Look Mommy...

DADDY'S HOME!!!

Protect that which is important

Do you have any idea how difficult it is now to capture those cute little moments that make you say "I should have got that on video!" We have entered that stage. We are officially parents of a little girl who can stand by herself and move around like nobody's business. Mia's latest understanding brings a slight tear to my eye. Seriously. I couldn't be more proud of my daughter. She is slowly learning that you never go anywhere without your best pair of shoes!

(can you tell how bored she is with all these pictures?)

Sneak peek...

For all you diligent prayer warriors, here is the house that we are officially "under contract" with! Because the house is a "short sale," there are a few sensitive steps that we have to wait for until it is officially our house. I promise to share more details when we get to that point, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much. ...Wait...Too late! We covet your prayers!

Here are some pictures, courtesy of Remax:

The front view

Dining room hutch, and entrance to the kitchen

the kitchen

the view from the house

A new year, and new begininngs

With 2009 now staring us in the face, we excitingly look toward the new year full of new adventures, lessons, and overall enjoyment of those we love and who, unwaveringly, treat us as loved ones. It is exciting to see the way that the Lord will bless us and help us grow in the year to come.

This upcoming Sunday will mark Mia's 10 month birthday! She continues to blossom into an adorable little girl, full of vibrant personality, and a smile that will knock your socks off. Lately, she has been a busy girl; going to and fro, too busy to spend time on just one toy at a time, pointing at anything and everything that catches her attention, trying out new and exciting sounds that enter her "vocabulary," and learning to walk against everything she can get her hands on. She has also become quite a little monkey which, frankly, frightens the snot out of mommy, who is desperately trying to learn how to bolt everything to the floor. One of her most recent adventures is trying to climb the stairs and the bar stools located within the kitchen.

Our newest announcement...Casey and I have just been pre-approved for our first home loan! Minus our car loan, we are now completely debt free and have begun building our savings account for a decent down payment. This Saturday, we are looking at four houses that are great prices for what they offer. We are highly excited for this new step in our lives! Your prayers are coveted as we hope to find the "perfect one."

On a personal note: Thank you for all of those who have been in our lives this year. Year end reflections cause you to thank the Lord for those who hold importance and have helped you along the way. Your support in who we are and those things that we cherish has been a healthy bout of stability in sometimes rocky situations. It can be so easy to be cut down by somebody you deeply care about, so thank you to those who have provided support, energy and unconditional love. We truly cherish each and everyone of you!

With that...HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that your new year looks as promising as ours does!

God Bless you and your family!