Bringing Home Winnie Bea!

Meet the newest member of our family...

WINNIE BEA

Our kids have been begging for a dog for about a year. We have been putting them off or just flat out saying "no". We are a busy family and have two cats and two guinea pigs. A few weeks ago, Jason and I started talking about the reasons why we've been telling the kids "no", and honestly, all our reasons were pretty selfish (extra responsibility, walking in the snow, one more thing, etc, etc). We came to the agreement that our kids are only kids once, they are at good ages now to bring in a puppy, and we want them to have the memories of growing up with a family dog.

So, the search began. After having a successful adoption of our two cats, we began the adoption pursuit. However, the process was very frustrating. I am NOT discouraging adoption at all, please know that! Our situation was a little different, I think. We wanted a particular breed of dog, knowing that this dog would come into a family with three children and two cats. We also wanted a medium sized dog. We became very picky in what we were looking to adopt. We also had a very specific timeframe in that we wanted to surprise our kids Easter weekend. So, to make a long story short, the adoption route didn't work out for our specific requirements.

We were fortunate enough to find a breeder of English Bulldogs and Beagles in our neck of the woods, so we committed to the pick of the litter! We drove the kids to Amish country on Friday, took them to lunch and then told them we were going to visit a farm. We pulled into the farm and Jason went in to "make sure they were open" (aka...let the lady know how we would surprise the kids).

Upon entering her house, we were greeted by two teacup Yorkie puppies. Of course, we could not pry our kids from those cute tiny furballs! The breeder brought "Winnie" into the room and the kids seriously wanted nothing to do with her because of these Yorkies! So, we had to encourage them to notice Winnie and to play with her also.

Winnie was adorable! She's so awkward and clumsy and had the biggest belly I'd ever seen! Her paws are big and her docked tail was wagging 90 mph! Jason began asking the kids questions about Winnie and asked them if they liked her. They said yes, and he said, "It's a good thing, because she's yours!". I think he had to repeat that 3 times before it sunk in! One started crying tears of Joys (E), one jumped up and down and did a dance of some sort (B) and one just stood in complete stunned silence (A). (Oh, and if you know Abby, she is NEVER silent...)

The ride home was pretty uneventful, with a little bit of whimpering every now and then. She is adjusting well to her new home. The first night was a little rough and I wish I'd had a camera to take a picture of Jason and I with our pillows over our head throughout most of the night, just trying to save our hearing!

We're off to the puppy well visit this morning. I'm sure we will have many updates and stories to tell. For now, enjoy these pics!

Abby's 5!

Happy birthday to you!

You're a blessing; it's true!

Happy birthday, dear Abby!

Happy birthday to you!

5 years old!

4 years old

3 years old

2 years old

First Birthday

Precious newborn Abby

Dear Sweet Abby,

It's hard to believe that today, we are celebrating your fifth birthday! It seems like yesterday we were welcoming you into this world. When Mommy and Daddy found out we were pregnant with you, we knew that God must have a special plan for your life. Daddy couldn't stop laughing at the thought of another addition to our family. He wasn't laughing because it was funny, he was laughing because his heart was full of pure joy! When we began to decide on a name for you, we wanted to find a name that had a special meaning and was a reflection of our joyful anticipation of your birth. Abigail was the perfect choice as it means "joy of the father".

You have brought nothing less than pure joy into our lives for the five fast years you've been here. You enjoy life and have taught us so much about living in the moment. You are spunky and sassy and sweet all rolled up into one! You are beautiful, inside and out. You enjoy playing with Ben and Emily, school, your teachers and your friends. You are easily entertained and love playing with Toy Story characters, princesses and coloring. You love music and books. You are very affectionate and do not hold back in doling out the hugs and kisses! Your presence is rarely missed by anyone as your voice has a natural projection like no one else I know. We tease that you must have "ants in your pants" as sitting still doesn't happen often; you are always on the move!

We are so thankful for you and the joy you bring to our lives! Emily and Ben have written some special things to you today...

I love you, Abby!

I love how you always sing when you're swinging on the swingset.

I love how you always share with me and Ben.

I love when I get to wake you up in the mornings and you snuggle with me.

I love it when you color with me.

You are so cute!

I LOVE YOU!

Love,

Emily

I love you!

I love playing with you!

I love bubleing with you!

I love drawing with you!

I love wawching TV with you!

