Our Heavenly Father has richly blessed us:

Titus Michael

Born at home December 10th

9 lbs. 2 oz.

20 inches long

We are all doing well, sorry- no pictures of Naomi with him, she has been really sick with a cold, so we haven't had her hold him, though she really wants to. She hasn't been jealous of him in the least, but has been a wonderful big sister and very helpful.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Braids!

Christmas Tree Hunting

One of my favorite traditions- Christmas Tree Hunting. We got up into the mountains, find the perfect one and enjoy the fresh air. This time Luke got to cut it down and carry it back to the car. Most of the time there is alot of snow, which makes it much prettier- but it was easy to hike around this time.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2008

Left and clockwise: Sean, Luke, Brian, Rachel, Naomi, Jesse, Stephen, Karen, *Suzanne's seat* (she was taking the picture) and Laura.

It was a good day- any day with that kind of feast is a good day!!

Where's the baby?

My midwife and I have a great bond- I apprenticed with her for about 7 years while I lived in Washington and we grew to be such great friends. Since I moved out here, she has come out for my births. Here is a picture of her showing the kids what position the baby is in- they all got to feel the butt and the head and could tell where the baby was. Naomi was enthralled and touched my stomach as well.

Bosom Buddies

My friend Suzanne came for a visit this last week. We have been friends for almost 20 years- seems so crazy to be able to say that! We were really hoping to have the baby while she was here, but God had other plans. Suzanne is a Personal Organizer- which is something I am not. While she was here she rearranged the kitchen and the livingroom and cleaned- kept all the dishes done, etc. What a blessing! She says she's OCD, I really had never thought of her that way. More of gifted!
The livingroom arrangement was rather funny... my midwife was here as well and I left to pick up the boys from piano lessons, 20 minutes later I walked in to a different livingroom. Why? What do I expect leaving 2 OCD people in the same room? Oh and because the way I had it set up before was not conducive to conversation. Ok. I change the livingroom every couple months anyway- so it's nice, just funny!
I really enjoyed her visit- we end up just being able to see each other every couple years, so it's always refreshing to be with her. We hadn't planned much- since I was thoroughly convinced I would have this baby as early (or close to it) as I had Naomi. The week was fairly low-key and we just enjoyed each other's company.
Naomi grew quite attached and started saying "Suzi" right away, it was very cute.
Anyway, my heart was blessed by having her here- so thanks Duncan for sharing your lovely wife for a week, it was a great gift!

Update on Erin-

My friend Erin had a beautiful baby girl on November 18. Aliyah Joy. They are both doing really well.
When a baby comes into the world, it's not just a birth of a baby- it's a birth of a mother, a father, a child and a family. Bryan and Erin are committed to raising Aliyah for the Lord, and it is such a blessing to see them grow!

A shelf to sit on

Hopefully not for much longer!

Flower Girl

Naomi was a flower girl for our friends wedding in November.
She really enjoyed wearing a pretty dress.

My New Purse

My Mom is so talented- she can do pretty much anything! She made me a new purse for my birthday- I just love it and had to share a picture!

Luke's First Deer!

Luke was able to go hunting Saturday night with Brian and a friend from church. Brian sat with him in a tree stand and Luke was able to shoot this 2 point buck. He dropped it with the first shot!