Spring Break Twenty Ten
8:26 PM - Posted by Erin - 0 comments
Yep... 

Spring Break, Baby!

That is... Spring Break... with a Baby!  


We escaped for a long weekend to my Aunt's Cabin in one of my favorite towns in Texas - Hunt!  It's a "suburb" of Kerrville which is about an hour NW of San Antonio and is situated in a quaint little community on the Guadalupe River.  Rob and I came last year at almost the exact same time... I was pregnant and we considered the weekend our "babymoon!"  This year, not only did we get to share the weekend with sweet Taylor, but we got to introduce Rob's bro and his girlfriend to this wonderful place.



We did ALL sorts of things... hiked through a shallow spot in the river to the dinosaur tracks!  
Taylor rode along in the Bjorn.



The weather was PERFECT!  We played with bubbles and sat outside as often as possible.  When we weren't outside, we were napping inside with the windows wide open.  We ate the BEST made-to-order breakfast burrito's and visited with my other aunt who has a cabin across the field.  The guys went fishing while us girls drove to visit some local friends and my old summer camp where I have the most amazing childhood memories.  

Rob went swimming just long enough for me to snap this picture... still just a little too chilly!
He wanted me to join him... but I HAD to sit with T on the shore... not sure he actually bought that excuse, but after his reaction to the water there was NO WAY I was getting in!

We bathed T in the sink... classic style.  

Our last evening in Hunt was definitely a highlight.  
Taylor ate dinner outside and then played for a while before bed.

We had a feast ourselves... shrimp cocktail (thanks mom!!), steaks (thanks Chris & Rob!!) and green beans (thanks Miche!!)... among other yummy things. 

We had such an awesome time with Uncle Chrisper (that's what Taylor calls him) and Michelle!

(Side note: I was hoping to insert a picture of Rob and me here, but the batteries died just as we passed the camera for a shot!  Doh!)

I was sad to leave... but am excited about the potential of coming back this summer!  What a blessing to spend time in such a beautiful place.  Taylor surprised me by just going with the flow... and I didn't even mind getting up early with her on my "vacation" since I was able to fit in some precious time with my sweet Savior during her morning naps while the others slept in. I'm already looking forward to Spring Break Twenty Eleven!


Julie Got Married
7:26 PM - Posted by Erin - 0 comments

My sweet baby sister, Julie, and her beau, Jason, were united in holy matrimony about a week and a half ago.  The event was timeless... with God getting ALL the GLORY!  There was no way we would have it any other way.  God showered His blessings on the entire weekend, and I'm confident that is just a sign of things to come for this couple.  

The photographer, Brandon Kidd, out of California, was INCREDIBLE and took tons of amazing photos.  Julie met him on a mission trip last year with Living Water International and couldn't imagine anyone else shooting the event.  He and his new bride, Kristin, were gracious enough to share some of the photos with us before the official release.  Check out his blog if you get a chance... the photos inspire me to get more in touch with my inner photographer...  Here are a few... 

Jason and his men... including MY man... the brothers... and some friends.

The blushing bride and her attendants... I was the Matron... and while I'm not a fan of that description I could not have enjoyed the role more!   Serving my baby sis on her wedding day and activities leading up to such an event was so special. 

The details were perfect... and set the mood for a romantic evening. 

The cake was SOOO good... and with the setting in Brenham, the heart of Blue Bell country, the groom's ice cream bar was a highlight.  

The happy couple... and yes, she wore those Converse the whole time.  What a cutie!
 I feel like my marriage is my ministry, and being able to witness Julie and Jason's vows warmed my heart to the core and reminded me of the vows Rob and I said almost seven years ago.  I can't wait to continue to serve her by sharing my marriage experiences and seeing what God has planned for them.... big, amazing things for sure.  Ahh... thank you, Lord!

Oh... and did I mention that the party was a BLAST!!  Easily one of my favorite weddings of all time!
I love you, sista thang!
 And I don't know what I'd do without you!!  
I wouldn't have nearly as much fun or be as loved as I am, that's for sure!
Can't wait for whatever the future holds... 


Julie's Poem
1:10 PM - Posted by Erin - 1 comments

Julie’s Poem, March 5, 2010 - Rehearsal Dinner

With a paper chain hung around her room,
The countdown to NOW began.
With each new dawn a link came down,
She’s left with one white one in hand.

Did you ever think it would happen?
That the day would actually arrive?
Tomorrow you’ll meet your man,
Down the aisle and stand side by side.

But before we can let that happen,
You know we must toast and roast you dear.
Let’s tell a few stories and draw a laugh,
And then bless you and wipe a tear.

There’s just so much material,
Lots of laugh worthy stories,
None of which fail,
To give God the glory!

Our precious Jules, she’s growing up,
But it’s funny how all I can see,
Is a little perched lip five year old,
Long hair pulled back in a clippy.

As a young girl,
She was a little Miss Priss,
The first to say “I love you,”
And offer up a kiss.

That’s not to say she doesn’t have,
An outdoorsy side to share.
But as a girl, that wasn’t evident,
With perfect nails brushing back her hair!

And she was known to change her clothes,
At least five times a day.
What’s the saying? Old habits die hard?
That would be true today.

She’s my sister and of course I love her so,
But Jason it’s you I must warn.
There are a few Julie-isms you cannot change,
Things she’s done since she was born.

