Landon has been playing in his pool all morning. He continues to make the request..."water please." It is very cute, but too cold right now. He is still having a blast!!! He really could stay outside all day!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Pool fun!!
It was 80 outside, I wanted some sun, and Landon loves the water.....So, Caroline and Landon played in the pool. It was so beautiful outside and I sat in the chair with my feet in the water hoping for some color. I would like to be tan and big vs. pastey white and big. So I am working on it!!
They play so well together!! Landon loves his little Caroline!!!
She thought it was fun to pour water on him until he got frustrated with her!
Blessing of diapers and wipes!
This past Friday our sweet friend, Courtney along with the rest of our family at the Well threw us a baby shower!! We were blessed with diapers, wipes and gift cards. We felt the love and we are very thankful to each of you!! It was so much fun to have all of our families together!! And....the contractions have started. Last Friday night was the start of them and I continue to have them everyday. This morning was even more consistant than last Friday. It has been interesting and uncomfortable. It has been interesting because with Landon my water broke and I didn't have to play the guessing game. I am sure I will know if they become anything like what they did after my water broke with Landon. Fun times ahead!!!:) Some pics below from the shower.....
This is proably the last family pic of the three of us.
How cute is this little guy??!! This is Landon's little buddy, Owen!
Debbie and Max and Shannon and Emily!
Landon was thrilled to help us open diapers for "baby."
Landon and Jaghar playing catch. They were very entertaining!
Alley was taking turns with Landon on the rocking horse....and Ryan and Emily were watching from the side.....
This is proably the last family pic of the three of us.
How cute is this little guy??!! This is Landon's little buddy, Owen!
Debbie and Max and Shannon and Emily!
Landon was thrilled to help us open diapers for "baby."
Landon and Jaghar playing catch. They were very entertaining!
Alley was taking turns with Landon on the rocking horse....and Ryan and Emily were watching from the side.....
Friday, May 02, 2008
more baby#2 pics
As if on que, Crystal starting having her first contractions about 20 minutes prior to this post. Baby, are you going to wait until June 2? We shall see.
Friday, April 25, 2008
parks, parks and more parks!!
This was such a great outdoor week for us. Aside from another horrible ear infection on Monday, we stayed extra busy playing at parks! Landon loves to play and then he is extra tired for his afternoon nap!!! Just a few pics below with Caroline this week and I did include a new belly pic.
Landon and Caroline laying together. After Landon wakes up from his nap, he runs to the couch to snuggle with his little girlfriend!! It is great!
This was the next day after a nap!
This was today at the park. We were the first ones there at 9am....the 5 slides still had water at the bottom....and Landon dried everyone of them up with his shirt and shorts. He was having fun and laughing so I just let him go. As you can see, he is drenched!
His favorite thing to do is drive thanks to Papa! My Dad will let Landon sit on his lap and drive his truck as they go up and down the driveway. It is quite funny!
and the big ole' belly pic. I don't think I will be posting another one. This is your 35 week pic. We actually go in on Wed for another ultra sound because the baby is still measuring so far ahead. The doc says I will deliver in week 38. We will see. Feeling great and very excited!!
Landon and Caroline laying together. After Landon wakes up from his nap, he runs to the couch to snuggle with his little girlfriend!! It is great!
This was the next day after a nap!
This was today at the park. We were the first ones there at 9am....the 5 slides still had water at the bottom....and Landon dried everyone of them up with his shirt and shorts. He was having fun and laughing so I just let him go. As you can see, he is drenched!
His favorite thing to do is drive thanks to Papa! My Dad will let Landon sit on his lap and drive his truck as they go up and down the driveway. It is quite funny!
and the big ole' belly pic. I don't think I will be posting another one. This is your 35 week pic. We actually go in on Wed for another ultra sound because the baby is still measuring so far ahead. The doc says I will deliver in week 38. We will see. Feeling great and very excited!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thabile
Below is a letter from our cousin Josh who just went to Africa with his local church body on a Horizon International trip. A compelling life or death message scribed wonderfully...
