On the GO!

Chloe has been trying to crawl so much lately, but she has only been able to move a step or two before falling on her belly. Well, on Tuesday afternoon she took off across the room for the first time. She hasn't stopped moving since. She is constantly in our Christmas tree and playing in the presents. She wants to play with the other little boy I watch, but he is not quite 4 months old yet and she gets a little to rough (swinging her hands and grabbing him). So, it has definitely been a game of chase and I am sure it will only get harder before it gets easier. She is a blast though so I guess it is worth it. 

Just a little update: as you may have heard me mention before, she was born with a "gill". Basically when babies are developing, they have little "gills" that help form body parts and then they seal up before birth. With Chloe, one of hers on her neck didn't seal up. When this happens it is very common for the "gill" to get infected because there is a small airway. Chloe has been lucky and hasn't had an infection, however, tomorrow she will be getting a CAT Scan to see how deep it goes and if it will cause damage. Then we will find out if she needs to have it surgically removed or not. Most likely, because there is always a chance of infection, she will need to have it removed. I know she will do great with it, but it makes me a little sad because I know in order for her to get the CAT Scan, she has to be under an anesthetic. I know she will be fine though.  

A Bit of Comfort

With the horrible tragedy that took place on Friday in Connecticut I have had a really hard time. I have had nightmares and a really hard time sleeping and getting it off my mind. On Friday I shared tears with family members and a big, long hug (that still didn't quite feel long enough) with my dad. That night we snuggled our daughter a bit more than usual and I had a hard time saying goodnight to her.

This tragic event has touched many lives. My prayers go to the families and friends of all those directly affected. I pray that they find comfort and peace in such a hard time. I pray that they may allow Christ by there side, and help them to heal.

A friend of mine shared this, and I found a lot of comfort in it. I wanted to share in hopes that it might bring some comfort to others as well.


twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled wit

h such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Christmas Pictures

Sorry it is so many pictures, but they were all just too cute!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!