The Building Begins

The demo crew had everything cleared out by the end of Tuesday, 6/28. There was nothing but a bare lot. Flattened earth, red dirt. (And a big tractor that E wanted to know what his name was. More on that later.) It was an odd site. I can say the emotions from the demolition day have subsided. It still seems weird even going through this experience.

By the end of Wednesday, 6/29 and the 2 month anniversary of the fire, stakes had been pounded to mark the perimeter of the new house and lines had been painted to outline the floor plan. Thursday, 6/30, 3 foot ditches had been dug along those paint lines and concrete poured for the footers (I've learned this is where the support walls/beams will go). Things seem to be moving quickly. At least for now.












In other news, E went to see his first movie in the theatre. CARS 2! He was SOOOOOO excited about going to the movie. His buddies from the sitter's were pumped and ready too. They sat perched in their booster seats, devouring popcorn & slushies, ready for the anticipated feature. I'd like to tell you that he sat straight through the 2 hours of previews, mini-film and hte movie itself...but I'd be lying and that just wouldn't be my E, now would it?! 20 minutes in (mind you, he'd been sitting for 45 minutes at this point) he wanted to go outside. Um...not now, son. I'm not here to give a movie review, but once we got to the racing scenes, he was much more enthralled. It was a fun experience. Although, the new reality has hit that he needs to know if every car and truck has eyes and a mouth and what their names are. Uh oh.

Fun with Nana & Aunt Lindsay!

Nana & Aunt Lindsay took E to open gym at Romp & Roll. He had a BLAST!

Attacking the stairs. He can climb both flights at home with no stopping!

Playing with Jett!

Sunday Afternoons

Sunday after church has long-since been a family tradition where we all get together at mom and dad's. She goes way overboard preparing a meal that pleases everyone's different tastes. There's always enough for everyone to have a plate and leftovers to take home. But for a couple of hours each week, we are together as a family. I love these times and am so grateful we can get together as a family.

Today was a day of celebrating since we have three February birthday's - Ed 2/7, Joey 2/16 and me 2/19. The boys were not cooperating in blowing out the candles.







No matter how old I get (and despite me having a tough time with the third decade I will now enter this year) I have always loved celebrating. I admit - I like the attention, but more than that I enjoy what a birthday represents: life. It's the life I've been given. While I spend some time reflecting on the past year, I always look to the year ahead. I heard a quote once that I think sums it up: "The fact that I am alive today is proof positive God has something for me to do."

As long as I'm still celebrating another birthday, I will rejoice and be glad...and I will look to Him to guide my steps as I continue to serve and do His will. (I'm sure there will be more random birthday and reflection thoughts as the week goes on...)

Yes, the bag reads, "Over the Hill"...it's true. 30. I knew it'd come. No more "20-something". 30. Wow. That sounds so old.

Apparently, Joey and Ed partied too hard because they were quick to snooze after dinner.

Thank goodness I have a little ball of energy to help me stay 'young'.

Hiding under the table. Peek-a-boo...we found you!

Little man is still mostly on a liquid diet. We can't stop the morning spells of nausea...and well, you know what comes with that...But he loves this lipton noodle soup and we can't spoon it in fast enough!

Happy Birthday, Nanny

Today she would have been 73. Exactly one week a part, I can remember celebrating our February birthdays together. We're not celebrating today; we're simply missing her. She, however, is having the best birthday ever. Dancing around heaven as choirs of angels herald her special day. I am sure there is a crown involved. Every birthday princess needs a crown.

We miss you , Nanny. That won't change. With each passing day, we grow more and more aware of your absence. Not that I yet believe that "time heals all wounds" because the more time that passes, the further away you seem. Maybe that's just the opposite, though. Maybe it's really the more time that passes, the closer I am to seeing you again. What a glorious heavenly reunion we'll have.

To Our Precious Friends and Family,

It is with overwhelming hearts we write to you this Christmas season. This time last year we were celebrating the season in full swing, but also so aware of the absence of a child we were praying for. In between wrapping presents and baking cookies, we were wrapping up our home study and finishing our adoption album. We hung an ornament that served as a faith promise of the miracle we were expecting. It simply read, "For Unto Us a Child is Born."

By now you more than know the story. Our baby boy was born on May 9 and placed in our arms on May 31. It is impossible to recount all the little miracles that occurred during the process that lead us to Elijah, but suffice to say we saw God's hand in each and every step.

Last Christmas we sent out prayer cards as we pursued our adoption journey. Little did we know this Christmas we'd be celebrating with our son! We've hung a new ornament this year - it reads "Baby's First Christmas." It's just beside the other ornament - both reminders of God's faithfulness. Every time we look at Elijah we are reminded of God's answer to prayer. We rejoice this Christmas in the gift of life - the gift of a baby sent to forever change our lives.

The Christmas story is such a beautiful portrayal of the journey we've experienced. Mary, a pregnant unwed teenager. Joseph, willing to love and raise a child that wasn't genetically his. Jesus, from humble beginnings to a humiliating death. He came to give life - eternal life. God, Heavenly Father, seeing fit to give up His rights to His one and only son so we can be adopted as sons and daughters.

If the lights sparkle brighter - it's only because Elijah is so fascinated by them. If the presents look prettier - it's only because Elijah wants to tear into them. If Christmas seems a little more exciting - it's only because we are celebrating with our baby boy. This little life is a reminder of the everlasting life and abundant joy we celebrate this season.

We pray the miracle of Christmas is alive in your heart. Celebrate and rejoice with us! A baby changes everything...

Merry Christmas!
Ed, Carrie & Elijah

Missing PA

To my Grandparents in PA,

I'm back home and it's nice and cozy here. Everything is exactly the way I remember it but it's just not the same without you. I had a great time visiting you and am so thankful for all the things you did for me!

I really like the ornament you gave me but everyone keeps asking when my Harley is being delivered. They really liked the picture of me on the bike. I told them I think it's coming in the spring when the weather warms up.

Christmas is only two days away and mom and dad got me something REALLY big...at least it's in a really big box. I can't tell what it is (they told me to cover my eyes while they were shopping in Toys 'R' Us) but I can't wait to open it!

I'll have to call you on Christmas to tell you what it is...or better yet, I'll make sure mommy posts pictures for everyone to see.

Plan a trip to visit me soon! Love and miss you!

Elijah

Christmas in Pennsylvania

Wrestling with Cousin Ayden

My first baseball from Pap & Gram

Jack in the box from Gram

Miss Heather came for a visit

More interested in the paper than what's inside.

Choo Choo!

My first ride on Pap's Harley

Almost Christmas Time...

Cousin Ayden