Meeting SAM

I was overjoyed to meet my first nephew last week! Sam is a precious gift from the Lord and it is an honor to be his Auntie! I love the sounds he makes and how he likes to cuddle with me. We had a lot of fun together and it was sweet to sing to him and hold him tightly. What a beautiful picture it was seeing my sister as a MOM! I am so happy for them and thanking the Lord for blessing them with Samuel! I love you guys!

Enjoying the fall weather

My sweet sister and new nephew

Baby Sam in his precious nursery

Auntie Lara love you

Look at that cute smile

Open to New Beginnings

We have been praying diligently and asking for God to reveal a path for us to follow obediently. Through that time we have felt the Lord softening our hearts and making us open to His will, rather than clinging tightly to our own desires. We have experienced what it feels like to truly trust the Living God who is Great and Gracious and desires to meet our every need.

Recently we came to the decision to part ways with Kurtis' current company and pursue other opportunities. This means we will not be relocating to the Chicago area, rather we will be seeking options back in the Midwest where my family is and also here in AZ. There are a few strong leads back in the Midwest and we are praying for the Lord's favor, while keeping a loose grip and allowing Him to lead us with each step. We are feeling more and more comfortable and confident each day in the Lord's care and we are relying on His timing!

We are excited for the new adventure and the many possibilities God will lead us to! Just as David had many giants to face (including one actual giant) we too have our "giants" to overcome. What we have come to realize is our own faith, or lack thereof, is the greatest "giant" in our lives. May we never lose sight of the One who is worthy of our praise and the One from whom all good things come!

He's Here!

We praise the Lord for the arrival of my sweet nephew, Samuel Lincoln!

He was born on August 18th and weighed 5 lbs. 12 oz. He is a true miracle and it is an honor to be his Auntie! We love you Sam and can't wait to meet you!

Choosing to Trust

About 3 weeks ago we learned that Kurtis' job recently acquired another business and that decision has impacted us. His department's work will no longer take place in the AZ office. Kurtis' job is not being eliminated, but moved. This sounds all too familiar...Kurtis lost his job a year ago and we are facing tough decisions once again.

We are still looking at all of our options, but a move may be necessary! We want to be open to what the Lord is showing us, so we are not closing any doors ourselves. It is very hard for me to TRUST Him. I have longed to live closer to my family, but I also enjoy my life here.

I feel overwhelmed and anxious! I want to feel ok in God's care and His provision, but there are so many details that I find myself getting distracted and worried. Pray that the Lord would quiet my heart and remove any anxious thoughts that are not from Him! I want to lean on my Heavenly Father and not try to figure things out on my own.

This verse has been encouraging to me...

"Your word is a lamp to my feel and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105

May the Lord let His light burn just bright enough for us to see the next step, but not too bright that we forget to lean on Him!

CHICAGO

The Bean

My adorable Mom

My sister is pregnant and due in early September

My sister's building

Look at that cute belly! I can't wait to meet my nephew.

Chicago Pizza with my Mom and Sis and Pete and his Mom

Baby Shower



Sisters

Hot Days and Cool Nights in Cancun!

We had a wonderful time in Cancun this past week! We stayed at Le Blanc an all-inclusive resort. It was paradise! We truly were able to relax and be stress free.

We had a beautiful view from our 8th floor room of the beach and Caribbean Sea, gorgeous!

We did a lot of relaxing at the pool and enjoyed the swim up bar! Much of our time was spent beside this pool as we soaked in the rays and enjoyed being pampered. We spent time talking to many of the attendants and had fun getting to know them and their stories.

Negative edge pool

We met a really fun couple from Florida at our resort!

We also enjoyed exploring the ocean. The water was a warm 85 degrees and the waves were just right to enjoy some body surfing! There is nothing like hearing the sound of the ocean the first thing in the morning.

We took our own speedboat on a long and winding ride through the channels and out to the coral reef for some snorkeling.

The snorkeling was great. We saw plenty of fish, a stingray, squid, and a huge gruesome looking barracuda.

We rented a jetski one afternoon and had fun cruising on the open ocean!

At night we got dressed up for dinner. On the resort grounds there were five great restaurants: Italian, French, Oriental, International, and a Mexican-International. The food was fantastic and we really had a great time getting to know the staff...such wonderful people.

One night after dinner a concert was being held up in the third floor lounge. The atmosphere was great as the musicians played Latin and American songs. It was the perfect way to relax after a fun filled day. Another night we saw an amazing fire show...very impressive! We hope to return next year!

College Friends Unite in Tucson

What an absolute joy it was to reconnect with a dear college friend. Shelley and I went to Samford together and we met our freshman year because we both lived on 2nd West! We both went through RUSH and then we both pledged ADPi! Our friendship grew over the years and it was so great to live life together. Shelley is very loyal and down to earth. I love her silly side, but her genuine heart and how she cares for others was and is an encouragement to me.

We have kept in touch since we graduated and we both got married a month apart from each other. It was so refreshing and good to have Shelley and Allan here in Tucson. It was like we picked up from where we left off. Having that time with Shelley was so good for my soul. The Lord knew I needed a pick me up and some refreshing conversations. The time went by so quickly, but we hope to go visit them this year in Alabama.
I am so very thankful for you, Shelley!

Shelley is in black & red & I am in red!

Our Pledge Class Senior Year
Shelley is in the front left row & I am standing on the 3rd left row!

June 2009

Allan, Shelley, Me, & Kurtis

eegee's is a must when you're in Tucson

"Sweetly Broken"

At this time in my life this song has offered me encouragement and has reminded me of what is truly important. I feel myself allowing God to pursue me and it is a wonderful feeling!

To the cross I look, to the cross I cling
Of its suffering I do drink
Of its work I do sing

For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed
Showed that God is love
And God is just

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified

You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

(Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle)

Happy Anniversary!

On Tuesday we celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary! Our 2nd year of marriage was full of joys and challenges. God was faithful to use all those circumstances to grow our marriage. I am so very thankful to walk hand in hand with Kurtis, he has made my life more full and complete.

I am forever grateful for him! He is a strong man who is not afraid to show his emotions. Thank you, Kurtis for being vulnerable, real and loving me so well. I am excited to see what God will bring our way this year.
I love you so much!

Our Wedding Day
May 19, 2007


Celebrating 2 years of marriage

My good lookin' husband

My sweet Mom comes to Visit

We were blessed to have a visit from my Mom that, unfortunately, went by too fast! It was so refreshing and encouraging being with her. We had a great time enjoying the cool Arizona mornings/evenings on the back porch playing Farkle and just talking. It was so very special to have her here for Mother's Day! She is an amazing MOM who loves well and inspires me to live out of my real heart. She embraces God's truth and is truly an authentic woman.
I love you, Mom!

McClintock's/Doc's restaurant

Playing the Wii

The Mamas

On "vacation" at home