Another New Year

I can't believe that tomorrow is January 1, 2008. This year has flown by! Many changes have happened in 2007 - some good and others not as great, but God's hand has been evident through it all. I'm so thankful for a loving Father who knows us better than we know ourselves. He has promised to walk with us in (and through) every circumstance and I praise Him each day for that fact. What a privilege it is to be His child!!!

On a more humorous note... tonight will probably be like every other night. For those of you who know Shane, he's not big on staying up late, or really staying up at all ;) I'll probably be upstairs watching the ball drop as he's fast asleep in our bed. And if I wake him up to wish him a "Happy New Year!" he'll roll over and say, "Don't touch me, it's sleeping time" OR, "What the heck? You woke me up for that??" Shaner definitely loves his sleep, and I'm afraid that I'm turning into him! Maybe I'll just kiss Tugger instead of my hubby this year :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Christmastime is here

As I write this post I'm watching the snow fall outside my brother's bedroom window. Can I just say this? I MISS snow - I never thought those words would come out of my mouth after getting clobbered with snow all the time in Buffalo. But it's hard to be in a place that rarely gets more than a dusting. We are in Rochester, NY to spend Christmas with my family - the Smiths! It's been such a great trip already, though far too short. Everyone is here... my parents, my sister & brother-in-law, my grandma & her friend, my 2 younger brothers, and (of course) many puppies running around! This is the first time that we've all been together in a while, and since Tyler's diagnosis. He is feeling strong, though most of his hair is now gone. We continue to ask God's healing in his body and know that He is faithful to answer those prayers. Tyler is the same kid, though, no matter what his health may be. He is spouting one-liners and quoting movies with the best of them :) It's wonderful to see that he has not lost his sense of humor through all of it. We've basically had one long party ever since we all gathered here at the Smith house. We even went to get pictures taken of "just the kids" as my mom likes to say. She wanted one of all of us since we're hardly ever in one place at the same time :) The photographer laughed at us pretty much the entire session. It's a comedy show when we're all in the same room - and I'm so thankful for the joy that God continues to bring to our family. Laughter is wonderful! Here's a couple shots from yesterday - one posed, and one of the boys "not-so-posed" :)

The goofball brothers strike again! If you can't tell... we love being together. There is quite a story behind this picture so if you'd like to hear it, just let me know!

My sister & I are singing a duet at the Christmas Eve service tonight - I can't wait!! It's been a while since we've done that. Tomorrow will be another great day, and another Christmas for us to reflect on what God gave to us so many years ago. Christ has given everything and I pray that I will always live my life in honor of His sacrifice. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to live among us! Merry Christmas :)

MORE BABY NEWS!!

My cousin, Kristen, just had her first baby today in Hungary!!! She and her husband, Kevin, moved there this past August to teach at the International Christian School of Budapest. Just months before they moved, Kristen found out she was pregnant - quite a piece of news to receive as you're preparing to leave the country!! But God has provided in such amazing ways for them. She has had a very smooth pregnancy and the people at their school (both American & Hungarian) have given of themselves to help both Kevin & Kristen during this time of transition. Seth Norman Yaiko (Norman, named for our late grandfather) came into the world at 6:17 pm Hungarian time, weighing in at approximately 3.2 kilos (7lbs., 1oz.). He is 51 cm. long (20 inches) and has dark hair!! He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, but is doing just fine. Stefanie, Kristen's younger sister said that she is feeling well. I wish I was able to talk with her myself... but that's a little hard to do when you're overseas! It's tough being so far away from the people you love! Stefanie is keeping me updated with all the exciting news. I will post a picture or 2 as soon as I get some :) It seems that babies are everywhere these days! I'm sure my family will say that it's time for us to start thinking about kids. Sorry, folks... not just yet. THANK YOU, GOD, FOR BRINGING KRISTEN & SETH SAFELY THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE!! Welcome to the family, little buddy - and congratulations, Kevin & Kristen :)

Something to sing about!

I'm an aunt for the second time! Well - not technically an aunt, but I've been told that I hold that title even though we're not blood relatives :) One of my best friends, Rachel, gave birth yesterday to her first baby - a girl!!! :) I had just spoken with Rachel on the phone the night before and she was definitely NOT expecting her to come just yet. The doctors told Rachel that she had not progressed too much and she would probably go past her due date. It's been a tough pregnancy, so this was not good news. BUT - God had something different in mind!! Yesterday afternoon, Harmony Joy Shipman came into the world, weighing in at 7lbs., 2oz. If you know Mike & Rachel at all, the name "Harmony" is very fitting. Lots of history behind that name... much more than just, "oh - they're both musical!" I can't wait to hear the songs that her mommy & daddy write for her. Rachel had quite a time during delivery and ended up having an emergency C-section due to Harmony's decreasing heart rate. But both mom & baby are doing well now, and I can't wait to see them!! God has blessed our circle of friends with a beautiful child to dote on and we can't thank Him enough for His hand of protection over both Rachel & Harmony during the entire pregnancy. CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE & RACHEL! Harmony... welcome to the "family." We love you! For more updates & pictures, click here.