"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth in named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:14-21
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
A day in the life of Zoe.
She wanted to make sure her new toy was durable :)
She has a thing for straps...
Finally! A good video of her walking.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Pictures
There's just something about babies in diapers...
Little froggy.
She was sneaky and got my camera.
Momma's sunglasses.
Zoe's sunglasses.
Just getting out of the pool.
The Word
"O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it."
Psalm 139:1-6
"For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God."
Psalm 38:15
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:1-5
Psalm 139:1-6
"For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God."
Psalm 38:15
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:1-5
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Olympics
Does anyone know what today is? Today is the day that the Olympics start in London! I can hear the music now... Oh the glory! There are a handful of things that excite me on this level, and the Olympics is one of them. Eek! I.am.so.excited.
But on a negative note, I just need to get this out there...... I am still completely appalled that they eliminated softball and baseball from the Olympic Games, and decided to keep "table tennis." Table tennis!!! They kept table tennis over softball and baseball. I'm sorry if I'm offending any ping-pongers out there, but come on! And don't get me wrong... I thoroughly enjoy a good game of ping pong. It's great fun. But as a sport in the Olympics.... Yeah, I don't think so. You should not win a gold medal for being an awesome ping pong player. So there's my two cents, and now I will move on with my life.
Enjoy The Games!
But on a negative note, I just need to get this out there...... I am still completely appalled that they eliminated softball and baseball from the Olympic Games, and decided to keep "table tennis." Table tennis!!! They kept table tennis over softball and baseball. I'm sorry if I'm offending any ping-pongers out there, but come on! And don't get me wrong... I thoroughly enjoy a good game of ping pong. It's great fun. But as a sport in the Olympics.... Yeah, I don't think so. You should not win a gold medal for being an awesome ping pong player. So there's my two cents, and now I will move on with my life.
Enjoy The Games!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Word
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:8
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Zoe
I have a daughter, and I feel the need to brag about her. Well maybe not brag... maybe just tell you about her and what she is like. Right now, she is staring at me through her crib rails with her big brown eyes hoping that I will rescue her from nap time. She knows I'm a softy.
Zoe Abigail Briggs was born on Friday, October 14th at 1:24am. We had prayed for the Lord to show us what to name her. Zoe means "life", and Abigail means "her father's joy". Just in her short 9 months here with us, she has definitely lived up to these definitions.
I look at her and see a child who loves being alive. She loves people. She loves being awake and hates going to sleep (most of the time). She plays hard! She wakes up going 100mph and gives 110% towards everything she does ALL day long. She is passionate and silly, and sometimes very intense. She is stubborn... Just like her Daddy :) (Because I am never like that.) She is this petite little thing who stood up before she crawled. Then she started walking at 8 1/2 months old. We decided that we would never underestimate her. She is incredibly smart. Too smart sometimes. She got a hold of my cell phone the other day and held it up to her ear. What??!! She's only 9 months old! She also pushes her Bumbo up to the couch so she can stand on it and try to climb up on the couch. She loves watching Veggie Tales. She loves being outside. She loves going in the pool. As of now, she has 8 adorable little teeth. And by the "drool" of things, she is working on some more. She has the cutest laugh I have ever heard. And when she cries, she does that lower pouty lip trembling thing. Oh goodness... breaks my heart every time. She is also incredibly kind. Story time...
Almost 2 months ago, I was trying to deal with some difficult news. I was holding Zoe and on the phone with Lee... I was crying. She watched me with a furrowed brow and a very concerned look. She knew something was wrong. She knew that I was sad. So she tried to comfort me. She wrapped her little arms around me and started giving me kisses. And then she would lay her head on my shoulder, and then give me more kisses. Yes, I cried even more. I was blown away by her intuition and tender heart. Amazing that my 7 month old was ministering to me.
What else.....
