Happy 4 Months

After a long day at work, I come home to three beautiful healthy girls. Two of which come running to embrace me as I walk through the garage door, the other one smiling as I scoop her up in my arms – my littlest. Without exception dinner is in the works as my fabulous husband prepares yet another home cooked meal (what woman doesn’t love a man who can cook?) Shortly we sit down at the dinner table together and swap stories of our day. Then it’s off to homework, baths, and another bottle.

Today Isabelle is 4 months old. Aunt Becky actually witnessed Isabelle rolling over. What an accomplishment in her development.

Here is a recent picture Ellie took of Isabelle while playing.

Gators BCS Champs

The Gators took home the BCS National title for 2008. Tim Tebow again worked the team like FedEx...shipping by ground and air. Luckily our friends Chuck & Jennifer came by to share a victorious evening. Even Isabelle knows when it comes to orange & blue who to root for!

I had to include a pic of my baby girl. Go Gators!

Quick News Bulletin.....Tim Tebow is returning for his Senior year at UF! BCS 2009 LOOK OUT! Click link.

Happy Birthday Janet

In our family we love celebrating birthdays! Yesterday we had the honor of celebrating Aunt Janet's January birthday. We had lots of laughs during dinner. Afterwards we reminisced through one of Janet's many photo albums while she opened birthday gifts.

Make one wish!

Bicycles

We got outside today with the weather strangely warmer & let the girls ride their new bikes. Afterwards we took Isabelle out for a stroll around the cove and back.

Gator Bear!

Isabelle received her very own Build-a-Bear from Uncle Bobby, Aunt Shirley, Matt & Micayla. This isn't just any bear, it's a Gator bear all the way from Gainesville, FL. Our household will be gearing up for the big game on January 8th.

3 1/2 months old

Happy New Year 2009

Last night we attended our church service and shared in communion. Afterwards we rang in the new year at our house with family & friends. The girls even managed to stay awake. We attempted to sleep in this morning --- no such luck!

Jackson Christmas

Sunday we headed to Granny & Granddaddy’s house to share Christmas with our Jackson family. This is always a full day of visiting, eating, and swapping funny stories. This year we had an extra added bonus with several great-grandchildren singing. Would you believe there are fifteen great-grandchildren now with one on the way?! We also had a nice surprise with Uncle Richard & Aunt Melba from South Carolina with us. The three girls did great (considering no one napped much).

Ellie & Amelia are still on Christmas break. They will return to school January 6th. Amelia recently asked, “Daddy is Santa sleeping now?” I was curious as to what Bill’s answer would be. He looked at me, grinned and replied…“I guess so”.

Christmas Day

The girls had a big time Christmas morning. Ellie & Amelia got bicycles this year! They were thrilled to open all their gifts. This was also a special time since it was Isabelle's first Christmas. She was more amazed with the lights on the tree. We are very thankful for all our blessings this year.

Counting each day

The past couple of weeks have been somewhat a blur --- my days still run in 24 hour intervals. Isabelle continues to wake around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. Sometimes I think out of necessity and other nights just to greet me. She is however growing. I compared her 2 month picture against her 3 month and it is amazing to visually see the difference. She continues to “talk”. Her favorite thing to say is “I’m goood” (or at least that’s the interpretation I get). Aunt Becky is continuing to care for Isabelle throughout the week while Bill and I work. We are thankful for this added benefit.

Ellie and Amelia are now counting down the days left until Christmas. The other morning I heard Ellie explaining to Amelia whose gifts belonged to whom under the tree. It was sweet. I still am working through my last minute Christmas shopping.

Strangely this thought has been brought to my attention on two different occasions within the past week, so I wanted to share. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”. Corrie ten Boom. I do know the Lord speaks to His own; and in times past has chosen to whisper to my heart. Recently through my uncertainties and doubt the Lord spoke again to me. I love the way He is intimate and knows right where we are, with what we face. He is worthy of my trust.

Happy 3 Months!

Three Angels

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

to keep thee in all thy ways". Psalm 91:11

A dear friend was thoughtful enough to give us Christmas tree ornaments this year -- an angel for each girl. Such a wonderful reminder that the Lord has given his angels charge over us. This includes guidance to keep us, to go where others would not venture, to stay with us.

Christmas Parade

Bill and I bundled the girls up Saturday evening for Bartlett’s Annual Christmas Parade. Ellie and Amelia were charged with enthusiasm as we parked a good distance away and walked to find our family & friends. It was cold! Every year Santa Claus makes his grand entrance into our town riding on the top of a fire truck. The girls sat on the side of the curb all smiles as marching bands and floats passed them by. What a great way to welcome the Christmas season!

P.S. Isabelle slept through the whole thing!