Snow....Finally!

We had about 3 inches of snow last night and today. It was the biggest snowstorm of the year for us. I had fun driving the John Deere tractor with a plow on it and clearing the driveway. I took off work and hung out with Lesley and Michayla all day. Kendal, Janelle, and Joshua came over to go sledding and play in the snow with us. We found some old sleds in the shed and found a hill that was steep enough to slide down. I took Michayla down the hill once, but she wasn't a big fan of it. It took her awhile to realize that the white stuff all over the ground is safe and will not hurt her. Our golden retreiver, Molly, loved running around and rolling in the snow.

So, I have been thinking a lot about Kev and I and our relationship with one another. I think that I am realizing more every day how much I really appreciate him. I am conitnually learning how to rely on someone other than myself. I am learning how to trust someone other than myself. For so many years, it was just me. I made the decisions. I ran my finances. It is amazing how much I appreciate not having to do it by myself anymore. Anyway, I think with Valentine's Day this year, I am realizing more and more how much the past year and a half has had it's challenges, but it is making me more of who I am called to be. It is hard to remember what it was like not having someone by my side: Leading, Loving and Cherishng me. Not because of what I can do for him, but just simply because he loves me for who I am. Enjoy the pictures and the amazing poem Kevin wrote for me on Valentine's Day!

The Engagemant! We are going to be together forever!

Can we say..."future mom"? This is from my bridal shower!

Of Course...the Beautiful Wedding!

Boston, MA...a great vacation and six-month anniv. trip!

The birth of our little Michayla!

ONE YEAR...Annapolis, MD

One and a half years! We helped out friends Ryan and Denise move to NC.

AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

The Search

I searched my soul
I would be willing to break every rule
To find the one who will be mine for life
What will she be like, my wife?

I dreamt of beauty, of brains, of charm
I dreamt of dance
I dreamt of romance

I wanted to know I have what it takes
To be the warrior a good man makes
I thought of what I would say
When I meet her on that destined day.

I searched for longer than ten years
And faced every one of my fears
I searched among the many, I searched among the few
But I closed my eyes when I saw you

Searching for the one who would be mine
I finally saw you and it was like we met for the first time
My heart knew you are the one
And I thought the search ended but it just begun

I search for your true heart always
Because I am truly amazed
When I see who you really are
You exceed my expectations by far



From Kevin to Lesley on Valentines Day, 2008.

Kevin's thoughts on life

Lately I keep thinking of the phrase, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' I normally don't pay attention to cliche' phrases like this, but it seems to be coming up all the time. The other day we gave Michayla a lemon and after sucking on it for a few seconds, she made a face that could have been put on America's funniest home videos. Lesley and I have been through our share of challenges but the Lord has been faithful to give us His perspective on our lives and give us the hope we need to continue to move forward. Another cliche' phrase that hit me this week was 'the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.' But it continues with the second, and third and fourth, etc. and as soon as we stop stepping, we stop moving forward. It has been a temptation for us to stop moving forward because we can't always see exactly where we are going. But as we have chosen to keep stepping, the Lord has been faithful to reveal our hearts to us and help us on the way. We are excited about where the Lord has us right now and we know it is a time to cherish. But, we are also excited about what is coming even though we can't seem to define it yet.
-The pen is in my hand, ending unplanned. Reaching for something in the distance, so close I can almost taste it. Today is where my book begins, the rest is still unwritten. ~Natasha Bedingfield

First Teeth

Well, it finally happened! With anyone who knows the journey we have been on with teeth, you will know that we really do consider it a little miracle! :) Michayla is finally pushing out some teeth. She started with one on the bottom. Then the next day we felt one on the top. Now, a couple weeks later the other two front teeth are coming in. So, yes that makes FOUR teeth at one time. It has been a long few weeks for mom, but we are making it! I am trying to learn even more patience for the little one. I know she just doesn't feel well, so that makes it a little easier for me. Patience Patience Patience and Grace Grace Grace! :)

I am almost through my first tri-mester with the next little one. So, ready to be onto the next season of pregnancy. It really hasn't been bad at all, but I just feel tired all the time! I forgot about this part of being pregnant. We ar really anticipating this little ones arrival! I think my parents are going to be able to make it out right after the baby comes, which will be awesome! They are always such a big help when they are here!

I had a doctor's appt. this last week also and was able to hear the heartbeat for the first time! It is such an incredible feeling knowing that there is a little one growing inside of you that actually has a beating heart. So cool, but so crazy! :) Continue to pray for safety for the baby and for me over the next few months! The official due date it Aug. 25th! :)