Here are some pictures from the girls' first basketball games. For those that don't know we signed them up for the Upward Basketball League. It is a Christian sports organization that determines the success of their season based upon how well they shared the gospel with their kids, not how many games they won! The win stars for their shirts for learning their memory verse, effort, sportmanship, Christlikeness, as well as, defense and offense. The girls did a GREAT job their first time out! During Hannah's game she stole the ball and tried to make a shot. She can't quite get the ball high enough for it to actually go in (they do lower the basket for her age), but it is something we are working on. She is the smallest on her team, she'll get it, in time! Kaitlyn was a basketball MACHINE! During the first half she did a great job -- she made a basket and tried 2 more shots. At the half her coaches switched the girl she was supposed to guard. They had a little girl guarding one of the biggest girls on the other team...so, it was Kaitlyn's job to guard this girl during the second half. Well, the girl never made another shot! She never even touched the ball the second half. Everytime the girl tried to get the ball Kaitlyn was in her face with her hands up. It was great to watch her...she really came into her own during the game and looked as though she had found her niche. Even though they did well in their games they were more excited about the stars they earned. Kaitlyn for offense and Hannah for effort. They also earned their memory verse stars...they are already working on their next verse! It is neat to see them not only learn basketball, but learn about Christ and form new friendships. We are looking forward to a great season!! You should come watch a game, if you have a chance!

Snow fun

 

 

 

 

Here are some pictures from New Year's weekend. The kids had fun playing in the snow. Hannah wasn't there, she was at a birthday party...but, everyone had a fun day!

Caleb would go down the front hill and carry his sled back up the driveway by himself. Kaitlyn on the other hand, would stay at the bottom of the hill until someone else carried her sled up. After this happened a couple of times the adults got wise and said 'if your 3 year old brother can do it, you can too...carry your own sled!'

We'll be having more snow fun again soon...we're getting another storm tomorrow!

Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

Nine years ago on December 28th Kaitlyn Irene entered our lives -- NINE DAYS LATE!
She was ironically due on our One year anniversary.
I honestly cannot say we were 'excited' about our upcoming arrival, it wasn't the way it was 'supposed' to be. There were many things we thought we 'lost' when we found out about the new life that would be joining us, dreams we thought were for the best.

BUT, as soon as we took one look at that beautiful little girl that God so GRACIOUSLY gifted to us, it all became clear. THIS WAS IT! THIS was THE path we were supposed to be on. Forget all that other stuff we thought we were missing out on, this was it! Life's greatest adventure. The opportunity to shape a life for Him.

She has brought us SO much joy over the last nine years that to think of life happening any differently for us would just be emptiness. We are so thankful that God thought us worthy enough to take care of this precious young lady. She continues to grow into a young lady after God's own heart and we could not be prouder!

Let is snow...OK, THAT'S ENOUGH!

 

 

 

Here are some pictures from our snowstorms. Yup, more than one! We got about a foot of snow on Friday night, our anniversary -- which was great, we had the resturant and movie theater to ourselves. Then we got over a foot last night.
Jeff waited until the snow was done before attempting to snowblow the driveway, but by then, the snow was almost over top of the snowblower in the front and OVER the snowblower in the back of the house!

The first picture shows our backyard -- there's a retaining wall back there -- somewhere!
The second picture shows how high the snow comes up to our front porch -- it's level!!
The last picture is where the snow comes to our dining room window -- it is almost level!

Hey, I wanted a white Christmas. I guess it's true, be careful what you wish for!!!

10 Years Already??

 

 

That just doesn't seem possible! But, it is true, 10 years ago today Jeff and I were married.
What do I remember about that day?

I remember being told the District Superintendent who was supposed to perform our ceremony may not be there, his son's house caught on fire the night before. But, very calmly I asked my Grandfather if he would stand-in if necessary, he graciously agreed.

I remember my cousin, Rachelle, being there. It was the first time I had seen her since we were little girls. It was such a special day because she was there.

I remember sitting and getting my hair done in the church nursery and watching Veggie Tales, yes, you read that right!

I remember a special moment with Jeff's mom when she gave me the handmade wedding album, it was very special and very beautiful.

I remember my mom putting on my veil and how excited and overcome with joy she looked.

I remember my sister bursting in to tears because my dad told her he loved her...just before she walked down the aisle as my maid of honor.

I remember Jeff's face when he saw me walk through the doors and the overwhelming love I felt for him at that moment.

I remember my dad's kiss he gave to me before he 'gave me away.'

I remember my dearest friends in the world - Adam, Alison, and Janel singing to us the songs we picked out ('Household of Faith' and 'If you could see what I see'). How true they were then and how true they still are.

I remember Jeff kissing me at the wrong time...we were supposed to light the unity candle...oh well, had to kiss again!

I remember the wedding party holding up cards with numbers on it, representing how well we kissed at our reception.

I remember all the guys in the wedding party with their sunglasses on.

I remember the wonderful slideshow my mom and Jeff's mom put together...lots of funny pictures!

I remember Jeff and I both had lots of hair! Mine is now short, Jeff's is now gone!

I remember my car and what my 'friends' did to it! :) Just kidding, it was great!

I remember wondering what the future held for us, what God's plan for us was.

Over all, I remember just how special the day was and how having our dearest friends and family there made it even more special.

Now, 10 years later, our lives look nothing like that WE had thought and planned, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. What we have done and been through has only made us stronger, made our love stronger, and made us who we are today. Sure, there were times, even recently that we didn't know what God was up to. But, He has always been faithful to us and never let us walk through those times alone.
We are so excited to see where God will lead us next. These last 10 years have been such a wonderful journey and I can only imagine what the next 10 will be like. What ever comes, it will be much more fun with Jeff by my side!

(check out the blog about Hannah's birthday, I found some old pictures of her I scanned.)

Ice Storm Damage

Here are the pictures I promised...as you can see we had some damage here, downed trees, etc. Luckily our house and fence are still in tact. The only thing we have to show for it is fire wood :)

 

 

 

 

What a difference a week makes!

Well, after over 106 hours, we are finally home and WITH power!!
What an ordeal! Luckily, mom and dad live within driving distance, so we had an unexpected visit with them in NY for almost 5 days! We had a great time together and helped Nana put up her tree.
All in all it was just a bother to pack up and leave, but everyone is safe, no trees fell on the house, and now we are home from a surprise vacation!
I have pictures and will put them up later.