tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89102317704434011392012-02-16T14:22:38.935-05:00Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-31947123216450237912012-02-14T14:21:00.005-05:002012-02-14T20:50:41.239-05:00

(This is a re-post from a previous blog that I am abandoning...wanted it saved here. It's quite windy but something I still take encouragement from often.)I have...both in big and small ways, in my heart ways and in my mind ways. Ways that irritate and ways that break...Speaking of ways that irritate, last week we had a check up scheduled for Lydia. My very lucid and intelligent husband had

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-54833044308459148022012-02-11T15:48:00.007-05:002012-02-14T14:18:28.761-05:00

I'm reading the book, 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I'm almost halfway through. Last night, in reading it, I was convicted about my backwards attitude about time. There's never enough, never enough, never enough...when the reality is that time is a gift.I pray for grace to change my tune, when that ever so commonly spoken phrase comes to my mind, I pray for grace to turn it around and give thanks

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-53823247257215673832012-02-08T08:18:00.000-05:002012-02-16T08:20:26.168-05:00

Today I am thankful for...36 entrees in the freezerMy mom and dad without whom it would not have been possible...This book...How "freezer cooking" has improved my life...Desire...desire to grow...to learn...to be spent...How good it feels to work really hard...The THRILL of ideas...ideas...and more ideas...all from above...Black and white fabric...A package bearing a book I'm dying to read77 hand

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-61575154533173849442012-02-04T07:00:00.002-05:002012-02-05T14:39:36.179-05:00

For some time now, whenever I was giving Lydia a bath, I've sung songs about the blood of Christ cleansing us of our sin. Mainly I sing the old song, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus..."Then I decided to take that concept even further, and have a bath time Bible verse. Deciding to start with 1 John 1:9 " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-59494046246920298922012-02-01T21:55:00.036-05:002012-02-03T22:12:54.852-05:00

January 2012 comes to an end with Jim at 3.5 months, starting become very interested in the world around him, cooing up a storm, and the hope of some sort of sleep routine gleaming faintly over the horizon (much thanks to Zantac). Lydia now approximately 2 years and almost 4 months, is starting to bust out with some of the most surprising and adorable complete sentences ever uttered.

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-16726254440689903852012-01-30T15:57:00.010-05:002012-02-01T15:37:15.425-05:00

My little Lydia, whom I have made a habit of calling “my sweet precious girl,” is obsessed with tea parties. If our parties were real, we would be absolutely sick with tea and cake and would most certainly have third degree burns!Only too often lately, mommy has been skimming by and pretending to munch on cake and sip on tea while soothing Jim, feeding Jim, picking up, folding laundry…all

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-51321551634416825782012-01-26T14:25:00.009-05:002012-02-02T15:06:21.445-05:00

Temporal FlyLady was in the kitchen 15 minutes a day week before last... I was in the kitchen for 15 minutes that week... unearthing some things from the murky black hole under our sink... It was wet...didn't think much about it until Friday night when I found... standing water. Saturday morning, Tom pulls up the rubber liner and finds... BLACK MOLD. Peruvian friends from

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-13537919295412421002012-01-17T20:43:00.002-05:002012-01-29T23:11:42.385-05:00

Baby Love VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-52720409290065874652012-01-17T20:42:00.004-05:002012-02-03T22:14:20.220-05:00

Perfect Angle VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL Jim has been very uncomfortable over the last

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-69672988487256597532012-01-17T20:39:00.001-05:002012-01-17T20:40:13.616-05:00

Playing Around VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-82438818132852194922012-01-17T20:36:00.002-05:002012-01-29T23:12:05.559-05:00

Sleeping Beauty and Sleeping Cutie VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-91632620300569044992012-01-17T18:29:00.001-05:002012-01-17T20:32:42.472-05:00

2011 T-Giving, Christmas & All In Between VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-18290332583971707522012-01-14T16:13:00.003-05:002012-02-13T14:51:02.144-05:00

After four years of thinking about it, laughing about it, and forgetting about it… Tom always wanted one, underneath all the “laughing about it,” but we did not make bread or do anything that it would be useful for enough to make it even near worth the price. Now we actually have tons of uses for it and Tom got a bonus for Christmas... Tom has already ground 16 pounds of venison and I made

