Here's a few shots from a recent photo shoot my sister in law took recently! She's amazing! Check out her site: www.rlynnphotos.com

Overwhelmed

I was struck today by the fact that I am very blessed, and it overwhelms me. I have had a few "harried" moments in this past week since Nathan left for basic. Nothing too over the top, but things that definitely make you want to get frustrated at the moment:
1. I fell down the stairs while holding Christian (don't worry we were both okay)
2. Christian has had two VERY fussy days, and I can't take him outside cause it's soooo cold out and he was getting over a cold last week and it's been cold and wet.
3. It is a bit unnerving to be paying bills still with the knowledge that we haven't had a paycheck come in for a month or so.
4. I've been exhausted the past few days for no apparent reason.
5. I'm trying to pack for three people with the knowledge that I will gone for a month.

But you know what stopped me in my tracks tonight? I have a friend online who just posted about one of her twin daughters choking on something a few weeks ago and going into a state of unconsciousness and not breathing for quite some time before medics were able to revive her. This little girl Cici is only 11 1/2 months old and on all kinds of feeding machines and in an intensive rehabilitation unit at their local hospital. She just came off the ventilator over the weekend. Jenny (the mom) was talking about going back to her home today for the first time since the accidenct 2 1/2 weeks ago. She has a four year old and Cici's twin Penny at home. She said that the house felt different when she walked in and that it would always be different, even when Cici came home, because doctors are pretty sure she won't ever fully rehabilitate.

I CANNOT even imagine what must be going through their minds and the pain of her heart and emotions. I cried just reading the post. I so easily stress over so many things, especially when it comes to Christian not cooperating or being in that stage of recognizing his independence and melting down when he doesn't get his own way.

But how blessed I am to have a child how is whole and healthy and vibrant...even when his little sin nature begins to rear it's ugly head! This was especially poignant in light of my two miscarriages as well. I acutely feel the loss of both those babies, but cannot imagine the fear that accompanies the possibility of losing a child that you have had the privilege of holding and rocking to sleep and watching milestones happen.

Cici now has to relearn many of her milestones...some she may never recover. How precious is each milestone that Christian accomplishes! I will not take that for granted. So here's my creed:

1. Live each day to the fullest because every moment God grants is a gift.

2. Love with my whole heart because I don't know when my last moment with my loved ones may be.

3. Breathe in the promises of my Savior because I refuse to give ground to the devil.

4. Abandon the temptation to live for myself.

5. Embrace the gift of serving those around me.

6. Walk daily with my God, because He's the One who holds it all anyway!

A little this and that...

Visiting Cabellas in PA

This ride is soooooooooo fun!

I think he may have had a little too much. :)

Just performing his civic duty.

Said Goodbye to my Soldier...

Monday morning at 0900 I dropped Nathan off at the Lynchburg Armory to begin his trek to Basic Training and AIT for 4 months. He will be doing processing and some other things at Fort Lee in Petersburg for the next few days and then will be flown into Georgia for his time at Fort Benning.

The good news is, he gets what is called an "exodus" at Christmastime for two weeks...and he'll be home on Christian's FIRST BIRTHDAY! :) Let me tell you, I'm already counting down the days.It seems quite timely that Nathan is leaving the day before Veterans' Day. I am acutely aware this year of the many men and women who have sacrificed their time and sometimes their lives to protect the freedom that we enjoy in this country. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THEM!

I was an Air Force "brat" while growing up so I am not totally unaware of the feelings associated with being personally involved in the military. But I must tell you, that this separation is one of the hardest and yet best experiences that I have had. I have never been more proud as a wife and an American citizen.I hope that we as Americans can relish the freedom that we enjoy and truly view it through thankful eyes.

We can have elections (whether we agree with the outcomes or not) because of our soldiers. We have free speech to express our beliefs (like a free network like facebook) because of soldiers. We have the ability to attend church and worship freely because of our soldiers. We have phenomenal educational resources because of our soldiers. We can rest our heads at night knowing that someone can't just barge in and drag us into a prison because of our soldiers.

WE ARE THE LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. And I will gladly sacrifice my time with my husband for that.

I love Nathan dearly, and I'm so proud. Today when you walk outside of your own home into your own yard, go to your own choice of job, shop where you like, eat what you wish, and enjoy your choices of entertainment say a prayer for Nathan and all the soldiers like him who make this possible. HOOAH!

One week and counting....