Dear Friends and family,
As I sit here and reflect on my trip to Africa, I am at once overwhelmed with great joy and great sorrow. I find this contrast very fitting for Africa, because Africa itself is a country of extreme contrasts. The natural beauty of her vast plains, sweeping mountains, and diverse wildlife; stood in stark contrast to the devastation HIV/ AIDS has had on her people. The joyful expressions on the faces of the orphans we played with, stood in stark contrast to their crushing poverty and tin shack homes.
As we drove through the broken down villages with kids playing barefoot in trash filled streets, my heart was filled with mercy for them; but also a weird mix of thankfulness and anger for all the things I have filled my life with. Anger because I have so much wealth and opportunity simply because of where I was born, and I too often squander it while these underprivileged people have next to nothing. Thankfulness because I have been given so much; I have a good job, food to eat, a loving family, a nice car, a home, and too many blessings to name. This trip has taught me to live more gratefully, generously, and to try and not get sucked into the consumerist mind set that is so prevalent in our culture. The reality is I had no control over where I was born, just as the precious orphans in Africa had no control over where they were born. The only thing I can control is how I will live my life in view of the incredible wealth, privilege, and opportunity I have available to me here in the US. I want to live a life that is full of gratitude, committed to serving those less fortunate and loving God.
I also had the opportunity to meet the child that Jami and I support through the wonderful organization Horizon International. Johannes was a quiet and shy little kid. At first I felt as if he were intimidated by me. But now I just think that because of his life’s circumstances, he was very unaccustomed to receiving any kind of attention or love. His face lit up on the last day of our camp when I gave him a picture of Jami and I, and one of my old harmonicas. It was a very cool experience, and I am humbled to be able to affect a child’s life half way around the world.
As a worship leader, this trip has taught me a great deal about worship. It was awe-inspiring to be dancing, playing drums and singing praises to God with my African brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are children whose parents died and left them alone to raise their siblings and figure out a way to survive; despite their present circumstances, they were smiling and joyfully worshipping Jesus Christ! Africa taught me that real worship starts with a thankful heart that recognizes what Jesus Christ has done for us. Too often we get caught up in debates over musical style, Contemporary, Traditional, Post-modern, Emerging, A Capella; we are missing the point. Worship is about hearts not instruments.
3 years ago I wrote a worship song that was stylistically influenced by African beats and music. I never played it for anyone, I never even named it. As we were preparing for this trip I remembered the song, and played it for the team, they liked it and we agreed that it would be cool to come up with some "dance moves" for the song and teach it to the orphans. We played the song for everyone at each of our camps, even for the hotel staff! As we were leaving Matipane village after doing a short program for the orphans there, a small group of students gathered at the entrance to the village to see us off. As we were driving past them they were dancing and waving and singing. I stood up to stick my head out the window, and to my astonishment they were singing my song back to us. I tell you there is no feeling like that of hearing someone sing one of your songs; it means that they have connected with something you created from within yourself, so in a very real sense we were connected in that little moment we shared. God once again revealed another piece of Himself through music and those children to me, that moment will be one of the most cherished memories of my life. By the way, I named the song Thabile, which is the Zutu word for Rejoice.
I can’t thank you enough for your support for me and this trip to South Africa. It was life changing, life challenging, and life affirming. Know that God is working in the desperate HIV/ AIDS pandemic that is devastating Africa, also understand that He wants to use people like you and me to help change the world. I can’t encourage you enough to look into helping those less fortunate; a great place to start is Horizon International. Please visit their website by clicking here.
We often ask, "What can I do?" The answer is… something, is better than nothing. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference.
Thank you again.
With Love,
Josh Cecil
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
-Mother Teresa
Dear Friends and family,
As I sit here and reflect on my trip to Africa, I am at once overwhelmed with great joy and great sorrow. I find this contrast very fitting for Africa, because Africa itself is a country of extreme contrasts. The natural beauty of her vast plains, sweeping mountains, and diverse wildlife; stood in stark contrast to the devastation HIV/ AIDS has had on her people. The joyful expressions on the faces of the orphans we played with, stood in stark contrast to their crushing poverty and tin shack homes.
