Grieving

I write again deeply saddened by the loss of a friend. A friend from High School and one of my brothers close friends, Matty Johnson, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Monday morning. He was visiting friends and family in Ohio for the weekend. During his drive back home he was in a fatal car accident. Matty will be missed by all his friends, family, and anyone that knew him.

In these past couple of days I am reminded of how fleeting life is. We are all blessed by life. It is a gift that God gives us every day. We so often take it for granted. I hug my husband and baby all the more closely and remind them of my love as often as possible. No one knows what will happen from day to day…or even from moment to moment. I am thankful that both of these friends are with the Lord today and will enjoy living in paradise with him forever. I am also thankful that I will be with them someday. Ironically, there are stories of both of them sharing the blessings and encouragements of the Lord in their life just before they went to be with Him. Even though there is so much I do not understand today, I know and trust that God is faithful. He has a purpose for all He does and His will is far better than any plans I would make.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 & 23-24
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

May God's grace, peace, strength, and comfort be with all those that are grieving.

In loving memory of Jean McNeill

Stephanie's co-worker, Jean McNeill, went home to her Lord Feb 22nd, after a tragic Amtrak accient on her way home from work. She will be deeply missed.

Here are a few pictures of recent Trinity Records Office memories with Jean (on left in first picture):

One Month Old

Here are a few pictures of Abigail Joy at one month old:

Momma loves the butt ruffles on her pants.
She has an idea, we just wonder what it is.

Visit from Aunt Angela, Uncle Matt, and Uncle Michael

We had a great visit this past week with Stephanie's sister Angela, her husband Matt, and Stephanie's brother Michael. Here's a picture of Aunt Angela and her new neice Abigail at Fazoli's after we picked them up from the airport last Wednesday.
Uncle Matt was helpful with taking care of Abigail...especially getting her to stop crying in her car carrier by saying, "It's OK Abigail, Uncle Matt's here." These words always gave her comfort. Prepare for a call from us Matt...some night when she will not stop crying!

Uncle Michael came Sunday night and met his only neice for the first time. She was happy to see him! And seemed to enjoy the songs he sang to her. I am not sure what she thought of his beard...I think she liked it.

Abigail really enjoyed the Noah story read to her by Aunt Angela...take a look.


Abigail is lucky to have family that loves her so much and I am lucky to have siblings that take great care of us. Thanks Sissy, Matt, and Michael for helping me out so much while you were here! We love you guys!!


Here's my beautiful baby and me all ready for a fun night out to dinner.

She's wearing another old hat from when I was younger and looked so sweet in it.

We are using the cloth diapers from BumGenious and so far they are working great. We hope to use them until she's out of diapers as they are adjustable. In front are snaps that will change the size as she grows and they fasten with velcro. Abigail sends her love to you all and wanted to show one off to you. I told her this is the only underwear acceptable to show to public. ;)


Here she's getting eskimo kisses from Daddy. Awe!

Happy Birthday Aunt Jenny!

Abigail sends Birthday wishes to her Aunt Jenny in Maryland.

Sunday Fun, Havin' a Blast

Abigail is all ready for church. The hat was a little big, but I couldn't resist putting her in this hat from when I was little.

Here's Daddy and Abby taking a nap on the couch together after church.

Abigail has fun staring at her flower friend while getting her clothes and diaper changed.

I can never resist to give my sweet pea a little lovin'!!

Birthday Wishes from Abigail

Abigail wishes her new Uncle Michael Happy Birthday!!! She wishes she could be there to celebrate with him. Hope to see you soon!! Lots of Love to you!

Visit from Aunt Melanee and Cousin Lexi and Good Times Hanging Out at Home

It was great to have Melanee, Michael's older sister, and her daughter Lexi here for the weekend. Lexi was not real sure what to think of baby Abby at first, especially her crying.

But she warmed up to her little by little and even helped take care of her some.

Abigail's all ready to go to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier in Chicago in her cute pink elephant jacket.

Here we are at Navy Pier, ready for a big fun day!

The Upton family under the shooting fountains.

Look closely and you can see me (Stephanie) in the background of the mirrors.

Abby's just hanging out (literally) and comfy with Daddy.

Abigail's ready for another Doctor's apointment. She is now past her birth weight and is up to 8 pounds 15 1/2 ounces as of Monday.

Here we are, at home playing with Mommy in our baby chick "I love Mommy" sleeper. Hmmm, I wonder who dressed her today?!?

I am pretending to have a fake eye...arrr matey. Are you scared?

Snug as a bug in a rug sitting up on the Boppy pillow with the "Thank Heaven, Little Ones" blanket from Great Grandma Foreman. Happy 80th Birthday Great Grandma...wish we could have been there to celebrate! Sounds like it was a great time!! Hope to see you soon!!!