Makes Me Wanna STOMP!

Click on Joshua's picture to see a video of him "singing," talking and playing today. Also, today we have to say Happy Birthday, Uncle Mike!

Juicy Fruit of the Spirit #5: Kindness

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

2 Peter 1:3-8

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When I think of people that are kind, I smile. There is nothing better than a smile on a day when you most needed it, a card that comes in the mail at just the right moment, or a "random act of kindness" that you are blessed by or are privileged to witness. Kindness is one of those attributes that make you feel good down to the very bottom of your heart. Please join me in praying for Joshua to grow up to be a person who not only displays great kindness but truly feels kindness toward others. I have faith that he will be! I can already see kindness in him and his little blue eyes.

If You Think I'm Cute, You Should See My Daddy!

This adorable expression is on the front of Joshua's outfit (a gift from Aunt Erica, AKA Nanny Jo). It's amazing how much Joshua resembles his daddy. Here are a few pictures from when Shawn was little and some Joshua pictures that look like them. Notice that stare in the first set of pictures. Shawn's mom said "we've seen that look before."Here's another set of Shawn smiling and Joshua smiling. They look so much alike!

A Great Time

Our anniversary was amazing. Missy, Shawn's sister, sent us these adorable froggy chocolate truffles - too cute (& delicious)! Shawn surprised me by coming home from work early and having these beautiful flowers and a small heart-shaped ice cream cake. I also had some treats for him and a book of encouraging sentiment about what an awesome husband he is. Mom & Jamie came over to watch Joshua (and brought a very nice gift for us - thank you!) while we had a very romantic candlelight dinner at the Belvedere, using a gift card that the church had gotten us a long time ago for the computer volunteer work Shawn had done for them. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was ideal, but it was the company that was most impressive. We had a wonderful time, and on the way home we stopped and bought Shawn some baseball cards. Last night, Joshua slept through the entire night and didn't even wake up once. I was so pleased since he hadn't slept much at all the evening or day before. :) That was his little gift to us.

Joshua has been delightful all day. This morning I gave him a bath, which was the first time I've ever done that by myself. Since he's now big enough to sit up in the little tub pretty well on his own, it was much easier for me to quickly get him clean and get him dried and dressed. We've also played quite a bit. In these pictures, you'll notice that he's now grabbing at things and moving them on his own, like him "driving" below. Right now he's resting while I am grading case studies (which are boring me out of my mind - thus the break to post on the blog). Beth said that the class did extremely well last night while she was presenting, which is a blessing to me. I do enjoy the jobs I have even though they keep me extremely busy. I am fortunate to be able to teach and write copy while being home with Joshua.

By the way, I love hearing from those of you who read the post. I had a comment from my cousin Janis in Alabama (weird to think that we're cousins since she grew up with my mom) and another one from my former co-worker's grandma. I love hearing from all of you! You don't have to have a google ID to post a comment, simply type your comment and it will show up as "anonymous" but then you can sign your name to it. We love you!

Juicy Fruit of the Spirit #4: Patience

Please join me in praying for Joshua to have patience. Proverbs 19:11 says "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." As I was studying patience in the Bible, I realized how much I need to grow in this area. I have been feeling particularly impatient lately. For example, Joshua has just learned how to move his lips and spit everywhere. Yesterday he was having great fun sucking in some Neosure, skipping the swallowing, and spitting it all over himself and me. I did not find this act so thrilling, on the other hand, since I was getting tired of changing the outfits on him and me. But, the first thing the Bible says when defining love is that it is PATIENT. I truly love my little boy, so I need to show him patience as he learns knew things. Thankfully, Shawn is the epitome of patience. I pray that Joshua takes after his daddy in the area of patience and that God will continue to help me grow in that attribute of His Spirit.

I also remembered this song from when I was only three years old and singing in the church's children's choir with my sisters, "Have patience. Have patience. Don't be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember that God has patience, too. Just think of all the times that others had to wait on you."

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that Joshua will have wisdom and show others patience, being merciful to all just as You have shown us patience. Thank you for helping both of us learn this characteristic of your Holy Spirit, and help us to show this fruit when we are "squeezed." In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Click here to see a video link of Joshua playing with his birdie mat - notice his hand on the birdie occasionally, how much he's moving, and the spitting & blowing bubbles.

Happy Anniversary!

This post is dedicated to Shawn, the man of my dreams. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for an amazing marriage - you are the best!

The day we got married was the best day of my life! All of our family and friends together to celebrate our union...I know we both had a great time. Most of all, though, the vows that you wrote touched my heart.

I also loved our time in Jamaica. We've had tons of fabulous vacations together, but Jamaica was by far my favorite. As I look outside and see the snow on the ground, I wish we were back there. (Joshua, on the other hand, is quite content right now playing with the bird that's on his mat. He is also looking forward to Grandma coming tonight so we can go out to dinner, thanks to Beth teaching my class.) Here are some pictures to take you back to Swept Away.

