Easter Fun

Happy slightly late Easter everyone! We hope your Easter was a joyfilled as ours...

We had the pleasure of helping to plan and host an Easter egg hunt for some families who live in a rundown area of Houston just north of downtown. This was both a total blast and a leap of faith for our 705: community. We planned games, procured our very own balloon artist (thanks Steve - a man of many hidden talents), filled 1500 easter eggs with candy and trinkets, posted fliers, and showed up. Thankfully, God and a good number of kids did, too! (Those of you who know me, Erin, well know I stink at estimation...) The kids and their parents were not only shocked at the generosity of the 705: community, but truly thankful. "I don't think we would have had an Easter if you hadn't been here." We pray their Easter was not only defined by an egg hunt and some games at a park near their homes, but by the celebration of the RISEN Lord, the One who saves. As I had the joy of running one of the hunts, I don't have a lot of pics, but enjoy the few that we do...

This was also our first Easter with Micaiah! After working our way through a number of adorable dresses in a search for one that fit, we landed on this little number. I know more isn't always better. I should probably just choose a favorite photo and post it for your viewing pleasure, but this mom couldn't decide. So, here's our little munchkin in her Easter garb (over and over and over again)...

March 15th and 87 Degrees

You read correctly, it was 87 degrees here in H-town on March 15th. Did we savor it? Yes. Did we dread the omen that comes with such weather at this time of year? Yes. 87 degree weather on March 15th can only mean one thing, a VERY hot summer. Ah, the joys of Texas.

We took advantage of this very nice day by taking a trip to the park! Not just any park, the "big park", or Herman Park for those native Houstonians. For those of you familiar with St. Louis, think Forest Park but on a slightly smaller scale. It was wonderful! We packed a picnic lunch and spent a couple of hours treking through the Japanese Gardens and soaking up time as a family.

Yes, most of our life revolves around our daughter now, which is a good thing, so it seems only right for me to let you know that this wonderful excursion to the park coincided perfectly with her 4 week birthday. She has no clue, but I think it's nice. She slept through the whole thing, but that's okay, too. She's growing up so fast!!! And I digress.

Here's to 4 weeks, family time and 87 degrees...

I told you she slept through the whole thing!!!

I Love You Grandma!

Grandma went home today.

She was able to come and stay with us here in Houston for almost three weeks and we had a blast! We went for walks and car rides, sang songs, and had long talks about the important things in life. She was patient with me when I wouldn't burp and changed many a dirty diaper. She even got up with me in the middle of the night. Now that's love!

I know my parents will miss having her here just as much as I will. They say we'll go visit her in St. Louis. Grandpa, Aunt Nora and a whole lot of other family live there, too. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?!?

We'll miss you Grandma! We hope to see you again soon!

Redeemed!

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the baptism (washing) of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3.4-7

This past Sunday night, Micaiah was baptized into the family of God. We celebrated her rebirth into the Kingdom of God with family, friends and the 705: community. Needless to say, it was an evening filled with God's power. We were so thankful to Nora (Erin's younger sister) who committed to being Micaiah's God parent. She has the incredible responsibility of making sure that Micaiah is raised in the faith along with making sure her parents do what they are supposed to. Nora is an incredible woman of God whose passion for life and God inspire Micaiah's parents.

As a side note, this was the first baptism for the 705: community. We are hoping that there will be many more as the Lord sees fit to grow this spiritual community. Thanks to all of you who have become our spiritual family here in Houston! Here's to the journey!

Below are a number of photos from the evening. Note that the baptismal gown was made in 1915 for Erin's grandfather's baptism. It has been passed down from generation to generation! It was an awesome gift to be able to use it. Enjoy God's grace.

I Love Daddy Because...

1. He gives me fuzzy kisses.
2. He tells me I'm beautiful.
3. He calls me his 'Sweet Pea'.
4. He likes to laugh.
5. He sings me funny songs.
6. He burps me rhythmicaly.
7. He encourages Mom to eat ice cream.
8. He snuggles with me on the couch.
9. He gets up with me in the middle of the night when I'm unhappy.
10. He still loves me even when I stink.

I show him I love him by pooping while he's holding me in my freshly changed diaper.

Dad's great!!!

Our Baby Girl...at Home

Well, it's been a week. And yes, she rules our lives! And we are so thankful! God has blessed us in so many ways and Micaiah is no exception!

We've spent the week figuring out what it means to survive on as little sleep as possible, distinguishing between smiles and gas, learning the difference between neh and eh (thanks Oprah) and soaking up what it means to be parents.

More than anything else we've learned the meaning of surrender. It has quickly become clear that we are, in so many ways, powerless to answer her every need; we can't raise this little girl on our own. And as much as we would like to provide for her perfectly, we've quickly come to realize that only God can do that. Even in the birth of our new baby girl, we are still learning to follow where Jesus leads...and that means surrender. It means surrendering to his goodness, grace and His power. It's humbling to realize that you are powerless and He is all powerful.

Below are a number of pictures from our week of surrendering! Enjoy!

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!