Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving Memories


Three years ago this Thanksgiving, Jacob and I went to Niger, Africa to visit his parents where they were serving as missionaries. Jacob worked in the hospital along side his dad, while I helped out Jacob's mom with kid's club (Christian play groups) and around the compound. Today, this picture stands out in my mind among all the other pictures we took while we were there. We had visited one of the villages out in the bush, and I saw this little boy. Believe it or not, he was not an orphan. It was just the way he lived, like many other little African children in the villages - severly malnourished, wandering aimlessly around with no supervision probably looking for food. I cannot erase this image from my mind...I don't think God wants me to. We went to Africa and came home to our "regular" life and in three years, we have become more blessed. I wonder what has happened to him in three years. I am thankful for Jesus, for our two precious children, for a warm house, for food on the table, for Jacob's job, for many clothes, for running water, and the list goes on and on. That is just a short list of what we have to celebrate this Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thankful


We actually got a few minutes before church to snap some photos - thought this one was adorable. Charles in red, and Frances with her bow. They are so much fun and such a joy...Happy Thanksgiving - I know what I'm thankful for!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Very Special Baptism



This past Sunday, we had Frances baptized at our new church. It was very special for her as it was for us. Baptizing her is an outward symbol of welcoming her into a Christian family and charging us as parents to teach her about Jesus and how he died for us. What a big responsibility we have!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Charles' Bday Pics




Here are some pictures from Charles' birthday party. We had some friends over from the neighborhood to grill out. He loved all the attention plus the cake and ice cream! BTW, Jacob made and iced the cake - isn't he talented?!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

He's Growing Up!


Two years ago today...

One year ago today...

And today...Two Years Old!!!
Where has all the time gone? I cannot believe two years ago we were just welcoming little Charles into the world...how little we knew about babies! And today we are all over it. He has been such a sweet boy - from a sleepy little newborn to an energetic toddler...I cannot imagine not having him in our lives. He has been the perfect fit into our family - sweet, funny, mild-tempered, opinionated, and most importantly, one of the Lord's children - we love you so much Charles, and look forward to many more years to come!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Our little lion and lamb

Our sweet little lamb.

Sweet neighborhood friend and her little bunny at the potluck dinner. Our girls are 7 weeks apart. Notice the palm tree leaves in background - we are definitely near the beach!

Ready for the party to begin.

Day School party - not quite sure about the costume!

Halloween was fun this year - Charles dressed up as a big furry lion and Frances as an adorable lamb. There was a neighborhood potluck dinner then trick-or-treating afterwards. We had a good time with dinner then headed home after hitting one house. We figured Charles hasn't quite caught on to the candy thing yet and wanted to be around for trick-or-treaters when they stopped by.