Andrew Had a Party ...

... and it was a blast. We had Andrew's birthday party on Saturday. Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us. We enjoyed having each of you there!

Andrew visiting during the party

Ashley and Bob, Jonathan's dad... enjoying a rest ... (big thanks to Ashley who helped a ton with all the decorating in my house! I promise to post pictures of the house once I finish cleaning up the party mess!)

My sweet niece, Avery. Eating on the deck. Notice the HUGE backyard for Crutcher and Daisy (my labs) to run around. The enjoy it so much!
Andrew's funny face. He now does this everytime he goes up to this door! Too cute!
Andrew opening up his soccer ball!
Andrew and his new farm!


Reading the birthday cards! He is so smart!
Cheesin' for the camera
This is my new favorite picture! He is sitting in his new Thomas chair.
Opening gifts in the chair
"Can I have some?"



"Cake, please!?!"

Yummy Ice Cream Cake from Baskin Robbins (cookies-N-cream with chocolate cake)
Stuffing his face
Dirty hands
Uh-oh. My cake is all gone. Can I have more, please? (Andrew signed for "more" right before this picture was taken.)



More yummy cake

Finishing up
Just a Swingng ... AJ and Andy Wilson with Andrew
Tyler, Andrew and Chloe playing in the ottoman. Notice Chloe and Andrew. Chloe is about a month older. Loook how big he is!
We had some very dear friends from Kansas come and "crash" Andrew's party. Joel, Saca, and Elijah Fitzgerald. I knew Saca from Kenya. It was great to get to see her and meet her husband and her sweet little boy.

Andrew's Trip to the Zoo

Andrew's first trip to the zoo was so exciting ... at least, that is what I was told. His Aunt Tobey and Uncle Lem took Avery and him last Tuesday! They told me that he loved looking at all the animals ... especially the polar bears! We sent a camera along for the cute pictures we knew they would take. Enjoy!

Andrew and Avery ... entering the zoo! Don't they look excited!

Avery and Tobey, being silly!

Andrew and Avery ... peering into the grass

"I want to get in!"

Looking at the Polar Bears!

Close up with the Polar Bears

Classic picture with the animals in front of the zoo. And very typical expressions on both of their faces!

Group shot

Andrew enjoying Chick-fil-A after the zoo! Our Favorite!

six months...

To say that so much has changed in six months is probably an understatement. Six months ago today, my world was turned completely upside down. Six months ago, I lost my sweet Jonathan. At times, that six months seems like just yesterday. At others, it seems like years. This week has been a little difficult. Six months is a big milestone. But we have a bigger milestone to come on Sunday. Andrew's first birthday. Wow. This past year has been full of all the emotions. Some of the happiest, some of the saddest. But as I write this, my heart is being comforted by my everloving God, my Comforter. How wonderful it is to know that He is in and above all things. The words of MercyMe's song "Bring the Rain" say it so much better than I ever could.

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It’s never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you oh Lord

My only shelter from the storms

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know

There’ll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that’s what it takes to praise You

Jesus Bring the Rain

I am Yours regardless of

The clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what’s a little rain

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know

There’ll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that’s what it takes to praise You

Jesus Bring the Rain

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Is the Lord God Almighty

Written by MercyMe

You Are Invited ...

Hi. Just wanted to let each of you know that we are having a little party on Saturday... for Andrew's 1st Birthday! We just wanted to invite you to come -- if you just happen to be in the neighborhood! I sent out some invites, but realized that I didn't get enough... so, consider this your personal invitation. Just email me to get directions. Would love to see you!

ps - the party is Saturday, 2-4pm

My Favorite Time of the Day

One of my most favorite things about being Andrew's mom is the morning time. Andrew is so cute in the morning. Sometimes, he is still asleep, but most of the time he is awake, just laying in the bed. As soon as I come in and say, "Good morning, Andrew," he pops his little head up and just is smiling, typically with the pacifier in his mouth. His cute little smile and crazy hair is too cute. I actually remembered to bring the camera one day. Enjoy my favorite time!

Crazy hair
Good morning Mommy! Andrew likes to just hold his pacifier once he gets up, but he knows that it can't leave the bed. And look at those cheeks ... very chubby and kissable!