Selah's 2nd Birthday

Selah Grace officially turned 2 years old on June 3, just a few days after we moved in. Needless to say, I didn't have much planned for her! BUT, thanks to my sister, we last minute had a mini celebration the day after we moved in. We grilled out here, Kelly made a cake, and everyone (except her parents ;o) were prepared and brought gifts for little Gracie. Dad and Patti were here from the move and mom and Grammy stopped in to celebrate with us.

First we ate...





Then Selah dove into her presents...



Then cake...




The cutest baby is saved for last...

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Strength for faith

As I am continually still seeking to strengthen my weak faith and trust in the Lord, I was so encouraged by Spurgeon's Morning and Evening today. I was reminded of the sweet strength that lies in the promises of God:

“Tell me I pray thee wherein thy great strength lieth.” Judges 16:6

Where lies the secret strength of faith? It lies in the food it feeds on; for faith studies what the promise is—an emanation of divine grace, an overflowing of the great heart of God; and faith says, “My God could not have given this promise, except from love and grace; therefore it is quite certain his Word will be fulfilled.” Then faith thinketh, “Who gave this promise?” It considereth not so much its greatness, as, “Who is the author of it?” She remembers that it is God who cannot lie—God omnipotent, God immutable; and therefore concludeth that the promise must be fulfilled; and forward she advances in this firm conviction. She remembereth,why the promise was given,—namely, for God’s glory, and she feels perfectly sure that God’s glory is safe, that he will never stain his own escutcheon, nor mar the lustre of his own crown; and therefore the promise must and will stand. Then faith also considereth the amazing work of Christ as being a clear proof of the Father’s intention to fulfil his word. “He that spared not his own Son, but freely delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Moreover faith looks back upon the past, for her battles have strengthened her, and her victories have given her courage. She remembers that God never has failed her; nay, that he never did once fail any of his children. She recollecteth times of great peril, when deliverance came; hours of awful need, when as her day her strength was found, and she cries, “No, I never will be led to think that he can change and leave his servant now. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me, and he will help me still.” Thus faith views each promise in its connection with the promise-giver, and, because she does so, can with assurance say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!”

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Greenbrier State Park

I had forgotten how fun this place was! Dave took off Tuesday - Friday of last week. It was great to have him around, although for some of the time he was busy at work around the house and yard. On Thursday he wanted to do something as a family and I threw out the idea of Greenbrier. I grew up going to this place with my mom. She would take us fairly often and it was the next best thing to the beach. If you are unfamiliar with Greenbriar, it is a state park with a huge lake for swimming, fishing and boating and tons of picnic tables and campsites. Also, the Appalachian trail runs through it.

We packed up a day's worth of food, towels, swimsuits, blankets and beach toys and headed north to Boonsboro, which is right outside of Frederick. We arrived around 11am and right away the girls fell in love with the place. I had forgotten what a great place this is for kids! In my opinion it might even be better than the beach for little ones. There aren't waves to scare them and you have sand to play in. Also, there are trees right behind the beach which provide shade for setting up blankets and pack and plays for naptime ;o).





The girls played hard all day long. They had an absolute blast. It was so relaxing and fun for me to watch them having such a great time and to enjoy getting some much needed "Daddy time."

In the afternoon, Selah took a nap under a tree on a blanket, while Dave and I read and watched Mckenna play.

"Look, mama!" (My girls are fascinated with rocks ;o)

Toward evening, most people started to pack up and leave. We had brought food to grill, and since the girls were doing well and having such a great time, we hung out a few more hours.

We ended our time with a cook-out of hot dogs and corn on the cob, overlooking the beach. By this time the girls were started to loose it a bit - they were so tired! We pulled out around 6:30pm and headed home. I found myself thinking what a perfect family day it was! God was so kind to bless us with beautiful weather (sunny with a breeze and not too hot) and an incredible time together!

Grilling corn on the cob....it turned out SO yummy!

While Dave was grilling the girls stayed on the beach and threw rocks in the water.