In exactly one week I will say goodbye to Nathan and send him off to Basic Training at Fort Benning in Georgia. I'm excited to be walking forward to this next stage, but more excited to welcome him home at the finish line. :)

He does get an "Exodus" at Christmastime, so that's good! He'll get home on Christian's first birthday which is awesome! Then he reports back on Jan 1. He'll be gone until March. But this will open all kinds of opportunities for us. Is it weird to be excited about this? I mean I am not directly excited about sending him off...just what it means. :)

In any case, we're savoring the last moments this week and will send off our soldier with pride!

From a broken heart...

This is a cross-post from my facebook account. Forgive me for not wanting to re-write everything....

This week has already been a trial for us. For those who didn't know (and please forgive me there are many of you) we found out a few weeks ago that we were pregnant. We were a little shocked as this was not in the "plan" per say, but thrilled none the less.

However, God's plans were different for this little one than ours were. Monday, October 27th, I began to miscarry and God brought our little one home to heaven. I'm not going to lie... it hurts. Especially because this is the second child He's called home before we got to know them.

The hurt will pass, it always does. The memory of what could of been will remain... it always does. I am trying not to ask why... it doesn't do any good. For now , I breathe in and breathe out. Tomorrow is filled with new promises and God is always good, regardless of our circumstances.

We will mourn for our time lost with little Logan...but rejoice that God holds our child, and that Jordan has another playmate in heaven! :)I think this song sums up where my heart is right now:

Praise You in This Stormwords by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus: And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to Youand raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

A little bit more..

I know, two posts in the same hour...has the world come to a screeching halt? No, but it did occur to me after I posted below that some of you haven't heard the latest in our crazy life:

Nathan lost his job two and a half weeks ago, rendering us entirely jobless. You know that verse, "Trust in the Lord..."? Well it's tangeable now! :) But you know what? I am not complaining. This is the best place we've been in a long time. Totally at the mercy of a God who is way more than capable of taking care of us than we can ever be. He's already provided a side contracting job for Nathan that has brought in a little bit of money, and we just sold our extra washer/dryer set today! We are blessed....

Also, the countdown has begun to Nathan leaving for Basic for the Army National Guard. He will ship out on Nov 10th... He will get two weeks leave at Christmas, and then be gone again until March-ish. (yeah I made that month up. haha) But the good news on that is that he will receive Active pay, housing allowance and full insurance the whole time he's gone as well. Isn't God good? I'm not looking forward to him being gone, but I have a feeling it will go faster than we think!

Anyway, that's about it for now, seeing as how it's 12:22 am and I desperately need sleep. I will try to do better at updating this thing! Pray for us in this season! I wish you all as blessed a life as we abundantly experience now... Goodnite all!

About a bazillion years ago...

I posted something on here! :) At least that's what it feels like! I stink at remembering to update this thing. I must make ammends ....

I can't believe all the crazy things Christian can do now! He's crawling like a madman, and pulling up on the furniture and "walking" along it.... yep, my days of contentedly sitting in one place for 5 minutes are gone! :)

He absolutely cracks me up on a regular basis, though. This kid has one HUGE personality and I LOVE it. He will grab a toy and sit down on the hardwood floor and spin in a circle lifting it high over his head with an open mouth and a look that says, "WOAH!!! Behold, the TOY!!!!" Seriously, it's like the funniest thing I've ever seen! If laughter is good for the soul, my sweet boy is the cure-all for everything!

Here's a few pics to enjoy:

Simple Joys

There is a simple joy that lives in the curiosity of a child and the smile that slowly edges it's way across that cute little face as he realizes what is going on. One of my favorite expressions on Christian lately, though, is his "hmmm what's going on here?" face. Check out these laundry day photos from a few weeks ago. Too precious...can a heart really hold all the love I have for this little one?


Mom, what's laundry?


Oh, sorry I asked...


I hear water...am I getting a bath?


Seriously, do I get to go in there?


Where are all the clothes going?


Nevermind, this basket is way more interesting!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pics from the beach!

Here are just a few shots from our vacation to Emerald Isle, NC!



first walk to the beach...look how excited he is!


First touch of the toes to the sand!


This water is cold!


Whoah...that's a big bath!



He looooved the pool and the blow up turtle!


Our little captain!


Getting all excited about the fish at the maritime museum!




A full day at the beach makes me tired!

Headed to the Beach!

We're leaving today for our FIRST family vacation ever! :) Soooo very excited! I'm going to try to keep everyone updated on here as our week progresses. I can't wait to see what Christian thinks of the water!

until next time, take care!

Life moves too fast...

