New Camera!

Jamie and I have been without a camera for a couple of years now. When our old film camera quit taking nice pictures we just got by with disposables for awhile. Then, Jamie got a phone with a pretty nice camera on it, so we just made do with that - of course that wasn't super convienient because he has to take his phone with him, often leaving me with no way to take pictures. Well, last month Jamie did super well in one of his sales categories and got rewarded with some extra money, so we decided to finally buy a digital camera! We are already loving it and are having fun taking pictures. Here are some random shots we took just getting used to our new toy.

Our beautiful daughter captured by her daddy.

Soph came out of her room with ALL her jewlry on, so I got in the dress up spirit and did up her hair and let her put on some of her glittery play make up!

What a perfect time to try out the new camera!

Whirlwind

Sunday we drove to Akron to be with our family and take part in all the funeral services for Grandma Hanna. Jamie and I wanted Sophia to be a part of the process while also protecting her from things that might scare her or just be too much for her to understand at her age. We opted to not take her to calling hours as there was an open casket and she understands Grandma is in heaven, so we knew seeing the body would not only be scary but very confusing.

Sunday evening there was a dinner for the family and Monday morning we had a short service at the graveside followed by a celebration service and lunch at the church. It was so neat to hear stories of Grandma Hanna and just see the love flowing from people who knew here longer than I did. One of the neat things she did was sew wedding dresses. There was a photo album full of brides in their "Hanna sewn" gowns - including my mom! Apparantly, all she ever asked for in return was a picture. That is a demonstration of her loving and generous heart. We really miss her and hurt especially for Grandpa, but God remains good and ever faithful.

God really gave Jamie and I wisdom and grace as we navigated our little girl through everything Sunday and Monday and we feel confident that she was able to be a part of it without getting scared or confused. Thank you Jesus!

My Dad is out with Grandpa today buying him a computer!!! He'll be learning how to surf the web, check our blogs and email. Hanna really had encouraged him to do this and I think it'll be a fun challange for him.

After funeral services on Monday we were going to spend the rest of the day/evening at my Mom and Dad's with Jeni and David to celebrate my Da'd's birthday, which was Tuesday. Since the Spring, my asthma has been horrible, and since our Dr. is still in Cuyahoga Falls, I had called to see if I could get in Monday afternoon before my Dad's birthday party to try and get a new inhaler or something to get my breathing (or lack there of) under control. Well, my regular physician was out of town so I saw her partner. Very nice Dr. and we liked her. She examined me and listened to me describe my symptoms. She started to get very concerned because things in her mind weren't adding up to just worse asthma. She suspected I could have a blood clot and that it could be in my lungs! So, she sent us immediately over to Akron City Hospital where Jamie and I went to the Labor and Delivery unit for further examination and testing. To say the least, we were scared.

Well, the dr. there examined me and determined I wasn't showing symptoms of a blood clot, so they drew some blood to rule out a few other things and monitored me and Baby Bean for a couple of hours. My mind of course is spinning with the varying opinions of Dr.s I've never met before. By the time we left the hospital, 10:15 that night, I felt confident with their diagnosis that it was just worsening asthma and not a blood clot. They prescribed a steriod inhaler and suggested I get some allergy medicine (one of my main triggers). I started all that new med. today and am praying I start breathing better, more consistantly, soon!

So, it was a whirlwind few days. I'm so thankful for God's mercy. I don't love having my asthma worse, but sure prefer that to a blood clot in my lung (potentially fatal, in case you didn't know)!

Baby Bean is doing just fine! Kicking up a storm and growing great. Sophia has two more days of swim lessons and is really having fun in the water.

Take care and have a great week!

Sadness and Joy

My Grandma Hanna passed away this morning at 4am. Three years ago, this October, my mom's mom died, and almost two years ago my sweet Grandpa remarried my Grandma's best friend of over 50 years, Hanna. About a year ago Grandma Hanna got diagnosed with colon cancer, and eventually her leukemia from long ago came back too. After a run of treatment, she felt at peace to just let the Lord either heal her or take her home. She had a great winter and spring overall and even when hospice came into their home a couple months ago, she always seemed pretty strong still. Things progressed a lot this past week and it got to the point that we were all praying for God's mercy to take her home to heaven. Last night He answered that prayer in what we can trust was His perfect timing.

