Lincoln's First Christmas 2010!

Christmas Magic

At Christmas Eve service I found myself experiencing a new feeling, a fresh understanding, and new found joy. My Lincoln was alertly observing all the carolers around us, feeling the faith in the air. So peaceful, so confident, so secure...so magical.

Lincoln is such a gift from God. Each child is...but as I experience him - uniquely him - my son...I realize he was perfectly crafted for me as Mom, for Grant as Dad and for earth in this time. Psalm 139:14 says I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. I love this. God carefully crafted my son.

And then we all worshiped...Silent Night...and I felt a unique connection with mother Mary. How much she loved her son, how Jesus immediately enlarged her life and love by His presence alone. Just a babe. Yet in the very moment when her life was rocked by this gift, the ANSWER FOR ALL was here. Jesus - Son of God - Immanuel - God With Us.

It was a magical, personal moment. A Christmas gift from God.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Very Merry Christmas!

Christmastime Visits!

My fave cuz for her birthday!

Auntie Bunny loving on Linc!

Lincoln's best bud, Asher!

Glam glitter gals!

"Secret" Santa!

Reunion with Jac!

Out on the tizzown!

Poppi & Grammi's Visit

His first Santa experience... interesting on many levels! ;-)

Smiles all around!

Elephant puppet!

Lincoln's first Lego set!

The Most Wonderful...

The holidays are always so special. Thanksgiving summons in the cold weather bringing everyone indoors, cozy and cuddly. Memories are made around beautiful fires and warm meals. Christmas then creeps on us so quickly. Laughter, love, thoughtfulness, gift giving.

Truly the most wonderful time of the year!

Lincoln 7 Months

Nanu & Pop's visit September 2010

Nanu loving on her Bama boy!

Pops!

Nakey boy!

Bundled bear!

Mom's Gator!

Our New Home

May 14, 2010 we sold our sweet downtown diggs. We thought we'd be moving into an apartment but life had other plans. The apartment we wanted with a view of the mountains and pool, didn't end up available. Yet another closed door. Through the process we didn't know if the many 'dead ends' meant we'd be leaving Colorado Springs or if we'd simply be staying at my Mom's house 'temporarily' forever. Although she would love living with her grandson, and they were truly so gracious and lovely to live with, we were ready to set up shop again.

A month or so went by with life in flux when we found the Lake house. Within walking distance to our work, a lake, the park, and a sweet trail, we fell in love. I suppose this house had been tucked away just for us for months. Grateful for the dog-pee-smell that kept others away and allowed us to get in at a steal, we landed a sweet deal and found a God-send home.

After closing on July 30, we had carpet to remove, wood floors to lay and walls to paint. We spent our first night in our new lovely abode a week later and have fell in love. Such a gift. Our new home is nestled in the foothills of the Rockies in the quaint town of Palmer Lake.

The process of selling and moving which began last November has taught us so much about patience, contentment, peace, joy, prayer, life, God, each other... I wouldn't trade the time, transition, wondering, doubting, questioning, hoping and waiting for anything. We grew so much.

I was talking today with a friend. It's normally the tough times that we remember and cherish as it shapes who we are, allows us to mature, stand the test of time, endure, push through, strengthen our character. Many times these gifts in life come in packages of refinement and tests.

So... my apologies for the lapse in blogging. Much has happened. After 6 months of life, Lincoln is now sleeping in the crib gifted to him months before he arrived. And he finally has his own room! My life, heart, emotions, capacity has enlarged greatly with Lincoln. I finally understand when parents say to their kids 'you'll never know' ...even though one day, they will.

Time is precious. Love is grand. Cheers to life.

P.S. Pics to come...soon! I hope!

Happy 6 months Lincoln!

August 17, 2010


His first bite of food... avocado!

My Sweet Babes

The Babes

N-E-W...

Interesting how life unfolds…

In God’s remarkable wisdom He leads us on perfect paths – not of least resistance – but of most opportunity. Paths that allow us to grow, learn, love, give, surrender, trust, hope.

Back in November, Grant and I decided to put our house on the market. We knew our little bungalow would be a gem to the next person too. This arts-in-crafts home, built in 1928, has truly been a gift. Our first 4+ years of marriage were spent here. We bought and sold our first “nice” car here… quickly learned that nice things are nice but not necessity. Good lesson. And, most of our passwords are inspired by our sweet street name – Custer. Shhh. We spent birthdays, anniversaries, holidays cozy in our downtown nest. We brought our first son home here. We truly love this place.

