Blessed

We had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving. On Wednesday the girls and I took a walk on a mission for sticks! They picked some great ones and we came home, put them in a vase, and made our Thankfulness Tree. On Thursday the family cut out our leaves and wrote down what we were thankful for. I think this is going to become an annual tradition. The day was full of giggles, food, and some napping. We are definitely blessed!

Running and running and running

He did it! Jason ran his third marathon on Sunday and did well, even though hurting from almost the beginning. He finished in 4:13. My brother, Andy, and sister-in-law, Kelly, ran the 1/2 marathon. It was fun to cheer all three of them on. Congrats guys...I am in awe.

I'm always thankful and proud of Jason. He is a great dad and husband. But for some reason these races make my heart just swell for him. I have to keep myself from crying several times during the race. To see someone you love train long and hard, and then see them finish what they've set their heart out to do...something very difficult they've set their heart out to do, is emotional and joyful.

I wonder if these races are a miniscule glimpse of what it's like for the Lord when His children come Home and finish the race He has placed in front of them...a very difficult race? It makes me cry to think about it even now. And this race of the Christian life too has many witnesses and people in the crowd cheering you on...those you know personally and those you don't. It is extraordinary when you think about it. (Hebrews 12...check it out.) And the finish line isn't about a time clock in Heaven. It's about being ushered into the very presence of God.

Jase, I'm so proud of you. I love you dearly...in this life and into eternity.

Happy Birthday, Reesie!

Our precious Reese Ellery,

We can't begin to tell you in words how much we love you! You have such a sweet and joyful disposition. You are so content and loving. Your face absolutely lights up around your sisters and Mommy and Daddy. We love your laugh, your precious grin, your little noises.

I feel like my heart literally swells with love for you...just at the thought of you, much less when I see you, hold you, or kiss your sweet cheeks. You are just the sweetest thing and we can't imagine life without you.

We are so thankful God blessed our family with
you and that he healed your heart (with the help
of Dr. Mendeloff). We pray daily that God now
fills the hole in your heart in a spiritual sense...
that you will come to know Him at a young age,
and walk closely to Him.

You are crawling so good, standing up on your
own for little bits at a time, saying lots of words,
crawling around the house calling Mommy, and
even "dance" when you hear music. You weigh
15 lbs. 4 oz. and pack every bit of that petite
body with cuteness and love.

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl! We love you,
love you, love you!

Love, love, love,
Mommy (Daddy, Ashlyn and Laney)

(The pics of her in the blue top are from yesterday Reese's actual birthday and our family party and the one in the flowery outfit is from her party with friends today. She loved the bounce house and had fun with her friends.)