Happy Birthday, Ian!!!

Our little man (who is not so little) turns 11 years old today! This past year seems to have flown by, but when we reflect on how God has blessed Ian throughout this year, we can see so many differences in his life. He has a new immediate and extended family that he loves and adores and is sooooo excited when they visit!! He still doesn’t like good-byes but they aren’t quite as traumatic as they once were. Physically, he has made so much progress and has grown a lot! His physical and occupational therapists have gone above and beyond in working with him (and us!) to achieve the goals they initially laid out for him. (We’ve moved on to another set of goals.) After a year of meetings and case conferences and evaluations and home-bound teaching, Ian gets to ride a school bus every day to a great school where he is surrounded by loving children and staff who are working very hard to find the best ways to teach him. He’s learning to use a communication device and a computer, which will open up a whole new world for him. He has some extra special friends from church, school and our neighborhood that he loves spending time with whenever he can.

Tom and I continue to marvel at God’s grace in our lives and the difference Ian has made to our family. His total excitement at the simplest things is a constant reminder of what’s really important. His sweet, happy spirit and that smile that instantly lights a room in spite of the challenges he has is always humbling. The big hugs and looks of adoration (especially for his dad) turn us to puddles many times a day. We are blessed beyond measure that God led us to Ian and is allowing us to be part of this little guy’s life.

Happy Birthday, Ian! We love you!!!

 The birthday boy with his special birthday hat

                                                             .....and his birthday balloons

Treats and treat bags ready to take to school

 11 years old!

One year ago today at 10 years old

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

30 years ago, on a very warm and beautifull fall day, we stood before lots of friends and family and pledged to love and cherish each other "till death do us part."  Today we are still loving and cherishing each other and enjoying the enormous blessings God has given us.  His grace has brought us thus far and his grace will "lead us home."

In honor of this momentous occasion, we decided to have the front of the house landscaped.  Here are the before and after photos:

This is when we first bought the house.

 This is after the old bushes were removed and we had painted the trim.

 Before....

 And another before shot

 After the landscaping was "installed"

This picture was taken in St. Thomas a couple years ago but it's the most recent picture I seem to have of the two of us. 

More pictures of beautiful Brenna

Ian got to meet Brenna today and was very excited to see all three of them.  He even willingly handed over the balloons he brought her.

 Awwwwww

 Drew and Elizabeth said she was sleeping a lot but she woke up for awhile when we were there so her crazy Grammy could stick the camera in her face again.

Meeting Great Mimi and Great Pa

Introducing.......

Brenna Noelle

entered the world at 10:01 p.m. last night, Oct. 15, 2010

7 lb. 14 oz.

19.5 inches

Beautiful!!!!!!!!

Enjoy these first pics and I'll post more after Ian meets his new niece.  He's very excited and keeps pointing to his tummy.  (I think this is one time when I might be glad that he can't ask questions.  :-)

 Mommy and baby shortly after her entrance

 Proud parents and adorable Brenna

 Taking it all in - especially the crazy grandparents in her face

 Daddy Drew, who made it through the delivery very well!

 Grandma Marty, aka Nana

 Papa Grande gets a turn

Grammy and Brenna

Catching Up

I got my camera out to make sure the battery is charged (so I'll be ready for a certain new grandaughter to make her appearance!) and realized that I had pictures that I never posted.  Some of them are just too good to not share (says the unbiased grandmother.)  First, from my most recent trip to Memphis and then, the KSBC baby shower for Elizabeth.  (If you read Elizabeth's blog these will pretty much be a repeat.)

 This is one of the outfits that Lindsay and I found for Olivia when we went shopping.  We played "dress-up" when we got home for as long as Olivia would tolerate it.

 I love, love, love this picture of Olivia smiling at her Daddy!

 Beautiful mommy-in-waiting at the shower.

 Welcome Brenna

 The decorations were beautiful and all in Brenna's nursery colors!

 Elizabeth and the anxious grandmas

The guest of honor with the ladies who put it all together.

Now, we are all just anxiously waiting for Brenna's arrival!!!!