Grandma Hanna is so special to all of us. My mom and aunts grew up as close friends of the family, Hanna even made my mom's wedding dress! Hanna was at both Jeni and my weddings and I can remember her far back into my childhood. She is the only Great Grandma on my mom's side that Sophia will have memory of, and let me tell you - Sophia loved her Grandma Hanna!!!

That is the hardest part. We've been preparing Soph for this, and in her sadness I've overheard her many times crying out to Jesus not to take Grandma Hanna to heaven. This morning when she came in to my room to ask why I was crying I told her. Jamie was already at work, so Soph and I just laid in bed cuddling, crying and talking. She told me that she had asked Jesus not to take Grandma Hanna. God has given me grace in my attempts to explain things such as not getting the answers from God we hope for and what heaven's all about and death, etc... This will be a hard time for sure as our little girl ponders these things and tries to make sense of them. Her heart is so tender and she was so in love with her Grandma. It breaks my heart.

Our family is close, so we will be spending a lot of time together these next few days. Pray for my Grandpa. He's so sad.

Well, thanks for listening. Services will most likely be this Sunday and Monday. Pray for wisdom for Jamie and I to know what all to allow Soph to be exposed to and a part of. Thanks!

Learning to Swim

The Red Cross offers swim lessons every summer for two weeks at our community pool. Sophia and I signed up for the "Mommy and Me" class (meaning I get in the water with her). Today was our first morning. The water felt cold at first, but the swim instructor was great at tricking the kids to get in slowly and to get wet slowly so they got used to it. Once Soph did that she just loved it and we had a lot of fun. She is a water baby for sure and I'm excited to see her learn some water skills so she can be safe in the pool! Jamie got to come along this morning to watch and snapped a couple pictures before we got in the water.

4th of July, Family and Hot Air Balloons

For the 4th of July this year we were blessed to have some family down for the holiday. Jeni and David - and their sweet beagle, Molly - were able to come down from Michigan for two nights. It was so wonderful spending time with them! On the 4th, Jamie's and my parents and some of my aunts, uncles and cousins also joined up for a backyard picnic and the annual Ashland Hot Air Balloon Fesitval. The Hot Air Balloon field is at the end of our street, about a 2 block distance. Unfortunetly, due to all the recent rain the field was too muddy for the balloons to launch from there. After letting Soph get her face painted and buy some "fair" goodies, we headed back home, only to see all the balloons flying right over our very house about an hour later! Some were quite low and it was fun to stand in our own yard to see the beautiful balloons.

Friday night we walked about two blocks from our house, in the other direction, to the high school, where they did the fireworks. It was our first time seeing Ashland's fireworks, and we were pleasantly surprised! They were really great and we didn't have to drive and deal with parking and traffic.

Saturday night, after dark, Sophia and I headed back to the balloon field where there were about 9 balloons set up and lighting their fires so that they would glow. It was really a pretty sight.

Sunday morning Jamie and I woke up to the sound of the balloons "breathing." We woke up Soph and ran outside to see about ten or so balloons flying very low all around our house. Many of them were landing in the grassy areas and parking lots close to our house to pack up and head to their next festival. It was a fun way to say goodbye to the balloons and the weekend.

Dad and me watching the balloons fly over our house on the 4th.

Sophia's pretty rainbow face paint

This is our backyard on Sunday the 6th. You can see how low the balloons were! (you can also see the awesome play structure my dad is building for Soph)

This is the view from the side of our backyard looking towards the high school. You can see the balloons landing to pack up.

Sophia was waving like crazy! She was sad to see the balloons go

Pregnant friends

Rachel and I are pregant together, only four weeks apart! She is due August 8 and I am due September 5. The funny thing is our birthdays are only 15 days apart, we were born pretty much on each other's due dates and in the same hospital! It's been fun to share this experience of pregnancy together and I can't wait for Baby Bean to meet her dear boy, Eli. Here's a recent picture of us together at Rachel's baby shower.

