Coming back to the blog!

Hello! Please forgive my huge disruption in updating my blog. I have no excuse, so I won't try to create one. :-) It's a rainy day, so I thought how perfect to sit down and write?? Family time is becoming more sacred and as I ponder our past few months, Brock is sitting on the couch with Quinten in his lap doing animal flashcards. My husband is a VERY patient man and just keeps repeating animal sounds while Quin seems mildly interested. It's moments like this that make me take a break and appreciate the little things.


Life has been good, and Brock and I are doing wonderfully right now. Quin is 17-months-old, and he amazes us what he can do. He LOVES to climb, which I've been assured that Brock was the same way. He's fearless, so I've consulted with one of my friends about enrolling him in gymnastics. We're so thankful for spring weather coming because we've already gotten to go outside a couple of times. Going to the park might quickly become my favorite past time.

We are in the church season of Lent, and we've been encouraged to be more prayerful and take time to breathe. This is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, the week we reflect on Jesus's last week on earth. This time of year is one of my favorites. As we prepare for Easter, this week is pretty solemn for me. I still can't quite comprehend that a man died for us, for you, for me. That is love, and I pray all may know that love and embrace it!

Guess I have a lot of things on my mind... I will mainly catch up on what's happened over the past few months, and share some pictures of Quinten.

Pictures coming soon of Quin's first birthday...

Christmas this year:
One of the best nights during the Christmas season was inviting Rachel and Bethany, my college roomies, plus their significant others, to watch the Butler Ballet and Orchestra perform the Nutcracker. This is a picture of us ladies at the show. It was a wonderful weekend!


Breakfast with Santa. Quin actually giggled while on Santa's lap!


At home after Christmas Eve Service at church


First trip to the Children's Museum!




First time sledding. Thanks to our friends, the Jacobs, we had a toddler sled for Quin! We went with the Youngs and had so much fun!



Quinten's milestones at 17-months:
-Quin, you've been walking since you were 1. Right around your 1st birthday, you took your first steps.

-You're a pretty good eater and will try almost anything once. You still hate peas, and Mommy is still trying to convince Daddy to give up on making you eat them. :-)

-You're a climber! Thankfully, you haven't climbed out of your crib yet. You can climb the sofa, furniture, stairs, and your slide.

-You love to talk and make noise. We're not sure what you're saying most of the time, but you definitely say "ball, mama, dadda, no, and Chewy (our cat.)" You really say, "chew," and when we ask you where is kitty, you know exactly who we're talking about.

-You try to ride the dogs, and they are so patient with you. You get excited and grab their fur. When we ask you to be gentle, you softly pat them. It's SO cute!

Lent & Life

Well, in the Christian faith, Lent lasts 40 days before Easter. It's a time of reflection and to prepare for the last days of Jesus' life on Earth. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Our church has a special Ash Wednesday service, but we first celebrate Fat Tuesday with pancakes. The service is called Pancakes & Ashes. For the past few years, I've always helped make the pancakes with some friends at church. This year was no different. I left work early and headed to the church's kitchen! It's always so much fun. I was really looking forward to Ash Wednesday this year so I could celebrate it with my family. I really wanted a picture of Quin with his first pancake! So, Brock also left work early, got the baby, and came to church. Quin of course can't eat solids yet, but I still wanted a picture of him with a pancake. Check out this awesome picture!

Quin already has the idea! Look at that mouth!
Yes, that's me in an apron.

Here are some pics of the wonderful ladies I get to worship and do service with.



A lot of people give something up for Lent, chocolate, alcohol, fried foods, etc. They do this as a fast and to meditate. I chose to gave up fast food. It's such a convenience, but I know it's not healthy either. So, I'm working to keep at it. I don't think Subway counts, however.

Almost a year ago, we found out we were pregnant with Quin. He is a miracle baby. I have some health issues, and we really thought it would be difficult to get pregnant. We want children and are so blessed to have Quin in our lives. Before we knew we were pregnant, we went on a mission trip to Venezuela. I can honestly say that trip changed my life, and I really understand just how small our world is. The best part was going with Brock. The people we went with are amazing. We all got along, no one complained about the food, and we genuinely enjoyed worshipping with each other and doing God's work. I just feel like bringing this up because a year ago we were in Venezuela and had no idea I was pregnant. Brock talked about the trip once during church service and mentioned how we went and didn't know it, but our son was there too. It's very special. Here are some pictures from that wonderful life changing experience.

The children were amazing, and I miss them so much. They were so loving, and luckily, Brock and I spoke enough Spanish to understand. Here I am with Shari and Christie.


I'm holding Daniel, who turned one. We were at his birthday party! Hmmm, me holding a little boy, a sign of things to come???


Brock and I adored this woman, our Abuela (grandmother). She said Brock reminded her of someone in her family. I have no idea how old she is, but she is very, very kind. She was watching the young children while we worked. Then, I wanted to watch the children with her.


Motherhood certainly has changed my life, and I'm very grateful. I'm so lucky to have a partner who really wants to be active in his son's life. He helps with bathing, feeding, changing, anything and everything. Brock is such a great daddy that I wanted to put some pictures of him on here. Thank you Brock, and I love you!

My little twins in blue


Daddy with a wide open smile like his son


Daddy & Quin at Ash Wednesday