80 years old and living under a bridge, we are called to be Gods life preserver. Called to rescue his kids from distress.

So, what do we do? Well, here's what I did. I prayed and asked Him to forgive me for my moments of ignorance and selfishness and I asked Him to never let me miss another distress signal from those around me. I asked Him to help me to give what I've got to those who ask whether I think that they are going to buy liquor or not. I asked Him to change my heart instead of trying to control what other people do for themselves. I asked Him to help me focus on fixing my own heart instead of judging others.

I begged Him to allow me more opportunities to see people who need help and to have the courage, compassion, and love to give it to them. Whether in a dollar bill, a cheeseburger, or emptying a sink full of dirty dishes.

PSALM 107:8-9 "Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

tt

Mothers Day

2007-05-11T10:31:00.000-06:00

Today I mailed my mothers day gifts off to my wonderful mother & stepmother. I was going to overnight them, but then I realized that I was going to spend more on the shipping (being that it was overnighted AND delivered on a Saturday) than the value of the gift! Logic sat in and I decided to just get it there a few days later. So I post this blog today to ask for their grace as my gifts will be tardy...please give me grace as I just had your favorite grandchild just 7 weeks ago! I realize that this excuse will expire soon, but for this holiday please accept my apology!

So while you wait on my gifts please accept this picture of your daughter & grandson to hold you over! We both love you so much!

Crystal

8 Beautiful Hours...

2007-05-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

Last night Whitaker, Crystal and I were apart of a record setting endeavor! We got home from pathfinders around 9:30 and started the bed time routine. You know changing, bathing, and rocking to sleep while watching American Idol on DVR. While we were getting him ready for bed, being the great husband and father that I am, I noticed that Mom was pretty sleepy and had a VERY long day so I volunteered to do the early early morning feeding so she could get a good nights sleep (please hold your applause until the end of the story). Crystal gratefully agreed and off to bed for the Tullos' and on with the bedtime monitor at approximately 10:37 pm.

I heard the baby crying later and groggily got out of the bed to go get him. After changing his diaper I walked past the clock and it read 6:38 am and panic rushed over me as it began to be confirmed that I am the worst father ever and slept through my son crying all night b/c he had no food. Immediately I rushed into the room and asked Crystal if she had to feed him and she said no, HE NEVER CRIED!!! And as the shame, guilt, and condemnation fell off of me we both rejoiced over those 8 BEAUTIFUL HOURS!!! (Applause please). As it turns out I just know how to pick the best nights to volunteer!!!

Here is a pic of the WELL RESTED PARENTS

Love ya'll.
tt

Day 2... ding ding ding

2007-05-09T13:31:00.000-06:00

Today was dads day to pick up Whitaker from the nursery. It was great. I wasn't at home this morning when he left b/c I was at church touching the throne room of heaven (It was great, you should have been here. It was great) and he was sleeping when I left, so I didnt get to see him. So I was a little sad all day, but it was all made better when I saw these pictures...

Yes it's true what the shirt says... Whit loves his dad (thats me)! When Kaycee saw his shirt she said, "Man I bet he hates wearing that shirt." Check out her blog to see pictures of her black eye. Love ya'll. Late.

tt

AREOWEBEE (R--O--B)

2007-05-08T17:16:00.000-06:00

I had an interesting day today...

It all started last night at approximately 10:47pm when Pastor Johnny Green called me and filled me in on the fact that my day would be spent building a playground for our Donaldsonville Dreamcenter campus.

It was awesome. Being a part of such a seemingly small project that will have such a huge impact on eternity...

Anyway, that was all lagniappe... the point of this post was to tell you this story.

In the bus (Jeff Rentz's Excursion) on the way to D-ville one of our good friends Rob Gros (of Rob and Michelle Gros) informed me that he and Mich's baby is going to be a girl! After I shared my enthusiasm with him he continued to inform me that since he found out that he will have a daughter he has already begun to have a well warranted dis-like for Whitaker!!! Just being a protective dad I guess!

Anyway, if you want to read some of his incredibly creative thoughts check out his blog

areowebee.com

Late.

tt

Thank you HPC Nursery!

