Day at the Farm

Every autumn we spend a day in Millwood, Ohio.  Sam's aunt and uncle have a beautiful farm complete with a renovated farmhouse, wraparound front porch, pond, acres and acres of colorful trees, and of course, hayrides for the kids! It is something Sam and I look forward to every year.  

How exciting that this year we spent the day with Max: introducing him to family, showing him around the farm and taking him on his first hayride!

Meet Max's Cousin

Max with his cousin Shayden. 

These pictures are too cute...I had to post 'em!

Meet My Nephew

Shayden Joseph

October 8.2008

10:15pm

7lbs. 7oz.

Congratulations Chris & Rebecca!

I don't know how to put this but...

Remember this picture of Max? 

It was taken in the hospital at 1 day old:

Here is the updated edition.

Five months old:

That's right buddy.  You are still a big deal!

College Fund

My grandma is completely gaga for Max. To prove my point, I looked up the word gaga in the dictionary.

Gaga: 

1. Excessively and foolishly enthusiastic

2. Ardently fond; infatuated 

Check and check. If you have been around her, when she is around Max, you know what I am talking about. And gaga is the perfect word to describe her.

She stopped by for a surprise visit the other night to bring her dear, sweet baby boy a gift. A piggy bank full of change for his college fund!

Max loved his new gift and it is obvious that GG is gaga for her great-grandson [she can't take her eyes off of him even for the picture!].

Church Dedication

On Sunday, October 5, 2008 we dedicated Maximus Samuel to the Lord in front of our family, friends and church congregation. We wholeheartedly expressed our commitment to raise this young man to know God in a deep and intimate way. 

We invited our family up to the front of the sanctuary to take part in the dedication. What a sight I am sure! Max was surrounded by his great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Twenty+ people!

This was truly a day we won't forget. 

Our pastor gave our family members the opportunity to share a word or Scripture during the dedication.  I wanted to make sure these words were recorded.

Aunt Kristen [shared this verse because she knew it was one of the passages of Scripture I went to endless times to gain strength and encouragement during our journey to Maximus]

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!

May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!

May He send you help from the sanctuary

And support you from Zion!

May He remember all your meal offerings

And find your burnt offering acceptable!

May He grant you your heart's desire.

And fulfill all your counsel!

We will sing for joy over your victory,

And in the name of our God

we will set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know the Lord saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

With the saving strength of His right hand.

Some boast in chariots and some in horses,

But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.

They have bowed down and fallen,

But we have risen and stood upright.

Save, O Lord; May the King answer us in the day we call."

Grandpa [Sam's dad]

"And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52

Grandma [my mom]

She gave Max the gift shown in the picture.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Maximus ~ 

You are one loved little boy.

You are the answer to so many prayers.

You have a destiny.

You have a plan that will prosper and not harm you.

You have a hope and a future.

You have the the favor and grace of God on your life.

We love you precious one,

Mommy and Daddy

Apple Orchard

Max and I spent the afternoon hanging with Kristen & kids [and don't let me forget Brit - our cool college-age cousin that loves to hang with the little ones!].  

Kristen and I decided to be quite adventurous and go to a pick-your-own fruit farm. What a perfect autumn day to be outdoors picking delicious apples.

Now one would think that the apple-picking part of the day would be my favorite.  Well, it was fun, but it is definitely my SECOND favorite part of the day.

My FAVORITE part of the day was when my seven-year-old niece, Madeline, asked if she could wear the Baby Bjorn and carry Max around the orchard! Then she proceeded to tell me she "practiced" earlier in the day by putting Gabriel [her 20+ pound brother] in their Bjorn.  WHAT??  

So what did I say? "Absolutely girlfriend, you go for it!"  [Do not judge me; if someone [who happens to be only seven?] is willing to help carry my 16 pound son around, I won't hesitate to take them up on the offer!]

Doesn't she look like such a proud older cousin?

And a picture of all the kids. 

On a sidenote: I would love to know what Gabe is thinking.  

Probably something like, "seriously, when can I get out of this backpack?"

Ummmm...sorry buddy you aren't!

Well my pain-free, Bjorn-less afternoon did not last long. Madeline decided after about 10 minutes of toting Max around that she needed to get serious about her apple-picking [and it was hard to do with Max strapped on...REALLY? Are you sure?]! So I took the little guy and the Bjorn and we spent the afternoon picking apples together.

 What a fun memory!

Look how proud Max is of his very first apple-picking adventure! The owner of the orchard told me to peel and slice the apples and stick them in the freezer to use as a teether! What a great idea!