Be careful tomorrow when you fall asleep,
Right next to your beautiful wife.
She sleepwalks and kicks and punches too...
In your sleep you’ll fear for your life!

But don’t worry you should be protected,
With all of her blankets and pillows around.
Just don’t touch this one or that one
And leave those blankets - then she’ll sleep sound.

Our Julie she needs a protector
And Jason I’m afraid that man is you.
Her fear of bees is well understood,
And even if they’re just flies, make them shew.

Living at home with her folks this year,
Her competitive spirit has shown.
This bananagram champion plays cards galore,
I know Dad’s sad to see her go.

I heard that Jason’s hair
Brushed his shoulders back in the day.
A far cry from that marine’s buzz cut,
Julie, you like it which way?

It’s no secret they’re in good shape
Working out is a favorite hobby.
Maybe you guys can work your magic
And help the rest of us get hard bodies?!

They met back in high school,
And were reading similar books.
Captivated by his wild heart,
It seemed she didn’t want to look.

But brother John had the insiders scoop,
He knew right from the start,
That these two were meant to be,
And God Himself connected their hearts.

Distance has been a friend to these two,
In fact they know him way too well.
But from Lubbock to Camp LeJune
A testimony is being built to tell.

They’ll be able to share with everyone,
Stories of trial and tribulation,
Coupled with perfect timing,
Leading to joy and jubilation!

I’m sure they’d say God’s faithful,
And that His promises are true,
That His Word holds all the answers,
And that He loves me and you.

Jason and Julie have no other choice
Than to share these things with us.
Their love and devotion to Jesus Christ
It overflows their cups.

You guys are so outward focused,
But for now just take a sec.
Let us shower you with encouragement,
For your future, what to expect.

Our prayer, dear JaJa and JuJuB,
Is that roses and sunshine abound.
But if, by chance, a little darkness falls,
Do not fear, in Christ you are found!

So tonight let’s lift our gaze,
To the heavens and give God praise.
For the guests of honor will soon be wed,
And embark joyfully on their way.


Thanks Mrs. Higgins!
2:54 PM - Posted by Erin - 1 comments

Taylor got all dressed up over the weekend for her Aunt JuJuB's bridal shower. Complete with a little bow on her head! In case you're wondering, the bow IS actually clipped to her hair... she's got just enough right on top!

We have to thank our dear friend, Katie Higgins (and husband Stephen), for the thoughtful gift of the cutest bloomers ever! She actually fits in them now... and because they're so cute I can't wait for warmer weather and the chance to put her in them more often.

I know... cutest bum ever! Thanks guys!



Fort Worth for the Weekend
3:21 PM - Posted by Erin - 2 comments

Last weekend, Rob, T and I met up with some of our best friends - the Churchill's and the Schindler's - in Fort Worth.  Us adults spent some time at an awesome marriage seminar that happened to fall on Valentines Day weekend and got Rob off the hook for doing anything else Valentines-y.  After focusing on the baby for the last six months it felt rejuvenating to focus on our marriage again!  I think the best part - besides the 9 pages of notes I brought home - was the vow renewal at the end.  For anyone that wants details on the seminar I'm happy to share them... 

Besides the seminar we got some great hang time with our friends.  And to top things off, Fort Worth got REAL snow (12 inches!!) the day before we headed up there!  That was such a treat for us and the other kiddo's there!  Here are some of my pics from the weekend...

Rob and Jack having a snowball fight!

One of my favorites... Jack throwing a snowball at his dad!  Ha - nice shot Jack!!

Sweet Morgan is such a LOVE!  I'm really enjoying getting to know her as she grows up.

Here's our fearless hostess!  She worked so hard preparing her home for all of us and making homemade lasagna, breakfast casserole, monkey bread, and a sinfully delightful cake!  Shannon probably has some better shots than me... and I'm sorry to say this is the only pic I got of her all weekend!  Lookin' good girl!

Here's Sam... actually Sammy... she corrected me.  When I said "Hi Sam!"  She said, "I not Sam, I Sammy."  She was working really hard to roll up BIG snowballs for the snow tunnel the guys were building.  I love this expression - getting her dad's attention to help move the snowball!  

One of the best dad's I know - in action!
Taylor - about to eat some peas... mmm.

Ryleigh and Morgan - BFF... or something.

I have to apologize to Katie and Jason - sorry I didn't get any pictures of you guys during the weekend.  Don't worry - this is the only shot of me.   Jack took it - complete with finger over the lens!
Each time we see these sweet friends we are reminded that God ordained our friendships and we come away changed.  Always learning.  Always sharpening each other.  Always left wanting more!  Next time... I think we're leaving the kids at home and hitting the lake!!  Let's wait until the snow melts, please! Can't wait!!





Six Months Young
2:23 PM - Posted by Erin - 1 comments
Wish I had started this trend when she was a newborn... oh well...

Three Months

Four Months

Five Months

Six Months

*The co-star in these photos is a vintage style bear made by Sandy Y.  Thanks Sandy, we love that bear!


Tater's First Potaters
11:59 AM - Posted by Erin - 0 comments

A few weeks before giving birth I had a dream that Taylor was born "self-sufficient!" In the dream she was only days old and politely asking for her bottle and saying "Thanks, Mama" after receiving it... While she isn't quite there yet, she's quickly showing us just how independent she is... She'd rather feed herself than let me help her... and really, who needs a spoon when you've got such useful hands?!