June 30...

Some days are always etched into our memories...  This is one of them- 5 years ago- we were expecting our first child around Christmas and had gone on a cruise with my parents.  On June 30- I went into the doctor for a routine visit and found the baby's heart had stopped beating and that this little one had stopped growing.  I was devastated- tears flowed freely.  Three days later I went in for a D & C on July 3.  It was one of the first real trials our little family had faced.  God sustained us through that time and the time of waiting that followed for God to give us a child.  He taught me a lot about my heart and what I desired or idolized ABOVE HIM during that time- namely a child- I wanted a child so bad- I didn't want to wait- I wanted it at my time and in my place.  A chapter in John Piper's book- Battling Unbelief- encouraged me so much- The Unbelief of Impatience... God used it to cut to my heart and reveal my idol of control and my heart's desire of wanting a child above Him!  I know there will be more seasons of waiting but so thankful that God is continually using these moments to make us trust in Him and put our hope in Him!

Baby Christopher...

 A few weeks ago, we went to York, PA to see my family and visit my sister!  We got to see my sister and my new little nephew- nicknames- Yogi & Pumpskees... We sure love that little guy!  Jeremiah loves baby Yogi too- he kept asking to hold him and loved stroking his hair!  My sister has always had babies- she always had baby dolls when we were little- I was the dad, she was the mom.  She had real to life baby dolls too!  It is so fun to see her with her little one-a mom!  So thankful for the Lord blessing her with this sweet little gift!  

Bedtime...

 Bedtimes... Bedtimes...  We got back from York over a week ago- Lydia slept fine all the nights there.  The first 3 nights back- she woke up screaming uncontrollably and no matter what we did- we could not console her.  So- we stuck her out in the pack n play in the Living Room to let her cry and so we could get some sleep.  Thankfully she is doing better- we were thinking "night terrors" but we don't know.

A friend of mine said if she is having night terrors, put her to bed early- she needs more sleep.  We tried to do that but instead one night- Jeremiah threw all her animals in the bed with her- we went in to find her screaming in the midst of all her animals- guess you can't go to bed too early Lydie...

More Pool Time...

 Can you tell it is summer?  More pool time with our friend Audrey!

Soon, Michael and I are going to take a few days and head to the Smokies- we are very much looking forward to the time away to spend together and we are leaving the kids with Michael's parents!  Looking forward to getting some concentrated time together catching up and resting from the crazy year we have had!  Thankful that Mom is willing to help with the kids!

Pool Time...

 Kiddie Pool Time with Cousin Anna!

Michael's Birthday...

 So Michael's birthday was almost a month ago- oh well!  Michael's last exam was on his birthday and he was exhausted from the almost 10 hours of exam!  So that night we took him LaRosas pizza to a park- Mt. Airy park and there we had a lovely visitor- this raccoon- he must have been fed because he came a little too close for comfort! 

 We gave Daddy his gifts including a "Reds" lunchbox I got at a yard sale which was a big hit for him and enjoyed time as a family even swinging!

 Later, we had a little cookout at Michael's parents for his birthday!  So glad that his exams have been over almost a month ago- we are still rejoicing!  

Michael's Comp. Exam Party!

 Our sweet friends threw Michael a surprise party for finishing his comprehensive exams at the end of May!  They are such loyal friends that they even wrote a Ugaritic banner and made cupcakes with Ugaritic signs- who does that?  Faithful friends!  :)  

We are so thankful to have had about a month now to relax and get back into a new pattern for our family- we are still feeling like we need rest but it has been great to have "Daddy" and "Hubby" around this last month!  We are thankful the season of test taking for now is finished!

Friday Frolicks with the Samads...

 Love our pass to the Cincinnati Zoo-sometimes our good friends the Samads take us even on the train!  Jeremiah love when he can ride the train!  

Crazy Kids...

 Love these wild and crazy kids!  New skill learned this week- Lydia has learned to pull up- finally!  She is 16 months this week and still is a little scooter- scoots everywhere on her bottom but no desire to walk anytime soon.  I am not too worried but this week- she learned how to pull up to stand in her bed- little Lydie is growing up. :)  And yes, Jeremiah still sleeps with his gross, yucky blankie- that is a must for bedtime at 3 years of age!  

Saying Goodbye to Katy...

A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to our beloved little friend Katy- she is now overseas and her parents are teaching at a Seminary for 2 months- she also will be moving to South Carolina when they get back in July- her dad got a job teaching at a seminary!  We will miss and already do our little friend!  Ben & Jenn truly have been so gracious to me in watching Katy- they have blessed us above and beyond in "paying" me for watching Katy and Jenn brought me a beautiful bouquet the last day I watched Katy- I think it is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen!

Strawberry Picking...

 This week we went strawberry picking with our dear Langdon family friends!  We drove over to Indiana near where they live.  Jeremiah had a little trouble picking out the red ones and he was pretty possessive of his bucket- but we have been enjoying fresh strawberries all week!  

Lydia- well- she just sat on the sideline and ate graham crackers- what she does best! :)  

Our dear friends- the Langdons!

Goodbyes...

Goodbyes are never easy...  Over Memorial Weekend, we went up to Cedarville to see our wonderful friends- Mark & Meredith I. who are leaving their 12 years of ministry at Cedarville to move to Nashville where he will be a pastor at a church.  Michael and I met serving on their Discipleship Council in college as they mentored us, we mentored others.  They both have an amazing heart for people and discipleship.  We will miss having them close by and pray the Lord will use them greatly in their new ministry!

 And what is a trip to Cedarville without a visit to the Gorge and a good old hike!  We enjoyed seeing the Falls and taking a hike the 4 of us!