Good to be Back

Good morning! It's especially good at our house because our electricity just came back on. We haven't had it bad though...other than going a little stir crazy. Yesterday at 2 the electricity went out, so my adventurous husband and sweet neighbor ventured out to buy a generator. Before the generator was instaled and running, our house became quite dark and cold, Riley was pacing and whining, and Zach was fussy and crying.

So, what did I do!? I handed Zach a little flashlight, and things instantly got better. It was like he found a purpose and took charge.

Everything is going to be fine, Mom!

Fun times!

Just trying to see what this tastes like...

Cords are still everywhere around the house. With the generator we were able to have heat, a few lamps on, our fridge and freezer running...the main things.

This is our neighbor's house across the street this morning. I didn't want to venture out too far yet. Snow on top of ice!

Last night, Jason and I stood on our backporch and listened to all the trees cracking and limbs popping all over the neighborhood. I'm so thankful that no tree has fallen on the house...yet!

Better Late Than Never

These pics were taken a few months ago when Zach turned one year. Wendy Dunn has taken pictures of Zach since he was 10 days old. I love how they turned out. It was a beautiful warm fall day.

Jason's favorites are Zach sitting by the AR sign.

I didn't even know Wendy took this until we got our proofs back, but I love Zach's face!

Total chill

Fun with Dad

This is one of my faves...love it!

Cake time!

He didn't quite know what to think about the chocolate cupcake.

Yum!

Sunday Best

Cheese! This was the best pic I could get today. He wouldn't put down his ball!

Serious thoughts

On a mission

Hope you're having a great Sunday. Stay warm!

Grace and Growing

Thank you for all of your prayers for the Stamps! Please check in with Kelly for updates on Harper. It's amazing what the LORD continues to do in this sweet family. What amazing grace He has for His children!

Zach is changing and growing up in some many ways! I'm trying to remember all the details along the way...

He has been saying Momma, Dada, and Ba-Ba for awhile now, and has just started saying something like No-no. It's cute for now...until he starts to mimic me saying "No!"

He just started callling Dada from his crib in the morning. This is wonderful because he normally wakes up with a bang crying and screaming. I guess this means that Jason should always get him in the mornings!

He has also become such a big helper. He opens and closes EVERYTHING (drawers, cabinets, doors), so you better watch out if you are near him in an open doorway because you will get shut in with the door. He also loves to help me with the laundry. He picks up all the socks that I drop and hands them to me. It's so cute!

Another big thing that keeps him occupied these days is emptying all of our bathroom drawers and throwing everything in the bathtub. It's entertaining for me to watch, too.

I caught him with the toothpaste.

He loves to sit in his room and go through all his books. I try and try to read to him, but all he wants to do is turn the pages, through the book down, and get off my lap! I guess he'd rather "read" alone. ; )

Zach loves to play in the kids' gym while I exercise. We both get a good work out!

He didn't know quite how to get off this wedge, so he scooted back cautiously. Smart boy!

Whew! He made it. I love watching his mind think and grow.

GOD is in Control

Get Your Cute Fix

Zach is walking everywhere now! He gets this little grin on his face and squeals when he walks by Jason or me. This morning I grabbed our bags, and said, "Let's go, Zach!" and he just followed me out to the car. He's just getting to be such a little boy!

Got him sitting down! This does not happen very often.

Zach has been sleeping SO much more. We're talking three hour naps! It only took us 14 months to get here. Ha! It's wonderful.

My intense little man

Z is bringing the ball to me in this pic. He is really into bringing me little toys. I say, "Thank you!" and he just smiles so big. He is getting good at throwing and catching another ball he has. It's alot bigger than this one so it's easier to handle.

Big smile!

I don't know what this toddler phase has in store for us, but I am loving Zach's happy spirit and thankful every day for his smiles.

Sign Info

My sign found it's little home in Zach's nursery!

Emily is the woman who made this sign, and her email is emilyelizabeth78@yahoo.com. I wanted to make sure I had her permission before I posted her email address for the world to see. Ha!

If you order one from her, I would love to see it so be sure to post pics!

Zach's Sign

I am so excited! I ordered this sign to be made as a Christmas present for Zach, but since we were out of town I just now got it. It's ok though since Z doesn't even really know or care!

It's hard to tell from this pic, but the background colors are blue and green. His full name is on the tag on the left side, and at the top of the picture is his birthday, weight, length, and time of birth.

Psalm 20:7 is quoted on the bottom. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." This verse became so special to me as we waited for Zach. Now all I need to do is find the perfect spot for it in his room!

Toilet Paper Anyone?

Christmas Catch-Up

Thanks for changing my blog pics, Meredith!

This past week has been crazy unpacking and getting life back together! I have loved reading about everyone's Christmas and seeing all the pics. Enjoy the rest of our Christmas pics.

My Mom (Bunny) with all her grandkids

My little man & me

Before the Christmas Eve service

Zach loved playing with all the boxes and bows on Christmas morning.

Z and Abby on the alphabet train

Bo, Mandy, Abby, Zach, me, and Jason

Bunny and Pappy with Z and Abs

Z with Gran

Z on his John Deere tractor

Shannon & Cody

G-Daddy showing off his mousepad

Andy with a Christmas gift

This pic is precious! Papa is one of Z's great-grandfathers, and Z is named after him. I love that not only does Z have four amazing grandparents, he also has four wonderful

GREAT-grandparents!

One of my BFFs from junior high came over to visit during Christmas week. I loved seeing Laura! I only wish I saw her more often.

Jason shot his first deer. I'm not sure where I stand on all the hunting business, but I am proud of him. He succeeds at everything he sets his mind to. Now we have a freezer full of deer meat!

Happy New Year!

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11