2007-05-08T09:55:00.001-06:00

Today is Whitaker's first day in the HPC nursery! It was so fun dropping him off (yes, I've recovered from last week's depression) today with all those kids in there! I know he'll have such a fun time as he grows to be friends with all the HPC babies...and may I add there are alot of little ladies that way outnumber the boys so the odds are in his favor!

He'll have a lot of little buddies in the nursery... baby Nathanal & baby Jones, baby Hudson, and baby Haman...the man child of Pastor Mike & Rachel on the way! I am sure they will all be big buddies! I can't even imagine being one of those brave ladies in their keeping up with all those kids, but from what I hear they do an incredible job, and show each of them so much love! Huge hugs go to Christina, Jaime & Melanie and all the rest of the nursery workers...true moms through and through! They seemed so excited to get Whitaker today! I can rest knowing he's in incredible, Jesus loving hands!

Thank you to all of you for taking such good care of our kids!

Crystal

Rainy Days...

2007-05-04T16:07:00.000-06:00

Bunh-Bunh-Buunnh-Bunh, Geaux Tigers!

Whit in his car seat with the green cover on it

Whit chillin during the storm

Romans 10:15

Psalm 63:4

If you havent seen the weather channel today then you have wouldnt know that the weather today in BTR was NASTY!!! It rained all night and it rained all day and when you mix in hail, lightning, and flash floods it makes for an interesting Friday!

But, it's nothing that we arent used to here. A little rain never hurt anyone, but I noticed today that someone in the family Tullos needs to be kept out of the rain! Mainly b/c he could melt if he got wet b/c he is so sweet! In case you havent figured it out yet I am not talking about me. Whitaker experienced his first thunderstorm today. I think he liked it. Most Louisiana boys do b/c it means that in a couple hours we would have the opportunity to play mud-football!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the pics from today. Special thanks to whomever hooked us up with the car seat cover. It kept the rain off nicely. Love much, hate none. Late.

tt

Gabrielle Marcantel

2007-05-03T10:45:00.000-06:00

Gabbi

We got some very bad news yesterday. Gabbi Marcantel, a former Patfinder leader, was killed in a car wreck on her way to Destin, FL for a retreat. Gabbi served in Pathfinders almost 3 years ago before going back to graduate school and serving in our New Beginings life group. She had an amazing testimony of a radical life change she experienced and was never afraid to share it. She had an immeasureable impact on our students and heaven was populated because of her heart to serve. We will miss her big-time, but rejoice for her because there is no doubt she is with her savior.

Make sure you remember her family this week in your prayers.

The funeral service will be Monday morning at Healing Place Church.

p.s. please forgive me for the lack of a quality picture. hope to have a better one soon.

Our Day Apart

2007-05-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

Today was kind of a teary day...I went back to work today for the first time in 5 weeks! The past 5 weeks have been the best of my life! So much emotion, new beginnings, and love all wrapped up into one! This picture is of me saying goodbye to him this morning!

It's amazing how much he's already grown, and even more amazing how fast time goes by! It's been my goal to treasure every single moment I've had over the past few weeks...every late night, every early morning, every cry, every dirty diaper because I've witnessed the phrase I've heard over and over, "it goes by so fast..." come to life before my very eyes! It truly has been a joy to give all my heart and love to my little man!

We dropped Whitaker off at Pete & Nona's this morning, which is where he'll stay this week every day from 9-2. Mrs. Lynne (Tyler's mom) gladly took vacation this week to spend it with her grandson...I even think Papa & Nancy (great grandparents) are traveling down on Thursday to spend the day with him...we'll have lots of pictures up soon! Then next week he'll be at the HPC nursury...as staff we're so blessed to have free child care from 9-2 Tuesday-Friday! I think I can endure 5 hours of being without him! He got his first lipstick stain on his cheek from me this morning!

Tyler and I were able to spend a whole 8 days together before getting back into the swing of things...we were able to get a whole lot done on our house that we never finished before moving in...we painted all of our doors, shoemolding, outside trim, decorated our bathroom & even hung a light fixture, which completely decked it out! Here's a pic of the light...

