A Mother's Day Gift

Friday around noon, I will be landing in Jacksonville, NC to visit all my friends back in Camp Lejeune. Joseph and I will be taking a short trip east for a much needed reunion. ALL of us will be together this weekend. I never thought we would be able to pull it off, but we're about to! These girls mean the world to me. We're going to have so much fun. We've got a nice little schedule all planned out:

Friday Night: Ice cream party
Saturday Day: Beach
Saturday Night: Dinner at Mike's Farm
Sunday Morning: Church
Sunday Afternoon: Baby Shower

I can hardly wait!!!

While we're gone, Daddy and Samuel are going to have a great weekend filled with hiking, camping, and I'm sure lots of other man things! I'm not so excited about leaving them for so long, but I know all of us will have a great weekend. This will mark my longest time away from Samuel and Joseph's first plane ride.

Have I mentioned I can hardly wait? Well, I can't!!!

*I couldn't have done this without my mom! Thanks mom for such an awesome gift. What a perfect Mother's Day gift. A weekend to rejuvenate and spend it with my most favorite mommy friends!

Missing Lu Dog

Today marks a very sad day in our family's history. We lost our beloved Lutalo one year ago today. We miss you horribly, Lu Dog. You will never be forgotten.



Last photo we ever took of Lutalo. It was right before we were heading home from our camping trip, the day before he died. We have such great memories of that weekend.

*Lutalo and Gamba are both African names for warrior. Lutalo is a name in the Luganda language, and Gamba is a name from the Shona language.

Happy Birthday, Denise!

Yesterday was our great friend Denise's birthday. Saturday night we had a party for her. We had a fiesta!

Joseph dancing to the music.

Me and the birthday girl.

And apparently Patrick took a self portrait with our camera.

Family of Four

Proud or Broken?

Our friend and former pastor, Jim Kelley has a blog Grace and Peace. Yesterday he had a great post. I will copy and paste it below. Sure makes me reflect on who I want to be and who I actually am!

Nancy Demoss of Life Action Ministries shares these insights on the difference between spiritually proud people and spiritually broken people. It is well worth our time to read these couplets and examine our own heart.

Proud people focus on the failures of others.
Broken people are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need.

Proud people have a critical, fault-finding spirit; they look at everyone else’s faults with a microscope but their own with a telescope.
Broken people are compassionate; they can forgive much because they know how much they have been forgiven.

Proud people are self-righteous; they look down on others.
Broken people esteem all others better than themselves.

Proud people have an independent, self-sufficient spirit.
Broken people have a dependent spirit; they recognize their need for others.

Proud people have to prove that they are right.
Broken people are willing to yield the right to be right.

Proud people claim rights; they have a demanding spirit.
Broken people yield their rights; they have a meek spirit.

Proud people are self-protective of their time, their rights, and their reputation.
Broken people are self-denying.

Proud people desire to be served.
Broken people are motivated to serve others.

Proud people desire to be a success.
Broken people are motivated to be faithful and to make others a success.

Proud people desire self-advancement.
Broken people desire to promote others.

Proud people feel confident in how much they know.
Broken people are humbled by how very much they have to learn.

Proud people are self-conscious.
Broken people are not concerned with self at all.

Proud people keep others at arms’ length.
Broken people are willing to risk getting close to others and to take risks of loving intimately.

Proud people are quick to blame others.
Broken people accept personal responsibility and can see where they are wrong in a situation.

Proud people are unapproachable or defensive when criticized.
Broken people receive criticism with a humble, open spirit.

Proud people are concerned with being respectable, with what others think; they work to protect their own image and reputation.
Broken people are concerned with being real; what matters to them is not what others think but what God knows; they are willing to die to their own reputation.

Proud people find it difficult to share their spiritual need with others.
Broken people are willing to be open and transparent with others as God directs.

Proud people want to be sure that no one finds out when they have sinned; their instinct is to cover up.
Broken people, once broken, don’t care who knows or who finds out; they are willing to be exposed because they have nothing to lose.

Proud people have a hard time saying, “I was wrong; will you please forgive me?”
Broken people are quick to admit failure and to seek forgiveness when necessary.