She's strong. She LOVES her Daddy. She is so intrigued by everything. She can be a little high maintenance sometimes, and is kind of a picky eater right now. She has beautiful olive skin and my dad's deep brown eyes. Kind, gentle, yet full of life. And as my sister-in-law put it, "she has his smiling eyes." I'm so glad she does. Oh, and she has this positively wonderful smell. It's not the baby smell anymore, but her own sweet, soft-skinned, Zoe smell. She probably wonders why I am constantly smelling her.
She keeps me on my toes all day every day, and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is so much more than I could have ever hoped for in my child. The joy she brings into our lives is inexpressible. And the love I have for her... Well, let's just say that I knew two things right away after she was born: 1) I would gladly lay down my life for her. 2) I would kill anyone who ever tried to do her harm. It's a fierce love.
I hope all of you get to meet her some day, because she is totally awesome.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;"
Psalm 127:3-5
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."
Pslam 139:13-14
Zoe Abigail Briggs was born on Friday, October 14th at 1:24am. We had prayed for the Lord to show us what to name her. Zoe means "life", and Abigail means "her father's joy". Just in her short 9 months here with us, she has definitely lived up to these definitions.
I look at her and see a child who loves being alive. She loves people. She loves being awake and hates going to sleep (most of the time). She plays hard! She wakes up going 100mph and gives 110% towards everything she does ALL day long. She is passionate and silly, and sometimes very intense. She is stubborn... Just like her Daddy :) (Because I am never like that.) She is this petite little thing who stood up before she crawled. Then she started walking at 8 1/2 months old. We decided that we would never underestimate her. She is incredibly smart. Too smart sometimes. She got a hold of my cell phone the other day and held it up to her ear. What??!! She's only 9 months old! She also pushes her Bumbo up to the couch so she can stand on it and try to climb up on the couch. She loves watching Veggie Tales. She loves being outside. She loves going in the pool. As of now, she has 8 adorable little teeth. And by the "drool" of things, she is working on some more. She has the cutest laugh I have ever heard. And when she cries, she does that lower pouty lip trembling thing. Oh goodness... breaks my heart every time. She is also incredibly kind. Story time...
Almost 2 months ago, I was trying to deal with some difficult news. I was holding Zoe and on the phone with Lee... I was crying. She watched me with a furrowed brow and a very concerned look. She knew something was wrong. She knew that I was sad. So she tried to comfort me. She wrapped her little arms around me and started giving me kisses. And then she would lay her head on my shoulder, and then give me more kisses. Yes, I cried even more. I was blown away by her intuition and tender heart. Amazing that my 7 month old was ministering to me.
What else.....
She's strong. She LOVES her Daddy. She is so intrigued by everything. She can be a little high maintenance sometimes, and is kind of a picky eater right now. She has beautiful olive skin and my dad's deep brown eyes. Kind, gentle, yet full of life. And as my sister-in-law put it, "she has his smiling eyes." I'm so glad she does. Oh, and she has this positively wonderful smell. It's not the baby smell anymore, but her own sweet, soft-skinned, Zoe smell. She probably wonders why I am constantly smelling her.
She keeps me on my toes all day every day, and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is so much more than I could have ever hoped for in my child. The joy she brings into our lives is inexpressible. And the love I have for her... Well, let's just say that I knew two things right away after she was born: 1) I would gladly lay down my life for her. 2) I would kill anyone who ever tried to do her harm. It's a fierce love.
I hope all of you get to meet her some day, because she is totally awesome.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;"
Psalm 127:3-5
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."
Pslam 139:13-14
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Word
“Though
I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become
sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy,
and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so
that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,
but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love
suffers long and is
kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does
not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does
not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes
all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…..”
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
The Last Flight Home
Let me just preface this story by saying that my husband and daughter are AMAZING. Truly, truly amazing. Now...
We had 4 different flights all together on our trip to and from Michigan. My only big concern was that Zoe would freak out and be one of those hysterically screaming babies. But much to my incredibly wonderful surprise, she was fabulous on all of the first three flights. It was the last leg that got us.
