One of Ian and Shelley's coworkers had the big birthday - 3 - 0. So her husband gave her a surprise dinner party. Ian and Shelley were happy to go, and even happier that Aunt Brenda would watch the kids for a much needed night out! Seen below are coworkers Cara, Nancy and Shelley.
While Shelley was still recovering from her surgery in July, each kid spent a week up at Grandma's house in Iowa. In the middle, Shelley and her cousin Lisa drove to near the Missouri/Iowa border to swap out kids. At a small diner where we all met, the kids wanted to ride the fake Merry Go Round. It was only a quarter to ride, but around five bucks was spent letting the kids ride. It's okay, it was well worth it!
Welcome to our newly revamped FAMILY BLOG! All the posts older than this one are written from Jude's point of view. But Shelley is a little too lazy to keep up two blogs and a facebook account in the few tiny moments that she actually gets to play online. So....both kids blogs have been reduced to the one family blog instead. Makes it easier for all. And Shelley promises to update more frequently, like she used to. She promises. Or else you (all three readers of you!) can be really mean to her. Or give her chocolate.
I did it! I'm a year old! And this means......my last ever Bumbo Growth Chart photo! Boy am I glad that is over... And of course this means I have to give my stats...
I'm 24 pounds and 2 ounces (70%) and 30 inches tall (59%). So I'm kinda tall and a little plump. That's okay, I don't mind. Here's my 12 month Bumbo photo followed by the photo montage of months 1-12. Talk a walk down memory lane with me and look at my growth... (or something cheesy like that.) 
Last week, my Uncle Eric came in town for one day. It was great to see him! Unlike my sister, I like my uncle! He's funny and he's got red hair like me. Actually, both of my uncles have red hair. Strange. What a weird family I have. 
Eric wasn't alone, he brought Courtney and Drissy with him too! Drissy wanted to ride a horse, so we saddled up Sonny. Eric took me up to Sonny, but I wasn't too sure about getting any closer than this. Horses are BIG!
Here's a family shot! Mom, Daphne, Eric, Courtney, Drissy, Gramps, Grammy, me and Aunt Kathy. 
It was a fun day, I'm glad that Uncle Eric, Courtney and Drissy came into town!And now the part of the party I was most looking forward to!! My first cake!!! Let me at it!
Hmmmm, how do I start? I think I'll stick just one finger in first to start...
Yum, that was good! Time for the whole hand!
Why stop at one hand! I'll give it the old two handed approach! This cake is calling my name!
This is so good! Look how messy I am, I don't care, it's cake!
What? It's all gone? Who ate it all! Me? No way. Guess I'll lick off the plate now...
Now I'm full.We are a gifts from our wonderful God and creator. We thank God daily for the wonderful world He created for us, including our own life breath. Some parents choose to make a public declaration of their intent to raise their children in a loving manner, choosing to teach them the love of God and how to follow Him. This declaration can't just be made by the parents alone, it must be made by the entire family and friends - so that everyone can help raise children to love Jesus. 
My parents dedicated Daphne in our church, but it was a little too inpersonal for thier taste so they decided to do something slightly different for me. Therefore, our good friend Shawn led the child dedication at my party! Shawn shared the story of Hannah, how she prayed for a child. The Lord heard her cry and gave her a son named Samuel. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, where he was raised in the church. I don't remember the exact scriptures Shawn used in 1st Samuel, but I intend to get them soon.
After Shawn talked for a few moments, some of our friend came forward and prayed with and over our family. I'm lucky to be born into a great family and have lots of friends to all greatly care about me!
