Linda & Molli visit

Azariah loves cheerios, although we try to limit his consumption of processed foods:)

After church on Sunday we ventured over to the Celebration farmers market, had a picnic by the lake, and played on the splash pad. Azariah was so entertained as you can see and had a blast watching all the other kids play in the water. He was hesitant to get too close, but got a little bolder by the time we left. He preferred to be held, since he was unsure of the whole situation.

Learning new ways to go where he wants. And has become a good listener when I tell him to "sit down please."

One of his favorite things to do is go to the park. Recently we've been trying out the slide, with a little help of course.

Sunday afternoon football

August & September visits to MN

Rocky Mountain National Park

Most recent endeavors...

Joshua's volleyball team won the championship yesterday. Azariah has loved going to the games and is often that loudest fan, cheering for "DADA!"

We've been making fruit smoothies recently using the food processor we bought when we got out here. It works alright, yet doesn't necessarily puree the veggies and fruit we mix in. So I had the lid off Azariahs cup to spoon out the rest of the smoothy when I turned around to find there was none left in the cup. I think some may have made it into his mouth???

Before:

After:

Recent photos-update soon:)

Recently, it's been raining every day late afternoon into the early evenings (sometimes with thunder and lightening).  Since we're so close to the foothills & mountains we've had a great view of the fabulous cloud formations. Here is one we took yesterday from our apartment balcony.

Here are some pictures I took at Azariah's afternoon nap time today.  He literally was sleeping with his arm sticking straight up in the air.  It shot up after he'd already fallen asleep, and remained that way for quite some time. I wonder what he was dreaming about. ~Rose

Joshua's fathers day blessing

Sunday evening after washing up, Joshua took Azariah out of the shower to put his pj's on him. Lately we've been hanging pretty low in the evenings with the intentions of spending more time reading as a family. So after we were all ready for bed, Joshua picked Azariah up to carry him to the living room... and then it happened. 

Azariah wrapped both arms tightly around Joshua's neck, giving him a big hug, and said, "DaADaA," with great excitement. 

Good Evening from Colorado

We're sitting inside our apartment this evening, listening to the rain and thunder outside. Colorado has been a great adventure for us so far as we've gotten to catch up with old friends and enjoy the beautiful mountains, which are practically outside our front windows. Joshua's first day of IBS (Institute of biblical studies) classes went  really well today. He's taking Old Testament Survey & Biblical Interpretation. These two classes will be an intensive two weeks and then he'll start Biblical Communication for the last two weeks. We're so thankful, and feel so privileged for this opportunity to learn and grow in this way. Pray that we would come out of Colorado spiritually refreshed & hungry to continue pursuing and living for the one true savior. 

"O Lord, we will sing and praise your power." ~psalm 21:13

new endeavors

first signs (as in sign language)

Leaving this Friday for Colorado State University

Here we go... sometimes I feel like we're on a roller coaster ride and about go over the big drop. Yet, despite all these past few months have had for us, we're doing great and excited for all that's to come this summer.

We got back this past Sunday evening after spending the weekend with some friends in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa. Our time went quick, yet God allowed us the privilege of sharing our ministry with a small group of people Saturday night over dinner, and again on Sunday morning, as Joshua shared for three services at First Baptist Wesley Chapel. He went over his allotted 15 minute time slot, taking 30 minutes total. During the last 15 minutes I stood visible through the glass doors at the back of the church trying to discretely give the "stop talking" look. Yet during that time Pastor Frank had decided to keep Joshua up on stage the entire service to share, and then for questions and answers at the end...for all three services. It was quite humorous now that I think about it, yet such a blessing.

Azariah continues to grow and learn more quickly than I can keep up with him. He's not walking yet, but can stand for brief moments without holding onto anything...and we're NOT encouraging walking. We also discovered today that he's cutting two more teeth on the bottom, which explains why he's been really irritable and fussy this week. The whole week I wrongly accused him of having discovered his ANGER (or at least how to EXPRESS it), and was somewhat frantic about how to handle this new phase of development. God has definitely been growing me to have more patients and revealing my sin during moments when I have little. We can't wait for all you grandparents to get your hands on him this summer:)

Joshua's been sick these past few days, and I've selfishly greatly enjoyed having him at home. He's starting to feel better, despite the Orlando Magic's loss last night, and we're hoping to hit our packing lists hard this weekend.

We love you and hope to talk to you all very soon,

Rose

Is Obama for infanticide?

Gianna Jessen (click to watch)

my little laundry helper

Monday at the Beach (our second time since the move)

We went to the beach Monday with the Musselmans and had a marvelous time. Azariah wasn't sure what to think of the big waves washing up on shore and underneath his feet, however, loved getting wet on such a warm day. Joshua held my elbow the whole time we were in the water, as I held Azariah in the ergo. I guess he didn't want to lose us out to sea, as I can tend to be the riskier one. 

"By the word of the Lord the Heavens were made,

and by the breath of His mouth all their host.

He gather s the waters of the sea as a heap;

He puts the deeps in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord;

let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him!

For He spoke, and it came to be;

He commanded and it stood firm."

Psalm 33: 6-9

We're alive

So it's been a bit of a busy month, hence the last posting was made on May 1st. I can hardly believe it's practically June and we'll be leaving in just over three weeks for Fort Collins, CO. We are all alive and doing wonderfully after our brief trip to MN, and our most recent visitors (Scott, Rachel & Moriah Musselman). Azariah has been moving as swiftly as the wind, and sometimes I feel as though my whole day is spent simply trying to prevent any major injuries. And some days he's as dangerous as a blind clown of stilts. He and Moriah had a great time together, as he learned how to dodge her finger from poking his eyes (which she loved to do), and how to get out of a her wresting holds as she attempted pinning him to the ground.  It was quite funny, although sometimes a little frightening for Azariah. Here are some pictures and I hope to post again tomorrow:) Thanks for your patients!

Not walking yet

I hope you've all enjoyed the benefits of the blogging world, especially all you grandparents back in MN. We sure miss you all and cherish the moments you get to spend with Azariah. He sure has been blessed with an abundance of people who love him so much and would do anything for him, it seems, even fly across the country to spend time with him. Well, I've taken a number of more photos, although they don't do much in depicting the mess we've got ourselves into. That's right, things have been pretty messy around here as Azariah learned how to stand up on his own the same day he learned how to crawl. He really has no interest in crawling, only that it is helpful to get him to the places he desires to pull himself up. And the bumps and bruises and tumbles and cries have really only freaked me out, and have not seemed to affect him at all, possibly only have worked to increase his speed and craftiness.