We had an hour and a half layover in Dallas, Texas and then a two and a half hour flight back to John Wayne Airport. She was exhausted, but we were hopeful for another easy flight. Well, it was a very short-lived hope. The first 45 minutes after take-off were fairly bumpy. Not too terrible, but enough. Zoe was also having a pretty bumpy 45 minutes. She cried, not screamed, but cried for almost that entire time. At first I thought she was just tired, but she wouldn't fall asleep. So we tried everything. Every kind of food and snack... water... every toy I packed... looking out the window... bouncing... more food... Veggie Tales... But to no avail. Then, at the hour marker, it finally happened. My poor baby threw up ALL over herself and her Daddy. And we're not talking a little puke. It was a lot! The entire front of her clothes were soaked. The not-so-funny irony of this: I had just finished telling my mom at the airport before we left that I couldn't believe I had forgotten to pack some extra clothes for Zoe in my carry-on. HA! So yes, she had to remain soaked for the remainder of the flight. And yes, I felt terrible.
Lee was done trying to comfort her while sitting. We were seated at the back of the plane, so he proceeded to get up and stand in the very back near where all of the flight attendants congregate. I thought they were going to make him sit back down, but they didn't! Thankfully, they ended up gawking at my beautiful child and doing their very best to make her happy. And so did every other person who had to go to that end of the plane to use the facilities. It was great! Kind of. It was great to see people be understanding and kind, and not glare at you because your daughter has an upset tummy and is past the point of exhaustion. Wait, it gets better...
Lee ends up standing with her for an HOUR doing his very best to comfort his girl and to relieve some of my own stress and exhaustion. He didn't sit down until we were getting ready to land. Seriously, my admiration for that man went up another notch after that flight! Oh how I love him.
With all of that to say, in the end, we made it. My sweet, sweet Zoe persevered and was even managing to smile at people by the end of the flight. (I love that about her.... she always gives everything her very best.)
And there you have it. So glad we went, and so glad we made it back.
We had 4 different flights all together on our trip to and from Michigan. My only big concern was that Zoe would freak out and be one of those hysterically screaming babies. But much to my incredibly wonderful surprise, she was fabulous on all of the first three flights. It was the last leg that got us.
We had an hour and a half layover in Dallas, Texas and then a two and a half hour flight back to John Wayne Airport. She was exhausted, but we were hopeful for another easy flight. Well, it was a very short-lived hope. The first 45 minutes after take-off were fairly bumpy. Not too terrible, but enough. Zoe was also having a pretty bumpy 45 minutes. She cried, not screamed, but cried for almost that entire time. At first I thought she was just tired, but she wouldn't fall asleep. So we tried everything. Every kind of food and snack... water... every toy I packed... looking out the window... bouncing... more food... Veggie Tales... But to no avail. Then, at the hour marker, it finally happened. My poor baby threw up ALL over herself and her Daddy. And we're not talking a little puke. It was a lot! The entire front of her clothes were soaked. The not-so-funny irony of this: I had just finished telling my mom at the airport before we left that I couldn't believe I had forgotten to pack some extra clothes for Zoe in my carry-on. HA! So yes, she had to remain soaked for the remainder of the flight. And yes, I felt terrible.
Lee was done trying to comfort her while sitting. We were seated at the back of the plane, so he proceeded to get up and stand in the very back near where all of the flight attendants congregate. I thought they were going to make him sit back down, but they didn't! Thankfully, they ended up gawking at my beautiful child and doing their very best to make her happy. And so did every other person who had to go to that end of the plane to use the facilities. It was great! Kind of. It was great to see people be understanding and kind, and not glare at you because your daughter has an upset tummy and is past the point of exhaustion. Wait, it gets better...
Lee ends up standing with her for an HOUR doing his very best to comfort his girl and to relieve some of my own stress and exhaustion. He didn't sit down until we were getting ready to land. Seriously, my admiration for that man went up another notch after that flight! Oh how I love him.