Thank you for being wonderful to me and the Bean. We couldn't ask for anything more! You are a huge blessing to me, and I am looking forward to the next hundred years with you!

My Snow Angel

Yesterday it snowed again, so I dressed Joshua in this cute little snowman outfit that my Aunt Karen Doane had bought him for my shower. I remember wondering if it would still be cold by the time he would wear it. Now, it fits perfectly and we still have plenty of winter left!

I had quite the headache before the snow started, probably because of the barometric pressure dropping. My mom came over to visit and see the Bean for a little while. It's always nice to see her! Later that afternoon, Shawn and I watched Jordon for a little while so that Nonie & Poppy could go to a viewing. When they came back, Nonie felt Joshua's gums, and we could tell that one was swollen where a tooth is starting to make it's grand entrance. I can't believe Joshua's so big already! Here are some pictures with Nonie & Poppy (playing "so big!").

This morning I had to run an errand up to the Credit Union (with my new 4-wheel drive vehicle) and had the opportunity to have lunch with one of my favorite former co-workers, Jane. Joshua stayed with Nonie, Aunt Alicia & Cousin Jordon. It sounds like he had a great time. He's been such a good Bean all day!

Last night Joshua slept through the night. He woke up once at 5 a.m. but only cried for a minute or two and fell right back to sleep. I got up with Shawn early this morning then to feed him. I hope this is a trend that's starting. Last night I walked into the office after talking with my dad on the phone (he had called while we were giving Joshua a bath, so I called him back) and found Shawn and Joshua asleep in the office chair, looking very similar. Too cute! I love my boys!

Here is a picture of his little pouty face starting. I haven't been able to capture it on camera because it melts my heart so I immediately stop taking the picture and pick him up. He's been playing a lot more lately with toys and a little more active. I think he's doing really well!

A "New" (to us) Car!

Wednesday night Grandma Ginder surprised us by being in town, and we enjoyed a lovely dinner with her. While I was in class Thursday night, Grandma Ginder brought over her mom, Joshua's Great Grandma Kennel, to visit with Shawn and the baby. Unfortunately, Joshua was not feeling too well, and Shawn said he was fussy most of the evening. He felt hot to the touch when I came home, so I took his temperature. Sure enough, he had a fever. We gave him a little tylenol to take the edge off. He's been coughing just a little and a little sneezy, but the rest of his symptoms look like teething. He's knawing on anything he can get his hands on, he's drooling a little, and he's been just a little grumpy for him. I can't tell if he has a cold, some other bug, or if he's going to sprout little white teeth. I know it's early for teething, but who knows? Anyway, I feel bad that one of the only times Great Grandma Kennel has seen Joshua he wasn't feeling well and wasn't his normal chipper self. :( Please pray that Joshua feels better!!!

Friday night we had supper with Joshua's Great Grandma Good, who treated us for our anniversary. She is so sweet! Joshua slept through the entire dinner. Then yesterday, we picked up my new car. It's got plenty of room for Joshua and other things like groceries, it's four-wheel drive, and it has tons of options. We got a really good deal on it, too, and now we have one car in our family that should last awhile. It's got the remainder of the factory warranty as well. I love it!

Juicy Fruit of the Spirit #3: Peace!

I find it interesting that many times after Jesus healed someone, He told them to "Go in Peace." I looked up the definition of peace on dictionary.com and there were 12 variations, including a state of tranquility or serenity; freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, obsession, etc.; freedom from strife or dissention; harmony with people; silence or stillness; maintaining order; non-war.

Dear Lord, we pray that Joshua would grow up to be a man of peace. We pray that if at all possible, as far as it depends on him, he would live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Since the fruit of righteousness is peace (Isaiah 32:17), we declare today that Joshua will lead a righteous life. We ask that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 4:7). We thank you that we don't have to be troubled or afraid since You have left your peace with us (John 14:27). We also thank you that you have given us the Bible so that we may have peace and so that we can learn that while we will have trouble in this world, You have overcome the world (John 16:33)! We thank you that You have given us the ability to demonstrate peace in the midst of trials since You have given us the gift of peace and have shown us the perfect way.

We also ask that you would show us how to discipline Joshua to produce peace in his life since you've shown us in Hebrews 12:11 that "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Please help us encourage Joshua to grow up peacefully. Finally, we thank you that you said "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9) We praise you that Joshua is Your son and that You are the one that is perfecting peace in his life. We ask that you show us how to best help him, and we leave the rest to Your faithful and capable hands. We thank you for his life, his health, his safety, his intelligence, his skills & abilities, and his character! In Jesus' powerful name, AMEN!

Happy Birthday to Joshua's Great Grandma Good! We're looking forward to seeing you Friday night for dinner!

I turned 5 (months) yesterday!

This is me on my five month birthday! I enjoyed some time playing with mommy in the office/playroom, our favorite hangout.

