Before and After

I hadn't looked at the before pictures of our house in a long time. Dustin did a presentation for school and used this "before and after" of our kitchen in his slideshow. I am really amazed at what we did! Thanks, Uncle Mike, for your help with the countertops...the kitchen is really looking great!

The End of the Spear - I recommend it

Last Friday, Dustin and I went to see The End of the Spear. I don't know how much longer it will be out, so I recommend you go see it. It is an amazing story of forgiveness. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this true story, it is about five missionary men that seek to change the lives of the Waodani Indian tribe in Ecuador. This tribe was known for it's violence and killing of other tribes. After the missionaries delivered many gifts by dropping a bucket from Nate Saint's airplane, they decide to land and attempt to make contact with the tribe. After making contact, everything seems fine, then the Indians turn on them and spear all 4 men to death. This is just the beginning of the story. The movie is narrated by Nate's son, Steve Saint. He tells how the tragic day that the men were killed forever changed his life and the lives of all the missionaries' famililies. It also shows how the lives of the Waodani tribe were saved. I thought it was interesting that the producers gained the approval of the tribe. "The tribe agreed that if their story can help others stop killing and live in peace, then they would agree to do the film." Go see it and be blessed...

Best Friends

Back by Popular Demand

So many people have been requesting more pictures of Britten. Well, I am a proud aunt and not ashamed at all to brag!!! So, here are a few more from my stay in Georgia. Isn't she just precious?!

Coming Home

It was so hard to come home yesterday. The drive to the airport seemed so long! I kept looking over at that beautiful baby girl beside me and tried to choke back the tears. It is hard enough to leave my sister and brother-in-law, but now, it's even harder to leave that beautiful baby girl behind. I cried because I know how much I will miss them all.



We had a wonderful four days with them. Wonderful, but too fast! I thought that this experience would probably make me think twice about having a baby. Instead, it made me want one all the more!!! I am amazed at the miracle of a baby. I am amazed at how quickly my sister healed from giving birth. And I am amazed how a baby, not even my own, can bring so much joy into my life (I can only imagine the joy my sister and brother-in-law must have).



Britten is perfect! I can't wait to see her next time, probably in about 5 months. As her aunt, I know I will spoil her rotten and teach her some tricks that her parents will hate me for. But then again, isn't that what being an aunt is all about?? As you can see, I've already started working on her. She's a quick learner!!



Britten - You are beautiful. I pray each day that God blesses you and your Mommy and Daddy. I told you this while I was there, but I want you to know that I love you so much!! I know you will grow up to be smart, talented, beautiful and lovable. You don't have much of a choice with the great parents that you have. I know one day you will realize just how lucky you are. I will always remember these last few days. When you get older, I'll tell you what a sweet baby you were and how your aunt and grandpa spoiled you while they were there visiting. You've already got your Mommy and Daddy wrapped around your finger, and I think it's great. I love you!!

More of Britten

I know it...I am SO CUTE!

I love my grandad SO much!! He spoils me rotten.

My Beautiful Niece

We are here in Georgia, and my niece could not be any more perfect! She was in her swing this afternoon and I caught her sucking her thumb. I thought this picture was too cute. I also gave her a bottle this afternoon (Lindsay is supplementing a little with formula to get her back to her birth weight). We will do lots more pictures over the next few days and I'll continue to update. My sister is doing AWESOME! It has just been 6 days since she had Britten, and she showed up at the airport today with Justin and Britten to pick us up. I totally did not expect to see her, seeing as that Atlanta is about 1 hour and a 1/2 from their home. She looks so good...it's hard for me to believe she actually had that baby! It's so good to be here and see this baby in person.

Introducing Britten Nicole

Well folks, here she is and she's perfect!! Justin left the hospital to get Lindsay some food, so he stopped by the house while he was out to email us these pictures. I'm sure more will follow later, and I will have to continue to brag. She is beautiful and Lindsay is doing great!!

I AM AN AUNT!!!!

Yes, that's right...it's official. I'm an aunt! Britten Nicole Steffens was born at 5:18 Georgia time (4:18 Texas time) and weighed in at 6 lbs 7 oz...no length yet. My freakishly strong sister (yes, Ashley, you share this title with someone else) only pushed for a whopping 9 minutes!!! She's amazing. Mom and baby are both great. Oh, and baby has lots of curly hair! Can you believe it?! I can't stop crying. I'll post pictures as soon as they send some my way. I'll be there next week, and I think I'll probably take a few pictures myself. Can't wait!!!

I'm almost an AUNT!!!

My little sister is being induced as I type this. Both times that I have talked to her today, I have hung up crying. Tears of joy and excitement, but also tears of sadness b/c I can't be there right now. We'll be there next week, but I want to be there now, holding her hand, cheering her on, and seeing my precious neice right after she's born. Gosh, this is killing me!! Please say a prayer for Justin, Lindsay and baby Britten. I'll post the stats as soon as I get them...as well as pictures as soon as they send them my way!