Here We Go...

Day 1.
And it begins.
I ask that you will kindly consider praying for us during this time.

For me: strength, patience, and selflessness.

For Steve: protection and comfort.

For Christian: love and obedience.

Also pray that we will be in God's Word unceasingly during this time. What a perfect opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God and to make that a priority. I pray that we will be faithful and be a good example for Christian, showing him that even though things might be tough, we will pull through with God's grace.

Weekend Links 7/30

Below are some links that I especially enjoyed this week:

Small Notebook:: Drop Off Old Computer Parts at Goodwill

Passionate Homemaking:: Babies Don't Keep

Small Notebook:: Are You Making Your To Do List Too Hard? Find Out Why.

Keeper of the Home:: Enjoying the Blessings of Today

Small Notebook:: The No Spend Month

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is Grandma's birthday...hope you have a fabulous day (or at least the rest of it.) We love you and are sending special thoughts your way! Christian and Grandma at Thanksgiving 2009 (Christian 2 months) In Colorado (Christian 5 months)

Last visit in South Carolina (Christian 9 months)

Calling Nana

This is Christian's beloved crocheted blanket from Nana- a baby gift when he was born. He sleeps with his blankie in addition to his "boo boo bear" from my friend Susan (a tradition started by her daughter, Erin, whom I babysat at Edwards.)

"Thanks Nana, I love my blue blankie!"

Kiva "Loans that Change Lives"

You may have noticed the little banner/icon on the bottom right after my blogroll, pictures, etc. titled "Kiva." My brother and sister-in-law first introduced Kiva to us a couple of years ago when they were purchasing a "gift certificate" for my grandparents for Christmas. Kiva is a really cool organization that gives loans to individual entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world...people just needing a little help to live a dream and support their families. It is quite simple- you can browse the website and choose specifically who you would like to lend money to- for example, Oksana in the Ukraine hoping to further develop her grocery store, or Edilberto in Honduras who wants to use a loan to buy merchandise for a small retail store in his home. The money from several lenders goes to a field partner that handles the interaction. The cool thing is, once they repay the loan, you can either re-lend it to another business, withdrawal the money, or donate to Kiva (for operational expenses.) Loans that keep on giving....So far we have been able to help 3 various entrepreneurs all with just a starting $25. Pretty cool huh? Such a simple and easy way to give back after all that God has blessed us with.

Wordless Wednesday *Dishwasher Helper*

Christian is 10 Months

This past month has been so fun...and yet busy! With Christian crawling (and getting into everything) it has opened up a whole new world. Christian can now entertain himself for longer amounts of time and play a little more freely. He now has 7 teeth (4 on top, 3 on bottom,) still loves to eat (especially when he can feed himself,) and is very personable. Christian can be pretty silly and really lights up when he sees Phoenix or any furry animal. Nap times have been interesting- he is beginning to transition to 1 nap instead of 2, but on the plus side he is sleeping through the night more regularly.

As much as I loved the itty-bitty baby stage with C, I am really loving this age of exploration and more independence. Christian still enjoys his snuggles (and of course so do I,) but for a shorter amount of time because he is just so eager to get on the floor and play, play, play! We are in love with our baby and thank God for the privilege to raise such a sweet little boy!

Books, Books, Glorious Books

I have been on a book kick lately, which has actually been really refreshing. I find reading so much more relaxing than watching T.V. in the evenings after C goes to bed, even if it is just for an hour or so. I currently have a stack of books just waiting to be opened, and an even longer reading list on my library account web page, but I was wondering what you all are reading these days. Do you have a favorite? I am always interested in what others are reading so I can potentially add it to my queue of never ending books.

Silly Boy

Guess What?

I am going to be an auntie again! (This baby will be our 4th niece or nephew.) My brother, Ryan and SIL, Kim are expecting their second child in January! We are so excited for them, and little miss Linden who will be a fabulous BIG sister!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6

With all the changes coming up and so many little details to think about, I have certainly been anxious! On a more positive note, last night I bought my plane ticket to fly home to Colorado to celebrate Christian's first birthday with family and friends! We are definitely looking forward to coming home and visiting with everyone.

Fresh, Fun New Blog

Our friend from college, Emily, just recently started a fun blog with recipes, do-it-yourself ideas, and other creative and cute themes. Please stop by:

(click here or picture above)

Wordless Wednesday *Laundry Helper*

Our 4th

We decided to stay local for the Fourth of July this year. We had actually thought about going back to Charleston, but since we have been traveling quite a bit lately (and probably spending too much $,) thought it might be best to just relax and stay at home. Steve had Friday and Monday off which is always nice, and we headed to Swan Lake a couple of times since the temperature and humidity was down. We also met up with an old friend from CSU (she was in my Bible study through Campus Crusade for Christ) that will be attending the University of South Carolina for grad school come Fall. We hadn't seen her since our wedding almost 4 years ago! I am really excited about spending time with her these next 2 1/2 years, especially since she is only about 1 hour away. Hooray! A friend! :o) Hope you all had a fabulous 4th!

Busy Busy

Ever since C man officially started crawling on Father's Day, he has become quite determined and busy. Not that he wasn't before, but now he is just all over the place and is definitely keeping me on my toes. It's fun to see him take off and see what it is that he wants and is interested in versus him sitting and playing in one place. He seems to enjoy hanging out with me in the kitchen while I am cooking and he loves to chase after Phoenix- and boy, is he becoming a quick little crawler! Phoenix will have to watch out here soon or he will be missing all of his fur!