Saturday, March 29, 2008

And Finally .... PICTURES!!

Okay, I know that I have promised pictures for a long time. Well, you don't have to wait any longer! There are a lot of pictures so just enjoy!

Sweet Andrew standing up next to Mom, reading about what he should be eating!

This is our last picture of Jonathan -- taken two days before his death. Sweet Andrew and his very sweet Daddy!

Avery and Andrew hanging out in the big chair!



Splishing and Splashing in the bathtub! Andrew does love bath time!

Andrew, Aunt Tobey and Uncle Lem hanging out at Hutch and Ashley's house.




Sarah Stonecipher X 2 playing tennis on the Wii. (for those who don't know, my sister-in-law's name is also Sarah Stonecipher -- yeah, it is a little crazy at Christmas time!)

Andrew's first snow ... he really didn't know what the think about it. Notice the snow on the hat ... his first snow ball thrown at him from his loving ShoSho!

Chillin' in the snow! He didn't stay out too long ... just enough for a couple of pictures.


Avery playing in the snow! ShoSho also threw a snow ball at her ... hit her in the head and made her cry ... but Aunt Tobey was there and that made it a little better! Cause everything is okay when Aunt Tobey is here!

Yes?!


Josh, Avery, and Bonnie -- what a cute family!
Tobey, Sarah, and Suzann (aka ShoSho!)
Grandad and Andrew posing for a cute picture!



March 12 was my 27th birthday! And what a day it was! Andrew sent me balloons at work! (thanks Grandma and Grandpa Stonecipher!) My mom and dad brought me balloons and a cake to work! And then we went to Red Lobster (yum!yum!) for dinner. And it as a blast! It was their goal (my family) that I receive 27 presents on that day. I'm sure I got that many, and much more. One of the first gifts were birthday hats and those little blower things that you have a parties! Well, who knew that Horton Hears a Who is so cute on a hat?! We all wore them! Our waitress thought it was pretty funny and we did get some interesting looks from those around us! But we didn't care. And then the gifts just kept coming ... and they all had meanings behind them ... well, most of the did. I got some cute socks that said "left foot" on one and "right foot" on the other ... and the meaning behind those "well, some days it may be hard to get dressed and this is just to help!" It was just little gifts like that that I recieved. It made that day so wonderful! I thought that it might possibly be a really hard day since it was my first birthday without Jonathan, but everyone made it a fabulous day! Thanks. Here are some pictures of us at dinner!

Sarah and Andrew -- he was more into his toys than our hats!



ShoSho and Grandad with their cute hats!

Uncle Lem and Aunt Tobey -- don't they look excited!
Yummy little fingers!
Blowing those little things with our hats on!

Avery and Andrew with their favorite Aunt Tobey! I think Tobey was the most excited about it!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Quick Update

I know, I know.... I haven't posted in a long time. But, I am still here. I have moved in Hutch and Ashely, now I just need to keep unpacking! It is great that they are so willing to open their home (and Wii!!!) to Andrew and I. Well, Andrew doesn't play the Wii, but he does like to watch us! And Andrew is really enjoying all the extra attention! I have gone back to work. It is my second week and things are going pretty good. My parents are still in the states and taking good care of me. I am so thankful that they are here. I know that this is short and with no pictures, but I'm at work on lunch break without my laptop with the pictures! As I said in my last post, I promise to post new pictures soon.

THANK YOU all so much for all your continued prayers and support. It continues to overwhelm me that I get some mail, email, post on facebook, or phone call everyday -- just someone wanting me to know that we are being prayed for. I don't think that "Thank You" is enough for all of that, but I don't know what else to say or do. Please do continue to pray. It helps more than you will ever know.

Monday, March 3, 2008

thoughts ...

Eleven days ... how fast things can change. The past 11 days have been unbeliveable. The outpouring of love and prayer is overwhelming. Andrew and I are definitely thankful for everyone who has been at the feet of God lifting us up. And we want you to know that God is answering your prayers. I have been just comforted by God and given the peace that passes all understanding. God gives us new mercies every morning -- just what we need for that day. At times, I find myself thinking that Jonathan is just out of town working and will be back soon, but then I remember what I've seen and know that he isn't here. He is in heaven. How GREAT is that?! He is no longer suffering from depression, and is in no pain. And part of me is so jealous of him -- that he is in God's presence every minute. And then the other part of me knows that I have a HUGE job here on earth. I don't know how many of you were able to attend the funeral service, but it was a true celebration on Jonathan's life. Todd Wilson, our pastor brought the message. And he preached the Word! But something he said that has stuck with me was ... "Let me tell you how he lived." And Todd then told how Jonathan lived -- a life sold out to our Savior. In everything Jonathan did, he wanted God to be glorified. What an amazing thought! I pray that I may live my life in such a way that when asked of me, "How did she live?" I pray that the answer will be, "she lived to glorify God."

Philippians 1:12 says, "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." Jonathan's death is very sad, however, the gospel will be advanced. Already, I have heard several stories from family and friends of how their life has already changed because of Jonathan! Praise God!

And some Andrew news for all those who are wondering ... he is doing great! He has been a little confused, I'm sure, with all the moving around and all the people. But, again, I am so blessed. He is a happy baby! He has gotten his first teeth. The two front bottom teeth have poked through the gums. It is so cute. I will put up pictures as soon as I get my personal computer hooked back up to the internet. Today was his six month check-up. He is growing so fast. He weighs in at 19lbs 2oz and is 29 1/4 inches long. He continues to be in the 90 -99 percentile. I've got a big boy! And I promise that pictures are coming soon!

Other news ... Andrew and I will be moving in with some good friends of ours that live in Millington -- Hutch and Ashley. We are so thankful that they have opened their home to us. Jonathan actually lived with them before we got married. Guess it is my turn now! Several others have wondered how they can help or what we need. And I would love to tell each one of you something specific that we may need. But, honestly, I'm not even sure. The number one thing we ask for is your continued prayers -- that we continue to rely on God for our strength and that He would continue to sustain us. And for those that want something more tangible, an account has been set up at Patriot Bank for Sarah and Andrew Stonecipher that you can deposit any amount into. You can locate a branch here. We are so very thankful for all of your support. We love you! Sarah and Andrew