Duke Gardens

Well it was tough getting out the door, but the tulips are only in season for a short time-- so we did it anyway... here are the pictures.

Our Latest Addition

You know you are really behind on your blog when you forget the web address of it:) The only reason I have time to write is that Hannah is in Pre-school and I am making it a priority over sleep and cleaning... although I must admit it is not hard to make it a priority over cleaning. Charis Elizabeth Taylor is the latest addition to our family. Her arrival has reminded me how much I used to blog right before and around the time that Hannah was born. I hate for Charis not to get any coverage. She was born March 7, 2009 at 4:45pm and weighed 8 lbs. and 4 oz. I will say a few words about her name. I have been advocating a Greek name for a while, and Charis is the Greek word for grace. For me it is a constant reminder of the grace (divine favor) God has lavished on His children. I always think of the verse (my own memorized version so sorry if it is not exact) By grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is a gift of God not as a result of works so that no one can boast. Our salvation is a complete gift from God just as Charis is a gift to us. I did not make her or deserve her, but God blesses us with her anyway by His Goodness. In the same way, we have not earned our salvation, it is a complete unmerited gift by His grace. I need this reminder on a daily basis!!!

We are so happy that Charis has arrived safe. Leading up to her delivery all of us were sick to some extent and a little anxious. Thankfully Hannah recovered before Charis was born and returned to normal. Brian and I were still getting over colds, but thankfully suffered the worst of it before she came. You know you are sick when every nurse that sees y0u asks you if you want some cold medicine. Thankfully God answered our prayers and Hannah had a place to go while we were at the hospital. I also was able to get the antibiotics I needed without having an allergic reaction (I am allergic to a ton of antibiotics). Nana and Papa made one of their whirlwind trips to see us again and were very helpful with Hannah. Then, Gramzy and Popsy were able to come for a week. They were very helpful and cooked, did dishes, and added extra hands and love... Thanks!

We are still adjusting to life, but I am so happy with our family of four. I couldn't ask for a better husband, and I am so thankful that he is such a good father to our daughters and husband to me. Brian has been juggling work and home life, and I hope he remains stable through it all:) So far so good. Him and Hannah have had tons of time together lately. He definitely deserves a big award from all of us.

Nana, Papa, Allison, Luke, and Kallie are coming up today for the weekend. We are super excited to see them.

Well, not the greatest post in the world, but something nevertheless. Not sure when the next post will come.