Photo Shoot at Stuido 23

Here are a few of the shots we got of Brenley and one with Ryland from our photo shoot this weekend at Studio 23 in McAlester, OK. The session was great, both girls did about as good as any 20 month old and 1 month old would do. But, the pictures came out beautifully! I wish I could post all of them on here, but these are the only digital copies we have.

Thoughts...

God has really been working on my heart lately. I am not quite sure what He is doing, but I know He is convicting me in almost every area of my life. I know we are on this journey of progressive sanctification. That is, He continually seeks me out, not just the moment of my conversion, but always, everyday seeks me out and wants me to answer His call. This morning as I was reading in 1 Timothy - its says, "Have nothing to do with irreverent or silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness." 4:7. Did you read that? It says TRAIN yourself. It did not say, do whatever make you feel good... whatever you have 'time' for... whatever everyone else says you should do... whatever you want to do... whatever 'fits' into your life... it says TRAIN yourself for godliness. What I take from that is exactly what it says... I am to TRAIN myself to do the things and act in the ways of Him.

Now, train to me is almost like a four letter word. I despise training. It brings me back to the days that I used to run track in high school and how many long hours we would spend running, working out and sweating, just to run some more at a track meet. I hated track. Don't get me wrong, I was actually quite good at it and my coach had me pegged to win the state track meet my junior year of high school... but I hated it. My dad even tried to bribe to to run by offering to buy me a brand new truck if I did win state... but I still hated it. I had a horrible coach and I was in the middle of my "great rebellion" but none the less, I still hated it.

I am not sure I have ever met anyone who really enjoys training. But, we are commanded to do it. As our pastor has said, "you must beat your body into submission." And that is what I feel like I am doing. Trying, desperately to beat my body into submission. I don't want to confess my sins, both publicly and privately. I don't want to wake up early to read the word of God. I don't want to ask for forgiveness where it's needed. I don't want to see myself as wicked and evil. I surly don't want others to know that I am wicked and evil. I don't want to give up the things that distract me from Him. But... I am training... I am working out my salvation... I am letting God sanctify me... because ultimately what my soul longs for is deep communion with Him. To know Him intimately. To desire Him in ALL things.

As he feverishly seeks me out, so I want to seek Him.

Sisters

Soon

We sang this song at church on Sunday and man... it broke me. What a praise song and what a thought, for our "souls to be satisfied." Great song!

Just pictures

Sorry, I'm not in the mood to write, too tired I think. So, here are some pictures. :)

Nap Time

The New Normal

We are officially a family of four now... still seems a little surreal... but it's our new normal and we are finding our way. My wonderful parents spent all of last week at our house, cleaning, cooking, shopping and most importantly keeping Ryland completely entertained. It was so great having them here. My mom flew in a few days early and was able to attend the birth of Brenley, just like she did for Ryland. Such a miraculous moment, to watch the birth of a baby. How can one doubt the existence of our Creator after such a moment!?!?

The first day without my parents was a little rough. Ryland had been the center of attention for over a week and did not want to go back to a normal day. She was grumpy and over all not happy all day, which is SO not like her. But, the past two days have been quite different and she is settling back into her routine, or maybe her new normal as well. She is so sweet to Brenley. She always wants to know where she is, why she is crying and she even helps me by taking dirty diapers to the trash. It is amazing to watch her grow up right before our eyes and take on the role of big sister so graciously!

Brenley, so far, is the easiest baby I have ever met! She never really cries and is sleeping 3 to 4 hour stretches at night. She is so laid back. I am praying that she stays this way, but even if she doesn't, she is still so unbelievably cute that I wouldn't care. :)

Kyle goes back to work this Thursday, so then we will really begin our new normal, but so far the addition of one more to our family has proven to be a great fit for us!

Love this shot!

My sister took this shot of Brenley and I love it! You can really see her hair color in this shot, I am totally in love!

Brenley Grey

She's here!!! Born August 27, 2009 at 5:06pm. She was 8lbs 12oz and 20 inches long. She is perfect!

For more pictures you can check out our album on Facebook by going to this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007677&id=149101268&l=eea92d1a79