I love you because you are sweet!

I Love You!

Ben

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

We all love you!

Make a wish! (Just not for a dog, please...)

And He took the children in His arms...

...placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

I have been reflecting the past few days on this time last year in our lives. One year ago today, we were just a few days shy of one of the most difficult times we've experienced as a family. If you read this blog, this picture might be a reminder...

What was to be an amazing road trip, planned from head to toe, took quite a detour about halfway through and landed us in the children's hospital in Memphis, Tennessee for 7 days. Abby had a severe case of pneumonia in her left lung (all lobes) complete with a pleural effusion. Little did we know, we were very close to things taking a terrible turn and yet, God had different plans for our Abby. Thank you, Lord! Not only did God heal Abby, He did so in a huge and miraculous way, without the need of any invasive treatments (outside of IV antibiotics).

I experienced first-hand what it was like to have a child who has a severe illness, to know what it's like to see your child suffering in pain and knowing your very touch, that usually comforts and soothes, actually increases the pain. It's a horrible, horrible feeling as a parent. And yet, the Great Physician healed our sweet Abby completely and did so within a handful of weeks.

I'm writing today to ask you to pray for the Great Physician to touch the lives of these two precious children. This handsome and charming red-head is in our weekly Community Bible Study group. He has been in the hospital since mid-February and his battle is not yet over. You can keep up with his progress and leave notes of encouragement for his family on this site.

This beautiful child is Kate McRae and her story is known by thousands. Kate has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and has touched hearts across the country. She has been battling brain cancer for a great portion of her short life. One glance into these eyes, and I was hooked and pray that God will heal her body completely. I cannot even imagine what her family is experiencing, the fears of what is to come, the devastation of seeing their child going through this horrible ordeal. Please add Kate to your prayer list. Kate's progress can be followed on this site.

The suffering of children is so difficult to understand. I trust in God's goodness and that He has a perfect plan. I know that He hears our prayers. Please join me in praying for complete healing for Jack and Kate!

SPRING FEVER!

Birds are singing...
Sun is shining...
Bulbs are emerging...
Grass is reappearing...

and yet...

Temps are cold...
Snow is forecasted...
Coats are required...
Children are stir crazy...
(or maybe just crazy...)

This is the face...

...of my sweet first born child.

...of a child "in training".

...of a child who is quickly entering the tweenage years and beginning to discover who she is.

...of a child who I am so, so proud of.

...of the face of honesty and integrity.

As a parent of young children, the days can sometimes be long and challenging. Repeating myself over and over and hoping that it somehow soaks in and wondering if this child looking back into my eyes will actually make it in this big, scary world...

We are raising our children in a Christian home, trying to get them to understand and accept that the world is not always in line with what we believe, what we hold true and our version of right and wrong. However, in the midst of what others think or believe or do, we can stand firm in our beliefs and act accordingly. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this is easier said than done. I mean, seriously, don't we all struggle with this, even as adults? It's much easier to "blend in" than to take a stand. We are a culture of choosing the comfortable.

I just have to share this story as an encouragement to any parent who might read this. The training is rigorous and monotonous, complete with ups and downs. However, when something like this happens, it is all worth it. We definitely don't get it right every day, but the beauty of night rolling into day is a new start, a chance to make this day better than the one before. And so, we press on...

...bring (your children) up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

My sweet Em attended a sleepover on Friday. She has a fantastic group of friends and they love, love, love their time together. Thanks to the temporary insanity of another mom, Em had the opportunity to spend the night with these giggly, enthusiastic girls. Upon my arrival to pick Em up, the host mom shared with me that the girls were set to watch a movie last night. When Em learned of the title and rating, she let her friends know that she's not allowed to watch this particular movie. She opted to play outside of the room, and one of her great friends volunteered to join her.

As I was listening to this story, I didn't know whether to scream with joy or cry. I can tell you that I'm overflowing with pride and admiration for my girl who stood up for what she believed was right. It would have been much easier to go along with the plan, not saying anything, and save herself from any possible embarrassment. However, she opted to do the right thing. (Hallelujah!) What a great lesson for our family today. Doing the right thing is ok, true friends don't make fun, and feelings of guilt are avoided.

We are so proud of you, Em! What an amazing young lady you are becoming! You are a blessing to us and so many others!

Pouty Faces...

They're even cute when they're being rotten...

Fall '10 Fun in Pics