Lovely Fall Days!

I can't believe we are already into the beginning of November and we are still enjoying a few sixty degree days!  We have been soaking up the sunshine the past month and especially the past few days before the doom and gloom of another dreary Pittsburgh winter.  James absolutely LOVES being outside!  He would spend the whole day out there if I would let him.  Every time he hears the door beep he abandons whatever he has been doing and goes running... only to throw himself into an angry heap on the floor when he realizes the door has already shut and he has missed his opportunity!  He loves the leaves on the ground and thinks it's hilarious to crunch around in them or jump in them.

It's so much fun to see him wander around and explore the yard with wonder.  It is a reminder to me to see the beauty in God's creation each day.  So often I get caught up in the busyness of day to day life and forget to look up and to look around... and I miss Him speaking to me.

There is so much He wants to say to me through His creation, through my children, through folding another load of laundry or washing another dish... and yet so often I miss it because I am too busy or too absorbed into my own world.  I am so grateful for His grace.  And I am so thankful that He loves me enough to shake me out of myself and catch a glimpse of things from His perspective.  It makes all the difference and it is wonderfully overwhelming!

It is through the eyes of a child that I behold His wonder and praise Him.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things...

                                                          

                                                            ~Psalm 119:18

Kiski Junction Railroad

A few Saturdays ago we decided to take a fall foliage train ride with my sister and her family and my mom and dad.  It was a bit of a drive to get there, but I thought James would love the train!  Unfortunately... due to a series of mishaps including being rear ended ... Laura and Greg were pulling into the parking lot as we were pulling out on the train:(  We were so bummed!  But we tried to make the best of it.  After a slow start and a little boredom exhibited by both James and his older brother Drew, we started to really enjoy the ride!

It turned out to be a beautiful day... worth the ride!  We missed the Smith crew, but there is always next year!

James Makes an Announcement!

Recently we had our family over for a lovely Sunday brunch.  Unbeknownst to our guests... we had a little announcement to make!

We are overjoyed to announce that James is being promoted to "big brother" effective May 2012!   This is probably a more accurate description of his reaction...

Everyone was truly surprised and it was a really fun way to share the news!  We have decided to use a midwife this time and will be having this baby at The Birthing Center in downtown Pittsburgh.  I am so excited!  My birthing experience with James was not as I expected and while wonderful... I really desire to do things differently this time.  We are praying that God will allow me to have a smooth and uneventful pregnancy and a quick and healthy delivery!  So far things are great!  I am feeling good and this past week we had our first appointment.  Our sweet little ones' heartbeat was loud and strong!

This will be an adventure for sure, but we are ready for the journey.  We praise God that He has blessed our family with even more love and joy!  We can't wait to meet you little Lewi!

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendents.

They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams.

~Isaiah 44:3-4