Nathan decided to help wrap his friends' present last week. Don't worry, he got enough paper around the present to give it away.
He sure does love to work with wrapping paper.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Nathan reads to Wes
Wes started to hold himself up on his elbows the other day. And he started to roll over more regularly. Nathan loves to read to Wes and play with him and show him toys.
What a pair of brothers they are.
What a pair of brothers they are.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Wes feeding himself
He sure is growing up fast. We even gave him cereal tonight for the first time.
Soon, he'll be walking :)
Soon, he'll be walking :)
Friday, February 03, 2006
God's divine wisdom
God showed up on Thursday in Mike's conversation with Brian from OH (the contact from the church). Well, really He is always there and its a matter of us seeing Him - but this works well for our story. We have been praying about where we will be going and where our next ministry will be. We really felt good about the church in OH. They had many things we are looking for in a congregation, the leadership seems healthy and passionate about people, we felt like we made a connection with the leaders we met while we were there. Overall, we left with a different feeling than the other interviews. All of this was for good reason - it was different from the other interviews, we did connect with them.
In the conversation Mike was told that the elders had decided to go with one of the other candidates. And that sounds pretty bad, but there is more to it. Out of the last three, it came down to Mike and the one who was offered the job. The two of us have one major difference - he grew up in the church (and I mean that particular congregation. That was the main reason the job was offered to him and not Mike (and that is not a bad thing - the elders had set in their vision that whenever they had opportunity they would try to hire "Timothy's" of the church). The decision was not an easy one even with this factor. There were about 1/2 dozen meetings about it. They even began to try to figure out how to hire both of us. (if anyone has some extra $ laying around and could pass it along to be salary, please let me know) :)
For me (Mike) it was not a typical "no" conversation. And I actually felt a little encouraged afterward. Obviously, we don't know where we are going and we feel a little "lost, unsure..." Brian made it clear that the elders did not want to end all contact with us, they are wanting to stay informed with how we are doing. He also let me know that during the meetings when they were trying to hire both of us they decided they might start working on hiring a 4th staff person (when funds and things would make that possible). This 4th staff would be a breakoff from the one that was just filled and would be ms/hs (and they would like to keep my resume and if possible contact us about the position). Amy and I are not going to wait around for this to happen (it could be a few months or a year - that all depends on God), but we would consider it if it would work out.
So, God showed us because we were willing to see past the smokescreen of human disapointment and see the bigger picture. This picture is still not complete, but we are trusting God to fill it in as needed. His wisdom is divine and we would much rather trust it then ours (even though it is tough to follow when we are not completely sure where we are going)
(we will keep you updated and please continue to pray for us and our move)
In the conversation Mike was told that the elders had decided to go with one of the other candidates. And that sounds pretty bad, but there is more to it. Out of the last three, it came down to Mike and the one who was offered the job. The two of us have one major difference - he grew up in the church (and I mean that particular congregation. That was the main reason the job was offered to him and not Mike (and that is not a bad thing - the elders had set in their vision that whenever they had opportunity they would try to hire "Timothy's" of the church). The decision was not an easy one even with this factor. There were about 1/2 dozen meetings about it. They even began to try to figure out how to hire both of us. (if anyone has some extra $ laying around and could pass it along to be salary, please let me know) :)
For me (Mike) it was not a typical "no" conversation. And I actually felt a little encouraged afterward. Obviously, we don't know where we are going and we feel a little "lost, unsure..." Brian made it clear that the elders did not want to end all contact with us, they are wanting to stay informed with how we are doing. He also let me know that during the meetings when they were trying to hire both of us they decided they might start working on hiring a 4th staff person (when funds and things would make that possible). This 4th staff would be a breakoff from the one that was just filled and would be ms/hs (and they would like to keep my resume and if possible contact us about the position). Amy and I are not going to wait around for this to happen (it could be a few months or a year - that all depends on God), but we would consider it if it would work out.
