Youth Explosion

Last night was our Youth Christmas Party. Who would have thought we'd have 44 kids show??? Brian and I can't believe the transformation from 6 months ago to now. It's truly amazing what God is doing. Literally, a few months ago, we would have Wednesday evenings/events with 2-5 kids. Now, we always run upwards of 25-30. Not only are they coming because it's fun, but lives are being changed and souls are being saved. Most of our youth group does not belong to our church. But families are beginning to come because of their teens involvement. Praise God!

New challenges arise with the amount of teens we now have. We need help! I realize that is the cry of every church and staff...Please pray for the youth group and for Brian and I to find the help that we need. We are currently running very slim on the adult/teen ratio. It's difficult for me to always be there, as I need to be with Joel. But we do our best to find care for him when needed. Thanks for the prayers!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Joel's Pictures

We took Joel in for Christmas and early Birthday pictures. He did a good job! We timed it perfectly this time;-) I love JCPenney's!

Christmas Spirit

On a whim, Brian thought it would be a good idea to take off for Brown County today(Monday is his day off). I have been wanting to go for weeks and was sooooooooo excited!!! He suggested it last evening and by the time this morning rolled around you would have thought I was 8 years old and it was Christmas morning! I could hardly contain myself.

We had a wonderful time...browsed all the shops...sampled fudge...ate a delicious lunch...drank hot chocolate...enjoyed the Christmas scenery and falling snowflakes...thank you honey for a wonderful day:)

Here are a few pictures from our trip. If I wasn't in the Christmas Spirit before, I definitely am now!

The Christmas Decorations Are Amazing

Joel and Daddy Outside the Toy Chest

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Nashville Christmas Trees

On Our Way in for Hot Chocolate

Taking a break from all the excitement

Whipped Cream, Anyone?



Just for the record...
I put a tiny bit on my nose and Brian plastered me with a spoonful!

Joel and I

Merry Christmas!

The Battle of the Wills has begun...

Visit to Texas

Joel and I went to visit my mom, where she lives in Corpus Christi Tx. We had such a wonderful trip. It was a bittersweet return. I was ready to see my husband and it's always good to come home, but it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to mom. Neither of us are rolling in the $$$, so we only see each other once or twice a year. I'm still shedding tears:(

Recently my grandfather was moved to a nursing home near my mom. He did live in Florida, but could no longer live on his own, as he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I was so thankful that he remembered me and told me he loved me. Which was big, considering much of the time he looks for car parts, tools, and tries to fix things. He worked at a car dealer his whole life, so he's very knowledgable about cars and he was always fixing things around the home. So in his mind, he is still doing those things. It was hard to see him that way, but such a blessing just to be with him.

While there mom and I went to an aquarium and the USS Lexington(which was the naval craft used in the movie Pearl Harbor). We went out to eat, to the park, and the pier on the bay. I also met her church family. I'm so proud of her. She has come a long way in the last few years and it was so good to see her involved in a good church. Love you mom and thanks for the trip...we miss you already!!!

Me, Grandpa and Joel

Mom and Joel @ Aquarium

I love how he is into pointing now...sooo cute!

USS Lexington

Flight Deck on Lex

Joel's First Balloon

Bath Time

Joel's First Time without his blow up baby bath...

Trick or Treat with Elmo

Brian and I looked everywhere on Friday for a costume for Joel(originally, we weren't going to dress him up)....Walmart, Party City, Dollar General, Target, Cvs, and finally I found one at Meijer. It wasn't what we had in mind, but it was literally the only one left for his size.

So here's Elmo...

Joel and His Pumpkin

Enjoying the Wrapper of a Tootsie Roll

His first Trick or Treat experience with our friend, Lauren

Back Home Again

Finally I'm posting a few pictures from our vacation. We left on Friday, the 10th and returned last Saturday the 18th. We had a great time in Ohio and northern Indiana with family and friends. Although, it was truly the quickest vacation either of us have experienced. By the time we came home it seemed like we had only been gone a few days.