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-33163511440758341782012-01-10T06:39:00.002-05:002012-02-15T15:43:27.862-05:00

My reading goal for this year was similar to my goal last year: no less than 1 book a month. I exceeded that goal, thanks to our trip to Brazil and a 2-week stay in the hospital hoping to keep Jim inside Amy for a bit longer. February The Path Between the Seas — David McCullough The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus — John R. Cross March True Grit — Charles Portis Intended for

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-89747752132187906032012-01-10T06:00:00.003-05:002012-01-29T23:21:11.908-05:00

Finally...with no unnecessary ado: Newborn Baby Jim Photos by Gina Carr Photography

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-90118938247804117912012-01-08T16:02:00.002-05:002012-02-02T15:04:46.467-05:00

This year I am hoping to not try to be whole hog about everything, but to be content with the process, the baby steps, the little by little. I'm specifically thinking of two areas. 1. Our church is reading through the Old Testament this year. It's really cool because Tom and I were already planning on following a similar schedule with 66 Books. There are slight differences in the schedules so

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-49820666775310700192012-01-06T15:47:00.012-05:002012-02-14T12:04:32.706-05:00

This came across Twitter from John Piper yesterday: "Pondering competing choices is a necessary evil till the day comes when discernment and delight are one." It was crazy to me because I'd just been thinking about that earlier in the day...about the big decisions we make in our lives, God's sovereignty, faith, etc. and it reminded me of a poem I wrote a few years ago about this tension.

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-71696904798794128022012-01-05T15:55:00.004-05:002012-01-29T23:19:10.479-05:00

So as I write this, Jim is asleep on my lap, and Lydia is in her room having her after nap happy alone time. I can hear her happy squeals so I know she woke up on the right side of her toddler bed and that I've got a few more minutes here. Today has been like many, a roller-coaster of tense moments and peaceful ones. This is a peaceful one. Some tense ones were because both babies were

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-8330616841959696752011-12-30T09:00:00.004-05:002012-01-29T23:20:47.200-05:00

Lydia and I occasionally break it down with this video. A little on the cheesy side but a lot of fun and an AWESOME proclamation of truth. Feelin' funky? (as in..."in a funk")...this might help you rise up! :)

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-34471474156708403482011-12-11T17:11:00.006-05:002012-02-14T13:43:56.674-05:00

I don't know about you but I've been feeling harried the past couple of weeks thinking about Christmas gifts, cards, decorations. Just now, my thoughts on some scriptures led me into some truly peace and joy giving meditations, appropriate for the season, and I wanted to share. For some reason, in my journal I'd written out Phillipians 4-7. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-86212176269648880472011-12-09T15:27:00.005-05:002012-01-07T16:29:00.521-05:00

First of all, just so you know, I SHOULD be: scrubbing the kitchen floor (please don't ask how long it's been), hemming the 2 pair of pants I have at the moment that fit...around the waist anyway, washing and putting away breast pump paraphernalia, moving diapers to the dryer and putting moldy shower curtain in the washer, checking things off my Christmas list... However, in this rare and

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-55804509100004283302011-12-07T22:57:00.002-05:002012-01-29T23:23:19.850-05:00

Photo Card View the entire collection of cards.

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-66654032351523878052011-11-27T15:05:00.010-05:002012-01-29T23:22:48.312-05:00

From the standpoint of family, we chose James and Daniel as family names. Tom's grandfather was James, and my sweet brother's name is Daniel. We also greatly appreciate the biblical figures the names represent, particularly the way Daniel stood in bold but humble righteousness at all cost, so becoming a godly man of influence in an evil place and time. We chose to call him "Jim" after Jim

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-80587588867470623832011-11-23T15:12:00.007-05:002012-02-14T14:10:38.323-05:00

I'm thankful for a lot of things, and wish I had time to list them all! I will be posting some of them, Lord willing, especially as regards the birth of our son. However, for the moment, I am super thankful for this:Tom's first deer on just his second hunting trip ever! I'm also thankful for the hours he spent preparing it for freezing and for the fact that I've got 4 bags of it soaking in a

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-31258434885929866472011-11-17T08:53:00.013-05:002012-02-14T13:40:11.125-05:00

