New Site?

I have been toying with the idea of starting a new site.  With the new hobby of knitting, a developing hobby of photography, and a general lifestyle of making and selling things, I am thinking of having a store/photo/blog.  There's so much info and it seems pretty easy to pull off.  At the moment I am overwhelmed by the possibilities.  Wordpress seems to be a good option and I've found that you can actually have a store on your blog there.  Another option would be to have a blog with links to a store set up at etsy.  Anybody have any experience with either a storefront blog or blogging linked to etsy.  I don't want to lose the personal feel of a blog by adding a store...  Hmmm.... options.

Best Buds

I've been having a lot of fun taking photos and experimenting with Lightroom 3 Software.  Here is my oldest son, playing in the back yard with Blackjack.  It's awesome that he has a buddy to entertain him when I am so busy caring for baby brother.  I'm not sure who is happier him or the dog!

Everlasting arms

Today I felt carried.  On this one year mark from losing Ashlynn, I sensed a strength, not of myself.  His everlasting arms were beneath me and around me, holding me and carrying me forward.  Peace and joy abound in my heart.  I know this is a great work of God.  I'm also thankful for friends who have sent words of encouragement and lifted me up in prayer during this time.

"The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27a

One month, One year

Today little Matthew is one month old.  Wow! Time really does move so so fast sometimes, especially when little ones bless our days and we see them grow right before our eyes.  I notice change in Matthew from day to day and I actually think he gained a pound during nap time yesterday.  I've begun to pack away the newborn clothes that were to big when we brought him home and he's moved into 0-3 months (granted I think Andrew only wore newborn for one week).  Matthew seems so big as he has already grown so much, and yet he seems so small as he cuddles under my chin.  Embracing these days of cuddles, I know they will pass all to quickly.

This sends my heart to praise and gratitude
208.  Each day God gives filled with hugs, kisses, and snuggles from my boys.
209.  Story time with Andrew
210. "I love you so much, Mommy."
211.  A newborn who relaxes at the sound of my voice.
212.  Weekend naps to fill up my sleep tank.
213.  God's faithfulness and love to this child.
214.  Hearing His voice through the message delivered today and Bible studies.
215.  God's patience, compassion, and mercy that enable me to continue on this journey with Him and towards Him.

As Matthew turns one month, I also approach one year of losing Ashlynn.  While the days move so fast with Matthew; they seemed to never end with the loss of Ashlynn's little life.  While I now count up with each week and month that passes, last year I counted backwards as I grieved and hurt for one who taken to soon. I praise God with tears for all he has done in the last year.  I move forward and am greatly blessed by Him and the gift He has given me in Matthew.  Yet, I do not forget Ashlynn, her short time within me, the work God did in me through her, and the hope of meeting her when I get Home.  Awestruck by the contrast of January 2010 with January 2011, I can only stand to praise God for His plan and trust Him in the days that I don't understand.  I know He is so much greater than I can imagine and His purpose for me, His child, can't usually be understood by my finite mind.

216.  God's working through the darkest of days.
217.  Darkness is as light to Him.
218.  Ashlynn's short life and the reminder she is of my hope of Heaven
219.  That I actually have 3 children, though most only know two of them.
220.  Peace as I trust
221.  Glimpses of God's faithfulness
222.  That Andrew still says Ashlynn's name
223.  Ability to move forward
224.  The right to look back and remember, cry, and hope.

Here is an awesome song by Sara Beth Geohegan, "The Other Side of the Cloud"

Looking up

Today I started to feel more like myself.  Matthew is settling into a more predictable routine and life seems to have some sort of routine to it.  Just don't ask me what day it is.

I've had fun taking pictures of the boys.  Today I actually got to take Matthew to a free professional photo shoot.  I can't wait to see the results!

Until then, here are a couple of shots I took myself: