Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Birthday Wish


Well, it's that time again!
According to my every-two-year-birthday-tradition, I would like to make a request of you all.
If you are a reader of this blog, would you please do me the honor of leaving a comment on this post letting me know so?

You see, blogging is a hobby of mine and a wonderful way to stay connected with friends and family around the globe.  However, as much as I enjoy posting for my own creative enjoyment, I always appreciate learning who out there is actually reading these posts!  And even if you've commented before, please do so again.  I would imagine my readership changes greatly every two years, and it would do my heart good to know who is currently following this blog!

Leaving a comment is quite simple.  Even if you don't have a Google account of any sort, you should be able to comment anonymously.  Thank you so much in advance! :)

And if you want to know how old I am today, just add 18 candles to the cake above! ;)

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Of Cinnamon Rolls and Sleeping Habits

Nathan is the cinnamon-roll expert around these parts, and has developed quite a reputation amongst our church family for bringing delicious homemade cinnamon rolls to various breakfast functions.

The other day, I caught him in action with my camera!


Fresh from the oven and ready to be iced!
(You can find the recipe we use here.)

Today, I went to check on Isaac during his morning nap and found him like this.  It's the first time our little roly-poly has rolled over to sleep!

He is so funny because he loves to roll but doesn't care too much for being on his tummy.  He works so hard to flip from his back to his belly and then gets frustrated once he gets there!  We're still working on tummy-time being a happy time! :)

Nathan hard at work on his sermon for tomorrow.  He just started preaching verse-by-verse through II Peter after completing 1 Peter.  Check out the sermons under the tab at the top! 

Isaac during his afternoon nap.  Another demonstration of his love for a blankie over his face.  Sweet boy!  He's done so well graduating to his big crib in his own room.  I think he likes the fact that there's so much to look at around him.  We started out this past week just giving him his naps in the big crib, and then tucked him in for his first night there last night.  He slept wonderfully well, and so did we! 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A Bit of Blog Potpourri

A lot has been going on here lately, which explains the lack of blog posts!  In an attempt to play catch-up, I thought I would share a smattering of photos that represent recent happenings.

Two weeks ago, I pulled up in the church/parsonage parking lot after a quick trip to the grocery store to find these two young ladies sitting in the shade nearby.  One of them had tried knocking on the office door, but since it was a Friday, the church office was closed.  It turns out these are two sisters, Julia and Gina, from Germany who are here in the States bicycling across the country.  Having pursued American Studies as their major in college, they wanted to see America up close and personal.  They started out in Philadelphia and are heading to California as their final destination.

Julia and Gina had come by our church to ask if they might stay the night in the fellowship building.  They have found along their journey that churches (especially Baptist ones!) have been very hospitable toward them.  They are Christian girls themselves and appreciate the open doors their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have shown them.  They have also stayed in fire stations, community centers, and campgrounds along the way.

It was such a blessing to meet these sweet young ladies!  They ended up staying two nights at our invitation so they could do their laundry and have a day of rest.  We enjoyed having them over for a couple of meals and hearing of their many adventures!

A roly-poly has arrived at our house!

Exactly one day after turning three months old, Isaac figured out how to roll from his back to his belly.  He is still learning the skill and often gets his arm stuck underneath him, but he is desperate to be mobile, so nothing is stopping this little guy!

Isaac's new favorite way of sleeping (just like his daddy who sleeps under the covers when it gets light outside)!  He adopted this little blankie a few weeks ago as the one he likes to cuddle in bed with and now pulls it over his face for nearly every nap.  Thankfully, it is very light-weight and breathable, but I still check on him frequently to make sure he has enough air! :)

All dressed up and ready for the wedding of Jada and Luis!


Isn't that a beautiful pip organ adorning the walls?

Right before the ceremony began, Isaac fell asleep and slept all the way until the reception!  It worked out perfectly since I had to join Nathan on the platform to sing!

Nathan and Luis

Here comes the bride!

Addressing the people gathered.

Listening to the charge.

It was Nathan's first wedding to officiate, and he did a wonderful job!

The first kiss!

Mr. and Mrs. Luis Giménez

Thursday, May 30, 2013

A Shower for Jada


This weekend, my good friends from RGBI days, Jada Thomas and Luis Giménez are getting married!  I am so excited for both of them!  Nathan will be performing the ceremony and we are both singing in the wedding, so it's back to Colorado we go tomorrow!

Here are some pictures from Jada's recent shower that I had the privilege to attend!

On the menu: miniature quiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, and build-your-own crepes.  Yummy!

Guests arriving.

The happy bride and groom!

With my sweet friend.


Jada's sister, Jireh, running games.


"How well do you know Luis?"

Jada's mom and sisters-in-law.

The lovely bride-to-be.

My sleeping little one.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Anniversary Trip to Estes Park, Pt. 3


The drive into town.

Fishing again at Lake Estes - this time it was much warmer!

Lots of nibbles, but no catch.

Cutie Pie.

Such a happy boy!

He loves snuggling with his blankie.

I'm pretty sure Anne Shirley would dub this "the Lake of Shining Waters." :)

It was so lovely and peaceful.

A beautiful morning to be out in God's creation!

After fishing for awhile, we decided to walk the path around Lake Estes.  

It was almost a four-mile hike with beauty on every side! (I must admit, though, we were glad to finish that walk, eat lunch, and return to our hot tub where we could soak our tired feet!) 

The historic and stately Stanley Hotel is seen at a distance.

Lots of elk were out that morning!

It was neat to see them up close and personal!

There is a herd of them crossing the lake.


The quaint little downtown area of Estes Park was fun to walk through!





We enjoyed pizza...

...and dessert!

It was a wonderful trip we are so thankful to have had the opportunity to take!