After 5 months (do holidays really count?) our house sold to another young lad who fell in love...even asked to buy our furniture and décor but then realized he was buying his first home and needed to lay low. ;-) Nice compliment though! While waiting those 5 months, we trusted, believed and hoped that the right person would come along. During that time we found two great homes that we wanted to purchase. Both sold before we had the opportunity. And when it came time, there was nothing on the market we wanted. Bizarre. But we’re just not willing to buy something we don’t love as much as Custer. And although we sold because our family is growing and we need more space, we want that space to be very special.

I would’ve never thought we’d do this but we’re actually going to rent! It is a beautiful apartment with a killer view of Pikes Peak... and right next to the salt water pool! Yes, leave it to me to find SALT WATER in Colorado! It’ll be a nice change…and a fun season. With Colorado warmth right around the corner, the gift of a pool in waterless-Colorado will be so fun…and with Lincoln! The Alexan has a pool, hot tub, fitness center, club house, dog park, dog bath (yay!) and other fun amenities. Renting…an apartment…is both humbling and rewarding. It’s good for me though. Finding identity or worth in what you own, or don’t own, is no way to live.

This morning we took our final walk from 423 Custer to our favorite neighborhood coffee shop. Our drink, “The Raven’s”. Sigh... with hoped-for beginnings, come sad-goodbye endings.

I realized the other day that in the middle of the biggest life change (becoming parents), Grant and I have experienced many other significant changes. I have a new job. He has a new job. We sold our home. We will be moving. We are transitioning from home owners to apartment renters. New Mom. New Dad. New baby Lincoln. In the midst of so much new, there is so much grace, peace and love. These past few months, although challenging, have allowed for tremendous growth within.

Grateful to my God...for His friendship, Lordship and love. xoxo

Good Times...

SEC BABY

Lincoln's First Easter

Foster Fam!!

4 weeks

He is so yummy!!

3 Weeks!!

New Season: Wild, Wonderful, Weird

Wild - I feel so vulnerable...but in a really good, healthy way. It's so deep and out of my control. I have continually let go and let God do His work in me. Lincoln has opened something within. Protection. Sensitivity. Purpose. Lots of emotions that some might associate with hormones and post pregnancy but I know it's Gods way of opening something deep within a woman. I humbly and gratefully accept.

Wonderful - Our hope: the best of Grant and me combined in this amazing new person. Our prayer: to raise one who will make a beautiful mark in this world. The opportunity to shape someones life is a gift. Grant and I have grown so much closer and our love for each other is tangibly increasing with each day. The other night was beautiful and so hard. We both laid there crying - and it wasn't due to the newness of life but the loss that this new season brings. Grant and I have worked together for the last 4 years, driving to and from work together everyday. Our marriage is truly one-of-a-kind rich and blessed. We laid there in bed and cried together and prayed thanking God for our lives, marriage and friendship and released each other into the new season. Such a sacred time. Priceless.

Weird - I'm writing this with one hand on my iPhone and Lincoln feeding in the other. It is 2am. I'm a 9+ hour-a-night-sleep-type-of-gal. Tired and delirious...wondering how long night feedings will last. Want to treasure the time but also looking forward to it passing.

Spring is coming...Lincoln is growing...Life is changing...Love enlarging. xx

2 Weeks Old!!

Happy Birthday, Captain Poppi

Lincoln loves his Captain-Poppi & Grandma-Rocks so so much! He decided it was best to come before your birthday so he could send a video greeting.

He can't wait to meet you! xoxo

The Big Day

Do I get an award for posting the birth on my blog? A woman at her finest or worst? LOL.

Shower Pictures - oh so chic!

Lincoln's Poem

Shower - Gallery TwoTen - January 23, 2010

I’m really glad that you could come
and help prepare my mother
for the many joys to come
from Bama’s baby brother

I’m sorry I can't be here
to join in Mommy's shower
but understand I’m very busy
I’m growing every hour

So let me say “enjoy yourselves”
and view the art collection
While you wait for me to come
at birth with God’s perfection

God chose my parents with great care
A home just right for me
bursting with pride and love to share
are my parents soon to be

I can’t wait to meet my dad
I hear he’s ten feet tall
I’ll put my hand inside of his
cause I am very small

And Carly is my mom you know
beautiful, wise and smart
She’s nurtured me for 8 long months
I’ve been close within her heart

An SEC babe that’s who I am
whether Gator or Crimson tide
and cause of that, rest assured
I’ll be on the winning side

Thanks for the lovely welcome
you have given me today
And when you see the stork fly by
you'll know I've come to stay

I do want to thank each of you
for the lovely gifts you've brought
my family’s very grateful
for your prayers and all your thoughts

And Mom just know I’ll be home soon
I’ll come from God above
To fill your heart with happiness
And touch your life with love