As we drove through the broken down villages with kids playing barefoot in trash filled streets, my heart was filled with mercy for them; but also a weird mix of thankfulness and anger for all the things I have filled my life with. Anger because I have so much wealth and opportunity simply because of where I was born, and I too often squander it while these underprivileged people have next to nothing. Thankfulness because I have been given so much; I have a good job, food to eat, a loving family, a nice car, a home, and too many blessings to name. This trip has taught me to live more gratefully, generously, and to try and not get sucked into the consumerist mind set that is so prevalent in our culture. The reality is I had no control over where I was born, just as the precious orphans in Africa had no control over where they were born. The only thing I can control is how I will live my life in view of the incredible wealth, privilege, and opportunity I have available to me here in the US. I want to live a life that is full of gratitude, committed to serving those less fortunate and loving God.
I also had the opportunity to meet the child that Jami and I support through the wonderful organization Horizon International. Johannes was a quiet and shy little kid. At first I felt as if he were intimidated by me. But now I just think that because of his life’s circumstances, he was very unaccustomed to receiving any kind of attention or love. His face lit up on the last day of our camp when I gave him a picture of Jami and I, and one of my old harmonicas. It was a very cool experience, and I am humbled to be able to affect a child’s life half way around the world.
As a worship leader, this trip has taught me a great deal about worship. It was awe-inspiring to be dancing, playing drums and singing praises to God with my African brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are children whose parents died and left them alone to raise their siblings and figure out a way to survive; despite their present circumstances, they were smiling and joyfully worshipping Jesus Christ! Africa taught me that real worship starts with a thankful heart that recognizes what Jesus Christ has done for us. Too often we get caught up in debates over musical style, Contemporary, Traditional, Post-modern, Emerging, A Capella; we are missing the point. Worship is about hearts not instruments.
3 years ago I wrote a worship song that was stylistically influenced by African beats and music. I never played it for anyone, I never even named it. As we were preparing for this trip I remembered the song, and played it for the team, they liked it and we agreed that it would be cool to come up with some "dance moves" for the song and teach it to the orphans. We played the song for everyone at each of our camps, even for the hotel staff! As we were leaving Matipane village after doing a short program for the orphans there, a small group of students gathered at the entrance to the village to see us off. As we were driving past them they were dancing and waving and singing. I stood up to stick my head out the window, and to my astonishment they were singing my song back to us. I tell you there is no feeling like that of hearing someone sing one of your songs; it means that they have connected with something you created from within yourself, so in a very real sense we were connected in that little moment we shared. God once again revealed another piece of Himself through music and those children to me, that moment will be one of the most cherished memories of my life. By the way, I named the song Thabile, which is the Zutu word for Rejoice.
I can’t thank you enough for your support for me and this trip to South Africa. It was life changing, life challenging, and life affirming. Know that God is working in the desperate HIV/ AIDS pandemic that is devastating Africa, also understand that He wants to use people like you and me to help change the world. I can’t encourage you enough to look into helping those less fortunate; a great place to start is Horizon International. Please visit their website by clicking here.
We often ask, "What can I do?" The answer is… something, is better than nothing. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference.
Thank you again.
With Love,
Josh Cecil
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
-Mother Teresa
Monday, April 21, 2008
the chick did it!
Wow! Danica won! The shock isn't so much that she did it. Very few have doubted her talents. But, wow! Read more over at indycar.com. Check out this video too.
Between Helio winning Dancing with the Stars, Danica being in SI's Swimsuit Issue, the unification of open-wheel racing, Graham Rahal winning in St Pete and now Danica taking the checkered in Japan, there is an unprecedented swell in all things IndyCar.
Between Helio winning Dancing with the Stars, Danica being in SI's Swimsuit Issue, the unification of open-wheel racing, Graham Rahal winning in St Pete and now Danica taking the checkered in Japan, there is an unprecedented swell in all things IndyCar.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Potty training!
