Introducing the newest member of our family

On December 22 at 5:25 p.m. the newest member of our family was born. Vera Grace weighed 7 lbs, 13 3/4 oz. and was 20 1/2" long. She was a wonderful Christmas gift and I feel so blessed to be her mommy. I couldn't imagine having another baby, but now I can't imagine not ever having her. She fits right in, and the other children absolutely adore her. I now have 3 girls and a 1 boy. Trajan and Scott are so outnumbered. But Scott loves his little girls, and Trajan is a proud big brother. I know Gracie will really look up to him since they will be 12 years difference in their ages. Scott and I are so fortunate to have four beautiful healthy kids. God has been good to us.

Ally turns 4

I have to say I am the worst blogger ever. Just now getting around to posting Ally's Birthday which was August 14. I wanted to share Ally's birthday pics. She had a wonderful birthday party. And lots of friends and family came to help her celebrate. I can't believe she is already 4. She has changed so much this year, and is so excited about being a big sister. She started preschool last month and loves it. She wants to go everyday, and doesn't understand why the 3 years olds have to go on Tuesdays & Thursdays. I am holding on to her tight before she starts kindergarten, and oh how I am already dreading that day. I'm about to start crying just thinking about it. I love being a mom and am so blessed to have my children and their wonderful father. Here are some pics of her on her big day! Enjoy!!!

It's a Girl!

We had our ultrasound today and we're thinking pink! We have baby girl number 3 on the way. Everything looked great the doctor said. Thank you all for your prayers. We already had names picked out so Vera Grace it is. Stephanie's grandmother's name was Vera. We'll most likely call her Gracie.

Baby Stellan

My friend Jessica sent me this email last night, and I can't keep this wonderful family off my mind. You can read more at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ Please keep this family in your prayers. She is 23 weeks pregnant with a baby boy and he has some heart issues that could effect his life. So they are asking for people to pray around the clock. And please pray for our baby. We go next week for our check-up and ultrasound. I pray that everything is growing like it should and that we have a healthy baby growing inside me. Thanks so much!!!

Challenges!

During our home bible study last night we were discussing some things we could do as a group to help our church continue to grow. We had discussed numerous things when someone asked me as the group "leader" to challenge us. I didn't quite have an answer for her at that moment and said I'd get back to her. It was only a short time later that it hit me that I couldn't challenge us beyond what Christ has already challenged us with. Let's take a look at what he's commanded us with:

1. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2. Matthew 22:37 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
3. Matthew 22:39 Love your neighbor as yourself.
4. Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

So, Jesus made it pretty easy for us didn't he. Seek his kingdom first. Got it. Love God with all you heart and soul and mind. Ok, got that. Love your neighbor as yourself. Check. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them. Alright, got it. He's laid it all out for us nice and easy right in Matthew. Now all we have to do is follow it. If only it was so easy.

Comments?

We're Expecting.....

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that in December we will be a family of 6. Wow I can't believe it. I have always wanted 4 kids, and can't believe I am pregnant with the 4th. Life is definitely going to be pretty crazy. As if it isn't already. But I am so thrilled and feel so blessed to be a mother. Ally is so excited and is already patting my belly. Even thought the baby is the size of a sesame seed. Trajan is praying for a baby brother, and I hope for his sake it is. His sisters give him a hard time. Caroline wants another baby sister. But most importantly we are all praying for a healthy baby. I would appreciate lots of prayers from you all.

Painful Living

The events of the past week at my home church have made me reflect on the past several years of my life. My work career has caused me much pain and heartache. 3 times in the last 5 years I have lost my job. Each time was without specific reason and left me to doubt myself and my abilities. I've been thankful to have a loving supportive wife whose confidence in me kept me afloat when I was down and out on the inside. My family has worshipped at Greenwood Park now for 5 plus years. During this time I barely got to know Bill Brumit the person but quickly was in awe of his knowledge of the Bible. I don't know where God is directing our church or Bill at this time but I'm confident he has a plan. A close friend of mine frequently makes the statement that God's timing is perfect. That sometimes is hard for us to grasp as humans but I have faith in my Lord and Savior. I hope that we can all pull together during this difficult time that will test the bonds of friends and family. Let us remember that we are here to glorify God first and foremost. I heard a quote once that said "Life wouldn't be so hard if we didnt's expect it to be so easy." There is a lot of truth in that statement. Continue in prayer and God Bless.