Proud people tend to deal in generalities when confessing sin.
Broken people are able to acknowledge specifics when confessing their sin.

Proud people are concerned about the consequences of their sin.
Broken people are grieved over the cause, the root of their sin.

Proud people are remorseful over their sin, sorry that they got found out or caught.
Broken people are truly, genuinely repentant over their sin, evidenced in the fact that they forsake that sin.

Proud people wait for the other to come and ask forgiveness when there is a misunderstanding or conflict in a relationship.
Broken people take the initiative to be reconciled when there is misunderstanding or conflict in relationships; they race to the cross; they see if they can get there first, no matter how wrong the other may have been.

Proud people compare themselves with others and feel worthy of honor.
Broken people compare themselves to the holiness of God and feel a desperate need for His mercy.

Proud people are blind to their true heart condition.
Broken people walk in the light.

Proud people don’t think they have anything to repent of.
Broken people realize they have need of a continual heart attitude of repentance.

Proud people don’t think they need revival, but they are sure that everyone else does.
Broken people continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God and for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit.

Giving Thanks

We are so easy to shoot up a pray to the Lord asking him to meet yet another need or want. But, how often do we take the time to sit down and truly thank him when he meets that need or want.

God has answered the prayers of thousands across our world. Tricia was released from the hospital yesterday! Praise the LORD.

Thank you Lord for answering prayers.
Thank you Lord for caring for the needs of your people.
Thank you Lord for your unconditional love.
Thank you Lord for knowing what is best for us.
Thank you Lord for turning what satan intended for evil, for good!

Meet Joseph's Whale, Joseph

This was my favorite outfit of Samuel's when he was a newborn. I had to get a picture of Joseph in his whale outfit. Joseph named his new whale friend "Joseph." Creative? We thought so too!

Caught Red Handed

Andy dressed Samuel Sunday morning and I dressed Joseph. When I saw the two boys together, they matched. They both had navy and white pinstripes on. I thought we could try and get some pictures of them together after church. Here's the story as it unfolds...




Samuel wanted to hold him, so we let him.

Then he wanted to cheer him up by kissing him.

And since that didn't work he thought he would bit his hand.


And here he's wondering why in the world he didn't like his hand bitten. (Samuel loves playing that game with daddy).

Poor Joseph. Better luck next time.

Happy Birthday, Gamba!

Gamba Roo turned 4 on Saturday. We went on a hike to celebrate his big accomplishment. In dog years he is now 28. That's older than Daddy! We had a great time celebrating, but we sure did miss Lutalo.

Words of Encouragement

Psalm 97

1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.

7 All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O LORD.

9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.

It's not the size of the mountain, but the strength of the mountain mover!

" 'Behold, I am the Lord, is anything too difficult for me?' " Jeremiah 32:27

Pictures Galore

We've taken quite a few pictures over the last couple of weeks that we haven't had the time to upload and share, so here are a bunch of them. Enjoy!

Andy's Dad and Step Mom came to visit and to meet Joseph last weekend. We had a great visit with them.

Most of our days were spent outside this week. It's been gorgeous out and there's no where else Samuel would rather be.

6 Weeks Old

Breakfast with Papa Bear

Reading with Daddy and Papa Bear

Taking a nap on Papa Bear

7 Weeks Old

Enjoying the outdoors

Blowing bubbles with Daddy

Happy 21 Months, Samuel!

Earthquake Hits Indiana

No, I am not kidding.

We woke around 5:35 am to an earthquake. We had never felt an earthquake before, but we were almost positive that we had just experienced one. After one of the beekeepers got here, I asked him about it, and he said, sure enough, we had just had an earthquake. A 5.4! It's happened before in Indiana, but it's not common.

When Jesus died on the cross, it says that the earth trembled. I've never been able to imagine what that felt like, until this morning. Is the earth going to tremble when He returns? Makes me wonder when it will be, and what it will be like. I know the book of Revelation tells all about the second coming, but I've never studied it in very much detail. I can definitely say I'm more motivated to read it now.