What you are about to witness is purely supernatural. That may sound trite and you may think that I'm joking, at least to some extent, but I assure you I am not in the slightest. If you know me well, you will not be hard to convince. If in doubt, just ask my mom or my husband! I was just starting to think "meal plan" for the first time in at least 2 months, when I happened to notice that my

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-80574592636924156982011-11-15T18:45:00.002-05:002012-01-29T23:24:12.799-05:00

I'm so happy to have friends with great photography skills and great cameras. These shots are by Felipe Matias when they were visiting a couple times the past couple of weeks, and I absolutely cannot wait to see the newborn photos of Jim that Gina Carr Photography took this weekend!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-14632220040250262652011-11-15T16:55:00.001-05:002011-11-15T20:50:10.938-05:00

Over the past couple of weeks Jim has gained 2 lbs. He now weighs 7 lbs 6 oz!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-78234978243744044812011-11-15T16:53:00.000-05:002011-11-15T20:49:27.673-05:00

This is the coolest contraption. It's so simple and practical. It's a frame for a swing...only the seat is the car seat. It vibrates and plays classical music or nature sounds as well. I'm so thankful to have discovered it. If the baby is asleep in the car, you can just plop the car seat into the swing when you get home. We always had to put the carrier somewhere anyway so now it has a place. I'm

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-75941312328520135772011-11-15T16:50:00.000-05:002011-11-15T16:50:22.280-05:00

Ready for first trip to the doctor where he showed off his major weight gaining abilities. Somebody celebrated by making the switch to her big girl bed since cribs are "for babies" ;);) Mimi came to help us out for a couple of days I think she likes him :).    Just a little peanut!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-60576685549651228992011-10-24T10:43:00.001-04:002011-10-25T16:11:35.959-04:00

James Daniel Walker, born October 12, 2011 at 3.23 a.m. at exactly 34 weeks weighing 5 lbs 1 oz. I am at his bedside in the NICU at UNC right now. There is so much I'd like to write but no time at the present. I wanted to at least post a few pictures of baby Jim's journey so far. We are so thankful for God's hand in all of this. It has been very hard at times but there has been constant visible

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-74903521009040818362011-09-19T15:40:00.001-04:002011-09-19T15:45:33.142-04:00

Once again this is a post of pictures of Lydia's life lately (meaning since I last posted until now). There is now a Krispy Kreme nearby! Good thing we forget about it most of the time. (Lydia didn't like the donut because the glaze crumbled and stuck to her hands. We did not try to convince her to like it!) Coloring is not new but we've been doing a lot more of it lately and it's helping

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-19510315937192050582011-08-11T19:36:00.004-04:002012-01-29T23:42:21.353-05:00

That was a catch phrase in teacher training when I was starting out as a teacher. For sometime I've had a growing desire to teach Lydia, especially about God, even at this age. She's now 22 months. She already has picked up her letters and sounds (thanks to Leap Frog's Letter Factory Video and fridge magnets), recognizes them in print and is isolating sounds in spoken words. She even has shown

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-49015202784944601572011-08-11T19:18:00.008-04:002011-08-11T20:26:33.202-04:00

IT happened. One thing I was determined to never let happen. I was so sure it couldn't be that hard to prevent. Obviously I was a little over-confident and needed to be humbled! You barely see it in the pic because of the flash but the wall by the piano is covered with scribbles. I left my un-topped pen sitting on my journal during Lydia's nap when I got up to go check on her (because she was

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-34834545569988803502011-08-08T18:57:00.001-04:002011-08-08T19:01:02.643-04:00

This summer is very hot and I'm feeling very pregnant, though I have a ways to go! We've been trying to make the most of staying indoors. Thankfully, Lydia is pretty content with it and gets plenty of exercise running up and down the hall. Here are some pics from "lately" (as in since I last posed), not necessarily in the chronological order. Finally able to use her "big girl books"

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-6767146400026071632011-06-06T11:52:00.000-04:002011-06-06T11:52:24.669-04:00

After helping me stuff her cloth diapers she disappeared and got quiet so I went to find her and she was sitting in the corner behind her diaper basket. Then she told me wanted to put on an orange ("odage") one and then proceeded to pick out a brown one and say "fif one" (this one). I told her she had to wait awhile before we changed her diaper again so she just picked up a couple of them and

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-83777227671423458922011-06-06T11:34:00.001-04:002011-06-06T11:38:15.732-04:00

Lydia has now experienced summer in N.C.! It was cute too. (I should be cleaning Mimi and Pa!;)

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-57659820204075861502011-05-18T14:47:00.010-04:002011-05-18T14:59:05.899-04:00

We had Fun at a strawberry farm in Fuquay called Vaughn's on Tuesday with Martha and Rachel and the kids. It was a first for both Lydia and I! There were also chickens, pigs, and tractors as you can see below. Lydia and I are finally getting out again now that I'm feeling better in the mornings! Yay for Strawberries! And thanks Martha for the pictures!