With all of that to say, in the end, we made it. My sweet, sweet Zoe persevered and was even managing to smile at people by the end of the flight. (I love that about her.... she always gives everything her very best.)
And there you have it. So glad we went, and so glad we made it back.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Michigan: Part II
Well, we returned safe and somewhat sound from our rockin' trip to Michigan. I say somewhat because the last leg of our flight was somewhat traumatic. But that deserves a blog entry all on its own. Stay tuned... I'll try to write that one tomorrow.
There are some really great things about Michigan. The landscape is beautiful, the people are actually nice and give you space to merge onto the freeway, it's cheaper than California (shocker), there are a TON a fun things to do, there are flocks of geese that walk across the busy intersections, and there are squirrels the size of small cats. I kid you not. But most importantly, there are fireflies. Have you ever seen a firefly in person??!! They are truly amazing! I hate to admit it, but they actually deserve to be called "magical."
My mom and her new husband Bob, were kind enough to let us stay in their home. Also living under the same roof, were Bob's son Joe, my brother Sam and his wife Chey. We were one BIG, cozy, happy family! We really had a blast... lots of laughing, eating, bike riding, exploring, and playing with Zoe. Especially playing with Zoe.
It was a much needed trip for us. We are so thankful for the time we had to re-coop, breathe deeply, and spend precious time with our wonderful family. And yes, it was hard to say goodbye... as it always is.
But it is also good to be home. Familiarity can bring so much comfort and peace sometimes.... especially for a really cute 9 month old baby I know.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good....." Psalm 107:1
There are some really great things about Michigan. The landscape is beautiful, the people are actually nice and give you space to merge onto the freeway, it's cheaper than California (shocker), there are a TON a fun things to do, there are flocks of geese that walk across the busy intersections, and there are squirrels the size of small cats. I kid you not. But most importantly, there are fireflies. Have you ever seen a firefly in person??!! They are truly amazing! I hate to admit it, but they actually deserve to be called "magical."
My mom and her new husband Bob, were kind enough to let us stay in their home. Also living under the same roof, were Bob's son Joe, my brother Sam and his wife Chey. We were one BIG, cozy, happy family! We really had a blast... lots of laughing, eating, bike riding, exploring, and playing with Zoe. Especially playing with Zoe.
It was a much needed trip for us. We are so thankful for the time we had to re-coop, breathe deeply, and spend precious time with our wonderful family. And yes, it was hard to say goodbye... as it always is.
But it is also good to be home. Familiarity can bring so much comfort and peace sometimes.... especially for a really cute 9 month old baby I know.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good....." Psalm 107:1
Saturday, July 14, 2012
9 Months...
My beautiful daughter is 9 months old today.
People always warned me that it would go by too fast. It's not that I ever
doubted them, but now I am experiencing it for myself and it is just so weird.
But it is also completely wonderful watching her grow and change. She is such a
joy to us. Happy 9 month birthday Zoe... We love you.
Monday, July 9, 2012
From Lee
So I was reminded ever so gently yesterday by God, while visiting a church here in Grandville Michigan, of how much He loves us and is completely devoted to us. We were at Resurrection Life Church and while worshiping we sang a Hillsong song (not sure what the name is). What we were worshiping God and praising Him for, was the simple truth that in all of our lives, we all come to a place when we finally see that there must be more than this life and the world we see, and we (in our heart) call out to God. The song says "I called, You answered, and You came to my rescue." Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day I cried out, You answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul." I personally can testify to the way that God heard me about four and a half years ago when I was homeless and working two jobs to support my drug habit. I had lost everything. I cried out to God, and believe me, He heard it and has answered my cry in more ways than I could have thought to ask. It has not been easy, and never will be, but I would not want it any other way.
Thank you so much Jesus for the way You love us and for the amazing reminder of what you have delivered me from and how You are still doing it today.
Thank you so much Jesus for the way You love us and for the amazing reminder of what you have delivered me from and how You are still doing it today.