I'm sure you'll hear about it on the news or radio today anyways. But if you don't, here's an article about the quake.

4 Years

April 10th, Andy and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. We stayed home, made some Mexican food and ate homemade ice cream and cookies while we watched some of Planet Earth. (By, the way, this documentary is amazing!)
Within 4 years we've:
* Added two dogs to our family
* Added two children to our family
* Lived in 3 different homes
* Lived in two different states
* Been in different continents from each other for 13 months (6 & 7 months straight).
* And probably have been away from each other for a total of 15 months thanks to the USMC.

It's been a busy 4 years. But, we've been blessed beyond words. It's been our best year yet, and we're looking forward to the next!

Thanks for the Replies

Thank you for your comments. Interesting insight into why this law was made... I still think it was a totally unwarranted ticket.

And for those of you who were wondering, Andy was not speeding. He was going the speed limit as he passed the cop. Andy will be able to attend a driving class to take 4 of those points away. He's doing that next week. Not sure what the deal is with our insurance yet, though.

What Would You Do?

I'm serious here people. I truly want your opinions...

Andy was heading to his annual reserve check-in a few weeks ago for the Marine Corps a few hours away. He was in the right lane and he passed a cop sitting off to the side of the road by himself with his lights on. He kept on driving...

The cop pulled him over. He said he failed to yield to an emergency vehicle.

The cop said he saw there were cars to the left of Andy so he couldn't have pulled over to the other lane, but the very least he should have done was slow down. He said it's a state law.

He gave Andy a ticket for $180, and the ticket carried an 8 point addition to his license.

Today was Andy's court date. I have never been pulled over, so I don't know how it all works. But, today was the last day he could plead guilty or not guilty. He met with the judge and the judge said there was nothing he could do for him. He couldn't deduct the fine or any of the points. He said if he wanted to plead not guilty they would set a trial date and then he would come back and plead his case.

Andy believes that he was guilty by law. He had no idea of the law at the time so he was not willingly disobeying, but ignorance is no excuse he says. He pleaded guilty and paid the fine and now has 8 points on his license.

Now, I don't ask for comments very much, but I'm begging you people. I want to know what you think. I don't care if you leave your comments anonymous or not. I just want to know what others would have done in such a situation. I'm super green to driving violations and how it all works. I would like as much input as you'll give me.

Now, share your wisdom... ready, set, go!

Spring Has Sprung

Life on the honey farm is wonderful in the spring. It's a great place to be. Samuel is taking every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors!

Blogging About Blogging

It's been exactly a year to date since we started our blogging journey. It's been a fun one. As I was looking back over to see what I wrote a year ago, I was reminded of our original intentions of the blog. Yes, we were to keep this blog for family and friends to view photos and hear stories of our precious little ones, but there was more to it than that. I wanted to have a place to share with others what the Lord has been doing in and through us.

My words from April 11, 2007:

Wise people have always told me to journal, journal, journal. I have for the most part taken them up on that. I hand write most of my thoughts, and no one reads them. Which is how I like it. But, there are times when I think it is good for others to read your thoughts. I write for therapy. I write to document our lives. But, now I begin to write so that others are informed. I want everyone to know the great and awesome things God is doing in our lives! His blessings should not be kept quiet only having a few be glad, but to be shared with all, so that we can rejoice together at what an AWESOME God we serve!

We have had the incredible opportunity of walking along side our dear friends Jordan and Patience as they celebrated their precious son's life. We are currently walking along side Nate and Tricia as they face difficult circumstances in their lives. We have never met Nate and Tricia, but they would be the first ones to tell you that the prayers of other Christians is what is carrying them through. They have had on some days 100,000 hits on their blog. 100,000! And I guarantee you that about 80-90% of those people are praying to God for their situation. What an awesome opportunity for Christians to unite and share in one another's sufferings.

Here is are a few examples of people who have been touched by baby Isaac, the sweetest boy, the son of our friends, Jordan and Patience. There are HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS more that I could tell about if I had the time...