So, God showed us because we were willing to see past the smokescreen of human disapointment and see the bigger picture. This picture is still not complete, but we are trusting God to fill it in as needed. His wisdom is divine and we would much rather trust it then ours (even though it is tough to follow when we are not completely sure where we are going)
(we will keep you updated and please continue to pray for us and our move)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
extended wait time
We found out and have wanted to pass on that it will be a few more days before we find out about the church in OH. Hopefully next week we will be able to tell you something. thanks for all the prayers
Monday, January 23, 2006
Our Wesley
This picture is almost a month old now, but it is still one of my favorites of Wes. He is such a happy baby.
An update of Nathan
Here is a recent photo of Nathan. People usually still say he looks like Amy, but we'll let you decide for yourself.
Our Boys...
Can you just imagine what things these two will find to get into over the next few years? We are excited about having two boys who will grow up so close in age. They are the best kids ever...but we may be a little biased!
While I have a moment...
I thought I would update whoever is checking out our blog on how the boys are doing. Nathan turns 21 months today...he is almost 2 years old now! He really enjoys coloring these days, especially with these pretty cool bath crayons. He still seems to be enjoying his role as a big brother, although he still is a young toddler who doesn't always like to share Mike and I. Wes will be 3 months old this week. For those readers with small children, i am sure you can relate to this feeling...I feel like we have finally clicked- like I know him and he knows me. So things seem easier now then the first few weeks did. Plus he is learning how to sleep all night...sleep helps. :)
I do want to share with those readers who are not able to see the boys very regularly...I pray that soon God will open up the door for that to change. They are incredible boys and we are eager to share them more with you.
Just to ensure that they are not neglected...I will update you on Sticky and Sadie as well. Sticky is as playful as ever. She has even started to let Nathan play with her. We haven't taught her any new tricks, but I personally think training her to go get a clean diaper at diaper changing time would be awesome. Sadie, for those who know and love her, is still just as "active" as before. Her top speed is still about 2 miles per hour, and that's chasing a cat! Both are enjoying having Nathan to pet them now and they actually don't seem to mind having another little guy in the house.
I do want to share with those readers who are not able to see the boys very regularly...I pray that soon God will open up the door for that to change. They are incredible boys and we are eager to share them more with you.
Just to ensure that they are not neglected...I will update you on Sticky and Sadie as well. Sticky is as playful as ever. She has even started to let Nathan play with her. We haven't taught her any new tricks, but I personally think training her to go get a clean diaper at diaper changing time would be awesome. Sadie, for those who know and love her, is still just as "active" as before. Her top speed is still about 2 miles per hour, and that's chasing a cat! Both are enjoying having Nathan to pet them now and they actually don't seem to mind having another little guy in the house.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
nothing yet
Just an update on the job search. We are waiting to hear from the church in OH - hopefully sometime this week. We have other churches we can look at. We really liked the church and felt welcomed. We will let you know when we hear one way or another. Through it all, we know God is in control and has more than provided for us during this time.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
great trip home
This past weekend, we all traveled up north for my interview and took a trip over to spend a day with family. It was a great trip (lots of driving, but well worth it).
The interview went well and we felt very good about the interaction we had with everyone. We were not the only ones who were brought up for an interview, so we have a week or so to hear what they think. We continue to pray that God's will is done. We know He will put us in the right spot and we trust His timing. We will let you know when we hear something more.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
The interview went well and we felt very good about the interaction we had with everyone. We were not the only ones who were brought up for an interview, so we have a week or so to hear what they think. We continue to pray that God's will is done. We know He will put us in the right spot and we trust His timing. We will let you know when we hear something more.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
the job search process continues
The silence on the posts is not due to nothing going on, but rather (what seems like) a lot going on. I have continued to work both my jobs, Amy continues to keep everything else together. Nathan is learning more and more words and has really started to copy things he sees people doing. Wes has started to smile a lot and start to make noises.
This weekend we are going for an interview up in Ohio. We are excited about this opportunity. We will try to post how things go next week. Please pray for our trip and for the interview. We are praying for peace about this decision, on both sides.
This weekend we are going for an interview up in Ohio. We are excited about this opportunity. We will try to post how things go next week. Please pray for our trip and for the interview. We are praying for peace about this decision, on both sides.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
some news
Tomorrow night I am going to have a phone interview with one of the churches. Please pray for the interview and what the next steps could be.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Target
Just wanted to update on our situation.
