Thursday, April 26, 2007

...and meeting a new one

Jared and Charisse have a new son!
Asher Hayes
born at 2:51 am
April 25, 2007
7 lb 8 oz
20 1/2 in



Awaiting Asher's arrival
(Charisse looked this great pretty much throughout the whole process! Is that a surprise though?)

What a cutie!


Jared changing Ash's diaper for the first time. (He's being coached by Grandma and Grandpa!)

Ash and Aunt Erica

seeing old friends...

We met up with some of Matt's friends from college during our weekend in Traverse City. We had a great time seeing them and hearing how God is using them in their ministries. It is a blessing to have friends who are persevering in their faith and glorifying God in their lives. Matt and I commented too that we really enjoyed seeing how God so perfectly fitted the guys with wives suitable for them. It was great to see you all!!
Stelly and Uncle Rob

The girls - Ainsley, Maggie, Stelly, and Madeline


Austin, Aaron, Ainsley, and Terri Lynn


Rob, Madeline, Trisha (and little Robbie in her tummy), and Maggie


The things they're still willing to do in public!! Some things never change!


Saturday, April 21, 2007

Weekend in Traverse City

We are spending the weekend in Traverse City which is about 4 hours NW of where we live in Michigan. We came up to visit some friends of ours, Aaron and Terrilyn Bump, who work with Lake Ann Camp near Traverse City. Aaron is worship leader and official nature guide at the camp. (OK, I made that last part up). Our friends Trisha and Roberto Fipps are also going to meet us at the camp. But that part starts Sunday. We came up a little early for a little R and R. Nothing like live-blogging your own vacation-are we really that narcissistic? Of course you aren't that interested, but here are some pics of Stella anyway.


She was not exactly excited about the whole sand and bare feet thing. In fact, she started crying like a, well, baby. Once she got used to it, though, she started having a good time.


Nothing says fun at the beach like having your dad jump over you repeatedly. She actually really likes it, though. Now I'm out of breath-I could use a vacation.




It was hard to convince her to play in the sand, but once she tried it out, she like it. Then she liked it so much she decided to put a big glob in her mouth. I thought we were past that stage but the next five minutes spent trying to remove a handful of wet sand from her mouth convinced me otherwise.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Happy 50th, Mom!



Today my wonderful mom turns 50! I am so thankful for her and the many ways she has influenced my life. She raised me as a single mom, working hard to provide for us, overcoming numerous obstacles to get her college degree, and making countless sacrifices - I'm sure more than I even know. The best part has been seeing the way God has worked in her life over these past years since she has been a Christian. It has been a testimony to His sanctifying grace and power. I love you and am thankful that God gave me you to be my mom! Happy Birthday!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

You've heard of the Blue Man Group...

but have you heard of the Blue Baby Group? Stelly is the first and only member at this point. If you know another baby who might qualify, please submit photos to: