Big Visits and Big News

It has been a delightfully busy couple of weeks for me and Nathan!

Last weekend, we had seven family members come to visit us here in Biloxi. What fun it was to have my parents, three sisters, brother and brother-in-law all together! We had a blast playing games, sipping coffee, shopping, walking the beach, bowling, touring Keesler and, of course, enjoying the best donuts in town. : ) It meant so much to me and Nathan that our family would travel so far just to spend a couple days with us. We so appreciated and treasured their visit!

I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to my parents when it came time for them to leave, so I hopped in the van and rode back to Ohio with them. : ) I spend the next week in Cedarville loving on my sweet nephews and niece and enjoying time with the family members who didn't make it down to Mississippi. It was a blessing to relax and spend quality time with family and friends in my hometown and experience the beautiful fall weather and scenery... the most beautiful being my parents new wooded backyard!

Meanwhile, Nathan was busy here at home receiving our new assignment! The Air Force has decided to send us to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, CO, and we couldn't be more excited. We've heard only wonderful things about Colorado, and we so look forward to all God has in store for us there as part of His perfect plan for our lives. We will likely be moving sometime in January.

My sweet niece, Adelyn, and I in Ohio. 

First Anniversary Pictures

As a part of our first anniversary celebration we asked a sweet church friend to take some pictures for us! Rebekah met us at the beautiful Biloxi Visitors Center and did a fantastic job taking pictures. Here are a few of our favorites...

Baby Coming!

Surprise anniversary present from Mom & Dad Pyles!

The Miracle

This morning was baby's first "official" ultrasound (after a surprise ultrasound in the ER late one night last week). What a beautiful joy to see that little body squirming around and to hear that heart beating loud and strong! What I loved even more than seeing our little one was looking over at Nathan and watching his reaction to it all. I think he's already in love. : )

Nathan and I are continually amazed by the miracle. The fact that our little child is just ten weeks old, measuring 2.5 cm., and already has fully developed vital organs, working joints, fingernails and hair is simply mind-blowing. I am often left reflecting on the wonder of it all, with none to praise but our Creator God. It is He who fashions together the tiny child in the mother's womb. He's the One who weaves everything just so. Our Lord is the life giver and the life sustainer. He has written all of our days. How wonderful to rest in His sovereignty today.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16

One Year of Marriage

One year ago today was a lovely day.

I still have trouble believing that this humble, godly, handsome man would choose to be my husband, but I'm so glad he did. It has been a fantastic first year of marriage filled with blessing beyond belief. We are loving living this life together in awe of God's goodness. 

Today happens to be Columbus Day as well which means that Nathan didn't have class! It was a wonderful anniversary gift to both of us to be able to spend the day together. We've had a fun day enjoying the beautiful weather, lunch overlooking the Gulf, a free pumpkin spice donut from Krispy Kreme, old movies, and lots of quality time together. 

I love him more today than I ever thought possible. 

The First of October

It's the first of October, and today I am missing fall in Ohio. I miss the brisk mornings, the leaves' lovely colors, and pumpkin flavored things. I miss football, and harvest, and birthday parties. Mississippi is beautiful right now with the sunshine and mild temperatures, but it's not fall...and it's not Ohio.

October holds lots of blessings in store for us. Celebrating our first anniversary. Introducing family to the gulf coast. Hearing our baby's heart beat for the first time. Spending time in Ohio. Discovering where God will take us next on our journey in the Air Force. I look forward to them all with joy.

Morning sickness still plagues me. Though I know it will be worth it, this is a trial I did not anticipate being so difficult. The thought of living a day without nausea has become a distant fantasy. For now, I count my blessings, including this blessing in my belly which makes me feel so miserable. And I rest in His mercy which came new this morning.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23