VACATION!!!

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...

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

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefamilytullos

ENJOY!!!

Baby Dedication Sunday...

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!!!!!

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...

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...

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!!!

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.

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...

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

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!

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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.

Tons of family...

I wanted to take a post to highlight some of my son's amazing family! They havent all been photographed yet, but they soon will be!


Aunt Meg/Tita


Aunt Kaycee


Grammy


Pete and Nona


Paw-paw


Uncle Neal/Duecy


Byrd and Micah(no pics) (Whitakers Godparents)


Briggs

Not pictured but still loved:
Grandpa and Granny Lu, Aunt Cara, Uncle Neil, Aunt Emmy, Aunt Auby, Uncle Dubya, and many more!

"Sleeps like a log..."

That expression has taken on new meaning for me in the last 2 weeks. Not so much for my self, but my son can literally "sleep like a log." When I look at him sleeping it's like I am in the woods and looking at a log that is laying on the ground. Incredible illustration I know, but he just sleeps. He sleeps during the day, he sleeps during the night, and he sleeps even when he eats. It is incredible. I love watching him at that last second b/w consciousness and unconsciousness. It's like you can see the last thought that goes through his mind and then his body goes limp and he's out. It's and interesting phenomenon and if you haven't seen it yet I highly recommend it. Whitaker is a great baby. The only reason he wakes up at night is b/c Crystal (I initially typed "we" where "crystal" is typed and then i had a reality check!) goes and gets him up to eat. It's an answer to prayer.

The picture you see was caught extremely close to that last second of being awake.

Love much, hate none.

tt

Thats My Boy...

I can't explain how cool it feels to be able to say those words and it actually be about my son. I know it sounds weird and probably hard to believe, but I actually dreamt about being a dad as far back as when I was in highschool (which Crystal told me yesterday was 6 years ago). I dont really know why I did, but I remember being out at football practice and day dreaming about what kind of father I would be. I dont know exactly why I did that, but the only thing that I can think of is me looking over to the sidelines and seeing my dad leaning up against the fence wathcing me practice. This was at a Tuesday afternoon practice not at a
Friday night game. I dont know why he was there, but I can tell you it wasnt b/c my mom made him. It could have only been because he wanted to be there. And the more I think about it the more it makes me think that it couldnt have been b/c the practice was so exciting (we werent always that good!) but it had to be b/c I was there.

On March 22 I crossed the line into fatherhood and am still trying to figure out how I could love someone who hasnt done anything to earn it so much so quickly. Needless to say, I havent figured it out yet I just know I love that boy so much. The cool part is that it reminds me so much about my dad's love for me, but also my heavenly Fathers love for me. I didnt do anything to deserve it but He loved me so much and so fast that he let His Son die so that I wouldnt have to. He put His Son through hell so that I didnt have walk that road. When I think about it like that my head starts to hurt and I can't understand it, but I know that I am thankful for it.

Thanks for reading my thoughts... Love ya'll.

tt

The woman of my dreams...

So on August 19, 2003 I actually convinced Crystal Packard to marry me. Before the year was up it was official and we were wed. Now everyday since then has been a small piece of an amazing adventure that I wouldnt trade for anything! Then something happened. On March 22, 2007 I saw her in a way that I had never seen before. I saw her with more love in her heart than I had ever seen. I looked at her on March 22 and everyday since then and have never been more in love with her as I am right now. It's like when I look at her there is this radiance about her that actually makes her look like she is glowing.

Needless to say I love her very much and I am so pumped that she is the mom of my son. So, for anyone who reads this blog you have to know this... Crystal D. Tullos is the most amazing wife, mother, and friend on the face of the planet. I love her... a lot!

The Tullos Three

So recently we've added the 3rd member to the Tullos team, Whitaker Ty Tullos! He and all of our family across the country are the inspiration for this blog and hopefully it will help everyone keep up with all that is going on.

So for now, until we get more pictures there are some from the first few days of Whit's life on the website listed below. We love ya'll and hope that you enjoy the postings!

http://picasaweb.google.com/katiefontenot/LilWhit

T.C. & W.