Yes, we are in our 3rd week of potty training. Not a journey we expected to start before baby #2 arrives. The journey we were planning on was switching LA from the crib to his big boy bed, but that has been put on hold. I guess when your child is coming up to you and saying, "pee pee" and grabbing himself because he has to poop is a pretty good sign we should start the process. That is how this thing started about 5 weeks ago. So, we picked up a potty chair and sure enough he started pooping on it for about a week consistently and then 2 weeks ago I read Toddlerwise and started the "peeing" part of the potty training. It is going really well. We have our moments as I am sure most of you do who have potty trained...It is a lot more work than we ever thought it would be...sitting with him on the toilet and entertaining him for 15-20 minutes multiple times a day is a lot. He is doing great and we are so proud of him.
So, today which is the 3rd week of a very consistant potty training routine...he was able to wear his new big boy underwear with frogs. He thought he was pretty cute. He kept going to the mirror to check himself out.
We'll keep you posted along the way. I am just excited that we could be real close to just having one child in diapers. What a blessing that would be! Any ideas or things that worked well for you, please let us know!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Last Getaway before #2 arrives
We took a trip to visit our Aunt Debbie and Uncle Eric in Palatine, IL and then our friends Ty, Rachel and Avonlea in Chicago last weekend. I know I am a little late with the post.... but I had to post a few pictures, because we had so much fun!!
Yes, it is IKEA! We had so much fun and Landon was in awe of all the stuffed animals!
My Aunt and Uncle and all of our sushi dinner.
Landon is enjoying his turkey, carrots and crackers while we eat sushi. It won't be long before he is eating sushi with us!
Landon in his cool new shades......everytime we walk outside he says, "bright, bright." So, I am glad he actully keeps them on!
Landon and Dadda checking out the view from Ty and Rachel's 30th floor apartment. Quite the view of Chicago...they have such a beautiful apartment!!
Landon and Avonlea were watching a DVD together before nap time. So cute!!!
We had such a great time visiting with Ty, Rachel and Avonlea. I think Landon wore them out running laps around their apartment, but I think it was great entertainment for Avonlea. We miss you guys and hope to see you soon!
Yes, it is IKEA! We had so much fun and Landon was in awe of all the stuffed animals!
My Aunt and Uncle and all of our sushi dinner.
Landon is enjoying his turkey, carrots and crackers while we eat sushi. It won't be long before he is eating sushi with us!
Landon in his cool new shades......everytime we walk outside he says, "bright, bright." So, I am glad he actully keeps them on!
Landon and Dadda checking out the view from Ty and Rachel's 30th floor apartment. Quite the view of Chicago...they have such a beautiful apartment!!
Landon and Avonlea were watching a DVD together before nap time. So cute!!!
We had such a great time visiting with Ty, Rachel and Avonlea. I think Landon wore them out running laps around their apartment, but I think it was great entertainment for Avonlea. We miss you guys and hope to see you soon!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
baby#2 pics
We got pics of beautiful baby#2 at the end of last month. In the top one, you'll see a thumbsucker. And, in the bottom one, you'll see mouth open completely zonked asleep. Baby was very sleepy and wouldn't come out from between Crystal's pelvic bones so we couldn't get pics near as nice as Landon's late-in-the-game shots. Regardless, we're thrilled to be meeting baby soon! According to counter bottom page right, we're at 55 days to go. WOW!
Monday, April 07, 2008
I have been tagged by Jenni!!
I was tagged by my friend, Jenni to post the following survey about me!
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Babysat every summer through JH and HS for my neighbors in Valpo. BEST job ever!!!
2. Hollywood Connection (ran the lazer tag game)
3. sales gal at the Guess on Rodeo Dr.