Well it's off to work now...we've got a ton to do to get ready for Submerge Summer Camp, Navigate Summer Session & all of our summer activities...at least my mind will be busy!

Love you all...
Mama C

VACATION!!!

2007-04-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

This week we decided to take a "family vacation" and spend some time together alone before Crystal comes back to work next week. It has been wonderful! We are working on our routine, finishing up some projects around the house, and just having some time to ourselves.

If you are upset b/c there haven't been any new posts recently, please forgive me. When we are on vacation that means vacation from the computer too! Thats been nice as well!

So, until next Tuesday this is it! In the meantime check out some of the new pics on our picasaweb. Love much, hate none.

tt

p.s. is that not the cutest kid you have ever seen?

Granny Lu's Views...

2007-04-22T16:20:00.000-06:00

Check out the latest addition to the Tullos Family Album... Granny Lu's Views!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefamilytullos

ENJOY!!!

Baby Dedication Sunday...

2007-04-22T16:10:00.000-06:00

Dad, Mom, and Whit

This morning during the 12 service we dedicated Whitaker to the Lord. Talk about a big relief! I was thinking there for a while that we were going to have to raise him ourselves!!! Just joking, but seriously...

Anyway, I love how Pastor Dino said that it's funny, but none of the babies that we dedicated this morning called the church and asked to be dedicated. None of them woke up this morning and put on their pretty clothes and came to be dedicated. It felt great this morning dedicating not only our son to the Lord, but dedicating our entire family to Him.

We couldn't imagine doing this without Him...

THEY'RE HERE!!!!!

2007-04-20T12:47:00.000-06:00

GrandPa

Granny Lu

Aunt Emmy

Aunt Auby

They are finally here!!! GrandPa, Granny Lu, Aunt Emmy, and Aunt Auby were greeted on my driveway this afternoon about 12:30 by none other than Whitaker!!! You know that between Crystal and Luain that we will be sorting through about 1,000,000 pictures by the time they leave on Monday, so check back next week on picasaweb to see all the pics!

Until then...

tt

Alright, alright...

2007-04-20T07:38:00.000-06:00

Whitaker anxiously awaiting the arrival of his grandpa and granny lu!

Today marks a historic day in the life of everyones favorite child, Whitaker Ty. Today he will meet his Grandpa and Granny Lu, not to mention his Aunt Auby and Aunt Emmy (both legitimate aunts!). He has been anxiously awaiting their arrival today he will have to wait no more. There flight gets in to New Orleans around 11 this morning, and that puts us back in BTR at appx noon. So, in just over 3 hours now they will be holding their grandson.

After this though there will be only one more family member that hasnt seen Whitaker yet. Poor Uncle Neil. He'll be here soon enough, and hopefully by then Whitaker will do more than sleep!

I'll post pictures of the familys arrival later. Love all, hate none.

tt

We've got great friends...

2007-04-19T13:40:00.000-06:00

Me, Japes, and Byrd

I was thinking about it today at lunch with JP, Byrd, Micah, Kaycee, Crystal, and Whit about the awesome friends that we have. I mean it is incredible how many close godly relationships God has given us.

We've been calling so many people "uncle _______ and aunt _______" b/c we really feel like these people are our family. So if you are one of Whitakers pretend uncles or aunts or one of his real ones, leave him some comments! late.
tt

Whit's Pathfinder's Debut!!!

2007-04-19T13:08:00.000-06:00

Last night was Whitaker's debut at Pathfinders!!! Crystal brought him and he was working some gap jeans with an orange shirt that says "perfect" on it. Needless to say, he was pretty looking pretty cute. Actually, so far that might be my favorite shirt I've seen Crystal put him in! I guess that I am going to have to get a picture of him in it so all can see!

But anyway, he came with her and I had her preach b/c she is a phenomenal communicator and the kids love her so much. Not to mention that I think they were a little bored with me! So, I got to hold him while she spoke and from what we (me and Whitaker) heard she did an awesome job as usual.

The kids were so excited to see him and they all wanted to hold him, but we said they had to wait a couple more weeks.

