Six Years and One Day!

I didn't get around to scanning these yesterday, but six years and one day ago John and I were married! It's funny to look back on our wedding pictures and think how little we knew about each other compared to now. I'm very thankful for my husband and the Godly man that he is!! He is a wonderful husband and the best daddy ever!

Our Past Week...

Well, we did our usual silly things this week and added a few extra. On Thursday, Jeanne, Trevor and Sydney came over to hang out. We have officially made it jammie day when they come over! We all hang out in our jammies and it is so wonderful!!

Here is "DJ Jenny" and Sydney chillin'!! Jeanne has started calling her "DJ Jenny" because she will stand on her table and dance. She looks just like a DJ!!

Friday, before Mom's Day Out, I took Eli to Krispy Kreme to use a free doughnut coupon he had. I was fasting that day and, boy, did God give me a lot of strength to resist Krispy Kreme!! Thank you, Lord!!

This morning, as I was getting dressed, Eli decided to try on all of my necklaces and one bracelet. In this picture he is looking at himself in the mirror.

He wanted to wear them ALL to church, but I told him Daddy wouldn't be too happy with me if I let him wear necklaces to church. So, he settled for wearing one in the car on the way there!!

Such a Joy!!

Well, as of 2:05 p.m. today, Jenny is 8 months old! I can't believe how quickly she is growing. It seems like just yesterday I was standing in the living crying because I couldn't put her down to nap and I was tired and just wanted to sleep. Oh how glad I am that those days are over. Now, she is crawling, trying to pull herself up onto things, sleeping so well (knock on wood) and has even gotten her first tooth!! She is getting so big! I just can't believe she is already 8 months!! She has been such a blessing to us and I thank God for her everyday!!

I don't think she is going to fit in this little stroller much longer. Especially since she keeps leaning forward.

Hanging out with Aunt Robbie at Bass Pro Shops in Sevierville!

A nice, yummy carrot Wagon Wheel at the Japanese steakhouse in Pigeon Forge.

From left to right: Cousin Ashley, Aunt Robbie, Jenny, Uncle John and Cousin Ben (John is my Mom's brother)! They were in Pigeon Forge this past weekend for a young adult retreat from Pennsylvania. While they were here they got at least 7 inches of snow back home. Jealous!!

Getting kisses from the best big brother ever!

We were torturing Mason by trying to see if she would let Jenny sit on her. Nope!! Jenny is laughing pretty hard and still managing to keep her binky in her mouth!!

"I Stand Amazed in the Presence"

I am always affected by worship at church on Sunday mornings, but yesterday I was especially affected by Charles H. Gabriel's hymn "I Stand Amazed in the Presence!" Not only does it remind me of my beloved mother whose faith was immeasurable, but it also reminded me of my sin and the amazing grace God has given me in His Son!! Here are the words. Don't just read over them. Take heart to the meaning of the words. We are sinners who have received the most amazing gift in Christ and are now considered righteous before God. May you be as affected as I am!!

"I Stand Amazed in the Presence" by Charles H. Gabriel

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And I wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.

Chorus:
How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song shall ever be.
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Savior's love for me.

For me it was in the garden He prayed,
"Not my will, but thine"
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv'ry,
And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
'Twill be my joy thro' the ages,
To sing of His love for me.

Thank you, Lord!!

Christmas 2008

Christmas with my family is a three day event!! We start with dinner at our house on the 23rd followed by a "Dirty Santa" game. Eli and Jolie don't actually play the game, they just exchange gifts. Jolie gave Eli a hobby horse!! He loves it!!

Here's Taylor wearing the underwear I got! She's so silly!

Day two we spent at Tricia's house for appetizers and stockings. I only took this one picture there because I just didn't think to take more. Jenny looked so pretty in her dress, too. Oh, well.
Day three, Christmas at home and then over to Poppy and Grame's house. Here's Eli checking out his loot on Christmas morning! He was soooo excited it was finally Christmas!

"Mommy, help! I'm surrounded by stuff!!"

Always a hand on her head!! Silly boy!

Helping Daddy open his stocking.

Helping Mason open her stocking.

YUMMY!!

Eli's big gift! Well, it's really for both kids, but Jenny obviously won't be able to play with it for awhile!!

And...after the chaos has ended!

Now over to Poppy and Grame's to do more silly things!

Look at that!! A big truck!!

Wouldn't you know it??? Another big truck!!

"Okay. That's enough!"

And, here's Eli's "Lil' Helper" set we forgot about until two days after Christmas. Oops!!

We had a wonderful Christmas! God was very kind and blessed us so much! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Christmas in Cincy

We headed up to Cincinnati the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with Calvin, Susie, Ashley and Megan and had a super duper time!!

Eli playing Frisbee on their Wii.

Ashley just adored taking care of Jenny. It was so refreshing to have my hands free so much! She also loved taking her to the piano and letting her bang around!

Ashley and Megan feeding Jenny!

Getting kisses from Gracie!

"How do you get this thing open?"

"This bow is the best present I've ever gotten!!

"Yeah!! Remote control trucks!! How did everyone know I like trucks so much?"