Some cute shots

The last weekend in May took us to Michigan to visit my sister and brother-in-law. Jeni got some great shots while there and I thought you'd like to see them!

Embracing Accusation, by Shane and Shane

The Father of lies
Coming to steal, kill, and destroy all my hopes of being good enough
I hear him saying cursed are the ones who can't abide
he's right, hallelujah, he's right!
The devil is preaching the song of the redeemed.
That I am cursed and gone astray.
I cannot gain salvation, embracing accusation.
Could the father of lies be telling me the truth of God to me tonight?
If the penalty of sin is death, than death is mine.
I hear him saying cursed are the ones who can't abide
he's right, hallelujah, he's right!
Oh the devil's singing over me the age old song that I am cursed and gone astray.
Singing the first verse so conveniently, he's forgotten the refrain
Jesus Saves!

http://www.shaneandshane.com/2.0

My Kiddo

Sophia, as always, has funny things to say. Our grass got a bit long this time around and last night she looked out her window and told us it looked like "Little House on the Prairie" in our back yard. :) Jamie mowed today. :) :)

Last weekend, while enjoying a wonderful visit with Jeni and David in Michigan, Jeni was taking some pictures and we decided to get a recent "belly" shot of me. Sophia immediately came over to be in the picture and stuck her tummy out as far as she could so she too could have a "belly" shot!

Today she came out with a ball in her shirt and was excited to be looking pregnant too. :) We feel blessed to have such a little mama in her. She's going to be such a wonderful help when Baby Bean is born.

Let's see, today I'm 27 weeks (about 6 1/2 mos.) pregnant, and aside from feeling BIG and struggling a bit with my asthma, I'm doing and feeling fine. I've hit the stage where I can actually feel different body parts when Baby Bean is moving and groovin' and can see the movement from the outside. Pretty cool reminder of what's cookin' and a special way for all of us to bond with this precious baby.

Love to you all~

Gloria

We met Gloria about two years ago when we became her "friendship family." Gloria is from Taiwan and was here in Ashland studying to get her Master's of Education. She is heading back to Taiwan this coming weekend. Her brother, Ray, has been here in Ashland since January studying English. He will also be returning to Taiwan this weekend. Gloria and Ray came over for dinner last night so we could say goodbye. We will really miss Gloria and pray that the Lord leads her life and brings some Christians into her life when she returns to Taiwan.

Just because she's cute :)

A little getaway

Jamie has two days of sales training in Columbus - today and tomorrow. My Mom and Dad graciously agreed to watch Sophia so I could come down here with Jamie. We'll get to overnight in a hotel tonight - on Verizon! So, I'm sitting in Starbucks right now getting ready to do some work on a message I'll be delivering soon to a group of ladies at my sister's church. Jamie is sitting in a meeting all day. We'll be able to meet up for lunch and than dinner. After that he's free for the evening - then we'll do it all over again tomorrow! We're looking forward to a date night. Jamie and I really enjoy visiting Columbus, so we're happy to get out of town for a couple days to a nice city.

Well, enough procrastinating for me! I better get to work. I feel like I'm back in college again... Have a great day everyone!

Brokenness

You know, it's so fun sharing stories of Sophia and the fun things she says and does. Tonight though, I just spent the last couple of hours reading through the blog of the wife (Angie) of one of the singers (Todd) from Selah (amazing band!). I'd challange you to read through it some time. Start at the beginning by clicking on the January link and let God lead you through their emotional and heart-wrenching story. You will cry and you will feel and maybe you'll even be changed. Click on this link: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

So, tonight I am feeling somber and sad. I have four babies in heaven and tonight I really am missing them. I wonder what their lives are like with Jesus and I'm thinking of all of the things I never got to do with them, especially how I never got to hold them and know them. The baby that currently lives inside me reminds me often of his/her presence with kicks and movements that never cease to amaze me. I wonder that when Baby Bean is born if he/she will know there is a twin in heaven that will not live out life on this earth with him/her.

