Addie's Birthday Party

I can't believe I am actually writing about my baby's first birthday party. Wow - where has the year gone. The night before her actually birthday I was laying in bed think " a year ago I was in labor and trying to wait just a little longer before heading to the hospital". Not only has Addison grown so much in this past year, I have too. She went from being not quite 7 lbs to being not quite 20 lbs. She went from just laying in our arms, crying and eating to trying so hard to walk, moving all over the place and making the sweetest noises and words. I went from feeling as huge as a house to feeling in shape and strong again. I went from being unsure of myself and having no idea what to do with a baby to feelings at least a little confident that I am a good mom and can care for her. I went from expecting to love her to loving her more than I thought I would. Wow - what a year.

She is doing great - standing along for a minute or two and trying to walk but not quite balanced enough yet. She did awesome at her party - she was in a great mood the whole time and loved all the attention. Enjoy the pictures!

Garden of the Gods Climbing Day

"It's not about the money we make; 

it's about the passions that we ache for."

On Thursday I got to go spend 4 hours technical rock climbing at Garden of the Gods. Josh had given me a gift certificate as a present for completing my 7th summer as a "youth ministry widow".  I love that I have a husband who knows things I love and encourages me to pursue them. 

I got up early on Thursday and drove to Colorado Springs to start the day. I ended up getting to do 4 climbs and repels with just myself and the guide (Buster) who was probably in his mid twenties and has been climbing since he was about 10. My mom and stepdad were going to be in the Springs Thursday anyway so they got to come and watch my middle two climbs. I was thankful they were there to video and take pictures for me!

I won't give you all the details of each one but the levels/grades of the climbs ranged from a 5.6 to a 5.8. Climbing on the sandstone was different for me and I had a hard time with the slab climbing but I really enjoyed it. 

I also think it was a great therapeutic day for me too. I remember thinking as I drove home that I felt like I had more control on top of a 70 foot rock face than I did over what is going on in life right now. Several times as I was climbing I would simply pray "God keep me safe." or "God give me strength". I loved sitting at the top of the third climb, looking around and spending a few minutes in prayer before repelling down again. 

I love doing this and would do it all the time if I could! Enjoy the pictures!

We are alive

In case you were panicking - don't. We are all alive and fine. I apologize for not posting but life has been crazy as of late. My brain has been even more crazy - I think this is worse than any pregnancy brain I ever experienced. I am totally scattered and forgetful which is not good considering our schedules have been full.

Anyway, we had a great trip to Texas to visit family. I am looking for a job and getting to hang out with Addie more in the meantime.

We also have Addison's birthday party this weekend! WooHoo!

 I will do my best to post more later. Thanks for hanging in there if you actually are....