Check back soon for some pictures of last night. Late.
tt

Gratefulness Overwhelms Me.

2007-04-17T13:02:00.000-06:00

I remember sitting at a Panhandle JV football game one fall Thursday night while in 10th grade. I was dating one of the varsity football players at the time, and he and his friends were in the stands having a great time. I remember being in a "fight" (whatever those look like when you're 16) with him at that football game. One of his friends kind of got into the middle of it, and sarcastically said to me:

"You know Crystal... (and I remember this so vividly) life's not as great as you expect it to be! You want to marry some preacher guy and live in a house with a little white picket fence and have perfect kids some day, don't you? Don't hold your breath!"

I couldn't think about anything else this past Sunday morning as I sat so proudly holding my new baby, and listening to Tyler preach to about 500 or so people (give or take a hundred) at our 8am service at our church for the first time. I just sat so overwhelmed by God's faithfulness and goodness to me. Our Pastor asked Tyler to preach about why life's not fair a couple weeks ago. Tyler's main point was, "Life's not fair, but God always gives us a promise, and the secret to enjoying this life is all in where our perspective lies. Is it on your problems of your past and present, or is it in the promises of the future that God's given?"

You know life's not fair. It's not fair that I have what I have knowing my past, my faults, my failures and my struggles. It's not fair that I have such a wonderful husband when sometimes I take him for granted, but even though my circumstances surrounding my life aren't fair, my God and the promise He's given me is.

He promises that when we are faithless, He is faithful. When we are weak, He is strong! When I am lacking, He is abundant! He promises that if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart! And oh how He's done it time and time again.

I think back to what that guy said to me 8 years ago. I do remember wanting that "picture perfect" life, and while my life is not perfect, the God that Tyler and I serve is! I don't deserve anything I have, but God has given me everything I hoped for and desired. Gratefulness overwhelms me.

For those of you who missed it, Tyler did an amazing job! He preached so boldly and confidently! His parents were there too, and the grin on their faces were priceless! I am so proud of the man I married, and so thankful that God has been so patient with us. Thanks be to God for the opprotunity!

A face only a...

2007-04-17T08:39:00.000-06:00

How does that saying go? "A face only a mother could love." That's it! Thats what people told me I had growing up!

Check this out...

Now tell me, how could anyone not love that face?

It's been so cool watching Whitaker change over the past 4 weeks (he's a month old on Thursday--weird). The recent changes make me wonder what they'll be like when he gets like 2 years old or 8 years old. It even makes me wonder what his changes will do to me!!! I can't wait.

tt

The Joys of Motherhood

2007-04-13T11:49:00.000-06:00

Well...here it is...the queen bee of the family finally posting her first blog! Props to my wonderful husband for creating this awesome online diary! It's been so fun reading it when I get a chance to get out of the house!

Over the past 3 weeks, I have been learning the ropes of motherhood! I had to venture out of the house today to write this blog, because it was very important that I say thank you to my parents who have been with us over these crucial 3 weeks, and especially to my mom (grammy) who has been so wonderful to us...cooking, cleaning, taking the night shifts, putting up with my baby blues, changing diapers, and taking care of our dog....the list could go on and on!

Here's to you mom...thank you for being such a wonderful example of a mom...all of your care, love and support never went unnoticed and I seriously couldn't have made it without you over the past 22 days! You and Tommy will definitley be missed...and not just because you took you're incredible laundry skills with you!

When my parents left today, Tyler and I just stared at each other and we asked ourselves, "Do you think we can do it all alone?" We stared at each other, and thought to ourselves, "Well...here goes nothing..."

We both have wonderful teachers...parents are an incredible blessing from God!

Kind of weird, kind of cool, need your prayers!

2007-04-13T07:23:00.000-06:00

Last week I got an email informing me of some news that was kind of weird but kind of cool at the same time. See if you can read the picture below.

If you cant read what it says then I'll just tell you. Pastor Dino asked me to preach at our Highland Campus during our 8 o'clock service on Sunday! Kind of weird, kind of cool. After my initial reaction of staring blankly at the computer screen with my mouth wide open for like 15 minutes I got a grip and got in the word! The topic is "Why is life not fair?" (nice and narrow and focused and easy to prepare for, so at at least I'm happy about that--Sarcasm). Anyhoo, I am very excited and God is very faithful and hasnt left me hanging on thoughts to share.