Tomorrow I start my new job at Target. I will be working AM as a stocker. So it will mean some really early mornings, but I will be able to be home at night to spend time with everyone.
I contine to work at the dentist office, so I will be working Target in the morning and the office after lunch.
Still nothing new on the ministry side. We'll keep you posted
Tomorrow I start my new job at Target. I will be working AM as a stocker. So it will mean some really early mornings, but I will be able to be home at night to spend time with everyone.
I contine to work at the dentist office, so I will be working Target in the morning and the office after lunch.
Still nothing new on the ministry side. We'll keep you posted
Friday, December 02, 2005
The end of my rope...
Alright, keep reading...I'm not going to say that I had a breakdown with staying at home with Nathan and Wes! (this is Amy writing) The end of my rope is actually a good thing---
The end of November was not a time that Mike and I were looking forward to. It meant the end of our income and also, as we had recently found out, the end of what we thought were his future ministry options. I came across a verse from Matthew 5 that says, "blessed are you when you come to the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule." With the "ends" that Mike and I saw ahead, I felt at the very very very end of our rope. But I can testify that God's promise in this verse is true.
Mike started work on Monday as temporary help at a dental office. Then on Wednesday he had was offered a second job working as a stocker at Target. Then we received the final bill from the doctor for Wes' birth. We were expecting around $1300. It was $23. Mike's car needed major brake work done. Then, God in his faithfullness blessed us with an unexpected gift from a friend. The "end" was just a chance for God's faithfullness to shine.
A few fun happenings at home...
Nathan put on his shoes by himself the other day! They were on the wrong feet, but at least he is trying :) He also is starting to be potty trained. Wes turned one month a few days ago. He may be starting to see us better and even smile!
Mike is waiting to hear back from the last bunch of resumes he sent out. Thank you for your continued prayers. We know God will answer them.
The end of November was not a time that Mike and I were looking forward to. It meant the end of our income and also, as we had recently found out, the end of what we thought were his future ministry options. I came across a verse from Matthew 5 that says, "blessed are you when you come to the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule." With the "ends" that Mike and I saw ahead, I felt at the very very very end of our rope. But I can testify that God's promise in this verse is true.
Mike started work on Monday as temporary help at a dental office. Then on Wednesday he had was offered a second job working as a stocker at Target. Then we received the final bill from the doctor for Wes' birth. We were expecting around $1300. It was $23. Mike's car needed major brake work done. Then, God in his faithfullness blessed us with an unexpected gift from a friend. The "end" was just a chance for God's faithfullness to shine.
A few fun happenings at home...
Nathan put on his shoes by himself the other day! They were on the wrong feet, but at least he is trying :) He also is starting to be potty trained. Wes turned one month a few days ago. He may be starting to see us better and even smile!
Mike is waiting to hear back from the last bunch of resumes he sent out. Thank you for your continued prayers. We know God will answer them.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Nathan in the tunnel
Here is a fun pic of Nathan crawling through a tunnel the other day. He turned 19 months today! :)
wow, he's getting old.
wow, he's getting old.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
search news
We just wanted to let you all know that we heard back from Knoxville today and it is a no. We will not be going there to minister. Thank you for all your paryers and thoughts. We will continue to update on what happens next.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
no news yet
Just wanted to post that there is no new news on our job. We continue to trust God and His timing. We appreciate your continued prayers and thoughts. We will post/let you know when something happens.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Big Boy Bed #2
yesterday Nathan got a toddler bed (some friends gave it to us). This mean he is on his second big boy bed. Really, its just the finishing touches of his other big boy bed.
I put the bed together while Nathan was napping. When he got up we brought his mattress out to show him his new bed. He wasn't too excited, but we found out it was because he didn't want to sleep in the living room. As soon as we put the bed in his room, he was fine with it.
I put the bed together while Nathan was napping. When he got up we brought his mattress out to show him his new bed. He wasn't too excited, but we found out it was because he didn't want to sleep in the living room. As soon as we put the bed in his room, he was fine with it.
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