I miss the little buddy

We have a wonderful life. We do! We are blessed in so many ways, several of which I point out on this blog all the time. I cannot deny that life in Pasadena has treated us very well so far. However, lately I've been feeling incomplete and lonely for someone. I mean, look at that face!! How could you not miss the cuddly little buddy?! So, I write this post in tribute to our dog, Tucker, who we finally get to see in 1 month when we go home for Christmas, and we are so excited! (In fact, Brant and I are arriving on separate days and have a playful banter going on as to who will get to see Tucker first!)
Take a walk down memory lane with me, won't you?...

This is when we picked Tucker up from Seatac Airport. Yes, the airport. We bought Tucker online from a breeder based in Indiana. Ha! I still think that is hilarious, considering we had never met Tucker before owning him and had him shipped across the country to us! I remember he was shaking terribly when we picked him up! He was so little!Cute little family on our first night together. (Also thinking, "What the heck did we just do?!) So sweet.Super dog, playing with my niece, Adalie, for the first time. They've been special friends ever since! No words. :) Tucker is always such a good sport!And we love him for it!Tucker stuck by my side through my whole pregnancy and always made sure I was loved. :)This was the day we came home from the hospital with our newest family member, and this is how we found Tucker, snuggling with one of her blankets.There may be someone new in the family, and although he has to make room, he is sure to remind us who was here first.Best friends for life, I just know it!Tucker loves to cuddle, anytime there is a lap open. His little sister always tastes so yummy!This is the last picture I have of Tucker, since we've seen him. My, how he's grown over the years! Our lives have been richer because of Tucker, and our home has been happier and complete with him in it. Tucker, you will always be a part of our family, even if this temporary season has you away from us. We love you, little buddy!!

Snow in SoCal?

We went to Disneyland on Saturday, to enjoy the 80 degree weather and welcome in the holiday season at the resort. This is the only picture I got from our trip because my camera broke after this one was taken (don't get me started on that one). Regardless, we didn't let that completely dampen our magical time.
The resort was decked out in all its holiday splendor and we found ourselves in awe all day long (too bad I don't have pictures to show you!). "It's a Small World" was transformed for the season which was a real treat. The castle was definitely the highlight, as it has been transformed into an ice castle - truly spectacular at night!
Brant is winding down (or gearing up) for the end of the quarter, which means a massive increase in reading, researching and writing his term paper. As a result, Brant welcomed a day at our favorite place with open arms. We both left feeling refreshed and very thankful for the precious family time we experienced.
The end of the day found us watching the holiday fireworks show over the castle, which was as beautiful as to be expected. The craziest thing for us was when the show ended and snow started to fall down on us! Well, yes, fake snow, but that's not the point! It was a warm evening, we were wearing flip-flops, and there was Christmas music playing while snow was falling on our heads. How cool is that?! Maddie's body language said it all, as she was enamored by the experience! It was priceless.
So, yes, another day at Disneyland to be marked down a huge success. Would you expect anything less? :)

Madelyn's Dedication

Last Sunday, we had the unbelievable joy of publically dedicating Madelyn Mae to the Lord. The service took place at our church, Lake Avenue, and it was beautiful. We were asked to choose a Bible verse for Maddie, which was read for her during the dedication. After each child was introduced, we made a public promise to raise Maddie to love and serve the Lord. The congregation made a promise to us, to lift us up in prayer and support us as we raise our child. Finally, family and friends were invited to join us up front and pray over us. It was a wonderful, wonderful time.
My mom flew down from Portland to join us for this special occasion. On Saturday, Mom and I went out shopping to find the perfect dress for Maddie, and she looked adorable! If you can imagine, she was quite animated, looking all around and finding her picture on the big screen up behind us.God has blessed us abundantly with this beautiful child of His. We were humbled to dedicate our family to the Lord in this public way.