Sophia often asks about the other baby that Jesus took to heaven and wonders if Baby Bean will die too?? Her heart is so tender and these questions are often followed with, "I am sad," and she starts to cry. One of her favorite things to do is to put a sticker on my stomach for Baby Bean. I wear it with pride! Even in public! :) I love my daughter so much and my heart aches for the knowledge of my children that are not with me. I already feel so privileged to know so much of Baby Bean. To have seen that sweet baby face on the ultrasound, to feel the movement within me, etc... But, I have to remind myself that Baby Bean is not mine. I have to let go. I fear losing this sweet child and I have to keep letting go.

My six children have taught me more and given me more than I could ever have imagined. Sophia's childish questions and 3 year old wisdom probes deep and makes me think. It also makes me thankful. Seeing her thirst for life and her love of people. Just this afternoon, after a long few hours on campus to see graduation, I was tired and needed to rest. I flumped down on the couch, ready to get comfy. I took my shoes off. Without me asking and without a sound Sophia comes over, takes my shoes and her hoody out of my way and puts them where they belong. She then returns with her Hello Kitty blanket from her bed and tells me to lie down. She gently covers me up, closes my eyes with her hands and tells me to sleep. She gently strokes my arms and legs and hums lullabys to me. That's my baby. I thank Jesus for instilling in her a tender grace that could only come from Him.

My four children that are in heaven, they have taught me that life is not about me. Their lives have forced me to my knees and forced me to go places with my Savior I've never gone before. It is my belief that God used each of their brief lives to break me so that I might truly live. Until I allowed God to break me I do not think I ever even knew Him. This may sound strange to you, but it has been my experience. Maybe some day I will write a book about this time of my life. It has profoundly changed me and my view of God. He is good, yesterday, today and tomorrow. He does not change. And all that He brings into my life, and takes from it, is for my good and His glory. After we lost Jeremiah, Baby Bean's twin, I considered taking measures to never get pregnant again because I just wasn't sure I could deal with this pain anymore. Jesus gently showed me that life is life and it is all created by Him for a purpose, even if that life only lives for 5 weeks. I know this to be true and I than realized that who was I to deny my God the ability to create life within me, even if it would be brief? I will get to meet and hold all these children in Heaven someday and I will walk forward trusting God to create only want He intends to use, even if it means more pain for me.

Baby Bean has taught me hope and letting go. Fear has gripped me during this pregnancy so much and it has forced me to let go, repeatedly, of what is not really mine. This sweet child is a gift, like all my others, and yet, it is not really mine, it is Jesus's. When I can surrender my "rights" to this child and it's future, the fear dissipates and I rest in total peace, trusting God to do what is best and right. Hope, how glorious! I hope for the day when I get to hold Baby Bean. I think this birth will be emotional in a whole different way than Sophia's was. I know I will sob for the other four children I am not holding in that moment and I will be so thankful, so so thankful for the one (two once Soph joins us!) that I am. I can't wait!!!

Well, that's where my heart is tonight. Thanks for listening and I pray that Jesus can touch your heart tonight to trust Him in a new way. Let Him break you, let Him heal you and rejoice!

Kid's Day

Scene: this morning at the breakfast table.
Topic: Mother's Day

Ruthie: Don't forget Sunday is Mother's Day Jamie. We need to pick up some cards for our Moms.

Jamie: I know.

Sophia: When is it going to be kid's day?

:)

Baby Bean

Yesterday Jamie and I had one of our regular check-ups with Julie, our midwife. Baby Bean appears to be healthy and has a good strong heart beat. He/she sure likes to wiggle, kick and move! It feels almost constant nowadays. The moment I sit or lay down to rest, Baby starts moving! It's fun to connect in this little way with my baby.

I have asthma, and when pregnant it is always worse. That has been a bit of an annoyance each day. Pray for me if you think of it!

