What a tease!

The other day, this Kentucky weather blessed us with temps in the 50's. So we jumped at the opportunity to get outside and play. As you can see Halle was thoroughly enjoyed to have a change of scenery(as was I!). Do you just love her piggy tails!? (Her father made me take them out when he got home, because he thought it was hurting her head. My words to him, "Beauty is pain." :))







And this is the last time I will give Halle yogurt and leave the room.





A self taken photo, since I'm always the photographer.

The gift of time

I like to run my life based on a schedule. I keep an organized calendar, I do laundry on Mondays, and cleaning on Thursdays. Halle naps at the same time each day, we eat lunch at noon, and dinner at 5:30. I run things on a pretty precise schedule. I'm not anal, however if these times fluctuate, I'm just a planner. A planner likes to think ahead, to be prepared for what is coming up next. Here's my dilemma. In approximately 4 1/2 months, we will be moving away from Kentucky. And where are we going, do you ask? Check out the map- we don't know! We could be anywhere!! This is a reality we were aware of when we moved here. And that date of June 1 seemed oh so far away. Now, it looks awfully close and we have no plan. So as a planner, how do I handle all of this uncertainty? Well to be honest, I'm doing a pretty job of not panicking- well not yet! My prayers have been the same since we got here and my little list will continue to be prayed each day for where God wants us to go next. Faith gets a little hard when reality gets in the way, doesn't it? My mind is thinking of all of the tiny details that will have to fall perfectly into place for us to move from here in 4 1/2 months. It seems nearly impossible. BUT, I know that all things are possible with GOD. So, in the meantime, I pray, I pray, and I pray some more. Please join with us in praying for clear direction for where God is calling us and the perfect place for Brian to lead in ministry.

My work here is done

It seems that Halle needs me no more- she's on her own, reading all by herself!! :)

Southern Travels

We have arrived back from all of our holiday travels. We had a great time celebrating Christmas in Louisiana with Brian's family. We were able to spend some quality time there and enjoy the holiday. We were busy visiting with different friends and family members. It seemed like we all caught a bit of the sinus cold while we were there and had a little downtime. But mostly, we felt good. Halle was so much fun this year on Christmas. She loved opening presents, especially ripping the paper off gifts- no matter whose gifts they were! Here are a few pics of all her holiday fashions!







And a few other pics of our trip...






Brian and I went to Houston with his doctorate class to visit different churches in the area. One of our highlights was visiting Joel Osteen's church and meeting him. He was so different than my perception of him. He had a rocking worship service and was so nice in person. It was pretty neat.

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!