Christmas Morning

We have enjoyed a quiet morning at home. It is gray and cold outside. Raindrops are streaming down. Inside we are warm and blessed as we reflect on the gifts we have in Christ and one another. Family and friends are held close in our hearts and prayers as thoughts turn to each of you. Merry Christmas!

November fun

Autumn is here! Fresh and crisp coolness greets us as we go outside. Trees are showing off their orange, red, tawny and golden leaves. Plump pumpkins sit on doorsteps and entrances to shops. The color and feel of autumn invigorate my being. I am outside nearly everyday for my power walk, pushing a chattering Jonathan in our jogging stroller. After so many years in Florida of only one climate, I really enjoy seasons that are distinct from one another.

We went to Berry Patch Farms and let Jonathan wander around the pumpkin patch. He also experienced a hayride for the very first time!

Days at home

I find that time slows down whenever Jonny is away. I am learning to appreciate that for what it is, rather than chafing inwardly for his return. I do miss him. Yet I find that these lonely times are good for me. They cause me to face myself for one thing. Something I tend to avoid. They cause me to seek God's face more intently. I don't have my husband to go running to when I have a problem. Waiting on God is mirrored in the slow passing of the day. I find joy in simple things. There is more time play with my son. This week I did not cram my calendar full of things to do to make the time go by faster. I am just content to let time wander by at its own pace.

Painting, painting, painting

I like to accomplish home projects whenever Jonny is away. It's fun to surprise him with something new when he comes home. This time, I have painted Jonathan's bedroom and our bathroom. I thought I would show updates I've done this past year in our home.

First Hair Cut

I've been wanting to get Jonathan's hair cut for a few weeks now and Jonny has not wanted me to. According to our friends, it's usually the other way around when the time comes for the first cut! Jonny decided Monday he was ready so off Jonathan and I went to the local Hair Cuttery. Other than a few mild protests at first, he sat on my lap and was really great. I love his new look!

Good friends

My girl friend Becky was able to come for a few days from Florida. We had such a wonderful time together. Good friends are such a blessing!

Just hanging out!

Quiet Weekend at Home

Jonny is drilling this weekend so Jonathan and I have mostly stayed indoors. I needed to catch up on a lot of housework. Jonny called a little while ago and told me about a few soldiers who are having a difficult time adjusting now that they are home from Iraq. I am reminded of a quote by the late Army General George C. Marshall who said, "The soldier's heart, the soldier's spirit, the soldier's soul are everything. Unless the soldier's soul sustains him, he cannot be relied upon and will fail himself and his country in the end." It is so important for Jonny to be there for these guys and to share the hope and truth that is found in Christ. Most of the time we both feel very inadequate for the task. Yet we count it a privilege to come alongside soldiers and their family and offer support in any way, be it emotionally or spiritually. Many times, it is both.

Couch Potato

Jonathan's new trick is propping himself up on the back of our couch. I usually take extra pillows and line them up on the floor because he also gets a kick of just lunging off the edge and tumbling down. He emerges all smiles. I love having him as my son! He is ALL BOY!

Sunny Days

We have so much fun walking to the park and watching the pure joy on Jonathan's face as he swings. Seeing the world through his eyes is like I'm seeing it for the first time too. I understand how God feels when I respond with joy to a new place He takes me. Oh, to be able to trust Him completely in all circumstances!

Graduation!

On April 5th, Jonny graduated from Chaplain's Officer Basic Course. It was a happy day for us all! We enjoyed his graduation ceremony very much, as well as the dinner banquet the evening before.

Happy days in the park!

Jonathan has recently discovered how much fun swinging is.

It's Fun to be One!!!!

May 10th was a special day for us as we celebrated Jonathan's first birthday! The following is a letter I wrote to him for his scrapbook.

It's been so fun to watch you grow through your first year of life!

Each day was like unwrapping a special gift.

There was always something new about you to discover.

You are the best gift ever!

We want you to know how much we love you.

Adopting you has been the highlight of our life.

You are our chosen son.

We praise God for you.

Thank you for touching places in our heart that never existed before.

With joy we look forward to another year with you!

Playing at home

Jonathan and I are enjoying wonderful times together. Each day he discovers something new. He is increasingly becoming more mobile. His latest pastime is to sit and squeal as I roll the ball to him. Who knew motherhood was so much fun!!!!

Visit to Fort Jackson

Jonathan and I were happy to spend a week with Jonathan at Fort Jackson. Jonathan's days are full from 4:45 a.m. til 10 p.m. After rigorous PT first thing in the morning, he is in class til noon. Then he gets an hour for lunch and it's back to the lectures until 5 or 6. His evenings are filled with homework and reading. He is enjoying great camaraderie among the other chaplain candidates and there is a feeling of one big happy family! All in all, he is doing very well and enjoying this experience.

Farewell, Daddy

Today is a sad day for me and Jonathan. We had so say good-bye to daddy who will be at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for 3 months. This morning, Jonathan got up a sleepy baby J to give him one last bottle before he goes. He is training in the Chaplain Officer Basic Course. We hope he can get a weekend pass to come home for a visit soon. We miss him so much already. Emily, our six year old neice, drew this picture for her Uncle Jonny and gave it to him Friday. She is in first grade and wrote the letter all by herself. Its on our refrigerator and brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it.