Zoe and the Plane
Quick blurb on Zoe and her first plane ride...
I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous about taking my girl on an airplane at 8 1/2 months old. Visions of her screaming her little lungs out and other passengers glaring at me with dislike were filling my every thought. But we prayed. And we prayed hard.
End result: A couple of pretty awesome flights. She had her cranky spots, but all in all, she was amazing! She slept, she ate, she played, she looked out the windows, and she watched Veggie Tales. We truly couldn't have asked for a better trip and a better Zoe. She is such a blessing.
Thank you Jesus.
On her first plane ever!
I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous about taking my girl on an airplane at 8 1/2 months old. Visions of her screaming her little lungs out and other passengers glaring at me with dislike were filling my every thought. But we prayed. And we prayed hard.
End result: A couple of pretty awesome flights. She had her cranky spots, but all in all, she was amazing! She slept, she ate, she played, she looked out the windows, and she watched Veggie Tales. We truly couldn't have asked for a better trip and a better Zoe. She is such a blessing.
Thank you Jesus.
Michigan: Part 1
That's right! We are in the lovely town of Grandville Michigan. Why you ask? We are scoping out the land to which my mother was whisked away to by her new husband. So far, we are having an absolute blast! Okay wait, let me back up...
When we first arrived, it was approximately 100 degrees with 70% humidity. Yuck! It was pretty miserable.... lots of dripping sweat. But now the weather has decided to chill out, and life is much more enjoyable. Moving on...
... We are SO enjoying our time here. Hanging out with new family, laughing at the silly ducks that roam the property attacking the squirrels, trampoline-ing, Madcap coffee, and the "magical" fireflies that grace us with their presence every night are only a few things that we are thoroughly enjoying.
Zoe in awe of her Auntie Bo.
Can't wait to see what the rest of our trip holds for us. Stay tuned!
The coffee shop that my brother Sam is in love with.
Zoe crunching leaves in her cute little hands.
Friday, July 6, 2012
The 4th of July
So it was Zoe's first 4th of July. Aren't
"firsts" so much fun? I have been enjoying them so much more than I
ever thought I would. For this particular holiday, I decided to make her a
monstrous red bow/headband. And I mean MONSTROUS. Check it out...
But aside from the bows, there are all those
little "first" things in between that are so sweet. I love her funny
face after she tastes something new. I loved her excitement over figuring out
how to open the cabinet doors. I love how she can't quite figure out how it's
her reflection she sees in the mirror. I love all of it. It's all fabulous and
wonderful and going way too fast. I am trying so hard to soak up every moment
with her... but somehow, it just doesn't seem enough. I wish life had a pause
button sometimes.
Anyway, back to the 4th. I was so excited for Zoe
to experience her FIRST fireworks ever! But she never got to see them. She was
too worn out from the days festivities, that she was out like a light before we
even got out the door to see them. Ha! Go figure. Maybe next year she will
decide to stay awake.
Love you all.
Jennifer
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Greetings to all of you who are daring enough to join us on our journey!
Let me start by telling you, that I always swore that I would never do the "blog" thing. Never, ever, ever. But alas, here I am... typing out my very first blog entry. What's even scarier, is that I am actually kind of excited about it! Weird right? Maybe this is due to the fact that I have a fabulous husband, and an outstanding and beautiful daughter that I admittedly love to show off? Very possible.
In any case, welcome to our blog! We hope that through it, you will be encouraged and entertained.
So sit back, buckle up, and hold on tight... because our life is crazy!
Let me start by telling you, that I always swore that I would never do the "blog" thing. Never, ever, ever. But alas, here I am... typing out my very first blog entry. What's even scarier, is that I am actually kind of excited about it! Weird right? Maybe this is due to the fact that I have a fabulous husband, and an outstanding and beautiful daughter that I admittedly love to show off? Very possible.
In any case, welcome to our blog! We hope that through it, you will be encouraged and entertained.
So sit back, buckle up, and hold on tight... because our life is crazy!
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