I love my mommy.

I also love Daddy a whole lot!

Aunt Erica was here this weekend. She and I spent quality time together while Mommy & Daddy went car shopping. We also saw Aunt Missy Saturday night, but Mommy forgot to grab the camera.

Aunt Erica made us dinner and had angel food cupcakes for dessert. They put five candles for five months for me. They wouldn't let me touch that pretty fire, though! As soon as Daddy's around, I'm drawn to looking at him. Check out my face in the picture below...I'm crazy about Daddy!

And, I know that Daddy's crazy about me. Look at his face in this picture!
I didn't get to enjoy any of the cupcakes, but Aunt Erica did bring me a lovely bottle of NeoSure, my favorite. She also had nice presents for Daddy (snickers eggs & the yummy pretzels from Grandma Ginder) and Mommy (beautiful Easter egg candles & a bunny candle holder).

Yesterday in church (only Mommy got to go since I need to stay home until April) the sermon was on intercession. Pastor Mark likened a well-appointed prayer to be like the stone that David used to hit Goliath between the eyes. In saying that, I know so many people have prayed for me to make this five month birthday possible. Thank you! Happy Birthday to Me!

Thank you for this warm outfit, Grandma!Thank you, everyone, for my Valentine's Day cards. I got one from Grandma & Grandpa Ginder, Aunt Erica, Great Grandma Kennel, and Grandma! When Grandma & Grandpa Ginder were up in the beginning of this month to celebrate Grandma's 50th birthday, they also brought me some very cute outfits, which I look forward to wearing. Aunt Erica did, too! Thank you very much for a fantastic February!

Juicy Fruit of the Spirit #2: JOY!

Did you know that there are 242 references to joy in the NIV Bible? Please join with me in praying for Joshua today that he would be full of joy! I've come to realize that joy is not happiness that we feel because of our circumstances. True joy is only known through an inward relationship with God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Pray that Joshua would ask Jesus into his heart and experience a life filled with awesome joy!

My favorite scripture passage is this one: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I also found these to be good reminders when thinking about joy...

• Nehemiah 8:10 ...the joy of the Lord is your strength.
• Psalm 68:3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
• Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
• Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...
• Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...

A cute story to end this post: Yesterday, we had paused the TV and unpaused it last night to watch the special Presidential news conference. Now, both Shawn and I like President Bush and voted for him in both elections, but we had to laugh yesterday as he was getting heated at the one reporter and then called on the next one by saying "Yes, Ma'm" ... then sighed and said "You're not a ma'm." Ha ha ha! Poor guy! Shawn and I were laughing so hard that Joshua joined in with the giggling, which made us laugh even harder.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! First, I must say that I am so thankful for my sweet husband, Shawn. I love you with all my heart! I praise God for bringing you into my life! I am so blessed! And Joshua loves you, too!Second, we'd like to wish mom & Jamie a happy anniversary! We love you very much!
Next, we want to tell the rest of our family how much we love them. Each one of you is special to us!

We can't forget to tell our friends - we love you and are thankful you are part of our lives!!!

Joshua, I love you so much. You are truly a wonderful little boy! Daddy thinks you're special, too!

We praise you, Jesus, and love you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Thank you for showing us how much you love us by saving us on the cross!

Shawn had went into work this morning even in the horrendously icy conditions from what the newscasters called the "Sweetheart Storm," but he was able to come home early. Here is a picture of him shoveling, even with his extremely sore ankle.

We watched the movie "Lady in the Water." (The first movie we saw together was Scream 3 on Valentines Day, so it's sort of a tradition to see a horror movie on this romantic holiday). In the middle of the movie, we were surprised by a knock on the door... Royer's was delivering this beautiful bouquet of flowers for me from my church. I was shocked! I don't know if it was because of the accident or if it was just for Valentine's Day...but I truly felt loved.

The delivery man also noted that there was another delivery of flowers that we somehow missed. He handed me a second package...this time from my romantic husband. We had promised not to get each other anything, but he is too thoughtful to let the holiday go unnoticed.

This morning while he was at work, I got Joshua dressed and then got ready myself, including doing my hair and makeup and putting in earrings. Since I don't often leave the house, I don't always think about sprucing up, but I thought I would for this special occasion. Since I don't have a car to go out and surprise Shawn with anything, I sent him an e-card and made a card puzzle.

I also wrote him a note and baked him muffins. While chocolate chip cookies are his favorite, muffins are what we had available. I think he enjoyed it. I also made a candlelight dinner (baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, peas, fruit cocktail, bread, and wine glasses filled with orange juice)...here is a picture with the table set as it's just about done in the oven. I'm hoping to treat him to a night out this weekend when the weather is nicer and we have a Bean sitter.
From our family to yours, have a blessed Valentine's Day, full of love and romance! If you would like to leave a note for Joshua about love, how much you care about him, or how you've prayed for him on the blog, I will print it out and put it in his baby book. We love you all!