Micaiah Noel West

Friends-

It's our joy to share with you the blessing of our daughter. Both Erin and Micaiah are doing quite well, both are recovering. For those of you who need details:

She was born on February 16th, 2008 @ 10.43 am
Weight: 8lbs.
Height: 21''

She is a gorgeous little girl. Please enjoy the pictures of our first day!

It's about time

It's February 8th and the countdown has definitely begun! We're enjoying our weekly visits to the doctor who assures us all is well and baby will come... eventually. During our visit last week he gave Brian's heart a jump start by checking to make sure he knew when to call in. We got a lot done that weekend! :)

The following is the culimnation of our labor of love we call the nursery. You'll see there is one wall that looks rather sad and lonely. Never fear, there are plans in the making, but they won't come to fruition until after baby is here. We could wait until then to show you pictures, but we figure by then you'd rather see the baby!

Tom and Shelby

So, we have two friends who are so alike it's scary.

The first is a Pastor who has four kids four and under and the other...well she's four. Tom has a passion for talking so does Shelby. Tom could talk to walls and carry on a conversation, Shelby does. Tom can't play music, Shelby assures her mom that she can't either. Shelby likes to dress up like a princess, Tom...well, he wears pink (way to go Tam). Goldfish are staples in both kitchens.

Just recently we were presented with yet another similarity...just one word...

Whiteasaurus.

Big Things for 2008...

Not that we're suggesting that Erin is the big thing...though she kind of is. We're looking forward to all new communities; our growing family and ministry. So, here's to 2008: to our family and friends who love us in spite of our imperfections, and our Lord Jesus, who keeps us in his grace!

A Merry Christmas Wish...

From the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes... or, in this case, reindeer!

Prayer Walk

This past Sunday Brian led 705: on a prayer walk through the city of Houston. We made stops in a variety of areas throughout the city focusing our prayers on the people God has placed in our paths.

While in and amongst the highrises we prayed for those who commute in and out of the city each day and occupy the offices downtown and those who call the streets home. In the theater district we praised God for creativity and the gifts and talents of his people. Standing on the overpass of a major interstate we prayed for those in the cars traveling to and from places unknown. We asked God's blessing upon each of the house communities that are currently meeting around the Houston area, 3 in all.

Our cry is that God would use 705: to infect and affect the city for Him. As we try to maintain that focus, we must focus our eyes, ears, thoughts and words on the calling of the Spirit in each of our lives. Is He calling to you?

The Frozen Tundra

This past weekend I (brian) was blessed to travel from the winter weather in Houston to the Twin Cities...and the frozen tundra. I mean seriously, when I left H-town it was 75 degrees and when I arrived in Minneapolis/St. Paul is was 17! Yeah, I couldn't feel my face. For those of you who now live in a warm climate...I'm sure you know what I mean.

I was honored to share in an amazing day with a close friend of ours, Matt Blackford. It was a day that he would commit his life to Amy and I was honored to sing a couple of songs for that amazing moment. But the wedding was not the only thing that I did while in the North.

Weddings can be expensive. But, Matt and Amy had found me a host family to stay with. How can I say this...they were awesome! As soon as I arrived in the Twin Cities, Tom and Patti picked me up from the airport and gave me a quick tour of the St. Paul area. We quickly returned to their house and I was able to find some extra clothes (I know what many of you are thinking...and you're absolutely right...I'm a wuss). After about 20 minutes Tom, who is about 6'3" and 240, laid his big paw of a hand and said, "Pastor, we're going to a wine tasting and you're coming!" Now, I was happy to oblige. We went to a quaint little store and tried several wines(eight in all), and left with a couple for the evening. As we were leaving the wine house, Tom laid his big paw of a hand again on my shoulder and said, "Pastor, have you ever had oysters?" "No" I replied. "Well, we're havin' oysters and you're havin' some." Alright, now I don't know how many of you have ever had oysters...but I put a number of them down, and right out of the half shell (for those of you who've never had the joy...think wet mushroom that tastes like the sea), but of course that came with another bottle of wine. Then, dinner was to start. Another couple came over and wouldn't you know it...they brought wine. We had oyster stew and several bottles of wine. Needless to say, I felt like I was in Europe once again! Tom and Patti were incredible hosts are the epitome of Hebrews 13.3 which says, "Do not neglect to entertain strangers..." To Tom and Patti...THANK YOU!

I was also able to visit with some very dear friends, Josh and Gail Brecht. I traveled with Gail for a year in a Christian rock band. We haven't seen each other in probably 4 years. As a musician, every once in a while you come across someone and you think, "yeah, she's got it." Well that's Gail and her husband Josh. They've since started a band called Fuller Still. If you have a chance, check them out. Much love to you both.

Below are the pictures from the weekend. I hope you enjoy!

Trot before Turkey

Thanksgiving was here before we knew it this year. Time flies when you're growing babies and ministries!

We were blessed by the opportunity to give thanks with the Waterman clan (sans Kelly... sorry). The day started bright and early with Houston's Turkey Trot. It was a beautiful, brisk, 40 degree day (brrrrr) for a run. Brian and Kari ran the 10K, Dave ran the 5K, Erin stood on the sidelines freezing waiting for them to run by, and Sherry stayed home to prepare the day's spread.

The meal and conversation were fantastic. It's always good to get caught up with friends. Thank you Waterman's for being such fantastic hosts and making us feel at home. It was truly a Thanksgiving to be thankful for!

One other fantastically exciting note on our Thanksgiving day... Erin's older sister Alison announced that she and her husband Russell are expecting twins! Please keep the four of them in your prayers as they are in quite the year of transition.

Speaking of babies... For those of you who were aware Brian's siter Sara and her husband were expecting a wee one, yes, he's here. You too can view our nephew Isaac on Sara and Adam's blog. (see link on right)

So, below are a few trotting and turkeying pics for you!