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-34824198200473706692011-04-02T13:10:00.000-04:002011-04-02T13:10:27.172-04:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-41513937004933703552011-04-01T09:44:00.001-04:002011-04-02T09:48:41.574-04:00

The time at the Lighthouse was so awesome for us. We really got an understanding of what life is like there and all the different ministries that go on there...much more than we even realized. We also got more of a glimpse of the community, and got to know some of the kids a little bit.  What is Casa Luzeiro? Physically speaking, it is actually a big house that was being built by a man for

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-84142153305309542011-03-15T15:01:00.000-04:002011-03-15T15:01:14.782-04:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-2013910272588355112011-02-28T21:48:00.000-05:002011-02-28T21:48:17.796-05:00

First it was a basket, then a box, now a crate! It is hilarious and nothing short of amazing how she can get herself in and out! You think she's just playing with the toys while you fold laundry or do whatever and then you look up...and she's in the toy box! So funny! She got in a box at my parents' house this weekend too! HILARIOUS!

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-28861272304826442632011-02-28T21:21:00.000-05:002011-02-28T21:21:48.432-05:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-22530803311964298752011-02-28T20:38:00.002-05:002011-02-28T20:48:30.801-05:00

O.K., so I've got lots of catching up to do. It's been so fun to hear Lydia trying to say and actually saying a lot of words!The first one (besides Da da) back in November, was "ball." Since then she seems to be saying new words every day.Out of order, here are some favorites:1. Apple (very distinct)2. Water (Wah-er)3. Bird (Bir)4. Eye (as she pokes yours out)5. Cheese ( eesh...so cute!)6. Dog (

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-47740871855330417082011-02-14T13:58:00.009-05:002011-02-15T10:34:23.702-05:00

Lydia has been doing so many fun things lately, and I want to get them recorded somewhere so this may be another posting marathon! I'm looking at it as a Valentine's gift for Mimi and Pa because listening to them oohh and aahh every time I post here (as long as it includes pics of Lydia) makes it all worth it! Happy V-Day Mom and Dad!1. Sign LanguageI am so thankful to Martha for giving us a

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-34284924740597248292011-01-21T21:46:00.007-05:002011-01-21T22:07:32.605-05:00

I (Amy) finally got brave enough to let Lydia practice using a spoon and bowl/plate on a regular basis. :)Tom and I have begun the "Timothy Group" being led by veteran missionaries at FBC. Very cool.We've had a little ice and and a little snow since I last posted...Lydia Discovered the "pillow corner" where all the superfluous pillows get tossed at night and may or may not be put back on the bed

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-70875591524775349892011-01-15T11:24:00.005-05:002011-01-15T20:44:53.577-05:00

After last year's overly ambitious reading plan, I decided to tone it down. I told myself I would not read less than 12 books total for the year. I can feasibly read one book a month without shortchanging spiritual, family, and work commitments. With that, I present my reading list for 2010.MarchTotal Money Makeover — Dave RamseyReformation in Foreign Missions — Bob FinleyAprilAll New Square Foot

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-74283428000176154222011-01-08T20:40:00.005-05:002011-01-08T21:10:29.771-05:00

Tom's parents were given four tickets to the NCSU home game against Wake Forest. This was a first for both Lydia and I (Amy). It was fun! We won and Mr. and Mrs. Wolf renewed their vows. Fun times.

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-14180212123770540732011-01-08T11:17:00.003-05:002011-01-08T11:19:32.137-05:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-39433615725153820332011-01-08T11:16:00.000-05:002011-01-08T11:17:38.257-05:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-84704626301606655242011-01-08T11:11:00.004-05:002011-01-08T11:15:23.594-05:00

We didn't take enough pictures! I'll have to raid Mimi's camera.

