More Fun with More Visitors!

Abigail has now gotten to visit the city of Chicago for a second time. She was a little more awake this time, but still had no idea what was going on.

Our college friends Sarah and Michelle came to visit last weekend and it was great to get caught up! We visited the Magnificent mile especially to see the Hancock building and the Water Tower.
We had a very authentic Chicago visit, you decide which place in this photo we went to. A little hint...I have never seen relish soooo green (and the sweet potato fries were great!).
Part of visiting Chicago is eating the deep dish pizza...here we are at Lou Malnati's.
Michael's parents flew in to visit from Maryland for the whole week to see Abigail for the first time. She loved meeting her Grandma and Grandpa Upton! Thanks for all the help!!!

Abby has been awake lots more lately and she enjoys looking at herself in the mirror of her play gym.

Gotta love her cute baby smiles!

Visit to Ohio

Since Michael had Spring break from Trinity we drove to Ohio to see some of Stephanie's family. Abigail did good in the car and just got a little fussy near the end of the trip.

It was great to see Phil Gruber, a great friend from college in Georgia, and for him to meet Abigail.
We went to Newark, Ohio to visit some of Grandma's family and met...

Great Aunt Connie

Great Aunt Jennie

Great Aunt Cathy

And they all had lots of fun playing with Abby and putting her back to sleep.

Here's a picture with four generations: Great Grandma Foreman, Grandma Estep, me, and Abigail

Back in Tiffin, Ohio we got to meet some of Grandpa's family.

Great Aunt Mary Ann
Great Aunt Jannie

Great Aunt Mary Abigail got to be the centerpeice at the dinnertable.
She also had a chance to play with Grandpa on the floor and told lots of stories. She loves cooing and gurgling to everyone that will let her.
Abigail met her first animal, Uncle Michael's dog "L" and she didn't really have any reaction to him. For now he is just like anyone else to her, just a little more rowdy.
There was an ice storm the night before we planned to leave so we had to leave later. But, Uncle Scott's School was cancelled, so Abby got to spend a little extra time with him and he got her smiling.
Then they had a little nap together.

Uncle Michael also had the day off work, so he came over for a little more time with Abby too. Funny how she is the center of attention. Well, she is the cutest after all...I guess I am bias.

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.