4. traveling make-up artist for Christian Dior in CH
4 movies I’ve watched more than once:
1. Wedding Planner!!! love it!!!
2. Dumb and Dumber!!!! My fav and Amos can't stand it, but he has watched with me!!
3. Walk to Remember
4. Jerry Macquire
4 places I’ve lived:
1. Valparaiso, IN (all of my growing up years)
2. LA, CA (college)
3. Elmhurst, IL
4. Indianapolis, IN
4 TV shows I watch:
1. American Idol
2. Greys Anatomy
3. Oprah
4. Days of our lives (I know ridiculous, but if Landon is sleeping and there is a lot to get done....you should know I would rather sit down and put my feet up to watch some horrible TV)
4 places I’ve been:
1. AZ
2. CA
3.FL
4. Costa Rica (honeymoon)
4 people who e-mail me regularly:
1. Amos
2. My mom and her goofy forwards
3. my senior girls
4. friends from the Well
4 of my favorite foods:
1. Chocolate and some more Chocolate!!
2. Anything sweet!
3. Mexican food
4. Pizza!
4 places I would like to visit:
1. New Zealand for an anniversary someday (it is so far away, though)
2. Camping out East with my Hubby!!
3. Spa vaca with girlfriends in FL
4. TX to visit my new little niece
4 things I’m looking forward to in the coming year:
1. New arrival of baby #2 the end of May (that is next month)
2. The adventure of a family of 4
3. God's plan for our location
4. My hubby is turning 30!!
4 friends I’m tagging since I got tagged:
1. Nicole
2. Shannon Pongratz
3. Shannon Poe
4. Beth
Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Babysat every summer through JH and HS for my neighbors in Valpo. BEST job ever!!!
2. Hollywood Connection (ran the lazer tag game)
3. sales gal at the Guess on Rodeo Dr.
4. traveling make-up artist for Christian Dior in CH
4 movies I’ve watched more than once:
1. Wedding Planner!!! love it!!!
2. Dumb and Dumber!!!! My fav and Amos can't stand it, but he has watched with me!!
3. Walk to Remember
4. Jerry Macquire
4 places I’ve lived:
1. Valparaiso, IN (all of my growing up years)
2. LA, CA (college)
3. Elmhurst, IL
4. Indianapolis, IN
4 TV shows I watch:
1. American Idol
2. Greys Anatomy
3. Oprah
4. Days of our lives (I know ridiculous, but if Landon is sleeping and there is a lot to get done....you should know I would rather sit down and put my feet up to watch some horrible TV)
4 places I’ve been:
1. AZ
2. CA
3.FL
4. Costa Rica (honeymoon)
4 people who e-mail me regularly:
1. Amos
2. My mom and her goofy forwards
3. my senior girls
4. friends from the Well
4 of my favorite foods:
1. Chocolate and some more Chocolate!!
2. Anything sweet!
3. Mexican food
4. Pizza!
4 places I would like to visit:
1. New Zealand for an anniversary someday (it is so far away, though)
2. Camping out East with my Hubby!!
3. Spa vaca with girlfriends in FL
4. TX to visit my new little niece
4 things I’m looking forward to in the coming year:
1. New arrival of baby #2 the end of May (that is next month)
2. The adventure of a family of 4
3. God's plan for our location
4. My hubby is turning 30!!
4 friends I’m tagging since I got tagged:
1. Nicole
2. Shannon Pongratz
3. Shannon Poe
4. Beth
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
4 years
Hottie Wife_
It's difficult to begin with, to quantify the number of glorious things in/about/about/because of our marriage in the past four years, that is. But...the best place to start might be a refresher on the "Big Day."
I remember how crazy nervous/excited we were the night before (or during our 3 month engagement as a whole). I remember getting ready and being pretty collected while hanging out with the guys, praying (a lot...mainly that I didn't pass out, bawl my eyes out or vomit anxiously on the stage) and wondering what you were doing right then. I recall raising up my eyes as the doors opened and seeing you walk down the aisle glowing like a princess! And, I kept standing, which was beneficial for having a wedding ceremony. I remember floating out of the sanctuary (to Cecil's 'Send Me On My Way' licks - thx Rusted Root) together. Some pics. Snap. Smile. Snap. Off to reception. Leave reception in fan fare. De-virgination celebration. On to Costa Rica for a week living together in words-can't-do-it-justice Sacred Romance. And; home to a entirely new home to build together. And, don't forget - an amazing magnolia tree in full bloom.