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-87894959552936425632011-01-08T11:06:00.006-05:002011-01-08T11:11:37.442-05:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-18856812148421141462011-01-08T11:03:00.002-05:002011-01-08T11:05:54.455-05:00

Our first more than 2 hour separation from Lydia, weaned at 14 months, was a weekend away while she stayed with my parents. They had a blast and so did we!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-37993336072168512162011-01-08T10:36:00.015-05:002011-01-08T11:01:39.523-05:00

Before:After:Saying "Hello"The view from up here. :)Business in the back. :)

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-47201060727352545662011-01-08T10:22:00.009-05:002011-01-10T13:16:50.929-05:00

As far as my contribution, this blog will primarily be our journey in pictures. A picture's worth a thousand words right? I don't have time to write for two blogs, and my other one has become a way to help a little in the provision for our family and share some matters of the heart with a larger audience. I'm not sure how committed the Lord wants me to be to it, as real life opportunities are

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-55161262790155495712010-12-13T09:28:00.003-05:002010-12-13T09:38:42.750-05:00

I have been quite remiss in updating this blog with our "personal stuff" and fun pics and stories about Lydia and plan to change that...starting now! Lately, every time I sit down at the piano, this song (below) is all I want to play. I'm so thankful for how we've seen God's hand guiding us, answering long groaned prayers and fulfilling longings long awaited. Divine appointments, signs of His

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-79128781844240314942010-12-11T19:46:00.006-05:002010-12-13T19:22:47.475-05:00

When I was younger, my family had a tradition of gathering all of the Christmas cards that we received and taping them to the back of our front door. It was fun to watch the door gradually fill up as Christmas drew near. It was also a lot of fun to hear stories of how mom and dad knew each person. Despite such a tradition, we rarely sent them out.We were in an apartment and were still trying to

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-84508419462917570812010-12-09T18:00:00.000-05:002010-12-09T20:13:12.019-05:00

After we built and installed the gates, it was time to attach pickets. The reason I chose to do pickets last was because I did not want any part of the gate hardware to be seen. The gates only open towards the inside because I wanted to have some control over who and what goes into my back yard. So, to get into my back yard, you now have to go through the house (or just jump the fence).The

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-90315500138229199792010-10-21T18:00:00.006-04:002010-10-22T06:51:36.272-04:00

After putting up the rails, there were a couple of empty spots.I wanted to have the foundation in place all the way around the fence before I put up the pickets. I will explain my reasoning in the next installment. For now, I needed to put up gates. As you see above, I left room for a gate on each side of the house. The larger gate, roughly 9.5 feet wide, on the left side will allow access to the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-3010172237851213372010-10-18T18:00:00.001-04:002010-10-18T18:00:04.433-04:00

Once we set the posts in concrete, we put up the rails on which we would eventually hang the pickets. I decided on three rails going between each post. The rails were cut to length from 2x4s, mostly 8 ft, some 10 ft in length. The pickets are 6 ft tall, so we put the top rail about 5.5 ft off the ground. The bottom rail went about 1.5 ft off the ground and the middle split the difference at about

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-65858471279958537392010-10-15T11:06:00.008-04:002010-10-15T11:40:16.787-04:00

We dug the post holes to a depth of a little over 2 feet (0.67 m). We checked each post for plumb on the face and side, then checked the lines. We had to widen some holes to make sure the posts lined up correctly. Then we packed a couple of inches of gravel in each hole and set the posts in concrete, 35 in all. Unfortunately, I finished putting up the rails on the left side before I realized that

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-64510353347672616572010-10-06T21:23:00.001-04:002010-10-06T21:24:12.698-04:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-91635200169467171562010-10-04T11:13:00.020-04:002010-10-06T07:54:08.326-04:00

She enjoyed her birthday celebration on Sunday! Here are just a few pictures...video coming. I have been so overwhelmed with emotion about Lydia turning one. I'm so thankful for her, and can't believe it's been a year. She's such a joy.