If you are looking for something to do as a family, we highly recommend this place! We're hoping to go back again soon.

Here is a link for more information and directions.

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Happy 4th of July!

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My big girl

It's hard to believe Mckenna is getting so big, so fast. She has been such a delight to us, her family, and has been a trooper through this season of transition. When we moved out of our townhouse, it was very hard for Mckenna. After all the furniture was moved out on moving day, Mckenna came home after being away for the day, and just sobbed. She didn't want to leave and was confused about where all her things were. It was so sad! Everytime we drove near the townhouse or on Fountain Valley Dr., she would start to cry and say things like, "I want those people to get out so I can go back." Despite how much we talked through things with her, I think she was still a bit confused.

She and Selah both loved all the house shopping. They particularly loved going to look at all he vacant homes, as they would run all around them and in the yards.

Mckenna loved living with mom for 2 months....we all did. So, I was a little concerned how she would do transitioning once again to our new home. I didn't know if she would not like it and want to go back to moms or want to go back to our townhouse. Mom took care of the girls on moving day and brought them the next morning to the new house. After being there a day, we gave the girls their first bath in their new bathroom. During this, Mckenna shouted out to us that she loved this new house and said, "I want to stay here forever." Dave and I just smiled and I was relieved!

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Our New Home

Where to start?? We are so blessed, grateful and still amazed to be waking up each morning in this home the Lord has given us. We officially have been here now for 3 weeks...3 very full weeks! Our days have been full of unpacking, getting settled, having lots of friends over, starting projects and "trying" to get back into a routine. I am so glad that we were able to move when we did and have a little time before baby girl #3 comes!

Thanks to everyone who helped us move! We are so grateful!! The move went so smoothly, despite a rainy day. Some of the guys who helped got absolutely soaked, but still served so joyfully. My dad and step-mom came up and stayed a few days and helped us so much. We are so indebted to them! Patti helped me get almost all of my kitchen unpacked, organized and helped me get the house cleaned. Dad helped move and then painted both the girl's room and the nursery - thanks so much you two!!! We could not have done what we did without you both! My mom took the girls all day Saturday and brought them over on Sunday morning - thanks Mom!

To everyone, please stop in anytime for a visit...we mean it! We are so enjoying being closer to our friends again and would love to hang out with you.

So many have been asking to see pictures. We just got our internet about 5 or so days ago, so I am still trying to get caught up on "computer work." I only have taken a few pictures of the outside while the girls have been playing and here's a glimpse...

The girls are loving being able to go outside so much. There is so much to discover in the yard and Selah has a new-found love for bugs!

...I am loving all the work the previous owners did on the landscaping. Flowers are coming up, however the deer around here eat just about everything!

The back of the house and the deck (that blue thing is a big blow up pool ;o).

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A new home

Today we are closing on our new home. There have been a number of uncertainties along the way and so we have not wanted to post anything until we were just about at the settlement table! We are incredibly grateful to God for this blessing and for all that we have learned along the way in getting to this place. God has been so kind to us!

Tomorrow is the big move day! I know we could use a few more helping hands if anyone is free.

We are looking forward to being back in the area, but we will definitely miss being here with my mom. It has been such a blessing to live with her for 2 months.

I better run and get to packing up the rest of our stuff!

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The cutest baby neices in the world...

neither of whom I see enough. I love em!

June

Savanna

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Life at Nani's

It's been almost 1 1/2 months since we have been at my moms. Life here has been such a blessing. The girls are loving being at Nani's and only wish she could be here all day long with them. They terribly dislike saying good-bye in the morning when she goes to work. Mckenna will often ask, "Can't you stay?" With being pregnant, it has been a nice break and I am actually glad that I didn't have to move right into another home after leaving our townhouse.

The girls have loved running around in the yard, digging in Nani's garden, watching Grammy's TV after dinner, and going for long walks around the neighborhood.

It will be bittersweet when we have to leave!

