MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BRADFORDS

This year is a year that I've decided to nix the sending out of Christmas cards and save a little money, and to post our Holiday greetings here!

2008...

Merry Christmas from Halle




We had a great time celebrating Halle's 1st birthday back in May where both of our families joined in Chicago for the festivities. It was great to have all of our family in one place to celebrate the very special occasion.




Halle is almost 19 months and is quite a character! She's most often found with her "teddy" at her side. She dances to any beat she hears and mostly prefers, "Take on Me," by A-ha- an 80's tune that her dad got her hooked on. She adores reading and repeats anything and everything you tell her. She can confidently count to 5 and is great at identifying her name, and the letters H and W. She is a load of fun, full of personality, looks just like Brian, with a little edge from her mom! We are so blessed to have her in our lives and are anxious to see her continue to grow.





And Merry Christmas from Us!!




As most of you know, we left our lives in Indiana this past June. It was with sad hearts we left-leaving a great ministry and many friends behind, but with great joy we arrived here. Brian began his doctorate in July. We had a great transition into life here in Wilmore, Kentucky. We've been really blessed in our time here. Brian and I were able to take a cruise in June, and celebrated our 3rd Anniversary in Cincinnati on December 17. A lot has happened in our 3 years of marriage, and we're excited to see where God leads us next!

Brian is doing a great job at being a student and most of his time is spent in class, or doing work for classes. He is sure to find time to spend with his favorite playmate- and look alike, Halle. Brian's traveled to Houston, Chicago, and Tanzania, Africa with his doctorate program and looks forward to Korea this winter. He's decided to write his dissertation on relational leadership and has his writing underway. In June, we'll be headed out of Kentucky to wherever God may lead us in Brian finding a job. There are many unknowns for this next year, but we're anxious and excited to see what doors God opens.

I've really enjoyed our time here in Kentucky and have loved the area in which we live. We have a great community around us, and have found this to be home for now! I've been able to volunteer once-a-week at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Lexington and have really enjoyed my time there. I've also gotten involved with 2 Bible Studies at church and with the wives here, which has been great for me. Mostly my days are spent keeping things running around the house and teaching Halle new things. I love every minute of being a mom and am so thankful that Halle is ours to keep!

So, Merry Christmas from our home to yours! It's humbling to think of the Savior of the World coming so naturally into this world as a tiny baby. We wish you health and joy in this wonderful Christmas season!

Love,

Brian, Shannon, and Halle Anne

-

3 years, 2 moves, and a Halle later

Yesterday marked our 3 year Anniversary. Brian and I have decided to take turns planning how we celebrate. This year, it was Brian's turn. He's in the midst of a huge paper and I didn't expect much. But at 1:30 we set out on our journey towards Cincinnati. Our first stop was...



This is a huge warehouse with Gap, Banana, and Old Navy clothes. I mean it can't get much better than this outlet. We spent some time here and found a ton of bargains. I think the cheapest thing was $.99 and most expensive, $6.99- you can't beat that! Then we drove to our hotel, which was the Radisson, on the Ohio River that overlooked the whole city of Cincinnati. It was so beautiful- you can see the view from out 15th floor room. We enjoyed a fancy dinner at the Celestial Steakhouse. It was also along the river and had a great view of the city. We each had a wonderful steak that was such a treat! Brian totally out-did himself, and planned a great night. It was nice to take the time to spend together. And thanks to my brother, who stayed with Halle overnight, it was possible! 3 great years, 2 big moves, and our Halle Anne later, we've still got it!

Halle's backpack

Our visit

Well our time at my parents is coming to a close. It's been a great 2 weeks being her with family and friends. Brian is safely back home, feeling great, but tired. He developed some sort of rash that he was able to get checked out and it seems to be nothing major. So, praise God!

Halle and I have spent lots of time at home with my parents, visiting relatives, and with friends. The 2 weeks have really flown by. We'll fly back tomorrow to be reunited with Brian! Here are a few pics of what we've been up to: playing in the snow, playing with Halle's cousins, and just being around the house!

Completely Entertaining

Please copy and paste this link- it's awesome!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/CGGNDYwUGxDMIqda

Miles and miles away

I know there are many people who read my blog and I wanted to let you all know that right now Brian is in Tanzania Africa. He left on Monday and will be gone for 8 more days. He is traveling with his doctorate class teaching pastor's there and preaching at churches. We have no way to contact each other which is a bit scary for me. All I know is that he's there safe and sound. Today I found out that he has some sort of stomach bug. This was found out by way of text message to another wife. It's so hard to know that with him being so far away. So, I'm asking for prayer for Brian and the rest of his group as they travel around that country. I pray for healing of his body and protection over the others in the group. I pray that God can use them in the churches there and they can learn as well. It's scary to let him go for 2 weeks to such a place so far away. But I know God is going to teach him great things and this will be an experience he will never forget. I'm so thankful for answered prayer and I know that your prayers will be heard as well. Thanks so much!

A weekend of fun!

My parents joined us in Kentucky for Thanksgiving this weekend. We took a break from cooking and went to enjoy some time at the park on such a beautiful day.






There was lots to do to prepare the food. And our namecards- Halle and I made.





The next day we celebrated Christmas with my family. Halle got lots of toys!! She is now complete with cell phone and laptop just like Mommy and Daddy...







We spent some time at the mall- our Santa experience- well, this is how it went...





We loved having my parents here with us and my brother. We had a lot of fun hanging out, playing games, watching movies, and being together. We even celebrated my mom's birthday on Sunday. It was special to be able to be with her on her birthday!




We even managed a great family picture!

Oh Yuck!

I just got done with the worst- yes, the worst diaper experience ever!!! We were eating lunch when I noticed on Halle's shirt- green poop seeping up her body. In mid- lunch I quickly finished my bite before I tossed my lunch and began "operation stinky pants." Thank the Lord that Brian was home- otherwise I may have lost it. He grabbed Halle and brought her to the bathroom. We both started to gently take off her clothes. We could see that it was through her pants and up her shirt. As we began de-clothing her, it went from worse to more worse! There was almost poop on every body part. I did not do a good job of staying calm! How could I? My little girl had poop on her face! At this point, she started to cry. Great job mom! Yes, I think I scared her. After removing clothing, we stuck her in the tub as I tried to get every inch of yuck off of her. Then, she was too worked up to take a bath. We managed and Brian got her bathed while I took care of the clothing and clean up in the high chair. Oh yuck- it was the worst thing ever! We conquered "operation stinky pants," and I don't think Halle will be eating Craisins anytime soon.


On another note, here's Halle eating with her spoon. Yum!




Halle with her pigtails/horns...



Halle and me!



And this is Halle pre-explosion- she loves pushing this flower around like she's vacuuming (even though she's terrified of the vacuum.)

Our entertainer

This is our little girl- being silly as usual.

The many fashions of Halle

I try to capture Halle when she's looking cute(which is often) or when she has an extra cute outfit on. Here's a little bit of Halle sporting a few of her looks...

Here we have Halle with her sporty look, perfect for a day of lounging



And next we have our stylish dress and our trendy fur boots



Of course, you must have a proper winter coat and hat!



You gotta love stretch pants and sweatshirts for playing in the mall



Some more casual wear for playing outside



Another fancy outfit for church



And the best outfit- or should I say cheapest- is always...the birthday suit!! And she's actually smiling in this one- she really is happy, she just never smiles when I take her picture- she's a stinker!