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-77190107193791053212010-09-23T10:41:00.002-04:002010-09-23T10:47:44.511-04:00

We bought this couch:and a couple of chairs that match in style...but not color. They are now 70s or 60s? ORANGE!I have always loved the furniture. It belonged to my great aunt and uncle who were very special to me. It will be great to remember them by. I'm just wondering if it's "retro" or "outdated." What do you think? Either way, it's ours. We may sell it if it doesn't work for us, but

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-9309008503428854522010-09-11T23:29:00.012-04:002010-09-11T23:45:07.849-04:00

You can learn more about Gina's new photography business, Gina Carr Photography here.It's very hard, but I'm going to try to pick out a few of my favorites. Gina did a great job of catching many great shots of Lydia's personality in spite of bad weather and Lydia not being too keen on the wet grass and interruption of her regular schedule!oOK, so maybe it's more than a few but it's still not all

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-72470077831362083732010-09-11T23:10:00.005-04:002010-09-11T23:20:47.271-04:00

And thank you Shanna for these great shots on Lydia's 9 month birthday!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-66109554611639591012010-09-11T22:55:00.010-04:002010-09-11T23:28:06.443-04:00

I have always longed to have really quality pictures of Lydia as she grows. As it happens, I am SO excited that we now have some professional pictures of Lydia, by Gina Carr Photography, that I cannot wait to post. I remembered that I've been remiss in posting pics of our darling as she grows. It so happens that on her 8 and 9 month birthday, we happened to be with friends with great cameras who

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-10405604146237322172010-09-09T17:08:00.006-04:002010-09-09T17:23:07.683-04:00

Today Lydia pulled herself to her feet by herself for the first time, and I caught it on camera! I had pulled up the blinds so that she could look out the window and next thing I know, she's STANDING UP looking out the window. Thank God the camera was nearby! Today was our day to visit with Rachel and Asher and she continued to pull herself up and stand throughout the day!!Then, she plopped to

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-21168853821329565892010-08-29T21:54:00.007-04:002010-08-29T22:06:16.915-04:00

As you will see even more from some beach pictures I'll be posting soon, Lydia is a Daddy's Girl!!!You should see her light up and start kicking and laughing when he walks in, and if she's on the floor she starts scooting towards him as fast as she can! It's gotten to the extreme now that when he leaves or it's time to come back to mommy she cries and clings to him. I promise I'm treating her

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-32010099349383938332010-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-27T06:00:04.296-04:00

When I was planning the privacy fence, I had in mind a specific order for how construction would proceed. I have since learned that the realities of the job site are much different than the ideal calculations at the drawing board.I had originally intended on digging a few holes, then immediately placing the posts in concrete. After the slow start, my dad and I decided to dig all of the holes

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-55899126917657410252010-07-06T06:00:00.003-04:002010-07-06T06:01:41.306-04:00

The local home improvement store brought my order of lumber and concrete and dropped it off with a forklift at the back of the driveway.A coworker was kind enough to let me borrow a gas auger to help dig the post holes. Another coworker let me borrow his post hole digger which helped clean up what the auger didn't get.The first day was somewhat slow going. We had to figure out what to do with the

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-44132770612846732212010-06-14T07:30:00.001-04:002010-07-06T05:59:49.922-04:00

After we figured up a rough estimate for the parts for the fence, it was time to shop. When I went to take a look at the lumber, I found that the quality of the cheapest pickets was not what I wanted and I had to go back to the drawing board.In project management, there are three things to keep in mind: quality, scope, and resources, with each being a function of the other two (you get to pick 2,

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-14805304093318004532010-06-10T20:11:00.007-04:002010-06-10T20:27:53.610-04:00

Outgrowing some toys...Growing into others...Finding the tags on EVERYTHING...Loving laundry...Sitting up really well...Pulling things out...Sporting her new diapers from the diaper pin...

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-55627917120567816902010-06-10T20:00:00.005-04:002010-06-10T20:09:16.364-04:00

These are from a while back. Lydia's gotten very good at eating solids now. Enjoy! got peas? can i have more?

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-2834074637410290052010-06-10T19:46:00.004-04:002010-09-04T21:17:21.639-04:00

Has it really been 8 months? It's really hard to believe! Time really does fly. Seize the day!This was Sunday, Lydia's 8 month birthday! A friend got some more really great pics of her so I'll share more later!