We started out by visiting Brian's brother and family. Their youngest son, Hudson, celebrated his 1st Bday while we were there. We all enjoyed a day at the zoo together. The next day was Brian's cousins wedding, which was a beautiful fall day. Perfect for a wedding!

The rest of the week we stayed with Brian's parents and played tennis, visited my brother's family, shopped, went to Shipshewana, hung with friends and family, went to a TupperWare party, took naps, went to the movies(if you're married, you should see Fireproof), played cards and Brian was able to get a little golf in as well.

We're settled back in and it's always good to be home!

Look what I did!!! I could just cry. He has two caulics and I was trying to trim them so that the hair would lay right. Well, a little here and a little there turned into a necessary butch cut! My poor baby's beautiful hair is gone. Hopefully my husband will forgive me and maybe it will grow back quickly!

I guess I should leave it to the professionals.

Fall Pix

Here are a few pictures we took in our backyard...

Our Neighbor took this one and it ended up blurry:(

Oh well, she tried.

Grandma's Hutch

Brian's grandma gave us a beautiful hutch that was purchased back in the 50's by Brian's Great-Grandma. We went up a few weeks ago and could only fit the bottom half in the car, so Dad Stiver brought the top piece down last weekend(thank you!). I love it...it definitely makes my dining room. Thanks Grandma!

9 mos...2 Teeth...3 mos til Christmas

My baby turned 9 months yesterday and has two beautiful pearly whites...

Since he is a Christmas Eve baby, whenever he crosses a monthly milestone, Brian and I give each other a Christmas count down...so, start making those lists, it's coming soon;)

My two teeth(wasn't cooperating for camera...but they are in there).

By this one, he was tired of picture time.

P.S. Thanks Aunt Beth for letting us borrow the boys clothes, we love our froggie jammies!!!

Busted!

So, the update police are on my tail. I guess it has been a while. Here's the latest...

We are going full speed with the start of fall. This is just as busy, if not busier, as the summer time is for us. Along with the normal commitments with the youth ministry, fall brings Men's Basketball and Small Groups as well. It makes for a packed week. Brian and I have been spending some time discussing how to prioritize and cut out whatever possible in order for us to keep our family intact and also in order to not experience 'Burn Out'. The good thing is the stress of it has been bringing us closer together. Praise God, because it could certainly go the other way.

This past weekend, our church had a free concert, including kids activities, games, and lots of food vendors. Our main feature was Andy Monosmith, Brian's friend. We had a great time! The Nihart's came over to join us for the concert. It was good to see them.

In a couple weeks, we are heading to Brian's parents for a week's vacation. Which I am very excited about!! I'm definitely ready for a vacation. I've taken a few trips this summer, but they have been very busy and it's hard when you travel by airplane with a baby. So this will be wonderful and relaxing I'm sure.

Joel is doing well. He turns 9 months tomorrow. He has two little teeth on the bottom...so cute! He's a good baby. Still sleeping a lot. He sleeps 12 hours at night and takes two 2 hour naps each day. I keep waiting for him to grow out of these naps, but he hasn't yet:-)

That's it for now. I'll try and post something a little more exciting next time!

Joel's New Expression

He's been doing this new look when he's determined to get something...it's pretty funny!

Labor Day

It took me a few days due to computer probs, but here they are-a few pics from our Labor Day at Brian's grandmas house and pool. It was a great day and weekend. Don't miss the PG-13 video at the bottom...

Brian's Brother, Lance, Brian and Joel...and the Ole' Man in the background:)

Cousins, Joel & Hudson

Wow!!! Hunter, Graham holding Joel, Carter, Isaiah holding Hudson & Jordan

Grandma Stiver & Joel Enjoying a Tennis Match

"You Have A Bad Booty"...Featuring the Stiver Boys & Carter James

No Cheese, Please

He eats anything...but we found out today that cheese is not one of them!!!