Grammy reading Mckenna a book

Saturday morning in Nani's garden

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Baby update

What more could a mother want
than another chance to dress in pink
with pretty bows and a little lace.

To kiss another set of chubby cheeks
and lavish her with lots of love,
smiling into her tiny face.

To raise her and train her in all the ways
of keeping home, loving a family
and most of all, of amazing grace.

IT'S A GIRL!

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Easter

I am a bit behind, but wanted to record our recent Easter. It was a crazy time with moving, and even as I try to remember it now, I can't remember when we did what and who we were with...it's all a blur! But I'll do my best.

Despite the craziness, I was determined to make a memory with Mckenna. So, we made some Easter sugar cookies and decorated them to give out to family and friends. We also gave some to our neighbors (before we left our townhouse) with little notes thanking them for being such great neighbors and friends. We really could not have asked for better families to have around us while we lived there.

I gave Mckenna some cookie dough to roll out and get ready to cut. She had her own little idea! She instead made a face with her fingers in the dough.




The day before Easter was spent at Kel's house. My mom and uncle joined us all. My mom brought eggs filled with yogurt covered raisens and she hid them around for a little egg hunt for the kids.

Mouth full!

The morning of Easter, we gave each of the girls "Easter buckets" filled with a few treats and a few small gifts.

After breakfast, we headed out to church to celebrate what our Savior had accomplished for us in rising from the dead! What a joyous day Easter is when we remember Jesus' victory over the grave that makes our salvation possible. How grateful I am that my sins are atoned for and I can live with the knowledge that the greatest need I will EVER have has been met!

Later on in the day we went to Dave's Aunt Penny and Uncle Bill's house to spend time with his family. Unfortunately we got there late because of the girl's naps, but it was good to see everyone. I think I forgot my camera so no pictures to share.

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Blog? What blog?

It's been over a month since I have posted any kind of update. It probably seems like I have forgotten I even have a blog. So much has transpired over the past month in our family. I have not had internet for most of the past month, so I have not been able to post or read anyone else's blogs. So, if I run into any of you, my dear friends, know that I haven't read your blog or anyone else's in about 1 1/2 months! Tell me everything!!

Now for a little update:
We moved out of our house on March 29. It was a very bittersweet day. We moved in with my mom and have now been here for about a month. Time has gone by so fast. She has served us heroically as is typical for my mom. She is such a servant and I don't think I know of anyone who so self-sacrifices like she does. When I got here, the night of our move, mom had already gone about unpacking our things, doing our laundry and setting up all our belongings. Amazing! We are so enjoying being here, although I do feel distant and out of touch with so many of my friends. I thought that life would slow down a bit after the move and I would be able to catch up on things once I got here, to my moms. QUITE the opposite. Life has continued to be a whirlwind of activity. Dave has been traveling quite a bit, we have had a number of events come up with all the house shopping, and along with some minor pregnancy complications, and balancing normal daily life of caring for my family, life has not slowed down.

I am continuing to learn a lot about trusting God in this season of transition and uncertainty. I am so grateful for how Dave has been leading us. We were back in the negotiations this past week on a house that we had first put an offer on back in January. However, again we didn't get very far this time. It's a long story, but the particular seller of this house does not seem to be very willing to negotiate very much, despite the fact that that house has been on the market since early last fall. So we continue to wait and trust the Lord as this point. As I sit and ponder on God's provision for us and how He has led our family thus far, I am amazed at His kindness and filled with hope for the future, knowing He has a place for us in His perfect timing.

The girls are growing and changing so much every day. Selah is talking very much these days and Dave and I are so enjoying her cute little words and the way she says them. I think one of my favorites is when I say something to her and she responds with, "Otay, Mama." She has also come to the age where she is trying to copy and do everything her big sister is doing. Mckenna is such a great big sister and it's neat to see the way she loves little Gracie. She has become quite cuddly and I love that.

That's about it for now. There is much more I could say, but I better get this posted before I get interrupted once again and I go into day 3 of trying to get a post up ;o).

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