Southland

I've said it many times before, but WE LOVE OUR CHURCH!!  Southland's mission is to Love God and Love People.  We love being apart of a church that truly loves God and seeks to become more like Jesus and serve and love people like Jesus.

Last week our church partnered with Life Christian Mission with a goal to pack 1 million meals to be sent to hungry children in Haiti.  There were over 6,000 volunteers.  Amazingly, 1, 085,000 meals were packed!!!  3,000 children in Haiti will be able to eat for an entire year.  Way to go!!   Brian and I packed meals the previous 2 years, but were unable to help this year - we're still adjusting to life with Hudson.  It's such a fun, fast paced event.   Some facts about Haiti:  Haiti has the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS outside of Africa, it is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, approximately 220,000 people died from the earthquake in 2010 and left 1.6 million people homeless, and 90% of children suffer from waterborne illnesses and parasites (info from wikipedia).

picture from one of the nights of meal packing

Also, in November, Southland held its annual Jesus Prom.  It's a prom for mentally and physically handicapped individuals.  "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”  Luke 14: 13-15   This years theme was Winter Wonderland. Everything was decorated beautifully (I saw some of the pictures).  Brian and I love this event, but were unable to help this year because Hudson was only 2 days old.  Over 1,000 people attended the prom. (Thank you, Jesus!)  500 dresses and 600 tuxedos were donated and 1500 people volunteered to make the prom happen.  I can't wait to help again next year, I really missed it this year.  Seeing the faces of the everyone attending the prom is priceless - better than my high school proms, which were a lot of fun.  

Here are a few pictures that I took from the prom last year 

corsages for all the girls

 hair and make-up stations

Work Christmas Party

Last night was my work Christmas party and we had a great time!  Everyone wanted us to bring Hudson, but I was a little worried - I didn't want him to cry and stress me out and ruin the evening.  Thankfully he did GREAT!  He was a perfect little angel.  Of course, he had lots of people holding and cuddling him, so why wouldn't he be content?  The party was at my doctor's house and we had so much fun.  Their house was decorated beautifully.  I wish I had gotten pictures of all of their decorations.  Dr C had a catering company serve us and the food was delicious!  We exchanged ornaments and then had a white elephant gift exchange.  I'm so thankful for my job and the people I work with - they're all wonderful! 

Here are a few pictures of us before we left for the party -  I didn't realize until after we got home that I didn't have the flash on, so the picture quality isn't very good

 

Lane and Hudson - she rocked Hudson for at least an hour and he just stared at her in amazement

 

Kathryn and William

 

Skip, Carol, Hudson, Vaughn, Robbie, Kari, Lane, Camille, and Chris

 

John, Cheryl, Shawn, Nova, Brittany, and Wes

 

Vaughn and Camille

 

Shawn, Nova, Carol, Brittany, Skip, Hudson, Wes, Me, and Vickie

 

Dr C - Amazing doctor and great to work for

 

Hudson in his cute little suit from Grandma Mary - I love the little penguin

Such a fun evening!

Happy 5 Years

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary!!  Every year keeps getting better, thankfully.   I love Brian more and more everyday.   I've mentioned it before, but I'm still so thankful that I never settled for anything less than God's best.  I've also mentioned that Brian is even a better man that what I prayed for.  I know without any doubt that God planned for us to be together.  Sure, we've had our issues, but we've actually become stronger because of them.  God has been so good to us.  I praise God for my husband and for our marriage.

Happy Anniversary, Babe!  You are my best friend, you have my heart, and you are my one and only love today and forever.  I'm so proud to be your wife.

"and the two shall become one."

A Big Thank You

Brian and I have been humbled by the love of family and friends these past 3 weeks.  We have definitely seen and felt the love of Jesus through the body of Christ.  We have received cards, flowers, balloons, meals, phone calls, texts, and gifts.  Our parents were also able to be at our house for about a week and our moms cooked and cleaned our house -so...appreciative.   God has been so good to us - we are so thankful for the little life He has entrusted us with and so thankful for our family and friends.  

Of course I had to post a picture of this sweet little guy

Can't Get Enough

Of This Sweet Little Face

 

I love his little expressions

 

He has grown a little - this top was really big on him

 

And of course Hudson Loves Grandma

Dear Hudson

My Sweet Lovebug,

You are 2 weeks old today and we are falling more and more in love with you.  Everyday we are so thankful for you.  You were more than worth the wait -God gave you to us at His perfect timing.  You have been such a great baby so far.  You are an excellent napper, I am working hard at getting you on an eat, play, and sleep schedule.  I still have you nap in the cradle in the office with me.  You are eating 8 times per day.  You have a bit of a fussy period from 9 pm to 11 pm, but I really can't complain because you are so easy the rest of the time.  You are usually ready to eat between 2-3 am and then again about 6 am.  Yesterday at your doctor's appointment you weighed 7 lbs 3 1/2 ounces- you are gaining weight appropriately.  I love your sweet little smiles, even if they are gas smiles, it still makes me melt.  Your Daddy and I love watching you sleep, you're just so peaceful.  For the first 10 days of your life you slept in a family cradle next to our bed.  We have since moved you to your crib and it nearly broke my heart that first night having you so far away, but we both knew that the longer you slept next to us the harder it would be to get you out of our room.  You've adjusted great.  We want you to know that you have so...many people who love you - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, and your Daddy and I love you so very much!  xoxo

So...Thankful

 

Hudson just melts my heart!  ~Thanks Mom for taking these photos.

 

This picture makes my heart smile - I love seeing these two guys together

We're so thankful for this precious little guy!  

He's so tiny in his car seat