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.

Christmas Blessings

May your Christmas be merry,

may your home be peaceful,

may your family be joyful

and may each one be blessed.

Merry Christmas from our home to your's!

Fall Fun!

Ready for church!

The Cowardly Lion has called it a night.

"Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion on Halloween.

A visit to the pumpkin patch

Childlike Faith

God amazes me at how he often chooses to reveal Himself in the simplest of ways. Several days ago, my morning devotion was on "Having Childlike Faith." It seems so easy, right? Having faith like a child. But have you ever stopped to explore the depth of what that really means?

One of the things I love most about my job as a teacher is that I am often reminded that children-although young in years-often have the wisest answers to life's most perplexing questions. I had casually mentioned to my students later that day that I had not adjusted to the time change yet. Well, this sparked a discussion as to "Why does the time change?" and then "How come the days have less daylight?" and eventually led to "Why are there different phases of the moon?" Of course, the whole time I'm trying to do my best to impart valuable textbook knowledge to my students that would make them so much smarter in life, but the best answer came from one of my students. After someone asked "How does the moon determine the tides of the ocean?" immediately he blurted out- "Because God created the universe and He can do anything. Don't you know that?" Wow, how could I top that answer? To a ten-year old, such a simple response, but instantaneously, I caught my mind beginning to over-analyze things and I stopped myself. Childlike faith? Sooo... this is what you mean, right God? As simple as that- believing without doubting that you can do anything because you are God. Trusting You wholeheartedly and obeying no matter what the situation. Not questioning the truth to your promises.

All throughout scripture, we see those who pleased God and did great things by simply trusting Him like a child. Some of them faced catastrophic circumstances, but they never questioned God's ways or plans. They simply loved, believed and obeyed Him.

It is only when we learn to trust God in spite of our situations that we can experience His goodness and mercy. May God's grace strengthen you to walk with Him in your life and may we always seek to have childlike faith.

In His Love.....

Addison turns the big O-N-E!

Addison turned one year old on October 13th. I can't believe one year can pass so quickly. Our lives have changed drastically in just one year and certainly for the better. Here are pictures from her first birthday party.Mommy, Daddy, and Addison celebrated her actual birthday with cupcakes from The Cupcake Mill in town. This was her first taste of frosting and cake, and I do believe she would have eaten every last morsel of it had I not taken it away from her in fear of it making her sick. This picture says it all!

Thanks to all of you who took part in her celebration. Our daughter is so blessed to have so many loving people in her life.

Catching Up

It seems like just yesterday, we were rushing to the hospital in Gainesville in the middle of the night to welcome our little girl into the world. The past year has been a whirlwind of heartwarming memories as we have watched our precious little miracle blossom into a little lady. We know we are so undeserving of such a beautiful gift, and we thank God every day for choosing us to be her parents. Here are a few recent pics...

Bittersweet Good-byes

As you've probably noticed, I've been MIA the past few months. Since returning back to work, my days seem incredibly shorter. By the time I arrive home in the afternoons I'm too exhausted to even think about blogging. To make up for lost time, I've decided the best way is to include everything in a series of posts. So... stay tuned.

Since my last post, there has been lots happening in our household. My little sister, Anna, who is studying in Germany, was home for 2 months on break. Addison enjoyed getting to know her Auntie Anna better and I was happy to have another babysitter to help me out. Thanks for all the help, Anna. We hope you are able to visit again soon!

Sadly, another goodbye we said was to my Grandma Edith, who passed on Sept. 27th. We knew it would happen eventually, but I don't think anyone is ever really "ready" to see a loved-one pass from this world. However, this woman was as much of a saint as St. Peter himself, so I know without a doubt, she's up in heaven right now holding my little Landon tight. There are so many things that stand out in my mind about my Grandma, mainly her quiet, gentle spirit and her ability to crack a joke even at the ripe old age of 89.

She was a blessing to anyone that was fortunate enough to know her and I'm so thankful that Addison was able to spend time with her great-grandmother over the past year. She was the epitomy of what a servant of Christ should be and she radiated God's love throughout every aspect of her life. She truly was a woman after God's own heart. She will be greatly missed, but we are already experiencing the amazing legacy she has left behind through the testimonies of those whose lives she touched during her 89 years on this earth.

In His Love...