Two New Funnies

Funny #1
Time and Place: The other morning, in our bedroom. Mom is in the shower, Sophia enters and climbs in bed with Jamie.

Sophia: Eww, you stink.

Jamie: What do you mean I stink?

Sophia: Your breath stinks! Dear God, help Daddy's breath not stink!

Jamie: blows in Sophia's face

Sophia: AHHH!

Funny #2
Time and place: this morning in our kitchen.

Sophia: (looking at a picture of my Mom's neighbor's dog and my sister's dog running along my Mom's fence together) Is Boston (the neighbor's dog) a boy or a girl?

Mom: I think he's a boy.

Sophia: I think Boston and Molly are trying to fall in love. And then Aunt Jeni and Uncle David (tone and pitch of voice rising and sounding more and more despondant) took Molly away and now they (the dogs) are sad!!!

:)

Sophia's Goodnight

Tonight's bedtime scene...

Mommy: Goodnight Sophia

Sophia: Mommy, if you have any questions you can call me on my cell, you know?

Mommy: Okay (trying not to bust out laughing...), I love you.

Sophia: I love you.

Prayer of a Three-year-old

While waiting in the car waiting for Jamie to run into Wal-mart to pick up some caulk for our sink, I heard Sophia start to pray. I turned down the music and listened carefully! Then I quickly wrote down what I'd heard because, well, you'll see!

Some background... we recently had a conversation about riding bikes on the road instead of the sidewalk. At the time Sophia was trying to figure out why she had to stay on the sidewalk because she'd seen some "big people" riding on the road. I had told her she couldn't ride on the road till she was more grown up, maybe 16 (ha, we'll see if that works!).

The prayer:

Dear Jesus, I know you help us (fyi-this is how she starts every prayer!). Please, help me to stop growing because I don't want to ride my bike on the road and I don't want to buy a new one. Help Mommy and Daddy and me. And help Daddy with all his stuff (fyi -getting his caulk at Wal-mart) so we can go home quickly before time runs out.

Be Nice to Bugs Mom

Bugs and me, they don't really get along. I get annoyed with them outside, though I will try to ignore them. Once they enter my house though... they are mine! I will squash them first chance I get.

Last week there was this large, creepy crawly, with lots of legs, scurrying across my laundry room floor. I was barefoot but Sophia had her tennis shoes on. I said, "Soph, quick, stomp on that bug!" She did (what an obedient daughter), then proceeded to bend down and look at the squashed bug. She asked if it was moving and I told her, "No, you just killed it." She looked up at me in horror and said, "Mom! Be nice to bugs!" I told her, "Not when they are in my house."

Well, she is now on a spiritual campaign to change my heart. This morning she was standing in front of the mirror singing in her cute sing-songie voice:

Be nice to bugs Mom
Be nice to bugs Mom
Dear God, make Mom be nice to bugs!!! etc...

New Do for Mom and Me

Mom and I went today to get new haircuts! It was to celebrate Mom's upcoming birthday. Jeni was in on it too, though she couldn't be present. :( But, it was really fun and we love our new hair cuts!!! Here are the results!

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!

See you later Shirmy!

As most of you probably know, we have had an MBA student living with us since December. Shirmy is from China and just finished up her spring semester this week. We saw her off at the bus station yesterday as she is off to New Bedford, Massachusetts for the summer to work and save up money for next school year! She will return to us at the end of August. Sophia was so sad to see her leave and cried and cried.

Since we currently only have two bedrooms, and are expecting Baby Bean's arrival in September, we will be doing some basement renovation over the summer to build Shirmy a new bedroom so the kiddos can have the 2nd bedroom upstairs.

This summer we will be participating in a "home stay" program for a group of Japanese students who will be here May - August to study English. Each Saturday we will pick up "our" student and he/she (not sure on that yet) will spend Saturday through Sunday with us. The point is for these students to connect with an American family while here to be more immersed in the culture, etc. We are looking forward to this opportunity. Pray that God uses this for His Kingdom purposes.

