A Good Recovery

Today is day five of recovery from hernia surgery. I (Brian) am doing well. I experienced some pain on the first three days and then just some discomfort after that. I was feeling well enough yesterday to walk into Brea for dinner. Now that I am feeling a little better, the most difficult thing for me is to remember that I am not supposed to lift anything over fifteen pounds for the next six weeks. It is not easy! Yesterday I almost picked Kaylee up. When she lifts her arms up and says "up-ee," it is so hard to resist. Later in the day I did pick up Macchiato for a second, after he ran across the street after a cat. Oops! It only took me a second or two to realize that was a bad idea. The plan is to be good about these things for the next five weeks so I can be back to full strength during the second half of Jewelly's pregnancy and when she gives birth to our first child. How great it will be to hold him or her.

Jewelly is doing wonderfully well. I praise God for his kindness to her during her first pregnancy. She has faced only a little nausea so far and is just about out of the first trimester. What a blessing she has been to me over the past four days. She has taken great care of me. Thanks Honey! SHMILY!

A Weekend in San Diego

Saturday, January 3rd, Jewelly and I headed to San Diego for the weekend. We spent the day at the San Diego Zoo. Talk about the amazing handi-work of God! The zoo is well know for its size and the diversity of animals they have from all over the world. We loved seeing all the animals. Besides the familiar favorites, there were a few that were unique to us. We really enjoyed the wombat and the snake neck turtle. You can see them in the pictures below.
After the zoo we headed to the Westin Hotel where we ordered room service and enjoyed a quiet evening. We were up on the 21st floor and had quite a view of the city. I suggest staying at the Westin if only for the purpose of ordering their Chocolate Bombay. It was delicious!
Sunday morning we went to Skyline Church in La Mesa. Jim Garlow is the senior pastor there. I had taken a class taught by him at Indiana Wesleyan University years back. He also spoke at a leadership conference at my old church. It was good to see him again. (Matt, remember when we picked him up from Detroit Metro Airport in the dead of winter in your car with no heat??? Good times :)

Prayer for Brian's Family

Brian just got word that his Aunt Diana (Dee) passed away today. She has been ill for some time, but generally her illness did not seem to be life threatening. Please pray specifically for Brian's mom, Judy, as she deals with the loss of her sister and also for the extended family. Aunt Dee loved the Lord and we rejoice that she is no longer in pain as she dances with the angels.

Snow, Snow, Snow!

The family loaded up the cars and headed toward the mountains on Saturday. Unfortunately so did half of California. They closed the road and didn't allow anyone else up the mountain because there were just way too many people. It was a bummer to say the least. But, we loaded up the cars again on Tuesday and headed back up the mountain, hoping there would be less traffic. There were still a good number of people, but not enough to stop us from getting to the snow. We enjoyed a few hours of playing in the snow, throwing snowballs, and even sledding. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was spectacular.

Merry Christmas!

Jewelly and I had a wonderful Christmas here is So Cal. We woke up early and gathered in the living room. Morgan led the family in a time of Worship and Jewelly read about the birth of Christ in the book of Luke. That was a good way to start the day. Then we opened up some Christmas gifts. After getting cleaned up we headed out for breakfast at the home of Jewelly's Grandfather and Grandmother. A few hours later we headed to the house of her grandparents on her mother's side for dinner. The food was terrific all day. We had a wonderful day! We did miss my family in Michigan though. We love you guys and can't wait to see you again!

For Christmas I bought Jewelly a really nice camera. She was excited to get it. I was very excited about playing with it also. We have had a lot of fun getting acquainted with it these past few days. The pictures below are some of the first shots taken with it.

A New Hart

Jewelly and I had our first visit to the Doctor's office yesterday. We already new it, but it was confirmed that we should have a new Hart entering the world some time in the first week of August 2009. They did the first Ultrasound and determined that Jewelly is at seven weeks. Although the ultrasound only shows what looks like a little peanut at this point, I almost cried when I saw the heart beating strong. God is so good. His ways are amazing. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14a.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow! Can it really be Thanksgiving tomorrow!?! Is Christmas really less than a month away!?! Up until this week it has felt like summer in Southern California, but this week the weather has turned and we have had some nice cool whether...even some rain!!!

We have much to be thankful for this year. We are thankful for a house filled with love and laughter. A nation where we can worship the Lord freely (for now). Jobs that allow us to pay our bills and save for the future. Family and friends to love and build memories with. Our sweet little dog Macchiato. Our marriage, which gives us the opportunity to serve someone other than ourselves. Hopes and dreams for the future. The gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. The list could go on and on...

As I write this Brian is out running errands for me as I rest on the couch battling a head cold. I never get sick, but for some reason this cold has really gotten a hold on me. I'm so thankful to have a wonderful husband who willingly runs to the store to get me Johnson & Johnson Vapor Bath, Vick's Vapor Rub, and a Cold Buster smoothie from Jamba Juice. Thank you honey! You take such great care of me!

While you celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving, tomorrow be sure to take time to truly give thanks. It is so easy to let days like Thanksgiving pass us by without thinking about the purpose of the day. While you enjoy the delicious food and company you are surrounded with tomorrow remember to go before the Lord with a thankful heart.

We are thankful for each of you dear friends! Grace and peace to you!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. - I Chronicles 16:34