It has been way too long, once again, since my last post. I've attached a few pics of Myra Kate... she is nearly 18 months old! Some are of dressing up in her tutu and in Colorado at Ross' grandparent's house. We are having fun exploring the world and learning new things everyday! She has learned what a "video" is form our long drive to CO. Her Grandma and Grandpa bought a portable DVD player for the trip so Myra could watch videos. ( It was a life saver!) Since then, she wants to watch "vee-o" all the time! I, of course, narrow it down to once a day, but she asks often. Usually when she is tired. Anyway, she loves to sing and dance with the videos.

Sunday night, we had a good laugh with some friends from church and a few teenagers. After small group, Ross pumped up the jam (rap) and Myra began busting her moves! It went on for nearly half an hour! It was hilarious and oh, so cute! We laughed and explained this is why we don't go to movies-- we have our own entertainment at home!

I don't have much to update... we have been busy, I mean BUSY, with all the summer activities a youth minister gets to do! We've had fun, but we are looking forward to school starting up so we can be more scheduled again.

We are living each day in God's love and grace and are so thankful for our family, friends, and church. We are challenged by our teens constantly which helps us grow and seek God's hand more and more. We have decided to try to look at the "progress" in baby steps and focus not on the numbers, but in the spiritual growth going on in the hearts of our teens. It can be hard to measure that, but God gives us glimpses every now and then that so encourage us!


I'm thinking of giving art lessons to kids this fall. It's a little intimidating thinking of teaching something that has been so personal to me. I keep thinking if when I was a child, I had opportunities to explore art, I might have known sooner that it was a love and talent I had. I would have done many things differently in college. But there is still time to learn more and grow! I think teaching the kids will be fun and may give us a little extra money so I can do some of my own creative projects at home.

I check out all of your (my friend's) blogs often... I just don't always post. And Kaci-- if you read this, I've tried commenting on your blog to get back to you about your friend with Lupus. I can't comment. hmmm. Find me on facebook and email me, girlfriend!

Count your blessings! Below is one of mine!!

Myra is ONE!

I can't believe it! Myra is growing so fast. She walked across the room today for the first time. Everyday seems to hold its share of "firsts". Many of you have not had the opportunity to meet Myra, yet. So I'm going to take a moment ad tell you about our precious Myra. I never brag about my child, but since it is her birthday blog, I'm going to take the liberty.
She is a joy. Myra smiles and waves at everyone! Going to the grocery store with her takes a while because she makes everyone feel like they are her new best friend. Myra makes the silliest faces! She has so much personality in that little 21 pound frame! You never wonder what she is thinking... her expressions speak louder than her goo's and ba-ba-ba's! Myra picks up on things very fast. She is smart. Don't let those big blue eyes full you when she sneaks off to get into something and looks at yu with that, "Who me?" gaze. Most of all, Myra is so loving! She blows kisses in her sleep! She loves to cuddle and hug. Her little "aaww" sound she makes when she hugs your neck, her stuffed animals, or her friends just melts my heart! She truly is a big bundle of love! She enjoys books and balls. She reads books during the day about every 15 minutes. Then she gets up and chases a ball around or helps with the laundry. Myra is our sweet miracle from above and every day is a reminder of how great our God is!

Well, a year ago I was wondering how I was going to survive this amazing adventure of motherhood. Sleepless nights, painful nursing, sore body, weird emotions... things nobody tells you about giving birth was all very overwhelming. It was the most exciting and amazing time of my life as well! The precious little baby in my arms was given to me from my Father above and I was filled with such joy and awe. A year later I am still awestruck. I am still healed of Lupus and enjoying life with Ross and Myra as I had dreamed of doing. Here's a shout out to all my prayer warriors! PRAISE GOD for you!

I've attached some pics of Myra's Birthday. We had all been sick with bronchitis so we look a little pooped. We didn't get to enjoy a cake made by me... but the party went on!

As you view our pics, say a little "praise prayer" for the blessings in our life and yours!

These are some pictures of Christmas. They are a little late in coming. I'll have more from her b-day soon! Can you believe she is one!!!???!!!
Hugs to all my friends and family!