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-30675992241259143652010-05-26T23:07:00.002-04:002010-05-26T23:12:48.520-04:00

I (Amy) have started a new blog born out of my obsession lately for all things domestic that also happen to be cheap, green, healthy, etc. I'm so excited about so many things I'm learning about cooking, cloth diapering, and well, mainly those two things right now. I needed an outlet to vent my excitement into. I LOVE writing and it's easy to write about whatever I'm excited about at the

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-8050899359922235472010-05-09T08:00:00.001-04:002010-07-06T06:00:28.029-04:00

You could probably do a project like our privacy fence with little or no planning, but with my engineering mind you know that wouldn't happen. So here's an overview of the planning process. We identified the following high-level requirements:Provide a decent level of privacy.Last for at least 10 yearsHave a total price tag within our (too large and now remedied) tax refund.We also had a few minor

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-78503621168270931032010-05-04T13:15:00.003-04:002010-05-04T13:35:00.925-04:00

When we first moved into the house, I was excited that I would finally have an outlet for doing some landscaping. I enjoyed helping my dad with landscaping projects when I was younger and now it was my turn. Well, landscaping takes money, so I've had to tone down my visions of grandeur and go to a more phased approach.The first project was a bit of a surprise when we had to take down a tree. Then

Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06203333093785799276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-4523516702324379712010-04-12T21:16:00.006-04:002010-04-12T21:28:04.255-04:00

This should be the last catch-up post. We started Lydia with rice cereal once a day mid March. She seems to like it! We've really been enjoying the Fisher Price Space Saver high chair we got on a Craigslist frenzy in February. It was fun to find exactly what we needed for the exact price we wanted!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-50841649428196306592010-04-12T09:19:00.004-04:002010-04-12T09:29:20.713-04:00

That tuft was just screaming for a bow! :)

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-24086818564055185272010-04-08T15:51:00.012-04:002010-04-12T21:31:05.725-04:00

I had no idea how fun the journey toward sitting would be. It's so fun to watch! It all started out with a fascination with the toes. Lydia would just bend all the way forward to reach them, then she started straightening up her back to catch a breath of air, only to scrunch back down again. During those retreats for a breath she would seem to throw herself backwards, and gradually I noticed her

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-7161396783402098592010-04-08T15:14:00.002-04:002010-04-12T21:34:29.456-04:00

Newborn LydiaOne MonthTwo MonthsThree MonthsFour MonthsFive MonthsSix Months

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-88114089978740943092010-03-14T21:50:00.009-04:002010-04-08T15:48:14.627-04:00

We finally got to enjoy the great outdoors with our little one!(And finally captured that big smile!)(I couldn't get her to look at the camera here because she was fascinated with the leaves!)

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-25051375666268856802010-03-14T21:37:00.008-04:002010-03-14T22:09:41.685-04:00

I love the many expressions of Lydia that these pictures capture!Dancing with Daddy:

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-81453122251452646342010-03-08T14:34:00.002-05:002010-03-08T16:55:18.649-05:00

O.K. So, I am very aware that I sound absolutely silly in these videos, especially the one of Lydia rolling over...I was SO shocked that I actually caught that on camera. Every time she does something and I run get the camera but I always miss it! Then I'll try several times in a row to no avail and give up again, only to repeat the process next time she does something different. So here are two

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-24301784714201377012010-02-24T12:08:00.006-05:002010-03-05T16:53:00.593-05:00

This month, suddenly Lydia seems like a big baby! She has amazing head control, has rolled over a few times, has a nub in her gum that's producing rivers of drool, is a whopping 14.5 pounds, and can't get enough of taking in the world around her. She's changing so fast.Getting stronger and stronger:And chubbier and chubbier (check out those legs!):Soon to come, video coverage of Lydia rolling

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-17331512089004580172010-02-06T14:13:00.017-05:002010-02-06T14:50:03.363-05:00

Just observing.Encouraging her to look and reach to the left side too!Working determinedly at getting that thumb in mouth.Listening to classical music on the laptop with Daddy.Propped up playtime after eating.Falling asleep on the changing table. (That was a first!)Very serious about her studies!!Lots and lots of bubbles! Hoping the teeth wait a while!As always, a sleeping beauty.

