Dentist

I went to the dentist again. No cavities, so I still like going...

Flowers

I took some pictures of the "Get Well Soon" flowers that Gadget/Randy got from his work. I think they turned out fabulous. I might frame one, but I can't decide which one I like best. Please leave your vote in the comments.

Picture 1

Picture 2
Picture 3

Hey Cuz'

This ones for Grandma and Grandpa in Florida.

Queen Esther

The kids have been learning about the Letter Q.

And with that we studied the story of Queen Esther from The Holy Bible.

Here is Josie and Josh being Queen Esther and King Ahaseurus.

Josie really enjoys learning stories from the Bible.

She has her own "real" Bible (a non-picture Bible) that she loves to "read".

Josh on the other hand, seems to gravitate towards the bad guys in the Bible and will blurt out inappropriate things like "Kill the Jews" and "Cut the baby in half" and "All the baby boys in Bethlehem killed". He doesn't quite get the meaning behind these statements and I'm really hoping he doesn't blurt them out in public. He loves saying "I'm going to fight you" and talks about his armies. That's a boy for you, I guess...

Mac & Cheese

Mommy makes a mean Mac & Cheese (full of heavy cream and butter).

It's fantastic.

I got to help her for the first time.

Spring is Here

There are definitely signs of spring...

Josie and Josh helped G-Pa plant some grass seed.

These are samples of the flowers we made to take to a local nursing home.

Jumping in puddles

AJ - 6 Month Update

I'm 6 months old today! I went to the doc, which wasn't so fun.

Height: 26.5 inches (75%)

Weight: 15lbs. 2oz (25-50%)

Doc says I look great. I'm not sitting up or rolling over yet, but everyone in my family seems to be a little delayed in that area. My menu of acceptable foods has increased to peaches, pears, apricots, peas, and butternut squash. Here are some fabulous pics of me.

Seven Years

(Posted by Nicole)

Today is our seven year anniversary.

Significant Events of the Past Seven Years:

1 Honeymoon
2 Moves (another in a couple weeks)
2 yrs + 164 Days of pregnancy
3 Beautiful children
1 Miscarriage
1 Change in occupation
14 Days spent in the hospital
2 Surgeries
2 Short-term mission trips
55 Pounds gained (net)
4 Middle of the night trips to the hospital
2 Visits to the ER
8 Family Vacations
10 mo. On the housing market
1 yr + 4 mo. Living with parents
1 New house almost finished

A lot has happened in the time that we have been married. It is easy to lose sight of that in the mundane of day-to-day life. But this week, I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect on the past seven years. (Driving to and from the hospital tends to be a little thought-provoking.)

And I can’t help but say “Look at what God has done! He has done great things!” My Lord has taken the pain and heartache of two broken lives and made something beautiful. I am so thankful that My Lord knows me better than I do. And He knew exactly what I needed in a husband. And He made it perfectly clear who my husband should be.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (The Holy Bible)

The third strand is God (for those of you out there who aren't familiar with this passage from the Bible). We've had lots of ups and downs over these seven years. He was the key to our first seven years and He is the key to the remaining time we have together on this earth. The years ahead will no doubt provide much more joy and heartache. The Third Strand is what will to hold us together.

There is peace in knowing that God can use the good and the bad for His purposes. God can be glorified in all these things. And a life that glorifies the Lord is a life well lived. My prayer is that our lives will glorify the Lord.

Vacation Part 7 - Family Picture

We survived another family vacation

(and there's at least one picture where most of us are smiling :)

Vacation Part 6 - My First Ski Lesson

Josie had her first ski lesson at Whiteface.

She loved it!

Vacation Part 5 - Winter Carnival

Here are some pictures of the festivities during Winter Carnival at Saranac Lake, NY.

Vacation Part 4 - Snow Tubing

Josie, Josh, Daddy and I went snow tubing while AJ stayed home with our hosts.

Josie was brave enough to go all by herself.

Here's Daddy and Josh.

We all had a blast!

Vacation Part 3 - Sledding

Daddy and Josie spent some time sledding in the driveway.