Father's Day Cards!!!

It is so hard shopping for Father's day cards these past three years. I wish I could buy my dad one and mail it to heaven. There is so much I want to say to him and so much I want him to say to me. Through this whole transition process (our move to South Africa) all I have wanted to hear from him is... 

• "Go and be faithful!" 
• "I am proud of you!" 
• "I am behind you 100%!" 
• "Don't forget that you are a daugther of a King, so stop worry about the What, Where, When, or How!"

I miss you daddy and I love you very much. Can't wait for the day when I can be in your arms again!!!  Happy Father's Day!!!

While we were away in Albany we took Davis to the cemetery to show him my parent's grave.  It was very emotional for me, but I was so glad that I took Davis and had the opportunity to explain where Papa Ray and Grammy Judy are. It brought me comfort having my two favorite boys with me.

Davis' new bed

Davis has had a lot of transition these last few months so we didn't press the issues with him sleeping in our bed very much.  At the moment we are living with Noah's sister (before we move to South Africa) and all three of us are sharing a one bedroom room.  We of course have use of the rest of the house, but all our earthly belongings are in one room.

Back to Davis in our bed!  He has been there for months and we wanted to break the habit but decided to hold off because of our move to Selah's.  So night after night he was in our bed.  He use to go to bed by himself but that quickly changed to going to bed with us and one of us having to tickle his back to get him to fall asleep.  Don't ask!!! This needed to stop, so three weeks we got him a bed and he got to pick out his own sheet set.  We told him that he would get a sticker every night he goes to bed by himself and that got him very excited.  He has finished his first challenge and now on to the second.  We are so proud of him and he hasn't given us any problems with bedtime, but I have to say I wake up every morning with him curled up next to me.  That will be the next thing we tackle!!!!

He loves his Toy Story Bed!!!

Annie's Playground

Last week Davis and I went with a friend of mine to Annie's Playground in Bel Air, MD.  It was a really cool playground and the boys had a lot of fun.  This little girl was struck and killed by a drunk driver when she was five years old.  Her family and friends decided to raise the funds and build this playground in her honor.  Very sad but this family took a tragic situation and made something good come out of it.  This would be a fun family outing!!!

8 Years!!!

Eight years ago I made the best decision of my life. I said "I do" to the love of my life! Now eight years later I am happier then the day we meet.  I never knew life would be this great and I am so thankful and blessed that God placed Noah in my life.  He knew what I needed in a spouse and He delivered ten fold. 


As we are about to embark on this new chapter, there are many things going through our minds.  Some good and some scary thoughts.  We are going into a time of many unknowns and having to place total trust in the Lord and each other.  As I think about this next chapter, there is no one that I am more willing to cling to then Noah.  Knowing that he is going to be with me, makes me ready to step into any challenges, hardships, or joys.


Noah, You are my love and I am so honored to walk life with you each day.  As we walk together in this new chapter let us cling to God and each other (three strands that cannot be broken) and make this the BEST year ever!!!!  I love you with both my Kidneys (inside joke)!!!!  Happy Anniversary sweetie!!!!

Brayden Zieg

Noah posted this on his blog and I wanted to share it on mine.  My heart goes out to the Zieg family and I am so proud of how far they have come!

It is hard to believe that two years ago today, Tricia and I received the frantic call that Brayden Zieg (Our Dear Friend's 17 month old son) had drowned in their backyard pool!Davis and Brayden were born an amazing 2 days apart. Michelle and Tricia carried together. Since Jake (Brayden's Daddy) and I had been friends for 25 years, we knew our sons would be buddies too. We are still shocked that Brayden is gone. The pain of it actually feels quite fresh to us...which makes our hearts for Jake and Michelle ache even more.

Well, if anyone could find a way to bring good out of bad, the Zieg's can! Today, I am thrilled to tell you that last week they launched "Because of Brayden," a non-profit organization to raise drowning prevention awareness. Click here to check out the website. (Michelle and Lauren, Brayden's Aunt have co-founded it.)

We are so proud of Jake and Michelle and example that they have been to us all. Today, we really miss Brayden. But we are also super, super thankful for the Lord Jesus and his promise of eternal life.

(Picture is of Davis and Brayden in 2007.)

Six Flags!!!

This summer our family got season tickets to Six Flags America (15 minutes from our house).  You really can't beat the price to have fun on rides and enjoy the water park.  We paid the same price as a one day admission!

This past Friday we took are family day into the gates of Six Flags.  The weather was perfect and Davis had a great time riding on all the kiddie rides.

Summer is Here!!!

It has been so hot these last few days and it seems we have been outside a lot.  I am not one to enjoy the heat but I have a son that does!!!! I think I am trying to get myself ready for South Africa's summers. :)  We have had some fun in the sun!!! To kick off the summer weather, Davis and his cousins dived into their kiddie pool.  They had a blast and it was a joy to watch them have fun.  They were grinning from ear to ear the whole time.

James and Joshua's backyard is the greatest!!!!