The Preacher's Wife

Abbey works the camera

I cannot believe that my baby turned 1!  She is so funny and full of life.  We get a new glimpse into her personality every day. 

She is a talker.  In fact, she is much more concerned with talking than walking.  She is finally taking steps but still not convinced that walking is a better form of transportation than crawling.

Her favorite word (and person) is Da Da but she also says tons of other words like Bubba (for her brothers), yes, dress (although one could argue that yes and dress are the same word), uh oh, hey, and many many other "words" that only she knows what they mean.  She has stopped saying Momma, I guess she doesn't see the need since she can get my attention by saying "ahhh!"

She loves purses, phones and keys.  That's my girl!  Her favorite songs are "The Wheels on the Bus" and "If You're Happy and You Know It,"  and will join in with the hand motions if she feels up to it.  She is a joy to have in our family.

Here are a few of her 1 year pictures...

 

Look whooo turned 1 this weekend...

Can you believe she went from this...

to this...

We had a great little owl themed birthday party.  And Abbey certainly delivered on enjoying her personal cake.  I can't believe she is already 1. 

 

   

    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't throw out the baby with everything but the kitchen sink bath water

Snuggles and Sneezes

      
Graham and Abbey have been under the weather this week with the Flu.  So we have been taking it easy.  Abbey has had a pretty rough fever for several days.  It finally broke today some time during her 4 hour hibernation/nap, she woke up drenched in sweat.  Graham only had a fever one night but has been sneezing like crazy.

We have done a lot of snuggling.  Yesterday Graham watched Lion King all the way through for the first time.  I think he almost cried when Mufasa died.  Abbey has spent a lot of time in my lap and in my arms.  Today we resume life as usual (and pray the rest of us don't get it).

Say cheese, PLEASE!

I am kind of funny about what I think makes a picture good.  Honestly, I know this is old fashioned, but I really like when everybody is looking at the camera and smiling.  I know, a lot of creativity is lacking on my part here.

As you know with young children, this can be quite difficult to acheive.  Here are a few pictures taken of my kids over the holidays I thought you might enjoy...

And one that finally satisfied me!

 

 

CODE ORANGE REVIVAL Update: Code Orange Revival starts tonight!  We are kicking it off with Pastor Craig Groschel.  You can join us at Blakeney or Matthews at 7pm or live online at our new Elevation 24 Hour Network.

A bit of bragging about my kids...

As all kids do this time of year, our kids have been busy little perfomers and I though I would share a few videos with you!

Elijah began taking piano lessons this fall.  He had his first recital this winter and, personally, I think he stole the show. 

Here he is just before the recital began.  He looks so nervous!

Here he is playing a Christmas medley of Go Tell It on the Mountain and Away in a Manger.

 

Graham is up next.  He is in 3 year old preschool a few days a week.  Here he is with his dad.  I had to get a full shot of his precious outfit.

And here is Graham singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

 

And we cannot leave Abbey out!  She is all over the place and becoming increasingly difficult to photograph :)

I have been working with Abbey on how to be a nurturing mother lately.  Here she is giving her baby kisses...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

     

 

Thankful

November is suddenly upon me.  I have no idea where October went.  This time of year I find myself feeling extra thankful.  I thought I might take one day each week leading up to Thanksgiving to express my thankfulness and allow you to express yours too.

Today I am thankful for my beautiful baby girl, Abbey.  She is truly the best baby on the planet.  She has cut 3 teeth without missing a wink of sleep at night.  I am so blessed.  And not just because God gave me a baby girl when I had two boys, but because God gave me the easiest baby ever in the midst of a very busy season for our family.  Abbey is the most amazing blessing to our family. 

So, I would love to hear from you, what are you thankful for today?

 

 

PS I am quite proud of myself for taking this picture while wearing Abbey in my sling :)

Hooked on the brothers

Pumpkin Patch Tradition

Every year for the past 3 years we have gone to Riverbend Pumpkin Patch in Midland, NC.  It is such a wonderful little place that we have really grown to love.  I thought you would enjoy seeing some of the pictures I took.