Out of my comfort zone

How is it that me, a natural introvert, gets the most fearless and extroverted daughter ever??!! (her father's genes probably have something to do with it! :) ) I'm telling you, it doesn't matter if we are at the library, the grocery store or out on a walk. Sophia will say hi to anyone and everyone, multiple times if she gets no response, and if she sees a kid - of any age mind you- she immediately approaches them, disregarding all personal space boundaries, and, as she calls it, proceeds to "make a new friend." Now I am the type of person, that if I'm out in public, I would much rather blend in and not be noticed. I usually avoid asking for help because I'd rather just figure it out myself. Not my girl! If we're at the bank it's "can I have a sucker?" If we're at the library or grocery store she always asks for stickers. Once, while grocery shopping, I couldn't find a certain item and she said, "Mom, why don't you just ask the grocery man to help you?" :)

I admire and envy my daughter. She is so brave and though she has some maturing to do in the area... she is fearless to ask for what she wants. Now, we are working on being polite and appropriate in this area, but what a great natural building block for her in regards to approaching the Father without fear or reservation to submit her needs and desires to Him!

I find myself being embarrassed by the events that often happen when out in public with Sophia. Not because Sophia is embarrassing, but because I am so being stretched out of my comfort zone!!! I have so much to learn from her. She is so unashamedly and unconditionally friendly and kind to all strangers. And this no fear thing - man, that's a hard one for me!

So, here's to learning from a three-year-old - lessons that seem simple, but to me, a 27 year old mommy, stuck and might I say, comfortable, in my ways, are actually kinda hard!

Our Growing Family

Sophia giving some love to Baby Bean :)


Mommy and her girl

Sophia, Mommy and Baby Bean

Ruthie and Baby Bean at 19 weeks!

Daddy and his girl!

Weird Dreams and No Sleep

I don't remember dreaming such strange and bizarre dreams on such a consistent basis when pregnant with Sophia. I also don't remember struggling to sleep through the night so early on. A recent theme to my dreams is dreaming of random black men, Tupac and Rodney King are two I remember well. There is always some little conflict going on between Jamie and myself and the other players in the dream are just there to set up the story - I guess...

When I dreamed of Tupac, Jamie took Soph and me to some hotel to wait to meet up with Tupac, to offer him $40,000 to desist from violence. The conflict was that I felt Jamie was putting us in danger just to try and do a good deed for, well, I guess the world of rap music. :)

Rodney King was really wealthy and famous in my dream and he was coming over to have a "movie" night, hosted by Jamie. Jamie couldn't get the DVD to work though and Rodney had to end up leaving because he explained that his "movie time was over." I'm not sure what it was about, but I just remember feeling annoyed and mad at Jamie.

Now, just a side note. My hubby is the most giving, caring, and awesome husband and I don't know why he's getting the brunt in my dreams!

So, whether it's bizzaro dreams like this, or getting chased by two lionesses... what is going on in my head??? Any dream interpreters out there??

Where are all the tears coming from?

Gosh, I don't remember being so emotional when I was pregnant with Sophia. Now, when I mention that to Jamie, he sorta looks at me funny and looks away... his way of gently saying, "HA! I remember!" :)

These past few weeks have brought on the weirdest boughts of tears. They always come quickly, leave quickly and leave me feeling silly for even having them.

About a month ago, Jamie and Sophia were grocery shopping and I was talking to Jamie on the phone. I just got feeling very vulnerable and needy and started crying. Well, they brought home some beautiful flowers. I was feeling all better when they returned and just loved Jamie that much more for spoiling his ol' sappy preggers wife.

Last week, on one of his longer mornings off, Jamie mentioned to Sophia, in front of me, that they would tackle fixing our leaky sink together. In my mind, the living room needed cleaning much worse and I had been hoping Jamie would do it for me since I was feeling overly-tired that day. Well, instead of calmly and rationaly communicating this to my husband - who would have been happy to listen and comply - I just burst into sobs, blubbering about the living room and acting like he'd rejected my request before I'd even asked! Oy. Of course I recovered quickly, but let me tell you - my living room hasn't been that thouroughly dusted and cleaned in a long time! :)

Well, let's hear it for all the patient husbands who put up with our pregnant mood swings and random bursts of tears!!! :) Love you Jamie.