I can't believe how long it's been since I've updated this blog! Sorry about that! :)

Christian is now 4 months, 2 weeks old, and growing more everyday both physically and in personality. He has recently discovered the sound of his own voice and loves to make screeching noises and gasping noises. He will now giggle if tickled on the side of his belly, and I have to tell you---it's the greatest sound in the world!

He loves playing in his "johnny jump-up" that hangs from the doorway, and rolls over from tummy to back on a regular basis. He has rolled once from back to tummy--however, it was when I was out of the room and I can't get him to do it again!

His four month check up went well, although his growth is still only in the 25% portion of the chart...poor kid, he's a little peanut! His weight as of last week was 13.7 pounds and his length was 24 1/2 inches. He has finally outgrown all of his 0-3 month clothes and is starting to get out of his plain 3 month sizes. On to the 3-6 month sizes!

In other news, we are closing (hopefully) this week on the townhouse we bought. It has so much more space...I can't wait to get the updates done and move in! But oh...life will be crazy until we're done! Someone tell me--does it ever get easier? Sometimes I feel like I'm running in that moment on Raiders of the Last Ark (I think it was that one) where Indy is running from that huge rolling boulder! Oh well, these are the moments that make life so much fun when you look back years later. :)

Well for now, I am going to grab something eat while I have a moment (yay for the jumper!). Here's some pics to enjoy!

Getting in the groove...

Well, as we are nearing the three month mark since Christian's arrival, I feel like things are finally starting to hit a groove of sorts. Christian is starting to settle into a decent schedule, and I am finally learning how to get things accomplished during the day! Take today for example: (I feel very accomplished!)

1. Woke up at 6:45 to feed Christian (he did get up one other time during the night, but no big deal...I think we're in a growth spurt of sorts)

2. Went back to sleep (ahhh) and then woke up again at 8:45 (Yay for morning naps!) Then, another "breakfast" for Christian.

3. Shower at 9:00-YAY for getting this accomplished before lunchtime!

4. 9:45--Auntie Em came over to watch Christian while I went to LU to meet with my old boss to go over my consulting work.

5. 11:45--head home from LU to go kiss my sweet boy's cute little cheeks!

6. 12:30--feed Christian, and play on the floor... he was 'practicing' rolling over...he's soooo close!

7. 1:15--Christian goes down for a nap in his swing. (not the original intent for the swing, but that's what happened!haha)

8. 1:20-2:45 (Yep, you read that right!)--CLEAN the house: vacuum all the floors, mop the kitchen floor, do the dishes, reorganize the dining room contents including taking the leaf out of the dining room table and rearranging the furniture, then get some lunch!

9. 2:45--Get Christian up, changed, and fed.

10. 3:15-4:30--Play with Christian and catch up on work emails.

11. 4:30--Christian falls asleep in his bouncy seat after a hard round of giggling with Mommy.

12. 5:15--Christian wakes up and eats AGAIN haha

13. 5:30--Started dinner (With Christian's help sitting from his bouncy seat) We made honey barbeque chicken, lemon poppyseed muffins, baked potatoes, and salad! yuuuummmm.

14. 6:15--Daddy comes home!! (Christian was allll smiles!)

15. 7:30--Feed Christian

16. 8:00-10:00--Play with Christian while watching Biggest Loser (Mommy and Daddy watched, not Christian)

17. 10:15--BATHTIME!! Christian had fun playing in the bubbles.

18. 10:45--Feed Christian, swaddle him, and down for the night in the crib.

19. 11:15--Have a bowl of cereal (yum) and hang out with my hubby!

20. 12:08--sit down and write this blog!

Phew!! What a day, but yay! I got a lot accomplished! (I know, not many other people would think it was an exciting day, but I think my life is pretty fantastic!) Here's some more pics to enjoy!

I've gotta get better at posting! :)

I'm horrible at this blogging thing. It just seems that life just FLIES by! How crazy these days are! Christian is now 9 weeks old! He had his first set of shots yesterday at his 2 month pediatric appt. So Sad! I had to look away so I didn't cry! He, however, did wonderfully! He cried a bit when they put the needle in, but quieted right down when I picked him up to cuddle with him. After that, he slept like a champ in his carseat for 3 more hours! :)

In other news, Christian has officially slept through the night for two nights in a row now! 11:30pm-6:30am!! YAY for sleep! Hopefully he keeps it up! Although, truth be told, I am wondering if he's only doing it because Nana is visiting and staying in his room with him. :) We'll see if the trend continues...

Pray for us, if you think of it! I have a terrible cold, and Christian seems to be getting it, too, poor kid! :(

Here's a few pics to enjoy:

Slideshow time!

Just sharing some fun shots of our little man! I can't get over what a cutie he is!