June... (May-December in Review)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8  

First week of June...

My family convinced Lila and me to ride with them to NC for a visit. I am so glad we did! What a WONDERFUL time with Great Mawmaw, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and 2nd cousins too!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE that our families can all get together and have such a sweet time of fellowship. We are beyond blessed by the heritage of faith our family (and extended family) holds.

Here are some photos from our trip to the mountains...

Cousin Kaiyah & Lila

Mawmaw passes out cookies...
you must be sitting on the blanket to catch the crumbs!
Even Uncle Mike joins in.

Aunt Melissa and Zoe help Lila in the pool.

Fun in the pool!!!

Go Aunt Melissa!

Lots of cousins Lots of FUN!

Loves the water now.. and LOVES balls...

Chillin' with Loulou in the shade...

Wiped out...

 

Nature walk with all the cousins.

Teething?! Yes!

Cutie!

Lila LOVES music and enjoys playing Daddy's guitar whenever she can.

She's crawling all over the place!

 

I wanted so bad to catch a pic of Lila WITH  a deer...
once we found out we were moving, these were my desperate attempts and best shots! :)

  Lila's First Petting Zoo! She loved it!

Look!

  Daddy and Lila

Llama Llama!

 

 

Lila's first Pony Ride! She did AWESOME! 

(See the video below)

Cutie Cowgirl!

Father's Day 2011 at Valley Falls

Lila even "signed" the card!

We love you daddy!

 

 

Melt my heart

Enjoying some last days in our WV apartment.

Snuggling her bear from Grandfather Mountain.

Swinging at the park one last time... and still doesn't like ice cream. LOL!

Saying Goodbye to friends from Church. So sad to say our goodbyes.

Lila and Mason man

Sweet Morgan, Mason and Lila...

Morgan comes for one last goodbye.
(Please ignore my hair! I ahve no idea what's going on with it in this pic!)

Saying our goodbyes to Mrs. Dorothy.

Bye Bye

Our babysitter Alexis is surely missed1

Packing up the apartment.
THANK YOU GOLDEN MOVERS... a phenomenal moving experience!

HARD to say goodbye to such sweet friends. 

Lila misses miss Gracie so much!

Ready to hit the road!

teething? Yes!

Sharing ice cream with Dad for his 30th Birthday!

She LIKES it!

One of many stops on the way south to FL.

 Lila was a fantastic rider... me on the other hand... no.
 

Enjoy this movie of Lila's first pony ride!

Lila's First Pony Ride

May-December in Review... May... Not Birthday.

I know I am WAAAAAAAY behind on updates... and as my dear friend, Courtney teased me I often write 6months of posts in one day! (I love ya Courtney!)... at least it is better than none! right?  I by no means considered myself a skilled writer... or even funny or entertaining to read. My hope in keeping up better with this blog is simply for friends and family who live far away to have a glimpse into our so called life. I hope they enjoy the pics and feel as though they are sharing some in our memories too. How we wish we could be closer to each of you... however that is simply impossible. So alas... I will attempt blogging once more. 

Each time I sit down to post... I do not know exactly what to say. There have been some difficult things over the last several months (year)... and sometimes it is hard to be thankful. BUT that is what I am choosing. I have been challenged by a lot of Scripture lately. From sermons, to daily devotions, and I am choosing to think of what is lovely and true.  

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
Phil. 4:8

  Happy 1st Mothers Day!

I am so blessed and honored that God chose me to be the mama to LG!

 

Mother's Day Supper at Chili's 

Kisses!

 

 

LOVE this girl!

We hosted our first yardsale... God blessed us tremendously with a great profit!  

We are so thankful! 

We were able to use our profits for a great 1st birthday party for Lila!

Lila the Yardsale Dive drew quite the crowd!

Wonder Baby!

 

I designed and created some adorable Pirate invites for a 4 year old Pirate Birthday!

 and Lila got to dress up for her first themed party!

 Arrrr!

 I found the booty!

Michael and I were honored to be guests at a ceremony to honor fallen law enforcement, with special recognition to fallen US Marshall, Derek Hotsinpillar, a member of our church family.

So thankful for all the men and women 

who sacrifice there lives daily for our continued freedom and safety.

Michael and I at the FBI.

 

 Lila Grace... turning ONE!!!

Lila is ONE -Pictures

Lila Grace is ONE!

Lila's professional pictures... from The Picture People... love these!!!

 

One going on TWO!?

An Optomist View of Our Homelessness...

For a time we had been desiring Michael the opportunity to finish his seminary degree. An "opportunity" came up in June of this year and since we had also desired to be closer to family, we decided to move in WITH my parents. :o)

It was difficult to leave the ministry we had been so much a part of there in WV. It was hard to paint over Lila's nursery and pack up the only place she had ever known as home as this was where we had brought her home from the hospital. It was extremely difficult saying goodbye to some friends sent for above... but it was hardest to step out, in faith, and move.

We have been overwhelmed with fear, brokenness and grief as we have seen unbiblical examples of "brothers and sisters" in Christ. It was ugly. ;o(

And we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of God's love, kindness and grace shown to us through His children. Starting with friends in WV who showered us with prayer during our difficult time, to helping us even steam clean our carpets and pack our things, and sending us off with a cherishing farewell. When we thought there was no way that they could possibly give anymore ... they gave again. We received cards of encouragement, at just the right times, from brothers and sisters in Christ, who go to Sunday School with Michael's grandparents. We were welcomed into a church family where we feel at home, where we can heal and grow from the biblical disciples and teaching.  Most of all we have been shown favor in the graciousness of our families and friends through prayer and hugs.

And in a time, I could fear being homeless (and did!)... God orchestrated events that not only do we have a bed to sleep on, we are able to live in TWO large bedrooms, with our own private bathroom (with double sinks), have the run of a dream house, all while being close to family (al-biet REALLY CLOSE. haha.) I am NOT complaining!

However, we DO hope for the future when God makes His plan clear for us in ministry and family. We would covet your prayers. Thank you!

p.s. Michael and I have always desired to be completely candid with all our faults and challenges as well as joys and triumphs. If you have questions, or would be interested in more information on our move away from WV, please contact us. We would be open to share.