one, One, ONE!!!

Wow! Today is the day.One year ago our beautiful little girl was born.
She has made our hearts full and brings so much joy to our lives.

Always smiling. Full of life. A blessing.

We love you Alivia Aria Michelle!

Encouragement for the Day

"Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward." -C.S. Lewis
"A year from now you will wish you had started today." -Karen Lamb
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." -Mary Anne Radmacher
"Never, never, never, never give up." -Winston Churchhill
"Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth." -Unknown
"If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" 
-Steve Jobs
"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." -Tony Robbins
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." 
-Mark Twain
"Even if you stumble, you're still moving forward." Unknown

Wonder, Confusion, Assuredness

It's been a while since I've posted anything. That usually stems from not knowing what to say or having too many questions to write down without sounding all over the place. Ultimately, I know that Jesus is my answer for all things, so I'm not discounting that by any means :)
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Do you ever wonder about right and wrong? Do you feel like, without a doubt, you can differentiate the two? Do you ever get confused and caught up in knowing what to do when everything around you feels like it's moving in all different directions and you don't know which way to take? Is there anything/one in your life that gives you assurance?
Unfortunately, I can't say that I have all the answers for you. I wish I had them for both of us, but I don't.

The only sure answer I have is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and through Him salvation is found. I know that there are ups and downs when it comes to things and people. He's the only one I know who stays the same. His love will never waiver with your feelings or actions. He is Love. You can be sure that if you keep your eyes fixed on Him, no matter what uncertainties lie in your path, He will get you through. I also know that sometimes it's a lot easier said than done. It takes a lot of trust, faith, and belief, things that I am still working on.

Maybe you have the same questions I do or you know what's it's like to walk through and come out on the side of trusting and believing in God.

Feel free to leave your mark!

'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms,
hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with a grateful heart.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:15-17

There is always something to be thankful for.
Here are some of mine:

*My children who bring the most joy to my life & remind me of the calling God has placed upon me.
*My husband for always loving this crazy woman of his :)
*Family far and near that I love so much.
*A friend & neighbor who happens to be a Dr. (this is a luxury) - we've needed him this week for our sick girl. 
*Unexpected friends and instant connections - ones that make me a better me and I a better them.
*For the past and those who sacrificed so much to make our present and future a better place to be.
*Above all else - I'm thankful that when everything else seems to be out of control, unreachable, unfair, or just plain wrong in the world - God - Creator of all things - loves me, knows me, and is here for me {and you}.

What are you thankful for this season?

Walk this Way

It's Official!

Today, while we were at the doctor again, Alivia took her very first step. It was a big girl step too.

No hands mom :) We can't believe how incredibly fast she is growing up-what are parents to do?

When she starts feeling better and is more interested in continuing her walking journey - I'll try to get video of it and post it. Her favorite young men (brothers) in the whole world will be so proud when they find out.

Be blessed in your walk today too :)

Happy Birthday Aidan

 

9 years ago we welcomed a beautiful baby boy to our family. He introduced me to the great joy of motherhood and was perfect in every way :) Today he is kind, thoughtful, giving and growing into quite a remarkable young man.

Aidan,
I would not be the person I am today without you in my life. You are a blessing to our family.
Happy Birthday!

With all my love,
Mom

Happy Birthday Mema!

Today is my Grandma's 70th birthday. I love her so much. She is quite an amazing lady and has taught me so much and she may not have even known the kind of legacy she was creating for this wife and momma. Thank you Grandma.

As long as I can remember you rose early to pray, fold laundry, and make meals - specifically lunch for Grandpa which you continue today. I never realized what an impact that would make on me, but I am forever grateful for your diligence in making your home and family a top priority.

I'll never forget when you made lunches for me. I always felt so special because for one my Grandma made it, but also because you would always add a bowl of apple butter (my fav.). That sweet gesture brightened many of my elementary days :)

Mema you are the best!!!
Happy Birthday to You!

Love,
Amber

Dream On

I'm back! It's been about 2 months since I've blogged. Basically I've had all these thoughts in my head that I couldn't express into words. So, today I was inspired to blog again when I was helping Amos (my 5 yr old) write his letters. I enjoyed every line, circle, & hump that his little hands made :) Enjoy the post.

Desire: A sense of longing or hoping

What do you desire in life?

My biggest desire right now is to be a great wife & mom. I want to stay at home with my children - schooling them and having a beautifully kept home for my husband to rest in after a long day.
I want a happy, healthy (spiritually & physically) and secure family. I want our home to be a refuge for us & for others.

I know none of which I long for can be possible without Christ. I give all glory to Him for changing our lives so that even a hint of my desire could become our reality.

I am undoubtedly a work in progress and for me it takes a great amount of discipline to continue growing in God. It isn't a cake walk, but it's so worth it :)

I know it's hard to see past current circumstances especially when they're difficult, but don't give up, press on, because if you do, the reward is great.

Psalm 37: 3-6

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, 

your vindication like the noonday sun.

Happy Anniversary

Arron ~

I love you. I love you. I love you. 

You are everything to me. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband. You are patient and loving. I'm thankful for that day 9 years ago when we said 'I do'.

We have made beautiful children and you are such an awesome dad.

Thank you for living life with me.
I look forward to many more full years.

Your Bride,
Amber

Growing

Alivia - Happy 3 months! I wish you weren't growing up so fast, but I love watching you grow. You learn new things all the time & your giggles are so fun. I love you.

Amos - You are so smart. It's neat to see you write letters & numbers and be excited about it. You have the most lively and entertaining personality. I love you.

Aidan - You are growing into a wonderful young man. You are so helpful & responsible. God sure knew what he was doing when he made you the big brother. I love you.

We are truly blessed with pretty cool kids.

Psalm 127:3

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."