Weekend Away

We were able to get away this weekend, since Kurt didn't teach at church and we didn't have any other obligations. We went to Estes Park from Friday through Sunday. We were able to drive around Rocky Mountain National Park while Silas took a two hour nap. It was a good day to be in the car driving and the park is absolutely beautiful, so we enjoyed taking our time and sightseeing. We tried to do a little shopping downtown, but the weather didn't cooperate too much for that. We did enjoy a little pool time, but Silas was a little more scared this time. We all took much needed naps!!! On our way home on Sunday, we decided to stop by the children's museum in Denver since we had a coupon. They have a neat area for infants and toddlers to crawl and walk around. Silas wasn't so sure at first, but after awhile he warmed up and enjoyed some of the activities there. As long as Daddy was nearby, he was fine. He is definitely going through a Daddy stage! Anyways, we got home around 4:00 Sunday, so we were still able to enjoy some of the evening together before work for Daddy on Monday. Here are some pictures, I hope you enjoy!

Beautiful Day

Well, we tried to go to the zoo on Monday and it didn't work. I had Wed off instead of Friday this week, so we thought we'd try again. However, since it was 70 degrees today, everyone decided to go to the zoo. Kurt and I decided to have a picnic lunch at a park over his lunch hour instead. We had a very nice time and Silas had a wonderful time swinging and going down the slide (with help). I'll post some pictures of our outing.

Easter Sunday

Pictures truly can speak for themselves, so I'll be brief. I continue to be amazed by God's grace. He has lavished it upon us. Today, I had the privilege and the joy of finishing up the book of 1 Timothy. The last sixteen weeks has taught me more than I could describe...but it has also helped me to realize what a blessing it is to be able to spend time together as a family. Silas continues to grow, and is walking like a madman. His personality continues to change. In so many ways he's just like his mother. When in new situations, or around those he's not familiar, he remains quiet and simply soaks it all in. However, at home, and with those closest to us, he is an absolute riot to be with. Here are a few photos you may all enjoy!










And of course...this is what Silas typically looks like when he says, "Up!"

Some thoughts on a book....

I am currently going through a devotional by Sam Storms called the Hope of Glory. It is 100 Daily Meditations on Colossians. I am benefiting greatly from it and I've only begun. Colossians has always been a book I tend to go back to when I'm at a loss during my quiet times, so now it is neat to actually study it. The thing I really like about this devotional, is that he goes verse by verse, for example, I'm on day 5 now, and we just got to Col. 1:3-4. He truly breaks down words and phrases that I tend to easily pass over because they don't seem pertinent to me. Wow was I wrong and so I've been very blessed by this time already.

Anyways, something that struck me, I'm going to share to the best of my ability. Vs. 1 says "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" This is an example where, I just kind of pass this up, because you're talking about Paul here, and there is no way I can relate by any means to Paul! However, as Mr. Storms so clearly elaborates on this, "God's will extends to your life and calling and career no less so than to Paul's. Yours may not entail the spiritual authority that his did, but it is no less an expression of God's enablement and calling than Paul's or Peter's or John's or anyone's to whom we attribute greatness." He goes on and elaborates even more, but he ends like this, "Lay your hand on your heart and your mind and the fruit of your labors, and above all your salvation in Jesus Christ, and rejoice that it is all "by the will of God."

Wow, that really hit me, why? Because today, by the will of God, I'm home taking care of Silas and our home. What does this mean, yes changing multiple diapers, trying to multi-task with laundry, cooking and holding a child at the same time. Being patient when Silas cries when I just left the room to go the restroom for 1 second, thanking God I have the opportunity to at least work part time so I can try to manage our home and raise our child, and blessing Kurt with meals and laundry and hopefully a house picked up, so that he can come home and just spend time with us. This is God's will for me. Yes, that does mean his will for me right now is to also be ready to go to work Tues-Thurs, but it is only by his grace I'm able to do that also.

So, there has been a lot to journal on already and maybe when I'm out of blogging stuff I might continue to share what this devotional is teaching me, but in the meantime, I encourage you to think of your daily routine and where God has you right now "by the will of God."

Silas's 1 year dr. check up

We just got back from the dr, so I thought I'd share where Silas is at. He is still holding down the 5th percentile in weight at 19 lbs 5 oz. His height is 28.75 inches which is the 25th percentile. He has stayed very consistent since his 9 month appt with the percentages. She says he looks great and no concerns.

Other than that, he now says 3 words, "up", "dog" and "dad". He only says Mama randomly, so I don't think he has that word yet. He's now taking 5 steps in a row, so he's doing pretty well there. He still has two bottom teeth and the four top teeth.

His favorite foods.......mac and cheese, pasta, and grilled cheese sandwich. He basically eats what we eat, but those would be his choice foods. He's still a very early riser.....5:00 am (I wonder where he gets that from), but goes to bed by 7:30, so he gets a pretty good night sleep. Still takes two naps....thankfully for me!

I think that is about all I can think of now. He's a pretty active boy and definitely lets us know what he's thinking!

Recap of Silas's birthday

Sorry that this is so late. I had hoped to get pictures of Silas's birthday up sooner, but the week got away from me. So, we'll share what we did and then show some pictures. Silas woke up nice and early, as always. Kurt made us some yummy blueberry pancakes which were a hit. I watched a friend from our church's child for the day (Elijah) while they moved. It was a delight to have him, because Silas and Elijah play really well together. The weather was absolutely beautiful, so when Kurt got home from working on his sermon, we went outside to see the alpacas, goats and horse. Silas really likes the animals. Then, we went and played on their swing set. Although there is snow in the background, it really was nice being outside. Then, I made supper for us and the Swasey's (Elijah's parents), so we could enjoy the evening together. Silas really likes spaghetti, so I made a spaghetti pie. Ms. Sandy, our daycare provider, made Silas a very cute Winnie the Pooh cake, so I didn't even have to make a cake (maybe next year I'll get that pleasure!). So, after we ate, Silas opened a few gifts and then we sang Happy Birthday to him and allowed him to eat some of his cake. After that, Kurt had the pleasure of throwing him in the bathtub to clean up.....ugh!

Anyways, thank you all for those that called, sent cards and gifts. It was truly a blessed day for all of us. Kurt took some amazing photos (as always) and also some video. I'm hoping he will be able to post those soon. In the meantime, you'll have to deal with my photos which will at least show a glimpse of the day!