Where Has The Time Gone?

Wow! It's been a REALLY long time since I updated the blog. Time just simply got away from me with all that we've had happening and the blog had to be put on the back burner...again. Things should be slowing down now and hopefully I can do better about posting.

Here's a very brief rundown of what's been happening in our lives since the last post.

November: We prepared for the arrival of both Ava and the holidays. Addison turned 2 years old on the 27th which was a bittersweet event. It's so exciting to see her growing and becoming her own person more and more all the time. The tough part is watching her become increasingly independent.

Addison at her 2nd birthday party

December: We experienced a very exciting start to the month of December. As I'm sure everyone already knows by now, Ava Marie Rogers made her entrance into this world on December 5th. For the complete story as only a mommy can tell it click here.

There are two things I can tell you for sure after seeing Ava born. First, watching your second child be born is just as amazing and overwhelming as watching the first one. Second, my wife is the most amazing woman in the world and I'm so blessed that God joined us together.

Ava is doing absolutely wonderful and we are so blessed that God has given her to us. Here are a couple of random facts that we learned about Ava very quickly:

- Ava is definitely her own person and definitely has her own personality. It's amazing how different two little girls can be.
- Much like her mommy and daddy, patience is not one of her virtues...especially when it's time to eat.
- She LOVES to eat!!! She's been a "Piney pig" from day one.

Introducing Ava Marie Rogers

After Ava's arrival our time was dedicated to adjusting to life with two precious daughters and preparing for Christmas. Christmas was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Nothing could compare to the enjoyment of watching Addison tear into her gifts. The only thing better will be when she and Ava both are able to enjoy Christmas like that.

Addison on Christmas morning

January: By now the hustle and bustle of the holidays have come and gone and we're finally starting to settle into a little bit more of a routine. So far this month has been pretty uneventful. We are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for the months ahead!

Mommy & Ava (approx. 6 weeks old)

Addison's hiding spot for hide & seek

In short, God has continually been better to me and to our family than we could ever deserve. Our church is still doing fantastic and we are anxiously expecting to see many souls saved in the near future. To Christ alone be all glory and honor!

Now that I've gotten everything caught up in this post maybe I can get back on track.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." -- Psalm 34:1

Verse Of The Week

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

We found out yesterday at our regular baby dr. appointment that Teresa failed her sugar test. That means she’s got gestational diabetes. So, tomorrow we’ll be going to see the high risk doctor’s nurse practitioner / nutritionist. She will most likely be required to check her blood sugar 4 times per day and will probably be on a pretty restricted diet. While this is definitely not great news, things could still be MUCH worse. At least this is an issue that is very manageable and if handled appropriately shouldn't result in any long term effects and it shouldn't be too detrimental to the baby. As I was thinking about this new development, I couldn't help but rejoice that this is just a part of the wonderful and perfect plan of God for our family. What an wonderful comfort it is to know that in every situation God is at work in our live. We still desire and appreciate your prayers, but together we thank God and praise Him for His power and His plan!!

Verse Of The Week

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord." -- Proverbs 18:22

Today is mine and Teresa's 8th wedding anniversary and all day long I've meditated on this verse. Without a doubt, one of the greatest blessings in my life is the woman God chose for me to have as a help meet. She is such a great support. Even though things aren't always easy, and only a pastor's wife could truly identify, she always handles it with such grace. Not only is she my best friend, my high school sweetheart, and the mother of my children; she's also the love of my life. My prayer is that each day God would help me to be the blessing and help to her that she has been to me. To the husbands who may read this, let me encourage you to remember what a blessing your wife is. To my beautiful bride, let me say that I love you with all of my heart and when the Lord allowed me to "find" you, I found a good thing.

My beautiful bride of 8 years.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Friday Five

Five Moments / Events I'll Never Forget

- When I got saved by God's amazing grace
Of all the events I've experienced, NOTHING has had a greater impact than Christ saving me from hell. Not only did it change my life forever, but it also changed my eternal destination. Praise God for His salvation!!

- Seeing Addison Grace born
One of the most amazing things I've ever experienced, I learned things I never knew about love when I witnessed the birth of Addy G. In that moment, I learned the amazing love that only a parent can feel for their child. I also realized that even though I loved Teresa with all my heart before Addison; I love her even more after seeing Addison born.

- Marrying my wonderful wife
I had the great privilege to marry my high school sweetheart. She's not only the love of my life but my best friend in this world. I honestly couldn't ask for a better help meet. Her support and love never cease to amaze me. I love you babe!!

- Finding out Teresa was pregnant with Addison
After countless disappointments, which are detailed on Teresa's blog in her first blog entry, I'll never forget the elation I felt at learning that Teresa was pregnant. Only God could have given us such a miracle.

- Finding out Teresa is pregnant with Baby # 2
Not planned and more than a little unexpected, I'll never forget the Wednesday morning we found out we'd have a new addition and Addison would be a big sister. This was yet another blessing that could have only come from our amazing Lord. Yet more proof of just how blessed we really are.

Baby's First Ultrasound

This afternoon Teresa, Addison, and myself loaded up and took a trip to the baby doctor for the new baby's first pictures. Teresa and I were both very happy with the doctor who had a great personality and was very thorough. The best part, of course, was getting to see the new addition. Addison really didn't know what to think at first. She sat on my lap and was a little uneasy as the ultrasound tech started the ultrasound. As soon as the baby showed up on the monitor I pointed he or she out to Addison. At the point, she was fine. She just looked at the monitor with a look that can only be described as a cross between confusion and wonder. We are so blessed that both mommy and baby are doing so well. The doctor also said that Teresa's due date is exactly what we thought it to be, December 12th. Thanks to everyone who has been praying and please continue to do so! Here's a pic of the newbie.

The newest member of the Rogers family

Check at Teresa's blog for a couple of different pics.

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." -- Jeremiah 1:5

New Addition...Coming Soon

As I'm sure most everyone has heard by now, Teresa and I are expecting a new addition to the family on about December 14th. Addison is going to be a big sister!! We were very surprised by the news as it was TOTALLY unexpected. We are excited beyond words that the Lord has allowed us to have this added blessing. It's amazing to think that just three short years ago we were told that we would need "medical assistance" if we wanted to have any children of our own. What a testimony to the power of the Great Physician and the amazing power of prayer! Please pray for a healthy pregnancy, Mommy, and baby. Also, please help us pray that we will always be the parents that God would have us to be and to rear our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." -- Luke 1:37