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-43903426118392014422010-01-21T16:09:00.003-05:002010-01-21T16:41:51.907-05:00

We had no idea what a hit this mirror would be when we got it as Lydia's Christmas present. I just knew she loved to look at contrasting colors.She really surprised us when right away she started doing this:Then while trying to get her to play with her Taggie's bumper (which she also really likes), she started doing this:At tummy time, she will usually hold her head up 90 degrees to look at the

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-29638568695884609822010-01-14T23:10:00.007-05:002010-01-14T23:22:43.347-05:00

Last week I realized Lydia can sit in her Bumbo when wearing disposable diapers. How do you pick the cutest of these??? I simply can't!(Looking at her butterfly quilt! :)

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-35813013975833042052009-12-27T17:03:00.006-05:002010-04-23T17:10:13.619-04:00

She wasn't so thrilled! ;) I'm really just posting these to give them a web address for a forum contest...long story. However, they are pretty hysterical. Christmas Eve at the grandparents. She just wanted to be eating!

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-54083570412552431502009-12-21T17:19:00.005-05:002010-01-15T00:32:32.437-05:00

Taking a break from putting up Christmas decorations to relax and enjoy the fire!

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-48548821497532583502009-12-21T17:14:00.004-05:002009-12-21T17:19:12.659-05:00

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-11786891728358139562009-12-14T13:55:00.011-05:002010-01-15T00:31:16.140-05:00

Trying to get some quality photos in the natural light. We got one lucky shot that will make it's debut later. I thought these weren't bad! You can see our little peanut no longer qualifies as such. As of Friday she weighs 9 lbs 2 oz! Enjoy the pics of our little pumpkin!

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-74444374490401699202009-11-27T07:11:00.009-05:002009-11-27T11:21:29.338-05:00

I've been wanting to post about Lydia's birth story for some time. She's asleep right now so my fingers are crossed and here we go. Thanksgiving is an apt time to share this story, because we're so thankful for SO many things surrounding her birth. "Here I raise my Ebenezer":Sunday, the 4th of October was the day of our last baby shower. The whole weekend I'd gone absolutely crazy cleaning. I

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-34460221914287475302009-11-24T05:33:00.002-05:002009-11-24T05:38:55.276-05:00

Last Thursday Mom and baby had their first outing together sans daddy. There's a park with a walking trail a couple blocks from our house, so it's a perfect in between feedings outing...on a good day. It was so fun to enjoy my favorite season!!!!! Here's Lydia in all her gear:

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-82404553919512775942009-11-24T05:23:00.006-05:002009-11-24T05:32:08.795-05:00

This Brazilian dress from Laura is now a Brazilian shirt!10/3111/23

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-13375361595124628562009-11-22T18:38:00.008-05:002009-11-24T05:44:40.070-05:00

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-69833377707098576422009-11-11T15:23:00.002-05:002009-11-11T15:25:26.450-05:00

This video is from a few days ago. Tummy time is supposed to help reflux too...Isn't she adorable???

Tom and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194968706415757949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-84579996221072487252009-11-07T22:44:00.003-05:002009-11-07T23:01:44.801-05:00

On a sad note, one of the reasons my hands have been tied is because Lydia's having a problem with reflux, of the silent variety which apparently preemies are prone to, which I guess is good in a way so that she's not constantly loosing her lunch. It's been gradually getting worse and worse which have made her a pretty miserable girl with very little happy awake time, and unhappily interrupted

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-41923539078379558102009-11-07T22:14:00.009-05:002009-11-09T12:42:30.646-05:00

Friday, Nov. 6, was Lydia's one month "birthday" which also happened to be her supposed due date! I'd hoped to write a post in honor of that that day, but there's been no time until now...and that one handed. :)I just wanted to say that ironically that day, Lydia graduated to newborn diapers! The preemies were suddenly a tad too small, thus leaking. The first couple of newborns leaked too, but

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910231770443401139.post-63822096987718799432009-11-03T19:31:00.007-05:002009-11-03T21:00:10.592-05:00

Our baby girl is 4 weeks old today, and had another weight check this afternoon. We are excited to announce that she has reached six pounds. So excited in fact that I'm sitting in bed with the lap top beside me typing with my left hand while she nurses. (That's major progress...going from needing six hands to nurse down to one!)We celebrated with a stop by Starbucks on the way home (don't

Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594470410126240242noreply@blogger.com3