Patience, I just want to take a moment to Thank you for sharing Isaac with us. Isaac continues to hold a special place in the hearts of our family, even though we have never met. I was directed to your blog from a member of your church that I know from a childcare forum. It was through your blog that I was introduced to the Lawrenson's blog. These two journeys have enhanced my faith in ways I couldn't have imagined. God is speaking loud and clear to me these days... Please know that you and Jordan continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Here's another:

Patience and Jordan, we love you very much and have been so inspired and challenged by your touching story. It is exciting that you have impacted so many by sharing the story of baby Isaac. You have shown us what true worship is really. True worship amidst the storm. We are thinking about you both and are praying for ultimate peace, joy and comfort.

And another, and then I promise I'm done...

You guys are so awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey with us - for being so open about the joys and sorrows that have been such a part of your life over the last year. Thank you for sharing Isaac with us - he is so precious! When we get to heaven, I'd like for God to let everyone "line up" whose lives have been touched by Baby Isaac! What a sight that would be - what joy this little guy has brought to so many!

People would have never been given this opportunity if it were not for blogging. We have connected in a way that technology years ago did not offer. I believe this network has been used for such good things. People all over the world are reaping the rewards of such an invention. I personally have been able to link up with women online who have encouraged me so much in my faith and as a wife and a mother.

Living where I live (in the middle of no where) I would not have otherwise had this opportunity to learn from such women. I have been blessed beyond words during a very crucial time in my life as I raise two tiny children and as I continue to build a foundation for my faith, and our marriage to be built on. I don't take my jobs lightly and it is so beneficial to join with others who think similarly.

All this to say, that I have lost my focus. I have be swayed by others that think we are sharing too much of our lives for the whole world to see. I disagree. I believe there are risks to sharing information online, but there are many more blessings that are capable of coming out of it than risks. I have forgotten that over the months.

We are not currently going down such a journey as Pai and Jordan, or Nate at Tricia, but we are definitely experiencing life. And those experiences are meant to be shared. Not just with family and friends, but with all who want to know more about God and what he is doing through his people. I have felt a sense of guilt for not sharing as much as I should what the Lord has been doing in our lives. He wants us to share with others. He wants us to bless others with our stories and to ask others to bear our burdens with us. That's why we are here.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

So, as an anniversary post, I am recommitting this blog, not only to sharing our good times, but also our bad, and everything in between. To share our thoughts about what's on our hearts and to look ahead towards the things to come. Thanks to those of you who are walking along side of us on our journey and encouraging us every step of the way. We are indebted to your wisdom and love.

6 Weeks, Pink Eyes, Treats

We've hit the 6 week mark.

Somebody said it takes about 6 weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby... that someone doesn't know that once you're a mom, 'normal' is history!

Somebody also said you can't love the second child as much as the first... that someone doesn't have two children.

What an incredible 6 weeks it has been. We are so blessed to have our Joseph with us. He bring so much joy to our family. Looking forward to many, many more celebrations with him!

On another note... Samuel had pink eye the beginning of this week. It was thankfully not bad at all. It cleared right up in less than 24 hours after he got some medicine. It didn't seem to phase him much at all, and thankfully, none of us have gotten it... yet.

After his appointment we dropped off his prescription to be filled and decided while we were waiting, we would celebrate the gorgeous day (75 degrees) and treat Samuel to his first ice cream stand experience. He was in heaven. Joseph didn't want any, though. We'll have to work on that. If he is a member of our family, he BETTER like ice cream!




And for those of you 'mother hens,' no, we were not actually going to give Joseph any ice cream... we were just having some fun :)

Family Hike

Joseph went on his first hike outside of mommy's belly last Saturday. He was asleep before we left and didn't wake up until after we got home. He basically has no idea what happened.

Andy has been taking Samuel on a ton of hikes since Joseph was born to help him get some exercise in and to get out of the house, and also to give me some quiet time.

As much as I liked the quiet time, I was getting so sick of having to sit all the hikes out because it was too cold for Joseph. The weather was pretty nice last weekend so we all headed out to celebrate. It was sure a treat for me to be able to get back out there. We had such a good time. I can't wait for Joseph to be old enough to actually know he's going on a hike!



This was Joseph for about 3 1/2 hours straight!