It’s Fall…here’s our EL Update

It’s (a little) cooler this morning in Houston, Texas. Almost feels like it could be October, but not quite. We’re doing great. 
Leeland is two and happier than ever. 

Maddux started Kindergarten and Bakri is in second grade. I am spending more time at both of their schools. So far, we are having a great school year. 

My debut album was released on September 18. 

It’s really exciting and stressful just to try to get the music out there. But, when people hear it, they are moved and they tell me about it. I am very blessed. 

If you know what to search (ie. my name), you can find me almost anywhere….iTunes, amazon, cdbaby, zune, bandcamp, noisetrade, etc. And, even next to Sandi Patty, at times. 🙂

This was my look of shock and relief the day the album was released….ah

And, now, me and the family are headed to churches and events on my off weeks to spread the music to more churches and communities. Last week, we went to Crosspoint Church in Bellaire and I had the joy of leading along side of my friend and amazing talent, Aaron Senseman and the great worship team at Crosspoint. I am very grateful to be able to share the music in this way. Could I come to your church? Contact rebekahmemusic@gmail.com for booking information. 
Trinity turned four and we celebrated with a family party at our church. We made homemade pizzas, danced and enjoyed celebrating Miss Trinity. She is becoming quite the little lady. 

Leeland had his first haircut. Momma cut off the longest curls in the back, but I’m not ready to go short yet. He still has some baby curls.

Grandma (Moustapha’s mom) loves to buy the kids halloween costumes. This year the Els had requests: Mario themed costumes! Toad! Princess Peach! Luigi! and Mario! We are waiting until Halloween to put on the mustaches. 
Happy October, y’all!
love,
El Momma and the Els

Happy Fall, Y’all!

The Els have had a very busy Fall. It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through November already! We’ve been busy with school, tee-ball, piano lessons, church, family time and Fall parties. Here are some photos of our fun!
2 yr old- Trinity spidergirl
 3 1/2 months- Baby Leeland Elvis
almost Four yr old- Batmaddux
5 1/2 yr old- Bakri, the friendly ghost

 Baseball with Grandfather

The itsy bitsy spider

Coach Daddy says “way to go, Maddux!”

pumpkin carving

pixie stix!

School carnival…here come the Els

Kindergarten Hat Parade!
 wearing her brother’s prince ali hat
Maddux’s school parade

Trinity loves her cousin, Anthony

 Trick or treating
 more trick or treating

 happy trinity
Trunk or Treat!

Bakri’s scary pumpkin…his design!
Saturday morning brunch!

Our Weekend Adventures- All Saints Day Party & Cesar’s Baptism

On Saturday, we went to 2 parties: The first was a Baby Halloween Party at Jordan and Brian’s house. They have an adorable 5 month old baby boy- Charlie and they live in a beautiful home in a really great part of Houston- the Heights. Several old friends from College were there that also live just down the street or around the corner in the same neighborhood. There were probably 15-20 babies/ kiddos at this party AND they had chick-fil-A, which was a huge hit with my boys!

The same afternoon we went to another party in Magnolia at the home of James and Patricia Clark to celebrate All Saints Day. This was quite the party. Their home is on a big piece of property with tons of room for the kids to run around. There was lots of great food and drinks and so many of our friends from church at First Pres were there. Most of the children were in costume and most of the parents weren’t. I had a really great time. I spent about 20 minutes enjoying dinner on the back porch. I decided to come in when the mosquitos starting eating me alive! So, I sat inside with some of my girlfriends. I was nursing Trinity (which is my excuse for why I couldn’t be the one outside with the boys) Anyway, I had some really nice adult conversations! I loved it. And then, we had to go, because the boys were driving Moustapha crazy! Bakri found the pool…and we were not there to do any swimming. Maddux was content on the swing for a while, but once they were both loose, the party was over for us!

On Sunday, I led worship at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in West U. This was my 3rd Sunday leading worship there. I will be there for 2 more Sundays this month. It has been an amazing experience for me and our family. Every week things have gotten better and better. The band and I rehearsed tonight. I am really excited about the worship music this week. It is going to be really fun!

On Sunday afternoon, we attended our nephew Cesar Ignatius’ baptism. Moustapha was honored to be Cesar’s godfather. It was a really special ceremony. And the priest called our entire family to the water to witness the baptism upclose. That was really nice for all of us, including the kids. We could actually see!

Cesar’s brother, Matias- we call him Mati and Bakri were somewhat well behaved at the baptism. They have a great time together.

Matias’ sister, Soledad is Cesar’s godmother.

Amira just returned home from spending a couple of weeks with Beatrice helping her with her twin sons. As soon as she got back she started her job with a law firm here in Houston. So, we haven’t seen her much. She enjoyed getting to hold and feed Trinity during the baptism.

Trinity wore one of my dresses. Doesn’t she look sweet? She is doing so well and getting so big so fast. We go for her check up with her pediatrician next week. Once she has her shots, she will be able to go into the nursery at church. That will be helpful.

I got really sick the evening after the baptism. We were out all day, and I was in a dress, so I had to pump- which went well. But, for reasons I won’t discuss in this forum, I still ended up with mastitis. And now I am back on an antibiotic. So, I am NOT going to be doing that again. I thought it would be nice to let some of our family members feed Trinity while we were out. So I prepared bottles of breastmilk and had them with me. But, this is the second time I’ve gotten mastitis and I really don’t like being on an antibiotic. Not to mention, I have not felt well at all. Hopefully, this won’t happen again!

Cesar and Trinity had the same due date. Cesar was born at 36 weeks and 6 days and Trinity was born at 40 weeks and 3 days- so even though they were due at the same time, their birthdays are almost one month apart.

Grandma enjoyed feeding Trinity while Athena gave her kisses. Leila and Matias hosted a dinner at the Sweetwater Country Club to celebrate the baptism. We had yummy fajitas and enjoyed some fun family time.