Look at the difference...

I didn't realize how thin Brynne used to be. I mean I was frustrated with her not being able to gain weight and wearing size 0-3 month clothes until she was over 8 months old but I really never realized how thin she looked until I took the picture below and compared it with the picture on our blog header....WOW! How awesome is that? She weighed 18-12 yesterday!!! Thank you Lord!

I stand in awe...

Saturday was the benefit for Brynne and I cannot tell you how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends, family and communities in our support system. Over 300 people were there, some of whom we didn't even know. They just heard or read about Brynne and they showed up. What a testament to God's unending faithfulness. I had a conversation with Luanne Terry about how shocked we were about the turn out and she said something I will never forget. She said, "Sometimes I wonder if God gets irritated with us when we are shocked at what He does. I mean, we ask Him for something, He does it, and then we're shocked? Doesn't He tell us that He's going to do it and yet we're still shocked?" There was definitely some silence after that one...what a humbling experience.

I was humbled in many more ways on Saturday...from people traveling from other cities and even other states to be there, to complete strangers taking the time to bless us, to a group of wonderful ladies taking their entire day to make sure every last baked good was sold! That's all in addition to the many people that cooked, cleaned, served and most importantly have prayed for Brynne (& the rest of us!)

This morning on the way to work I was listening to the radio and the hymn "I Stand Amazed" came on. I think it expresses exactly what has been on my heart for the last two days.

I stand amazed in the presence
of Jesus the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me,
a sinner, condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
is my Savior's love for me!

Words cannot express our gratitude to all of you that have been such a blessing to us. We pray that God will continually bless you for being such a wonderful living example of His love and mercy.

Holy Cow...It's been three months!

I was just reading a few other blogs when I looked over and saw that my last update was 3 months ago. Wow! I mean what else have I been doing that I have avoided my blogging responsibilities :) Anyway, lots of things have been going on and it's on my weekend plan to get a full report done and posted by Monday. It's a plan...not a promise!

Brynne - 7 months

I finally had a few seconds to snap some shots yesterday...here are Brynne's 7 month pics...

From Brynne 7 months

From Brynne 7 months

From Brynne 7 months

She's way too smart!

Abby just sent me this picture on my phone...I would've never thought to hold a bottle with my feet!


And Daddy was pretty proud of these pics...

And here's my new favorite pic...

Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday...yes, I love it more than Christmas, Thanksgiving, and especially more than Valentine's Day. My favorite things about it are that you don't have to worry about finding gifts, cooking a big meal or dressing up and you still get to hang out with your favorite people! I was raised in a very patriotic family and I love my country.
I'm thankful for those who have and do put their lives in danger to protect mine, I'm very proud of my grandfathers, dads, friends and former students who have/do serve and am very thankful for the freedoms we have today.
Six years ago, I got another reason to love this day...Craig proposed on July 4, 2003 under the fireworks. It was perfect. It's been an awesome six years...I love you, Craig!
This year we went to our friends Michael & Missy's house and I got to get some great pics of Koda & Brynne and some fireworks. I wanted to get a pic of all four us but I never could track Koda down...he had a blast.
Here's some of the pics...God Bless You & God Bless America!

Craziness

I was just reminded that it's been almost a month since we got out of the hospital! Wow, time flies. We've had lots going on and lots more to come. I've got a ton of pictures to post once I actually sit down and do it but Mom emailed me this picture of Brynne and I thought I'd post it so you can all see how good she looks. She's doing great. GI appointment went well last week and she weighed 12 lbs 3 oz. (she gained 1 lb & 1 oz in two weeks!). ENT appointment this Thursday.


Thank you Lord for your continual faithfulness and showing it through friends, family and happy babies!