Birthdays

This weekend we traveled to my hometown for my dad's surprise 60th birthday party and my grandma's 90th birthday. It seemed like a whilrwind as we had to rush back, but it was a great weekend and very special for us to be there for both occasions. My dad was very surprised for his party- which is always a plus and it was fun to see him enjoying various friends and family members. My grandma's 90th was great. Every single family member was there- minus one cousin in Seattle. It was important for us all to be there.

We each gave Grammy a flower- different kinds for different generations...





After she got them all, she waved like she was at a parade! It was too cute!

Some pics from dad's party...







Halle and some cousins...





This is what happens when Halle's pants are just too big...




And some more of our pumpkin...

Dedication II

This weekend Halle was dedicated at College Wesleyan. It was great to have her dedicated in our own congregation and great to have my family there. Even her best friend Jaxon was dedicated also. Halle did great- she didn't cry! So we were excited and thought that Pastor Steve did a wonderful job.

Bittersweet

Most of you already know and have heard our latest news- yes we are moving! It was officially announced this morning at church. For those of you who don't know, Brian's lifelong goal has been to get his PhD. We thought that would happen right after we were married. But, God had other plans for us and brought us here. Our lives here the past two years have surpassed our expectations! We have made amazing friendships, wonderful connections with students, Brian's ministry has grown from the ground up, and our precious daughter was born. We never dreamed God would possibly want us to leave at this time in our lives. But, this change has come in the form of an amazing blessing. As of July 1- Brian will be beginning his doctorate of ministry program at Asbury Seminary (where he received his MDiv) and everything is paid for! In the academic world- this is pretty much unheard of. So we are thoroughly blessed beyond measure. Brian is super excited to be a student again and to gain a lot more knowledge that he can apply to ministry. He's very sad to be leaving his students and his ministry, but knows that this is the right decision for our family. So- don't worry we'll be here until July- so don't stop being our friends!! Thanks for all who've made Marion home to us! Here is a picture of our new home- we will be living in a 3 bedroom townhouse on campus.



So- it's bitter in the sense that we're leaving an amazing place that we call home- leaving a church and friends that we deeply love. But, it's sweet in that it's fulfilling God's plan for us, and we're excited for what next year will bring for us in KY! And who knows, we may just be back in these parts some day! Brian's schooling will be a year of full-time classes, and then he can work and have the next 2 years to finish his dissertation.

Moovin and Groovin

The game we play now is- Where is Halle going? If I am out of the room for 20 seconds, I come and find her in our bedroom or most often- the bathroom. I don't know what's so exciting about the bathroom. And she'd rather stand than sit, she's always holding onto something and wanting to take some steps. I'd like her not to walk, so she can stay little forever!! :) She's our cutie!

Here's Halle going under her exersaucer



She's under




And she's out!



All smiles!

A Quick trip

This weekend, I went up to MI to visit some friends and for my friend's bridal shower. It was lots of fun but too short! I left Halle with her daddy- they had lots of fun. I didn't have to write any instructions down for him- what a guy! It was great for me to be able to go for the first time without her- I did miss her though!

Things...

Halle is changing every day! She is scooching all around the floor like crazy. It's so fun to watch her. She can also stand up holding onto something, and walks a tiny bit with her new walker from Nana and Papa.


Here are some pics from this week- we even had a visitor- Nana!!

Great idea

I received a letter in the mail today. First, I got excited that I got mail- you know, other than a bill. So I started to read it and after a few minutes, I realized it was from myself!! Yes, a letter I wrote to myself about a month ago. I have done this a few times, and each time I read the letter, I had forgotten I had ever wrote it. About a month ago, at 747- our college service- we had an all worship night. Brian had set up stations around the room for various forms of worship- prayer, scripture reading, confession, communion, and one was for writing letters to yourself. We addressed the envelope to us and then wrote just a little something that we wanted to work on this year so that when we received it, we'd be reminded of our goals. It's always an encouragement to see words from yourself. So it was good for me to read- three things out of many that I told myself, were: Serve your husband, smile at your daughter, and spend lots of time with the Lord. Not that I don't do those things, but sometimes you need to be reminded.

Mean Mommy

Yesterday, I felt like the worst mom ever! Halle was playing in the exersaucer and I decided to vacuum. When I turned it on, I noticed her facial expression that didn't like the vacuum too much. But I kept going and proceeded into the bedrooms, and when I came back to where she was, she had this look of horror as she watched the machine. So I turned it off and picked her up- she was shaking! The poor girl was so scared! I could feel her heart beating so fast. I could not believe how terrified she was. So after a few minutes I took her over by the vacuum to show her that it was ok, and it was turned off. Nope- she didn't want anything to do with it, she clung to me and buried her head in my shoulder- which my wiggle worm never does! I felt so horrible, I probably scarred the child for life. Does that mean I don't have to vacuum anymore?

Cute moments

Halle is enjoying her swing now more than ever! She can sit up in it and I think she likes the feeling of that better. Please excuse my ridiculous voice in all videos!

Here's Halle being cute


Halle playing a new game with her toy bin

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

We had a wonderful Christmas! We were able to be with my family for about 10 days! That has never happened. It was very special since we have Halle this year. She was a doll on Christmas and loved exploring her new toys. All family members enjoyed seeing her examine everything and everyone. She was able to sit up by herself by Christmas day and she got her first tooth! She even was able to spend some time with her cousins, who are very close in age. We tried to get a picture with all kids smiling- yeah right!! It was so nice to have my parents there to help with Halle and babysat a lot! Halle also took a liking to her Uncle Quinn who spent lots of time playing with her- and of course- Kelsey the dog! She liked pulling her hair! We're working on crawling- although we think she's on her way to walking! She is very strong and ready to go!

Anniversary in Chicago

We celebrated our Anniversary in Chicago- Brian and I take turns planning our Anniversaries and this year was my year. We went out to dinner at a great restaurant called Wildfire, then took a carriage ride, then went to Ghiardelli for dessert!