The Things They Say!`

This past weekend we had an extra house guest. 16 month old Emma stayed with us all weekend while her mommy and daddy were busy at the hospital having her baby brother, Charlie. Sophia loved having Emma around and got a lot of good practice for being a big sister.

On Sunday, when visting Emma's parents and baby Charlie at the hospital, Sophia and I were waiting by the elevator. Two lovely gentlemen, who happened to be African American, walked up. Sophia looks at the one and very loudly points and says, "Mom, he's Chinese!" Oi. What to say, what to do?? With my face turning as red as Bob the Tomato, I tried to explain that we work with International students and Sophia was used to seeing people that looked different to her and has a fascination with such things. He looked at me sort of funny and said, "Yeah, but what did she say??" I told him she had thought he was Chinese. He and his friend busted out laughing and my face continued to burn. I'm glad my daughter is aware and honest - though I'm discovering I care too much about what others might think because I don't handle the public honesty too well! :)

Tonight, over-tired and well past ready for bed, an extremely emotional little girl sat upon the potty before crawling into bed. She was crying, so her mommy handed her a tissue and told her to dry her tears and blow her nose. She dried her tears, and then burst into more tears explaining she just couldn't blow her nose "because I want to snore and I need that thing in there!" Well, how can you argue with that?? Let the buggie be and snore on sweet girl, snore on! :)

We had our monthly midwife appt. yesterday and Baby Bean has a strong heartbeat, and according to my tummy growth, Baby is growing fine too! Jamie was able to feel the baby moving the other night, which is always a fun occasion. We will be 18 weeks along this Friday and I think I waddle sometimes. :)

Weathering the storm and Celebrating Easter

The giant snow bunny that Jamie, David and Dad built. They even used snow ramps and a saw to complete it! Everyone thinks Soph asked for this, but I have a secret... it was all my husband's idea! :)

Dying eggs... and hands!

Queen of the World! Complete with her aviator sunglasses!

The traditional "Bunny Cake!" I think Soph ate as much frosting and candy as ended up on Mr. Bunny.

The Family Easter Portrait

This year for Easter, we traveled 3 hrs. north to my sister's house in Hillsdale, MI. My mom and dad were also there and it was such a great family weekend. Jamie, Soph and I couldn't leave till Jamie got home from work and by 8:30ish pm we were on the road. We knew there was to be some heavy snow ahead of us - but boy oh boy, we were in for a surprise! I have never traveled in such snow in my life. The turnpike was bad, down to traveling at 45/50 mph, following the one set of tire tracks in the middle of the road. Once we get off the turnpike it takes us about 30-40 mins. to get to my sister's. Well, it took us at least an hour. They don't like to plow up there and the snow was as deep as our bumpers. Our little Corolla was struggling to say the least! We were driving through deep trenches of icy snow, and at one point a deer ran out in front of us. The snow was falling so heavy and so furiously, our visibility was often reduced to 5-10 feet. I was so nervous and just kept praying for our safety.



When we finally arrived, safe and sound, my shoulders and neck were hard as rock from the anxiety filled ride - but my dear husbands response??? "That was fun!" Oi. The difference between men and women. Thank you God for your protection!



Well, the rest of the weekend was filled only with fun, rest and kid-sized Easter adventures. Enjoy the pictures!

Soph-isms

Here are some recent humerous stories/quotes from Soph.

Over Easter weekend Sophia was playing with her Aunt Jeni's and Uncle David's slippers behind their big arm chair and pretending they were puppets. Close to bed one night she summoned all of us to the living room for what she announced was an "Amazing Show!" She proceeded to put on the following puppet show.

Puppet #1 (meant to be Sophia I believe): "My Mommy and Daddy are going on a date, and I am sad."

Puppet #2 (meant to be the babysitter - in this case, Abby Yackley): enters scene

Puppet #1: BUT!!!! My babysitter Abby is here and now we are together. (she puts the puppets together)

Puppet #3 (meant to be Jamie): Enters scene. "How are you? Mommy and Daddy are back."

