Go Go Mommy!

So I just posted a video that I showed last Thursday at CRU... and I feel equally obligated to show a video that "aired" for the first time that night as well.  It was my "intro" video that the emcee played before I got up to speak (it was a surprise to me).  Really... there isn't much I need to say about it, except that my husband is awesome for putting it together, and my girls are so much fun!  I smiled the entire time!

All Is Grace

I spoke last Thursday at our CRU weekly meeting and this song was at the conclusion to my talk.  The pictures are images from my journey toward grateful living.  It's a beautiful song.  So here is "All Is Grace" by Shaun Groves... enjoy.

Lots Of Love

Here's the scene:  Avery walks up to Madi and cups her face in her hands.

Avery:  Madi, look at me.  Look at my eyes.
Madi:  [Looks at Avery]
Avery:  Madi, I love you.  Pause.  God loves you.  Pause.  And, we get to watch a show!

I just had to laugh.

I Smile

I am exhausted.  But isn't that just the plight of every mom? 

However, in my exhaustion, I smile. 

I smile at Avery dancing like a crazy woman to a Michael Jackson song. 
I smile at Madi saying, "Night night Cayeb (Caleb)" to her new little cousin.
I smile at driving with the window down in the middle of February... even with snow on the ground!
I smile at my girls laughing hysterically about who knows what.

I promise I will re-enter the blog world... I'm certain you will smile too once I finally get some pics of my little cuties posted. 

I really need to figure out how to get this whole blog posting consistency thing down!

9 years

On December 14th Brian and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary.  It was so fun!

Horse drawn carriage ride through Old Town Fort Collins followed by dinner and jazz music at Jay's Bistro.  Yep.  It was awesome.

I am so grateful for my husband. 

Grateful for the way he makes me laugh.
Grateful for his intentional way of living.
Grateful for his smile.
Grateful for how he cares for me and our girls.
Grateful.

Caleb Anthony Taylor

My precious sister went into labor 8 weeks before her due date.  After a scary night and day, Caleb Anthony Taylor was born.  Weighing in at a whopping 3lbs. 5oz. and measuring 17 inches long HE IS BEAUTIFUL.

He is also in intensive care.  He is currently on oxygen as well as antibiotics to ward off any infections along with dopamine to help regulate his blood pressure.  He has great color and is doing remarkably well.

Andrea was a champ!  She is feeling pretty good and recovering well.  Her and Aaron could sure use your prayers.  As you can imagine, a surprise like this is a lot to take in and they are understandably overwhelmed at the journey they are embarking on.

I read today, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  Jn. 14:27

Please pray...

For Caleb's blood pressure to regulate so they can take him off of dopamine

For Caleb's lungs to begin functioning well apart from the respirator

For Andrea to heal well and find a balance between trips to the hospital and taking care of her 3 kids at home

For the Lord to be near Andrea and Aaron and bless them with new mercies each day 

That in the midst of this journey of waiting that God would bless this family with peace

For Jesus to bring His glory and peace in the midst of this situation to the nurses at the hospital

Here he is.  A precious little boy.

Tis The Season

The girls (and I) have LOVED all the fun of this season!

Our house is decorated top to bottom
Christmas music is always playing
Snow is on the ground
Cookies have been baked
Gifts have been given
We are doing a Jesse Tree Advent... so great
The daily countdown is ON

And... Avery and I have done some really fun Christmas crafts.  Here are a few...

1 ice cream cone, 1 cup frosting, Handful M&Ms and sprinkles... you've got a Christmas Tree

Swim Lessons

Just finished some more swim lessons with the girls.  They both did great, although Avery still freaks out every time her face touches the water.  Madi is pretty much a fish.

One Final Fall Post...

So I know that these pics are a few weeks old, but I had to post them because I loved them so much!

My last post for the fall of 2011.

A pile of leaves is a great toy.  Sheer JOY.