A few unexpected life changes...

My lack of blogging the past 3 months can be contributed to a few recent unexpected curveballs that have been thrown my way recently. Since August, blogging has been the farthest thing from my mind. A few days prior to me starting back to work, we found out that we were going to have to move out of the home we had been renting. This came as quite a shock since we were under the impression that we would be living there for at least another 2 years. When we moved here  3 years ago, we still owned a home in Clearwater that we were trying to sell and instead of purchasing a second home, my cousin who was serving in the military overseas, offered us his vacant home to rent until we could sell our home. This turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone since he still had several more years until his stint would be up in Europe. Needless to say, the army doesn't always do as promised. He found out in August that he was being relocated closer to home. Good for him, but terrible for us. This meant that he would need his home back and we would have 3 weeks to find a new home. After 3 months of searching, hopefully, we will close on our new home within the month. Since then, we've been staying between my parents' house and my in-laws'. As much as we appreciate their generosity, we are eager to be in our own place again. Sometimes God's timing really knocks the breath out of me and while I may not always understand why He chooses to make things happen when they do, Ive learned that it's more important to trust Him instead of questioning Him.
On top of all the changes taking place in our lives, the biggest surprise came 3 days before we received the phone call that we would have to move. We kept this one a secret for quite some time but revealed it at Addison's 2nd birthday party.........

That's right...Addison is going to be a BIG SISTER!!!  Baby Bricker #3 is expected to arrive April 7th, 2013. This came as the best and biggest surprise of all since we had not exactly "planned" this one, but are elated that God has decided to bless us with another baby.

 

In His Love...

Summer Fun!

A few weeks back, we took a trip down to Tampa/Clearwater to visit Adam's brother

and some old friends. We took advantage of some of the cool things to do in the area. We visited the zoo, spent a day at the beach, explored the children's museum, and rode our bikes in the parks. As much as I love living in the country again, sometimes I miss all the luxuries big city life has to offer. Of course, Addison loved every minute of it!

Wedding Festivities

My brother, Troy, tied the knot on June 23rd. It was a beautiful affair and he certainly found a keeper with Stephanie. Welcome to the family, Steph!
One thing about being in the wedding is not being able to take pictures, so I had to rely on my husband for that one. Unfortunately, we didn't get too many good ones.

At the rehearsal dinner- brother Travis, myself, sister Anna, & brother Troy...as different as night and day but Love is the thread that keeps us together

The most adorable flowergirl and ring bearer (I'm a little biased)

The bride & groom

Tropical Storm Debby

Thanks to all of you for the concerned emails and phonecalls inquiring to our safety. After 3 days of a non-stop torrential downpour (thanks to tropical storm, Debby) much of our community is now under water. Our town has received more national coverage in the last 48 hours than ever before. Many have lost everything in recent days due to the flooding. Fortunately, my family and our homes are okay for now. We are crossing our fingers that the river doesn't crest, which would bring even more devastating aftermath. Aside from the flooding, there is also the concern of sinkholes which are opening up all over the county. Homes and buildings are being condemned. Most of the roads are closed because of sinkholes and flooding, leaving a limited number of routes out of town. Homes and businesses have been completely ruined. It is heart-breaking to see the devastation. On a lighter note, if you're in the market for waterfront property, there is lots to be found right now!
Please pray for all of those who are picking through the pieces of what's left of their homes and livelihoods. I pray that our community will be able to recover quickly.

In His Love....

The past month....

It has been a month since my last posting so I figured I am long overdue for picture updates. I will be the first to admit that during the school year, I might as well throw my blogging to the wind b/c it seems like I can never find the time to write. Luckily, summer break is just around the corner (1 more week to be exact!) so hopefully somewhere between my brother's upcoming wedding festivities, my sister visiting from Germany, and  other summer happenings, I'll have time to actually write meaningful posts. Just to show how far behind I am, I realized I never posted pics from Easter. This was Addison's first time hunting eggs and she had a blast!

An attempt to get all the cousins in one photo.... I think Addison was more worried about trying to find the prizes inside the eggs.

Addison in her Easter dress after church

In April, we took Addison to the county fair. Of course, the animals were her favorite part. Something tells me we're going to end up with a menagerie of pets when she gets older.

Stay tuned for more busy happenings from the life of the Brickers...

In His Love....

Three Years

Three years… …three years since we welcomed you into this world, three years since I held you in my arms and told you how much I loved you….three years since I felt the softness of your cheeks and breathed in your sweet scent …three years since I brushed the soft tendrils of your hair with my fingers...three years since I felt your tiny fingers curl around mine. Three years of "if onlys" and "whys?" Three years of missing you.

Some days it seems as if a lifetime has come and gone and other days, it seems like it was just yesterday that I rocked you in my arms. Your brief life has changed our lives forever. God only knows how much longer it will be until we see you again, but until that time comes, we rest in God’s peace that you are resting safely in His arms and experiencing the wonders of heaven. We love you, Landon.

Puppy Love

Three weeks ago our Lab, Gracie, had 8 puppies- 4 black and 4 chocolate! Addison has a blast playing with them and wants to tote them around everywhere like she does with her stuffed animals, whether that be by the neck, upside down, or any other manner that suits her liking . She likes to take them for rides in her wagon and everytime they try to jump over the side, she tells them "Say, Puppa!" (Stay, puppy!) I can already tell we're going to have one heartbroken little girl when she has to tell all of her puppies good-bye.

Picture update

I've been such a slacker lately! I haven't posted since Christmas. Life has been getting in the way-a few nasty colds, doctor visits, work, etc. It's hard to believe it's already February. Addison is 16 months old now and is as healthy as a horse. She has 5 teeth, can say a plethora of words- "Papa", "tractor", "doggie", "thank you" and "bye-bye" being her favorite ones. She has become quite the little chatterbox. She loves to "read" her books to anyone who will listen, including her stuffed animals, and will carry on a conversation with you as if you understand her every word. She RUNS everywhere and is in to EVERYTHING! I get my exercise trying to keep up with her--best weight loss plan ever! She has an absolute obssession with animals and can make almost any animal sound imaginable. She loves visiting my parents' farm to see all the animals and to ride on her Papa's tractor. There is never a dull moment with her in our lives.