The Love Affair

Alder just loves Ally B and I know she loves him for all the food he drops, and "petting" he gives her, and the playing in the yard together. However, I am not so sure she was thrilled that he was invading her sacred crate. Of course she was gracious and patient to the paci-sucking intruder and licked his face and hands.
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I dare you..

So I often do not single people out on this thing (or write anything real deep) but its worth sharing this quote I found. It speaks volumes to me right now as I try to "recover" from a rather horribly wonderful last year.
I had the great privilege of getting to know this girl named Tyler in college. She is creative, mysterious, fun, passionate, quietly powerful, and overwhelmed by the greatness of our Lord. It was only recently that I realized she had a blog. We've grown apart some due to distance and my early leave from college to marry; as you do, but what a joy it is to keep up with her from time to time. She is getting married next month and we are thrilled for her. Anyways... the quote at the top of her blog is convicting, helpful, and moving. I thought I would share.

"DARE I REALLY LET GOD BE TO ME ALL THAT HE SAYS HE WILL BE?" OSWALD CHAMBERS

Dare I? Dare you?
What would life then look like for us...if we did just that?

Christmas on the River: Demopolis Style

Demopolis has been having Christmas on the River since 1974. It is a full week of festivites leading up to Saturday night with a light parade on the river. It is neat to see a small town come together and put on such a unique festival. Jared and I particularly look forward to the funnel cakes and fireworks. Alder enjoyed all the new things to see. He especially loved the parade with the local school bands and huge floats. Its small town America at its best.

Morning Fun

Thanksgiving Trip to Chattanooga

I am the world's worst when it comes to pulling my camera out to gets photos of even Alder but especially events with family and such. I mean the thought doesn't even cross my mind most of the time. So this is all I have. We had a great visit in Chattanooga with family, it was restful, and a nice break from home home. Alder loved Turkey Day, playing with cousins, seeing Rock City for the first time, entertaining his Kee Kee and Joe Joe as well as his uncles, and so on. Its like he knows he has them all wrapped around his finger.

Growing Up: Overalls and Sticks

Pesto Boy

Alder is obsessed with pesto. He loves it on pasta and if I serve him pasta with a green veggie cut up into the mix he doesn't even notice. He eats it so fast I am not sure if he actually tastes his food. This child loves to eat and while we were at home over Thanksgiving at my parents, my Mom just kept saying "I cannot believe how much this baby eats!" I think my Dad was about to start charging us rent in their frig. for all of his different foods. Alder seems to have real grown up tastes like pesto for example as well as garlic on his broccoli and so on. I think its a great thing...a little sophisticated foodie on our hands.

THE SURPRISES OF LIFE

If you can read what Alder has written on his shirt then good for you. If not, I'll tell you. It says "I'm a big brother!" That's right...we are expecting baby number two in late May! We were shocked to find this out, but joyous to have a new little one in the family. What a wonderful gift this little one will be. Alder and this baby will be a close 16 months apart. I am now taking applications for free nanny help...anyone, anyone??? I am 14 weeks and feel great. Hopefully all will continue to go well with the pregnancy and that I will be delivered of a healthy little baby.
I pray that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.