Since then, WOW, we've...redone an entire house (with the help of amazing friends and family), laughed a LOT, taken three Houseboat trips, cried, lost weight together, renewed our vows once alongside hundreds of other couples, gained weight together (but you had the pregnancy thing as a good reason), gotten a Chloe, started traditions, ushered in some in-laws, helped start a local church body, been in weddings together, continue to learn to consume less and give more, seen a ton of sporting events, led marriage courses, welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world (and get to do that whole thing over again soon!), rocked out to some really good shows and countless other awesome things.
Of course, zero of the things listed above could have been done without the blessing/leadership/guidance of our amazing God.
...It's been a good run. I think we should keep at it. :) Words can't really express my joy, wonder, excitement and enthusiasm to keep writing these pages with you.
I love you.
Happy Anniversary, My Bride Forever.
...only through Him as we continue Becoming One...
- the husband.
ps...the post says 4/2, but our anniversary is actually 4/3. It's hard to post stuff like this in the same house with a chick, so late night and early morning measures needed taken!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
java coupe
A relaxing Saturday morning brought LA quite a discovery. While he knows coffee is "Hot! Hot! Hot!" (as he would put it), it's not too hot to drop a toy car into. Happy Saturday! Don't forget to catch the season opening IndyCar race tonight on ESPN2 at 8pET.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Sunday
We first attended The Well for our Easter gathering with both of LA's grandparents. It was still early in this picture and it took Landon a little while to wake up. I wanted to add in this post where I got LA's super cool tie!!!!! I was so pumped to find this company online called daintycouture.com. Look under little man ties. The quality of the tie is incredible and I can't wait to buy another tie for another special occasion!! If you have boys and like great ties.....check out their website!!!
One proud Momma!!!!
Amos and I hosted Easter at our home with both sets of parents and aunts and uncles. It was such a great time!!! This is LA having a blast with his Uncle O.
And enjoying his time with Aunt Elisha!
There is most of the gang.
And a goodnight picture!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
World Water Day
World Water Day is tomorrow.
It's our single most bountiful resource. Yet, water is a daily privilege millions take for granted. If it's not clean or available, you die. The little known truth is that lack of clean and accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five.
Educate yourself on the issue and respond.
http://www.worldwaterday.net/
http://www.unwater.org/
http://water.org/
http://one.org/
http://www.tapproject.org/
Great project here getting restaurants involved across the U.S. this week. Check out the video below by UNICEF & The Tap Project...
Isn't is also incredibly fitting that World Water Day, a campaign for clean water awareness, falls on Easter weekend, a holiday commemerating the price paid for clean Life everlasting.
It's our single most bountiful resource. Yet, water is a daily privilege millions take for granted. If it's not clean or available, you die. The little known truth is that lack of clean and accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five.
Educate yourself on the issue and respond.
http://www.worldwaterday.net/
http://www.unwater.org/
http://water.org/
http://one.org/
http://www.tapproject.org/
Great project here getting restaurants involved across the U.S. this week. Check out the video below by UNICEF & The Tap Project...
Isn't is also incredibly fitting that World Water Day, a campaign for clean water awareness, falls on Easter weekend, a holiday commemerating the price paid for clean Life everlasting.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Will he float?
Landon has been intrigued by his bright green and blue life vest for a few months now, so Crystal decided to try it on him and he absolutely loved it!
So, he kept it on...and played...and worked at his work bench...and played some more. Look at that cute little toosh! -- Ideally, March starts to feel like Spring and we can start to think about putting this little vest to the real test. Until then...we're flood ready. AND...green for St Patty's Day (even though it seems the color green wasn't really intended to be St Patty's Day's color).
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
WIN A MOD MUM SLING!!!!!
You have to check out the ELLINGHOUSE website to win a Mod Mum Sling!!!!
I really want to win one for our new little addition. The one I hope to win is the Viv. Yes, it is plain black but I can wear it with everything!!! There are a ton of awesome designs to choose from. So, check out Emily's blog to see pics and register to win a sling!!! I can't wait to become a baby wearing Mom just like Emily!!!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
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