If you think about it, pray for me this weekend. Love much, hate none.

tt

Not your ordinary Tuesday...

2007-04-11T12:32:00.000-06:00

Last night was a cool night! Our church, partnering with Bethany World Prayer Center, hosted Delirious and Rebecca St. James in concert last night. What an awesome night!

I had the cool opportunity to give the pre and mid-concert announcements for the packed house at Bethany's south campus. Pastor Dino was messing with me in-between groups in the green room about how I got to share the stage with Delirious and Rebecca St. James! I would hardly call it sharing, but it was an honor to stand there and be given that opportunity.

After the concert the fun really began. Me and a crew of about 30 HPC and Bethany staff members had to clean their massive auditorium and put all 2,400 of their chairs back out. We didnt leave until like 12:30 am!

It's all for the Kingdom!

tt

Still More Family...

2007-04-10T07:57:00.000-06:00

Mama T (Great-Grandmother)

Papa (Great-Grandfather)

Aunt Linli, Aunt Rachey, and of cource Aunt Tita (No explanation needed)

Aunt Dinann (Great-aunt, pronounced dine-nann)

Ben-Jamin (The man)

Aunt Kaykee (Still not a great picture, but they are getting better)

Andrew (Neal and Kyles Brother)

These are some more of Whit's family, but it's still not all of them yet!

tt

Our First Family Easter

2007-04-09T10:56:00.000-06:00

The Family Tullos Easter Picture

I have never been more proud to sit in a church service as I was at 12 on Easter Sunday! Crystal brought Whitaker and met me at church for the last of 7 services I particpated in at our Highland Campus. When I saw them come in I seriously think that my heart skipped a beat! Crystal had Whitaker looking super cute in his little sweater vest and kahki pants, and I honestly almost passed out when I saw how beautiful my wife looked. I dont know if it is common for women to look that fine only 16 days after delivery, but somehow she is working it!

For real though. I have to be honest in this post. There was a brief moment during the Easter service when I got a little emotional. I was holding Whitaker in my arms and looking at him while our worship team was singing a song with lyrics that say, "Oh praise the one who paid my debt, and raised this life up from the dead." While they were singing the congregation stood up and began to worship, but I stayed seated holding my son and I couldnt quit thinking about the incredible price our savior paid for our salvation. The more I thought about it I realized that the price he paid for us is the same price he paid for Whitaker. Needless to say, at that point I lost it! I sat there and kept thinking, "Man, I cant wait to tell him (Whit) about what Jesus did for him."

It was a great weekend...

tt

Easter 2007 @ HPC

2007-04-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

Me, Jason Laird, and Mrs. Delynn dodging the rain at Easter

So this is one of the rare posts that wont include something about my kid! Today we wrapped up easter 2007 @ hpc. Needless to say after 7 services at our Highland Campus we are a little tired, but our spirits are full. TONS of people flooded the altars and accepted Jesus as their Lord. Great weekend. I had the awesome priveledge of leading 5 kids under 12 years old towards a relationship with their Savior. My heart is full.

tt

Generations...

2007-04-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

4 Generations of Tullos...

4 Generations of Damico...

How cool is this. 4 generations of life captured in one picture. how cool is that! You know the coolest part of these pictures is that each generation has passed on some cool stuff. Some genetic, some habitual but all cool! But the best thing that has been passed down through all these generations is the saving power of Jesus. Our perspectives are different and our worship not exactly the same, but the Savior has remained constant throughout them all. I'm thankful for a lot of things but nothing is more valuable than that.

tt

p.s. there are more pics on the album!

More Blogs Coming Soon...

2007-04-08T14:33:00.000-06:00

Things have been a little busy during the Easter Holiday, so sorry the posts have been slim... but the good news is there are tons of posts coming soon. We've got easter pics, more family pics, and some exciting surprises too! Love ya'll.

T., C., and W.