Hannah Elizabeth

My sweet friend, Audrey, had her baby on January 20th and I was able to head up to DC the very next weekend to meet baby Hannah. We had a photo shoot and even though I realized how incredibly difficult it is to shoot newborns, I completely fell in love with it.

New babies always give me an excuse to sew and craft. I made a minky blanket for her, a hair clip and this picture frame of their kids' names. There is nothing more beautiful than new life!

A Walk Across the Sun

Our friend, Corban, just had his first book published. A Walk Across the Sun, a novel about human trafficking was just recently released. We were able to go to a book signing downtown where John Grisham gave the opening remarks. I cannot begin to tell you what an incredibly gifted man Corban is. His passion for justice is beautiful and it's been amazing to see what God has done through him and his family. Their willingness to say "yes" to the unknown and trust Him has been such an encouragement to Andy and me. God is using them in great ways.

I am not an avid reader. But, I read A Walk Across the Sun in less than 3 days. I literally could not put the book down. The topic is not an easy one to stomach and frankly I wasn't sure I was ready for the weight of what I was about to bear. Andy and I have been slowly educating ourselves in human trafficking for about the last 3 years, but nothing gripped me, educated me and inspired me to action like this book. The world needs to hear what Corban has to say. We are praying that this is just the first of many books for him.

Go out and buy this book!

Ice Storm

An ice storm hit our area right as I was suppose to be heading up to DC to visit a friend and her brand new baby girl. I was really disappointed about my cancelled plans. But, it ended up being a really special weekend for our family. And, I was able to go the next weekend. So glad to know that God's plans are always better than my own!

Winter Activities

Samuel is getting so creativity with his drawings.

Winter is for tights!

Joe Monster emerging from his cave.

Andy Turns 31

Joseph made almost the entire dessert for Andy's birthday.
He is becoming quite the "bakery" as he likes to call himself :)

Andy with his oreo truffles and his three treasures.

We went to a children's museum in Lynchburg. It was amazing!

The cards from the kids.

We were able to leave all three kids (for the first time) and get away
to a B&B in Staunton, VA. It was fantastic!!!

Andy wanted a Middle Eastern pita sandwhich for dinner.
This is what I came up with. On our new birthday plate!

Classmates

They were suppose to be reading on the couch.
Doesn't look like much reading is getting done.
But, oh the sibling bonding is going strong!

Reason #2882 we love to homeschool -
when the semester is getting a little rote,
putting up a tent to do our work in peps all of our spirits. 

Baby Blues

My sweet Mama met Andy before I did and as she was telling me about him she declared, "you two would make the most beautiful babies!" As much as I disagreed with everything she said when I was 17, that's one comment she made that I've got to say, "she was right!" Look at this sweet girl:

I have most certainly inherited her God-given love for children and it's becoming more evident with time that each one of our children seems to have a very special place in their hearts for babies as well. I'm eager to see how God is going to use that for His glory!

January Happenings

Watching the weather tempt us with snow. We are not fond of mild winters.

Candlelight makes anything more special.

Sam's taking gymnastics at a larger more advanced facility now. He loves it.

Virginia's Countryside

Our community group at church meets at a family's home a ways away. It is a gorgeous drive out there. Here are some of the works of God's hand we get to experience along the way.

Sweet Kiddos