prayer request ... and a quick update

Okay ... so it has been FOREVER since I've updated my blog. And in a few minutes you will find out why. But first, I must ask a big favor. It is for prayer for my sister, Tobey and her sweet little boy Malachi Duncan Turner. Tobey went into labor late last night and Malachi was born today at 4:16pm. He is a big one .. 8 lbs 14 oz!! But, he is in the NICU (granted... he is the biggest baby in there by far!). Mostly for observation and to wean him off the IV fluids and onto breastmilk. The reason they took him to the NICU was he wasn't crying as much as they wanted, more like a groaning/moaning sound. Turns out he had some fluid on his lungs. The nurse practioner sounded very positive in her update, but there is always a chance things could change. So, I ask you to pray for a quick recovery on Malachi's part, and for the nurses and doctors that are caring for him. I ask that you pray for Tobey and Lem as well. I couldn't imagine how hard it is to have your baby in the NICU. Pray for peace and that the lean on God.

Okay... now back to the horrible job of updating ... well, it is all a boy's fault!! I met a great guy in March (probably sometime around the date of my last post!). And well, he has kept me very busy since coming into my life. And last week, on September 26 ... I became his wife! I know... how exciting, right?? Well, Tony definitely makes me very happy! He is a blessing from God in so many ways. He is an answer to many prayers. Andrew and I wouldn't know what to do without him now! And Andrew just loves him ... it is too cute to watch them play and interact! It makes my heart happy to watch them together! So, I apologize for the lapse in posting ... and I cannnot promise it will be better from here on out. But, if you really want to keep up with us ... look me up on facebook ... Sarah Ashley Ward ... hehe... cute name huh?!?!

Here is a picture of us from our honeymoon ... in Jamaica!

Quick Andrew update ... He is two and full of himself. His favorite word is "No". His favorite activity ... being busy or just chillin to "watch TV" (which I hear often!). He is a blessing everday. It is so fun to see him learn more and more new things each day.

28th Birthday Dinner

My birthday was last Thursday, March 12th. I can't believe that I'm 28 ... my how time flies! As typical with my family, we all got together for dinner somewhere. I chose to have my birthday dinner at Benihana's. It was so much fun to all be together at such a fun place. Andrew loved watching Jorge, our chef, cook everything on the "hot" grill!

Andrew and I before eating

Opening a gift ... wearing my birthday crown!

Andrew trying to move those utensils just like Jorge did ... He liked watching him cook!

Avery was a pro at using the "automatic" chopsticks. I think she may have even eaten some food with them! She had to concentrate a lot!Andrew trying out the chopsticks ... I know it looks like he is about to poke his eyes out, but he is really just pinching his nose ... one of his new favorite things to do.

Watching Jorge cook was very tiring for Andrew.

My birthday cake. One of my patients made this delicious cake for me. I brought it to dinner with us.

A group picture ... after they sang two versions of Happy Birthday ... one in English and the other in Japanese.

Finally ...

Okay ... so I have some free time on this snow filled Sunday afternoon, so I'm going to update this blog. However, I'm not putting pictures up from the last three months. WHAT?!?! I know, that is the only reason that you follow this blog. It would take way TOO long to upload all the pictures that I have taken since November. But, no fear ... I am giving you some links to look at the pictures that I have uploaded on this wonderful site called Facebook! :-) I hope you enjoy them!

Andrew - fun, random photos of Andrew
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39300&id=762739690&l=04da3

Family Time - pics of my family when we went to dinner at Red Lobster
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=40502&id=762739690&l=38761



Christmas Card Pics -- all the pictures we took to get just the right one for our Christmas card
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42489&id=762739690&l=4ae86


December 2008
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53360&id=762739690&l=4c0c0


Christmas 2008
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53354&id=762739690&l=a7ecb


Josh's Surprise 30th Birthday Party
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53369&id=762739690&l=fdb9a


January 2009 http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53362&id=762739690&l=14965

Andrew's 18 month photo shoot -- This is my favorite album ... so make sure you at least look at this one! http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60867&id=762739690&l=c4ef9

Snow in March http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60990&id=762739690&l=cc666

Okay ... so now you are all caught up on our life, well, at least our life in pictures. Things have been going pretty well for us. We enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas with our family. Andrew loved being with everyone and getting lots of attention! He knows how to entertain a crowd!



Thank you for all the prayers and notes of encouragement over the past few weeks. It is hard to believe that we have made it past the one year mark. This past year has had some ups and downs, but God is faithful and has given strength each and every day! It is great to know that He has great and wonderful plans for us! I pray that each of us would live each day so that we glorify Him in all that we do!

...

I cannot believe that it has been 52 weeks ...

Oh my ...

I apologize ... I have done a HORRIBLE job of keeping this updated. I am not going to make any promises, but I will try VERY hard to work on updating this week. Thank you for all your continued thoughts, prayers, and concerns! They are very much appreciated!