Puppet #1: "Well, I was a little trouble, but it's okay!"

THE END

This morning Sophia was arguing that she didn't have to go potty, and as Jamie is kneeling in front of her trying to get her on the potty, she looks up towards heaven, shuts her eyes and prays, "Oh Lord, help me not to have to go potty!"

Tonight, after using the potty and heading back to bed, Sophia stops in the hallway and says to me, "Mom, if you need me, you can call me on my cell."

Celebrations and Changes

A shot from November taken at my birthday party.

Shirmy is in the front row, second from the right.

A cute shot of my favorite people ever! :)

We celebrated Christmas this past Sunday with our Bible Study students. We had a huge potluck, went caroling (even though it was icy cold outside), did a gift exchage and then watched a great movie which is an overview of the Bible - focusing on God's plan of salvation from Adam to Christ and then the Church. It is called, The Hope, and thanks to Aim and Matt for giving us a copy! Three students present are "seeking" but not saved, so we prayed it impacted them.



Last Friday we got a new member of our household! Her name is Shirmy, and she is an MBA student at Ashland University. She is from China and is a faithful member of our Bible Study. The Lord saved her last month and we are thrilled to have her in our home. If you are a family member of mine - you will get to meet her Christmas Day.



So, that's about it for now. Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Three Years Old!

Sophia turned three on November 25. Jamie and I surprised her with a bicycle the morning of her birthday! I made her a chocolate cake and Jamie decorated it, "Butterfly Ballerina" style, per Sophia's request at the theme of her party! Sunday evening we celebrated at my Mom and Dad's house with all the grand- and great- grandparents. She was blessed with many gifts. A few days prior to her birthday was Thanksgiving, and her Aunt Jeni and Uncle David and her great- Aunt Connie, Uncle Kerry, Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bob, all spoiled her with gifts. The dress A. Jeni and U. David gave her was worn on her birthday as her "party" dress. :)

One year ago Sophia was just beginning to really talk, gave up her paci for good, moved to a big girl bed, started potty training and really began the transition from baby/toddler to toddler/preschooler.

Two years ago Sophia was practically bald still, could only say a couple words, had just started walking (around 10 mos.), was still very much attatched to her paci and still very much our sweet baby.

Three years ago, on her birthday, it was Thanksgiving Day. As Jamie and I rolled into the hospital parking lot around 6am, it started to snow, which also happened to be the first snow of the year. 12 hrs. later, at 6:02pm, Sophia Ruth officially entered the world and we've all been smitten since! She was 9lbs, 14oz, and had blue eyes and wisps of sandy blond hair. At 10 days late, and arriving on the same day as our friend Rachel's birthday, we knew this would be a girl with her own mind, and boy has she not disapointed us! :)

Happy Third Birthday to Sophia!

Zane and Soph Video Clip'

Here is a video of the Fashion Show Sophia was in this November. You'll see her here with a little boy named Zane. Too cute! :)

International Fashion Show 2007

Sophia was again in the International Fashion Show. (For those of you who may not know, each year the International Club at AU hosts a fund-raising fashion show. They model Traditional clothing from various countries, as well as formal and bridal wear, donated from a local shop. Due to our friendship with many of the International students, Sophia has been allowed to join the fun two years in a row now) You may remember her being totally adorable last year. Well, she did not disappoint. Of course, to her it's just a chance to put on pretty dresses that twirl and be with all of her friends. Here are a few cute shots of her after the show was over in her lilac flower girl dress.

Ode to Daddy

My Dad doesn't tend to volunteer to wash dishes. He'll cook, he'll clean, he does the yardwork, and he's definitely Mr. Fixit, but dishes, no, he usually conviently disappears around that time (some may argue I inherited this skill). But, here he is, voluntarily doing dishes, in my house no less, after my birthday dinner. Thanks Dad! I know you were probably just bored with sitting around, but I appreciate history being made in my house all the same. :) Love you! :)